Postek TW Series User manual

USER MANUAL

FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
This equipment may generate, use and/or radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in full accordance with this
instruction manual, interference to radio communications may occur. This equipment complies with the limits for a Class A
Information Technology Equipment pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may
also cause interference. In such case the user will be required, at own expense, to correct the interference using whatever
means necessary.
Trademarks
ARM is a registered trademark of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd.
Centronics is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright
Copyright © POSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual cannot be reproduced
in any form without the prior written permission of POSTEK. No patent liability is assumed, with respect to the use of the
information contained herein.
TW Series Thermal Printer User’s Manual
2nd edition November, 2016
Disclaimer
This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The instructions and descriptions it contains are accurate for the
POSTEK TW Series thermal printer at the time of this manual’s distribution. However, succeeding printers and manuals are
subject to change without notice. POSTEK assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly from errors,
omissions or discrepancies between the printer and this manual.
Although this manual describes and details many issues which could possibly occur, the manufacturer cannot warrant against
unpredictable conditions during the printing process. For problems such as the printer not working, lost or unclear print content,
etc., the manufacturer and resellers are responsible for correcting these issues (according to POSTEK Printer Warranty
Clauses). In no event shall the manufacturer or the resellers involved be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without
limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss)
arising from the use of, the results of use or inability to use this product, even if the manufacturer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages.

TW Series User’s Manual
ii
Important Safety Instructions
Only qualified and trained service technicians should attempt to repair the printer.
Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
Be sure that the output of the power adapter is 24 VDC and your power source matches the rating listed on the power
adapter. Be certain your power source is grounded.
To avoid getting an electric shock, do not use a worn or damaged power cord. If the power cord becomes damaged or
frayed, replace it immediately.
Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.
The printer and power adapter should never be operated in a location where either one can get wet. Personal injury may
result.
The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid
touching the printhead.
To get increased printhead longevity and higher quality printouts, always use approved labels, tags and thermal transfer
ribbons. Approved supplies can be ordered from your POSTEK authorized reseller.
Static electricitythat accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroythe printhead
or electronic components in this device. DO NOT touch the printhead or the electronic components with bare hands.
Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
Never operate in a high temperature environment.
Turn off the power when not in use for extended periods.
Follow all recommendations and setup instructions included in this manual.
Warnings:
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures (see FCC Notice).
Static electricity that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other objects can damage the print head or electronic
components in the TW Series printer. Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling.

TW Series User’s Manual
iii
Content
Preface...............................................................................................................................................................................1
Important Notice, Read Me First .........................................................................................................................................1
Chapter1: Introduction...................................................................................................................................................2
Printer Specifications..........................................................................................................................................................2
Contents of Box..........................................................................................................................................................................3
Packing List................................................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Setupand Use................................................................................................................................................4
Setting up the Printer..........................................................................................................................................................4
Main Parts and Structures...........................................................................................................................................4
Loading Path...............................................................................................................................................................8
Connecting the Printer................................................................................................................................................8
Power Connection..............................................................................................................................................................8
Interface Connection...................................................................................................................................................9
Loading the Ribbon............................................................................................................................................................9
Unloading the Ribbon.......................................................................................................................................................14
Loading the Media ...................................................................................................................................................................15
Standard Mode, Peel-off mode and ManuallyTear-off mode...................................................................................15
Cutting Mode............................................................................................................................................................20
Changing Media and Ribbon............................................................................................................................................22
Adjusting the Position of Media Sensor............................................................................................................................23
Reflective Media Sensor...........................................................................................................................................23
Transmissive Media Sensor.......................................................................................................................................25
Chapter 3: Operations and Settings..............................................................................................................................26
Basic Operations...............................................................................................................................................................26
Power Switch............................................................................................................................................................................26
The Front Panel.........................................................................................................................................................26
LCD Display.............................................................................................................................................................27
LCD Panel Operation................................................................................................................................................27
Tear-off......................................................................................................................................................................................31
Manual Peel-off................................................................................................................................................................31
Cutting Mode............................................................................................................................................................32
Adjusting the Pressure of Printhead..................................................................................................................................33
Adjusting the Tension of Ribbon......................................................................................................................................34
Windows Driver and Label Software................................................................................................................................35
Chapter4: Maintenance ................................................................................................................................................36
Cleaning the Printhead......................................................................................................................................................36
Cleaning the Platen Roller.......................................................................................................................................................37
Cleaning the Printer Interior....................................................................................................................................................37
Chapter5: Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................................................38
LCD Error Messages................................................................................................................................................................38
LED Error Indications..............................................................................................................................................................39
Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................................................................40
Vertical Blank Lines Appear .....................................................................................................................................40
Printer Timeout Error Message........................................................................................................................................40
Data Sent butNot Printing........................................................................................................................................40
Poor Printing Quality................................................................................................................................................40
Recovery...........................................................................................................................................................................41
Appendix A: Interface Specifications...........................................................................................................................42
Appendix B: ASCII Table...........................................................................................................................................................43

