TSC MX240 User manual

USER’S
MANUAL
MX240/ MX340/ MX640 Series
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

Copyright Information
© 2014 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.

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Agency Compliance and Approvals
EN 55022, Class B
EN 55024
EN 60950-1
FCC part 15B, Class B
AS/NZS CISPR 22, Class B
UL 60950-1
EN 60950-1
GB 4943.1
GB 9254
GB 17625.1
Wichtige Sicherheits-Hinweise
1. Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch.
2. Heben Sie diese Anleitung fűr den späteren Gebrauch auf.
3. Vor jedem Reinigen ist das Gerät vom Stromentz zu trennen. Verwenden Sie keine Flüssig-oder
Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes Tuch zur Reinigung.
4. Die Netzanschluß-Steckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebracht und leicht zugänglich sein.
5. Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schűtzen.
6. Bei der Aufstellung des Gerätes ist auf sicheren Stand zu achten. Ein Kippen oder Fallen könnte
Beschädigungen hervorrufen.
7. Beachten Sie beim Anschluß ans Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.
8. Dieses Gerät kann bis zu einer Außentemperatur von maximal 40℃betrieben werden.
Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the battery in fire.
DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery.

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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.
CAUTION
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
“VORSICHT”
Explosionsgefahr bei unsachgemäßen Austaush der Batterie. Ersatz nur durch denselben oder
einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnlichen Typ. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angabren
des Herstellers.
FCC STATEMENT :
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.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
CAUTION :

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HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS, KEEP FINGER AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY.
CAUTION
1. HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS IN CUTTER MODULE. KEEP FINGER AND OTHER
BODY PARTS AWAY.
2. THE MAIN BOARD INCLUDES REAL TIME CLOCK FEATURE HAS LITHIUM BATTERY
CR2032 INSTALLED. RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN
INCORRECT TYPE.
3. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER
INSTRUCTIONS.

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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 General Specifications .......................................................................................... 5
1.4 Print Specifications.............................................................................................. 5
1.5 Ribbon Specifications ........................................................................................... 5
1.6 Media Specifications............................................................................................. 6
2. Operations Overview.................................................................................................. 7
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection.................................................................................... 7
2.2 Printer Overview .................................................................................................. 8
2.2.1 Front View .............................................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Interior view.........................................................................................................................9
2.2.3 Rear View ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.3 Operator Control .................................................................................................12
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys ................................................................................................ 12
2.3.2 Touch Screen...................................................................................................................... 13
3. Setup..........................................................................................................................15
3.1 Setting up the printer...........................................................................................15
3.2 Loading the Ribbon.............................................................................................16
3.3 Loading the Media...............................................................................................19
3.3.1 Loading the Media ............................................................................................................ 19
3.3.2 Loading the Fan-fold/External Media........................................................................22
3.3.3 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode (Option) ................................................................23
3.3.4 Loading Media in Rewind Mode (Option).................................................................26
4. Moveable Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob................................................... 28
4.1 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles ..................................28
5. Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob ..........................................................................30
5.1 Suggestion of Ribbon Tension Adjustment.........................................................31

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6. Diagnostic Tool......................................................................................................... 33
6.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool .................................................................................... 33
6.2 Printer Function................................................................................................. 34
6.3 Setting Ethernet by Diagnostic Tool .................................................................. 35
6.3.1 Using USB interface to setup Ethernet interface ....................................................35
6.3.2 Using RS-232 interface to setup Ethernet interface ..............................................36
6.3.3 Using Ethernet interface to setup Ethernet interface ........................................... 37
7. LCD Menu Function.................................................................................................40
7.1 Enter the Main Menu ........................................................................................40
7.2 Main Menu Overview .........................................................................................41
7.3 TSPL2................................................................................................................. 42
7.4 ZPL2................................................................................................................... 44
7.5 Sensor................................................................................................................. 47
7.6 Interface............................................................................................................. 48
7.6.1 Serial Comm. .....................................................................................................................48
7.6.2 Ethernet...............................................................................................................................49
7.6.3 Bluetooth.............................................................................................................................50
7.6.4 Wi-Fi.....................................................................................................................................50
7.7 File Manager .......................................................................................................51
7.8 Diagnostics......................................................................................................... 52
7.8.1 Print Config........................................................................................................................52
7.8.2 Dump Mode........................................................................................................................54
7.8.3 Rotate Cutter...................................................................................................................... 55
7.9 Advance Set........................................................................................................ 56
7.10 Service ............................................................................................................ 57
8 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................... 58
9 Maintenance..............................................................................................................61
Revise History............................................................................................................... 62

