TallyGenicom LA550N User manual

LA550N
LA550W
User guide Matrix printer

User guide Table of contents
I
Table of contents
Introduction 1
Printer features 1
Symbols used 1
About this manual 2
Printer at a glance 3
Printer in fanfold paper mode 4
Printer in single-sheet mode 4
Paperway 5
Installation 6
Unpacking the printer 6
Placing your printer 7
Checking the printer voltage 8
Connecting the printer 9
Switching on the printer 10
Changing the ribbon cassette 11
Printer drivers 14
Installing a printer driver in Windows 95/98/ME 14
Installing a printer driver in Windows 2000/NT 4.0/XP 15
Other operating systems 16
Changing printer settings 17
Form settings (Windows 2000/NT 4.0/XP) 17
Graphic options 18
Loading optional firmware 19
Troubleshooting 19
The control panel 20
The LC display 21
Online mode 22
Offline mode 22
Setup mode 23
Messages in the LC display 24
Key functions when turning on the printer 25

User guide Table of contents
II
Paper handling 26
Changing the paper path 26
Changing the paper type in the setup menu 27
Loading paper 28
Fanfold paper 28
Single sheets 32
Paper transport 34
Moving the paper to the tear position 35
Removing paper 36
Settings 37
Setting the tear position 37
Setting the first printing line (TOF) 38
Setting the print head gap 39
Selecting character density and font temporarily 40
The Menu 41
Programming via the control panel 41
Enabling access to Menu mode 41
Calling up the menu 41
Menu configurations (Macros) 42
Menu handling 43
Save settings 43
Selecting the LC display language 44
Terminating Setup mode 45
Menu structure 46
Menu parameters 47
Printing out macro configurations (Print) 47
Loading menu configurations (Macro) 47
Reset to default values (Reset) 48
Quiet mode printing (Quiet) 48
Selecting font (Font) 49
Setting line spacing (LPI) 50
Selecting start signal for escape sequence (ESCChar) 50
Selecting Protocol (emulation) 51
Bidirectional printing (PrintDir) 52
Settings for interfaces (I/O) 53

User guide Table of contents
III
Serial interface (Serial) 53
Data transmssion rate (Baud) 53
Data format (Format) 54
Buffer control (BuffCtrl) 55
Signal Processing (DTR) 55
Selecting interface (Interf.) 56
Interface buffer (Buffer) 56
Selecting interface timeout (Timeout) 57
Automatic carriage return (Auto-CR) 57
Automatic line feed (Auto-LF) 58
Menu lock (MenLock) 58
Language (Language) 59
Paper parameters (Paper) 59
Form length (Formlen) 60
First printing position (FormAdj) 61
Print head gap manually (Head) 62
View and tear position (TearView) 63
Line length (Width) 64
Barcode (Barcode) 65
Normal characters and barcode (Barmode) 65
Form feed mode (FFmode) 66
Setting and activating options (PapOpt) 67
Activation of tractors (AutoTra) 67
Automatic gap adjustment (AGA) 68
Paper handling (Paphand) 69
Increasing the print head gap (Head up) 69
Paper width (Pagewid) 70
Left-hand area (Leftzon) 70
Right-hand area (Rightzo) 71
Bidirectional parallel interface (CX-bid) 71
Line wrap (Wrap) 72
Beep at paper end (Sound) 72
Setting for printing copy paper (HvyForm) 73
Setting the page margins (Margin) 74
Setting the top margin (Topmrg) 74
Setting the bottom margin (Botmrg) 75
Setting the left margin (Leftmrg) 75

User guide Table of contents
IV
Setting the DEC Mode (DECMode) 76
Horizontal spacing of characters (CPI) 76
Character set (CharSet) 77
User preference character set (UserChr) 78
Printer ID (Prn.ID) 79
Deleting sequence or buffer (CAN Fkt.) 79
Disconnection on end of transmission (Discnct) 80
Initial Report (Report) 80
Automatic answerback (Answbck) 81
Answerback on ENQ (Answ_ENQ) 81
Setting the IBM mode (IBMMode) 82
Horizontal spacing of characters (CPI) 82
IBM character set (IBM-Cset) 82
Code page (CodPage) 83
IBM Double Height (DblHigh) 84
Horizontal pitch on Compress (IBMComp) 84
Slashed Zero (Sl.Zero) 85
Setting the EPSON Mode (EPSMode) 86
Horizontal spacing of characters (CPI) 86
EPSON character set (EPS-Cset) 86
Code Page (CodPage) 87
Slashed Zero (Sl.Zero) 88
Menu settings (example) 89
Advanced menu 90
Test functions 90
Printer self-test (Rolling ASCII) 91
Exiting Rolling ASCII test mode 92
Interface test (H-Dump) 93
Printout in Hex-Dump 93
Terminating Hex-Dump 94
Advanced settings 95
Deactivate single sheet feeder (Single) 95
Settings for paper with dark back (Pap.back) 96
Reduced power consumption (SleepMod) 96

