TransAct Epic 880 100-88002 Use and care manual

OEM Integration Manual
P/N 100-88002
Rev B, February 2009

Page ii 100-88002 Rev B
Change History
Rev A Initial Release Jan 2009
Rev B Style and formatting update Feb 2009
Added USB Watch dog
Added several internal code pages.

100-88002 Rev B Page iii
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency
Interference Statement
The Epic 880
TM
Printer complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules. These regulations are
designed to minimize radio frequency interference during installation; however, there
is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur during any particular
installation. Interference can be determined by turning the equipment off and on while
the radio or television is on. If the printer causes interference to radio or television
reception, try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Reorient the radio or television receiving antenna
2. Relocate the printer with respect to the receiver
3. Plug the printer and receiver into different circuits
If necessary, the user should consult their dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet
prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
How to Identify and
Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems
. This booklet is available from the US
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Ask for stock number 004-000-
00345-4.
Canadian Department of Communications Radio
Interference Statement
The Epic 880
TM
Printer does not exceed Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class B
CE Mark
EN 60950-1
UL 60950-1
CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 60950-1
EN55022
EN55024
ROHS

Page iv 100-88002 Rev B
Disclaimer
NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT:
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of
TransAct Technologies, Inc. ("TransAct"). This document is the property of and
contains information that is both confidential and proprietary to TransAct. Recipient
shall not disclose any portion of this document to any third party.
TRANSACT DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES INCURRED,
DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FROM ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR
DISCREPANCIES IN THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
TransAct cannot guarantee that changes in software and equipment made by other
manufacturers, and referred to in this publication, do not affect the applicability of
information in this publication.
Copyright
© 2008, 2009 TransAct Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision Level B
February 2009
Printed in USA
Trademarks
Some of the product names mentioned herein are used for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
BANKjet, 50Plus, Insta-Load, Ithaca, “Made to Order. Built to Last”, Magnetec, PcOS,
POSjet, PowerPocket and TransAct are registered trademarks and Epic 880TM, Flex-
Zone, Import, ithaColor, iTherm, KITCHENjet, Momentum, QDT and TicketBurst are
trademarks of TransAct Technologies, Inc.

100-88002 Rev B Page v
Table of Contents
Change History............................................................................................................. ii
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement...... iii
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Statement.................. iii
Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................... iii
Disclaimer.................................................................................................................... iv
Copyright ..................................................................................................................... iv
Trademarks ................................................................................................................. iv
Table of Contents ......................................................................................................... v
Figures.......................................................................................................................... x
Tables........................................................................................................................... x
Introducing your Epic 880TM Printer.............. 1
About your TransAct®Epic 880TM Printer .....................................................................3
Who Should Read This Guide? ....................................................................................4
What Is Included in This Guide?...................................................................................4
Technical and Sales Support........................................................................................5
On-line Technical Support .......................................................................................5
Telephone Technical Support..................................................................................5
Return Materials Authorization and Return Policies ................................................6
Service Programs ....................................................................................................6
Sales Support ..........................................................................................................6
Contact Information .................................................................................................7
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements. 9
Epic 880TM Specifications and Requirements.............................................................11
Standard Features......................................................................................................11
Optional Features .......................................................................................................12
General Specifications................................................................................................13
Printer Dimensions ................................................................................................13
Weight....................................................................................................................13
Interface Type........................................................................................................14
Printer Type ...........................................................................................................14
Printer Environmental Conditions ..........................................................................14
Reliability ...............................................................................................................14
AC Power Requirements .......................................................................................15
DC Power Requirements .......................................................................................15
Power connector....................................................................................................17
Test Standards ......................................................................................................17
Accoustic Noise: ....................................................................................................17
Printing Specifications ................................................................................................18
Paper Roll Specifications............................................................................................18
Auto Cutter Position....................................................................................................18
Paper Out ...................................................................................................................18
Communications Interface..........................................................................................19
RS232 Serial Communications Interface...............................................................19
USB Interface ........................................................................................................20
Operational Procedures .............................. 23
Operational Procedures..............................................................................................25
How to Operate the Epic 880TM Printer.......................................................................25
Indicator Lights (LED).................................................................................................25

