Printek FormsMaster 8000 User manual

FormsMaster 8000 Series
High Performance
Serial Matrix Printers
Operator’s Manual
©Printek, Inc. 1997
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
616-925-3200
Part Number 4339

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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; QMS is a registered trademark of Quality
Micro Systems, Inc.; IGP is a registered trademark of Printronix Corp.; Printek is a
registered trademark of Printek, Inc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Table of Contents
Introduction
Models and Options 1
Manual Contents 1
Getting Started
Installation 3
Interface Set Up 4
Installing The Ribbon Cartridge 8
Why Use Only Printek®Brand Ribbons 8
Ribbon Installation 10
Loading Paper 13
FormsMaster 8000 Single Tractor Model 13
FormsMaster 8003 TriTrak™ Model 14
Printer Self-test 17
Daily Operation
Introduction 19
Control Panel Features 20
LCD Display and Online Indicator 20
Push Buttons 21
Selecting and Loading Forms 25
Selecting a Form Already Loaded in the Tractors 25
Loading a New or Different Form In the Tractors 25
Ejecting and Tearing Off a Form 30
Installing a New Ribbon Cartridge 32
Aligning Print 34
Common Error Conditions 36
Check Paper 36
No Paper to Load 36
Too Much Paper to Unload 37
Selected Form is not Loaded 37
No Ribbon or Wrong Ribbon 37
Ribbon Lid Open 37
Paper Door Open 37
Change Ribbon 38

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Printer Configuration
Introduction To Setup 39
Setup Buttons 39
Entering Setup 40
Using the MENU Button 40
Using the SUBMENU Button 40
Using the ITEM and VALUE Buttons 41
Exiting Setup 41
Forms Menu 42
Forms Menu Items 43
Interface Menu 49
Automatic Port Switching 49
RS-232C Serial Interface Items 51
Parallel Interface Items 55
Ethernet 10BaseT LAN Interface Items 57
Coaxial/Twinaxial Interface Items – Coax Configuration59
Coaxial/Twinaxial Interface Items – Twinax Configuration
63
IPDS Coax Interface Items 67
IPDS Twinax Interface Items 72
Imager and ImagerPlus Interface Items 74
Options Menu 79
Test Menu 82
Form Construction and Layout Tips
Form Construction 85
Form Layout Considerations 85
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Messages 87
Preventive Maintenance 88
Obtaining Service 88
Advanced Setup Features 89
Using Remote Setup 91
Using the Optional Setup Module 99
Printer Reset Conditions 105
Control Code and Escape Sequence Summaries

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ANSI X3.64 Emulation 107
Epson FX Emulation 109
IBM Proprinter Emulation 111
LA-120 Emulation 113
Simple TTY Emulation 115
Printek Emulation 116
ASCII Character Tables 117
Specifications 121
Glossary of Terms 127

1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Printek FormsMaster 8000 Series Printer.
This printer has been designed to provide years of service handling your
most demanding printing requirements.
The FormsMaster 8000 Series printers offer higher throughput than all other
printers in its class. 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 FormsMaster 8000 and the FormsMaster 8003 differ only in the
number of tractor paths available, one path or three.
Options available for both models include:
Coaxial and Twinaxial Interface
Coaxial IPDS Interface
Twinaxial IPDS Interface
Ethernet 10BaseT Interface
Imager Bar Code Coprocessor
ImagerPlus Bar Code Coprocessor
Print Stand (required for reduced sound levels)
Internal FormsCutter
Setup Module
Manual Contents
•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

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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.
•Specifying Forms 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.
•Printer Reset Conditions describes the state of the printer after
power up or reset.
•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 lists the operating ranges and ratings of the printer.
•Glossary of Terms provides definitions for terms used in this
manual.

3
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. The Printek
FormsMaster 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 121.
Once a site has been selected, the printer should be placed on a Printek Print
Stand. The Printek print stand is especially recommended for the
FormsMaster 8003 and is required to meet the low noise rating of the
printer. Of course, another sturdy print stand or table with a slotted top for
feeding paper into the bottom of printer may be used.
The print stand 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 “FormsMaster 8000
Unpacking Instructions” and place the printer on the print stand.
Note: Placing the printer on the print stand is best accomplished with two
people. Proper lifting technique should be observed.
Caution:Before connecting or turning on power, make sure that all
shipping materials have been removed. These materials include

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a cable tie that secures the print head carriage (open ribbon lid to
access) and two cardboard tubes placed over the tractor shuttle
shafts in the FormsMaster 8003 (open paper door on front of
unit to access).
Next, connect the power cord supplied with the printer to the printer and an
appropriate power outlet. Now connect the computer cable(s) to the
appropriate interface. The picture below shows the location of the standard
Parallel and RS-232C interface connectors on the rear panel of the printer.
The area where an optional CX/TX, ICX, ITX, or LAN interface may be
installed is also indicated.
Interface Connectors on Rear of Printer
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. Regardless of
which interface is used, the FormsMaster 8000 will automatically detect
which port is receiving data and make that port active. This is true of the
standard parallel or serial ports and any optional interface that may be
installed. For more information, see “Automatic Port Switching” on page
49.

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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
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 39 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 the Ribbon
Cartridge” on page 8.
RS-232C Serial Interface
This interface uses a 25 pin “D” connector as described below. 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
51.
Pin Signal
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
11
20
Chassis ground.
Transmit data. (Printer output).
Receive data. (Printer input).
Request to send (set). (Printer output).
Clear to send (ignored). (Printer input).
Data set ready (ignored). (Printer
input).
Signal ground.
Carrier detect (ignored). (Printer input).
Printer busy. (Printer output).
Data terminal ready. (Printer output).
RS-232C Serial Interface Connector.

