Printek 850 Series User manual

PrintMaster 850 Series
Operator’s Manual
©Printek, Inc. 2002
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
[phone]
www.printek.com
Part Number 5164 Rev. C

II
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
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions as
set out by the ICES-003 standard, of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Cet appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectroiques depassant les limites
de Classe A prescrites dans la norme NMB-003 Édictée par le Ministre des
Communications du Canada.
Acknowledgments:
IBM, Proprinter, and IPDS are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Co.; DEC is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation;
Epson is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson;Printek is a registered trademark of
Printek, Inc.; Genicom is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation;
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

III
Read all setup and operating instructions before proceeding
with operation.
Operate printer only on a firm, solid surface.
Do not operate in an enclosure unless properly ventilated. Make sure no
ventilation openings are blocked or obstructed, which may result in the
printer overheating.
Do not operate near a heat source.
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer service or repairs
to a qualified service professional.
Use of genuine Printek replacement parts is required to warrant proper,
safe operation.
Any alteration or modification of this device voids the user warranty and
may make the product unsafe to operate.
The printhead and motors get hot during use. Wait until they cool before
touching them.
Make certain the printer is disconnected from A.C. power before removing
any covers or performing any required cleaning or maintenance.
Connecting this printer to an ungrounded receptacle can result in electrical
shock.

IV
Never place the printer near inflammable or explosive substances. Do not
operate near liquid or spill liquid into the printer at any time.
Lesen Sie vor der Inbetriebnahme die Aufbau-und
Bedienungsanleitung.
Der Drucker muss zum Betrieb auf einer festen, soliden Oberfläche stehen.
Betreiben Sie den Drucker nicht in einem kleinen, geschlossenen Raum, es
sei denn dieser wird ordnungsgemäß belüftet. Achten Sie darauf, dass die
Lüftungen nicht blockiert oder versperrt sind, denn dies kann zum
Überhitzen des Druckers führen.
Nehmen Sie den Drucker nicht in der Nähe einer Wärmequelle in Betrieb.
Enthält keine Teile, die vom Bediener instandgesetzt
werden können. Bitte wenden Sie sich bei Instandsetzung oder Reparatur
an qualifiziertes Kundendienstpersonal.
Die Verwendung von echten Printek Ersatzteilen ist notwendig, um
ordnungsgemäßen, sicheren Betrieb zu gewährleisten.
Änderungen oder Modifikationen dieses Geräts machen die Garantie
ungültig und können den sicheren Betrieb des Produkts gefährden.
Während des Druckens werden Druckerkopf und Motoren heiß. Warten
Sie, bis sich die Teile abgekühlt haben, bevor Sie sie berühren.
Vergewissern Sie sich, dass der Drucker nicht mehr an die Stromquelle
angeschlossen ist, bevor Sie Abdeckungen abnehmen oder das Gerät
reinigen bzw. warten.
Schließen Sie diesen Drucker nicht an eine ungeerdete Steckdose an; dies
kann zum Elektroschock führen. Setzen Sie den Drucker niemals in die
Nähe von feuer- oder explosionsgefährlichen Stoffen. Betreiben Sie den

V
Drucker nicht in der Nähe von Flüssigkeiten und lassen Sie keine
Flüssigkeiten in den Drucker gelangen.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Models and Options 1
Manual Contents 2
Getting Started
Installation 4
Interface Set Up 6
RS232C Serial Interface 6
Parallel Interface 6
Ethernet 10/100 BaseT 7
Installing The Ribbon Cartridge 8
Why Use Only Printek®Brand Ribbons 8
Installing a New Ribbon Cartridge 10
Loading Paper 12
PrintMaster 850 Single Tractor Model 12
PrintMaster 852 13
Printer Self-test 16
Daily Operation
Introduction 19
Control Panel Features 20
LCD Display and Online Status Indicator LED 20
Exposed Buttons 22
Selecting and Loading Forms 25
Selecting a Form Already Loaded in the Tractors 26
Loading a New or Different Form In the Tractors 26
Ejecting and Tearing Off a Form 27
Aligning Print 29
Common Error Conditions 31
Check Paper 31
No Paper to Load 32

VI
Too Much Paper to Unload 32
Selected Form is not Loaded 32
Ribbon Lid Open 33
Other Errors 33
Printer Configuration
Introduction To Setup 34
Setup Buttons 34
Entering Setup 35
Using the MENU Button 35
Using the SUBMENU Button 36
Using the ALIGN/ITEM and UP/DOWN ARROW Buttons 36
Exiting Setup 36
Forms Menu 37
Forms Menu Items 37
Interface Menu 44
RS-232C Serial Interface Items 45
Parallel/LAN Interface Items 49
OPTIONS MENU 53
Test Menu 59
Form Construction and Layout Tips
Form Construction 60
Form Layout Considerations 61
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Messages 63
Additional Troubleshooting Tips 64
Preventive Maintenance 64
Obtaining Service 64
Advanced Setup Features 66
Security Menu 66
Using Remote Setup 68
Using the Optional Setup Module 74
Printer Reset Conditions 78
Control Code and Escape Sequence Summaries