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1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
This printer is designed with die-casting aluminum chassis and print mechanism, metal
cover with large clear media view window, which ensuring to work for the extreme and
heavy duty industrial environment and applications.
With back-lit graphic LCD display, printer status can be managed easier and operated
more user friendly. 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 document provides an easy reference for operating the MX240 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 the accessories CD-ROM or on TSC website at
http://www.tscprinters.com.
−Applications
High volume printing
Work in process
Compliance labeling
Inventory management
Shipping/ receiving
Asset management
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
MX240
MX340
MX640
Thermal transfer/ or direct thermal
○
○
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Die-cast based print mechanism and frame / Aluminum
cover with large clear media view window
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○
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16 bits Color, 480 x 272 pixel, with back light, Resistive
Touch Screen
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1 power switch, 6 operation buttons (Menu, Pause, Feed,
Up, Down, Select)
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Control panel security (TCF)
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LED indicators
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32-bit RISC CPU
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Gap transmissive sensor (Position adjustable)
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Black mark reflective sensor (Position adjustable)
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Ribbon end sensor (transmissive)
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Ribbon encoder sensor
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Head open sensor
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128MB Flash memory
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256 MB SDRAM memory
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SD Flash memory card slot for Flash memory expansion, up
to 32 GB
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RS-232 interface (Max. 115,200 bps )
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USB 2.0 interface (High speed mode)
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Parallel interface (SPP mode)
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Internal Ethernet print server (10/100 Mbps) interface
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USB host (Front side) * 2, for scanner or PC keyboard
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Real time clock
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Standard industry emulations right out of the box including
Eltron®and Zebra®language support
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Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
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Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four
directions (0, 90,180, 270 degree)
○
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Internal Monotype Imaging®true type font engine with one
CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font
○
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Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory
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Print head pressure force & pressure location adjustable
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Ribbon supply spindle tension adjustable
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Automatic media/ribbon sensor selecting
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Sensor auto calibration from LCD menu
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Heater element damage detection/warning
○
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Clean print head warning
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MTBF 26,240 hours/ duty cycle 90%
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○

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Bar code, graphics/image printing
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, 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)
○
○
○
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
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○
○

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ISO-8859-9: Turkish
ISO-8859-10: Nordic
ISO-8859-15: Latin-9
UTF-8
1.2.2 Printer Optional Features
The printer offers the following optional features.
Product option feature
User
option
Dealer
option
Factory
option
Internal rewinding kit (include internal rewind & label
redirect front panel)
○
USB host *2 (Rear side) , for scanner or PC keyboard
○
Peel-off kit (include internal rewind & peel off module)
○
Regular cutter (full cut guillotine cutter)
○
Heavy duty cutter (full cut rotary cutter)
○
Applicator I/O interface
○
KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit
○
KU-007 Plus programmable smart keyboard
○
Bluetooth module (serial interface)
○
802.11 b/g/n wireless module (serial interface)
○

