TSC MH240 User manual

1
USER’S
MANUAL
MH240/MH340/MH640/
MH240T/MH340T/MH640T/
MH240P/MH340P/MH640P Series
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

1
Copyright Information
© 2017 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.

- ii -
Agency Compliance and Approvals
EN 55032, Class A
EN 55024
EN 60950-1
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
FCC part 15B, Class A
ICES-003, Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will
be required to correct the interference at your own expense.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conform à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
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.
AS/NZS CISPR 22, Class A
UL 60950-1 (2nd Edition)
CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-07 (2nd Edition)
EN 60950-1
KN 32
KN 35

- iii -
이기기는 업무용(A 급) 전자파적합기기로서 판매자 또는 사용자는 이점을
주의하시기 바라며, 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 합니다.
GB 4943.1
GB 9254, Class A
GB 17625.1
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。
Energy Star for Imaging Equipment Version 2.0
IS 13252(Part 1)/
IEC 60950-1
Note: There may have certification differences in the series models, please refer to product label for
accuracy.
Important safety instructions:
1. Read all of these instructions and keep them for later use.
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:
(For equipment with RTC (CR2032) battery or rechargeable battery pack)
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.

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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.
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.
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

- v -
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)
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.

- vi -
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)

- vii -
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................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Printer Specifications ........................................................................................... 4
1.4Print Specifications ............................................................................................... 5
1.5 Ribbon Specifications ........................................................................................... 5
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..................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Rear View......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Operator Control .................................................................................................14
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys................................................................................................ 15
2.3.2 Main page Icons.............................................................................................................. 15
2.3.3 Touch Screen .................................................................................................................. 16
3. Setup..........................................................................................................................17
3.1 Setting up the printer...........................................................................................17
3.2 Loading the Ribbon............................................................................................ 18
3.3 Remove Used Ribbon..........................................................................................21
3.4 Loading the Media.............................................................................................. 22
3.4.1 Loading the Media........................................................................................................... 22
3.4.2 Loading the Fanfold/External Media............................................................................. 25
3.4.3 Loading Media in Rewind Mode (Option for MH240P Series) .................................... 26
4. Adjustment Knob ..................................................................................................... 29
4.1 Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob & Print Head Pressure Position
Adjustment Knob ..................................................................................................... 29

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4.2 Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob Module.......................................................30
4.3 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles...................................31
5. Diagnostic Tool......................................................................................................... 33
5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool .................................................................................... 33
5.2 Printer Function ................................................................................................. 34
5.3 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Tool .................................................................. 35
5.3.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface......................................................... 35
5.3.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface.................................................... 36
5.3.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface.................................................. 37
6. LCD Menu Function................................................................................................. 39
6.1 Enter the Menu................................................................................................... 39
6.2 Menu Overview ..................................................................................................40
6.3 Setting..................................................................................................................41
6.3.1 TSPL................................................................................................................................. 41
6.3.2 ZPL2 ................................................................................................................................. 43
6.4 Sensor ................................................................................................................. 46
6.5 Interface.............................................................................................................. 47
6.5.1 Serial Comm. ................................................................................................................... 47
6.5.2 Ethernet............................................................................................................................ 48
6.5.3 Wi-Fi ................................................................................................................................. 49
6.5.4 Bluetooth ......................................................................................................................... 49
6.6 Advanced ............................................................................................................ 50
6.7 File Manager....................................................................................................... 52
6.8 Diagnostic........................................................................................................... 53
6.9 Favorites ............................................................................................................. 55
7 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 56
8 Maintenance............................................................................................................. 59
Revise History...............................................................................................................60

1
1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
The new high-performance MH240 Series was designed to deliver the cleanest and high
quality barcodes. It features a die-cast print mechanism housed in a very strong yet
lightweight cabinet. This new design results in a more durable printer that is suited for
your most heavy-duty demand cycles.
There have MH240, MH240T, and MH240P Series with nine models available. The
MH240/MH240T/MH240P prints at 203 dpi series are at speeds up to an amazing 14
inches per second, MH340/MH340T/MH340P offers higher 300 dpi resolution at speeds
up to 12 inches per second, and the MH640/MH640T/MH640P series features 600 dpi
high resolution which makes it ideal for printing very small 2D barcodes, graphics, fine
print and other ultra-high-resolution images.
The MH240 Series printers are loaded with standard features including a color touch
display with brand-new GUI design and six menu buttons to provide a great user
experience, support for 600 meter long ribbons, 8” OD media rolls, built-in Ethernet, RS-
232 interface, two USB hosts for keyboard and scanner connections, USB 2.0 and serial
interfaces. Parallel, GPIO ports, and internal Bluetooth module are available as an option.
This document provides an easy reference for operating the MH240 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.
−Applications
Industrial-duty Printing
Distribution
Work in process
Shipping/Receiving
Compliance labeling
Healthcare Labeling and Patient Safety
Order Fulfillment
Electronics & Jewelry labeling

