Star Micronics NP-255 Installation instructions

No. D-F0326
Product
Specifications
for
NP-255
2 inch Journal Printer
Revision 1.00 2001.09.11 1 edition
Revision 1.01 2001.10.19 2 edition
Revision 1.02 2002.01.16 3 edition
Revision 1.03 2002.07.15 4 edition
Revision 1.04 2002.09.26 5 edition
Revision 1.05 2003.06.09 6 edition
* Specifications stated here are subject to change without notice.
* Trade mark, sales mark, logos are properties of each company.

Record of Revision
Description
Rev. N
o Page Item Change Approval PIC
1.00 1 New Release
(Provisional Version)
Asahina
2001.09.11
Abe
2001.09.11
1.01 2 Error correction
Model name
change
Error correction Kobayashi
2001.10.19
Abe
2001.10.19
1 Packing status Add Cable, Thermal
Paper and Manual
7 Connector
connection
AMP→Hirose
7 Example of
Connection
Add Single connection
9 DIP SW Add S1-8 Connection
11 Self Print Change Start and End
Change Sample
1.02 3
Cable Add
Kobayashi
2002.01.16
Abe
2002.01.16
1 Features Add Windows
5 Safety regulation,
EMC
Changed
15 Printer Drivers Add
30 Overseas Code
Table
Change 80h to Euro
Mark
1.03 4
External Drawing Changed Plate Parts
Kobayashi
2002.07.18
Abe
2002.07.15
Official Release
1 Packing Status Add Item Number
Delete Manual
1.04 5
3 Near end detect
position
φ20→φ24
Kobayashi
2002.09.26
Abe
2002.09.26
1 Cable Delete
4 External
Dimension
Correction
7 Connector Hirose(18)→DDK(12)
9 Near end detection
value
φ20→φ24
10 Near end removal Add Platen Open/Close
10 Paper Near End
Sensor
Add Note 1-3
1.05 6
32 External Drawing Add and correct Cable
Kobayashi
2003.06.10
Abe
2003.06.09

Table of Contents
1. Overview
1.1 Overview 1
1.2 Features 1
1.3 Model name 1
1.4 Packing status 1
2. Specifications
2.1 Block drawing 2
2.2 Basic specifications 3
2.3 Power supply specification 5
2.4 Reliability 5
3. Interfaces
3.1 Serial interface 6
3.2 Input/output circuits 6
3.3 Connector connections 7
3.4 Connections 8
4. Functions
4.1 Function setting 9
4.2 Sensor 9
4.3 Error 10
4.4 Feed switch 11
4.5 How to rewrite firmware 11
4.6 Hex Dump print 12
4.7 Self print 13
4.8 Buffer full print 13
5. Software specifications
5.1 Control command table 14
5.2 Printer driver 15
5.3 Control command details 15
5.4 Mode status of setting functions 28
5.5 Domestic code table 29
5.6 Overseas code table 30
5.7 International character code table 31
6. Dimensional drawing
6.1 NP-255 outline drawing 32

