Extech Instruments Andes 3 User manual

A
AN ND DE ES S 3 3
U
Us se er r G Gu ui id de e
Revision: 1.0
10/01/2007

Table of Contents
Provisional Declaration of Conformity .......................................................... 4
General Precautions ..................................................................................... 5
Safety........................................................................................................... 5
1. Getting Started......................................................................................... 6
1.1 Unpacking the Printer........................................................................................ 6
1.2 Installing and Charging the Battery Cartridge ....................................................... 7
1.3 Reading the LED Status..................................................................................... 9
1.4 Attaching Belt Loop System ..............................................................................11
2. Loading Supplies .................................................................................... 12
2.1 Adding Paper/Labels ........................................................................................12
2.2 Tearing Paper .................................................................................................13
3. Using the Printer .................................................................................... 14
3.1 Initial Power Up and Self-Test ...........................................................................14
3.2 Connecting the Printer......................................................................................15
3.3 Communications..............................................................................................17
3.4 Infrared Communications Mode (IrDA) ...............................................................18
3.5 Bluetooth/802.11b Communications (Option) ......................................................18
3.6 Magnetic Stripe Reader (Option)........................................................................19
3.7 Programming Information.................................................................................20
4. Printer Maintenance ............................................................................... 24
4.1 Print Head Cleaning Instructions........................................................................24
4.2 Charging the Printer Battery..............................................................................24
4.3 Verifying Battery Charge State ..........................................................................25
4.4 Battery and Safety Information .........................................................................26
4.5 Recycling Batteries ..........................................................................................26
4.6 Trouble Shooting.............................................................................................26
4.7 Printer Supplies...............................................................................................28
5. Specifications ......................................................................................... 29
5.1 Printer Specifications .......................................................................................29
5.2 Supply Specifications .......................................................................................29
5.3 Regulatory Notes.............................................................................................30
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 2

6. Customer Support .................................................................................. 31
6.1 Online Technical Assistance...............................................................................31
6.2 Technical Support Request................................................................................31
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 3

Provisional Declaration of Conformity
Name: Extech Instruments Corporation
Manufacturer’s Address 285 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
Telephone: [phone]
Declares that the Product
Product Name: Portable Receipt Printer
Model Number: ANDES 3
Optionally Containing: 1) Bluetooth™ radio short range OEM module from
connectBlue ab, cB-0701-01; FCC ID PVH 070101.
Conforms to R&TTE Directives: 1999/5/EC (EN 300
328-2)
2) EMC Directive 89/336/EEC (EN 301 489-1 and -
17); and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC (EN
61131-2)
3) 802.11 Wi-Fi Module
Conforms to the following
regulation and/or standards:
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING FCC: Part 15 Subpart B, Class B
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
CE: EN60950
CE: EN55022 Class B
CE: EN61000-3-2
CE: EN61000-3-3
CE: EN50024.
Supplementary Information :
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
SUBMITTED FOR TESTING
The product complies with EMC Directive
89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC
The product conforms to ANSI/UL STD 60950 &
Certified to CAN/CSA STD C22.2 No. 60950-00
CB Certified
ETL Listed, control # 3046813
IEC 68 certified
IP54 certified
Place: Waltham, MA, USA
Date:
Signature:
Antony Revis, General Manager
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 4

General Precautions
Before using this product be sure to read through this manual. After reading please
keep the manual in a safe place for future reference.
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice of any type.
Extech is not responsible for any operational results regardless of missing information,
errors or any misprinting in this manual.
Extech is not responsible for problems created as a result of using options and
consumables not approved by them.
This product is designed for servicing at an Authorized Service Center. Other than
routine maintenance described in this manual the user should not attempt to repair,
service or disassemble this product.
Incorrect operation, handling or improper operating environments may cause damage
or otherwise affect the proper operation of this product. Such actions invalidate the
product warranty.
Safety
In this manual and on the Printer and accessories we make use of internationally recognized
safety symbols as follows:
Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution! Risk of electric shock
Double Insulation or Reinforced Insulation
DC, Direct Current or Voltage
AC+DC, Current or Voltage
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 5

1. Getting Started
1.1 Unpacking the Printer
The ANDES 3 portable printer is a full featured portable receipt printer designed for varied
job environments including field service, field sales, hospitality and restaurants, ticketing and
many others where point of service receipts are required. The package contains:
Printer
Battery Cartridge
Universal Adapter (USA,UK, European and Australian plugs) for charging the battery
inside the printer
Belt Loop System and
Roll of paper supply (already loaded in the printer).
Both cabled and wireless communication is possible.
Overview
FIGURE 1: PRINTER OVERVIEW
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 6

