Ithaca 800 Series Use and care manual

800 Series
Models 850, 860
OEM
Integration
Manual
PN: 85-03431
Rev C
Dec-01

Dec-01 Rev C Page
Confidential Information: Not for Distribution.
i
Change History
Rev A Initial Release
Rev B Updated all views to match current geometry. Included commands (GS a ).
Rev C Added Buzzer, ticket switch, and LED information.

Page ii Rev C Dec-01
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Important:
Before installing any equipment be sure to consult the specifications in this manual. Failure to do so may
cause integration problems. Before building, please confirm any specifications with TransAct’s Ithaca
Facility’s Sales Department. Portions of this integration manual may be changed without prior notice.
Note:
Losses that can be attributed to improper installation and working procedures are not the responsibility of
TransAct Technologies Inc. No part of this manual may be used to recreate any part of the 800 Series
Printer. This manual is to be used for integration purposes only. If this manual contains any questionable
information or mistakes please contact TransAct for assistance.
Disclaimer
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice. However, as product improvements
become available, TransAct Technologies Incorporated will make every effort to provide updated
information for the products described in this publication.
TransAct cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment made by other manufacturers, and
referred to in this publication, do not affect the applicability of information in this publication.
Copyright
2001 TransAct Technologies Incorporated.
All rights reserved.
Revision Level C
Dec-01
Printed in USA
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or
by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
TransAct Technologies Incorporated.
Trademarks
Ithaca is a registered trademark of TransAct Technologies Incorporated. IBM is a registered trademark of
the International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and Plug and Play
are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. Patents Pending.

Table of Contents 800 Series OEM Integration Manual
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Table of Contents
Change History........................................................................................................................................i
Important:..............................................................................................................................................ii
Note: .......................................................................................................................................................ii
Disclaimer...............................................................................................................................................ii
Copyright................................................................................................................................................ii
Trademarks............................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................iii
Figures................................................................................................................................................... vi
Tables .................................................................................................................................................... vi
SERIES 800 GENERAL INFORMATION 1
Who should read this guide?.................................................................................................................. 1
What is included in this guide?.............................................................................................................. 1
Warranty Options.................................................................................................................................. 1
Internet Support..................................................................................................................................... 1
www.transact-tech.com........................................................................................................................ 1
Service Information................................................................................................................................ 2
Ithaca Product Support Procedure........................................................................................................ 2
Contacting TransAct’s Ithaca Facility .................................................................................................. 3
SERIES 800 SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 4
Series 800 Model Functionality Descriptions ........................................................................................ 4
Standard Features.................................................................................................................................. 4
Optional Features................................................................................................................................... 5
Dimensions ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Interface.............................................................................................................................................. 6
Printer................................................................................................................................................. 6
Printer Environmental Conditions ....................................................................................................... 6
ESD..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Reliability............................................................................................................................................ 7
Power Requirements............................................................................................................................ 7
Test Standards..................................................................................................................................... 7
Mechanism Characteristics.................................................................................................................. 7
Printing Specifications........................................................................................................................... 8
Ticket Specifications.............................................................................................................................. 8
Ticket Specifications (continued)....................................................................................................... 10
Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance ................................................................................................... 10
Print Characteristics.......................................................................................................................... 11
Black Dot Position and Presentation Scheme..................................................................................... 11
Ticket Stack Orientation ..................................................................................................................... 12
MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS 13
Chassis Mounting to Final Product.................................................................................................... 13
Custom Bezel Specifications and Recommendations.......................................................................... 14
SERIES 800 PRINTER SENSORS 15
Paper Low Sensor.............................................................................................................................. 15