Read carefully Before Using NP-255
Wrong handling of the printer may cause its performance declined and the product damaged.
Please read the notes below before handling.
1. Static discharge prevention must be made for installation and removal of the printer to
protect IC and other electrical parts. Connect it to the earth ground. It is also requested to
remove the static from body of the person before handling, especially, the input terminal.
2. Avoid excessive force to the input terminal for handling.
3. When any type of paper, other than specified in this manual, is used, it may cause
deterioration of the print quality and thermal head reliability.
Examples of troubles
1) Print quality deterioration by using low sensitivity paper.
2) Thermal head wears due to roughness of paper surface.
3) Sticking between heat receipt layer and thermal head, and vibration noise during
printing.
4) Print ink disappears on low print durability paper.
5) Electrolyte corrosion on thermal head due to low quality of heat receipt layer.
4. Avoid printing with no paper loaded. It damages platen and thermal head.
5. Do not scrabble thermal head with sharp edge or something hard, or give impact. The heat
element may be damaged.
6. Set the power of printer off before connecting or removing connecters.
7. When printing in high speed under low temperature of high humidity environment, the paper
may be stained by moisture that appears from paper, or the printer may have condensation.
Avoid dew from dropping down to the thermal head that may cause electrolyte corrosion.
Turn the power off until any dew is removed.
8. The printer is not protected from water or dew formed. Do not water the printer or handle it
with a wet hand, which may cause damage to the printer due to short circuit, or heat or fire.
9. The printer is not protected from dust or dirt. If it is used at dusty place, the thermal head
may be damaged or paper feed is not operated properly.
10. When cleaning the printer with a vacuum cleaner, avoid the printer’s paper outlet from
locating cleaner’s air inlet.
11. The printer’s main structure parts use plated steel. However, rust may be caused to the cut
section.
12. Reflection type of infrared ray sensors is used at some locations in the printer. Direct sun
light may cause mal-function of printer. Avoid from such a location for installation.
13. This printer does not support any operations caused by the commands or control commands
not specified in this manual.

1
1. Overview
1.1 Overview
The printer is 2 inch, thermal and compact sized journal printer with easy operation by using the
newly designed “easy operation mechanism”. Furthermore, it is made in high speed and high
quality with auto-cutter attached, or high performance KIOSK printer unit.
1.2 Features
1) Paper replacement is made easy by using newly designed “easy operation mechanism.
2) Paper rewinding mechanism
3) High speed printing: 85mm/sec (for ASCII full digit print, excluding communication time) .
4) Center control at the host is available by uploading various types of preventive information.
5) Downloading the firmware is available by communication.
6) Possible to write “64K bytes x 3 “ patterns in flash ROM.
7) Emulation is in accordance with ESC/POS.
8) Windows Drivers (Windows 95/98/NT4.0/2000) are available.
1.3 Model name
N P – 2 5 5 *
OEM Model
1.4 Packing status
The printer is packed as:
No Product name Specification Item number Quantity
1
2
Printer
Thermal paper
NP-255
W58 x Ø30
-
24-X130
1
1

2
2. Specifications
2.1 Block drawing
Cover open SW
FEED SW
Paper rewinding
mechanism
Control board
DATAIN DATA,CLOCK
Easy operation
RS-232C mechanism
PE/UP
Near-end
Reflect photo interrupter
GND 5V 24V Roll paper
External PWR supply
(Suppliedbyhost)
AC 100V~ AC 230V

3
2.2 Basic specifications
No Items Specifications
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Printing
Character specs
Emulation
Print mode
Logo store
Barcode
Interface
Receive buffer
Roll paper loading
Paper
1. Print method
2. Total dots/line
3. Dot density
4. Print width
5. Print speed (MAX.)*
Conditions:
6. Print digits
Font A (12 x 24)
Font B (9 x 17)
7. Space btw characters
Font A (12 x 24)
Font B (9 x 17)
8. Space between lines
Font A (12 x 24)
Font B (9 x 17)
9. Line feed pitch
1. Character size
Font A (12 x 24)
Font B (9 x 17)
2. Character
ASCII
Extended graphics
International
Download register
3. Character type
Register Logo in flash ROM
Serial
1. Loading method
2. Near end sensor
3. Sensor position
1. Paper width
2. Maximum diameter
3. Core diameter
4. Recommended papers
Line thermal dot
432 dots
8 dots/mm (203dpi)
54mm
85mm/sec.
ASCII full digits print. 25°.
Excluding comm. time.
36 digits
48 digits
Can be set by commands
0~4mm to the right
0~4mm to the right
Can be set by commands
0~28.875mm
0~29.750mm
0.125mm
1.50 x 3.00mm W x H
1.125 x 2.125mm W x H
95 characters
128 characters
37 characters
95 characters
Horizontal double, Vertical double
Quadruple, Bold, Double strike,
Inverted, 90°clockwise rotation,
Underline
In accordance to ESC/POS
ANK mode, Bit image mode,
Barcode mode
64K bytes x 3
UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN (JAN-13),
EAN (JAN-8), CODE39, ITF,
CODABAR, CODE128
In accordance to RS232C
Approx. 10K bytes
Drop-in
Sense with reflection
Approx. Ø24+-1 (Note1)
58 +0/-1mm
Ø84mm
Inner Ø12mm
Outer Ø18mm
Nippon Seishi TF50KS-E2D
OhjiSeishiPD160R-N, PD152R
Mitsubishi AFP235

