TSC MH261T Series User manual

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THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT
THERMAL BAR CODE PRINTER
USER’S MANUAL

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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.

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Table of Contents
Copyright Information ............................................................................................................ i
Agency Compliance and Approvals ...................................................................................... iv
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Product Introduction ....................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Product Features ........................................................................................................... 10
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
2.3Operator Control........................................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys................................................................................................ 17
2.3.2 LCD Control Panel Icon Indication................................................................................ 17
2.3.3 Touch Panel..................................................................................................................... 18
3 Setup .................................................................................................................................. 19
3.1Setting up the Printer..................................................................................................... 19
3.2Loading the Ribbon ........................................................................................................ 20
3.3Removing the Used Ribbon............................................................................................ 23
3.4Loading the Media.......................................................................................................... 24
3.5Loading the Fan-fold Media ........................................................................................... 27
3.6Loading Media in Peel-off Mode (Option) ..................................................................... 28
4 Adjustment Knob ............................................................................................................ 29
4.1Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob .......................................................................... 29
4.2 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles............................................... 29
5 LCD Menu Function........................................................................................................ 31

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5.1Enter the Main Menu..................................................................................................... 31
5.2Main Menu Overview..................................................................................................... 32
5.3Setting ............................................................................................................................ 34
5.3.1 TSPL ................................................................................................................................. 34
5.3.2 ZPL2 ................................................................................................................................. 36
5.4Sensor............................................................................................................................. 39
5.5Interface ......................................................................................................................... 40
5.5.1 Serial Comm................................................................................................................... 40
5.5.2 Ethernet .......................................................................................................................... 41
5.5.3 Bluetooth ........................................................................................................................ 41
5.5.4 Wi-Fi ................................................................................................................................ 42
5.5.5 GPIO ................................................................................................................................ 42
5.6Advanced........................................................................................................................ 45
5.7File Manager................................................................................................................... 47
5.8Diagnostics ..................................................................................................................... 48
5.9How to Organize the “Favorites” ................................................................................... 51
6 Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 53
7 Maintenance..................................................................................................................... 56
Change History .................................................................................................................... 58

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Agency Compliance and Approvals
Note:
There may have certification differences in the series models, please refer to product label for
accuracy.
EN 55032, Class A
EN 55024
EN 55035
EN 62368-1
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)
UL 62368-1, 2nd Edition
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 62368-1-14, 2nd Edition
Energy Star for Imaging Equipment Version 3.0
Mexico
Registration UL 60950-1

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EN 62368-1
KN 32
KN 35
KN 60950-1
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。
IS 13252(Part 1)/
IEC 60950-1
TP TC 004
TP TC 020
CNS 13438
CNS 14336-1
CNS 15663
IEC 60950-1
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:
Moving parts, keep fingers and other body parts away.

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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.
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:
Hot surface for printhead. Do not touch the printhead before it cooling.
WARNING:
Remove the power from AC inlet before opening the media cover for cleaning or repairing faults. After
cleaning or fixing faults, media cover closing before power connecting to AC inlet.
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, 802.11ac.
The frequency, mode and the maximum transmitted power in EU are listed below:
2412 MHz – 2472 MHz: 19.72 dBm (EIRP)(Wi-Fi)
5180 MHz – 5700 MHz: 22.5 dBm (EIRP)(Wi-Fi)
2402 MHz – 2480 MHz: 7.4 dBm (EIRP)(Bluetooth)
2402 MHz – 2480 MHz: 2.35 dBm (EIRP)(Bluetooth-BLE)
Requirements in
AT/BE/BG/CZ/DK/EE/FR/DE/IS/IE/IT/EL/ES/CY/LV/LI/LT/LU/HU/MT/NL/NO/PL/PT/RO/SI/SK/TR/FI/S
E/CH/UK/HR. 5150MHz~5350MHz is for indoor use only.
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

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Hereby, TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type [Wi-Fi] IEEE 802.11
a/b/g/n/ac 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/cms/theme/index-39.html
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.
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.
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)
BSMI Class A 警語:
這是甲類的資訊產品，在居住的環境使用中時，可能會造成射頻干擾，在這種情況下，使用者會被要求
採取某些適當的對策。

