Pentax PocketJet User manual

Printer User’s
Guide
The Future of Portable
Printing . . . Today!
POWER DATA BATTERY
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
™
®

Contents i
Printer User’s Guide
™
®

ii Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
PENTAX ® is a registered trademark and PocketJet™ is a
trademark of Asahi Optical Co., Ltd.
Centronics ® is a registered trademark of Centronics Data
Corporation.
Helvetica™ and Times™ are trademarks of Linotype-Hell AG
and/or its subsidiaries.
HP ®, LaserJet ® and PCL ® are registered trademarks of
Hewlett-Packard Company.
Macintosh ®, Newton ®, PowerBook ® and TrueType ® are
registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
OS/2 ® is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corporation.
PhoenixPage™ is a trademark of XIONICS.™
RBRC™ is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery
Recycling Corporation.
Windows ® is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
The “CE” mark on the printer indicates compliance with
European Union regulations.
Copyright © 1995, 1997 by PENTAX Technologies Corporation.
All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change without notice.
P/N 201986-003
In Europe, P/N AC000801

Contents iii
Contents
Safety Information 1
Safety Precautions ............................................................... 1
Battery Recycling/Disposal Information ............................ 2
Printer Features 3
Warranty Information 4
Setting Up the Printer 5
Unpacking the Printer .......................................................... 5
Installing the Battery ............................................................. 6
Connecting to an AC Outlet .............................................. 8
Charging the Battery ........................................................... 9
Removing the Battery ........................................................ 11
Tips on Using the Battery.................................................... 12
Checking the DIP Switches ............................................... 13
Printing a Self-Test Sheet .................................................... 14
Checking the Self-Test Sheet............................................. 16
Identifying Your Printer Model....................................... 18
Connecting to Your Computer ......................................... 19
Parallel Interface ............................................................ 19
Optional Serial Interface ............................................... 20
Optional Infrared Interface .......................................... 22
Using the Printer 23
Checking the Printer Driver ............................................... 23
Installing a Printer Driver ................................................ 23
Selecting a Printer.......................................................... 25
Setting Default Paper Size ................................................. 26
Printing ................................................................................. 27
Turning the Printer Off......................................................... 29
Auto-off Timer Feature ................................................... 29
Activating and Disabling the Auto-off Timer .............. 29
Making Prints Lighter or Darker ......................................... 30
Tips on Printing Large Graphics ........................................ 31
Using Fonts ........................................................................... 32
Protecting the Printer ......................................................... 32
PRINTER USER’S GUIDE
CHAPTER
1
CHAPTER
2

iv Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
CHAPTER
3
Tips on Using Paper 33
Inserting Paper .................................................................... 33
Use Recommended Paper ............................................... 34
Usage and Handling Instructions...................................... 34
Clearing a Paper Jam ....................................................... 35
Guide to Imprinting Letterhead ....................................... 36
Maintaining the Printer 37
Cleaning the Print Head .................................................... 37
Cleaning the Platen Roller ................................................ 39
Cleaning the Printer’s Case .............................................. 40
Reference 41
Using the Operation Panel ................................................ 41
Indicator Lights ................................................................... 42
DIP Switches ........................................................................ 44
Troubleshooting 45
Indicator Light Warnings .................................................... 45
Paper Problems .................................................................. 47
Printed Image Problems .................................................... 48
Pages Don’t Print ................................................................ 51
Pages Are Partially Printed ................................................ 52
Technical Information 53
Specifications...................................................................... 53
Radio & Television Interference ........................................ 55
Ordering Information 59
Supplies and Accessories .................................................. 59
Replacement Parts and Upgrades .................................. 60
Printer Commands 61
Character Sets 67
Index 75
CHAPTER
6
CHAPTER
4
CHAPTER
5
CHAPTER
7
CHAPTER
8
APPENDIX
A
APPENDIX
B

1
Safety Information
Safety Precautions
◆Avoid placing the printer in direct sunlight or dusty
environments. Avoid high temperatures and rapid
changes in temperature or humidity.
◆Avoid use in areas of high vibration.
◆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,
accessories, 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 battery installed), you must
use the AC adapter supplied with the printer.
With the AC adapter, you can connect the printer to 110 -
240 volt power outlets. The adapter automatically accepts
the correct voltage when connected.
Check the standard power plug configurations that are
used in your country. If the appropriate power cord is not
included with your printer, notify your local reseller.
United
Kingdom
Australia and
New Zealand
U.S.A. and
Canada
Continental
Europe
Use an SEV approved
plug in Switzerland.
Safety Information

2Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
Unplug AC cable when printer is not in use.
Always unplug the AC cable from the AC power outlet when
you stop using the printer or charging the battery. The
transformer inside the AC adapter generates heat while it is
plugged in. Unplugging the AC adapter extends its life.
Battery Recycling/Disposal Information
This printer contains a rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life,
please consider recycling options (contact your local solid
waste officials) or proper disposal (see 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 Ni-Cd battery pack contained in the
PocketJet printer indicates that Pentax Technologies 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 Ni-Cd battery packs into the trash or municipal waste
stream, which is illegal in some areas.
Pentax Technologies’ payments to RBRC make it easy for you
to drop off the spent battery pack at local retailers of
replacement Ni-Cd 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.

3
Printer Features
The Pentax PocketJet printer is an ultra-light portable printer.
The printer’s small size and light weight make it the ideal
traveling companion for your PC notebook computer.
The Pentax PocketJet printer features:
◆Models for letter, legal, and A4 paper sizes.
◆Models with 512 KB and 2 MB of memory.
◆High-quality images with a resolution of 300 by 300 dots
per inch.
◆Print speed of up to three pages per minute.
◆Operation on battery power or via AC adapter that
automatically switches between 110 and 240 volt power.
◆Operation via optional car adapters.
◆Parallel and serial interfaces. The complete printer kit
includes a parallel interface cable. A serial cable and
cables for selected laptops and PDAs are available.
◆An optional infrared interface adapter for wireless
communication between your printer and computer.
◆Full HP-PCL4 LaserJet®IIP compatibility. The printer can be
driven directly from most software applications and
operating systems.
◆Direct thermal technology—no toner, ribbons, or ink are
ever needed.
◆Connectivity options for Macintosh PowerBook and
Newton computers as well as many Personal Digital
Assistants (PDAs), palmtops and pen-based systems.
Printer Features

4Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
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 (RMA) number and
proof of purchase are required—in the continental United States
call Pentax at 1-800-543-6144 or 1-303-460-1820 and ask for
Customer Support. See the Warranty Registration Card for details.
Outside the continental United States, see the Warranty
Registration Card for contact information and warranty details or
visit the Pentax Technologies Web site (www.pentaxtech.com) for
the location nearest you.
If the PocketJet battery or thermal 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 warranty card included with your PocketJet printer
for extended warranty information, or contact your local
reseller.

5
Setting Up the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Follow the instructions on the Read Me First sheet.
The complete printer kit contains the items in Figure 1.
CHAPTER
1
PENTAX
POWER DATA BATTERY
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
PENTAX
Protective Case
Parallel Interface
Cable
Printer Battery
AC Adapter
AC Cable
Quick Reference Card
®
Service Plans
If TimeIsn't AnIssue. . .
If Timeˆs Critical . . .
During the first year of ownership, Pente=ax will repair or replace, at their option,
anyPocketJet unit oraccessory which malfunctions dueto failure of parts or
worksmanship. Owner must call Pentzx for a Return Maerchandise Aurhtorization
number, thansendtheunit postpaid to Pentaxwith proof of purchase.
Duringthefirst year of ownership, Pente=axwill repair or replace, at their option,
anyPocketJet unit oraccessory which malfunctions dueto failure of parts or
worksmanship. Owner must call Pentzx for a Return Maerchandise Aurhtorization
number, thansendtheunit postpaid to Pentaxwith proof of purchase.
For a longer term needs, you can pruchase the same Hot Swap Service listed above
forathreeyear term. plus anadditional twoyears insteadof only oneyear.
Standard 1 Year Warranty
Standard 1 Year Warranty
Standard 1 Year Warranty
DOS Print
Utility Disk
User's Guide
Print Head
Cleaning
Cloth
Quick Reference
Card
Thermal Paper
(100 Sheet Box)
Warranty
Card
Printer User's
Guide
The Future of Portable
Printing . . . Today!
™
®
FIGURE 1. The contents of the complete printer kit.
Setting Up the Printer

6Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
Installing the Battery
1Open the printer’s battery cover by pressing the
cover latch. Push the cover away from the AC adapter
receptacle.
See Figure 2.
2Swing the cover open and remove it.
3Gently push the battery connector into the terminal
on the inside of the printer’s battery compartment next
to the cover latch.
See Figure 3.
FIGURE 3. Pushing the
battery connector into the
terminal.
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
POWER DATA BATTERY
PARALLEL/SERIAL
AC ADAPT.
!
Terminal
Battery Connector
Removal Ribbon
Bulge
1
2
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
POWER DATA BATTERY
PARALLEL/SERIAL
AC ADAPT.
!
FIGURE 2. Opening the battery cover.