4
11
12
13
14
Rewind
Paper feed switch
Dimensions
Environment
1. Paper width
2. Rewind capacity
3. Activation
Implemented
1. Size
2. Weight
3. Installation direction
1. Operation
2. Storage
3. Location
58 +0/-1mm
Ø80mm (Max.)
DC24V motor
Feed switch (self-print, paper
feed, firmware download)
100.0(W)x241.4(D)x114.0(H)mm
without cable
1.2kg +-50g without paper
Vertical or horizontal
5~45°, 10~90%RH w/o dew
-10~50°,10~90%RH w/o color
change
Office or equivalent place
Note1: Applied only when the rewinding core (internal Ø12mm/external Ø18mm) is used.

5
2.3 Power supply specifications
Power Voltage Current consumption Remarks
DC 5V±5% 200mA (typical)
DC 24V±5% 4.5A (peak)
2.4 Reliability
1) Head life
Pulse : More than 100 million pulses (at 25°w/energy specified)
Wear distance : More than 50Km
* Should be used under room temp. and humidity and with the recommended paper.
2) Mechanical life : 400 million dot lines in MCBF
3) Rewind mechanism life : 15 million lines (line/4mm)
4) Operation environment : Temperature, 5 - 45°, Should have no condensation
: Humidity ,10 - 90%RH
90% 34°90%
80%
70%
60% 40°65%
50% 45°50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0°10°20°30°40°50°
5) Storing environment : Temperature - 10 ~ 50°
: Humidity 10 - 90%RH
6) Safety regulation : CE Marking (To be certified)
UL60950 (To be certified)
7) EMC
EMI ：EN55022（To be certified）
EMS ：EN55024（To be certified）
VCCI ：Class A（To be certified）
FCC ：Class A（To be certified）

6
3. Interfaces
3.1 Serial interface
1) Synchronization : Not synchronized
2) Handshake : RTS/CTS control
3) Transfer speed : 19200bps, 38400bps
4) 1 word consists of :
Start bit : 1 bit fixed
Data bit : 8 bits fixed
Parity bit : No parity. Fixed.
Stop bit : 2 bits fixed.
5) Signal polarity
RS-232C
Mark : Theory “1” (-3V~-12V)
Space : Theory “0” (+3V~+12V)
6) Reception data (RXD signal)
Mark :1
Space :0
7) Reception control (RTS signal)
RS-232C
Mark : Data transmission not available
Space : Data transmission available
Busy status (marked) will be :
zAt reception buffer full
zDuring hardware being reset after power is set on
zDuring software being reset
zAt self-print
zDuring firmware being rewritten
8) Transmission data (TXD signal)
RS-232C
Mark : 1
Space : 0
9) Transmission control (CTS signal)
The host indicates that data reception is available.
3.2 Input/output circuit
Serial interface signal
It is structured by the driver and receiver in accordance with RS-232C.
HIN202CA
TXD
RXD TO CPU circuit
RTS
CTS
The signal level: Mark = -3 ~ -15V, Logic “1” Off
Space = +3 ~ +15V, Logic “0” On

