Microcom 485TC User manual

MODEL 485TC
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
PART NUMBER: 880058-0100
January 3, 2018 CPC
Copyright © 2018 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

Proprietary Statement
This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is
intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described
herein.
Product Enhancements
Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and
quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications
contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom
Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this
product. The exclusion or limitation involving consequential or incidental damage does not
apply to all states; therefore limitation mentioned above may or may not apply.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions contained in this
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 i
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................V
CHAPTER 1: PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS 1-1
1.1 General Specifications 1-1
1.2 Printing Specifications 1-1
1.3 Media Specifications 1-2
CHAPTER 2: FEATURES AND OPTIONS 2-1
2.1 Fonts 2-1
2.2 Graphics 2-1
2.3 Bar codes 2-1
2.4 Special Features 2-2
2.5 Options 2-2
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED 3-1
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection 3-1
3.2 Printer Power 3-2
3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface 3-2
3.3.1 RS-232 Serial Cables ...................................................................................3-3
3.3.2 RS-232 Serial RJ-12.....................................................................................3-3
3.4 USB Communication Interface 3-4
3.5 Host USB Interface 3-4
3.6 Ethernet Communication Interface 3-4
3.7 Cash Drawer Option 3-4
3.7.1 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter Option...............................................................3-5
3.8 AUX Option 3-5
3.9 Loading Media 3-6
3.10 Print Button and Status Indicator Light 3-7
3.10.1 Print Button................................................................................................... 3-7
3.10.2 Status Indicator Light.................................................................................... 3-8
3.11 Printer Modes 3-8
3.11.1 Ready Mode: GREEN.................................................................................. 3-8
3.11.2 Halted Mode: RED....................................................................................... 3-8
3.11.3 Diagnostic Mode........................................................................................... 3-9
3.11.3.1 Entering Diagnostic Mode.........................................................................3-9
3.11.3.2 Statistics Label..........................................................................................3-9
3.11.3.3 Test Ticket............................................................................................... 3-10
3.12 TOF Sensor 3-10
3.13 Media Roll Holder Option 3-12
3.14 Ticket Catch Tray Option 3-12
3.15 Wristband Media Adapter Option 3-13
3.16 Qualsoft Windows Driver 3-14
3.16.1 Installing the Windows Driver...................................................................... 3-14
3.16.2 Configuring the Driver................................................................................. 3-18
3.16.3 Printer Properties Page - General tab......................................................... 3-19

ii 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
3.16.4 Printer Properties Page - Ports tab .............................................................3-20
3.16.5 Printing Preferences - About tab.................................................................3-21
3.16.6 Printing Preferences - Print tab...................................................................3-21
3.16.6.1 Print tab - Advanced................................................................................3-22
3.16.7 Print tab - Halftone Adjustment ...................................................................3-22
3.16.8 Print tab - Halftone Properties.....................................................................3-23
3.16.9 Print tab - User Commands.........................................................................3-23
3.16.10 Printing Preferences - Paper tab.................................................................3-24
3.16.10.1 Paper tab - Rotation.............................................................................3-24
3.16.10.2 Paper tab - Units..................................................................................3-24
3.16.10.3 Paper tab - Page Sizes........................................................................3-24
3.16.10.4 Paper tab - Mirror.................................................................................3-24
3.16.10.5 Paper tab - Default...............................................................................3-25
3.16.11 Printing Preferences - Media tab.................................................................3-25
3.16.11.1 Media tab - Settings.............................................................................3-25
3.16.11.2 Media tab - Feed Options.....................................................................3-26
3.16.12 Printing Preferences - Presenter tab...........................................................3-27
3.16.12.1 Presenter tab - Configuration...............................................................3-28
3.16.12.2 Configuration - Modes..........................................................................3-28
3.16.12.3 Configuration - Advanced.....................................................................3-29
3.16.13 Printing Preferences - Modification tab .......................................................3-29
3.16.13.1 Modification - No of Labels...................................................................3-29
3.16.13.2 Modification - Print Speed (inch/s).......................................................3-29
3.16.13.3 Modification - Disable Status................................................................3-29
3.16.14 Printing Preferences - Save/Restore tab.....................................................3-31
3.16.14.1 Save/Restore - Restore settings from file….........................................3-31
3.16.14.2Save/Restore - Save settings to file…..................................................3-31
3.16.14.3 Save/Restore - Restore factory defaults…...........................................3-31
3.16.15 Status Messages.........................................................................................3-31
3.16.15.1 PRINTER_STATUS_WAITING............................................................3-32
3.16.15.2 PRINTER_STATUS_BUSY .................................................................3-32
3.16.15.3 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_OUT......................................................3-32
3.16.15.4 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_JAM......................................................3-32
3.16.15.5 PRINTER_STATUS_PAPER_PROBLEM............................................3-32
3.16.15.6 PRINTER_STATUS_USER_INTERVENTIO N....................................3-32
3.16.15.7 PRINTER_STATUS_OFFLINE............................................................3-32
3.16.15.8 PRINTER_STATUS_OUTPUT_BIN_FULL..........................................3-32
3.16.15.9 PRINTER_STATUS_DOOR_OPEN....................................................3-32
3.16.15.10 PRINTER_STATUS_IO_ACTIVE ........................................................3-32
3.17 Configuration Application 3-33
3.17.1 Selecting a Device ......................................................................................3-33
3.17.1.1 Configuration Application - Serial (USB / RS-232)...................................3-33
3.17.1.2 Configuration Application - USB HID.......................................................3-34
3.17.1.3 Configuration Application - Ethernet........................................................3-34
3.17.2 Configuring a device ...................................................................................3-34
3.17.2.1 Applying changes....................................................................................3-35
3.17.2.2 Reverting changes...................................................................................3-35
3.17.2.3 Saving/loading configuration files............................................................3-35
3.17.3 Application preferences...............................................................................3-35

