Epson TM-U590 Series Use and care manual

Describes interfaces, connectors and character code tables.
Describes how to control the printer and necessary information
when you develop applications.
Describes setup and instrallation of the product and peripherals.
Describes how to handle the product.
Describes features and general specifications for the product.
Technical Reference Guide
POWER
ERROR
RELEASE
SLIP
FORWARD
FORWARD
REVERSE
REVERSE
RELEASE
RELEASE
EPSON
M00001501
Rev. A
Product Overview
Setup
Application Development Information
Handling
Appendix

2
Cautions
• No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation.
• The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. Please contact us for the latest
information.
• While every precaution has taken in the preparation of this document, Seiko Epson Corporation
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
• Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
• Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third
parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of:
accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this
product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating
and maintenance instructions.
• Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of
any options or any consumable products other than those designated as Original EPSON Products or
EPSON Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Trademarks
EPSON and ESC/POS are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation in Japan and other
countries/regions.
ESC/POS®Command System
EPSON has been taking industry’s initiatives with its own POS printer command system (ESC/POS).
ESC/POS has a large number of commands including patented ones. Its high scalability enables users
to build versatile POS systems. The system is compatible with all types of EPSON POS printers and
displays. Moreover, its flexibility makes it easy to upgrade the future. The functionality and the user-
friendliness is valued around the world.
Revision History
Revision page Details of change
Rev. A All pages Newly authorized

3
For Safety
Key to Symbols
The symbols in this manual are identified by their level of importance, as defined below. Read
the following carefully before handling the product.
WARNING
You must follow warnings carefully to avoid serious bodily injury.
CAUTION
Provides information that must be observed to prevent damage to the equipment or loss of
data.
•Possibility of sustaining physical injuries.
•Possibility of causing physical damage.
•Possibility of causing information loss.
Provides information that must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment or a
malfunction.
Provides important information and useful tips.

4
Warnings
WARNING
•To avoid risk of electric shock, do not set up this product or handle cables during a
thunderstorm
•Never insert or disconnect the power plug with wet hands.
Doing so may result in severe shock.
•Handle the power cable with care.
Improper handling may lead to fire or electric shock.
∗Do not modify or attempt to repair the cable.
∗Do not place any heavy object on top of the cable.
∗Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and pulling.
∗Do not place the cable near heating equipment.
∗Check that the plug is clean before plugging it in.
∗Be sure to push the plug all the way in.
•Be sure to use the specified power source.
Connection to an improper power source may cause fire or shock.
•Do not place multiple loads on the power outlet.
Overloading the outlet may lead to fire.
•Shut down your equipment immediately if it produces smoke, a strange odor, or
unusual noise.
Continued use may lead to fire. Immediately unplug the equipment and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
•Never attempt to repair this product yourself.
Improper repair work can be dangerous.
•Never disassemble or modify this product.
Tampering with this product may result in injury or fire.
•Do not allow foreign matter to fall into the equipment.
Penetration by foreign objects may lead to fire.
•If water or other liquid spills into this equipment, do not continue to use it.
Continued use may lead to fire. Unplug the power cord immediately and contact your
dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice.
•If you open the DIP switch cover, be sure to close the cover and tighten the screw
after adjusting the DIP switch.
Using this product with the cover open may cause fire or electric shock.
•Do not use aerosol sprayers containing flammable gas inside or around this
product.
Doing so may cause fire.