1.2 Installing and Charging the Battery Cartridge
Note: One battery cartridge is included with the printer. Similar to a cordless phone battery,
the printer’s battery must be charged before using it.
Extech batteries must be cycled several times to achieve maximum capacity. To
cycle a battery fully charge it and then allow full discharge through normal use in
the printer
1.2.1: Installing the battery
Note: Refer to Figure 2 below to install the battery pack in the printer.
Unlock the battery door by sliding the battery door locking tab down
Open the battery door
Insert the battery as shown. The battery side with two contact terminals should be facing
down to make contact with the two spring probes inside the battery compartment.
Close the battery door.
Lock the battery door by sliding the battery door locking tab up
FIGURE 2: INSTALLING THE BATTERY CARTRIDGE
Note: Ensure the battery is properly seated before closing door. To ensure a full charge do
not operate the printer while charging.
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 7

1.2.2 Charging the Battery
Plug battery charger adaptor output cable into the battery charger connector as shown
in Figure 3.
FIGURE 3 – BATTERY CHARGER
Plug battery charger adaptor into the appropriate AC line voltage socket.
The Yellow/Amber charging LED will illuminate indicating that the battery is being
charged
The battery will be fast charged and after about 180 minutes. The LED will turn off
To remove the battery cartridge, open the battery door and tip the battery out of the
printer.
Note: To ensure a full charge do not operate the printer while charging.
Note: The wall mounted charger is a Class II equipment (
) . Multiple plug configurations
comply with most international standards. The wall mounted charger is not supplied with
plugs for use in Korea
Model ANDES 3
Input Voltage/Current 100-240 VAC/0.4A
Input Frequency 47-63 Hz
Output Voltage/Current ( )10VDC/1.32A
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 8

Do not use a charger not approved by Extech for use with the ANDES 3.
Use of an unapproved charger could damage the battery pack or the
printer and will void the warranty.
The battery terminals are well recessed inside the printer. Do not allow
them to contact conductive material since this may create a short circuit
which could cause injury or start a fire.
When using the wall mounted charger ensure the socket outlet is close to
the printer and easily accessible during the battery recharging process.
Either switch the socket off (if supplied with a socket switch) or pull out
the charger from the socket or disconnect the plug from the printer in the
event of any problems.
1.3 Reading the LED Status
The illustration below points out the location of the LED indicators described in Table 1.
FIGURE 4 – LED INDICATOR LOCATIONS
Note: Refer to the Troubleshooting guide to determine error or fault condition.
Table 1 explains the LED indicator status. Refer to Figure 4 for the locations described for
ON/OFF and FEED pushbutton switches and AC adaptor socket
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 9

Table 1 - Reading the LED Status
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 10

1.4 Attaching Belt Loop System
The belt loop system consists of two parts as seen in Figure 5:
A knob located on the back part of the printer just above the battery door
A strap with click on connector
To attach the strap to the knob insert the knob located at the bottom of the printer into the
slot of the connector. Pull down until you hear a click. The printer is now secure. The loop is
then placed over your belt. Allow the printer to hang down to either the left or right hip.
To release the printer, press in on the two latches on the connector and pull the knob
clear of the slot.
Note: Do not force or pull the printer from the connector without pressing in on the two
latches
KNOB CONNECTION
FIGURE 5– KNOB CONNECTION AND QUICK CLIP
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 11

2. Loading Supplies
2.1 Adding Paper/Labels
The printer can print text, bar codes and graphics on thermal receipt paper. See “Supply
Specifications” for the width, thickness requirements and approved vendors. Follow these
steps to load printer paper.
Open the paper door by pressing the Paper Door Unlock Button on the top cover as
indicated in Figure 6.
FIGURE 6 – OPENING PAPER DOOR
Place the paper supply roll into the paper supply well. Make sure the paper supply
unwinds from the bottom as shown in Figure 7.
FIGURE 7 – INSTALLING PAPER ROLL
Position the paper supply between the print head guides.
Make sure some supply (2-3 inches) extends beyond the top of the paper supply well.
Close the paper door and press close as shown in Figure 8.
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 12

FIGURE 8 – CLOSING PRINTER
2.2 Tearing Paper
The printer’s paper door acts as a tear bar. Pull one edge of the paper against the tear bar
as indicated, then tear down and across against the tear bar to tear the paper. See Figure 8
for details.
FIGURE 9 - TEARING PAPER
The tear bar may have sharp edges
Note: Using the tear bar is the only way to tear the paper.
Note: Pulling up and pulling sideways without using the tear bar can cause a paper jam due
to paper misalignment in the print head mechanism.
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 13