TW Series User’s Manual
Preface, Important Notice
1
Preface
Your POSTEK TW Series high performance industrial barcode thermal printer features innovative state-of-the-art technology
and superior quality workmanship. Boasting an all metal frame and unique core construction, the TW Series printer achieves a
sturdy and durable stationary platform for smooth printing. A powerful control system can easily handle the most complicated
printing requirements, and advanced thermal transfer/direct thermal technology offers optimum printout clarity.
This manual explains how to set up and begin using your TW Series printer. It also provides detailed information on
configuring your printer, basic operations, care and troubleshooting.
Please read this manual carefully before using the POSTEK TW Series printer.
Important Notice, Read Me First
The thermal printhead can be easily damaged due to its precision construction. A printhead damaged by misuse is not covered
under the terms of the warranty. To ensure longevity of the printhead, please note the following:
1. DO NOT scrape or use tools that might damage the printhead surface.
2. To protect from corroding the printhead, DO NOT touch the printhead with bare hands.
3. DO NOT use thermal paper or thermal transfer ribbons which contain Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chlorine (Cl).
4. Keep printhead away from any form of liquid or dampness.
5. Only use a cotton swab dipped in anhydrous isopropyl alcohol to clean the printhead.
6. Always use high-quality consumables:
 When the printhead module is closed, pressure is placed directly onto the printhead; dirt such as paper scraps, sand,
dust and glue can scrape or damage the printhead.
 The thermal printhead is also easily damaged by static electricity, which may be generated by poor quality ribbons.
7. Always purchase high quality consumables.
Note: The TW Series printer functions under Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer print methods. Thermal Transfer is set
as the factory default (requires ribbon for printing). However, if you need to print on Direct Thermal materials (ribbon is
not required), please contact your printer supplier or service provider to reduce the printhead pressure. This can protect
your printhead from early performance deterioration due to direct contact with the thermal media. Any physical printhead
damage caused by direct thermal printing is not covered under warranty.

2
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Printer Specifications
Model
TW6 (203dpi)
TW6 (300dpi)
TW8
Printing method
Thermal Transfer
Printing resolution
203 dpi (8 dots/mm)
300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm)
Max printing speed
6 ips (152.4 mm/s)
4 ips (101.8 mm/s)
Max printing width
6.6″ (168 mm)
8.64″ (219.5 mm)
Max printing length
157″ (4000 mm)
79″ (2000 mm)
CPU/Memory
8 MB FLASH ROM, 32 MB SDRAM
Media
Width: 10.23″ (260 mm) max, 3.54" (90 mm) min.
Total thickness (including liner, if any): 0.0024″ (0.06 mm) ~ 0.019″ (0.48 mm).
Supply roll: OD 8.27″ (210 mm) max. ID 3″(76.2 mm) min.
Ribbon
Max width: 8.66″ (220 mm), Max length: 1968' (600 m)
Ink side: Out
Ribbon roll: OD 3.54″ (90 mm) max., ID 1″ (25.4 mm) min.
Media sensor
UP & Down Reflective (Adjustable) / Transmissive (Adjustable)
Fonts
Five built-in dot matrix ASCII fonts, user-downloadable TrueType Fonts
Barcode types
1D Barcode: Code 39, Code 93, Code 128/subset A,B,C, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPC A/E 2
and 5 add-on, EAN-13/8/128, UCC-128, etc;
2D Barcode: MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix, QR, etc.
Interfaces
RS-232 Serial, USB Device 2.0, USB Host, 10/100 Mb Ethernet.
LCD display
Graphic Dot Matrix
Power rating
100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 3.5 A
Weight
9 kgs
Dimensions
W 14.8″ (375 mm) x D 17.1″ (435 mm) x H 9.8″ (250 mm) with unfolded Media Stand.
W 14.8″ (375 mm) x D 14.2″ (360 mm) x H 9.8″ (250 mm) with folded Media Stand.
Operation environment
Temperature: 32F ~ +104F (0C ~ 40C)
Relative humidity: 5% - 85% non condensing
Storage environment
Temperature: -40F ~ +140F (-40C ~ 60C)
Relative humidity: 5% - 85% non condensing
Optional items
Cutter, Centronics Parallel, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0

