Pentax 206627 - PocketJet 3 Plus User manual

Printer User’s Guide
The Future of Portable
Printing . . . Today!

BlackBerry is a trademark of Research in Motion.
Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Symbian OS is a trademark of Symbian Ltd.
PALM and PALM OS are trademarks of Palm, Inc.
PENTAX and PocketJet are registered trademarks of Pentax Corporation.
PSION is a trademark of Psion PLC.
RBRC is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
WINDOWS is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
EPSON is a trademark of Epson Corporation.
Copyright © 2004, 2005 by PENTAX Imaging Company,
A division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
P/N 206617-001
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Contents
Safety Information ...................................................................................v
Printer Features.....................................................................................viii
Warranty Information .............................................................................ix
Chapter 1 – Setting Up the Printer................................................................1
Unpacking the Printer ..............................................................................1
Connecting to an AC Outlet.....................................................................2
Connecting to a DC Supply .....................................................................3
Using the Operation Panel .......................................................................4
Main Switch Functions........................................................................4
Indicator Lights...................................................................................5
Chapter 2 Using the Printer ..........................................................................7
Printing Solutions.....................................................................................7
Driver Installation....................................................................................8
CD Install............................................................................................8
Manual Install......................................................................................9
Accessing Advanced Software Features..................................................9
Density Modes...................................................................................10
2-Ply Modes ......................................................................................10
Form Feed Modes..............................................................................10
Selecting Media......................................................................................10
Cut Sheet Paper.................................................................................10
Non-Perforated Roll Paper................................................................10
Perforated Roll Paper........................................................................12
Windows Advanced Features.................................................................12
Windows-Specific Operating System Features......................................13
Connecting to Your Computer...............................................................14
Via USB Cable..................................................................................14
Via Infrared (IrDA)...........................................................................15
Via Bluetooth (Bluetooth Models Only)...........................................15
Via Serial (Serial Models Only)........................................................15
Printing...................................................................................................16
Turning the Printer OFF....................................................................17
Making Prints Lighter or Darker.......................................................17
Configuration Utility..............................................................................18
Controllable Printer Features.............................................................18
Installing the Configuration Program................................................18
Using the Configuration Program.....................................................19
Menu Bar...........................................................................................20
Configuration Options.......................................................................24
Printer Commands (Function Buttons)..............................................35
Installing the Battery..............................................................................38
Removing the Battery ............................................................................40
Charging the Battery..............................................................................41
Stopping the Charge Process.............................................................41
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Tips on Using the Battery......................................................................42
Chapter 3 – Tips on Using Paper................................................................ 43
Inserting Paper.......................................................................................43
Use Pentax Quality Paper ......................................................................44
Usage and Handling Instructions...........................................................44
Clearing a Paper Jam .............................................................................45
Method 1...........................................................................................45
Method 2...........................................................................................45
Chapter 4 – Maintaining the Printer ...........................................................47
Cleaning the Print Head.........................................................................47
Cleaning the Platen Roller.....................................................................49
Cleaning the Printer’s Exterior .............................................................. 51
Chapter 5 – Reference ................................................................................53
Indicator Lights......................................................................................53
Indicator Light Table.........................................................................53
Indicator Light Warnings....................................................................... 54
Self-Test Feature.................................................................................... 56
Chapter 6 – Troubleshooting......................................................................57
Overview................................................................................................57
Paper Problems...................................................................................... 58
Printed Image Problems.........................................................................58
Pages Don’t Print................................................................................... 61
Pages Are Partially Printed....................................................................61
Windows CE-related Problems..............................................................62
Bluetooth-related Problems ...................................................................62
Chapter 7 – Technical Information.............................................................63
Specifications.........................................................................................63