5
Cautions
Restriction of Use
Whenthis productis used for applications requiring high reliability/safety such as
transportationdevices related to aviation, rail, marine, automotive etc.; disaster prevention
devices; various safety devices etc; or functional/precisiondevices etc, youshould use this
productonly after giving considerationto including fail-safes and redundancies into your
design to maintain safety and total system reliability. Beca use this productwas notintended for
use in applications requiring extremely high reliability/safety such as aerospace equipment,
main communicationequipment, nuclear power control equipment, or medical equipment
related to directmedical care etc, please make your ownjudgment onthis product’s suitability
after a full evaluation.
CAUTION
•Do not connect cables in ways other than those mentioned in this manual.
Different connections may cause equipment damage or fire.
•Be sure to set this equipment on a firm, stable, horizontal surface.
The product may break or cause injury if it falls.
•Do not use this product in locations subject to high humidity or dust levels.
Excessive humidity and dust may cause equipment damage or fire.
•Do not place heavy objects on top of this product. Never stand or lean on this
product.
Equipment may fall or collapse, causing breakage and possible injury.
•To avoid injury, do not insert fingers or any part of the hand in the roll paper
opening where the manual cutter is installed.
•Do not open the roll paper cover without taking the necessary precautions, as this
can result in injury from the autocutter fixed blade.
•To ensure safety, unplug this product before leaving it unused for an extended
period.

6
About this Manual
Aim of the Manual
This manual was created to provide informationondevelopment, design, and installationof
POS systems and development and design of printer applications for developers.
Manual Content
The manual is made up of the following sections:
Chapter 1 Product Overview
Chapter 2 Setup
Chapter 3 Application Development Information
Chapter 4 Handling
Appendix Specifications of Interface and Connector
Character Code Tables

7
Contents
■Revision History .....................................................................................................................2
■For Safety...............................................................................................................................3
Key to Symbols ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Warnings ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Cautions.................................................................................................................................................. 5
■Restriction of Use ..................................................................................................................5
■About this Manual ................................................................................................................6
Aim of the Manual................................................................................................................................. 6
Manual Content .................................................................................................................................... 6
Product Overview ........................................................................11
■Features ...............................................................................................................................11
■Product Configuration ........................................................................................................11
Interface ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Color...................................................................................................................................................... 11
Accessories........................................................................................................................................... 11
■Part Names and Functions.................................................................................................12
Power Switch ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Power Switch Cover............................................................................................................................. 12
Control Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Connectors........................................................................................................................................... 14
Offline .................................................................................................................................................... 15
■Error Status ...........................................................................................................................15
Recoverable Errors............................................................................................................................... 15
Unrecoverable Errors ........................................................................................................................... 16
■Product Specifications .......................................................................................................17
Printing Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 18
Character Specifications .................................................................................................................... 18
Paper Specifications............................................................................................................................ 19
Printable Area ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Electrical Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 21
Environmental Conditions................................................................................................................... 22
External Dimensions and Mass ........................................................................................................... 23
■Option Specifications.........................................................................................................24
Power Supply Unit (PS-180).................................................................................................................. 24

8
Setup .............................................................................................25
■Flow of Setup....................................................................................................................... 25
■Installing the Printer............................................................................................................ 25
Important Notes on Installation ..........................................................................................................25
■Setting the DIP Switches..................................................................................................... 26
Setting Procedure.................................................................................................................................26
For Serial Interface................................................................................................................................27
For Parallel Interface ............................................................................................................................29
Selecting the BUSY Status ....................................................................................................................30
■Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer................................................................. 31
For Serial Interface................................................................................................................................31
For Parallel Interface ............................................................................................................................33
■Connecting the Power Supply Unit (PS-180) .................................................................... 34
Connecting the Power Supply Unit ....................................................................................................34
■Connecting the Cash Drawer ........................................................................................... 35
Connecting the Drawer Kick-out Cable............................................................................................35
Application Development Information......................................37
■How to Control the Printer.................................................................................................. 37
Selecting a Driver .................................................................................................................................37
ESC/POS Command ............................................................................................................................38
■Software and Manuals ....................................................................................................... 41
Download..............................................................................................................................................41
■Setting Check Modes ........................................................................................................ 42
Self-test Mode.......................................................................................................................................42
Hexadecimal Dumping Mode............................................................................................................43
Handling .......................................................................................45
■Installing the Ribbon Cassette .......................................................................................... 45
■Inserting Slip Paper ............................................................................................................47
■Removing the Paper Guide............................................................................................... 48
■Removing Jammed Paper ................................................................................................ 50
■Preparing for Transport....................................................................................................... 50

