SATO MB200 User manual

Barcode Printer
MB200
Operator's Manual

2
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the SATO barcode printer
MB200.
This manual helps first time users understand the basics of
the printer in a short period of time.
To get the most out of the functions of the printer, make sure
to read this manual carefully.
Warning!
1. This manual may not be reproduced whole or in part
without prior consent from SATO.
2. The information in this manual is subject to change with-
out notice.
3. Despite this manual has been created to be as accurate
as possible, contact the shop or the dealer where you
purchased this product if you find any errors or mistakes.
Caution
This printer is a Class A Information Technology Equipment
based on VCCI standards. There may be a risk of interfer-
ence when used at home, in which case the user may need
to take necessary countermeasures.

3
Features of MB200
With compact and lightweight body combined with high per-
formances, this printer prints barcodes clearly on various
types of thermal paper.
•Excellent Printing Performance
Not only does this printer print barcodes clearly, but it
can also enlarge and print various types of fonts and
Kanji characters in a free layout.
•Durable and Easy to Use
This printer is also superb in durability, as it has been
designed with the premises of printing barcodes. Also,
special consideration has been taken so that the printer
can be easily cleaned everyday.
•Dispenser Function
As a portable printer, this printer can easily print and dis-
pense labels to enable the application of labels at site.

4
Table of Contents
1. Safety Precautions .......................................................5
Markings and Symbols............................................. 5
Precautions in Use..................................................13
2. Unpacking ..................................................................14
3. Part Names ................................................................15
Name and Function of Operating Parts ..................17
4. Before Starting ...........................................................18
Charging the Battery Pack ......................................18
Installing and removing the Battery Pack................20
Using the AC Adapter .............................................22
Setting Labels .........................................................23
Continuous Mode....................................................23
Dispense Mode .......................................................25
Changing Roll Width ...............................................26
5. Turning the Power on and off .....................................27
6. Starting the Printer .....................................................28
Procedures for On-line Operation ...........................29
On-line Operation....................................................31
Test Printing Mode ..................................................37
7. Trouble Shooting ........................................................38
8. Everyday Maintenance...............................................40
9. Reference...................................................................41
Options....................................................................41
Ordering Repairs.....................................................45
Basic Specifications ...............................................46
After service ............................................................48
Preparation
Operation
Trouble
Shooting
Reference Maintenance

5
1
Safety Precautions
1. Safety Precautions
In this section, safety precautions about printer operation are
explained to ensure proper care and usage. Make sure to
read these carefully before using your printer.
Markings and Symbols
The following symbols or markings are used in this User’s
Guide and on the printer so that you can properly use the
printer, and to prevent any damage to property, harm or
injury to yourself and others. Make sure to read their
explanations carefully to familiarize yourself with their
meanings.
Warning
This symbol indicates information that, if
ignored or applied incorrectly, creates
the danger of death or serious personal
injury.
Caution This symbol indicates information that, if
ignored or applied incorrectly, creates
the possibility of personal injury or
property damage.

6
1
Safety Precautions
Symbol example
The triangle ( ) indicates something you should
take absolute care when doing. The cautions are
indicated concretely within the symbol. The symbol
on the left indicates caution with electric shock.
A diagonal line within a circle ( ) indicates
something you should not do. The symbol on the left
indicates you should not try to take the unit apart.
A black circle ( ) indicates something you need to
do. The symbol on the left indicates you should
unplug the unit from the wall outlet.

7
1
Safety Precautions
Warning!
Liquids
Do not place any containers with water or chemicals,
such as flower vases or cups, as well as small metallic
objects near the printer. If any of these should fall into
the printer, immediately turn off the power and contact
your nearest dealer or service center. Continued use
creates the danger of fire or electrical shock.
Foreign Matter
Do not drop or insert metallic or flammable objects
into the openings on the printer (such as outlets for
cables). If any of these should fall into the printer,
immediately turn off the power and contact your
nearest dealer or service center. Continued use
creates the danger of fire or electrical shock.
Dropping and Damage
Should the printer ever fall or otherwise become
damaged, immediately turn off the power and contact
your nearest dealer or service center. Continued use
creates the danger of fire or electrical shock.