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 iii
CHAPTER 4 PRINTER MAINTENANCE 4-1
4.1 Maintenance Schedule 4-1
4.2 Thermal Printer Cleaning Card 4-1
4.3 Internal Cleaning 4-3
4.4 Print Head Maintenance 4-4
4.5 Replacing the Drive Roller 4-5
4.6 Adjusting Printhead Pressure 4-7
CHAPTER 5: TROUBLESHOOTING 5-1
5.1 Troubleshooting Tips 5-1
INDEX 6-1
General Index 6-1
List of Figures 6-5
List of Tables 6-7
APPENDIX 7-1
Appendix A: Limited Warranty 7-1
Appendix B: RMA Procedure 7-3
Glossary 7-5
Appendix C: User Notes 7-9

iv 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 v
Introduction
The Model 485TC printer has been designed to provide solutions for the ticketing industry.
The printer uses the same reliable print mechanism found in the Model 428TM and 438TM
printers. The print mechanism has been designed with a 4” printhead capable of printing up
to 8” per second and is available in 203 or 300 dpi. The printer may be used as a graphics
printer or as an FGL emulation printer.
485TC Rear Side View
485TC Front Side View

vi 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 1-1
Chapter 1: Printer Specifications
1.1 General Specifications
Width* 7.3” (185 mm)
Height*7.4” (188 mm)
Depth*5.8” (148 mm)
Weight*10.2 lbs. (4.6 kg)
Electrical +24 VDC
Current 3.5 Amps maximum
Temperature 40° F –104° F (5° C –40° C), operating
Humidity 10% – 85%, non-condensing
RAM Memory 256 Mb
Flash Memory 512 Mb
Agency Approvals RoHS, FCC Class A, cTUVus
Interface Communications RS232, USB, and Ethernet Ports
Flow Control CTS/RTS Hardware
Baud Rate Up to 115200
Parity Odd, Even, and None
Data Bits 7 or 8
Table 1-1 General Specifications
* NOTE: Listed specifications are based on a standard print mechanism and may vary
based on final configuration.
1.2 Printing Specifications
Print Type Direct Thermal
Print Resolution 203 DPI (8 dots/mm = 0.0049” per dot)
300 DPI (12 dots/mm = 0.0032” per dot)
Maximum Print Speed Up to 10”/sec. (250 mm/sec.)
Maximum Print Width 203 DPI = 4.098” (104.10mm); 832 dots
300 DPI = 4.252” (108 mm); 1,280 dots
Maximum Print Length 26” (660 mm)
Minimum Print Length 0.25” (6 mm)
Table 1-2 Printing Specifications