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1.2 Product Features
1.2.1 Printer Standard Features
The printer offers the following standard features.
Product standard feature
Model
STANDARD
ADVANCED
MH240
MH340
MH640
MH240T
MH340T
MH640T
MH240P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
MH340P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
MH640P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
Resolution
203 dots/inch
(8 dots/mm)
300 dots/inch
(12 dots/mm)
600 dots/inch
(24 dots/mm)
203 dots/inch
(8 dots/mm)
300 dots/inch
(12 dots/mm)
600 dots/inch
(24 dots/mm)
203 dots/inch
(8 dots/mm)
300 dots/inch
(12 dots/mm)
600 dots/inch
(24 dots/mm)
Printing
method
Thermal transfer & direct thermal
Mechanism
Die-cast base and frame/ Metal cover with two hinges & large clear media view window
LCD
display/
Operation
buttons
Multi-language selectable
3.5” color TFT display, 320
x 240 pixel
6 operation buttons (menu,
feed/pause, up, down, left,
right)
1 LED (with 2 LEDs / Green
& Red)
Multi-language selectable
Large Backlit LCD display (16 bits Color, Resolution 480 x
272 ; Resistive Touch Screen)
6 operation buttons (menu, select, up, down, left/pause,
right/feed)
1 LED (with 2 LEDs / Green & Red)
Processor
32-bit RISC high performance processor
Memory
128MB Flash memory
128MB SDRAM
USB device memory
(FAT32)
microSD card, up to 32 GB
512MB Flash memory
256MB SDRAM
USB device memory (FAT32)
microSD card, up to 32 GB
Interface
RS-232 (Max. 115,200 bps)
USB 2.0 (High speed mode)
Internal Ethernet
USB host *2 (Front side), connecting USB storage device
Sensors
Gap transmissive sensor
(Position adjustable, 15mm
98mm)
Black mark reflective
sensor (Position adjustable,
15mm 92mm)
Ribbon end sensor
(transmissive)
Ribbon encoder sensor
Head open sensor
Gap transmissive sensor (Position adjustable, 15mm 98mm)
Black mark reflective sensor (Position adjustable, 15mm 
92mm)
Ribbon end sensor (transmissive)
Ribbon encoder sensor
Head open sensor
Media near end sensor
Internal font
8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
One Monotype Imaging® CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font
Built-in Monotype True Type Font engine

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Supported
code page
Codepage 437 (English - US)
Codepage 737 (Greek) -
Codepage 850 (Latin-1)
Codepage 852 (Latin-2)
Codepage 855 (Cyrillic) -
Codepage 857 (Turkish)
Codepage 860 (Portuguese)
Codepage 861 (Icelandic) -
Codepage 862 (Hebrew) -
Codepage 863 (French Canadian)
Codepage 864 (Arabic) -
Codepage 865 (Nordic)
Codepage 866 (Russian) -
Codepage 869 (Greek 2) -
Codepage 950 (Traditional Chinese)
Codepage 936 (Simplified Chinese)
Codepage 932 (Japanese)
Codepage 949 (Korean)
Codepage 1250 (Latin-2)
Codepage 1251 (Cyrillic)
Codepage 1252 (Latin-1)
Codepage 1253 (Greek)
Codepage 1254 (Turkish)
Codepage 1255 (Hebrew) -
Codepage 1256 (Arabic)
Codepage 1257 (Baltic)
Codepage 1258 (Vietnam)
ISO-8859-1: Latin-1 (Western European)
ISO-8859-2: Latin-2 (Central European)
ISO-8859-3: Latin-3 (South European)
ISO-8859-4: Latin-4 (North European)
ISO-8859-5: Cyrillic
ISO-8859-6: Arabic
ISO-8859-7: Greek
ISO-8859-8: Hebrew
ISO-8859-9: Turkish
ISO-8859-10: Nordic
ISO-8859-15: Latin-9
UTF-8
Supported
bar code
1D bar code
2D bar code
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, MSI,
PLESSEY, China Post, ITF14,
EAN14, Code 11, TELPEN,
PLANET, Code 49, Deutsche
Post Identcode, Deutsche Post
Leitcode, LOGMARS, RSS-
Stacked, GS1 DataBar.
CODABLOCK F mode,
DataMatrix, Maxicode, PDF-
417, Aztec, MicroPDF417, QR
code, RSS Barcode (GS1
Databar)
Command
set
TSPL-EZTM
Font & bar
code
rotation
0, 90, 180, 270 degree