3. Using the Printer
3.1 Initial power up and self-test
Once the Battery is charged and the paper is
loaded, an initial power up and self-test can be
performed:
Press the <On/Off> switch once. This turns
printer on. LED #1 illuminates in green, blue
or orange depending on the mode of
communication.
•The printer will stay ON until it is
manually tuned OFF.
•If the printer is set for infrared
communications (IrDA) mode the printer
will stay on all the time. Pressing the
<On/Off> switch again will turn the
printer off.
Press the <On/Off> switch to turn the printer
off. The LED turns off.
To start the self-test, press and hold the
<FEED> switch then press the <On/Off>
switch
The printer will start printing the self-test
message. Release the <FEED> and
<On/Off> switches.
•Press the <On/Off> or <FEED> switch to
stop the self-test print.
•The first few lines of self-test show the
printer firmware version, the current
printer settings (for example IrDA or
Serial mode) and a list of any optional or
special features installed. See Figure 10
for details.
FIGURE 10
– SAMPLE SELF TEST
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 14

3.2 Connecting the Printer
The ANDES 3 printer supports Serial RS232 and IrDA compatible infrared
communication interfaces. Radio frequency (RF) Bluetooth ™ communication is
available as an optional feature as well as 802.11 interfaces.
Serial, IrDA, Bluetooth and 802.11b communication settings can be changed via a DIP
switch located on the control card.
Printer drivers for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 and XP are available from Extech.
PrinterCE print Control utility is available from Extech for Windows CE devices.
Printboy Print Utility from Bachmann Software or PalmPrint Utility, from StevensCreek,
are recommended for Palm Pilot devices
3.2.1 Dip Switches Location
The DIP switch is located inside the battery compartment as illustrated below
indicating the location of this switch. To access to the dip switches open the battery
door and remove to battery to access to the DIP – SWITCH. Figure 11 shows the DIP
– SWITCH location.
The functions assigned to these switches are shown in Table 2.
FIGURE 11 - DIP SWITCH LOCATION
Note: Ensure battery is properly seated before closing the door
If the Serial interface is selected, the communication Parameters, Baud Rate, Data Bit
and Parity must be set.
Note: Optional serial cable is available for Serial RS232 communication
(part # 5892RJD9).
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 15

3.2.2 Setting Dip Switches
ON
12345678
FIGURE 12: EXAMPLE: DIP SWITCH #1 SHOWN IN ‘ON’ POSITION
Note: Be careful when changing dip switch settings. Carefully use a pointer on the dip
switch you are going to change. DO NOT use a screw driver or apply excessive force.
3.2.3 Dip Switch Functions
Note: (Developer’s refer to Programming Manual for more information)
Table 2 – DIP Switch Setting
Dip Switch Function Switch Switch Switch LED Indication
1 & 2 Communication Interface SW1 SW2
RS 232 Off Off Flashing Green
IrDA On Off Flashing Green
Bluetooth Off On Flashing Blue
802.11b On On Flashing Orange
3, 4 & 5 Baud Rate SW3 SW4 SW5
115200 Off Off Off
57600 On Off Off
38400 Off On Off
19200 On On Off
14400 Off Off On
9600 On Off On
2400 Off On On
1200 On On On
6 Parity Bit SW6
Parity Enabled On
Parity Disabled Off
7 Odd/Even SW7
Odd Parity On
Even Parity Off
8 Auto Power Save SW8
Power save disabled On
Power save enabled Off
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 16

Note: In order for changes to the dip switch configuration to take effect, the printer power
must be reset. This action occurs automatically when the battery is removed to gain access
to the dip switches.
3.3 Communications
The ANDES 3 Printer is able to support two modes of communication simultaneously –
Either RS232 and IrDA (If Dip switch #1 is ON) or RS232 and 802.11b or Bluetooth ™
(If Dip switch #1 is OFF and Dip Switch #2 is ON).
Dip Switch #2 is used to control the RS232 Port. If the Switch is turned ON the RS232
port is disabled and if it is turned OFF the RS232 Port is enabled. If RS232 interface is
not required, disabling the port will save battery power.
Bluetooth or 802.11 RF communications is available if optional daughter boards are
installed. The printer can have either Bluetooth or 802.11 enabled but not both of
them at the same time.
3.3.1 Serial Communications specification
The RS232C Interface signals for the ANDES 3 Series printers are terminated on a 6
PIN RJ type data connector located on the side of the printer.
Six connections are provided from the Serial Interface to the host computer. The
Table 3 below lists the Serial Interface signals and pin outs on the RJ connector and
the connector pin locations are shown in Figure 13.
A minimum of two connections are required for operation: RXD – pin 3 and Common –
pin 1
Note: The communication Parameters: Baud rate, Data Bit and Parity must be set same as
the host device settings.
FIGURE 13 – RJ DATA CONNECTOR
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 17

