TSC Alpha-4L Series User manual

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Alpha-4L
Moblie Barcode Printers
User Manual
Series Lists:
Alpha-4L
Direct Thermal

I
Copyright information
© 2021 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer described 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
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Product Specification...................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Printer Optional Featussf .............................................................................................................................................................................3
1.3 General Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Print Specifications ......................................................................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Media Specifications....................................................................................................................................................................................6
2. Operation Overview...........................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Printer Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.2.1 Front View.............................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Rear View..............................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3 Operator Control........................................................................................................................................................................................10
2.3.1 Led Indication and Keys ......................................................................................................................................................................10
2.3.2 Power-on Utilities ................................................................................................................................................................................13
3. Setup...............................................................................................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Install the Belt Clip and Battery..................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Charge the Battery.....................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.2.1 Charge the Battery ..............................................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Loading the Media .....................................................................................................................................................................................17

III
3.3.1 Loading Media ..................................................................................................................................................................................17
3.3.2 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode........................................................................................................................................................19
3.3.3 Loading the Fan-fold/External Media.................................................................................................................................................22
3.3.4 Loading the Linerless Media (Option)................................................................................................................................................23
3.4 Connecting the Printer ...............................................................................................................................................................................24
3.4.1 Connecting with the Communication Cable.........................................................................................................................................24
3.4.2 Wireless Communications with Bluetooth............................................................................................................................................25
4. Accessories.....................................................................................................................................................................................................26
4.1 Install the IP54-rated Environmental Case with Shoulder Strap (Option)....................................................................................................26
4.2 Install the Adapter for 0.75” and 1” Paper Core (Option) ............................................................................................................................27
4.3 Install the Belt Strap (Option/ Standard for linerless model) .......................................................................................................................29
5. TSC Console...................................................................................................................................................................................................31
5.1 Start TSC Console.....................................................................................................................................................................................31
5.2 Set WiFi and Add to TSC Console Interface ..............................................................................................................................................33
5.3 Initialize the Printer WiFi Setting ................................................................................................................................................................36
5.4 Setting Post-Print Action............................................................................................................................................................................37
5.5 Printer Function .........................................................................................................................................................................................38
6. LCD Menu Function (Option)........................................................................................................................................................................39
6.1 How to use the LCD to set the printer ........................................................................................................................................................39
6.2 Main Menu Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................42

IV
6.3 TSPL2........................................................................................................................................................................................................43
6.4 ZPL2..........................................................................................................................................................................................................45
6.5 Sensor.......................................................................................................................................................................................................48
6.6 Serial Comm..............................................................................................................................................................................................49
6.7 Wireless LAN.............................................................................................................................................................................................50
6.8 Bluetooth ...................................................................................................................................................................................................51
6.9 Date Time..................................................................................................................................................................................................52
6.10 Display.....................................................................................................................................................................................................53
6.11 File Manager............................................................................................................................................................................................54
6.12 Diagnostic................................................................................................................................................................................................55
6.13 Language.................................................................................................................................................................................................56
6.14 Service.....................................................................................................................................................................................................56
7. TroubleShooting..............................................................................................................................................................................................57
8. Maintenance....................................................................................................................................................................................................59
9. Angency Compliance and Approvals...............................................................................................................................................................61
10. Revise History...............................................................................................................................................................................................68

1
1. Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
Enjoy TSC’s reputation for cost-efficient, high durability printers with the Alpha-4L economical receipt printer. The Alpha-4L 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-4L 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 five foot 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 USB, Bluetooth, optional Wireless or serial 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 this printer. TSC printers include the Windows labeling software for
creating your label template. For system integration, the TSPL/TSPL2 printer programming manual or SDKs can be found on TSC
website at: https://www.tscprinters.com.