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Top-of-Form Sensor .......................................................................................................................... 15
Ticket Taken Sensor.......................................................................................................................... 15
Head-Up Switch ................................................................................................................................ 15
Void and Reprint (Model 860 only) ................................................................................................... 15
Open/Close Position Sensor/Audible Alarm....................................................................................... 16
Printer Status LED ............................................................................................................................ 17
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 18
Serial Interface Specifications............................................................................................................. 18
The XON/XOFF Protocol.................................................................................................................. 18
Ready/Busy Protocol.......................................................................................................................... 18
Board Close-ups and Physical Connections......................................................................................... 19
Serial Communications PCB................................................................................................................ 20
Bezel Power Connector...................................................................................................................... 21
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 22
Racking/Unracking the Printer Mechanism Assembly ....................................................................... 22
Loading Tickets into Feeding Mechanism.......................................................................................... 23
Removing Loaded Tickets.................................................................................................................. 24
Cleaning the Print Head .................................................................................................................... 26
PROGRAMMING FOR THE 800 SERIES 27
Resetting the Printer.......................................................................................................................... 27
Command Parameters........................................................................................................................ 27
Character Evaluation......................................................................................................................... 27
16-bit Character Parameters .............................................................................................................. 28
Conversions....................................................................................................................................... 28
Font Statistics.................................................................................................................................... 29
Objects.................................................................................................................................................. 29
Print Modes.......................................................................................................................................... 29
Bitmap Graphics Mode...................................................................................................................... 29
Portrait Printing Mode....................................................................................................................... 30
Landscape Printing Mode.................................................................................................................. 30
General Notes.................................................................................................................................... 30
Text Objects ......................................................................................................................................... 32
Bar Code Objects................................................................................................................................. 33
Bar codes........................................................................................................................................... 33
Graphic Objects................................................................................................................................... 34
Line Objects......................................................................................................................................... 34
COMMAND REFERENCE 35
COMMANDS 36
BEL Audio alert...................................................................................................................... 36
HT Horizontal Tab ................................................................................................................ 36
LF Line Feed ........................................................................................................................ 36
FF Form Feed....................................................................................................................... 37
CR Carriage Return............................................................................................................... 37
SO Set Font to Double Wide.................................................................................................. 37
DC4 Cancel Double-wide Mode............................................................................................... 38
20h - FFh Printable Characters............................................................................................... 38
ESC BEL <n1> <n2> <n3>Configure audio alert ...................................................................... 39
ESC * Reset to Defaults......................................................................................................... 39

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ESC @ Reset to Power-up Condition....................................................................................... 39
ESC E Form Feed .................................................................................................................. 40
ESC J Feed n Sublines .......................................................................................................... 40
ESC M Set Font to 12 cpi........................................................................................................ 41
ESC P Set Font to 16 cpi........................................................................................................ 41
ESC T Set Font to 7 cpi.......................................................................................................... 42
ESC U Set Font to 10 cpi........................................................................................................ 42
ESC V Return Firmware Revision .......................................................................................... 43
ESC W Wrap Data.................................................................................................................. 43
ESC X Set Horizontal Starting Position.................................................................................. 43
ESC Y Set Vertical Starting Position...................................................................................... 43
GS DC2 Set Font to Double-high ......................................................................................... 44
GS DC3 Cancel Double-high Font........................................................................................ 44
GS RS Set Inverse Print Mode................................................................................................ 44
GS US Cancel Inverse Print Mode.......................................................................................... 45
GS * Landscape Mode Graphics.......................................................................................... 45
GS / Define Void Print (860 only)....................................................................................... 45
GS A Starting Position of Bar Code...................................................................................... 46
GS G Print Custom Graphic................................................................................................. 47
GS L Set Feed Length.......................................................................................................... 48
GS S Return Printer Status................................................................................................... 48
GS T Select Line Wrap/Truncate Modes.............................................................................. 49
GS V Set Print Orientation................................................................................................... 49
GS W Set Bar Code Element Width ...................................................................................... 50
GS a <n> Barcode Verification (860 only).............................................................................. 50
GS d Feed n Text Lines....................................................................................................... 51
GS h Set Bar Code Height ................................................................................................... 51
GS k Print Bar Code............................................................................................................ 52
GS l Draw Line in Landscape Mode........................................................................................ 53
GS t Set Characters per Line in Landscape.............................................................................. 53
GS u Set Characters per Line in Portrait.............................................................................. 54
GS w Set Bar Code Module Width ....................................................................................... 54
GS z Request Printer Status ..................................................................................................... 55
Available Commands............................................................................................................................ 56
APPENDIX A: CHARACTER CODES 57
INDEX 60