7
Setting Up the Printer
CAUTION:
Do not force the battery connector into the
terminal. If you are having difficulty inserting the con-
nector, make sure the connector tab is facing the top
of the printer case. See Figure 3.
4Grasp the battery removal ribbon, which is attached
to the inside of the battery compartment.
See Figure 4.
NOTE: If you forget to hold on to the ribbon, you may
accidentally insert the battery on top of it. Then you
won’t be able to remove the battery by pulling on
the ribbon.
5While holding on to the ribbon, tilt the battery and
place it inside the battery compartment. Once the
battery clears the outer edges of the compartment,
press it securely into position.
Make sure the side of the battery with the warning label
faces the outside of the battery compartment.
Otherwise, the battery cover will not close properly.
NOTE:
The side of the battery opposite the warning
label contains a heat sensor that stops the flow of elec-
tricity if the battery overheats.
6Attach the battery cover to the end of the battery
compartment opposite the AC adapter receptacle.
Close and latch the cover. If necessary, gently push the
cover latch toward the AC adapter receptacle until it
latches.
Removal Ribbon
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
POWER DATA BATTERY
PARALLEL/SERIAL
AC ADAPT.
!
FIGURE 4. Placing the battery inside the
battery compartment.

8Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
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.
1Connect the AC adapter to the printer.
2Connect the AC cable to the AC adapter.
3Plug the AC cable into a nearby AC power outlet.
The AC adapter works with 100 - 240 volt, 50/60 Hz power.
It senses the voltage in the power outlet and
automatically switches to the proper voltage.
NOTE:
The plug on the AC cable shown in Figure 5 is
compatible with AC power outlets in the U.S.A. and
Canada. Your printer should ship with a power cord
that meets your country’s power requirements. If you
have the wrong power cord, please contact your local
dealer or order direct from Pentax. See Chapter 8,
“Ordering Information,” on page 59.
FIGURE 5. Instructions for connecting
the printer to a power outlet.
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
POWER DATA BATTERY
PARALLEL/SERIAL
AC ADAPT.
!
Printer
1
PENTAX
AC Adapter
AC Cable
To power
receptacle
3
2

9
Charging the Battery
The battery MUST be charged prior to first use.
Follow these steps to charge a new battery and to
recharge a used battery.
1Make sure the printer is connected to an AC power
outlet with the AC adapter and power cord. See page 8.
2Make sure the printer is off.
3Make sure the battery is installed. See page 6.
4Press the main switch and hold it down for a few
seconds until the green BATTERY indicator light stays lit.
See Figure 6.
This puts the printer in Charge mode, which completely
discharges the battery and then charges it.
The green BATTERY indicator light stays lit continuously
until discharging is completed; then it blinks until
charging is completed.
NOTE: During the charging cycle, you will not be able
to print.
When the printer finishes charging the battery, it
automatically turns itself off, and the green BATTERY
indicator light goes off.
The entire process should take about 70 minutes.
Setting Up the Printer
Press and hold down
a few seconds
POWER DATA BATTERY
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
Green BATTERY light
Main
switch
FIGURE 6. Charging the battery.

10 Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
NOTE: Your Ni-Cd battery will last much longer and
carry a greater charge if it is always completely dis-
charged prior to charging. Steps 1-4 in “Charging the
Battery” explain this procedure.
Refreshing the Battery
Refreshing the battery “tops off” the charge without first
discharging the battery. You may refresh a seasoned
battery occasionally when you don’t have time to
completely discharge and charge it.
CAUTION: This procedure is not recommended, par-
ticularly with a new battery, as it may reduce the
battery’s life and its ability to carry a charge.
1Make sure the printer is connected to an AC power
outlet with the AC adapter and power cord.
2Make sure the printer is off.
3Press the main switch and hold it down for a few
seconds until the green BATTERY indicator light stays lit.
This puts the printer in Charge mode, and it starts
discharging the battery.
4Press the main switch and hold it down for a few
seconds until the green BATTERY indicator light starts to
blink. This bypasses the discharging process and puts the
printer in Refresh mode, which charges the battery
immediately.
The green BATTERY indicator light blinks until charging is
completed.
When the printer finishes refreshing the battery, it
automatically turns itself off, and the green BATTERY
indicator light goes off.
Stopping the Charge or Refresh Process
If you want to stop the printer while it is in Charge or Refresh
mode, press the main switch twice quickly.

