Oki Microline 520 How to use

Chapter 0
Manual Front Cover
Microline 520/521
Service Handbook
P/N 59257803
Part of the Microline 520/521Service Training Kit
P/N 58229403
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

Chapter 1
1.1.01 General Information
1.1.01 General Information
The Microline 520 and Microline 521 are letter quality, nine-pin, dot-matrix printers which utilize
OKISMART paper handling. Patented Okidata technology does away with the manual head gap
adjustment. The printer actually reads and learns the print medium being used, then automatically adjusts
the head gap to the optimum distance. This autogapping process leads to longer printhead life.
Options include the Bottom Feed Push Tractor, Cut-Sheet Feeder, Pull Tractor and Serial Interface
Board.
The Microline 520 is an 80 column printer.
The Microline 521 is a 132 column printer.
Okidatas one year limited warranty covers the parts, labor and printhead on both printers.
The following items are available for the printer.
OKISMART Typer - software which provides the flexibility for the Microline 590/521 to function like a
typewriter on checks, labels and envelopes.
OKISMART Panel - a utility program that lets you control selected printer functions from your personal
computer.
Scalable Fonts - 14 scalable fonts, available on diskette.
NOTE:
The OkiSmart software includes three programs.
1. OkiSmart Control
2. OkiSmart Panel Emulator
3. OkiSmart Setup
Refer to the Printer Handbook for more information.
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.2 Physical Specifications
1.2 PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1.2.01 Dimensions
NOTE:
Dimensions INCLUDE the platen knob, acoustic cover, and paper separator.
Microline 520
Width: 16.9 inches (43 centimeters)
Depth: 14.9 inches (37.8 centimeters)
Height: 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters)
Microline 521
Width: 23 inches (58.4 centimeters)
Depth: 14.9 inches (37.8 centimeters)
Height: 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters)
1.2.02 Printer Weight
Microline 520
17.6 pounds (8.0 kilograms)
Microline 521
23.1 pounds (10.5 kilograms)
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.3 Power Requirements
1.3 POWER REQUIREMENTS
1.3.01 Input Power
120 VAC: +5.5 / -15%
230/240 VAC: +10 / -14%
1.3.02 Power Consumption
Operating: 110 VA
Idle: 40 VA
Local Test: 70 VA
1.3.03 Power Frequency
120 VAC: 60 Hz +/- 2%
230/240 VAC: 50/60 Hz +/- 2%
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.4 Environmental Conditions
1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
1.4.01 Acoustic Rating
Near Letter Quality Mode
Microline 520 54.9 dBA
Microline 521 54.4 dBA
Utility Mode
Microline 520 57.2 dBA
Microline 521 56.9 dBA
Quiet Mode
Microline 520 52.5 dBA
Microline 521 52.3 dBA
1.4.01 Altitude
10,000 feet (3,050 meters)
1.4.03 Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity (RH)
While operating: 41 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (5 to 40 degrees Celsius)
Operating humidity: 20% to 80% RH
While in storage: 14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit ( - 10 to 50 degrees Celsius)
Storage humidity: 5% to 95% RH
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.6 Operational Specifications
1.6 OPERATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
1.6.01 Character Matrix Sizes
Table of Print Speed and Character Matrix
Print Speed at Different CPI for the ML 520/521
Mode CPI CPS Horiz. DPI Vert DPI IPS
HSD 10 427 90 72 42.7
12 427 108 72 35.6
15 427 135 72 28.5
17.1 427 154 72 25.0
20 427 180 72 21.4
Utility 10 320 120 72 32
12 320 144 72 26.7
15 320 180 72 21.3
17.1 320 206 72 18.6
20 320 240 72 16.0
LQ 10 80 240 144 16.0
12 80 288 144 13.3
15 80 360 144 13.3
17.1 80 412 144 9.32
20 80 480 144 8.0
1.6.02 Characters Per Line
Microline 520
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