3
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 1: Introduction
Contents of Box
Inspect the shipping carton(s) for possible shipping damage, if damage is discovered, notify the shipping company to report
the nature and extent of the damage.
Please check the items according to the Packing List. If there are any items missing, notify your authorized reseller.
Packing List
TW Series Printer
1 pc
Power Cord
1 pc
USB interface cable
1 pc
Quick Start Guide
1 pc
*CD-ROM
1 pc
*Note: CD-ROM pack includes TW printer driver, label design software, TW Series User’s Manual and the
Programming Manual.
USB Cable
TW Series Printer
Quick Start Guide
Power Cord CD-ROM

4
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
11
1
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Setting up the Printer
Before setting up the printer consider the following:
1. Make sure there is adequate space around the printer for loading consumables and proper ventilation.
2. Make sure the printer is close to the host so the interface cable is easily accessible at either end.
Main Parts and Structures
2
3
4
5 12
6
7 13
8
9
14
10
Figure 2-1
1. LCD
2. READY Indicator
3. MEDIA Indicator
4. RIBBON Indicator
5. CANCEL Button
6. FEED Button
7. PAUSE Button
8. Media Calibration Button
9. MENU Button
10. Media Outlet
11. Right Cover
12. Media Stand
13. viewing window
14. Cover Handle

5
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
1
2
3
4
5
6 7
Figure 2-2
1. Ribbon Take-up Adjusting
Knob
2. Ribbon Take-up Spindle
3. Printhead
4.
Platen Roller
5.
Media Sensor
6.
Tear Bar
7.
Printhead Bracket

6
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Figure 2-3
1. Printhead Module Plate
2. Handle
3. Printhead Module
4. Media Guide
5. Ribbon Guide Rod
6. Media Sensor
7. Media Guide Rod
8. Media Supply
9. Media Spindle
10. Media Roll Guide
11. Ribbon Sensor
12. Ribbon Supply
12
11
10
9

7
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Figure 2-4
1. RS-232 Serial Port
2. Centronics Port
7. USB Device 2.0
4. USB Host
5. Ethernet Port
6. Power Switch
7. AC In Port

8
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Loading Path
1
2
3
4 7
5
6
Figure 2-5
1. Ribbon Path
2.
Printhead
3.
Media Path
4.
Platen Roller
5. Ribbon Guide Rod
6. Transmissive Media Sensor
7.
Media Guide Rod
Connecting the Printer
Warnings:
(1) Do not use the printer near liquids or corrosive chemicals.
(2) Using the wrong power cord may cause damage to your printer. POSTEK assumes no liability for any damage in such
cases. The rating for the printer is 100-240 V,50/60 Hz.
Power Connection
1. Make sure the printer is switched OFF.
2. Connect the power cord to the AC In Port on the back of the printer.
3. Plug the power cord into a live wall outlet.

