Star Micronics XB24-200 User manual

XB24-200
XB24-250
MULTI-FONT
USERS MANUAL
NOT INTENDED FOR SALE

Self Declaration
Radio interference regarding this equipment has been eliminated according to Vfg 1046/1984announced
by the DBP.
DBP has been informed of the introduction of this special equipment and has been granted the right to
examine the whole series.
It is the user’s responsibility to see that his own assembled system is in accordance with the technical
regulations under Vfg 1046/1984.
To conform to PlZ-regulations it is necessary to make all connections to the printer with shielded cable.
‘he equipment may only he opened by qualified service representatives.
Tk above statement applies only to printers marketed in Germany.
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Trademark Acknowledgements -
-XB24-2001250, XB24-10115, LC24-200, FZ24, LZ24, X24CL, RC-32Z, DC-32Z, IS-IIXL,
IP-128XL, SF-lODMIl/lSDMII, SF-lORMII/l5RMII, PT.lOXM115XM: Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
IBM-PC, PS/2, PC-AT, Proprinter X24E/XL24E, Proprinter X24fXL24, PC-DOS: International
Business Machines Corp.
MS-DOS, Microsoft BASIC: Microsoft Corporation
LQ-S6U10609 LQ-850/1050: Seiko Epson Corp.
NOTICE
l All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this manual in any form whatsoever without
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STAR’s express~rmissicn is forbidden.
The contents of ISmanual are subject to change without notice.
l Allefforts havebeenmadetoensuretheaccuracyofthecontentsofthismanualatIhetimeofpress.
However, should any errors be detected, STAR would greatly appreciate being informed of them.
l ‘lhe above notwithstanding, STAR can assume no responsibility for any errors in this manual.
0 Copyright 1991 Star Micronics Co., Ltd.
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HQW TO USE THIS MANUAL
This manual isorganized into eleven chapters. To learn how to make the best
use of your printer you am urged to mad through chapters 2 through 6. The
remaining chapters may be treated as a reference guide for programming
operations, etc. It assumes a degree of acknowledge of the operation of
computers (for instance, it assumes you.know about hexadecimal numbers).
The chapters are as follows:
c.. Chapter 1- Introduction
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c This chapter indicates the some features of the printer, the names and those
functions of the printer components, and the actual example of font style.
Chapter 2 - Setting up the printer
This chapter explains how to get the printer unpacked and set up. Read this
chapter before you do anything else.
Chapter 3 - Optional accessories
This chapter explains the optional accessories with your printer, and how to
install them.
Chapter 4 - Paper installation and use
This chapter describes instructions for printing such asselecting paper types,
adjusting the printing gap, and installing paper.
Chapter 5 - Control panel operations
There am a number of contmls on the front panel which perform various
functions related to paper handling, print modes and font selection.
Aftergetting set up, read this chapter and try out the procedures in it to find
out how the printer works.

Chapter 6 - Default settings
This chapter explains how to set the Electronic DIP Switch (EDS) mode to
make system settings on the printer.
Chapter 7 - Printer control commands
This chapter explains the different emulations provided by your printer, and
the software commands used to drive it. This section is of use if you are
writing or modifying programs to take advantage of the printer’s features.
Chapter 8 - Download characters
This chapter explains the procedures to create your own characters.
Chapter 9 - MS-DOS and your printer
Since the PSL?or PC-AT family of computers running under MS-DOS is
currently the most popular configuration ofmicrocomputer, wehave included
a few hints and tips to help you use your printer with such systems.
Since virtually allPCsare sold with aMicrosoft BASICinterpreter, we have
alsoincludedsomehints,andasampleprogmminthislanguagetodemonstrate
the capabilities of the printer.
Chapter 10 - Troubleshooting and maintenance
This section gives achecklist of points to check if your printer isnot working -
in the expected way. It also includes details of some routine maintenance
operations you can carry out yourself. It is not, however, acomplete service --
manual. Call aqualified service engineer if you am unsure of your ability to
carry out any maintenance or servicing operations. -
Chapter 11- Reference
This section gives some reference of your printer, such as specifications of
your primer, the pinout of interface connector, the character tables.
The character table charts give the different character sets available.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Features of the printer
Font style example
Printer components
Chapter 2 SETTING UP THE PRINTER
Locating the printer
Unpacking and inspection
Setting up
Mounting the platen knob
Install the ribbon cartridge
Connecting the interface cable
Chapter 3 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Automatic Sheet Feeder
Single-bin Automatic Sheet Feeder
Dual-bin Automatic Sheet Feeder
Pull Tractor Unit
Font Cartridges and RAM Cartridges
Interface Cartridges
Chapter 4 PAPER INSTALLATION AND USE
Selection of paper
Adjusting the printing gap
Loading fanfold forms
Loading the paper from the rear of the printer
Loading the paper from the bottom of the printer
Loading the paper with Push/Pull feed
Paper parking
Paper unparking
Loading single sheets
Loading the paper without optional accessories
Loading the paper with optional Automatic Sheet Feeder
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8
10
10
11
12
15
15
15
20
22
23
25
27
27
28
29
30
32
33
36
37
38
38
40