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Parallel Interface
This interface uses the standard 36 pin parallel connector as shown below.
The default printer emulation is Epson. For a complete description of all
the default settings for this interface, refer to page 55.
Pin Signal Pin Signal
1
19
2
20
3
21
4
22
5
23
6
24
7
25
8
26
9
27
____________________
DATA STROBE
DATA STROBE RTN
DATA 1
DATA 1 RETURN
DATA 2
DATA 2 RETURN
DATA 3
DATA 3 RETURN
DATA 4
DATA 4 RETURN
DATA 5
DATA 5 RETURN
DATA 6
DATA 6 RETURN
DATA 7
DATA 7 RETURN
DATA 8
DATA 8 RETURN
10
28
11
29
12
13
14
16
17
18
31
30
32
35
36
_______________________
ACKNOWLEDGE
ACKNLG RETURN
BUSY
BUSY RETURN
PAPER ERROR
SELECT
________________
AUTO FEED
±0V
CHASSIS GROUND
+5V at 200mA Max.
______
INIT
INIT RTN
_________
FAULT
+5V LOGIC HIGH
______________
SELECT IN
Parallel Interface Connector

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Ethernet 10BaseT
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 57. For additional software installation and
operational information, please refer to the Axis manuals shipped with the
unit (disregard the Axis physical installation information).
Coax/Twinax Interface
This interface automatically sets itself for either Coax Mode or Twinax
Mode depending upon which adapter cable (coax BNC or twinax smart
“T”) is attached to the 15 pin “D” connector when the printer is powered
on. Only the choices for the detected mode are available in the Setup
menus.
For Coax Mode, the default emulation is for a 3287 printer. For a complete
description of all the default settings for the Coax interface, refer to page 59.
For Twinax Mode, the default emulation is for a 4214 printer. For a
complete description of all the default settings for the Twinax interface, refer
to page 63.
IPDS Coax Interface
This interface uses a coax BNC adapter connected to the 15 pin “D”
connector on the rear of the printer. The default values should work in most
cases. For a complete description of all the default settings for this interface,
refer to page 67.
IPDS Twinax Interface
This interface uses a twinax smart “T” adapter connected to the 15 pin “D”
connector on the rear of the printer. The default values should work in most
cases. For a complete description of all the default settings for this interface,
refer to page 72.

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INSTALLING THE RIBBON CARTRIDGE
The Printek FormsMaster 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
Printek brand ribbons can be identified by the above label on each ribbon.
There are many reasons to use only Printek brand ribbons in your
FormsMaster 8000 series printer. First of all, using only Printek brand
ribbonswill automatically extend the print head 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…
23 million characters as compared to only 15 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.
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.
REORDER NUMBER 90729
FOR NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR
CALL 1-800-368-4636

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Other useful features available only with the use of Printek brand ribbons are
that the printer will not allow printing if a ribbon is not installed, and the
printer will alert the operator when a ribbon needs to be changed.

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Ribbon Installation
1. Open the ribbon lid on top of the printer and position the print head
for ribbon loading by lifting the ribbon loading handle as indicated in
the following picture.
Opening the Ribbon Loading Handle
2. Remove the new ribbon from its plastic bag and make sure the ribbon
fabric is taut by turning the knob on top of the ribbon cartridge in a
counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow on the cartridge.

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3. With the right hand end of the ribbon tilted down, insert the tab on
the end of the cartridge into the opening in the ribbon tray.
Installing the Ribbon Cartridge
4. Now lower the left end of the cartridge down while guiding the
ribbon fabric between the nose of the print head and the ribbon guide
pins. Continue to lower the cartridge until the tab on the left end of
the cartridge snaps into place.
Ribbon Guided Between the Print Head
and Guide Pins

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5. Finally, lower the ribbon loading handle to its original position.
Closing the Ribbon Load Handle
6. Close the ribbon lid on top of the printer.

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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 39 and review the “Using Setup” and
“Forms Menu” sections.
Please refer to the appropriate section below for loading paper in the
FormsMaster 8000 or FormsMaster 8003.
FormsMaster 8000 Single Tractor Model
1. Make sure the printer is powered on and that the printer is off line
(ONLINE indicator flashing red).
2. Lift open the paper door on the front of the printer to expose the paper
feed tractors as shown below.
FormsMaster 8000 Tractors
3. Open the doors on each tractor.
4. Feed the paper up through the bottom of the printer and position the
holes in the edge of the paper over the pins in the left tractor while
making sure that the paper will not extend above the top of the
tractors. Then close the tractor door.

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Note: The left tractor position is not adjustable. If it is necessary to
adjust where printing begins, refer to “Aligning Print” in the
“Daily Operation” section of this manual.
5. Now position the paper in the right tractor in the same fashion. If
necessary, the position of the right tractor may be adjusted. To do
so, move the lever on the side of the tractor down to unlock the
tractor and slide the tractor sideways on the shafts. If necessary, the
paper guides between the tractors may be slid in either direction to
accommodate the form width. Make sure that the guides are spaced
evenly between the tractors.
After the paper is placed in the tractor and the door is closed, position
the tractor far enough to the right so that there is no buckle in the
paper between the tractors, but not so tight that the holes in the paper
are distorted. Lock the tractor in place by returning the lever to the
up position.
6. Close the paper door.
7. Press the LOADbutton.
8. Place the printer on line by pressing the ONLINE button.
FormsMaster 8003 TriTrak™ Model
The following instructions will guide you through loading all three tractor
paths.
1. Make sure the printer is powered on and that the printer is off line
(ONLINE indicator flashing red).
2. Press the UNLOAD button to move the tractor shuttle forward to the
load position.
3. Lift open the paper door on the front of the printer to expose the paper
feed tractors as shown in the following picture.