Star Micronics SP500 Series User manual

DOT MATRIX PRINTER
SP500 Series
TECHNICAL MANUAL
[FOURTH EDITION]

NOTICE
•Allrightsreserved.Reproductionofanypartofthismanualinany
form whatsoever, without STAR’s express permission is forbid-
den.
•The contents of this manual are subject to change without notice.
•All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents
of this manual at the time of going to press. However, should any
errors be detected, STAR would greatly appreciate being in-
formed of them.
•The above notwithstanding, STAR can assume no responsibility
for any errors in this manual.
© Copyright 2002 Star Micronics Co.,Ltd.

INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the thermal printer SP500 series.
It is designed for use as a reference for periodic inspections and maintenance procedures to be executed
by service personnel. It is not intended for the general user. Users of this manual should have a basic
knowledge and understanding of the English language.
•This manual is divided into the following sections:
Chapter 1 Adjustments
Chapter 2 Parts Replacement
Chapter 3 Maintenance and Lubrication
Chapter 4 Parts List
•First edition : Dec. 2002
Second edition
: Jan. 2003 Add the new black mark detector
Third edition
: May. 2004
Fourth edition
: Sep. 2005 Add the new models (USB / Ethernet / Wireless interface)
1
2
3
4

– 1 –
1
CHAPTER 1
ADJUSTMENTS
This printer has undergone various adjustments so that it will attain a given standard of performance.
In this chapter, a brief explanation is given of the methods for making adjustments.
Follow the instructions when performing maintenance inspections or when replacing parts to correct
malfunctions.
1. Adjustment of the Gap Between the Print Head and the Platen.......... 2
1-1. Measuring the Gap Between the Print Head and the Platen ............................. 2
1-2. Adjusting the Gap Between Print Head and the Platen ..................................... 3
2. Adjustment of the Dot Aligment ............................................................. 4
3. Adjustment of the Black Mark Sensor Alignment................................. 6

– 2 –
1. Adjustment of the Gap Between the Print Head and the Platen
1-1. Measuring the Gap Between the Print Head and the Platen
1. Remove the ribbon base as described in chapter 2.
2. Remove the ribbon separator [1] as described in
chapter 2.
Fig. 1-1 Removing the Ribbon Separator
Fig. 1-2 Gap Measurement
2. Insert a thickness gauge [2] between the print head
[3] and the platen [4] and measure the gap.
3. Measure the thickness at positions Left and Right.
0.45to 0.50 mm are the reference values for the gap.
If the gaps at these positions along the platen are not
withinthisrange,adjustthegapusingtheprocedures
described in section 1-2.
[2]
[4]
[3]

–3 –
3. Checkthegapatallmeasuringpositionsinsection
1-1.
4. If the gap is not between 0.45 and 0.50 mm at step3,
repeat steps 1 through 2.
5. Install the ribbon holder [1].
1-2. Adjusting the Gap Between Print Head and the Platen
1. Raise and lower the adjusting bushing [5] on the left
side to adjust the left head gap.
2. Raiseandlowertheadjustingbushing[6]ontheright
side to adjust the right head gap.
Fig. 1-3 Gap Adjustment
Fig. 1-4 Gap Adjustment
[5]
Gap
+
-
[6]
Gap
-
+

–4 –
2. Adjustment of the Dot Aligment
1. Set the roll paper.
2. Press the FEED switch on the printer's control panel while turning the power switch ON.
3. Enter the Adjusting the dot alignment mode by releasing the FEED switch after the buzzer sounds twice.
4. After entering the adjusting the dot alignment mode, a printout of the adjustment patterns similar to the printout
below will be printed. The asterisk indicates the current adjustment pattern.
5. To adjust, use the FEED switch to select the adjustment pattern from the printout with the smallest gap between
thefirstprintingpassandthereturnprintingpass.PresstheFEEDswitchoncetospecifythefirstadjustmentpattern,
twicetospecifythesecondadjustmentpattern,andsoonuptoseventimestospecifytheseventhadjustmentpattern.
Press and hold the FEED switch the last time you press the switch.
(For example, if you want to select the fourth adjustment pattern, press the FEED switch three times.
Then, press and hold the FEED switch until the long buzzer sounds.)
There are only seven adjustment patterns. The buzzer will sound each time the FEED switch is pressed.
However, if you press the FEED switch more than seven times, a warning alert will sound.
After setting the adjustment pattern, a printout with the selected adjustment pattern highlighted and the
message “Adjust Completed!”will be printed.
Fig. 1-5 Dot Alignment Adjustment Sample 1

–5 –
6. After the printout is printed, the printer settings will be entered into the nonvolatile memory of the printer.
When the settings are entered into memory, the long buzzer sounds once more, and the dot alignment
mode is complete.
Note: While the long buzzer is sounding, the printer settings are entered into the nonvolatile memory.
Do not turn the power off. If the power is turned off while the printer settings are being entered
into the nonvolatile memory, all of the memory switch settings will be reset.
Fig. 1-6 Dot Alignment Adjustment Sample 2

–6 –
3. Adjustment of the Black Mark Sensor Alignment
1. Turn the printer off and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the screws. Then, remove the DIP switch cover on the bottom of the printer.
3. Since it is adjusted by rotating the volume VR22, check the position of the volume. Prepare a small slotted
screwdriver that will fit in the hole.
4. Set the roll paper not for black mark.
5. Press the FEED switch on the printer's control panel while turning the power switch ON.
6. Enter the black mark sensor adjustment mode by releasing the FEED switch after the buzzer sounds four times.
7. Rotate the volume VR22 using micro screwdriver, to adjust it to a position whereat both the ERROR (red LED)
and the POWER (green LED) lamps light.
8. Turn the power OFF.
This completes the black mark sensor adjustment.
Fig. 1-7 Adjustment Volume
41
101
VR22
Power off
VR22

–7 –
CHAPTER 2
PARTS REPLACEMENT
This chapter explains disassembly and reassembly of the printer. Note the following precautions during
disassembly and reassembly.
1. Disconnect the printer power cord plug from the wall outlet before servicing it.
2. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly unless otherwise specified.
3. After reassembly, coat the screw heads with locking sealant.
4. Lubrication information is not provided in this chapter. Refer to item 2 of chapter 3.
1. Case Unit .................................................................................................. 8
2. Printer Mechanism................................................................................... 9
3. Auto Cutter Unit ..................................................................................... 10
4. Ribbon Base ........................................................................................... 10
5. Motor Unit ............................................................................................... 11
6. Print Head ............................................................................................... 11
7. Ribbon Separator................................................................................... 12
8. Main Logic Board Unit........................................................................... 13
9. Power Supply Board Unit...................................................................... 13
10. Black Mark Detector Board Assembly ................................................. 14
11. Photo-interrupter for old type............................................................... 16
2