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單元Unit
限用物質及其化學符號
Restricted substances and its chemical symbols
鉛Lead
(Pb)
汞Mercury
(Hg)
鎘Cadmium
(Cd)
六價鉻
Hexavalent
chromium
(Cr+6)
多溴聯苯
Polybrominated
biphenyls
(PBB)
多溴二苯醚
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers
(PBDE)
內外塑膠件
○
○
○
○
○
○
內外鐵件
-
○
○
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滾輪
○
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銘版
○
○
○
○
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○
電路板
-
○
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○
晶片電阻
-
○
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積層陶瓷表面
黏著電容 ○○○○○○
集成電路-IC
-
○
○
○
○
○
電源供應器
○
○
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印字頭
-
○
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馬達
-
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液晶顯示器
-
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插座
-
○
○
○
○
○
線材
-
○
○
○
○
○
備考 1.〝超出 0.1 wt %〞及〝超出 0.01 wt %〞係指限用物質之百分比含量超出百分比含量基準值。
Note 1：
“Exceeding 0.1 wt %” and “exceeding 0.01 wt %” indicate that the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeds the
reference percentage value of presence condition.
備考 2.〝○〞係指該項限用物質之百分比含量未超出百分比含量基準值。
Note 2：“○” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance does not exceed the percentage of reference value of presence.
備考 3.〝－〞係指該項限用物質為排除項目。
Note 3：The “−” indicates that the restricted substance corresponds to the exemption.

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1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
The new high-performance MH261T 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.
The MH261T 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, serial and
Parallel interfaces. GPIO ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are available as an option.
This document provides an easy reference for operating the MH261T 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.

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1.2 Product Features
Model
Item
MH261T MH361T
Resolution
203 DPI
8 dots/mm
300 DPI
12 dots/mm
Printing method Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Max. print speed 305 mm (12”)/second 254 mm (10”)/second
Max. print width 168 mm(6.61”)
Max. print length 14,732 mm (580“) 6,604 mm (260“)
Enclosure Die-cast print mechanism with large clear media view window
Physical dimension 357 mm (W) x 313 mm (H) x 514 mm (D)
14.05” (W) x 12.32 (H) x 20.24” (D)
Weight 17.8 kg (39.24 lbs)
Label roll capacity 208.3 mm (8.2”) O.D.
Internal rewinder (full roll) Internal rewinder kit (5” O.D.) (dealer option)
Ribbon capacity 450 meter long, max. OD 81 mm, 1“ core (Ink coated outside or inside)
Ribbon width 50.8 mm ~ 178 mm (2”~7”)
Processor 32-bit RISC CPU
Memory

512MB Flash memory
256MB SDRAM
microSD Flash memory card reader for Flash memory expansion, up to 32
GB
Interface

RS-232
Parallel
USB 2.0 (High speed mode)
Internal Ethernet, 10/100 Mbps
USB host *2 (Front side), for scanner or PC keyboard
GPIO (DB15F) (dealer option)
Slot-in 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2 combo module (dealer
option)
Power
Auto sensing power supply
Input: AC 100-240V, 4-2A, 50-60Hz

Output: DC 5V, 5A; DC 24V, 7A; DC 36V, 1.4A; Total 243W
LCD display/ Operation
buttons
Multi-language selectable
6 operation buttons (menu, select, up, down, left/pause, right/feed)
1 LED (with 2 LEDs Green & Red)
LCD 4.3” color display , 480 x 272 pixel; Resistive touch screen
Sensors
Gap transmissive sensor (Position adjustable)
Black mark reflective sensor (Bottom black mark sensor, Position
adjustable)
Ribbon end sensor
Ribbon encoder sensor
Head open sensor
Real time clock Standard
Internal font 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
Monotype Imaging® CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font

