TSC Alpha-30L Series User manual

- 0 -
DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER
USER’S MANUAL

- i -
Copyright Information
© 2020 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd,
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the print engine described
therein are owned by TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd, All rights reserved.
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed font
is under license from the Monotype Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any
purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written
permission of TSC Auto ID Technology Co.

- ii -
Table of Contents
Copyright Information............................................................................................................ i
Agency Compliance and Approvals ...................................................................................... iv
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Product Introduction ....................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Product Features ........................................................................................................... 10
1.3 Battery Information....................................................................................................... 11
2. Operations Overview........................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................................................. 12
2.2 Printer Overview............................................................................................................ 13
2.2.1 Front View........................................................................................................................ 13
2.2.2 Interior View..................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.3 Rear View......................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Controls and Indicators ................................................................................................. 16
2.3.1 Status LED indication..................................................................................................... 16
2.3.2 Battery charging LED indication ................................................................................... 16
2.3.3 Keys.................................................................................................................................. 17
2.3.4 LCD control panel icon indication................................................................................. 17
3. Setup .................................................................................................................................. 18
3.1 Installing the Battery ..................................................................................................... 18
3.2 Charging the Smart Battery........................................................................................... 19
3.2.1 Charging the Battery....................................................................................................... 20
3.2.2 Charging the Battery by 1-bay/4-bay Battery Charger (Optional)............................. 21
3.2.3 Charging the Battery by 1-bay Printer Charger (Optional)........................................ 22
3.2.4 Charging the Battery by 4-bay Printer Charger (Optional)........................................ 23
3.3Loading the Media.......................................................................................................... 24
3.4Loading the Media in Peel-off Mode ............................................................................. 27
3.5Loading the External Media ........................................................................................... 30
3.6Installing the Belt Clip .................................................................................................... 32

- iii -
3.7Installing the IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (Optional).............. 33
3.8Connecting the Printer................................................................................................... 35
3.8.1 Cable Communication.................................................................................................... 35
3.8.2 Wireless Communication with Bluetooth..................................................................... 35
3.8.3 Wireless Communication with Wi-Fi (Option).............................................................. 36
3.8.4 Initialize the printer Wi-Fi module (Option) .................................................................. 39
4. LCD Menu Function........................................................................................................ 40
4.1 How to Use the LCD to Set the Printer.......................................................................... 40
4.2 Main Menu Overview.................................................................................................... 41
4.3 Setting............................................................................................................................ 43
4.3.1 TSPL................................................................................................................................. 43
4.3.2 ZPL2 ................................................................................................................................. 44
4.4Sensor............................................................................................................................. 46
4.5Interface ......................................................................................................................... 47
4.6Advanced........................................................................................................................ 48
4.7 File Manager.................................................................................................................. 50
4.8 Diagnostic ...................................................................................................................... 51
5. TSC Console...................................................................................................................... 53
5.1Start the TSC Console..................................................................................................... 53
5.2TPH Care......................................................................................................................... 54
6. Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 55
7. Maintenance..................................................................................................................... 57
Change History .................................................................................................................... 59

- iv -
Agency Compliance and Approvals
Note:
There may have certification differences in the series models, please refer to product label for
accuracy.
EN 55032, Class B
EN 55024
EN 55035
EN 62368-1
FCC part 15B, Class B
ICES-003, Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada
AS/NZS CISPR 32, Class B
GB 4943.1
GB/T9254
GB 17625.1
IS 13252(Part 1)/
IEC 60950-1
TP TC 004
TP TC 020
Important safety instructions:
1. Read all of these instructions and keep them for later use.

- v -
2. Follow all warnings and instructions on the product.
3. Disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet before cleaning or if fault happened.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Using a damp cloth is suitable for cleaning.
4. The mains socket shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible.
5. The unit must be protected against moisture.
6. Ensure the stability when installing the device, Tipping or dropping could cause damage.
7. Make sure to follow the correct power rating and power type indicated on marking label provided by
manufacture.
8. Please refer to user manual for maximum operation ambient temperature.
WARNING:
Hazardous moving parts, keep fingers and other body parts away.
CAUTION:
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Dispose of used batteries according to the Instructions as below.
1. DO NOT throw the battery in fire.
2. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
3. DO NOT disassemble the battery.
4. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
5. The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
电池安全警告：
◎勿将电池扔于火中。
◎勿将电池接点短路。
◎不可拆解电池。
◎不乱将电池当成一般废弃物处理。
◎打叉的垃圾桶符号表示电池不应该被放置到一般废弃堆中。
注意:
◎更换不正确型号类型的电池, 将产生爆炸危险。
◎请根据使用说明处理用过的电池。
鋰電安全使用指南:
注意：電池若未正確更換，可能會爆炸。請用原廠建議之同款或同等級的電池來更換。
請依原廠指示處理廢棄電池。
CAUTION:
The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