9
Appendix......................................................................................51
■Specifications of Interface and Connector .....................................................................51
RS-232C Serial Interface ...................................................................................................................... 51
IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface ................................................................................................................. 54
■Character Code Tables......................................................................................................57
Common to All Pages ......................................................................................................................... 57
Page 0 [PC437: USA, Standard Europe]............................................................................................58
Page 1 (Katakana) .............................................................................................................................. 59
Page 2 (PC850: Multilingual) .............................................................................................................. 60
Page 3 (PC860: Portuguese)............................................................................................................... 61
Page 4 (PC863: Canadian-French) ................................................................................................... 62
Page 5 (PC865: Nordic) ...................................................................................................................... 63
Page 19 (PC858: Euro)......................................................................................................................... 64
Page 255 (Space Page) ..................................................................................................................... 65
International Character Sets .............................................................................................................. 66

10

Chapter 1 Product Overview
11
1
Product Overview
This chapter describes features and specifications of the product.
Features
The TM-U590 is a POS printer thatcanprint onslip paper.
•Copyprinting is possible (original + 4 sheets maximum)
•Maximum characters per line: 88 with 7 ×9 font.
•High throughput using bidirectional, minimum distance printing.
•EPSONcustomer display series connection(DM-D) (Available only for serial interface model).
•Command protocol is based onthe ESC/POS®Proprietary Command System.
•OPOSADKand Windows®printer driver are available.
•Automatic Status Back (ASB) functionthatautomatically transmits changes in the printer
status.
Product Configuration
Interface
•Serial interface model (RS-232C)
• Parallel interface model (IEEE1284)
Color
•ECW(EpsonCool White)
Accessories
Attachments
•Exclusive cassette ribbon(Model: ERC-31B)
• User’s manual
•Powerswitch cover

12
Options
•External power supply (Model: PS-180)
Part Names and Functions
Power Switch
Turns the printer onor off. The marks onthe switch: ( / )
Power Switch Cover
Install the power switch cover thatcomes with the TM-U590 onto the printer to prevent
inadvertent changing of the power switch, to prevent tampering, and to improve the appearance
of the printer.
To resetthe printer whenthe power switch cover is installed, inserta long, thin object(such as
the end of a paper clip) into the hole in the power switch cover and press the power switch.
CAUTION
Before turning on the printer, be sure to check that the AC adapter is connected to
the power supply.
WARNING
If an accident occurs with the power switch cover attached, unplug the power cord
immediately.
Continued use may cause fire or shock.
POWER
ERROR
RELEASE
SLIP
FORWARD
FORWARD
REVERSE
REVERSE
RELEASE
RELEASE
EPSON
Front cover
Power switch cover
Control panel
Power switch
Paper guide
Document table

Chapter 1 Product Overview
13
1
Control Panel
Buttons
FORWARD button
Pressing this buttononce feeds the slip paper by one line. Holding this buttondownfeeds the
slip paper continuously.
REVERSE button
•Pressing this buttononce reverses the slip paper by one line. Holding this buttondown
reverses the slip paper continuously.
•Turning onthe power switch while pressing this buttonstarts the self-test. (For details about
the self-test, see "Self-testMode" onpage 42.)
RELEASE button
Pressing this buttonreleases the slip paper.
LED
POWER LED (green)
•Lights whenthe power supply is on.
•Goesout whenthe power supply is turned off.
ERROR LED (red)
Lights or flashes whenthe printer is offline.
•Lights after the power is turned onor after a reset(offline). Automatically goes out after a
while to indicate thatthe printer is ready.
•Flasheswhenanerror occurs. (For details about the flash codes, see "Error Status" onpage 15.)
•Goesout during regular operation(online).
POWER
FORWARD
FORWARD
ERROR
RELEASE
SLIP
REVERSE
REVERSE
RELEASE
RELEASE
(POWER) LED
FORWARD button
REVERSE button
ERROR LED
RELEASE LED
SLIP LED
RLEASE button