7
3.3 Connecter connections
Data signal and power input
Connecter on printer: DK-2100D-12P (DDK) equivalent
Acceptable connecter : DK-2100D-12F (DDK) equivalent
No Signal name Input/Output Description Remarks
1B
1A
2B
2A
3B
3A
4B
4A
5B
5A
6B
6A
/RESET
RTS
CTS
RXD
TXD
GND
GND
GND
+5V
+5V
+24V
+24V
Input
Output
Input
Input
Output
-
-
-
Input
Input
Input
Input
RESET Input (-)
Printer busy
Host busy
Receives data
Transmitted data
Common GND
Common GND
Common GND
Circuit power Vcc
Circuit power Vcc
Motor PW VM for head, cutter
Motor PW VM for head, cutter
* It is set in by “L” pulse input at 50msec (typical). The level is below 0.7V.

8
3.4 Connections
Here is a connection example
[Receipt/journal printer’s daisy chain]
HOST Receipt(NP-265)
/RESET /RESET
CTS RTS
RTS CTS
TXD RXD
RXD TXD
GND GND
VCC+5V VCC+5V
VM+24V VM+24V
Journal(NP-255)
/RESET
RTS
CTS
RXD
TXD
GND
VCC+5V
VM+24V
Note:
1. Use the cable shielded within the length of 3m. If a cable longer than 30cm between the
power supply and printer, make sure to use a condenser to stabilize the power level. Use a
cable in smaller number than AWG#24.
2. The printer has no power switch. Locate a power switch on the supply side to switch the
printer on or off. Do not plug in and out to set the power on and off. Damage may be caused.
[Single connect]
Host Journal
CTS ←RTS
RTS →CTS
TXD →RXD
RXD ←TXD
GND −GND
PW +5V →VCC +5V
PW +24V →VM +24V

9
4. Functions
4.1 Function setting
The printer has DIP switches on the control board to make various function settings.
DIP SW
Functions ON OFF Factory setting
S1-1 CR operation Effective Ineffective Off
S1-2 Japanese Shift JIS JIS Off
S1-3 Near end sensor Ineffective Effective Off
S1-4 Print density select * +25% up Standard level Off
S1-5 Not defined - - Off
S1-6 Data transfer speed 38400bps 19200bps Off
S1-7 Hex Dump print Hex Dump Normal print Off
S1-8 Connection Single connect
Receipt/Journal
connection On
* Note: The print speed decreases when printed with print density +25% up (DIP SW-4 On).
Data is read (transferred) only when power is set on and hardware/software are reset.
4.2 Sensor
The printer has a switch sensor at each mechanical section to monitor its operation and the
operational status will be uploaded to the host.
No Name of sensor Status Monitor (value)
1
2
3
4
5
Near end sensor
No paper sensor
Lever open switch
Platen open switch
Head temp. sensor
Monitors remaining of paper. Print is
available.
Sensors no paper status. Print stops.
Monitor switch for platen open/close
lever. Print stops if it monitors during
printing.
Open/close switch of platen. Print stops
if monitors during printing.
Protects head from overheating.
Out of normal condition with head
temp. over 80°.
Print stops. Below 65°,
it automatically starts printing.
Less than about Ø24
Paper existence
Operation of platen
open/close lever.
Open/close of platen
Higher than 80°.
zWhen the sensor results of 2, 3, 4 and 5 become normal, the printer will be in the
on-line status (printing is available).