- vi -
CE Statement:
This equipment complies with EU radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This
equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator & your body.
All operational modes:
2.4GHz: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n (HT20), 802.11n (HT40)
5GHz: 802.11a,
The frequency, mode and the maximum transmitted power in EU are listed below:
2400 MHz –2483.5 MHz: 19.88 dBm (EIRP)
5150 MHz –5250 MHz: 17.51 dBm (EIRP)
5150-5350MHz for Only indoor use
5470-5725MHz for indoor/outdoor use
Restrictions In AZE
National restrictions information is provided below
Frequency Band
Country
Remark
5150-5350MHz
Azerbaijan
No license needed if used indoor and power
not exceeding 30mW
5470-5725MHz
Hereby, TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type [Wi-Fi] IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n is
in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://
www.tscprinters.com
RF exposure warning (Wi-Fi)
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and must not be co-
located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be
providing with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure
compliance.
SAR Value: 0.736 W/kg
RF exposure warning (For Bluetooth)
The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
The equipment must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Canada, Industry Canada (IC) Notices
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Information
The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Industry Canada (IC) radio frequency exposure
limits. The Wireless Device should be used in such a manner such that the potential for human contact during
normal operation is minimized.
This device has been evaluated for and shown compliant with the IC Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”) limits
when installed in specific host products operated in portable exposure conditions. (For Wi-Fi)

- vii -
This device has also been evaluated and shown compliant with the IC RF Exposure limits under portable
exposure conditions. (Antennas are less than 20 cm of a person's body). (For Bluetooth)
Canada, avis de l'Industry Canada (IC)
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003 et RSS-210.
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer
d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui peuvent
affecter son fonctionnement.
Informations concernant l'exposition aux fréquences radio (RF)
La puissance de sortie émise par l’appareil sans fil est inférieure à la limite d'exposition aux fréquences radio de
l'Industry Canada (IC). Utilisez l’appareil sans fil de façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors du
fonctionnement normal.
Ce périphérique a été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites SAR (Specific Absorption Rate –Taux
d'absorption spécifique) par l'IC lorsqu'il est connecté à des dispositifs hôtes spécifiques opérant dans des
conditions d’utilisation mobile. (Pour le Wi-Fi)
Ce périphérique a également été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites d'exposition radio-fréquence par
l'IC pour des utilisations par des opérateurs mobiles (les antennes sont à moins de 20 cm du corps d'une
personne). (Pour le Bluetooth)
NCC 警語:
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或
變更原設計之特性及功能。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法第十二條)
低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善
至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫
療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法第十四條)

- viii -

- 9 -
1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
Enjoy TSC’s reputation for cost-efficient, high durability printers with the Alpha-30L/ Alpha-40L economical receipt
printer. The Alpha series is a comfortable, light-weight printer capable of working with any mobile receipt printing
application where you need quick, simple receipts on demand. Our Alpha series is designed for a rough life, inside the
IP54-rated environmental case to resist dust and water and with its rubber over-mold design prepared to take up to a
1.8 meter fall and keep printing. These small and light printers can be worn comfortably for a full shift, without
interfering with the user’s tasks. Use Type C USB, Bluetooth or Wireless to connect to a mobile computer or even a
smart phone and produce clear easy-to-read receipts hour after hour.
This document provides an easy reference for operating the Alpha-30L series. To print label formats, please refer to
the instructions provided with your labeling software; if you need to write the custom programs, please refer to the
TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual that can be found on TSC website at http://www.tscprinters.com.