14
RELEASE LED (green)
•Lights whenthe slip paper canbe inserted.
•Flashesduring waiting for continuous self-testprinting.
SLIP LED (green)
•Lights during regular operation.
•Flashesduring waiting for slip insertion/removal.
•Goesout whenejecting a slip paper.
Connectors
All cables are connected to the connector panel onthe lower rear of the printer.
•Grounding connector: Connects the ground wire.
•Powersupply connector: Connects the power supply unit.
• Drawer kick-out connector: Connects the cash drawer.
•Customer display connector: Connects the customer display.
•Interface connector: Connects the printer with the hostcomputer interface.
The picture above shows a serial interface model. For details on the parallel interface and
how to connect the power supply connector and cash drawer, see "Connecting the Printer
to the Host Computer" on page 31 and "Connecting the Cash Drawer" on page 35.
Interface connector
Drawer kick-out connector
Power supply connector
Customer display connector
Grounding connector

Chapter 1 Product Overview
15
1
Offline
The printer automatically goes offline under the following conditions:
•During power on(including resetting with the interface) until the printer is ready
•During the self-test
•While the front cover is open
•While roll paper is fed using the FEED button.
•Whenanerror has occurred
Error Status
There are two possible error types: recoverable errors and unrecoverable errors.
Recoverable Errors
Printing is no longer possible whenrecoverable errors occur. They canbe recovered easily by
turning the power off and thenonagain or sending anerror recovery command from the driver
after eliminating the cause of the error.
Error Error description
Error LED flash code
Recovery measure
Home position
detection error
The home position
cannot be detected
due to a paper jam.
Send the error recover
command to recover.
Carriage
detection error
The carriage is
malfunctioning due to
a paper jam.
Send the error recover
command to recover.
Front cover
open error
Printing on the slip is not
performed correctly
due to a cover-open.
When the cover is
closed, send the error
recover command to
recover.
Slip ejection
error
The slip is not ejected
when the printer feeds
a specified amount of
paper.
Send the error recover
command to recover.
The error recovery command is valid only if a recoverable error occurs.
Approx.
160 ms

16
Unrecoverable Errors
Printing is no longer possible whenanunrecoverable error occurs. The printer mustbe repaired.
CAUTION
Turn off the power immediately when an unrecoverable error occurs.
Error Error description
Error LED flash code
R/W error in memory
or gate array
After R/W checking, the printer does not
work correctly.
High voltage error The power supply voltage is extremely
high.
Low voltage error The power supply voltage is extremely low.
CPU execution error •The CPU is executing an incorrect
address.
•I/F board is not connected.
Thermistor error •The print head temperature is abnormal.
•The thermistor is not detected.
•Thermistor wiring is not connected.
Approx.
160 ms

Chapter 1 Product Overview
17
1
Product Specifications
Printing method Serial impact dot matrix
Paper
feed
Paper feed method Friction feed
Paper feed pitch Default 4.23 mm {1/6"}
0.176 mm {1/144"} Units can be set by a command.
Interface Serial (RS232C), Parallel (IEEE1284)
Buffer Receive buffer 4 KB/69 bytes (selectable using the DIP switch 1-2)
Downloade buffer 5 KB (both for user-defined characters and downloaded images)
Ribbon Model ERC-31B
Life 4,500,000 characters (when 1 character = 18 dots)
DKD Function 2 drives
Power supply Optional PS-180 AC adapter
Life Mechanism 12,000,000 lines
Thermal head 200 million pulses (when printing Font B)
MTBF 180,000 hours
MCBF 29,000,000 lines
Temperature/humidity Operating: 5 to 45°C {41 to 113°F}, 10 to 90% RH
Storage: -10 to 50°C {14 to 122°F}, 10 to 90% RH
Overall dimensions (H × W × D) 185 × 252 × 266 mm {7.28 × 9.92 × 10.47"} (including the document
table)
Weight (mass) Approx. 5.0 kg {11.0 lb}