Physical.............................................................................................63
Printing..............................................................................................63
Interfaces...........................................................................................64
Environmental...................................................................................64
Electrical ...........................................................................................65
Regulatory.........................................................................................65
Radio & Television Interference............................................................ 74
United States FCC Regulations.........................................................74
Canadian Regulations........................................................................75
European Regulations .......................................................................75
Chapter 8 – Ordering Information..............................................................77
Consumables..........................................................................................77
Accessories/Replacement Parts..............................................................77
Uploadable Fonts................................................................................... 78
Appendix I – Character Set Tables.............................................................79
Index...........................................................................................................81
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Safety Information
Use Recommendations
• Because the printer uses a thermal printing method, it produces heat
during operation. Be sure to place it where it will receive adequate
ventilation.
• Don’t allow moisture to come in contact with the printer, the AC
adapter, or the AC power cord.
Outdoor Use Warning
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this printer, its AC
adapter, or the power cord to rain or moisture.
Caution: Using AC Power
To use AC power (with or without the battery installed), you must use
the AC adapter supplied with the printer.
The AC adapter allows you to connect to worldwide (100-240 volt)
power outlets. The power cord supplied with the PocketJet 3 / 3 Plus
AC adapter is designed to fit many 115 volt outlets and is shown
below. The AC adapter automatically adjusts to the correct voltage
when connected.
Check the power plug configurations and voltages that are used in your
country. If you need a different plug or power cord, you can either
purchase a plug adapter locally, or contact your local reseller or Pentax
for assistance in procuring a proper cord set.
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Battery Recycling/Disposal Information
This printer can run on an optional rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride
(NiMH) battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life,
please consider recycling options (contact your local solid waste
officials) for proper disposal (see the paragraphs below). It may be
illegal under various state and local laws to dispose of the battery in
your solid waste collection.
The RBRC seal on the NiMH battery pack supplied for the
PocketJet 3 / 3 Plus printers indicates that Pentax is voluntarily
participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these battery
packs at the end of their useful life, when taken out of service within
the United States. The RBRC program provides a convenient
alternative to putting spent NiMH battery packs into the trash or
municipal waste stream, which is illegal in some areas.
Pentax payments to RBRC make it easy for you to drop the spent
battery pack at local retailers of replacement NiMH batteries or at
authorized Pentax product service centers. You may also contact your
local recycling center for information on where to return the spent
battery packs. The involvement of Pentax in this program is part of its
commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural
resources.
For users outside the United States, please contact your local reseller or
local solid waste official for information on recycling your used
batteries.
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EU Product Disposal
1) In the European Union:
If your product is marked with the symbol above, it means that used
electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste.
There exists a separate collection system for these products.
Used electronic equipment must be treated separately and in
accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery,
and recycling of these products.
Following the implementation by member states, private households
within the EU states may return their used electronic equipment to
designated collection facilities free of charge.* In some countries, your
local retailer may also take back your old product free of charge if you
purchase a similar new one.
*Please contact your local authority for further details.
By disposing of this product correctly, you will help ensure that the
waste undergoes the necessary treatment, recover, and recycling and
thus prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human
health which could otherwise arise due to inappropriate waste
handling.
2) In other countries outside the EU:
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities
and ask for the correct method of disposal.
For Switzerland: Used electronic equipment can be returned free of
charge to the dealer, even when you don’t purchase a new product.
Further, collection facilities are listed on the home page of
www.swico.ch or www.sens.ch.
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Printer Features
The Pentax PocketJet® ultra-portable printers have been specifically
designed to meet the growing demands of mobile workers.
• The printer can be driven directly from Windows® (95, 98, ME,
2000, XP, CE, CE.NET), Symbian/EPOC OS, Linux, and MAC
OSX operating systems and other handheld devices. Most
PocketPC, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and Palm units require
third party software.
Note: Refer to www.pentaxtech.com and choose PocketJet Printers,
Paper, and Accessories for the most current driver solutions.
• High-quality images with a resolution of 203 by 200 dpi (for
PocketJet 3) or 300 by 300 dpi (for PocketJet 3 Plus).
• Print speed of up to three pages per minute.
• Operation via AC adapter (that automatically senses and
adjusts between 100 and 240 volt power), 12 Volt DC vehicle
power, or an internal battery.
• Interface via USB cable or IRDA. For all PocketJet 3 and 3 Plus kit
models, a 3-foot (1 meter) USB cable is supplied. The printers may
also be used with IrDA-capable hosts.
• Integrated Bluetooth® and integrated serial connections are available
as printer options at the time of purchase.
Note: Pentax does not offer an upgrade option of Bluetooth or serial
compatibility on the original PocketJet 3 or PocketJet 3 Plus
printers.
• Direct thermal technology — no toner, ribbons, or ink are needed.
• Selectable paper types: cut sheet (US Letter, US legal, A4, or user-
defined), roll (continuous or perforated), and fanfold.
• “Infinite” paper size selection to allow printing of very long
continuous streams of data on roll paper without a page break.
• Automatic switching between Text Mode and Raster Mode (For more
information see “A Note about Text Mode,” page 7).
• Custom fonts may be developed for this printer to meet unique
customer applications. For further information in N. America, call 1-
800-543-3860 or 303-460-1600. All other areas, call your local
dealer.
Page viii