Page vi 100-88002 Rev B
The FEED button........................................................................................................25
The Diagnostics/Config button ...................................................................................27
Using Self-Test ......................................................................................................28
Level 0 Diagnostics................................................................................................30
Boot Loader Mode .................................................................................................30
Printer Status LED’s...............................................................................................31
Auto Error Recovery ..............................................................................................32
Loading Paper ............................................................................................................34
Cleaning the Print Head .............................................................................................34
Configuring Your Epic 880TM Printer............ 37
Configuration Mode Overview ....................................................................................39
Most Frequent Configuration Incompatibilities.......................................................39
How to Change Configuration Settings ......................................................................39
Entering into Configuration Mode ..........................................................................39
Setting up for Color Paper ..........................................................................................40
Custom Color.........................................................................................................40
Remote Configuration.................................................................................................40
Remote Boot Load......................................................................................................40
Field Configuration Feature........................................................................................41
Mounting Requirements.............................. 43
Mounting Requirements .............................................................................................45
Bezel Mounting Specifications...............................................................................46
Spindle Mounting Options ..........................................................................................47
45˚Up Spindle Mounting .......................................................................................47
Straight Back Spindle Mounting.............................................................................48
45˚Down Spindle Mounting....................................................................................48
Straight Down Center Spindle Mounting................................................................49
Straight Down Rear Spindle Mounting...................................................................50
Control Panel Side Spindle Mounting ....................................................................50
Retract Opening .........................................................................................................51
Printer Sensors ........................................... 53
Printer Sensors...........................................................................................................55
Paper Out Sensor ..................................................................................................55
Cover-Open Switch................................................................................................55
Top-of-Form Sensor ..............................................................................................55
Paper Low Sensor .................................................................................................56
Anti-Jam Sensor ....................................................................................................56
Transport Ticket Taken Sensor..............................................................................56
Transport Ticket Retract Sensor............................................................................57
Electrical Connections................................. 59
Communications Interface..........................................................................................61
Cable connection locations.........................................................................................62
Printer Block Diagram.................................................................................................63
Control Codes.............................................. 65
Control Codes Overview.............................................................................................67
Nomenclature .............................................................................................................67
Standard Emulation ...............................................................................................68
IPCL Codes ...........................................................................................................68
Other Emulations ...................................................................................................68

100-88002 Rev B Page vii
Application Development............................................................................................68
TransAct Control Codes and Commands...................................................................68
PcOS Printer Control Codes..................................................................................68
Quick PcOS Reference Chart................................................................................70
Low Level Paper Motion Control............................................................................76
Horizontal Motion Control ......................................................................................77
Vertical Motion Control ..........................................................................................79
Feed to Black Dot ..................................................................................................86
Character Pitch ......................................................................................................88
Character Font.......................................................................................................93
Character Sets and Code Pages ...........................................................................94
Double-Byte and Multi-Byte Code Page Description Files.....................................96
Code Page Selection .............................................................................................96
Page Mode ..........................................................................................................106
Graphic Mode ......................................................................................................115
Graphics Compression ........................................................................................120
Simple Raster Graphics.......................................................................................121
User Store (Graphic Save and Macros)...............................................................122
Legacy User Macros............................................................................................129
Bar Codes............................................................................................................131
Electronic Journal ................................................................................................141
Transport Control.................................................................................................152
Miscellaneous Control .........................................................................................154
Remote Power Control.........................................................................................160
Documented Extended Control commands .........................................................161
Printer Status .......................................................................................................162
Inquire Commands ..............................................................................................163
Double Level Loader ................................................................................................177
Entering Field Boot Load Mode. ..........................................................................177
Epic 880TM Color Graphics ......................... 179
Printing Graphics......................................................................................................181
Character Graphics..............................................................................................181
APA Graphics ......................................................................................................182
Epic 880TM Universal Color Graphics .......................................................................183
Print File Graphics ...............................................................................................184
Store Graphics in the printer:...............................................................................184
How universal color graphics is done ..................................................................185
How to use IPCL commands in text strings .........................................................186
Cautions...............................................................................................................186
Universal Graphics Command Descriptions ........................................................187
Bitmapped File Graphic Support ..............................................................................189
Epic 880TM Coupon-Cut-Logo Feature .....................................................................190
Unicode and Fonts .................................... 191
Fonts.........................................................................................................................193
Character Generation ..........................................................................................193
Internal Fonts.......................................................................................................196
Custom Fonts ......................................................................................................196
Stacked or Linked fonts .......................................................................................197
Font Storage ........................................................................................................197
Bitmap Fonts........................................................................................................199

