Microcom 485t User manual

MODEL 485T

DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

PART NUMBER: 880062-0100

January 3, 2018 CPC

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.

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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

3.3RS232 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

3.11.3Diagnostic 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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

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

3.16.14.2 Save/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

3.1 Configuration Application 3-33

3.1.1 Selecting a Device ......................................................................................3-33

3.1.1.1 Configuration Application - Serial (USB / RS-232)......................................3-33

3.1.1.2 Configuration Application - USB HID...........................................................3-34

3.1.1.3 Configuration Application - Ethernet............................................................3-34

3.1.2 Configuring a device ...................................................................................3-34

3.1.2.1 Applying changes........................................................................................3-35

3.1.2.2 Reverting changes ......................................................................................3-35

3.1.2.3 Saving/loading configuration files................................................................3-35

3.1.3 Application preferences...............................................................................3-35

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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 6-3

List of Tables 6-5

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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 v

Introduction

The Model 485T 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.

485T Rear Side View

485T Front Side View

vi 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 1-1

Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

1.1 General Specifications

Width* 11.7” (297 mm)

Height*8.5” (216 mm)

Depth*15.5” (394 mm)

Weight*24.2 lbs. (11 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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

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

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

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

·Pre-Stock Out Sensor Assembly

·Low Paper Sensor Assembly

·Wristband Option

·Paper Supply Holders

·Media Catch Trays

·Cleaning kit

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

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 hardware flow control CTS/RTS handshaking.

Optional Rj12

Serial

Power

Connection

USB Port

Optional Cash

Drawer Port

RS232 Port External Media

Entry Slot

ON/OFF Switch

Chapter 3 Getting Started

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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

DE-9

Pin #

State

DE-9

Pin # Signals /

Directions

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

J12

Getting Started Chapter 3

3-4 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

Pin 1

DR1

Pin 3

DR2

Pin 2

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

485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100 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 485T Operator’s Manual - 880062-0100

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

Table of contents

Microcom 485T User manual