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1.1 Product Specification
The printer offers the following standard features
Product standard feature
Direct thermal printing
Black mark reflective sensor
(center position , black mark in back side)
Gap transmissive sensor (Fixed, center of offset 2.75 mm to right from center)
Head open sensor
Peeler sensor
2 operation buttons (On/off and feed)
3 LEDs for printer status, 3 LEDs for battery status
USB 2.0 (full speed) interface
Class 2 Bluetooth 2.1 module
32 MB SDRAM memory
16 MB FLASH memory
Micro SD card reader for memory expansion up to SDHC 4G (max.)
DC 7.2V/5800 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
Real time clock
Powerful 32 bit 200 MHz RISC processor
Eltron® EPL and Zebra® ZPL emulation languages support
Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
Internal Monotype Imaging®true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font
Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions (0, 90,180, 270 degree)
Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory
Downloadable firmware upgrades
Text, bar code, graphics/image printing (Please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual for supporting code page)
Supported bar code
Supported image
1D bar code
2D bar code
BITMAP,
BMP,
PCX
(Max. 256 colors graphics)
Code128 subsets A.B.C,Code128UCC, EAN128,
Interleave 2 of 5,Code 39,Code 93, EAN-13,
EAN-8, Codabar, POSTNET, UPC-A, UPC-E,
EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI,
PLESSEY, China Post, ITF14, EAN14, Code 11,
TELPEN, PLANET, Code 49, Deutsche Post
Identcode, Deutsche Post Leitcode, LOGMARS
CODABLOCK F mode, DataMatrix,
Maxicode, PDF-417, Aztec, MicroPDF417,
QR code, RSS Barcode (GS1 Databar)

3
1.2 Printer Optional Featussf
The printer offers the following optional features.
Features Description
User options
Factory options
2” LCD (Liquid crystal display), 128 x 64 pixels resolution
w/white LED backlight (with 4 buttons and 2 LEDs)
○
Wi-Fi module
○
Zebra® CPCL emulation language support
○
Media sensor position
(position selectable –right/left/center position-factory
adjustment, default –center position)
○
Linerless kit
○
Mini USB cable
○
Mini USB to RS-232 (serial) converter cable
○
IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (for
standard model)
○
IP54-rated environmental case (for standard model)
○
IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (for
linerless model)
○
IP54-rated environmental case (for linerless model)
○
Shoulder strap
○
Vehicle power adaptor
○

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1.3 General Specifications
General Specifications
Physical dimensions
160 mm (W) x 191.6 mm (H) x 79 mm (D)
Mechanism
Plastic with rubber over molded
Weight
0.945 kg (w/o battery)
Power
External power adapter
Input: AC 100-240V
Output: DC 12V 1A
Environmental condition
Operation: -10 ~ 50˚C (14 ~ 122˚F)
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F)
Relative humidity: 10 ~ 90% non-condensing
IP54 w/ IP54-rated environmental case
Drop 1.5m (5ft)
Drop 1.8m (6.5ft) w/ IP54-rated environmental case
Battery Spec
Charging time: 5~6 hr
Standby mode (Bluetooth): up to 55 hr
Standby mode (Wi-Fi): up to 40 hr
Printing: one label per 2 minutes,
Condition
Endurance (hr)
4”x6”Labels
Density 3
26
780
Density 8
21
650
Charging capability
Internal charging capability (battery-in)
Auto-switching AC adapter
12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug
External charging capability (battery-out)
1 battery charger station
4 battery charger station

5
1.4 Print Specifications
Print Specifications
Print head resolution
(dots per inch/mm)
203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)
Printing method
Direct thermal
Dot size
(width x length)
0.125 x 0.125 mm
(1 mm = 8 dots)
Print speed
(inches per second)
Max. 4 ips (100 mm/sec)
2,3 ips for peeler mode
Max. print width
4.09”(104 mm)
Max. print length
90” (2286 mm)
Printout bias
Vertical: 1 mm max.
Horizontal: 1 mm max.

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1.5 Media Specifications
Media Specifications
Media roll capacity
Max. 2.65”(67.3 mm) OD
Media core diameter
12.7 mm ~ 25.4 mm (0.5”~ 1”) ID core
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, External fan-fold, receipt, Linerless label (w/ linerless kit)
Media wound type
Outside wound
Media width
50.8 mm ~ 112 mm
Media thickness
0.055 mm ~ 0.165 mm
Label length
12.7 mm ~ 2286 mm
Label length (peeler mode)
25.4 ~ 152.4 mm (1” ~ 6”)
External fan-fold media
Stack height: 70 mm (2.75”)
Page length: 152 mm ~ 305 mm (6”~ 12”)
Black mark
Min. 8 mm (W) x 2 mm (H)
Gap height
Min. 2 mm

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2. Operation 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.
One printer unit
One Li-ion rechargeable battery (5800 mAh)
One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
One quick installation guide
One auto-switching AC adaptor
One belt clip
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor.