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Bar code
1D bar code:
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, RSS-Stacked, GS1 DataBar, Code 11, China Post
2D bar code:
PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec
Font & bar code rotation 0, 90, 180, 270 degree
Command set TSPL-EZD (Compatible to EPL, ZPL, ZPL II, DPL)
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark (Bottom side black mark only), fan-fold, notch
(outside wound)
Media width 50.8 ~ 172.7 mm (2“ ~ 6.8“)
Media thickness 0.06 ~ 0.268 mm (2.36~ 11.02 mil)
Media core diameter 3.81 mm / 76.2 mm (1.5”/ 3”)
Label length 10 ~ 14,732 mm (0.39“ ~ 580“) 10 ~ 6,604 mm (0.39“ ~ 260“)
Environment condition Operation: 0~ 40˚C (32 ~ 104˚F), 25~85% non-condensing
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Safety regulation FCC Class A, CE Class A, RCM Class A, UL, cUL, TÜV, CCC, KC, BIS, BSMI, EAC,
Argentina S mark, Mexico CoC, ENERGY STAR®
Environmental concern Comply with RoHS, WEEE
Dealer option
GPIO Card (DB15F)
Heavy duty cutter (full cut)/ Regular guillotine cutter (Max.4ips)
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2 combo module (including slot-
in
housing)
Peel-off kit

Internal rewinding kit (5” O.D.)
User option
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi + BT combo module (for Wi-Fi ready with re-
installed Wi-Fi slot-in housing)
KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit

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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
Windows labeling software CD disk
One quick installation guide
One power cord
One USB interface cable
Note:
Check the production date
Serial NO.: XXX 17 22 XXXX
YEAR
Год
WEEK
Неделю

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2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
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
2
1
3
4
6
7
5

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2.2.2 Interior View
1
Ribbon rewind spindle
10
Media damper
2
Z axis mechanism adjustment knob
11
Print head
3
Print head pressure adjustment knobs
12
Gap sensor (shown as )
4
Print head release lever
13
Platen roller
5
Ribbon release button
14
Black mark sensor (shown as )
6
Label roll guard
15
Ribbon sensor
7
Label supply spindle
16
Front label guide
8
Rear label guide
17
Media guide bar
9
Ribbon supply spindle
18
Ribbon guide bar
2
3
4
7
5
6
8
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
17
1
16
18

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2.2.3 Rear View
1. External label entrance chute
2. Power cord socket
3. Power switch
4. Centronics interface
5. Slot-in Wi-Fi module (Option)
6. RS-232C interface
7. Ethernet interface
8. USB interface
9. GPIO interface (Option)
10. SD card socket
1
3
2
4
6
5
7
8
9
10

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2.3Operator Control
This model comes with a high-contrast 4.3" color touch LCD panel with 6 button control user friendly design
for simple printer set up and job status. Common tasks such as label calibration are one touch away. Menus
can be customized to bring common tasks to the front screen.
Status LED
Icons
Model Name
& Firmware
Version
IP Address
Status
Time & Date
Touch Panel
Buttons
Left/Right soft
keys
Navigational
keys

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2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys
2.3.2 LCD Control Panel Icon Indication
Icons
Indication
Wi-Fi device is ready
Ethernet is connected
Bluetooth device is ready
Media capacity (%) notice
Ribbon capacity (m) notice
Print head cleaning notice
Buttons
Indication
Enter the [Menu] ( the [Menu] is locked and a password is required.)
Calibrate the media sensor
Enter the [Favorites] option ( the [Favorites] is locked and a password is
required.)
Feed button (advance one label)
LED
Indication
Green
Off Printer power is off.
Solid Printer power is on and the device is ready to use.
Blinking The system is downloading data
from PC to memory or the
printer is paused.
Amber Solid The system is clearing data from printer.
Red
Solid Printer carriage open or cutter error.
Blinking A printing error, such as no paper, paper jam or no ribbon
etc.
Keys Function
Left/Right soft
keys
The labels on the footer of the UI will explain the function for left and
right soft key. Check the labels on the footer of the UI screen. The
meaning of the select keys will vary.
Navigational keys
Used to select icons, menu selection, and navigation in the UI.

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Back button
Enter cursor (be marked in green) located option
Scroll down button
Scroll up button
2.3.3 Touch Panel
Tap an item to open/use it.
Be selected
(Green)
Enter
Scroll up
Scroll down
Up page
Return
Key-in
Set

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3 Setup
3.1 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.