User guide Table of contents
V
Troubleshooting 97
General print problems 98
The display remains dark 98
The display is lit, but the printer does not print 98
Problems with the paper feed 99
Paper jam (fanfold paper) 99
Paper jam (single sheets) 100
Paper does not move to tear off position 100
Problems with the print quality 101
Print is too pale 101
Smudged print 101
Prints undefined characters 101
The first line is not completely printed out at the top 101
Dots within characters are missing 101
Error messages via the display 102
Additional display messages 105
Care and maintenance 106
Replacing the fuse 106
Cleaning the housing 107
Cleaning the interior 107
Cleaning the platen 108
Ribbon 108
Cleaning the upper friction 108
Carriage shafts 108
Specifications 109
Printer specifications 109
Interface specifications 112
Paper specifications 113
Available character sets and fonts 115
Emulations 120
General 120
Escape sequences 120
What are escape sequences? 120
How are escape sequences used? 120
Barcode 121
List of available barcodes 121

User guide Table of contents
VI
Interfaces 122
Parallel interface 123
Connector assignment 123
Serial interface V.24/RS232C 124
Connector assignment 124
Interface cable (serial interface) 125
Input signals 125
Output signals 125
Interface-Adapter IF Adapter-Set RS232 (DB9M)/MMJ 126
Protocols 127
Memory mode XON/XOFF 127
Memory mode Robust XON/XOFF 127
Configuring the serial interface of the PC 128
DOS mode 128
Windows 95/98/ME 128
Windows 2000/NT 4.0/XP 128
Physical printer port in Ethernet with TCP/IP 129
Example of a printer connected to a computer
in an Ethernet 129
Example of several devices in an Ethernet 129
Options and accessories 130
Options 130
Tractor 2, front 130
Serial interface adapter 130
MMJ interface adapter 130
Others 130
Optional firmware 130
Accessories 131
Ribbon cassettes 131
Optional paper support 131
Programming manuals 131
Index 132

User guide Introduction
1
Introduction
Printer features Your printer is a high speed and rugged design for easy use and heavy
duty operation. It is designed for service-free PC, network and mini sy-
stem operations.
At top speeds of up to 500 cps the LA550N and LA550 keep pace with
the bustling, demanding world where printing is time sensitive and cri-
tical. Engineered for printing under adverse conditions, these devices
produce multi-part invoices, shipping documents or bar code labels at
a rate of up to 26,000 pages per month.
The printer handles up to 5-part forms with no skewing or jamming; it
automatically adjusts for different forms thickness. The straight paper
path is easy to access, for reliable forms handling.
The LA550N/LA550W optionally is configured with an optional tractor
(front). A straight paper path on the front tractors results in jam-free
operation and flawless 24-wire impressions on up to 5-part forms. Both
models offer fully automated gap adjustment, paper parking, loading,
etc.
With extensive connectivity alternatives and popular emulations, the
printer is ideal for a variety of industrial or business applications.
Symbols used Important information is highlighted in this manual by two symbols.
CAUTION highlights information which must be observed in order to
prevent injuries to the user and damage to the printer.
NOTE highlights general or additional information about a specific
topic.
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User guide Introduction
2
About this manual The user guide contains a detailed description of the printer, its charac-
teristic features and additional information.
`Chapter 1 Printer at a glance lists all the parts of the printer.
`Chapter 2 Installation contains start-up instructions and points to note.
`Chapter 3 Changing the ribbon cassette provides step-by-step instruc-
tions for changing the ribbon cassette.
`Chapter 4 Printer drivers provides step-by-step instructions for instal-
ling the printer driver.
`Chapter 5 The control panel explains how to control printer operations.
`Chapter 6 Paper handling tells you how to set the paper type and how
to load, transport and move the paper to the tear-off position.
`Chapter 7 Settings tells you how to adjust the basic settings such as
font, character density, print head distance, print line height and tear-
off position.
`Chapter 8 The Menu contains all the information necessary for con-
trolling the printer via the control panel.
`Chapter 9 Advanced menu describes the possible test settings and
other technical adjustments of the printer.
`Chapter 10 Troubleshooting provides instructions for rectifying faults
which do not require the intervention of qualified personnel.
`Chapter 11 Care and maintenance provides information on the upkeep
of the printer.
`Appendix A Specifications informs you about the technical specificati-
ons of your printer and the paper which should be used.
`Appendix B Available character sets and fonts lists the available cha-
racter sets.
`Appendix C Emulations deals with programming via the interface.
`Appendix D Interfaces explains the interfaces.
`Appendix E Options and accessories contains information about opti-
ons and accessories you can purchase for your printer.