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Figures
Figure 1 800 Series Printer Component Overview........................................................................................................................4
Figure 2 Series 800 Printer: Dimensions......................................................................................................................................6
Figure 3 Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance..............................................................................................................................10
Figure 4 Location of Black Dot/Top of Form Indicator on Back of Ticket....................................................................................11
Figure 5 Ticket Stack Orientation...............................................................................................................................................12
Figure 6 Outer Chassis Mounting to Final Product ....................................................................................................................13
Figure 7 Custom Bezel Mounting and Hardware Requirements.................................................................................................14
Figure 8 Sensor Breakdown and Locations................................................................................................................................15
Figure 9 Open/Close Position/Audible Alarm .............................................................................................................................16
Figure 10 Series 800 Electrical Operations Diagram..................................................................................................................19
Figure 11 Serial Communication PCB Location and Connector Info..........................................................................................20
Figure 12 Bezel Power Connector Location and Connector Information ....................................................................................21
Figure 13 Racking/Unracking the Printer Mechanism Assembly................................................................................................22
Figure 14 Ticket Loading and Ticket Feed Mechanism..............................................................................................................23
Figure 15 Actuator latch and cover & platen assembly..............................................................................................................24
Figure 16 Feed Switch and LED indicator Location....................................................................................................................25
Figure 17 Cleaning the Printhead...............................................................................................................................................26
Figure 18 Portrait and landscape Print Modes ...........................................................................................................................29
Figure 19 Printing Custom Graphics..........................................................................................................................................47
Figure 20 Printing Custom Graphics..........................................................................................................................................47
Figure 21 Print Orientation .........................................................................................................................................................49
Tables
Table 1 Font Statistics................................................................................................................................................................11
Table 2 Printer Status LED Indication Descriptions ...................................................................................................................17
Table 3 Serial Communication PCB Pin-Outs............................................................................................................................20
Table 4 Bezel Power Connector Pin-Outs..................................................................................................................................21
Table 5 Conversion from Dots to Inches....................................................................................................................................28
Table 6 Font Statistics................................................................................................................................................................29
Table 7 Specifications for setting font to 12 cpi..........................................................................................................................41
Table 8 Specifications for setting font to 16 cpi..........................................................................................................................41
Table 9 Specifications for setting font to 7 cpi............................................................................................................................42
Table 10 Specifications for setting font to 10 cpi........................................................................................................................42
Table 11 Starting position of bar code........................................................................................................................................46
Table 12 Set Feed Length Specifications...................................................................................................................................48

General Information 800 Series OEM Integration Manual
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1
Series 800 General Information
Who should read this guide?
This document provides information useful to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) who will
integrate the 800 Series printer into their products.
What is included in this guide?
This Integration Manual has been organized to include information on the mechanical, electrical, and
command language requirements of the 800 Series printer. This manual provides an overview of the
Series 800 printer specifications, features and operational procedures.
•Specifications/Custom Specifications
•Chassis Mounting/Mounting Locations
•Integration Specifics and Recommendations
•Power and Interface Communications
Warranty Options
All 800 Series Printers come with a standard 24-month standard warranty covering both parts and labor
that starts upon shipment from the factory. An optional extended warranty, covering both parts and labor
for an additional 12 months, may be purchased separately. For more information concerning the warranty
options, please contact the Sales Department at TransAct’s Ithaca facility. You are responsible for
insuring any product returned for service, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Ithaca
C.O.D. packages are not accepted and warranty repairs are subject to the terms and conditions as stated on
the Ithaca warranty policy (packed with each new printer).
Internet Support
www.transact-tech.com
TransAct Technologies Incorporated maintains an Internet web site with content devoted to supporting
our products. At our Support Services section for our Ithaca brand products you can find documentation
for the 800 Series printer including a current copy of this Integration Manual. Our on-line suppport also
includes an option to obtain assistance from a technical support specialist by filling out a e-mail assistance
request form.Your e-mail will be received by one of our support specialists and they will contact you via a
phone call. The 800 Series printer support pages offer the latest information. They include the current
version of this manual; Command Codes and Descriptions, Character Fonts, Printer Features,
Communication Specifics, and Ticket Specifications.

Series 800 OEM Integration Manual General Information
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Service Information
TransAct Technologies Incorporated has a full service organization to meet your printer service and repair
requirements. If your printer needs service, please contact your service provider first. If any problems still
persist, you can directly contact the Ithaca facility’s Technical Support Department at [phone] or
(877) 7ithaca for a return authorization. International customers should contact your distributor for
services. TransAct offers the following service programs to meet your needs.
•Extended Warranty
•Depot Repair
•Maintenance Contract
•Internet Support
Ithaca Product Support Procedure
Monday through Friday, 8A.M. to 5 P.M. (excluding holidays)
To obtain technical support, call TransAct's Ithaca Facility at [phone] and ask for Technical
Support. When you call, please have the following information at hand:
•The Model Number and Serial Number of the printer
•A list of any other peripheral devices attached to the same port as the printer
•What application software, operating system, and network (if any) you are using
•What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred
•How you tried to solve the problem
•Return Materials Authorization and Return Policies
If the technical support person determines that the printer should be serviced at our facility, and you want
to return the printer for repair, a Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number must be issued before
returning the printer. Repairs are warranted for 90 days from the date of repair or for the balance of the
original warranty period, which ever is greater. Please prepare the printer being returned for repair as
follows:
•Pack the printer to be returned in the original packing material.
•Packing material may be purchased from TransAct's Ithaca Facility.
•Do not return any accessories unless asked to do so by a support technician.
•Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box.