Warranty Information
Standard Warranty
Pentax provides, free of charge, a one-year limited warranty for your
new PocketJet printer. For one year from the date of original purchase,
Pentax will repair or replace a failed unit with a new or rebuilt unit
when it is returned postpaid to an authorized Pentax service center. A
return material authorization number (RMA) and proof of purchase are
required—in the United States and Canada call Pentax Customer
Support at 1-800-543-6144, ext. 1820.
Outside the United States and Canada, see the CD supplied with this
product for contact information and warranty details. You can also
contact your local dealer for information.
See the warranty information on the CD supplied with the unit for
details or you can log onto the Pentax web site at www.pentaxtech.com
and choose “PocketJet Printers, Paper and Accessories.”
If the NiMH battery pack or the Pentax Quality Paper fails due to
defects in material or workmanship within the first 90 days of
ownership, it will be replaced. Contact Pentax or your local reseller for
further information.
Pentax makes no other warranty, either expressed or implied, with
respect to this product. Some states or provinces do not allow
limitations, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Extended Warranty
See the information on the CD included with your PocketJet printer for
extended warranty information, or contact Pentax at 1-303-460-1820
(in Europe, +32.2.306.1194) and ask for Customer Support.
Warranty Registration
We recommend that you register your printer so that we can contact
you with product update information if necessary. Please use the CD
that came with your printer or register directly on-line at:
www.pentaxtech.com/. Then click on “PocketJet Printers, Paper, and
Accessories.” Click on “Warranty Upgrades and Special Offers.”
Note: Failure to return warranty cards or complete on-line warranty
information will not diminish your warranty rights.
Page ix

Notes:
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Chapter 1 - Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Read and follow any instructions on any Read Me First sheet that may
be included in your kit.
A typical printer kit may contain the items shown in Figure 1.
FIGURE 1. The contents of your printer kit
Page 1

Connecting to an AC Outlet
Connect the printer to a nearby AC power outlet to run it on AC power
or to charge the battery (see “Charge the Battery,” page 4).
1. Connect the AC adapter to the printer as shown in Figure 2.
2. Connect the AC power cord to the AC adapter.
3. Plug the AC power cord into a nearby AC power outlet (100~240
VAC, 50-60 Hz).
FIGURE 2. Connecting the printer to an AC power outlet
The PocketJet works from DC sources from 10 to 17V, and can require
as much as 2.6A. Operation below 14 volts may slow printing.
NOTE: The plug shown on the AC power cord shown in Figure 2 is
compatible with AC power outlets in the U.S.A., Canada,
and some Central and South American countries. A plug
adapter or different cord may be necessary for AC power in
other countries or you can contact your local reseller or
Pentax for further assistance.
Page 2

Connecting to a DC Supply
The PocketJet can be powered from its internal NiMH battery or from a
vehicle DC supply. To install the battery, see page 38. To connect
your PocketJet to a “12-volt” vehicle DC supply to print or maintain
the battery charge, follow the steps below.
1. Connect an appropriate power adapter cord (either with a cigarette
plug or direct wired) to the vehicle 12VDC supply as shown in
Figure 3. (These items are available as options - See Ordering
Information, Chapter 8.)
2. Connect the power cord to the PocketJet.
3. Turn on the vehicle power, and then turn on the PocketJet.
FIGURE 3. Connecting the printer to DC power
The PocketJet printer works from DC sources from 10V to 17V.
Operation below 14 volts may slow printing.
Page 3

