Ithaca PcOS series 90plus Manual

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WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this printer to rain
or moisture.

Disclaimer
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Ithaca Peripherals, A Transact
Technologies Incorporated Company. However, as product improvements
become available, Ithaca Peripherals will make every effort to provide updated
information for the products described in this publication.
Ithaca Peripherals cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment
made by other manufacturers, and referred to in this publication, do not affect
the applicability of the information in this publication.
Copyright
Copyright © 1999
Ithaca Peripherals
A Transact Technologies Incorporated Company
Ithaca, New York USA
Printed in USA
Revision C, July 1999
All Rights Reserved. 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
Ithaca Peripherals.
Trademarks
PcOS® is a registered trademark of Ithaca Peripherals. IBM® is a registered
trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. Ithaca
Peripherals is a Transact Technologies Incorporated Company.
®

Federal Communications Commission
Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules which are designed
to minimize radio frequency interference in the installation; however, there is no
guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur in any particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on while
the radio or television is on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
♦Reorient the radio or television receiving antenna;
♦Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver;
♦Move the printer away from the receiver;
♦Plug the printer into a different outlet so that the printer and the receiver are
on different circuits.
If necessary the user should consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the
following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission
helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems.
This booklet is available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402. Order stock number 004-000-00345-4.
Canadian Department of Communications
Radio Interference Statement
This Ithaca Peripherals apparatus does not exceed Class A limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
UL, CSA, VDE, CE Statement
Ithaca Peripherals printers are UL & CSA Listed, VDE Certified, and carry the
CE Mark.

Table of Contents i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE SERIES 90PLUS PRINTER 1
What Is in This Book?..........................................................................................1
Who Is It For?.............................................................................................1
What Does It Cover? ...................................................................................1
Where Can You Find More Information? ....................................................2
Contacting Ithaca Peripherals......................................................................2
Warranty Information...........................................................................................3
Options .......................................................................................................3
Service Information.....................................................................................3
Ordering Supplies.................................................................................................4
Paper...........................................................................................................4
Ribbon Cassettes .........................................................................................5
Take-Up Spools...........................................................................................5
Print head....................................................................................................5
Cables .........................................................................................................5
Description of the Series 90PLUS Printer .............................................................6
Series 90PLUS Models................................................................................7
Standard Features........................................................................................9
Optional Features......................................................................................10
Reliability..................................................................................................10
Print Characteristics..................................................................................11

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guideii
SETTING UP THE PRINTER 15
Unpacking the Printer.........................................................................................16
Check That All Items Are Present..............................................................18
Remove the Cantilever Restraint and the Print head Carriage Restraint ....19
Remove the Paper Roll...............................................................................21
Choosing a Location for the Printer ....................................................................23
Dimensions................................................................................................23
Weight.......................................................................................................23
Environmental Conditions.........................................................................23
Airflow......................................................................................................23
Installing the Ribbon Cassette.............................................................................24
Connecting the Power Cord ................................................................................26
Loading and Removing Paper.............................................................................27
Installing the New Paper Roll....................................................................27
Removing the Journal Take-up Roll...........................................................33
Cutter .................................................................................................................36
Loading and Removing Paper With the Cutter...........................................36
Installing the New Paper Roll....................................................................36
Removing the Journal Take-up Roll...........................................................40
MICR Reader......................................................................................................42
Indicator LEDs..........................................................................................42
Check Verification (MICR) .......................................................................43
Testing the Printer..............................................................................................44
Testing the Printer.....................................................................................44
Testing the MICR Reader ...................................................................................46
Testing the MICR Reader..........................................................................46
Connecting the Cables........................................................................................47
Connecting the Communication Cable.......................................................47
Connecting the Cash Drawer Cables..........................................................49
Setup Checklist...................................................................................................50

Table of Contents iii
OPERATING THE PRINTER 51
Operating the Keypad.........................................................................................52
Indicator Lights.........................................................................................52
Buttons......................................................................................................54
AC Power Switch......................................................................................54
Printing on Forms ..............................................................................................55
Validating a Form.....................................................................................55
Slip Printing..............................................................................................57
Changing the Print head.....................................................................................59
Removing the Used Print head...................................................................59
Installing the New Printhead.....................................................................61
Adjusting the Platen Gap....................................................................................63
Cleaning the Printer ...........................................................................................64
Correcting Problems...........................................................................................65
Indicator Lights.........................................................................................65
READY Light Flashes Red........................................................................66
Printer Smears Characters.........................................................................66
APPENDIX 67
Cash Drawer Pin Assignments ...........................................................................67
Serial Cable........................................................................................................68
Cable Requirements...................................................................................68
RS-232C Communication..........................................................................68
Pin Assignments for 9-pin Printer Connector ............................................68
Serial Cable Configurations.......................................................................69
Parallel Cable.....................................................................................................70
Cable Requirements...................................................................................70
Pin Assignments........................................................................................70
INDEX 71