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Contacting TransAct’s Ithaca Facility
Contact TransAct’s Ithaca facility for general information about integrating 800 Series printers with your
system. The Sales and Technical Support Departments will be able to help you with most of your
questions. Call the Technical Support Department to receive technical support; order documentation;
receive additional information about the 800 Series; or send in a printer for service. To order supplies;
receive information about other Ithaca products; or obtain information about your warranty, contact the
Sales Department. To receive information on International distribution, look on our web site at
www.transact-tech.com
You may reach both the Sales and Technical Support Departments at the following address and telephone
or fax numbers:
TransAct Technologies Incorporated
Ithaca Facility
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
Telephone (877) 7ithaca or [phone]
Main fax [phone]
Sales fax [phone]
Technical Support fax [phone]
Web site http://www.transact-tech.com

Series 800 OEM Integration Manual Specifications and Requirements
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Series 800 Specifications and Requirements
Figure 1800 Series Printer Component Overview
1. Printer Mechanism Assembly
2. Printer Chassis
3. Printer Ticket Bucket (200, 400, 600)
4. Outer Slide Chassis
Series 800 Model Functionality Descriptions
There is a specific functional difference between the Model 850 and the Model 860 printers. As an
option, the Model 860 incorporates a void and reprint sensor that verifies the integrity of the barcode.
The Model 860 can automatically determine if the ticket’s barcode is, or is not readable.
Standard Features
The following features are common to the 800 Series Printers:
•Perforated fan folded tickets in a stack of 200 tickets.
•Barcode and total ticket cash-out capabilities.
•Horizontal ticket exit.
•Ticket separation performed by customer.
•Modular printer mechanism, ticket tray and sliding unit for easy maintenance.
2
1
4
3

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•Modular Interface PCB.
•Audible Buzzer
Optional Features
•400 and 600 count ticket trays.
•Void and Reprint (Model 860 only)

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(Dimensions reflect use of 200 unit ticket bucket unless otherwise noted)
Dimensions
Figure 2Series 800 Printer: Dimensions
Stationery Module Size: H: 2.66" (67.6mm) W: 4.46" (113.3 mm) D: 11.25" (285.75 mm)
The Series 800 is a stationery module, and is designed to work with either of the three interchangable
Ticket Buckets. Please be sure to specify the desired box size when making your selections.
200 ticket setup: H: 2.610" (66.29 mm) W: 4.46" (113.3 mm) D: 11.25" (285.75 mm)
400 ticket setup: H: 4.0" (101.60 mm) W: 4.46" (113.3 mm) D: 11.25" (285.75 mm)
600 ticket setup: H: 5.5" (139.70 mm) W: 4.46" (113.3 mm) D: 11.25" (285.75 mm)
Weight 5.3 lbs.
Interface
Type Bi-Directional, serial RS-232 using transmit, receive, and ground.
Protocol Ready/Busy or XON/XOFF, 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity,
1 start bit, 1 stop bit.
Printer
Printer Type: Fixed 2.25" linear thermal head.
Printer Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature Range: 0º ~ 40ºC (32º ~ 77ºF)
Shipping/Storage Temperature Range: –10º ~ 50ºC (14º ~ 122ºF)
Operating Humidity Range: 10% ~ 90% Noncondensing only
Shipping/Storage Humidity Range: 5% ~ 90% Noncondensing only
ESD
Ground maintained between printer and product chassis.
40 KV sustained air discharge (door closed).
8 KV sustained current injection (door closed).
15 KV protection for exposed electronics (open, loading position).

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45°
Reliability
Printer Life: 20 million character lines.
Mean time between failures: 45,000 hrs. @ 25% duty cycle.
Printer electronics: 250,000 hrs.
Printhead Life: 50Km min.
Flex ribbon (sliding module): 1,500 cycles min.
Power Requirements
24 Vdc ± 5%.
2.2 Amps max. @ 24 Vdc @ 25% print ratio.
Test Standards
FCC 47CFR, Part 15, Class A.
EN 55022, Class A.
ESD IEC 1000-4-2, 6kv direct discharge and 8kv air discharge.
Radiated RF IEC 1000-4-3, 3 v/m from 27 MHz to 1 GHz.
Fast transit (burst) IEC 1000-4-4, 2kv powerline, 1kv I/O lines (level 3, Industrial environment).
Accoustic Noise: Sound pressure level: 60 decibels max.
(measured in 10 positions @ operator level with distance of 1 meter).
Mechanism Characteristics
Drawer Slide Force: 2 lbs. max.
Opening Distance: 200mm (8") (approximate )
Drawer Holding Force: 4 lbs. (out of detents)
Mechanism Operating Angle: Horizontal to 45º inclination (ticket exit slot up).