- 10 -
1.2 Product Features
Model
Item
Alpha-30L
Alpha-40L
Resolution
203 dpi, 8dots/mm
Printing method
Direct thermal
Max. print speed
5 ips
Max. print width
72 mm
104 mm
Max. print length
2,794 mm (110”)
Enclosure
Plastic with rubber over molded
Physical dimension (W x H x D)
117 mm x 173 mm x 79 mm
160 mm x 191mm x 79 mm
Weight
745g w/ battery, w/o media
985g w/ battery, w/o media
Drop specification
1.8 m (6 ft), 2.5 m (8.2 ft) with IP54-rated protective case
Label roll capacity
67 mm OD
Processor
32-bit RISC CPU
Memory
Standard: 128 MB SDRAM, 128 MB Flash, microSD card reader for Flash
memory expansion, up to 32 GB
Factory Option: 256 MB SDRAM, 512 MB Flash
Power
7.4V DC, 3,030 mAh Li-ion rechargeable
smart battery
7.4V DC, 6,200 mAh Li-ion rechargeable
smart battery
Interface
Either one selected
Type C USB 2.0 + MFi Bluetooth 5.0 + Passive NFC tag
Type C USB 2.0 + 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2 + Passive NFC
tag
＊Type C is for communication only.
Operation button
7 buttons (Power, Feed/Enter, Menu, Navigation keys)
User interface
2 LED indicators (Battery charging status, Printer status)
2.3 ” Color LCD display, 320 x 240 pixels
Sensors
Black mark reflective sensor
Transmissive gap sensor
Peel sensor
Head open sensor
Real time clock
Standard
Internal font
8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
Monotype Imaging® true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold
Condensed scalable font
Bar code
1D bar code:
Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A、B、C, EAN128, Interleaved 2 of 5,
Interleaved 2 of 5 with check digit, Standard 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Code39,
Code39 with check digit, Code93, EAN13, EAN8, UPCA, UPCE, EAN and UPC 2
(5) digits add-on, Codabar, Postnet, MSI, MSI with check digit, PLESSEY, China
post, ITF14, EAN14, Code11, TELEPEN, TELEPEN number, PLANET, Code49,
Deutsche Post Identcode, Deutsche Post Leitcode, LOGMARS
2D bar code:
CODABLOCK F mode, GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataMatrix, Maxicode, AZTEC,
PDF417, QR Code, Micro PDF417, TLC39
Printer language
TSPL-EZC (EPL2, ZPL2, CPCL), or ESC-POS

- 11 -
Media type
Die cut, black mark, receipt, fan-fold, linerless, continuous (outside wound)
Media thickness
0.06 ~ 0.16 mm
Media width
25.4 ~80 mm with liner
50.8~112mm with liner
Media core diameter
12.7 mm (0.5"), standard
19.1 mm (0.75"), with 0.75" ID adaptor
Label length
12.7 ~ 2,794 mm (0.5” ~ 110”)
25.4 ~ 152.4 mm (1” ~ 6”) for peeler mode
Environment condition
Operation: -20 ~ 50˚C (-4 ~ 122˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Storage: -30 ~ 70˚C (-22 ~ 158˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Charging: 0 ~40˚C (32~ 104˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Factory option
Media sensor position (default center, right, or left side)
Linerless kit
User option
Type C USB 2.0 cable
Protective case with shoulder strap
Shoulder strap
Li-ion smart battery
1-slot docking cradle
4-slot docking cradle
1-slot battery charger
4-slot battery charger
12-24VDC vehicle power adaptor
12-60VDC vehicle power adaptor
12-48VDC power source with
battery eliminator
Vehicle mount adapter can be
used with RAM® MOUNTS
1.3 Battery Information
Model
Capacity
Cycle life
Warning conditions
Charging
hours
Working hours
Alpha-30L
3030 mAh
500 times
GOOD: Discharged count <= 550
or absolute battery capacity >=
70%.
REPLACE: 550 < Discharged count
<= 600 or 67% =< absolute
battery capacity < 70%.
UNUSABLE: 600 < Discharged
count or absolute battery
capacity < 67%.
3.5~5 hrs
23.5 hrs
- 12.5% printing ratio
- 1 label per two minutes
- Bluetooth
Alpha-40L
6200 mAh
500 times
4.5 ~ 6.5
hrs
45 hrs
- 12.5% printing ratio
- 1 label per two minutes
- Bluetooth