Microline 521
1.6.03 Character Pitches
5, 6, 8.5, 10, 12, 15, 17.1, 20
1.6.04 Character Sets
Standard ASCII
EPSON Character Set I & II
IBM Character Set I, II & All Characters
Foreign Character Substitution
International Character Sets
Code Page 850, 860, 863, 865 and 437
Line Graphics
Bar Code
Code 39
UPC A
UPC E
EAN 8
EAN 13
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128 (A, B, C)
Postnet
1.6.05 Emulations
NOTE:
The emulations are co-resident
Epson FX
IBM Proprinter
Microline Standard
1.6.06 Fonts
Near Letter Quality
Courier
Utility
Gothic
High Speed Draft
Gothic
Bar Code
Code 39
UPC A
UPC E
EAN 8
EAN 13
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128 (A, B, C)
Postnet
1.6.07 Front Panel Switches
SELECT / Menu Micro Feed Up / Down
Shift Paper Park
Line Feed Pitch Selection
FORM FEED / Load Print Quality Selection
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

Top of Form Tear
Quiet Reset
1.6.08 Graphics Resolution
Graphics Resolution: 288 (horizontal) x 144 (vertical) dots per inch (DPI) maximum
1.6.09 Interface
Standard
Centronics Parallel
Optional
RS232C Serial
1.6.10 Line Feed Increments
Fixed
6 lines per inch (lpi) [0.167 inch (4.23 millimeters)]
8 lines per inch (lpi) [0.125 inch (3.175 millimeters)]
Variable
n/60 inch
n/72 inch
n/144 inch
n/216 inch
1.6.11 Line Feed Time
65 milliseconds 6 lines per inch (lpi)
6 milliseconds 8 lines per inch (lpi)
1 second 5.0 inches (Continuous paper feed rate)
1.6.12 Menu Mode
1.6.13 Paper Feed Methods
Standard
Friction Feed (Top)
Rear Push Tractor (Rear)
Optional
Pull Tractor (Bottom)
Bottom Push Tractor Feed (Bottom)
Single-Bin Cut Sheet Feeder (Top)
CSF 5000 - Narrow
CSF 5001 - Wide
1.6.14 Paper Feed Paths
Top Feed (Standard)
Rear Feed (Standard)
Bottom Feed (by using an Optional feed mechanism)
Special Features
Paper Park
Automatic Paper Loading
Forms Tear Off
1.6.15 Paper Loading
Auto Loading (Top Feed)
Press FORM FEED / Load switch to feed paper to default position
1.6.16 Paper Out Detection
Distance from end of paper
Rear Feed: 0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

Bottom Feed: 0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
Top Feed: 0.5 inches (12.7 mm)
1.6.17 Paper Tear Capabilities
Forms Tear-0ff (sharp edge on access cover)
Metal Tear Bar (with optional bottom feed tractor unit)
1.6.18 Print Method
Printhead Type
General Information
Impact: Dot Matrix
9 pin printhead
.0134 inch (0.34 millimeter) diameter pins
Overheat Protection
When printhead temperature exceeds 110 degrees Celsius, the printer stops bi-directional printing.
Uni-directional printing begins.
If the temperature exceeds 118 degrees Celsius, printing stops.
Printing will resume when the printhead temperature drops below 118 degrees Celsius.
NOTE:
Refer to Section Two for more information on printhead operation.
1.6.19 Print Modes
Near Letter Quality
Utility
High Speed Draft
1.6.20 Print Speed
Table of Print Speed and Character Matrix
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.7 Paper Specifications
1.7 PAPER SPECIFICATIONS
CAUTION:
Use Bottom Feed and/or optional Pull Tractor for card stock and labels.
1.7.01 Types
Card Stock
Weight: 120 lbs. (450 g/m 2 ) Maximum
Width: Microline 520 5 to 8 inches (12.7 to 20.3 centimeters)
Microline 521 5 to 14 inches (12.7 to 35.6 centimeters)
Length: 3 to 17 inches (7.62 to 43.18 centimeters)
Thickness: .017 inches (0.44 millimeters)
Paper Feed Path: Bottom
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6
Continuous Form
Weight:
Single Part 12 - 24 lb. (45 to 90 g/m 2 )
Multi-Part, Carbonless 9 - 11 lb. (35 to 40 g/m 2 )
Multi-Part, Interleaf Paper 10 - 12 lb. (38 to 45 g/m 2 ) Carbon 9 lb. (35 g/m 2 )
Width: Microline 520 3.5 to 10.5 inches (8.8 to 26.6 centimeters)
Microline 521 3.5 to 16.5 inches (8.8 to 41.9 centimeters)
Length: 3 to 17 inches (7.62 to 43.18 centimeters)
Thickness: 0.014 inches (0.36 millimeters) Rear Feed 0.017 inches (0.44 millimeters) Bottom Feed
Paper Feed Path: Rear or Bottom
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6
Cut Sheet
Weight: 12 to 24 lbs. (45 to 90 g/m 2 )
Width: 7.2 to 14.3 inches (18.3 to 36.3 centimeters)
Width: Microline 520 7.2 to 8.5 inches (18.2 to 21.5 centimeters)
Microline 521 7.2 to 14.3 inches (18.2 to 36.3 centimeters)
Length: 3 to 17 inches (7.62 to 43.18 centimeters)
Thickness: 0.014 inches (0.325 millimeters) Maximum
Paper Feed Path: Top
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6.
Envelopes
Weight: 24 lbs. (90 g/m 2 ) Maximum
Size:
Single Feed
Minimum: 6.5 x 3.6 inches (16.5 x 9.1 centimeters)
Maximum: 9.5 x 4.1 inches (24.1 x 10.4 centimeters)
Continuous
Non-overlap type
Thickness: .014 inches (.325 millimeters)Maximum
Paper Feed Path: Bottom
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6.
Labels
Weight: N/A
Width: Microline 520 3.5 to 10.5 inches (8.8 to 26.6 centimeters)
Microline 521 3.5 to 16.5 inches (8.8 to 41.9 centimeters)
Length: 3 to 17 inches (7.62 to 43.18 centimeters)
Thickness: .011 inches (0.28 mm) Maximum (including backing)
Paper Feed Path: Bottom
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6.
CAUTION:
Use Bottom Feed and/or optional Pull Tractor for card stock and labels.
Transparency
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