TABLE 3 – ANDES 3 - Serial RS232C Interface signals
3.4 Infrared Communications Mode (IrDA)
Dip Switch #1 must be in the <ON> position.
The printer can be powered up by pressing the power <On/Off> switch
If no IrDA connection is made, the printer will automatically power down to a lower
power level to conserve battery life. It will remain in a “sleep” mode until an IrDA
connection is made, at which time the printer will “wake” up and print the requested
data
Pressing the power switch again will turn the printer <OFF>.
3.5 Bluetooth/802.11b Communications (Option)
Bluetooth operation: Dip Switch #1 must be in the <OFF> position.
Dip Switch # 2 must be in the <ON> position.
802.11b operation: Dip Switch #1 and #2 must be in the <ON> position.
Note: Adjust baud rate settings to match those of the BT or 802.11b module in your
computing device
The printer can be powered up by pressing the power <On/Off> switch
Pressing the power <On/Off> switch again will turn the printer <OFF>.
Note: It is necessary for the mobile computing device you are using to discover the printer.
Refer to the instructions provided by the systems integrator.
Note: Systems Integrators: Refer to the Bluetooth manual provided with your mobile
computer and the Bluetooth section of the Developer’s Manual/802.11b Application Note
available for this printer.
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 18

3.6 Magnetic Stripe Reader (Option)
The Magnetic Card Reader is a factory-installed option. This option requires special
application software to read and process cards with a magnetic stripe, such as credit
cards or driver’s license
Note: Refer to the Figure 14 if your printer is equipped with the optional magnetic stripe
reader
Quickly swipe the card through the reader either left to right or right to left. The
magnetic stripe must be facing toward the paper supply door as indicated below while
it is passed through the reader
Refer to Table 4 for the description of the LED indicator Status.
Table 4 - Magnetic Card LED Indicator
LED indicator State Status
Green
ON
OFF
Ready/waiting for card to be swiped.
Good swipe - Card data read OR
Card not ready to be swiped.
Red ON Error reading card’s data.
FIGURE 14: USING THE MAGNETIC CARD READER
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 19

3.7 Programming Information
This section lists the printer control commands strings.
Note: System Developers: Please refer to ANDES 3 developer’s manual for further details.
Other features may be available and are described in the Developer’s manual
3.7.1 ASCII Control Characters
Character Hex/Dec CONTROL ACTION
EOT 04/04 End Of Text
BS 08/08 Back Space
HT 09/09 Horizontal Tab
LF 0A/10 Line Feed
VT 0B/11 Vertical Tab
FF 0C/12 Form Feed
CR 0D/13 Carriage Return
SO 0E/14 Shift Out
SI 0F/15 Shift In
XON 11/17 Transmitter On.
AUXON 12/18 Printer on.
XOFF 13/19 Printer receiver is off
NORM 14/20 Return to default 42 column mode
AUXOFF 15/21 Printer to Host: printer is off
CANCEL 18/24 Cancel and reset printer BUFFER
ESC 1B/27 Escape
EXTEND 1C/28 Extended print
EXTEND OFF 1D/29 Extended print off/Normal print
3.7.2 Printer Font Commands
Font Name PITCH
Character size (WxH) Command String Downloadable
Monospace821BT
Monospace821BT 20CPI Short Font 10x18 ESC+’k’+’9’ NO
Monospace821BT 20CPI Bold 10x23 ESC+’k’+’8’ NO
Monospace821BT 20CPI Normal 10x23 ESC+’k’+’7’ NO
Monospace821BT 10 CPI Normal 20x23 ESC+’k’+’6’ NO
Courier
Courier Mode 5 24 CPI normal 8x23 ESC+’k’+’5’ YES
Courier Mode 4 21 CPI normal 9x23 ESC+’k’+’4’ YES
Courier Mode 3 19 CPI normal 10x23 ESC+’k’+’3’ YES
Courier Mode 2 16 CPI normal 12x23 ESC+’k’+’2’ YES
Courier Mode 1 12 CPI normal 16x23 ESC+’k’+’1’ YES
Courier Mode 0 13 CPI rotated 14x16 ESC+’k’+’0’ NO
ANDES3 User’s Guide Rev 1.0 20