Chapter 5 CONTROL PANEL OPERATIONS
Bottoms and indicators
ON LINE button
PAPERFEED button
SET/EJECT/PARK button
PITCH button
FONT button
Power-up functions
Short test mode
Long test mode
Print area test mode
Pitch lock mode
Font lock mode
Font and Pitch lock mode
Hexadecimal dump
Switch combination functions
Form feed
Top of form
Forward micro-feed
Reverse micro-feed
Changing the auto loading value
Clearing the buffer/All reset
Selecting the print color
Selecting the ASF bin number
Store macro definition
Chapter 6 DEFAULT SETTINGS
How to set the EDS mode
Functions of the EDS settings
Command parameters
Font parameters
Character parameters
Style parameters
Layout parameters
Forms parameters
Other parameters
Dot Adjustment mode
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47
48
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49
50
52
52
52
53
53
53
54
54
55
56 -
57
57 v
58
60
61
63
65
66
68
70
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Chapter 7 PRINTER CONTROL COMMANDS
Font control commands
Character set commands
Character size and pitch commands
Vertical position commands
Horizontal position commands
Graphics commands
Download character commands
Color selection commands
Other printer commands
Chapter 8 DOWNLOAD CHARACTERS
Defining your own characters with Standard mode
Assigning the character data
Assigning a value of character space
Sample program
Defining your own characters with IBM mode
Assigning the download character set
Assigning the character dot pattern
Assigning the Index Table data
Sample program
Chapter 9 MS-DOS AND YOUR PRINTER
!nstalling application software with your printer
Embedding printer commands
Programming the printer with DOS commands
Programming with BASIC
Chapter lOTROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE
Troubleshooting
Power supply
Printing
Paper feeding
Maintenance
Replacing the print head
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81
84
90
97
103
107
112
113
117
117
118
119
120
122
122
123
125
126
129
129
130
132
135
143
143
144
144
146
149
149

Chapter 11 REFERENCE
Specifications
Pinout of interface connector
Parallel interface
Serial interface
charactersets
!3tandardcbaracterset#2
International charactex sets
IBM character set #2
Character set#l
IBM special character set
Proportional spacing table
INDEX
COMMAND SUMMARY
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151
155
155
156
157
158
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161
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169
170 -
183
187