Printer Specifications Chapter 1
1-2 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
1.3 Media Specifications
Media Types Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled
or fanfold
Maximum Media Thickness* .011” (.28 mm)
Maximum Media Width 4.375” (111 mm)
*NOTE: The printers may print on thicker media types depending on the pliability of the
material; however, this requires testing and evaluation. Contact your authorized Microcom
Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of
thicker or rigid media types.
Table 1-3 Media Specifications

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 2-1
Chapter 2: Features and Options
2.1 Fonts
·16 resident bitmapped alpha-numeric fonts.
·Downloadable scalable fonts.
·All bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width.
·Reverse image printing.
·Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.2 Graphics
·Resident Lines feature.
·Storage of fonts, label formats and graphics in both volatile RAM and non-
volatile FLASH memory.
·Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
2.3 Bar codes
·One-dimensional
·Code 39
·Interleaved 2 of 5
·Code 128 (A, B, C and
Auto)
·Code 93
·Codabar
·Modified Plessey
·UPC-A
·UPC-E
·EAN 8
·EAN 13
·UCC/EAN 128
·Postnet.
·Planet Code
·Two-dimensional
·GS1 Databar
Omni Directional
Truncated
Stacked
Stacked Omni-
directional
Limited
Expanded
·PDF-417
·Maxi code
·GS1 Data matrix
·Aztec
·Softstrip
·QR Code
·Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and
270 º.
·Expandable in height and
width.

Features and Options Chapter 2
2-2 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
2.4 Special Features
·Easy print head cleaning
·Tool less platen roller replacement
·Adjustable media guides for easy label centering
·Automatically adjustable reflective blackline sensor in media guide
·Software controlled contrast adjustment
·Detects label gap, black line, and blow-hole using reflective and
transmissive sensors
·Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed
·Remote printer interrogation
·On-site programmable flash memory updates
·Autoload / Alignment of media
2.5 Options
·+24 VDC Universal 100W Desktop Power Supply
·300 dpi print head
·Heavy Duty Rotary Cutter
·Ethernet Port
·Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly
·Low Paper Sensor Assembly
·Wristband Option
·Paper Supply Holders
·Media Catch Trays
·Cleaning kit

485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 3-1
Chapter 3: Getting Started
3.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printer has been packaged in protective foam to help reduce the damage during
shipment.
Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the
shipping company immediately to file a damage claim.
After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the items on the packing list
are present and in good condition. The picture below (See Figure 3-1) shows a 438TC and
optional power cord. Your shipment may contain different items.
The foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped
at a later time. Additional shipping materials can be ordered by contacting the Microcom
Corporation Service Department.
Figure 3-1 Typical Printer Accessories

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-2 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
Figure 3-2 Printer Rear Panel
3.2 Printer Power
The printer has a universal auto-sensing internal power supply that operates in the 100-240
VAC; 50-60 Hertz range. The three-prong female end of the power cord plugs into the
mating connector located on the back of the printer.
3.3 RS232 Serial Communication Interface
The printer provides a 9-pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232 serial
communication. The printer is configured as DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment) so a
NULL modem cable is not necessary. A serial data cable is required to use serial
communications, refer to Table 3-1 below for correct cable configurations.
The factory settings, unless otherwise requested, are set at 115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop
bit and no parity with hardware handshaking enabled. The baud rate is user selectable from
110 to 115,200 and uses software XON/XOFF flow control and/or hardware CTS/RTS
handshaking.
If XON/XOFF handshaking is used, the only signals that the printer requires are the RXD,
TXD, and GND signals. If the hardware handshaking is used, then the CTS and RTS signals
are required. The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer would
require them.
Power
Connection
USB Port
AUX Port
Optional Cash
Drawer Port
Host USB Port
RS232 Port External Media
Entry Slot
Ethernet Port
ON/OFF Switch
Optional Rj12
Serial