VII
GENICOM 3840 AND 3410 Emulation 79
ANSI X3.64 Emulation 80
Epson FX Emulation 81
IBM Proprinter Emulation 83
LA-120 Emulation 84
Simple TTY Emulation 85
Printek Emulation 85
ASCII Character Tables 87
Specifications 92
Glossary of Terms 98

1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Printek Printer. This printer has been
designed to provide years of service handling your most demanding printing
requirements.
In addition, an easy to use front panel combined with the ability to store ten
different form configurations makes handling multiple forms as simple as a
button press for the operator.
Models and Options
The PrintMaster 850 and 850si are rear feed single tractor path, 85 Column
printers.
The PrintMaster 852si has both a rear feed tractor path and a bottom feed
tractor path.
Models with the “si” suffix (850si, 852si) have a special high impact
printhead, which improves deep copy legibility on thick forms. These
models also have cooling fans, which allow the printer to run 100%
continuous duty cycle without harm.
Options available for all models include:
Ethernet 10/100BaseT Interface (Internal)
Printstand
Setup Module

GETTING STARTED
2
Manual Contents
*Unless specifically noted, all instructions and information herein is
valid for all models in the 85x series.
•GETTING STARTED provides instructions for installation, setting up
the computer interface, installing the ribbon cartridge, loading paper,
and performing a printer self-test.
•DAILY OPERATION provides more detailed descriptions of the
features that are used most frequently. These include the “every day”
buttons and indicators on the control panel, selecting or loading new
forms, ejecting forms, changing the ribbon cartridge, aligning print with
preprinted forms, and causes for common error conditions.
•PRINTER CONFIGURATION provides detailed information on how
to use Setup to permanently store parameters for each of the ten
forms, parameters for the standard and optional interfaces, and
parameters for other options.
•FORM CONSTRUCTION AND LAYOUT TIPS provides tips for
form construction and layout.
•MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING lists more serious
error messages than discussed in the Daily Operation section,
preventive maintenance, and how to obtain service.
•ADVANCED SETUP FEATURES provides information on how to set
menu security.
•USING REMOTE SETUP describes how to “set up” default
parameters from a host computer.
•USING THE SETUP MODULE describes how the optional Setup
Module can be used to copy Setup parameters from one printer to
another or be used to backup your printers’ settings.
•PRINTER RESET CONDITIONSdescribes the state of the printer
after power up or reset.

GETTING STARTED
3
•CONTROL CODE AND ESCAPE SEQUENCE SUMMARIES lists
the commands supported for each printer emulation.
•ASCII CHARACTER TABLES show the characters for each
character set.
•SPECIFICATIONS list the operating ranges and ratings of the printer.
•GLOSSARY OF TERMS provides definitions for terms used in this
manual.

GETTING STARTED
4
GETTING STARTED
This chapter will use the fewest possible steps to get the first time user up
and running quickly. You will be guided through the following steps:
•Finding a suitable location and installing the printer
•Setting up a host interface if necessary
•Installing the ribbon cartridge
•Loading paper
•Performing a printer self-test
Installation
Before installation, a suitable site must be chosen. Suitable sites include
offices, computer rooms, and most factory environments. Printek printers
have been designed to be rugged, heavy-duty printers. As such, they will
handle most harsh environments, but should not be placed in direct sunlight
or in areas that will exceed the rated temperature, humidity, or power
requirements. For details, refer to “SPECIFICATIONS” on page 92.
Once a site has been selected, the printer should be placed on a countertop,
desk or Printek Printstand.
The printstand should be located in an area large enough to provide easy
access to both the front of the printer and the rear for accessing printed
output. Unpack the printer as described in the “PrintMaster
850/850si/852si Unpacking Instructions” and place the printer on the
printstand or counter top.