Chapter 1 lNTRODUCT/ON
c
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This printer has afull complement of features, making it an excellent partner
for a personal computer. It supports the Epson/IBM printer commands and
character sets, enabling it to print just about anything your computer can
generate, both text and graphics.
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L FEATURES OF THE PRINTER
Some of main features are the following:
l Versatile paper handling
Single sheets, fanfold forms, and multi-part forms (up to 5-ply) are all
accepted, andyoucanuseeitherpush/pulltractororfrictionfeed. (Youcan
load fanfold forms from the rear with internal push tractor, or fanfold
forms and multi-part forms from the bottom with optional pull tractor.) A
special feature enables you tokeep fanfold forms parked in readiness while
printing on other paper.
l Six bright colors
Magenta, cyan, violet, yellow, orange and green add acolor dimension to
your printed output by the optional color ribbon.
L.
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l Large variety of fonts
The printer has the following resident fonts:
l Draft l High-Speed Draft l Roman
l Sanserif l Courier l Prestige
’ script l Orator l H-Gothic
l SLQ Roman l SLQ TW-Light
In addition, following fonts can be used by installing the optional font
cartridge:
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L.
[FC-1Z Cartridge]
l Orator 2
. Cinema
l Letter Gothic l Blippo
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[FC-2Z Cartridge]
l OCR-B
l UPC/EAN
[FC-3Z Cartridge]
l TW-Light
[FC-4Z Cartridge]
l Russian
[FC-SZ Cartridge]
l Old Style
[FC-1OZCartridge]
l SLQ Script
l OCR-A
l Orane
l Firenze
l CODE 39
l Extensive software support
Since it is compatible with the Epson and IBM printers, it works with any
software that supports those printers. That includes most word-processing
and graphics programs, spread-sheets, and integrated software packages.
l Easy operation
Indicator displays and beep tones provide immediate, easy to understand
feedback when you press the buttons on the control panel. The five buttons
can operate in combinations to perform a surprising variety of functions,
including micro-alignment.
l Easy care and maintenance
The ribbon cartridge can be replaced in seconds the print head in a few
minutes.
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FONT STYLE EXAMPLE
Thefollowingexampleshowsthemanyfontstyles
yourprintercanprint.
Draft
HS-Draft
Roman
Sanserif
Courier
.- Prestige
b‘. Script
OCR-B
OCR-A
Orator
Orator-2
TW-Light
Letter Gothic
Blippo
H-Gothic
Orane
Cinema
CODE 39
LJPC/EAN
Old Style
Firenze
SLQ Roman
SLQ TW-Light
SLQ Script
'I23456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
1234.55’7@3 f>B[z[:l E Fc[;I-/1:J t< &)t:,::~:-Jty:1”g/y i j I<,,
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
1234567&g ABCDEFGHIJK abcd&gWk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK ABCDEFGHIJK
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefshijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 A8CDEFGHlJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
II
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111
Ml111111111111Hill
1111111111111111111111111
II
‘23456789 ~*34~6’891l11111111111111IIII111111
123456789 A3tl%EWQ~JJ~ abcbafghtfk
123456389 ABCDEfGliI~K abcdePyhijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcdefghijk
123456789 ABCDEFGHIJK abcde&h.i&

PRINTER COMPONENTS
To get acquainted with the printer’s components and capabilities, refer to the
information on the following pages.
Tractor ,er guide
Adjustment lever
Control panel
Tear assist
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Interface connector

Paper guide
Release lever
Front cover
Rear cover
Entry slot
Tear assist
Control panel
Power switch
Platen knob
Interface connector
Cartridge slot
Print head
Ribbon cartridge
Adjustment lever
Tractors
Clamp lever
Bail lever
Aligns single sheets (cut forms) to help
the printer detect when paper is inserted.
Releases pressure on the paper. This lever
must be back for fanfold forms, and for-
ward for single sheets.
Protects the print head and other internal
components of your printer.
Protects the tractor feed unit and sepa-
rates incoming and outgoing fanfold
forms.
For inserting single sheets of paper.
Assists when tearing fanfold forms atthe
perforation.
CAUTION: Since the tear assist edge is
made sharp to cut off paper,
you must swing down the
transparent part when you
open the front cover.
Otherwise, you may injure
your fingers.
Indicates printer status and makes vari-
ous control of printer functions simple
and convenient.
Switches power on or off.
Advances the paper manually.
Connects the computer to the printer.
Holds the optional Font cartridge orRAM
cartridge.
Has a dot matrix (24-wire) composition.
Contains the printer ribbon.
Controls print darkness by adjusting for
the thickness of forms being printed.
Control the movement of fanfold forms.
Clamps the tractor in place.
Opens and closes the paper bail which
holds the paper against the platen.
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chapter 2
SETTING UP THE PRINTER
L. This chapter describes the following procedures to set up your new printer.
If you have optional accessories, refer to chapter 3after setting up the printer.
l Locating the printer
l Unpacking the carton box
l Mounting the platen knob
l Installing the ribbon cartridge
* Connecting the printer to your computer
LOCATING THE PRINTER
Before you start unpacking and setting up your printer, make sure that you
have a suitable place on which to locate it. By “a suitable place”, we mean:
. A firm, level surface which is fairly vibration-free
l Away from excessive heat (such as direct sunlight, heaters, etc)
l Away from excessive humidity
9 Away from excessive dust
L... l Supply it with “clean” electricity. Do not connect it to the same circuit as
a large, noise-producing appliance such as a refrigerator.
l Make sure the line voltage is the voltage specified on the printer’s
identification plate.
l To disconnect the printer, the plug has to be disconnected from the wall
socket, which has to be located close to the printer, and easy to access.
l Install theprinter where there issufficient mom forthe paper and any paper
being fed in or printed out.
l If you are connecting your printer with aparallel interface, make sure that
the cable is within 2m (6ft) of the printer. AnRS-232 connectionusing the
optional IS-8XL interface cartridge can be made over longer distances.
7