10
4.3 Error
The printer has various types of error sensors and uploads the status to the host as
preventive information at problems. The host or operator can then treat the best way to
remove the error reviewing the error status.
4.3.1 Error description
No Error name Error status Serial RS232C
Status output Error removal method
1
2
3
4
5
Communication
error
Paper near end
Platen open
Paper end
Head temp. too
high
232C comm. error
Overrun
Flaming
Prints data of (?)
Sensor remaining
of paper
Platen open
Out of paper
If head temp
become higher
than 80°
-
Refer to 5.3.21
Refer to 5.3.21
Refer to 5.3.21
Refer to 5.3.21
Set communication
conditions
Replace paper
Close platen
Replace paper
It automatically starts
printing with head temp.
approx. 65°C
The communication status when the above errors are detected:
* Transmission of printer status: set the corresponding bit to transmission status on by command.
* Except transmission error and paper near end, printer removes the received data at print stop
error.
4.3.2 Recovery from the error status
Remove the causes of error and return from the error status.
4.3.3 Paper near end sensor
Since the paper near end sensor has infrared rays of reflection type, do not expose the
printer sensor under strong beam of light.
Note1: Once the sensor detects paper near end, it keeps such status.
Note2: The sensor detects the removal of the paper near end status after open and close the
platen cover.
Note3: Detect and removal can be selected by the following procedure.
(This is because the sensor needs to check the status of detect and/or removal when
adjusting the mounting position of the near end sensor.)
zSelf print by closing the platen and the platen cover while holding the feed
switch: Continuous detect and removal operation
zNo self print: Detect and removal of the status in case of Note1 and Note2

11
4.4 Feed switch
The printer has a feed switch implemented on the left.
The Feed switch: a switch to feed paper to the forward direction. It is also used for self-print.
4.5 Firmware rewriting
The printer has a rewritable 8M flash ROM. Read the following steps to rewrite:
Writing on line: Refer to the section 5.3 Control commands, Firmware download.
* It is not necessary to set the power off after writing is completed since the new firmware
automatically activates.
* The write mode is not available when platen is open.
* Do not connect the printer to any other devices when rewriting.

12
4.6 HEX DUMP print
1) HEX DUMP function
Printer prints the HEX indications of data transmitted to the printer by the host and they are
used for the application debug and analysis of characters distorted.
2) Print start and end of HEX DUMP
Printer starts printing HEX DUMP by setting DIP SW-7 on and power to the printer. Printing
ends with setting power off. For returning to normal printing, set power off and DIP SW-7
to the off position, then set power on.
Notes: Do not set power on or off by connecting or disconnecting the connector. HEX DUMP
print should be done without connecting to any other printers.
Print sample

13
4.7 Self print
1) Confirmation by self print function
a. Control circuitry function
b. Printer mechanism function
c. Print quality
d. Control firmware version
e. Check of paper end sensor
2) Start and end of self print
Self-print starts by closing the platen or platen open/close lever while holding the feed switch
on when platen or platen open/close lever is open. It ends when the specified print pattern is
printed. The printer is in the off-line mode during self-printing. If the specified print pattern is
not printed, turn the power switch off and on, then try it again. When data buffer has data
remained, the self-print starts after printing the data first.
Print sample
4.8 Buffer full print
If there still remains printing data after one line of data is received, the printer automatically
prints preceding data. Buffer full data status varies according to ANK mode or bit image
mode.

14
5. Software specifications
5.1 Control command table
Control codes Functions Pages
1 HT Horizontal tab 15
2 CR Carriage return 15
3 LF Print and line feed 15
4 ESC SP n Character right space set 15
5 ESC ! n Print mode overall set 16
6 ESC % n Down load character set/reset 16
7 ESC & s n m a Dn Down load character definition 16
8 ESC * m n1 n2 Dn Bit image mode set 19
9 ESC – n Underline set/rest 20
10 ESC 2 1/6 inches line feed set 20
11 ESC 3 n Smallest line feed pitch set 20
12 ESC @ Initialize printer 20
13 ESC D n1 n2 …NUL Set horizontal tab position 20
14 ESC E n Bold print set/reset 21
15 ESC G n Double strike print set/reset 21
16 ESC J n Print and smallest pitch line feed 21
17 ESC R n Select international character 21
18 ESC c 5 n Feed switch enable/disable 22
19 ESC d n Print and n line feed 22
20 ESC t n Select character code table 22
21 ESC v Send printer status 22
22 ESC { n Inverted character set/reset 23
23 ESC V n Character 90°clockwise rotation set/reset 23
24 ESC $ n1 n2 Absolute position set 23
25 ESC ¥ n1 n2 Relative position set 23
26 GS k n Dn NUL Barcode print 24
27 GS w n Barcode width select 24
28 GS h n Barcode height select 24
29 GS H n HRI character print position select 24
30 GS f n HRI character style select 25
31 ESC=n Peripheral equipment define 25
32 ESC a n Position alignment 25
33 GS v NUL Automatic transmission of printer status 26
34 GS T n Register NV bit image 26
35 GS P n Print NV bit image 26
36 GS d Dn Download firmware 27
37 ESC s n Transmit preventive information 27
38 DLE CAN Reset software 27