18
Printing Specifications
cps: characters per inch
cpl: characters per line
Character Specifications
Printing method Serial impact dot matrix
Head wire configuration 9-pin vertical line, 0.353 mm {1/72"} wire pitch
Head wire diameter 0.29 mm {0.01"}
Printing direction Bidirectional, minimum distance printing
Printing speed Font A 233 cps
Font B 311 cps
Font C 233 cps
Characters per line Font A 66 cpl
Font B 88 cpl
Font C 66 cpl
Character intervals Font A 2.03 mm
Font B 1.52 mm
Font C 2.03 mm
Printing speed may be slower, depending on the such items as the data transmission
speed.
Number of characters Alphanumeric characters: 95
Extended graphics: 128 × 8 pages (including user-defined page)
International characters: 37
Character structure Font A 9 × 9, 3-dot spacing (in half-dot units)
Font B 7 × 9, 2-dot spacing (in half-dot units)
Font C 5 × 9, 1-dot spacing (in normal-dot units)
Character size Font A 1.6 × 3.1 mm {0.06 × 0.12"}
Font B 1.3 × 3.1 mm {0.05 × 0.12"}
Font C 1.6 × 3.1 mm {0.06 × 0.12"}

Chapter 1 Product Overview
19
1
Paper Specifications
Paper type Normal paper, Carbon copy paper, Pressure sensitive paper
Total thickness 009 to 0.36 mm {0.0035 to 0.0141"}
Size (W × L) 70 × 70 mm to 210 × 297 mm {2.76 × 2.76" to 8.27 × 11.69"} (A4 size)
Paper
thickness
Normal paper
(single-ply)
009 to 0.2 mm {0.0035 to 0.0079"}
Carbon copy
paper combination
5 sheets maximum (original + 4 copies)
•Backing paper: 0.06 to 0.15 mm {0.0023 to 0.0059"}
•Copy and original: 0.04 to 0.07 mm {0.0015 to 0.0028"}
•Carbon paper: Approximately 0.035 mm {0.0014"}
•Total thickness:
0.30 mm {0.0118"} or less (original to original + 3 copies)
0.36 mm {0.0141"} or less (original + 4 copies)
Pressure sensitive
paper
5 sheets at maximum (original + 4 copies)
•Backing paper: 0.06 to 0.15 mm {0.0023 to 0.0059"}
•Copy and original: 0.06 to 0.075 mm {0.0023 to 0.003"}
•Total thickness:
0.24 mm {0.0094"}or less (original to original + 3 copies)
0.30 mm {0.0118"}or less (original + 4 copies)
•Copy capability is greatly influenced by the ambient temperature, so printing must be
performed under the conditions shown below:
∗Original + 4 copies: 20 to 45°C {68 to 113°F}
∗Original + 1 to 3 copies: 5 to 45°C {41 to 113°F}
•The slip paper must be flat, without curls or wrinkles, especially at the top edges.
•There must be no glue on the bottom edge of slip paper. Choose slip paper carefully
since paper feeding is affected by gluing conditions such as position and dimension.
•Use thinner paper (N30 or equivalent) between the top and bottom sheets of multi-ply
paper. If thick paper is used, the copy capability is lowered.
OK NG OK/NG OK
glued area
Paper insertion direction

20
•Do not use paper that has holes or is translucent at the BOF position.
•Do not use paper that has holes at the TOF sensor position or that has dark positions
with low reflection (less than 40% reflection) on the back.
31.0
Form stopper position
1.3
18.9
18.0
38.5
Slip feeding
roller position
TOF sensor
position
Center of the
print head
37.2
21.9Slip side guide
BOF sensor
Paper insertion
direction
3.6
[Units: mm (All the numeric values are typical.)]
Paper insertion
direction
15 24
10
Area where paper holes are
prohibited and reflection rate for
the back of paper should be 40%
or more.
Paper holes and translucence
prohibited area.