TSC ME240 series User manual

i
USER’S
MANUAL
ME240/ ME340
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

ii
Copyright Information
© 2011 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd,
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer 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.

iii
Agency Compliance and Approvals
CE CLASS A
EN 55022:2006 +A1:2007
EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN 61000-4 SERIES REQULATIONS
FCC CFR Title 47 Part 15 Subpart B:2009-Section 15.107 and
15.109
ICES-003 Issue 4:2004 Class A
AS/NZS CISPR 22:2009
CLASS A
GB4953-2001
GB9254-2008 (CLASS A)
GB17625.1-2003
此为 A 级产品，在生活环境中，该产品可能会造成无线电干扰，在这种
情况下，可能需要用户对干扰采取切实可行的措施。
UL 60950-1(2nd Edition)
CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-07(2nd Edition)
EN 60950-1/A1:2010
IEC 60950-1/A1:2009
IEC 60950-1:2005(2nd Edition)

iv
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................. 1
1.1 Product Introduction......................................................................................... 1
1.2 Product Features............................................................................................... 2
1.2.1 Printer standard features....................................................................... 2
1.2.2 Printer optional features ........................................................................ 3
1.3 General Specifications...................................................................................... 4
1.4 Print Specifications .......................................... 4
1.5 Ribbon Specifications......................................... 4
1.6 Media Specifications.......................................... 5
2. Operations Overview .......................................... 6
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................ 6
2.2 Printer Overview................................................................................................ 7
2.2.1 Front View............................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Interior view ............................................................................................ 8
2.2.3 Rear View ................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Operator Controls ........................................................................................... 11
2.3.1 Front Panel & Keys............................................................................... 11
2.3.2 LED Indicators ...................................................................................... 13
2.4 Setting up the Printer...................................................................................... 13
2.5 Installation of Ribbon...................................................................................... 14
2.5.1 Loading the Ribbon.............................................................................. 14
2.6 Installation of Media........................................................................................ 17
2.6.1 Loading the Roll Label ......................................................................... 17
2.6.2 Loading the Fan-fold Label.................................................................. 21
2.6.3 Loading the Media in Peel-off Mode (Option) ..................................... 22
2.6.4 Loading the Media in Cutter Mode (Option)........................................ 24
2.7 Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob.......................................................... 25
3. LCD Panel Menu Function (Option) .............................. 26
3.1 Setup Menu Overview..................................................................................... 27
3.1.1-1 Printer Setup (TSPL2)........................................................................ 28
3.1.1-2 Printer Setup (ZPL2).......................................................................... 35
3.1.2 Sensor................................................................................................... 41
3.1.3 Serial Comm.......................................................................................... 50
3.1.4 Ethernet................................................................................................. 53
3.2 File Manager.................................................................................................... 56

v
3.2.1 File List.................................................................................................. 56
3.2.2 Avail. Memory ....................................................................................... 57
3.2.3 Del. All Files.......................................................................................... 57
3.3 Diagnostics...................................................................................................... 58
3.3.1 Print Config........................................................................................... 58
3.3.2 Dump Mode........................................................................................... 58
3.3.3 Rotate Cutter......................................................................................... 58
3.4 Language......................................................................................................... 60
3.5 Service............................................................................................................. 61
3.5.1 Initialization........................................................................................... 61
3.5.2 Mileage Info........................................................................................... 61
4. Diagnostic Tool ............................................. 62
4.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool................................................................................ 62
4.2 Printer Function .............................................................................................. 63
5 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Utility (Option) ...................... 68
5.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface.......................................... 68
5.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface...................................... 69
5.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface ................................... 70
6. Troubleshooting............................................. 72
6.1 Common Problems ......................................................................................... 72
6.2 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles.............................. 76
7. Maintenance................................................ 78
Revise History ................................................ 79

1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
TSC ME240 series of industrial thermal label printers is designed to offer the right features at
the best value in the industry. The ME240 series features a small footprint and low profile design
that fits where larger industrial printers do not.
Its quiet operation and fast label throughput is equally at home, in the office or shop floor
environment. The printers all-metal construction and die-cast aluminum print mechanism engine
is durable enough to withstand the toughest production environments.
The moveable sensor design can accept wide range of label media. All of the most frequently
used bar code formats are included. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four
directions.
This printer is built-in the high quality, high performance MONOTYPE IMAGING®True Type font
engine and one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed smooth font. With flexible firmware design,
user can also download the True Type Font from PC into printer memory for printing labels.
Besides the scalable font, it also provides a choice of five different sizes of alphanumeric bitmap
font, OCR-A and OCR-B fonts. By integrating rich features, it is the most cost-effective and high
performance printer in its class!
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 in the accessories CD-ROM or on TSC website at http://www.tscprinters.com
Applications
oCompliance labeling for shipping and receiving
oPallet labeling
oInventory control labeling
oDrum labeling
oWarning labels
oCustom signage
oBrand marketing featuring graphics, logos and texts
oMultiple-up labels (two or three labels across)