Series 800 OEM Integration Manual Specifications and Requirements
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Printing Specifications
Print Method: Thermal Sensitive Line Dot System.
Ticket Handling: Straight. Entire path is accessible.
Print Speed: 125 mm/sec. (5" per sec.) max. (in text mode)
Paper advance speed: 125 mm/sec. (5" per sec.) min.
Resolution: 203dpi x 203dpi and 136dpi x 203dpi.
Dot Pitch-Horizontal: 0.125 mm (8 dots/mm)
Dot Pitch-Verticle: 0.125 mm (8 dots/mm)
Line Feed Pitch: 3.2 mm (.125")
Characters per line: 30 min.
No. of Elements: 500 dots in-line
Print Width: 62.5 mm (2.46")
Data Buffer: 8K
Memory: 256K EPROM & 128K RAM
Ticket Specifications
Dimension: (same size as US dollars)
Ticket Width: 65 ± 1mm (2.56"± .04")
Ticket Length: 156 ± 1mm (6.14" ± .04") between perforations
Ticket Thickness: .114mm - .127mm (.0045" - .005")
Ticket Density: Equivalent to 20 lb. paper.
Ticket Weight: Equivalent to 20 lb. paper.
Reading Code: Interleaved. 2 of 5
Minimum Bar Width: 0.5 mm min./0.6 max.
W : N Ratio: 3 : 1
Letter Quantity: 6 min./18 max.
PCS Value: 0.6 min.
Printing Ink: BLACK: (visible light absorbtion: 600 ~ 700 nm)
Optical Reflection Level: White thick bar: 3.0V min. Black thick bar: 2.0V max.
Amplitude Level: 0.5V (white and black bar).
Waveform Distortion: 0.3V max.

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Transmission Level: Level 1: 1.3V max. Level 2: 0.5V min.

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Ticket Specifications (continued)
The 800 Series printer requires the following tickets for proper printing:
Ticket Type: Kanzaki TO-381N or approved equivalent
Thermal sensitive layer facing down.
Thermal sensitive side to be coated for wear characteristics.
Top coating comparable to Seiko paper.
Quantities Available: Fan-folded stacks of 200, 400 and 600 tickets.
Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance
A maximum paper clearance distance of .75" is required above the printer’s ticket buckets. The maximum
clearances for all ticket buckets will vary, but should fall within the .75" maximum clearance
measurement.
Figure 3Design Envelope: Ticket Clearance

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Print Characteristics
The statistics for the five internal fonts the 800 Series Printer supports appear below. Height and width are
expressed in terms of dots.
Height Width Horizontal cpi Vertical cpi
24 12 16.9 8.4
32 16 12.7 6.4
32 20 10.2 6.4
56 28 7.3 3.6
Table 1Font Statistics
Black Dot Position and Presentation Scheme
All graphics preprinted on the ticket must be in thermal paper compatible ink.
Black Dot Position
The back of the ticket is used for the Black Dot/Top of Form indicator. For the printer to sense when a
ticket has been indexed to the printing position, a Black Dot/Top of Form sensor is needed. It must be
printed in black, thermal paper compatible, infrared readable ink. The 10.16mm area in line with the
Black Dot/Top of Form indicator and the ticket edge (keep-out zone) must remain clear, as the Ticket Out
Sensor will read that area while the ticket is printed and presented. The remaining area on the back of the
ticket may be used for rules and disclaimer.
Figure 4Location of Black Dot/Top of Form Indicator on Back of Ticket

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Ticket Stack Orientation
To ensure the ticket is loaded correctly into the printer, the ticket stack must be properly loaded in the
ticket box. The stack must be oriented so that the Black Dot/Top of Form mark of the tickets is on the
leading edge of the ticket, not near the perforation of the next ticket. If the top ticket on the stack has the
back facing upward, the perforation attaching the next ticket will be toward the front of the Ticket Supply
Box with the Black Dot/Top of Form indicator in the rear right corner. If the print area is facing upward,
the perforation attaching the next ticket will be toward the rear of the Ticket Supply Box. For instructions
on inserting the first ticket into the printer, see “Loading Tickets into Feeding Mechanism” on page 23.
Figure 5Ticket Stack Orientation