9
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Figure 2-6
Interface Connection
The TW Series printer supports RS-232 Serial, USB, Centronics Parallel, Ethernet and USB Host interface connections.
To connect:
1. Make sure the printer is powered OFF.
2. The printer will identify the communication port automatically.
3. The default values of printer port can be obtained from the self-test report. (See Chapter 2: Operation Basics/
Advanced Functions/ Self Test)
4. Cable configurations for Serial (RS-232C) interface is found in Appendix A of thisguide.
5. Please take the following measures to reduce cable noise.
-Restrict the length of the interface cable to less than 6' (1.83 m) if possible.
-Keep the interface cable separate from power cords.
Loading the Ribbon
Note: Load ribbon only when using the thermal transfer printing method, the TW Series printer supports ribbon with ink on
the outside only. Remove any ribbon that may be loaded when using the direct thermal printing method.
To install the ribbon:
1. Method to check if the ribbon is outside ink: Stick a label to the outside of the ribbon and see if the ink is on. See Figure
2-7.
AC In Port

10
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Ribbon
Label
Lever
Printhead Module Plate
Figure 2-7
2. Lift to open the right cover of the printer, turn the Lever counter clockwise, and open the Printhead Module Plate (figure
2-8).
Figure 2-8

11
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Printhead Module
3. Place the ribbon roll into the ribbon supplyarea by mounting the roll between the ribbon tension gear and the release knob,
and allow the leading edge of the ribbon to fall underneath the Printhead module and towards the front of the printer;
please ensure the ink side of the ribbon is facing down (see Figure 2-9).
Ribbon Roll
Figure 2-9

12
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Ribbon Take-up Spindle
Notch
Arrow
4. Take the ribbon take-up spindle out from the printer, and follow the “TIGHTEN” sign on the right side to twist the rotary
knob counterclockwise, until the arrow is aligned with the notch on the outer roll, then the knob should be tightened and
cannot be twisted anymore (figure 2-10).
Figure 2-10

13
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Ribbon Tension
Gear (take-up)
5. Attach the leading edge of the ribbon to the ribbon take-up spindle and wrap a few loops, and mount the spindle back by
inserting it between the release knob and the Ribbon tension gear, make sure the two lumps on the gear panel is aligned
with the two grooves on the rotary knob of the ribbon spindle (figure 2-11), and the ribbon’s ink side is facing outwards.
Adjust the ribbon take-up tension (see “Adjusting Ribbon Tension” on P34) to ensure ribbon is tight and smooth.
Figure 2-11
6. Close the Printhead Module Plate and turn the handle to lock the Printhead Module.

14
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Unloading the Ribbon
Note: Please remove the used ribbon roll from the printer each time when loading new ribbon or switching to the direct
thermal printing method.
To uninstall the ribbon:
1. Lift to open the right cover of the printer, turn the Lever counter clockwise, and open the Printhead Module Plate.
2. Take the ribbon supply and ribbon take-up both out from the printer by pushing the rolls to the spring knobs on the right
side and releasing from the adjusting knobs.
3. If you need to remove the used ribbon on the ribbon take-up spindle, please hold the take-up spindle and twist the rotary
knob following the sign of “RELEASE” until the arrow indicator is away from the notch; then the ribbon should be loose
enough to be removed from the spindle (figure 2-12).
Figure 2-12
Notch
Arrow

15
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
Loading the Media
Note: The term “media” in this manual refers to all the different kinds of paper, label, or tag stock material that can be printed
on by the printer. TW Series printer can print on continuous paper, adhesive backed labels, or non-adhesive tags packaged in
roll.
TW Series printer can be operated in three different modes: Standard mode, Peel-off mode, Manually Tear-off mode and
Cutting mode.
-In Standard mode, each printed label remains on the backing liner.
-In Peel-off mode and Manually Tear-off mode, each printed label is peeled away or tore off from the backing liner
manually.
-In Cutting mode, the printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed.
Standard Mode, Peel-off mode and Manually Tear-off mode
To load media into the TW Series printer while using Standard Mode, Peel-off mode and Tear-off mode:
1. Press the two buttons at the connecting part between the main frame and the media stand at the same time, and then pull
the media stand out, as shown on figure 2-13.
Figure 2-13

16
TW Series User’s Manual
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
2. Take out the Media Spindle and remove the two Media Roll Guides.
3. Load a Media Roll onto the Media Spindle with label facing up, using the scale on the spindle to position the roll inthe
middle of the spindle.
4. Insert the two Media Roll Guides on each side of the spindle, and push them close to the Media Roll (see figure 2-12).
Media Spindle
Media Roll Media Roll Guide
Figure 2-12