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Now unpack the contents of the shipping carton, and check each item in the
box against Figure 2-1to make sure that you have everything (there should
be five items).
If any of these items are missing, contact your supplier.
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F@uui&r. Check tomake sureyou have allfive items:1)Printer,2) Paperguide, 3) Platenknob, 4) Ribbon
cartridge, and 5) User’s manual.
NOTE :The platen knob is mounted on the printer for the Normal carriage
minter.
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8

The optional accessories which you may have ordered with your printer are:
. Film ribbon ctidge (FZ24)
l Color ribbon cartridge (X24CL)
l Font cartridges (FC series)
l RAM cartridge (RC-32Z, DC-32Z)
l Serial interface cartridge (IS-8XL)
l Buffered parallel interface cartridge (IP-128XL)
l Automatic sheet feeder (SF-lODMII/lSDMII, SF-1ORMII/15FUvlII)
. PuIl tractor unit (PT-lOXM/lSXM)
For details of the optional accessories, refer to Chapter 3.
9

SETTING UP
Place the printer in the desired location, and remove all packing material
from inside the printer cover. This packing material is intended to prevent
damage to the printer while in transit. You will want to keep all the packing
material, along with the printer carton, in case you have to move the printer -
to a new location. -
Mounting the platen knob
The platen knob is packed into an accessory box with other accessories for
the Wide carriage printer.
NOTE :For the Normal carriage printer, the platen knob is mounted on the
printer at factory. -
Mount the knob on the platen shaft, which is located on the right-hand side
of the printer. Rotate the knob on the shaft before pushing the knob fully into -
position.
Platen knob
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F/gwv 2-Z Mount the platen knob. -
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Install the ribbon cartridge
Open the front cover by lifting up the back using the two grips on either side,
then swing down the transparent part (see Figure 2-3).
F/gum 2-3. Open the front cover, and swing down the transparent part.
Now install the ribbon with the following procedure. (If you want to print
with color, install the optional color ribbon cartridge, X24CL.)
1. Turn the tension knob clockwise on the ribbon cartridge to tighten the
ribbon if it is slack.
2. Guide the ribbon between the print head and the silver print head shield,
making certain that the spindles on the cartridge holder fit into the
sockets on the cartridge itself.
The ribbon should pass between the print head and the print head shield
as shown in Figure 24.
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Print head Print head
Ribbon canridee \- / shield
Figufe Z-4. Installing the ribbon cartridge.
After you have installed the ribbon cartridge, close the front cover.
Leave the front cover closed during normal operation. The cover keeps out
dust and dirt and reduces the printer’s operating sounds. Open the cover only
to change the ribbon or make an adjustment.
Connecting the interface cab/e
Connect the printer to your computer using a standard Centronics parallel
interface cable. On aPS/2 or PC/AT-type computer, this means that you use
the 25pin D-type connector atthe computerend, and the Amphenol-type 36-
pin connector atthe printer end. The configuration of the printer’s connector
is given in Chapter 11 should you need a cable for connecting to another
computer.
Ifyou need to connect to aserialport, use the optional Serial RS-232 interface
cartridge, IS-8XL.
Follow the procedures below to connect the interface cable:
1. Turn off the power switch both the printer and the computer.
2. Connect the interface cable to the printer as shown in Figure 2-5.
Make sure that you press the plug fully into the interface connector.
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