Page viii 100-88002 Rev B
Unicode ....................................................................................................................202
Unicode Encoding................................................................................................202
File system and the POR.INI file ..............................................................................204
Font Size and Spacing .............................................................................................210
Font Size and Spacing command interactions.....................................................211
Legacy Printer Features that Have Changed ...........................................................217
User Defined Characters .....................................................................................217
Dynamic Code Page Definition............................................................................217
File System ............................................... 219
File System Interface................................................................................................221
File System Commands.......................................................................................221
Epic 880TM Extended Printer Control ......... 227
Remote Printer Reset ...............................................................................................232
Reset in Serial Mode............................................................................................232
Miscellaneous Communication Features..................................................................233
Power-cycle Recovery .........................................................................................233
Off-line Control.....................................................................................................233
Remote Boot Load Mode .....................................................................................234
USB Recovery Watch Dog...................................................................................235
Recovery from Mechanical Errors ............................................................................237
Epic 880TM Programmers Notes................. 239
General Notes ..........................................................................................................241
What Drivers Are Needed.........................................................................................241
Definitions ............................................................................................................241
Do you want to use the standard USB printing device interface? ........................241
Do you want to use USB and simulate a communication port? ...........................242
Are you using OPOS (UnifiedPOS/UPOS)? ........................................................242
Do you want to print from a Windows application? ..............................................242
Windows Printer Driver ........................................................................................243
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................243
GDI ...........................................................................................................................243
OPOS driver ........................................................................................................244
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................244
USB driver: ..........................................................................................................245
POSPrinter Activex Control (POSPrinter OCX): ..................................................246
PC Hardware ............................................................................................................246
Appendix A: Unicode Character Addresses 247
Appendix B: WGL4.0 Character Addresses 249
Appendix C: GB18030 Character Addresses
................................................................. 254
Appendix D: Typical Code Page Definition. 261
Appendix E: Internal Code Pages.............. 263
Appendix F: ASCII Code Table................... 265
Appendix G: Ordering Supplies ................. 266
Index .......................................................... 267

100-88002 Rev B Page ix

Page x 100-88002 Rev B
Figures
Figure 1. Epic 880TM Printer........................................................................................11
Figure 2. Epic 880TM Dimensions. ..............................................................................13
Figure 3. Temperature and Humidity Ranges.............................................................14
Figure 4. Control panel with FEED and Diagnostics/CONFIG buttons and indicator
lights....................................................................................................................25
Figure 5. Location of Diagnostics/Config Button. .......................................................27
Figure 6. Auto-feeding a Paper Roll. ..........................................................................34
Figure 7. Startup message in Field Configuration mode. ...........................................41
Figure 8. Sample pre-loaded configuration. ...............................................................42
Figure 9. Epic 880TM Mounting Locations ...................................................................45
Figure 10. Bezel Mounting and Hardware Requirements...........................................46
Figure 11. 45˚Up Spindle Location ............................................................................47
Figure 12. Straight Back Spindle Location .................................................................48
Figure 13. Angle Down Spindle Location ...................................................................48
Figure 14. Straight Down Center Spindle Location.....................................................49
Figure 15. Straight Down Rear Spindle Location........................................................50
Figure 16. Retract Opening. .......................................................................................51
Figure 17. Dimensions for Retract Opening. ..............................................................52
Figure 18. Sensor Breakdown and Locations.............................................................55
Figure 19. Transport Ticket Taken Sensor. ................................................................56
Figure 20. Transport Ticket Retract Sensor................................................................57
Figure 21. Communication PCB Location and Connector Info. ..................................61
Figure 22 Power and RS232 Left hand Exit ...............................................................62
Figure 23 Power and USB Left hand Exit ...................................................................62
Figure 24 Page Mode Entry Orientations .................................................................106
Figure 25 Page mode set printable area ..................................................................110
Figure 26 Default Page mode printed area...............................................................110
Figure 27 Defined Page mode printed area..............................................................111
Figure 28 Code 39 Full 128 Character Encoding .....................................................133
Figure 29 Expanded Function Coding ......................................................................134
Figure 30 Code 128 Encoding Values......................................................................136
Figure 31 Example of Character Graphics ...............................................................181
Figure 32 Windows Driver ........................................................................................243
Figure 33 OPOS (UPOS) Driver...............................................................................244
Figure 34 USB Driver ...............................................................................................245
Figure 35 POSPrinter OCX ......................................................................................246
Tables
Table 1. Input Power Requirements ...........................................................................16
Table 2 Serial Interface Pin-outs ................................................................................19
Table 3 Character Pitch..............................................................................................91
Table 4 Inter-character Spacing .................................................................................92
Table 5 Language Table ID’s .....................................................................................97
Table 6 Euro Character Substitution Matrix................................................................98
Table 7 Paper Sensor Commands ...........................................................................156
Table 8 Paper Sensor Commands ...........................................................................157

100-88002 Rev B Page xi
Table 9. Possible Character Pitches ........................................................................195
Table 10 Requested CPI and Resulting CPI ............................................................196
Table 11 Character Pitch..........................................................................................217