Using the Operation Panel
The operation panel consists of the main switch and three indicator
lights. See Figure 4.
FIGURE 4. Operation panel
Main Switch Functions
Power ON: Push once while the printer is OFF.
Power OFF: Push twice quickly.
Manual Form Feed: With power ON and paper inserted, press and
hold the main switch to feed (or eject) paper. In order to assure that
printing is complete before permitting a form feed, manual form feeds
cannot be performed for five seconds after the printer has received any
data. The button must then be held down for 1-1/2 seconds to start the
form feed.
Charge the Battery: With the printer off, push the main switch and
hold it down for two or more seconds until the POWER indicator
begins to blink. The POWER indicator light continues to blink until
charging is complete.
To Power Off During Charge Mode: Push the main switch twice
quickly (same as when in normal operating mode).
Service Mode: After powering the unit on, press and hold for 2
seconds until the DATA LED turns red. In this mode you may initiate
self test printing (see Chapter 5) or head cleaning (see Chapter 4).
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NOTE:Additional functions such as Auto On, Auto Off, and Pre-
Feed are available for your printer through the Configuration Utility.
See pages 18-37 for details.
Indicator Lights
The three indicator lights—POWER, DATA, and ERROR— show
both normal operation and error conditions. Each light may appear as
green, red, or orange, and may either stay lit continuously or blink.
The meaning of the many possible indications of these lights is
explained in more detail in Chapter 5.
Some of the more common indications follow:
• POWER light is steady green: Power is on, external power.
• POWER light is red or orange: The printer is operating on battery
power. Color and blink/solid indicates approximate charge
remaining.
• POWER light is alternately blinking green/yellow: Battery is being
discharged prior to charging.
•POWER light is blinking green: Battery is charging.
• DATA light is steady green: Unprinted data is in the printer buffer or
a command has been received from the computer.
• DATA light is blinking green: Printer is receiving data.
• ERROR light is steady or blinking in any color: Except when
sending new flash code or fonts, an error has occurred.
Please refer to the table in Chapter 5 that contains all combinations of
indicator lights and their meanings.
Page 5

Notes:
Page 6

Chapter 2 - Using the Printer
Printing Solutions
Pentax provides printing solutions for many different operating systems and
device types.
Device types include:
•Windows systems, Mac OS X, and Linux
•PDA Systems (Windows Mobile [Pocket PC] systems, Palm
systems, Psion/Symbian EPOC systems, and Windows CE
systems)
Drivers that can be installed automatically, once selected from the
Installation CD’s main setup program, are:
•Windows 95/98/Me
•Windows 2000/XP
•PocketPC* applets – time trials only
•Palm OS* applets – time trials only
•Psion/Symbian (EPOC – V. 5 and V. 6)
•Windows CE
* These operating systems do not support printing without the addition of
a printing applet. Trial versions of the printing applet are supplied on
the CD and on the Pentax website. Contact the applet provider to
purchase the one you want after the trial period. PocketPC 2000 and
higher systems may use the WinCE driver if using application software
that is enabled to use it.
Note: BlackBerry devices are supported through 3rd-party support and
require Bluetooth compatibility. See www.pentaxtech.com for
more information.
Drivers that must be installed manually from the CD are:
•Linux – see any Read Me instructions in CD directory.
•Mac OSX – see any Read Me instructions in CD directory.
A Note about Text Mode:
The PocketJet 3 and 3 Plus printers can print either Raster
Graphics or Text Mode. The choice is determined
automatically by the data stream sent from the host device to
the printer.
Raster Graphics is the most common form of usage for the
PocketJet. The printer uses bit-mapped graphics as opposed to
Page 7