15
5.2 Printer driver
The following drivers, supplied by Nippon Primex, Inc., are recommended when NP-255 is
used with the Windows driver. Please refer to the drier manual for details.
1) Windows 95/98: NII printer driver Windows 95/98, Version 1.00
2) Windows NT4.0: NII printer driver Windows NT4.0, Version 1.00
3) Windows 2000: NII printer driver Windows 2000, Version 1.00
5.3 Control command details
1) Horizontal tab : <<HT>>
Code : [09] h
Description : Shift the print position to the next horizontal tab position
Explanation : Horizontal tab position is set by [horizontal tab set] command.
The default of horizontal tab position is every 8th character
(9th digit, 17th digit, 25th digit and 33rd digit) in font A.
If the next tab position is not set, this command is ignored.
2) Carriage return: <<CR>>
Code : [0D] h
Description : If DIP SW-1 is off, then this command is ignored.
If DIP SW-1 is on, it executes as the same as line feed <<LF>>.
3) Line feed : <<LF>>
Code : [0A] h
Description : Prints data stored in the input buffer and executes line feed
according to data of feed pitch.
4) Setting right space of a character: <<ESC SP n>>
Code : [1B] h + [21] h + n * [00≤n≤20] h
Description : Sets the right space of a character by unit of dot (1/203 of an
inch). In the case of double width mode, the space will be doubled.
The default value of “n” is [00]h.

16
5) Overall print mode setting: <<ESC ! n>>
Code : [1B] h + [21] h + n * [00≤n≤FF] h
Description : Sets print mode. “n” has following meanings
Values
Bit Function 0 1
0 Character font Font A Font B
1 Undefined
2 Undefined
3 Bold Reset Set
4 Double height Reset Set
5 Double width Reset Set
6 Undefined
7 Underline Reset Set
If double height and double width are set at the same time quadruple character will be
formed.
All of the printed characters will be underlined except for the 90°rotated characters and
spaces created by horizontal tab.
Underline width is determined by the value set in [Underline set/reset] section.
The default value is “1”.
Different sizes of character mixed such as double width and normal size can be printed.
The default value of “n” is [00]h.
6) Down load characters set/reset : <<ESC % n>>
Code : [1B] h + [25] h + n * [00≤n≤FF]h
Definition : Setting or resetting the characters to be downloaded.
Explanation : Only LSB (b0) is valid for “n” value. LSB (b0) has the following
meanings.
b0 Function
0 download character reset
1 download character set
Default value is “n” = [00]h
7) Definition of download character: << ESC & s n m a Dn>>
Code : [1B ] h + [26] h + s + n + m + a + Dn
*[s=03]h
*[20≤n≤7E ] h
*[20≤m≤7E ] h
*fontA[01≤a≤0C ] h
*fontB[01≤a≤09] h
Definition of download character( such as alpha numeric).
1. “s” indicates a number of bytes in a vertical direction and “a” is a number of dots
in horizontal direction.
2. “n” indicates the start character code, and “m” means the end character code. If
only 1 character should be defined, then n = m.
3. Definable characters are from <20>h to <7E>h in ASCII code (95 characters).
4. “Dn” indicates the data to be defined. It indicates the “a” dots pattern from the left.
Remaining area on the right of a character is filled with spaces.
5. Once a download character is defined, it remains valid until the download
character is redefined, printer is initialized, reset signal is input, or the power is
turned off.