About The Series 90PLUS Printer 1
ABOUT THE SERIES
90PLUS PRINTER
WHAT IS IN THIS BOOK?
WHO IS IT FOR?
This book is an operator’s guide intended for new and experienced operators. If
you are going to setup, use, or maintain a Series 90PLUS Printer with any
point-of-sale system, then this book is for you.
WHAT DOES IT COVER?
This book only covers the Series 90PLUS Printer, not the entire point-of-sale
system, but it will tell you all you need to know about using the printer
properly. You will find out what supplies you need to order, how to setup and
test the printer, and how to do the common tasks listed here:
♦Changing the paper with or without the optional cutter,
♦Checking verification,
♦Changing the ribbon cassette,
♦Changing the print head,
♦Using the MICR read test,
♦Adjusting the platen gap,
♦Cleaning the printer, and
♦Correcting problems.

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guide2
This book also provides some general and technical information about the
printer, so you will know what the features are, how reliable the printer is, and
what its printing capabilities are.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION?
A Programmer’s Guide is available if you need to know how to program a
point-of-sale terminal or a personal computer to work with the printer. It
describes all the commands the printer recognizes to perform its functions.
A MICR Programmer’s Guide that describes the MICR reader operation and
how to program a point-of-sale terminal or personal computer to work with the
MICR reader is available.
A Maintenance Manual is also available and is intended for trained, service
technicians.
For information about ordering these books, please refer to the next section.
CONTACTING ITHACA PERIPHERALS
Contact your dealer first for general information about the Series 90PLUS
Printer and how it works with your system. If you need more specific
information about the printer, you may contact Ithaca Peripherals directly.
The Sales and Customer Service departments will be able to help you with most
of your questions.
Contact the Sales department to receive technical support, order documentation,
receive additional information about the Series 90PLUS Printer, order supplies,
or receive information about other products by Ithaca Peripherals.
Contact the Customer Service department if you would like information about
your warranty or if you need to send a printer in for service.
You can contact both the Sales and Customer Service departments at the
following address and phone or fax numbers:
Ithaca Peripherals
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850
Main phone: [phone]
Main fax: [phone]
Sales/Customer Service fax: [phone]

About The Series 90PLUS Printer 3
WARRANTY INFORMATION
OPTIONS
All Ithaca Peripherals PcOS® Series 90PLUS Printers come with a standard 24
month warranty from the date of shipment from the factory covering both parts
and labor. An optional warranty, covering both parts and labor for an
additional twelve months, may be purchased separately.
For more information concerning the warranty options, please contact your
dealer or the Sales department at Ithaca Peripherals. See “Contacting Ithaca
Peripherals” on page 2.
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you need a printer serviced, whether it is under warranty or not, call your
dealer. You may have several options for service depending on your contract.
Your dealer may service the printer directly or have a service agreement with a
local service contractor.
If your dealer instructs you to send the printer to Ithaca Peripherals for service,
or if you bought the printer directly from Ithaca Peripherals, call Customer
Service at [phone], and ask for a return authorization. Please have the
model and serial numbers of the printer available. The numbers are on a decal
located on the back of the printer.
You will need to repack the printer and ship it directly to Ithaca Peripherals. Be
sure to keep the original packing materials and box. Please refer to “Unpacking
the Printer” on page 16.

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guide4
ORDERING SUPPLIES
You may order supplies by calling Ithaca Peripherals or by faxing the order
form that was shipped in the box with the printer. If you would like more forms,
just call Ithaca Peripherals.
♦Phone [phone], and ask for the Sales department, or
♦Fax the order form to [phone].
You can order the following items:
♦Paper,
♦Ribbon Cassettes,
♦Take-up Spools,
♦Print heads, and
♦Cables.
PAPER
Paper Type Dimensions Stock
Number
Receipt Paper Single-ply 3.25 inches (width)
3.5 inches (diameter)
240 feet (length)
100-2203
Receipt-Journal
Paper Double-ply 3.25 inches (width) 3.5 inches (diameter)
125 feet (length)
100-2206
Receipt-Journal
Paper Triple-ply 3.25 inches (width) 3.5 inches (diameter)
85 feet (length)
100-2207