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1. Power on/off button
2. Feed button
3. Printer status LED indicator
4. Battery status LED indicator
5. Media cover release button
6. Peel-off sensor (Without for linerless model)
7. Print head
8. Transmissive sensor –Gap sensor
9. Media holder lock switch
10. Media holder
11. Media cover
12. Reflective sensor –Black mark sensor
13. Platen roller
14. Tear/Peeler bar (Without for linerless model)
15. Peeler module
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
2
1
5
3
4
6
7
8
9
11
10
12
13
14
15

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2.2.2 Rear View
1. Belt chip
2. Battery open clasp
3. Li-ion battery
4. External label entrance chute
5. Hanger for shoulder strap
6. USB interface
7. * MicroSD card socket
8. Power jack
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8

10
2.3Operator Control
2.3.1 Led Indication and Keys
Keys
Function
−Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer
−Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer
−Ready status: Feed one label
−Printing status: Pause the print job
LEDs
Status
Indication
Green (solid)
Full charged
2/3 charged level
Green (solid)
1/3 charged level
Green (blinking)
Low battery
Amber (solid)
Battery is charging
Blue (solid)
Bluetooth device is ready
Blue (blinking)
Bluetooth device is communicating
Blue (solid)
Wi-Fi device is ready
Blue (blinking)
Wi-Fi device is communicating
Note: Wi-Fi device is optional.
Off
Printer is ready
Green (blinking)
−Printer is paused
−Printer is downloading data
Red (solid)
−Media cover is open
−Out of memory
Red (blinking)
−No paper
−Paper jam
Amber (solid)
−Clean data, Printer is busy

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2.3.2 LED Indication and Keys for LCD (Option)
Keys
Function
−Display the printer information
−Button for LCD setting menu
−Enter the printer setting menu
−Button for LCD setting menu
−Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer
−Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer
−Button for LCD setting menu
−Ready status: Feed one label
−Printing status: Pause the print job
−Button for LCD setting menu
LEDs
Status
Indication
Error
Off
Printer is ready
Red (solid)
−Media cover is open
−Out of memory
−Clean data
−Printer is busy
Red (blinking)
−No paper
−Paper jam
Off
Printer power is turned off

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Power
Green (solid)
−Printer power is turned on
−Battery is full charged
Green (blinking)
Low battery
Amber (solid)
Battery is charging
LCD
Indication
Printer has been connected with cable
Bluetooth devices have been paired
Wi-Fi device has been connected
XX
Battery capacity %

13
2.3.2 Power-on Utilities
Power-on Utilities provides the basic functions and can be activated by below procedures:
Turn off the power > Hold the Feed button ( ) > Open the power > Release the button depending on the the color of the LED.
Sequences of the settings standard panel:
LED Colors
Functions
(5 blink)
(5 blinks)
(5 blinks)
1. Media sensor calibration
Release
2. Self-test and enter dump mode
Release
3. Printer initialization
Release
Sequences of the settings for LCD panel (Option):
Power on utilities for LCD panel
The LCD will be changed as following.
LCD
Calibrate…..
(5 dots)
Self Test…..
(5 dots)
Initialize…..
(5 dots)
Release FEED button ( ) for
different functions
Media sensor calibration
Media sensor calibration, self-test
and enter dump mode
Printer initialization

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3. Setup
3.1 Install the Belt Clip and Battery
1. Insert the belt clip first.
2. Insert the left side to install the battery at the rear of
the printer.
3. Push the right 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

15
3.2 Charge the Battery
3.2.1 Charge the Battery
It takes 5 to 6 hours to fully charge the battery before the first time usage. The lifetime of the battery is 300 times for
charge/discharge cycles.
1. The battery is installed into the printer.
2. Open the interface cover and plug the power cord
to the power jack.