Chapter 3 Getting Started
485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 3-3
3.3.1 RS-232 Serial Cables
The printer uses a standard through serial cable, typically referred to as a modem cable,
which may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply
company.
For a 25-pin serial communication port – Use a 25-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
For a 9-pin serial communication port – Use a 9-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
9 to 9 Pin Cable 9 to 25 Pin Cable
State DE-9 Pin # Signals / Directions
PC
DE-9
Pin #
State
DE-9
Pin # Signals / Directions
PC
DB-25
Pin #
XX 1 DCD DCD 1 HI 1 DCD DCD 8
XX 2 TXD RXD 2 XX 2 TXD RXD 3
XX 3 RXD TXD 3 XX 3 RXD TXD 2
HI 4 DTR DSR 4 HI 4 DTR DSR 20
LO 5 GND GND 5 LO 5 GND GND 7
HI 6 DSR DTR 6 HI 6 DSR DTR 6
DC 7 RTS CTS 7 DC 7 RTS CTS 4
XX 8 CTS RTS 8 XX 8 CTS RTS 5
HI 9 +5V +5V 9 HI 9 +5V -
DC = DO NOT CARE XX = INDETERMINATE
Table 3-1 RS-232 Cable Configurations
3.3.2 RS-232 Serial RJ-12
The printer is configured with a DB9 RS232 connecter by default but may be also
configured with the optional RJ12 connector. The figure below shows the wiring diagram of
the RJ12 connection.
9 Pin RJ12 Signal
2 2 TXD
3 3 RXD
5 4 GND
6 1 DTR
8 6 CTS
Figure 3-3 RJ12 Serial Option Wiring
Pin 1
RJ12

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-4 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
Pin 1
-
DR1
Pin 3
-
DR2
Pin 2
-
DO
3.4 USB Communication Interface
The printer is configured as a USB HID device so no specific drivers need to be installed.
Connecting the printer to the HOST system will install the printer.
3.5 Host USB Interface
The Host USB connector on the rear panel of the printer is used for updating the printer’s
application, Bootloader, and the fonts stored in the printer. Contact your Sales
Representative for additional information.
3.6 Ethernet Communication Interface
The printer is configured with a 10/100 BASE T Ethernet that is configured for DHCP out of
the box. After one minute of idle time after a power up, if a connection is not established,
the printer will switch to a static IP Address of 192.168.200.3 with a Subnet of
255.255.255.0 on port 9100.
The printer also has a resident Web Server running on IP 192.168.200.3 that may be used
to configure the printer as well.
3.7 Cash Drawer Option
The printer provides a DB15 connector to support the use of 24v cash drawer applications.
The Draw Kick-out solenoid current must be 1 amp or less to avoid current overloads. This
option is only available when using the FGL Emulation mode.
Figure 3-4 Cash Drawer Pin-out

Chapter 3 Getting Started
485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100 3-5
3.7.1 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter Option
Some cash drawers may use a RJ12 connector instead of the DB15 connector. The RJ12
adapter (060437-1000) is available as an optional component for these applications.
RJ12 Wire Color DB-15
1 WHITE X
2 BLACK 1
3 RED X
4 GREEN 2
5 YELLOW 3
6 BLUE X
Table 3-2 RJ12 Adapter Pin-out
Figure 3-5 Cash Drawer RJ12 Adapter
3.8 AUX Option
The AUX port option or auxiliary port on the printer is for custom application support.

Getting Started Chapter 3
3-6 485TC Operator’s Manual - 880058-0100
3.9 Loading Media
Loading media into the printer is an easy process. Follow the instructions below to properly
adjust the paper guides and load the media.
1. Loosen the green thumbscrew at the back of the printer to adjust the green media
guides so that the media contacts both sides of the green guides.
2. Retighten the green thumbscrew once the guides have been adjusted.
3. Feed the media into the paper path, between the green guides, until you feel
resistance.
4. Once the printer detects paper in the printer, it will automatically feed and align the
paper so that it is properly positioned.
5. If the Autoload feature is disabled, you may also manually feed the paper through the
printer by lifting the print head release at the top of the printer and feeding the paper
through the printer.
6. Also, if the print button is pushed and held, the printer will manually feed the media
through the printer.
7. Once the media exits the front of the printer, release the Print Button.
Figure 3-6 Loading Media
Insert media
between the
guides until
resistance is felt
Loosen thumb
screw to adjust the
guide, retighten the
thumbscrew when
finished