- 12 -
2. Operations Overview
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping. Please carefully
inspect the packaging and printer upon receiving the bar code printer. Please retain the packaging
materials in case you need to reship the printer.
Unpacking the printer, the following items are included in the carton.
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased
reseller or distributor.
One printer unit
One Li-ion battery
One quick installation guide
One auto-switching AC adapter
One belt clip
Note:
Check the production date
Serial NO.: XXX 17 22 XXXX
YEAR
Год
WEEK
Неделю

- 13 -
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
1. Media cover
2. Peeler module
3. NFC touch point
4. MicroSD card socket
5. LCD screen
6. Media cover release button
7. Buttons / LED indicators
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

- 14 -
2.2.2 Interior View
1. Power jack
2. Type C interface
3. Peeler sensor
4. Print head
5. Tear bar
6. Media holder
7. Gap/Black mark sensors
8. Platen roller
2
1
4
5
6
7
8
3

- 15 -
2.2.3 Rear View
1. External label entrance chute
2. Charging position for docking cradle
3. Battery open clasp
4. Li-ion battery
5. Installation location for belt clip
1
2
4
5
3

- 16 -
2.3 Controls and Indicators
2.3.1 Status LED indication
LED Color / Status
Indication
Off
Printer is ready to use
Green/ Blinking
Printer is paused
Printer is downloading data from PC to memory
Amber/ Solid
Printer is clearing data
Printer is busy
Red / Solid
Media cover is open
Memory error (out of memory)
Red / Blinking
No paper
Paper jam
Printing error
2.3.2 Battery charging LED indication
LED Color / Status
Indication
Off
Charging is complete
Amber/ Solid
Charging is in progress
Amber/ Blinking
Battery temperature is too hot or too cold
Battery overvoltage
Charge timeout
Battery absent
Icons
Model Name
& Firmware
Version
IP Address
Status
Navigational
keys
Time & Date
FEED key / Right
soft key
Menu key / Left
soft key
Power key
Status LED
Battery
charging LED

- 17 -
2.3.3 Keys
Keys
Function
Menu key
(Ready status)
Enter the LCD menu list.
Left soft key
(Menu status)
The label on the left footer of the UI will explain the
function for left soft key. Check the label on the footer of
the UI screen. The meaning of the select keys will vary.
Feed key
(Ready status)
Feed one label.
Pause key
(Printing status)
Pause the print job.
Right soft key
(Menu status)
The label on the right footer of the UI will explain the
function for right soft key. Check the label on the footer of
the UI screen. The meaning of the select keys will vary.
Power-on key
Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer.
Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer.
Navigational keys
Used to select items, menu selection, and navigation in
the UI.
2.3.4 LCD control panel icon indication
Icons
Indication
1/4 charging level: 0~25%
2/4 charging level: 25~50%
3/4 charging level: 50~75%
4/4 charging level: 75~100%
Wi-Fi device is ready
Bluetooth device is ready
Print head cleaning notice
Button
Indication
Enter the menu list ( the Menu is locked and a password is required.)
Feed button (advance one label)
Back button
Enter cursor (be marked in green) located option
Scroll down button
Scroll up button

- 18 -
3. Setup
Alpha-30L and Alpha-40L operate in the same way, this manual uses Alpha-30L as an example.
3.1 Installing the Battery
1. Insert the right side to install the
battery at the rear of the printer.
2. Push the left side of the battery.
Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the battery in fire. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be
placed in municipal waste.
PUSH

- 19 -
3.2 Charging the Smart Battery
Smart Battery Charging Mode and Operation Instructions
In order to battery storage safety and increase battery storage time, the battery will be in shutdown mode for storage and
shipping. The smart battery is charged for the first time, it needs to unlock this shutdown mode.
For charging via printer:
No steps are required.
For 1-bay or 4-bay battery charger charging:
The LED indicator on the charger will flash red when the battery is charged for the first time. Please remove the smart
battery and reinstall it to unlock this shutdown mode.
Charging Temperature
The battery normal working condition is from 0°C to 40°C (32 °F to 104 °F). The device or battery
charger always perform battery charging in a safe and optimummanner. At higher temperatures (e.g.
approximately +40 °C (+104 °F) or charging when turning on the printers), the printer or battery
charger may stop charging for a period of time to keep the battery at acceptable temperatures.