2
1.2 Product Features
1.2.1 Printer standard features
The printer offers the following standard features.
Product standard feature
203 dpi
models
300 dpi
models
Thermal transfer printing
○
○
Direct thermal printing
○
○
Die-cast based print mechanism
○
○
Metal cover with large clear media view window
○
○
Position adjustable gap sensor
○
○
Position adjustable black mark sensor
○
○
Ribbon end sensor
○
○
Ribbon encoder sensor
○
○
LED indicators
○
○
Real time clock
○
○
USB 2.0 (full speed) interface
○
○
Serial RS-232C (2400-115200 bps) interface
○
○
8 MB SDRAM memory
○
○
4 MB FLASH memory
○
○
SD FLASH memory card reader for memory
expansion up to 4 GB
○
○
Standard industry emulations right out of the box
including Eltron®and Zebra®language support
○
○
Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
○
○
Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of
the four directions (0, 90,180, 270 degree)
○
○
Internal Monotype Imaging®true type font engine
with one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable
font
○
○
Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory
○
○
Downloadable firmware upgrades
○
○

3
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)
Code 39,
Code 93,
Code128UCC,
Code128 subsets
A.B.C, Codabar,
Interleave 2 of 5,
EAN-8, EAN-13,
EAN-128,
UPC-A,
UPC-E,
EAN and UPC 2(5)
digits add-on,
MSI,
PLESSEY,
POSTNET,
China POST,
GS1 DataBar,
Code 11,
Logmars
PDF-417,
Maxicode,
DataMatrix,
QR code,
Aztec
○
○
1.2.2 Printer optional features
The printer offers the following optional features.
Product option feature
User
options
Dealer
options
Factory
options
LCD display (graphic type, 128x64 pixel)
with back light (for basic model only)
-
-
○
Internal Ethernet print server (10/100 Mbps)
interface
-
-
○
USB host (Support PC keyboard and bar
code scanner)
-
-
○
Centronics interface
-
-
○
Peel-off module
-
○
-
Cutter module
Paper thickness: 0.06~ 0.19mm, 500,000 cuts
0.20~ 0.25mm, 200,000 cuts
Note:
Except for the linerless cutter, all
regular/heavy duty/care label cutters DO NOT
cut on media with glue.
-
○
-
Bluetooth module (RS-232C interface)
○
-
-
KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit
○
-
-
KU-007 Plus programmable smart keyboard
display unit
○
-
-
HCS-200 long rang CCD scanner
○
-
-

4
1.3 General Specifications
General Specifications
Physical dimensions
286 mm (W) x 259 mm (H) x 434 mm (D)
Weight
11 kg
Electrical
Internal switching power supply
Input: AC 100-240V
Output: DC 24V 3.3A
Environmental
condition
Operation: 5 ~ 40˚C (41 ~ 104˚F), 25~85% non-condensing
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F), 10~90%
non-condensing
1.4 Print Specifications
Print Specifications
203 dpi models
300 dpi models
Print head resolution
203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)
300 dots/inch (12 dots/mm)
Printing method
Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Dot size
(width x length)
0.125 x 0.125 mm
(1 mm = 8 dots)
0.084 x 0.084 mm
(1 mm = 11.8 dots)
Print speed
(inches per second)
Up to 6 ips
Up to 4 ips
Max. print width
104 mm (4.09”)
Max. print length
2,286 mm (90”)
1,016 mm (40”)
1.5 Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon outside diameter
Max. 81.3 mm
Ribbon length
450 meter
Ribbon core inside diameter
1 inch (25.4 mm)
Ribbon width
Max. 110 mm
Min. 40 mm
Ribbon wound type
Outside wound

5
1.6 Media Specifications
Media Specifications
203 dpi models
300 dpi models
Label roll capacity
203.2 mm (8”) OD
Media alignment
Edge alignment
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notch
Media wound type
Printing face outside wound
Media width (label +
liner)
Max. 118 mm (4.6”)
Min. 25.4 mm (1.0”)
Media thickness (label
+ liner)
Max. 0.28 mm (11 mil)
Min. 0.06 mm (2.36 mil)
Media core diameter
25.4 mm~76.2 mm (1”~3”)
Label length
5~2,286 mm (0.2”~90”)
5~1,016 mm (0.2”~40”)
Label length (peeler
mode)
Max. 152.4 mm (6”)
Min. 25.4 mm (1”)
Label length (cutter
mode)
Max. 2,286 mm (90”)
Max. 1,016 mm (40”)
Min. 25.4 mm (1”)
Min. 25.4 mm (1”)
Gap height
Min. 2 mm
Black mark height
Min. 2 mm
Black mark width
Min. 8 mm (0.31”)

6
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.
One printer unit
One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
One quick installation guide
One power cord
One USB interface cable
One ribbon take up paper core
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased
reseller or distributor.