User guide Printer at a glance
3
Printer at a glance
1
pull to open pull to open
Paper support
Power switch
Control panel
Front cover
Single sheet feeder closed
Ribbon cassette
Power cord inlet and fuse
Bottom cover
Interface connectors
Rear cover
Tear edge
Top cover
Latches
Print head

User guide Printer at a glance
4
Printer in fanfold paper mode
Printer in single-sheet mode
pull to open
Tractors
Single sheet feeder open
Paper support

User guide Printer at a glance
5
Paperway
Single sheet
Tractor 2
Tractor 1
`Fanfold paper modeStandard printer: Tractor 1
Single sheet
Option: Tractor 2

User guide Installation
6
Installation
Unpacking the printer
Place your printer on a solid surface (see Placing
your printer, page 7).
Make sure that the “Up” symbols point in the cor-
rect direction.
Open the packaging, take out the accessory cas-
sette and unpack it. Pull the printer out of the card-
board box towards youand remove the remaining
packaging material.
Check the printer for any visible transport damage
and completeness. Apart from this CD-ROM (c)
theQuickstartguide(d),thepowercable(e),the
ribbon (f) and the MMJ interface adapter (g)
should be included.
If you find any transport damage or if any accesso-
ries are missing, please contact your dealer.
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d
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User guide Installation
7
Placing your printer
Place the printer on a solid, flat, surface, ensuring
that the printer is positioned in such a way that it
cannottopple,andthatthereiseasy accesstothe
control panel and paper input devices. Also en-
sure that there is sufficient space for the printed
output.
If you expect that frequent forward and reverse
feeds will occur, you should place the printer as
shown in the figure, if possible.
The power supply cable may be dam-
aged if the paper edges constantly
chafe the insulating sheath. The user
must always ensure that there is suffi-
cient distance between the power sup-
ply cable and the paper.
When selecting the printer location, observe the
following additional instructions:
Never place the printer in the vicinity of
inflammable gas or explosive sub-
stances.
Do not expose the printer to direct sunlight. If you cannot avoid plac-
ing the printer near a window, protect it from the sunlight with a cur-
tain.
When connecting the computer with the printer, make sure not to ex-
ceed the permitted cable length (see Interface specifications,
page 112).
Ensure sufficient distance between the printer and any heating radi-
ators.
Avoid exposing the printer to extreme temperature or air humidity
fluctuations. Above all take care to avoid the influence of dust.
It is recommended to install the printer in a place which is acousti-
cally isolated from the workplace because of the noise it may
produce.
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User guide Installation
8
Checking the printer
voltage Make sure that the device has been set to the correct voltage (e.g.
120 V in the USA, 230 V in Europe). To do this, check the type plate
above the power inlet at the back of the printer. Contact your dealer
if the setting is incorrect.
Never switch on the printer if the voltage setting is incorrect,
since this may result in severe damage.
You can set the printer to the correct mains volt-
age yourself. To do this, cautiously place the print-
er on its back side.
Make sure that the fixing clips of the
parallel connection are not bent.
Use a suitable object (e.g. a screwdriver, but nev-
er a pencil) to set the slide switch on the left at the
bottom of the printer to the correct voltage.
STOP
pull to open pull to open
STOP
120 V
Front side of printer
Back side of printer
230 V

User guide Installation
9
Connecting the printer
Connect the power cable to the power inlet of the
printer. Connect the power cable plug to a mains
socket.
Make sure that the printer and the computer are
switched off and connect the data cable between
the printer and the computer.

User guide Installation
10
Switching on the printer
The power switch for switching on the printer is lo-
cated at the bottom left at the front of the printer
when viewed from the front.
pull to openpull to open

User guide Changing the ribbon cassette
11
Changing the ribbon cassette
The ribbon consists of a dense synthetic fabric saturated with ink.
When printing, the needles hit the ribbon and transfer the ink parti-
cles on to the paper. After printing several million characters, the ink
is consumed and the fabric worn out.
Remove all the paper from the printer and make
sure that the printer is switched off before opening
the cover.
Press the two slide latches, raise the top cover to
an angle of 90 degrees relative to the top cover of
the printer and remove it.
Cautiously slide the print head carriage to the left
stop (viewed from the printer front).
The print head heats up during print-
ing. Let it cool down before touching, if
necessary.
3
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User guide Changing the ribbon cassette
12
Raise the printer bar cover.
Remove the used cassette.
We recommend use of genuine ribbon
cassettes only.
Turn the coloured ribbon feed knob at the right of
the new ribbon cassette in the direction of the ar-
row in order to take up slack of the ribbon.

User guide Changing the ribbon cassette
13
Slightly tilt the ribbon cassette forwards in such a
way that it is parallel to the housing top and thread
in the ribbon in front of the print head.
Locate the two projections in the left and right
guide rails of the printer and gently press down on
both sides until it clicks into place. In this way, the
cartridge is automatically positioned correctly.
Use the knob on the right side of the cassette to
take up slack of the ribbon again. Thereby the rib-
bon will slide over the plastic noses on the left and
right of the print head into the correct positon.
Press the printer bar cover down until it clicks into
place,remount the top cover, makingsurethatthe
projections on the cover are inserted correctly into
the recesses of the printer housing, and close it.