About The Series 90PLUS Printer 5
RIBBON CASSETTES
Color Supplier Stock Number
Black Ithaca Peripherals 100-7565
Note: The warranty may be voided if other than genuine Ithaca Peripherals
ribbons are used.
TAKE-UP SPOOLS
Take-Up Spool Stock Number
Journal Take-up Spool 90-6415
PRINT HEAD
Print head and Clamp Stock Number
Print head 90-7337
Print head Clamp 06-0571
CABLES
Cables Stock Number
110V Power Cable 06-0561
230V Power Cable 06-0806
Parallel Communication Cable 253-9800007
Serial Communication Cable
PC, 9-pin Female to 9-pin Female
PC, 9-pin Female to 25-pin Female 10-2020 10-2021

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guide6
DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES 90PLUS PRINTER
The PcOS® (personal computer, point-of-sale) Series 90PLUS Printer is a
stand-alone, 42-column, high-speed impact printer. The Series 90PLUS Printer
performs a variety of functions in a point-of-sale environment and is available
in the following models:
♦Model 91PLUS: Receipt only
♦Model 92PLUS: Receipt and Journal
♦Model 93PLUS: Receipt, Journal, and Slip/Validation
♦Model 94PLUS: Receipt and Slip/Validation

About The Series 90PLUS Printer 7
SERIES 90PLUS MODELS
Each of the four models in the Series 90PLUS line of printers has its own
unique set of features.
PcOS Model 91PLUS Receipt Printer
The Model 91PLUS is a receipt printer used for applications requiring high-
speed printing of receipts and single-line validation. Its features include:
♦340 characters per second bidirectional printing at 17 characters per inch
and
♦40-column printing at 15 characters per inch.
PcOS Model 92PLUS Receipt and Journal Printer
The Model 92PLUS is a receipt and journal printer used for applications
requiring a transaction audit trail (journal) in addition to high-speed printing of
receipts and single-line validation. Its features include:
♦340 characters per second bidirectional printing,
♦42-column printing at 15 characters per inch, and
♦Journal take-up.

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guide8
PcOS Model 93PLUS Receipt, Journal, and
Slip/Validation Printer
The Model 93PLUS is a receipt, journal, and slip/validation printer used for
applications requiring printing of up to 17 lines on inserted forms such as
checks (for validation), charge slips, guest checks, or personal checks (slip
mode). In addition, it provides the same high-speed journal and receipt printing
as the Model 92PLUS. Its features include:
♦340 characters per second bidirectional printing at 17 characters per inch,
♦42-column printing at 15 characters per inch,
♦Journal take-up,
♦Form insertion sensor,
♦17-line validation, and
♦Front slip insertion.
PcOS Model 94PLUS Receipt and Slip/Validation Printer
The Model 94PLUS is a receipt and slip/validation printer used for applications
requiring printing of up to 17 lines on inserted forms such as checks (for
validation), charge slips, guest checks, or personal checks (slip mode). It does
not include the journal take-up assembly. Its features include:
♦340 characters per second bidirectional printing at 17 characters per inch,
♦42-column printing at 15 characters per inch,
♦Form insertion sensor,
♦17-line validation, and
♦Front slip insertion.

About The Series 90PLUS Printer 9
STANDARD FEATURES
The following features and items are standard on all Series 90PLUS Printers:
♦Parallel interface – Centronics/IEEE-1284
♦Internal Universal Power Supply (95 to 265 VAC)
♦Operating controls and lights
•Power on/off switch and indicator
•Paper feed button
•Forms release button
•Resume button
•Alarm and forms LEDs
♦Paper low sensor
♦Operator controlled self-test
♦Cash drawer connector (RJ12) and driver (24V, 1.0 amp pulse for
approximately 150 ms; drawer open/closed status reporting)
♦Nine-pin stored energy print head
♦Short line seeking logic
♦Characters and graphics
•Lower-case characters with descenders
•340 characters per second bidirectional printing at 17 characters per
inch
•42-column printing at 15 characters per inch
•Emphasized and enhanced print
•IBM® compatible all points addressable graphics
♦Software controlled vertical spacing
♦Snap-on ribbon cassette
♦Steel receipt tear-off bar

Series 90PLUS Operator’s Guide10
OPTIONAL FEATURES
The optional features either replace a standard feature or enhance the operation
of the printer. All optional features are installed at the factory and must be
selected when the printer is ordered.
♦RS-232C serial communication interface
♦RS-422 serial communication interface
♦Journal-cover lock
♦Custom colors and logo
♦Cutter (partial cut)
♦MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) reads E13 style checks
(Models 93PLUS and 94PLUS only)
♦USB (Universal Serial Bus) Serial Communication Interface
RELIABILITY
♦Mean time between failure (except print head): 30,000 hours (Model
91PLUS)
♦Print head life: 200 million characters
♦Mean time to repair: 15 minutes
♦Cutter MCBF: 1,000,000 cuts
♦MICR MCBF: 290, 000 reads