8
1
Safety Precautions
Abnormal Conditions
Continued use of the printer while it is emitting smoke
or strange odor, creates the danger of fire or electrical
shock. Immediately turn off the power and contact
your nearest dealer or service center for repairs. Do
not try to service the printer by yourself.
Disassembly
Never try to take the unit apart or modify it in any way.
Doing so creates the danger of fire or electrical shock.
Contact your nearest dealer or service center for
checkups, tuning and repairs.
Battery Pack
•Never try to take apart the battery pack or modify it
in any way such as with a solder.
•Never expose the battery to direct flame, throw it
into fire, or take any actions that may lead to
shorting.
•When charging the battery pack, make sure to use
the specified battery charger.
Warning!

9
1
Safety Precautions
AC Adapter / Battery Charger (Optional)
•Use only the specified voltage. Using a different
voltage may create the danger of fire or electrical
shock.
•Never use the battery charger with any other
battery pack except for the specified one. Doing so
can rupture the battery, cause leakage, fire or
electrical shock.
•Never cut, damage or modify the power cord. Also,
never place heavy objects on, set fire to or pull the
power cord, as it can damage the cord and create
the danger of fire or electrical shock.
•Should the power cord ever become seriously
damaged (internal wiring exposed or shorted),
contact your nearest dealer or service center.
Continued use of such a cord creates the danger of
fire or electrical shock.
•Never modify, excessively bend, twist, or pull the
power cord. Doing so creates the danger of fire or
electrical shock.
Warning!

10
1
Safety Precautions
Caution!
Location
Do not locate the printer in areas subjected to high
humidity or dew. If dew forms inside the printer,
immediately turn off the power and do not use it until it
has dried up. Continued use creates the danger of
electrical shock.
Power
Never operate the power switch, replace the battery
pack or unplug the AC adapter or battery charger with
wet hands. Doing so creates the danger of electrical
shock.

11
1
Safety Precautions
Thermal Head and Stepping Motor
•The thermal head gets very hot after printing. Take
care when replacing labels after printed and when
cleaning to avoid burn.
•Touching the edge of the thermal head with bare
hands may cause injury. Take care when replacing
labels or cleaning to avoid injury.
•Do not try to replace the thermal head by yourself.
Doing so creates the danger of injury, burns or
electric shock.
Easy Cutter
This part contains a blade. Take care to avoid cutting
your hands.
Caution!

12
1
Safety Precautions
Replacing the Battery Pack
•Use only the specified battery pack.
•When replacing the battery pack, make sure to
install the pack with the poles (+) and (–) facing the
correct direction. Incorrectly replacing the battery
can rupture the battery and create the danger of
injury or damage to surrounding areas due to
leakage.
•When disposing of old battery packs, make sure to
contact your nearest dealer or service center.
Not using the printer for a long time
•Remove the battery pack from the printer and
unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet if you do
not plan to use the printer for a long time.
Maintenance and Cleaning
•For safety during maintenance and cleaning, make
sure to remove the battery pack and the AC
adapter from the printer.
Caution!

13
1
Safety Precautions
Precautions in Use
Do not place the printer in hot or cold places.
The operation temperature range is within 5°C to 40°C. Do not
place it in areas with high humidity or temperature out of the
operation range.
Do not drop the printer or subject it to impact or vibrations.
The printer can handle normal vibrations when being transported.
However, care should be taken so that the printer is not subjected
to strong vibration or impact of falling down.
Never disassemble or modify the printer.
Do not open the printer by yourself as the components inside the
printer are of high precision and have been finely adjusted.
Use only the specified cable to connect to the external input
terminal.
When connecting external equipment via the external input
terminal, make sure to use the specified cable for connection. If
you have any questions, consult with your nearest dealer or
service center.
Make sure to use the specified optional equipment.
Using other equipment besides the ones specified may create
damage.
Make sure to use the specified labels.
Using other types of labels besides the ones specified may cause
the print head failure or faulty printing.