11
Removing the Battery
1Open the printer’s battery cover by pressing the
cover latch. Swing the cover open and remove it.
2Pull out on the battery removal ribbon as shown in
Figure 7 until the battery starts to tilt out of its
compartment.
NOTE:
If the battery removal ribbon is caught behind
the battery, insert a thin metal object such as a flat-
blade screwdriver between the battery and the case
at the end away from the AC adapter receptacle.
Gently push the battery toward the AC adapter re-
ceptacle and tilt it out of its compartment.
3Remove the battery from the compartment.
4Squeeze the connector tab on the battery connector
down.
5Gently pull the battery connector from the terminal
inside the printer.
Setting Up the Printer
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
POWER DATA BATTERY
PARALLEL/SERIAL
AC ADAPT.
!
Removal
Ribbon
Battery
Connector
Pull ribbon out
Squeeze
connector
tab down
2
4
Tilt battery out
3
Gently pull
connector out
5
FIGURE 7. Instructions for removing the battery.

12 Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
Tips on Using the Battery
◆Charging the battery after it has been completely
discharged takes about 70 minutes. For instructions, see
page 9.
◆When you use the printer with a battery, it can print
approximately 30-35 pages on a full charge.
◆Darker prints discharge the battery faster than lighter
prints do. Use the density dial to adjust lightness and
darkness.
◆The printer’s protective vinyl carrying case has a sleeve
on the inside for an extra battery. With two batteries, you
can print twice as many pages before you have to
charge the batteries. (The sleeve on the back of the case
is for the quick reference card.) To order a spare battery,
see page 59.
◆If the battery is not used for an extended period and
becomes discharged, it is best to recharge it without
using Refresh mode. Follow the instructions for “Charging
the Battery” on page 9.
◆Use of the optional infrared adapter may decrease the
number of pages that can be printed with a fully
charged battery.
◆Activating the auto-off timer (see page 29) extends the
battery’s life and is recommended when using the
optional infrared adapter.

13
Setting Up the Printer
Checking the DIP Switches
The PocketJet printer has eight DIP switches that control
how the printer works. Follow these steps to make sure the
switches are set correctly.
1Set the printer face down so that the battery
compartment is toward you.
2Find the set of eight DIP switches marked SW1 on the
bottom of the printer.
See Figure 8.
3Check the settings of the DIP switches.
At the factory, DIP switches 1,3-6, and 8 are set in the OFF
position. Switches 2 and 7 are set in the ON position.
Figure 8 shows the factory settings.
For a table listing the function of each DIP switch, see
“DIP Switches” on page 44.
PENTAX
THERMAL PRINTER
MODEL NO. PT-A4301
INPUT: DC 14.4V-1.3A
SER. NO.
AO4X12345
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this
device many not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This product meets radio onterference
noise limits EN 55022 (B).
ASAHI OPTICAL CO.,LTD.
MADE IN JAPAN
SW1
Battery compartment
FCC ID: DU2 PT-A4301
TO BE USED WITH MODEL PT-1501A
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY.
SW1
ON
OFF
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
FIGURE 8. Checking the printer’s DIP switches.

14 Pentax PocketJet Printer User’s Guide
Printing a Self-Test Sheet
1Make sure the printer is turned off.
2Set the printer face down so that the battery
compartment is toward you.
3Using a pointed object such as
a push pin or paper clip, gently
move DIP switch 3 away from you
to the ON position.
4Turn the printer face up and press the
main switch once quickly to turn the
printer on. The red POWER indicator lights
up. (If you are using the battery, the green
BATTERY indicator also lights up.)
See
Figure 9.
5Insert a sheet of the recommended thermal paper
into the paper input slot. Place the print side of the
paper away from you, so that it faces the rear of the
printer.
See Figure 10.
NOTE: You can print on only one side of thermal pa-
per. This is the smooth, coated side. For more
information, see “Tips on Using Paper” on page 33.
6After you insert the paper, the printer pulls it though
and prints the self-test image.
See Figure 11.
The green DATA indicator light comes on and stays lit.
One quick press
Red POWER light
POWER DATA BATTERY
CHARGE
REFRESH
ON
OFF
Green BATTERY light
FIGURE 9. Turning on the printer.
SW1
ON
OFF
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8