Printek Mt3 Series User manual

Mt3 Series
Operator’s Manual
©Printek, Inc. 2003
1517 Townline Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
[phone]
www.printek.com
PN 5692 RevA

FCC Part 15 Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try too correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
! Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
! Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Acknowledgments:
Printek is a registered trademark of Printek, Inc.
PrinterCE is a registered trademark of Fieldsoftware Products
PrintBoy is a registered trademark of Bachmann Software
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Read all setup and operating instructions before proceeding with
operation.
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 AC power before removing any covers
or performing any required cleaning or maintenance.
Connecting this printer to an ungrounded receptacle can result in electrical shock.
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.
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 Drucker nicht in der Nähe von Flüssigkeiten und lassen
Sie keine Flüssigkeiten in den Drucker gelangen.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................... 1
Models and Options.................................................................................1
Manual Contents ......................................................................................2
GETTING STARTED .................................................................... 3
Printer Features........................................................................................3
Battery and Safety Information...............................................................4
Installing the Battery Cartridge...............................................................5
Charging the Battery................................................................................6
Recycling your Batteries.........................................................................6
Attaching Belt Loop System ...................................................................6
OPERATION ................................................................................ 7
Media Loading..........................................................................................7
Tearing Off Print Job................................................................................8
Initial Power Up And Self-Test ................................................................9
Reading the LED Status.........................................................................10
Using the Options ..................................................................................11
Using the Magnetic Card Reader (MCR)..............................................11
CONFIGURATION AND DATA CONNECTIVITY ........................ 13
Dip Switch Location..............................................................................14
Dip Switch Selection.............................................................................14
Dip Switch Setting ................................................................................15
Serial RS232C Connections..................................................................16
Bluetooth Wireless Data Communication............................................17
Programming Information.....................................................................18
ASCII Control Characters.....................................................................18
Printer Font Commands – Courier Character Set.................................19
Printer Font Commands .......................................................................19
Printer Graphic Commands..................................................................19
Magnetic Card Reader Control Commands..........................................19
Graphic Logo And Bar Code Commands.............................................20
Printer Supervisory and Control Commands........................................20
Resident Character Sets ......................................................................21
PRINTER MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING.............. 23
Cleaning..................................................................................................23
Charging The Printer Battery ................................................................24
Verifying Battery Charge State .............................................................24
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................26
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................... 28
Printer Specifications ............................................................................28

Media Specifications..............................................................................29
Printer Supplies/Accessories................................................................29
Warranty..................................................................................................31
Warranty Service..................................................................................31

1
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Printek Mt3 Series mobile printer. The Mt3
series has been designed to provide you years of service handling your most
demanding printing requirements in the mobile arena. If you have any
questions, or would like more information on the various supplies and
accessories that are available for the Mt3 Series, please visit us on the internet
at www.printek.com, or call our Sales Department at [phone].
Models and Options
The Mt3 is a mobile thermal printer capable of printing on roll media up to 3”
in width.
Mt3B includes Bluetooth Wireless connectivity for ultra-convenient data
communication – no need for cables or line-of-sight orientation.
Either model can be purchased in many different configurations with options
which enhance performance and make it ideally suited for specific applications:
! Magnetic Card Reader for POS credit card data capture, line busting
and other customer-convenient applications.
! Smart Card Reader for next-generation data capture applications.
In addition, Printek provides many useful accessories such as weather-proof
cases, shoulder straps, multi-bay battery chargers, and in-vehicle power
adapters to cover all the needs of your user environment. Visit our website for
more information.

2
Manual Contents
GETTING STARTED provides information on the printer features and
instructions for installing and charging the batteries.
OPERATION describes media loading, initial power up and self test, the
proper tear action, and how to choose the correct media for your application.
CONFIGURATION AND DATA CONNECTIVITY provides detailed
information on how to setup the printer to work with your host and
your communication method.
PRINTER MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING gives tips about
cleaning, battery charging, and what to do if your printer is not performing as
you expect.
SPECIFICATIONS list the operating ranges and ratings of the printer.

3
GETTING STARTED
Printer Features
The printer comes with a battery cartridge, a belt loop system and a roll of
paper supply (already loaded in the printer).

4
Battery and Safety Information
! A 6.0 volt 1600mAH NiMH battery cartridge powers the printer.
Note: Battery capacity is always improving so there is a possibility that
the capacity may be higher than this. Please check with Printek.
! Charging time in the printer is approximately 90 minutes.
! Take the battery out of the printer when storing the printer for long
periods of time.
! The battery storage temperature is 40 degrees F to 104 degrees F (4C
to 40C). Do not store a fully charged battery at temperatures greater
than 104 degrees F (40C) for long periods of time – the battery may
permanently lose charge capacity.
! Be sure to use a fully charged battery before long or battery intensive
printing sessions. Certain operations (for example, printing receipts
with a lot of bar codes and graphics) drain the battery more quickly
than others. Disposal information – do not throw in trash. Dispose
according to your local regulations.
Caution: Do not disassemble, short circuit, heat above 80C, or incinerate.
The battery may explode.
! The recommended room temperature for charging is between 68
degrees F (20C) to 77 degrees F (25C).