text. What you will see is WYSIWYG – what you see is what
you get – meaning that what is on your computer screen is
what is printed.
In Text Mode, the PocketJet will print only the characters
contained in the resident character set. For the PocketJet 3 and
PocketJet 3 Plus, this character set is the Epson® ESC/P
emulation in native serif and sans serif fonts in 10, 12, 15, and
proportional sizes.
Please take time to fill out the warranty registration information
before installing any drivers to assist with technical support, should
you need it.
Driver Installation
CAUTION: Please do NOT connect your PocketJet printer to your
computer via the USB cable UNTIL you have performed the
driver installation. If you accidentally do so, cancel the “New
Hardware Wizard”, disconnect the printer, and begin the
driver installation described below.
For most printer applications, your printer requires software drivers
to communicate with your computer. A CD with drivers and
installation information is provided with your PocketJet kit. The
newest information and drivers are available from the Pentax web
site, www.pentaxtech.com, by choosing “PocketJet Printers and
Accessories.” The supplied CD and the website both list the latest
driver version numbers. If the website version is newer (with a
higher version number), we recommend that you install the website
version.
CD Install
1. If you are installing PDA software, connect your PDA to your PC
now (PDA means a WinCE, PocketPC, Palm OS, or Symbian OS
device).
2. Insert the CD in your PC’s CD drive.
3. Select “Installation,” select your printer type, and click
“Continue.”
4. Complete the Registration Information.
5. Select ALL operating systems you wish to install drivers for, and
then click “Continue.” Note: Your Windows operating system
will be selected by default.
Page 8

6. Follow all on-screen instructions to install all the software you
selected. Each option selected has its own installer. They will run
one-by-one until all have been installed.
7. If installing PDA software, it may be necessary to “HotSync” with
your PDA now.
8. Complete any additional warranty information requested and then
submit the form using your preferred method.
9. Click “Exit” to close the CD or browse the CD to learn about
additional solutions available for your PocketJet printer or other
Pentax products.
Note: If the automatic CD installation does not proceed as explained
above, use the manual install procedure below.
Manual Install
Some operating systems require installing the driver manually,
including Mac OS X and Linux. View the “Readme.txt” file on the CD
for more information. Note that every driver can be installed manually
if necessary.
Browse the CD to locate the “Setup” or “Install” program for your
operating system, then double click on the “.exe” program icon and
follow the on-screen instructions.
If the installation does not proceed as explained above, contact Pentax
Customer Service.
Accessing Advanced Software Features
These features can be accessed using the software dialog boxes and
methods discussed below.
In Windows 2000/XP, permanently change the advanced features using
“Start:Settings:Printers: Pentax PocketJet3:Printing
Preferences:Advanced” or the settings may be temporarily changed
using the “Print Setup” from your application.
In Windows 95/98/Me, use the path “Start:Settings:Printers:Pentax
PocketJet 3:Properties:Advanced”
In Windows CE, double tap on the PocketJet printer icon in the Control
Panel window.
Page 9

Density Modes
You can set the print density to your preference from zero to 10. 0 is
the lightest, 7 is the default (medium), and 10 is the darkest.
2-Ply Mode
For special applications where 2-ply paper is needed, this setting makes
prints that are darker (and print slower) than the density mode set to 10
as listed above.
Form Feed Modes
You can set how the printer ejects paper by using the following
options.
• Fixed Page Mode - the paper always feeds at the end of a job to
complete the vertical page size specified (i.e., letter, legal, A4, or
user-defined size). Use this with cut sheet paper
• End of Page Mode - the printer feeds paper until an “out-of-
paper” condition is found, or a maximum of 14” (35.6 cm). Use
this with perforated paper.
• No Feed Mode - there is no paper feed at the end of a job. This is
typically used with non-perforated roll paper to save paper.
- No Feed Mode Extra Feed - this option is used in conjunction
with the No Feed Mode to eject paper by setting the number of
lines to be ejected (at 200-dpi for PocketJet 3 or 300-dpi for
PocketJet 3 Plus) after the end of a document.
NOTE: The “Extra Feed” mode only affects the last page of a
document. The bottom margin as selected by the application has
no effect. The top margin actually defines the total top and bottom
margin between pages of a multi-page job.
Selecting Media
Cut Sheet Paper
1. Select “Fixed Page” mode.
2. Select the appropriate paper size (Letter, A4, or Legal).
3. In Windows 2000/XP, set the Paper Type to “Cutsheet.”
Non-Perforated Roll Paper
To use roll paper, you must select from either fixed page length using
“Fixed Page Mode” or variable page length using the “No Feed Mode”
and selecting a page eject length using the “No Feed Mode Extra Feed”
option.
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