14
2
Unpacking
2. Unpacking
After opening the box, make sure that all the printer’s
accessories are included. If there are any accessories
missing, contact your nearest dealer or service center.
User’s Guide
Printer
Battery pack
* The shape of the
protector pads to
hold the printer in
place may differ
from the picture
shown.
Guarantee
Certificate

15
3
Part Names
3. Part Names
Label ejection
Cover Open/
Close lever
Dispenser unit
Dispense /
Continuous
switch lever
Power switch
Protection case
Interface connector (RS-232C)
Interface cover
Belt hook
DC input jack cap
DC input jack
Easy cutter
Front cover

16
3
Part Names
* See “Reference” on page 41 for other optional parts.
IrDA angle lever
Battery cover
Label guide (Right)
Label width scale
Label guide (Left)
Status
indicator
(LED)
Print key
Feed key
IrDA filter

17
3
Part Names
Name and Function of Operating Parts
Interface connector (RS-
232C):
For the connection to a
computer.
Interface cover:
Covers the interface
connector.
Front cover:
Open this for setting labels.
Cover Open/Close lever:
Opens and closes the front
cover.
Easy cutter:
Cuts printed labels.
IrDA adjustment lever:
Changes the angle of the
IrDA receiving element.
IrDA filter:
The IrDA receiving element
is located inside.
Dispenser unit:
Move this when using the
Dispense mode.
Power switch:
Press to turn the power on
and off.
Battery cover:
The battery pack is
inserted here.
Belt hook:
Attaches the shoulder belt
when hanging the printer
on the belt.
* Do not hang the printer
on to anything else but the
belt.
Label guide:
Adjust this to the label size
being used.
Label ejection:
The printed label comes
out from here.
Label width scale:
Scale for measuring the
width of the label being
used.
DC input jack:
For connection of the AC
adapter.
DC input jack cap:
Covers the DC input jack.
Feed key:
Press to feed labels
Print key:
Press to set the printer to
online
or off-line.
STATUS indicator (LED)
Indicates the status of the
printer. (Refer to page 29,
30,
38 and 39)

18
4
Before Starting
4. Before Starting
Charging the Battery Pack
Place the battery pack on the battery charger (optional) to charge
it.
(1) Plug one end of the power cord
into the battery charger and the
other end into the wall outlet.
(2) Place the battery pack on the
battery charger and slide it in the
direction of the arrow.
When the battery pack starts
charging, the CHARGE indicator
lights up in orange. When the
battery pack is fully charged, the
indicator turns off. (Fully charged).
(3) Remove the battery pack from the
charger after it has finished
charging.
Slide the battery pack from the
charger in the opposite direction to
when placed on the charger.

19
4
Before Starting
Notice
•If the indicator on the charger does not light up, make sure
that the battery pack is firmly attached to the charger. The
battery may not charge, if not firmly attached.
•When an already charged battery pack has been attached
on the charger, the indicator on the charger turns on once
and then off.
•If charging a battery pack that has not been used for a long
period, the indicator on the charger may flash for a while.
This does not indicate an error, and you can continue
charging as it is.
•The battery pack can be charged up to 300 times (during use
in regular temperatures). If the battery pack is fully charged
but soon runs out, replace the battery pack with a new one.
Charging Time
The duration of the battery pack from empty until fully
charged is about 2.5 hours.
Battery pack charge confirmation mark
When the battery pack is removed from
the printer, the charge confirmation
mark on the back of the battery pack is
blank.
When attaching the battery pack on the
charger once and then removing it, a
green black box () appears on the
back of the pack.
By looking at the confirmation mark, you can check if the
battery is charged or not.

20
4
Before Starting
Installing and removing the Battery Pack
* Remove the Protection case.
(1) Place your finger on the battery
cover ribbed area, and slide it as far
as it will move in the direction of the
arrow.
(2) After releasing the battery cover
lock, open the battery cover in the
direction of the arrow.
(3) Insert the battery pack.
After that, take the above
procedure in reverse
order to close the battery
cover.