GETTING STARTED
5
Caution:Before connecting power, make sure that all shipping materials
have been removed. These materials include an internal brace
that secures the print head carriage (open front lid to access).
Now connect the computer cable(s) to the appropriate interface. Next,
connect the power cord supplied with the printer to the printer and an
appropriate power outlet. The pictures below show the location of the
interface connectors on the rear panel of the printer.
PARALLEL I/O
SERIAL I/O
Standard Interface Connectors on rear of
printer
ETHERNETI/O
SERIAL I/O

GETTING STARTED
6
Interface Set Up
Depending upon which interface is being used to connect the printer to the
host computer, some set up may or may not be required. This is true of the
standard parallel, serial, or Ethernet.
The factory default settings for each interface should work well for most
installations. However, the following paragraphs provide some basic
information about each interface and also refer to the page number in the
“Printer Configuration” chapter where all the details for each interface are
described. If you need to make changes to the default settings, please refer
to “Introduction To Setup” on page 34 for instructions on how to access
the printer’s Setup menus.
Once you are comfortable that the interface settings match those required
by your computer, proceed to the next section, “Installing aNew Ribbon
Cartridge” on page 10.
RS-232C Serial Interface
This interface uses a 25 pin “D” connector. The default settings are 9600
baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity with hardware handshake on pin
11. The default printer emulation is Epson. For a complete description of
all the default settings for this interface, refer to page 45.
Parallel Interface
This interface uses the standard 36 pin parallel connector. The default
printer emulation is Epson. For a complete description of all the default
settings for this interface, refer to page 49.
Ethernet Interface Connectors on rear of
p
rinter

GETTING STARTED
7
Ethernet 10/100BaseT
This interface uses a standard RJ-45 connector and the default printer
emulation is Epson. For a complete description of all the default settings for
this interface, refer to page 49. For additional software installation and
operational information, please refer to the Troy XCD Quick Install
Manual shipped with the unit.

GETTING STARTED
8
Installing The Ribbon Cartridge
The Printek printer has been designed to make installing Printek brand
ribbons a simple, clean process. Unlike other printers, there is no need to
touch the ribbon fabric or deal with difficult to position ribbon guides. The
following sections explain why the use of Printek brand ribbons should be
important to you and will guide you through installing the ribbon cartridge.
Why Use Only Printek®Brand Ribbons
Printek®Brand Ribbon Label
The above label on each ribbon can identify Printek brand ribbons. There
are many reasons to use only Printek brand ribbons in your
PrintMaster 850 Series printer. First of all, using only Printek brand
ribbons will automatically extend the printhead warranty to two
years instead of one year.
The reason this is possible is that Printek brand ribbons are manufactured to
much higher quality standards than those offered by other manufacturers.
This provides not only longer print head life, but also longer ribbon life… 15
million characters as compared to only 5 million characters from some
generic ribbons.
Remember that using only Printek brand ribbons is important because the
wear that is started and the contamination that remains from even one
inferior ribbon will continue to damage the print head. Also, damage to
other printer components, which is caused by the use of non-Printek
ribbons, will not be covered by the printer’s warranty.
REORDER NUMBER 90899
FOR NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR
CALL 1-800-368-4636

GETTING STARTED
9
Using inferior ribbons would be like using poor quality fuel in your
automobile. Premature engine failure and poor performance leading up to
the failure would be the best you could expect.

GETTING STARTED
10
Installing a New Ribbon Cartridge
Open the ribbon lid at the front of the printer. The printer automatically
positions the print head for ribbon loading by moving it away from the
platen surface and centering it laterally within the compartment.
If necessary, remove the old ribbon cartridge by grasping the cassette
with both hands and pulling straight up and out of it’s detented seat.
Lift the ribbon cover.
Unload form.
Take up slack in the ribbon by
turning the blue knob counter
clockwise.
Hold the ribbon cassette with both
hands with the ribbon end pointing
down slightly, and insert it into the
print
er so the ribbon lays flat across
the top portion of the noseshield.
Push noseshield to
forward detent.

GETTING STARTED
11
Note: DO NOT
take up the ribbon
slack or reposition noseshield
after seating cassette. The
printer will do his automatically
when the ribbon cover is closed.
Align ribbon with position •on
sideplate. Rotate ribbon to ‚
, to
slide ribbon into Printhead/Shield
gap. Pull ribbon toward you to ƒ.
Push down to snap the ribbon
into place.
Close lid and put printer ONLINE to
automatically tension the ribbon.

GETTING STARTED
12
Loading Paper
When shipped from the factory, the basic configuration for all ten forms is
an eleven-inch form, six lines per inch, and ten characters per inch. If the
forms you are loading do not match these requirements, please refer to the
printer Configuration” chapter on page 34 and review the “Introduction To
Setup” and “Forms Menu” sections.
Please refer to the appropriate section below for loading paper in the
PrintMaster 850/850si, or PrintMaster 852si.
PrintMaster 850/850si Single Tractor Model
Loading the Form in the Tractors
1. Open the paper door (rear lid) of the printer. This will provide access
to the tractors as shown below.
PrintMaster 850 tractors
2. Open the tractor doors and remove the old form.
3. If the new form is a different width than the previous form, unlock the
right tractor and move it to approximately the new position.
Note: The left tractor position is fixed and may not be moved.