7
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
1. LED indicators
2. Pause key
3. Feed key
4. Paper exit chute
5. Lower front cover
6. Media viewer
7. Printer right side cover opener
8. LCD (Option)
9. Keys for LCD module (Option)
1
2
3
4
7
5
6
8
1
9

8
2.2.2 Interior view
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Ribbon supply spindle
3. Print head pressure adjustment knob
4. Ribbon end sensor
5. Print head release lever
6. Label roll guard
7. 3”core adapter
8. Label supply spindle
9. Ribbon guide bar
10. Media guide bar
11. Print head
12. Platen roller
13. Media sensor
14. Label guide
10
7
8
9
5
3
1
2
11
13
14
12
6
4

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2.2.3 Rear View
1. Internal Ethernet interface (Option)
2. Fan-fold paper entrance chute
3. RS-232C interface (Max. 115,200 bps)
4. USB interface (USB 2.0/ Full speed mode)
*5. SD card slot
6. Centronics interface (Option)
7. USB host (Option)
8. Power switch
9. Power jack socket
Note:
The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product specification for
the interfaces availability.
* Recommended SD card specification
SD card spec
SD card capacity
Approved SD card manufacturer
V1.0, V1.1
128 MB
SanDisk, Transcend
V1.0, V1.1
256 MB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
512 MB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
1 GB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
4 GB
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6
4 GB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 128 MB
Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 256 MB
Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 512 MB
Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 1 GB
Transcend, Panasonic
2
9
4
1
8
5
6
3
7

10
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
microSD 4 GB
Panasonic
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6
microSD 4 GB
Transcend
V1.0, V1.1
miniSD 128 MB
Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
miniSD 256 MB
Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
miniSD 512 MB
Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
miniSD 1 GB
Transcend, Panasonic
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
miniSD 4 GB
Transcend
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6
miniSD 4 GB
- The DOS FAT file system is supported for the SD card.
- Folders/files stored in the SD card should be in the 8.3 filename format
- The miniSD/microSD card adapter is required for SD card reader.

11
2.3 Operator Controls
2.3.1 Front Panel & Keys
Standard
Keys
Function
Feed key
Advance one label
Pause key
Pause/Resume the printing process
LED indicators
Pause key
Feed key

12
Option
Keys
Function
1. Enter the menu
2. Exit from a menu or cancel a setting and return to the previous menu
Pause/Resume the printing process
Advance one label
Scroll up the menu list
Scroll down the menu list
Enter/select cursor located option
LCD display
LED indicators
Front panel keys

13
2.3.2 LED Indicators
LED
Status
Indication
POWER
Off
The printer power is turned off
On
The printer power is turned on
ON-LINE
On
Printer is ready
Blinking
Pause
Downloading data into printer
ERROR
Off
Printer is ready
On
“Carriage open”, “Cutter error”or “Clearing data”
Blinking
“No paper”, “Paper jam”or “No ribbon”
2.4 Setting up the Printer
1. Place the printer on a flat, secure surface.
2. Make sure the power switch is off.
3. Connect the printer to the computer with the provided USB cable.
4. Plug the power cord into the AC power cord socket at the rear of the printer, and then plug
the power cord into a properly grounded power outlet.
Note:
Please switch OFF printer power switch prior to plug in the power cord to printer power jack.

14
2.5 Installation of Ribbon
2.5.1 Loading the Ribbon
1. Open the printer right side cover.
2. Install the ribbon and paper core onto the
ribbon supply spindle and ribbon rewind
spindle. Push the paper core and ribbon
roll to the end of the spindle.
3. Push the print head release lever to open
the print head mechanism.

15
4. Thread the ribbon leader through the slot
between ribbon sensor and ribbon guide
bar until ribbon passes through the print
head and place the ribbon leader onto the
ribbon rewind spindle.
5. Stick the ribbon leader onto the paper
core. Keep the ribbon flat and without
wrinkle.
6. Rotate the ribbon rewind spindle until the
ribbon leader is thoroughly, firmly
encompassed by the black section of the
ribbon.
Ribbon sensor
Ribbon guide bar
Ribbon leader