NOTE:
Roller marks may mar the transparency under high temperature / high humidity conditions.
Weight: 12 to 24 lbs. (45 to 90 g/m 2 )
Width: Microline 520 7.2 to 8.5 inches (18.2 to 21.5 centimeters)
Microline 521 7.2 to 14.3 inches (18.2 to 36.3 centimeters)
Length: 3 to 17 inches (7.62 to 43.18 centimeters)
Thickness: 0.14 inches (0.36 millimeters)
Paper Feed Path: Top
Printhead Gap Information: Refer to the Printhead Gap Information, Section 1.6.
1.7.02 Length
NOTE:
The recommended length is specific to paper type.
Rear Feed
Minimum 3 inches (7.62 centimeters)
Maximum 17 inches (43.18 centimeters)
Bottom Feed
Minimum 3 inches (7.62 centimeters)
Maximum 17 inches (43.18 centimeters)
Top Feed
Minimum 3 inches (7.62 centimeters)
Maximum 17 inches (43.18 centimeters)
1.7.03 Number of Copies
Original + 4 Interleaf
Original + 4 Carbonless
Original Cut Sheet
1.7.04 Thickness
0.014 inches / 0.36 mm Maximum Thickness, Rear Feed
0.017 inches / 0.44 mm Maximum Thickness, Bottom Feed
1.7.05 Weight
NOTE:
The recommended weight is specific to paper type.
Minimum: 9 lb. (35 g/m 2 )
Maximum: 120 lb. (90 g/m 2 )
1.7.06 Width
NOTE:
The recommended width is specific to paper type.
Paper
Microline 520
Minimum: 3.5 inches ( 8.8 centimeters)
Maximum: 10.5 inches (26.6 centimeters)
Microline 521
Minimum: 3.5 inches ( 8.8 centimeters)
Maximum: 16.5 inches (41.9 centimeters)
Printing Area
Microline 520 8 inches Maximum
Microline 521 13.6 inches Maximum
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.8 Memory Specifications
1.8 MEMORY SPECIFICATIONS
1.8.01 EEPROM
1 Kbit serial EEPROM (used to store Menu data)
1.8.02 EPROM
1 MBit EPROM (Printer Control Program - Fonts)
1.8.03 RAM
128 Kbyte Total Resident RAM
Used as
Receive Buffer
Receive Buffer Size is selected through the Menu.
Settings are: 64 K, 32 K, 1 line
Print Buffer
DLL Buffer
Scratch Pad
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.9 Consumables
1.9 CONSUMABLES
1.9.01 Ribbon
CAUTION:
Using a non-Okidata ribbon may damage the printhead and void any warranties.
Material
Nylon fabric, cartridge type, re-inking
Type
Black Ribbon
Life (On average, at 10 characters per inch, Utility Mode)
4 million characters
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.10 Options - Cut Sheet Feeders
1.10 OPTIONS - Cut Sheet Feeders
1.10.01 Cut Sheet Feeders
Single Bin
The CSF-5000 is a narrow feeder for the Microline 520.
Single Bin with envelope capability
Paper Width: 7.2" to 8.5" (18.3 cm to 36.3 cm)
Paper Length: 10.1" to 14" (25.6 cm to 35.6 cm)
Capacity: 170 sheets (16 lb.), 100 sheets (20 lb.)
The CSF-5001 is a wide feeder for the Microline 521.
Single Bin with envelope capability
Paper Width: 7.2" to 14.3" (18.3 cm to 36.3 cm)