100-88002 Rev B Page 1
Chapter 1
Introducing your Epic 880TM Printer

Page 2 100-88002 Rev B
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Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 3
About your TransAct®Epic 880TM Printer
The TransAct®Epic 880TM printer represents the very latest technology for use
for thermal receipt printing, specifically designed for the needs of gaming and
kiosk applications. It builds upon the architecture of TransAct’s proven thermal
printers, together with a host of features specifically designed to improve the
performance of your receipt printing applications, including:
•Integrated printer mechanism/main controller PCB architecture
•Paper roll bracket/spindle allowing paper roll to be mounted behind or
below printer mechanism
•High-speed (6 inches per second) thermal receipt printing
•Barcode printing capabilities.
•Up to six (6) inch (152 mm) diameter paper roll
•Long-life ticket cutter
•Standard variable length presenter capable of handling from 63.5 to 254
mm. (2.5 -10 inches) length tickets
•Stroke-based fonts capable of supporting Asian and Latin characters
•Standard ticket retract feature
•Standard illuminated bezel assembly (Translucent blue)
These features and more let you quickly and easily integrate reliable ticket
printing in your gaming and kiosk applications, while giving you the quality,
durability and uptime you have come to expect from TransAct®printers.

Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
Page 4 100-88002 Rev B
Who Should Read This Guide?
This document provides information useful to original equipment
manufacturers (OEM) who will integrate the Epic 880TM printer into their
products.
What Is Included in This Guide?
This Integration Manual includes information on the mechanical, electrical and
command language requirements of the Epic 880TM printer. It provides the
following information to support your integration efforts:
•Warranty and technical support information.
•Specifications and functionality description.
•Mounting requirements and mounting locations.
•Power and interface connections.
•Operational procedures.
•Programming information, including documentation of low-level and high-
level command interfaces, as well as sample scripts to guide your own
implementation efforts.
We want you to have a trouble-free implementation with your TransAct®
printer. For any issues not covered in this guide, quality technical support is
available on-line at www.transact-tech.com, or by telephone or fax – consult
the following pages for more details about our support services.

Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 5
Technical and Sales Support
Your printer is backed by the resources of TransAct Technologies, a global
technology firm with dedicated technical support and sales assistance. Here is
how we can help you:
On-line Technical Support
Our web site at www.transact-tech.com is your on-line portal to obtaining
technical assistance with your TransAct®printer. Click on the Technical
Support link to find support information for your printer. Our on-line support
site also includes a convenient e-mail assistance request form, where you can
submit support requests 24 hours a day, and receive a return contact from a
TransAct support technician during regular business hours.
Telephone Technical Support
Live telephone support is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM
local time, excluding holidays. We can provide general information about
programming for your Epic 880TM printer, technical support, documentation, or
assistance in sending a printer for service. To obtain telephone support,
contact the number below for your region and ask for Technical Support.
United States: 1.877.7ITHACA (1.877.748.4222), Fax: [phone]
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA): 011-44-170-977-2500, Fax: 011-44-
170-977-2505
To help us serve you faster, please have the following information ready when
you call:
•The Model Number and Serial Number of the printer.
•A list of any other peripheral devices attached to the same port as the
printer.
•What application software, operating system, and network (if any) you are
using.
•What happened and what you were doing when the problem occurred.
•How you tried to solve the problem.

Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
Page 6 100-88002 Rev B
Return Materials Authorization and Return Policies
If a support technician determines that the printer should be serviced at a
TransAct facility, and you want to return the printer for repair, we will issue you
the Returned Materials Authorization (RMA) number that is required before
returning the printer. Repairs are warranted for 90 days from the date of repair
or for the balance of the original warranty period, whichever is greater. Please
prepare the printer being returned for repair as follows:
•Pack the printer to be returned in the original packing material.
•Packing material may be purchased from TransAct's Ithaca Facility.
•Do not return any accessories unless asked to do so by a support
technician.
•Write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box.
Service Programs
TransAct Technologies Incorporated has a full service organization to meet
your printer service and repair requirements. If your printer needs service,
please contact your service provider first. If any problems still persist, you can
directly contact the Technical Support department at the numbers listed above
for a return authorization. Customers outside the United States and United
Kingdom should contact your distributor for services. TransAct offers the
following service programs to meet your needs.
•Extended Warranty.
•Depot Repair.
•Maintenance Contract.
•Internet Support.
Sales Support
To order supplies, receive information about other Ithaca products, or obtain
information about your warranty, contact our Sales Department at the contact
telephone or fax numbers listed below. To receive information on International
distribution, visit our web site at www.transact-tech.com.

Introducing Your Epic 880TM Printer
100-88002 Rev B Page 7
Contact Information
TransAct Technologies Incorporated
Ithaca Facility
20 Bomax Drive
Ithaca, NY 14850 USA
TransAct Technologies
World Gaming Headquarters
& Western Regional Repair Center
6700 Paradise Road
Suite D
Las Vegas, NV 89119 USA
Telephone 877.7ithaca or 607.257.8901
Main fax [phone]
Sales fax [phone]
Technical Support fax [phone]
Web site www.transact-tech.com
Western United States: 877.822.8923, Fax: [phone]
United Kingdom: 011-44-170-977-2500, Fax: [phone]