- 4 -
Others
Standard for real time clock
Standard for buzzer
Standard industry emulations right out of the box including Eltron® and Zebra® language support
Built-in Monotype True Type Font engine
Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory
Print head pressure force & pressure location adjustable
1.2.2 Printer Optional Features
The printer offers the following optional features.
Product option feature
User
option
Dealer
option
Factory
option
Option Card (GPIO + Parallel)
○
Internal Bluetooth module in front panel
○
Wi-Fi module (Slot-in)
○
KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit
○
KU-007 Plus programmable smart keyboard
○
1.3 Printer Specifications
Printer Specifications
Model
STANDARD
ADVANCED
MH240
MH340
MH640
MH240T
MH340T
MH640T
MH240P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
MH340P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
MH640P
(w/ internal
full
rewinder)
Physical
dimensions
276 mm (W) x 502 mm (D)x 326 mm (H)
276 mm (W) x 502 mm (D) x 412
mm (H)
Weight
15.35 kg (33.84 lbs)
15.43 kg (34.02 lbs)
18.93 kg (41.73 lbs)
Power
Internal switching power supply
Input: AC 100-240V, 4-2A, 50-60Hz
Output: DC 5V, 5A; DC 24V, 7A; DC 36V, 1.4A; Total 243W
Note:
The max. full web black bar is limited to 5 mm only, otherwise printer may stop printing to
protect power supply.
Environmental
condition
Operation: 5 ~ 40˚C (41 ~ 104˚F), 25~85% non-condensing
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F), 10~90% non-condensing

- 5 -
1.4 Print Specifications
Print Specifications
203 dpi models
300 dpi models
600 dpi models
Print head resolution
(dots per inch/mm)
203 dots/inch
(8 dots/mm)
300 dots/inch
(12 dots/mm)
600 dots/inch
(24 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 = 12 dots)
0.042 x 0.042 mm
(1 mm = 24 dots)
Print speed
(inches per second)
2,3,…14 ips
Up to 14 IPS
2,3,…12 ips
Up to 12 IPS
1.5,2,3…6 ips
Up to 6 IPS
Max. print width
104 mm (4.09”)
Max. print length
1000” (25,400 mm)
450” (11,430 mm)
100” (2,540 mm)
Printout bias
Vertical: 0.7 ~ 1mm.
1.5 Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon outside diameter
Max. 90 mm OD
Ribbon length
600 m
Ribbon core inside diameter
1“ (25.4 mm)
Ribbon width
25.4 mm ~ 114.3 mm (1”~4.5”)
Ribbon wound type
Ink coated outside wound, ink coated inside wound
Ribbon end type
Transparency
1.6 Media Specifications
Media Specifications
Media roll
capacity
Max. 8” (203.2 mm) OD; 1.5” or 3” ID core, Rewind 3” only
Media core
diameter
3”(76.2 mm) or 1.5” (38.1 mm) ID core
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notch
Media wound type
Outside wound
Media width
20 mm ~ 114 mm (0.78“ ~ 4.49“)
Media thickness
0.06 mm ~ 0.28 mm
Label length
5 mm ~ 25,400 mm (0.20”
~ 1,000”)
5 ~ 11,430 mm (0.20” ~
450”)
5 ~ 2,540 mm (0.20” ~
100”)
Black mark
Min. 8 mm (W) x Min. 2 mm (H)
Gap height
Min. 2 mm

- 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.
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor.
One printer unit (MH240, MH240T, or MH240P Series)
One quick installation guide
One power cord
One USB interface cable
MH240 Series
MH240T Series
MH240P Series
Note: Check the production date
Serial NO.: XXX 17 22 XXXX
YEAR WEEK
Год Неделю

- 7 -
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
For MH240 Series
1. LED indicator
2. LCD display
3. Front panel buttons
4. USB host x 2
5. Media view window
6. Paper exit chute
7. Printer cover handle
2
1
3
4
6
7
5

- 8 -
For MH240T Series
1. LED indicator
2. LCD display
3. Front panel buttons
4. USB host x 2
5. Media view window
6. Paper exit chute
7. Printer cover handle
2
1
3
4
6
7
5

- 9 -
For MH240P Series
1. LED indicator
2. LCD display
3. Front panel buttons
4. USB host x 2
5. Media view window
6. Paper exit chute
7. Printer cover handle
8. Printer lower cover (MH240P Series only)
2
1
3
4
6
7
5
8

- 10 -
2.2.2 Interior view
For MH240 & MH240T Series
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Print head pressure position adjustment knob
3. Print head pressure adjustment knob
4. Print head release lever
5. Ribbon supply spindle
6. TSC website QR Code
7. Media near end sensor
(movable, MH240T Series only)
8. Label supply spindle
9. Label roll guard
10. External label entrance chute
11. Damper
12. Print head
13. Platen roller
14. Ribbon sensor
15. Black mark sensor (shown as↓)
16. Gap sensor (shown as ▽)
17. Front label guide
15
16
12
13
17
14
11
2
1
3
4
7
5
9
10
8
6

- 11 -
For MH240P Series
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Print head pressure position adjustment knob
3. Print head pressure adjustment knob
4. Print head release lever
5. Ribbon supply spindle
6. TSC website QR Code
7. Media near end sensor
(movable, MH240T/MH240P Series only)
8. Label supply spindle
9. Label roll guard
10. Media guide bar & rear label guide
11. Media rewind guide
12. Media rewind spindle
13. External label entrance chute
14. Damper
15. Printer lower cover
16. Print head
17. Platen roller
18. Ribbon sensor
19. Black mark sensor (shown as↓)
20. Gap sensor (shown as ▽)
21. Label guide
8
11
2
1
3
4
7
5
9
10
14
15
13
12
Pri
nt
he
ad
20
19
21
16
18
17
6