Paper Length: 10.1" to 14" (25.6 cm to 35.6 cm)
Capacity: 170 sheets (16 lb.), 100 sheets (20 lb.)
Dual Bin
P/N 70022601 is a narrow feeder for the Microline 520.
Dual Bin with envelope capability
Paper Width: 7.2" to 8.5" (18.3 cm to 36.3 cm)
Paper Length: 10.1" to 14" (25.6 cm to 35.6 cm)
Capacity: 170 sheets (16 lb.), 100 sheets (20 lb.)
P/N 70022801 is a wide feeder for the Microline 521.
Dual Bin with envelope capability
Paper Width: 7.2" to 14.3" (18.3 cm to 36.3 cm)
Paper Length: 10.1" to 14" (25.6 cm to 35.6 cm)
Capacity: 170 sheets (16 lb.), 100 sheets (20 lb.)1-1-01.pcx
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.10.02 Pull Tractor Kit
1.10.02 Pull Tractor Kit
NOTE:
The Pull Tractor Kit (P/N 70023001) is a narrow feeder for the Microline 520.
The Pull Tractor Kit (P/N 70023201) is a wide feeder for the Microline 521.
Bottom Feed
Rear Feed (For Push/Pull Operation)
Paper Types: Continuous Feed and Labels
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.10.04 Bottom Push Tractor Kit
1.10.04 Bottom Push Tractor Kit
NOTE:
The Bottom Push Tractor Kit (P/N 70022901) is a narrow feeder for the Microline 520.
The Bottom Push Tractor Kit (P/N 70023101) is a wide feeder for the Microline 521.
Bottom Feed
Paper Type: Continuous Feed
Includes: Stand and Metal Tear Bar
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.10.05 Serial Interface
1.10.05 Serial Interface
Super-Speed 19.2K RS-232C
Ready/Busy/X-On/X-Off Protocols
Can be configured through the Menu or OKISmart Utility Program
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.10.06 Roll Paper Stand
1.10.06 Roll Paper Stand
Adapts printer for use with roll-type paper (Model 520 only)
Includes: Stand, Support, Cord and DIN plug for connection to printer
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

%1.11 Reliability
1.11 RELIABILITY
1.11.01 Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF)
Approximately 6,000 hours: 25% duty cycle / 35% page density
1.11.02 Mean Time To Repair (MTTR)
Approximately 15 minutes to major sub-assembly level
1.11.03 Printer Life
Approximately 16,000 hours of power-on time: 25% duty cycle / 35% page density
1.11.04 Printhead Life
Average 200 million characters in 10 cpi utility mode @ normal 25% duty, 35% page density
1.11.05 Ribbon Life
Approximately 4 million characters
1.11.06 Warranty (Limited)
One year, parts and labor
1.11.07 Service
Authorized OKIdata Service Centers
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )

Chapter 2
2.1 Electrical Operation
2.1 ELECTRICAL OPERATION
The printer is comprised of the electrical components listed below.
Main Control Board
Power Supply Assembly
Transformer
Filter Board
Operator Panel
Space Motor / Line Feed Motor
Printhead
ML520/521 ( 96-02-04 )