5
Installing the Battery Cartridge
One battery cartridge is included with the printer. Similar to a cordless phone
battery, the printer’s battery must be charged before using it.
Refer to the following picture to install the battery pack in the printer.
1. Unlock the battery door by sliding down the battery door releases and
open the battery door.
2. Insert the battery as shown in diagram. The end with three contact
terminals is inserted first.
3. Close the battery door and slide the Battery Door Releases back to
the locked position.
4. To remove the battery cartridge, open the battery door about
halfway; at this point the battery can be removed.

6
Charging the Battery
Insert the AC adaptor plug into the printer. The Yellow/Amber charging LED
will illuminate indicating that the battery is being charged.
After about 90 minutes the LED will go off and the battery will be fast charged.
Note: You must charge the battery for 24 hours prior to the first use.
Maximum battery capacity is reached after completing a minimum of
(3) normal usage charge and discharge cycles.
Recycling your Batteries
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) is a non-profit
organization created to promote recycling of rechargeable batteries. For more
information about how to recycle batteries in your area, visit www.rbrc.org.
Attaching Belt Loop System
To attach the belt loop system, insert the round knob located at the bottom of
the printer into the latch mechanism. When installed completely, you will hear
it click into place. To remove, squeeze the opposing ‘ears’ and slide clear of
the knob.

7
OPERATION
Media Loading
The printer can print text, bar codes and some limited graphics on thermal
receipt paper. See “Media Specifications” for the width, thickness requirements
and approved vendors.
Follow these steps to load printer paper:
1. Open the paper supply cover by placing your fingers under the “T”
pull lever and pulling up firmly on the supply cover until the lever
stops moving.
Note: Do not pull too hard. Use enough force to allow the cover
to unlock and lift freely
2. Place the paper supply roll into the paper supply well. Make sure the
paper supply unwinds from the bottom as shown.
3. Position the paper supply between the print head guides.

8
4. Make sure some supply (2-3 inches) extends beyond the top of the
paper supply well.
5. Close the paper supply cover.
Tearing Off Print Job
The printer’s paper supply door acts as a tear bar. Pull one edge of the paper
against the tear bar as shown below, then tear down and across against the tear
bar to remove receipts.
Caution: The tear bar may have sharp edges.
Using the tear bar is the only way to tear the paper. Pulling up and pulling
sideways without using the tear bar may cause the paper door to open and the
paper roll to fall out.

9
Initial Power Up And Self-Test
Once the Battery is charged and the paper is loaded perform an initial power up
self-test.
Note: The self-test feature only functions if printer is in the
manual power off mode (factory default). See “Dipswitch
settings”
1. To start the self-test, press and hold the FEED button, then press
ON . The printer will start printing the self-test messages.
2. Press the OFF or FEED to stop or cancel the self-test print.
The first few lines of self-test show the printer firmware version, the current
printer settings and a list of any optional or special features installed. Also
sample demo lines are printed using the internal resident printer fonts.

10
Reading the LED Status
LED
Indicator State
Status
Power On Green is
‘ON’ Printer is on and ready to receive data.
Pressing the On/Off button will turn the printer on
and illuminate the Green LED. After
approximately 20 seconds, if no instructions are
sent, the printer will automatically turn off to
conserve battery life.
In IrDA mode, the printer will stay on all the
time. Pressing the On/Off button again will turn
the printer off.
Battery
Charging Yellow is ‘ON’ The battery charger is charging the battery at a fast rate. If the battery is below 5.0V, the battery is being
“trickle” charged until the battery voltage reaches
5.0V, and then the fast charge rate is started. The
LED will turn Off when the battery is fully charged.
Error /
MCR Ready Dual State
Green #Indicates that MCR is ready to accept
data.
Red #Indicates a fault condition or a printer
error. The printer is not ready to accept data.
Refer to the troubleshooting
guide to determine error or
fault condition.

11
Using the Options
Using the Magnetic Card Reader (MCR)
The Magnetic Card Reader is a factory-installed option. This option requires
special application software to read and process cards with a magnetic stripe,
such as credit cards or driver’s license.
Refer to the following figure if your printer is equipped with the optional
magnetic stripe reader and the application software asks for the card to be read.
Quickly swipe the card through the reader either left to right or right to left. The
magnetic stripe must be facing toward the paper supply door while it is passed
through the reader.
The DUAL Green/Red LED on the printer indicates the following:
MCR LED
indicator State Status
Green ON Ready/waiting for card to be swiped.
Red ON Error reading card’s data.
OFF OFF Good swipe. Card’s data read, or not ready for card to
be swiped.
Using the Magnetic Stripe Reader / Magnetic Card LED Indicator

13
CONFIGURATION AND DATA
CONNECTIVITY
The standard Mt3 Series printer supports both Serial RS232 and IrDA
compatible infrared communication interfaces.
Serial and IrDA communication settings can be changed via DIP switch located
in the paper supply area (see figure on the next page).
The functions assigned to these switches are shown on the next page.
If the Serial interface is selected, the communication Parameters, Baud rate,
Data Bit and Parity must be set.
An optional serial cable is available for Serial RS232 communication (part #
91251 for DB9 terminated, part # 91252 for unterminated).
Printer drivers for Windows 95/98/NT/2000 and XP are available from Printek.
PrinterCE print control utility is available from Printek for Windows CE and
Pocket PC 2002 devices. Demo software is available from
www.fieldsoftware.com. and details on use are available from Printek.
Printboy from Bachmann is recommended for Palm devices. Demo software is
available from www.bachmannsoftware.com. and details on use are available
from Printek.

14
Dip Switch Location
Dip Switch Selection