- 5 -
1.3 General Specifications
General Specifications
Physical
dimensions
300 mm (W) x 393 mm (H)x 510 mm (D)
11.81“ (W) x 15.47“ (H) x 20.08“ (D)
Weight
18 kg (39.68 lbs)
Power
Internal universal switching power supply
• Input: AC 100-240V, 3.0A, 50-60Hz
• Output: DC 24V, 8.33A, 200W
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
1.4 Print Specifications
Print
Specifications
MX240
MX340
MX640
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/ or 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)
2,3,4,5…14 ips
selectable
2,3,4,5…12 ips
selectable
1.5,2,3…. 6 ips
selectable
Up to 14 IPS
Up to 12 IPS
Up to 6 IPS
Max. 4 ips for peeler mode
Max. print width
4.09”(104 mm)
Max. print length
1000”(25400 mm)
450”(11430 mm)
100” (2540 mm)
Printout bias
Vertical: 0.3 ~ 1 mm max.
Horizontal: 1 mm max.
Printout length
0 ~ -2 %
1.5 Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon Specifications
Ribbon outside diameter
Max. 90 OD
Ribbon length
600 meter
Ribbon core inside diameter
1“ (25.4 mm)
Ribbon width
40 mm ~ 115 mm
Ribbon wound type
Ink coated outside wound, ink coated inside wound
Ribbon end type
Transparency

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1.6 Media Specifications
Media Specifications
MX240
MX340
MX640
Media roll capacity
Max. 8”(203.2) OD
Media core diameter
3”(76.2 mm) ID core
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, external fan-fold, notch
Media wound type
Outside wound
Media width
20 mm ~ 114 mm (0.78“ ~ 4.49“)
Media thickness
0.076 mm ~ 0.305 mm (2.99 ~ 12.01 mil)
Label length
3 ~ 25,400 mm
(0.1“ ~ 1000“)
3 ~ 11,430 mm
(0.1“ ~ 450“)
3 ~ 2,540 mm
(0.1“ ~ 100“)
Label length (peeler mode)
25 mm ~ 152 mm (1” ~ 6”)
Label length (cutter mode)
25.4~2,286 mm (1” ~ 90”)
25.4~1016 mm (1” ~ 40”)
Black mark
Min. 8 mm (W) x 2 mm (H)
Gap height
Min. 2 mm

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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
One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
One quick installation guide
One power cord
One USB interface cable

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2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
Note:
* For LCD control panel, please refer to subsection 2.3.2 for more details.
1. LED indicators
2. LCD display
3. Front panel buttons
4. USB host x 2
5. Media view window
6. Paper exit chute
7. Printer cover
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2.2.2 Interior view
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Print head release lever
3. Media sensor position adjustment knob
4. Label guide bar release lever
5. Ribbon supply spindle
6. Ribbon tension adjustment knobs
7. Label supply spindle
8. Rear label guide
9. External label entrance chute
10. Print head pressure adjustment knobs
11. Platen roller
12. Print head
13. Media sensor
14. Front label guide
2
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2.2.3 Rear View
* 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
1. External label entrance chute
2. Power cord socket
3. Power switch
4. External BlueTooth or WiFi module (Option)
5. RS-232C interface
6. GPIO interface (Option)
7. Ethernet interface
8. * SD card socket
9. USB interface
10. Centronics interface
11. USB host x 2 (Option)
Note:
The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product
specification for the interfaces availability.
1
3
2
4
US
B
inte
rfa
ce
7
USB
inter
face
6
5
8
9
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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
CLASS 10
16 GB
Kingston
CLASS 10
32 GB
SanDisk, Transcend, Kingston
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
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
microSD 4 GB
Transcend, Panasonic, Kingston
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6
microSD 4 GB
Transcend
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
microSD 8 GB
Scandisk
CLASS 10
microSD 8 GB
Transcend, Kingston
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4
microSD 16 GB
Scandisk
CLASS 10
microSD 16 GB
Kingston
CLASS 10 UHS-I
microSD 16 GB
Scandisk, Transcend
CLASS 10
microSD 32 GB
Kingston
CLASS 10 UHS-I
microSD 32 GB
Scandisk, 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 to SD card slot adapter is required.