TSC Printronix Alpha-40L User manual

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Alpha-40L RFID
Moblie Barcode Printers
User Manual
Series Lists:
Alpha-40L(R)
◼Direct Thermal

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Copyright information
©2022 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer described are owned by TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
All rights reserved.
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed font is under license from the Monotype
Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information in this document is subject to change without
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the
expressed written permission of TSC Auto ID Technology Co.

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Product Specification...................................................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Battery Information.......................................................................................................................................................................................4
2. Operation Overview.........................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Printer Overview ..........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Front View............................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 Interior View.........................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2.3 Rear View.............................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Controls and Indicators................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.1 Keys / LCD control panel icon indication ........................................................................................................................................10
3. Setup..............................................................................................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Setting up the Printer.................................................................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Charging the Smart Battery........................................................................................................................................................................13
3.2.1 Charging the Battery.........................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2.2 Charging the Battery by 1-bay/4-bay Battery Charger (Optional) ..................................................................................................15
3.2.3 Charging the Battery by 1-slot Docking Cradle (Optional).............................................................................................................16
3.2.4 Charging the Battery by 4-slot Docking Cradle (Optional).............................................................................................................17
3.3 Loading the Media .....................................................................................................................................................................................18

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3.4 Loading the External Media .......................................................................................................................................................................21
3.5 Installing the Belt Clip ................................................................................................................................................................................23
3.6 Installing the IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (Optional)...............................................................................................24
3.7 Connecting to the Printer ...........................................................................................................................................................................26
3.7.1 Cable Communication.......................................................................................................................................................................26
3.7.2 Wireless Communication with Bluetooth ........................................................................................................................................26
3.8.3 Wireless Communication with Wi-Fi................................................................................................................................................26
3.8 Setting up the RFID ...................................................................................................................................................................................27
3.8.1 Reference Notes................................................................................................................................................................................27
3.8.2 RFID Media Guideline for Alpha-40L(R)...........................................................................................................................................28
3.8.3 RFID Calibration ................................................................................................................................................................................29
3.9 Changing the Media Core..........................................................................................................................................................................31
4. LCD Menu Function.......................................................................................................................................................................................33
4.1 How to Use the LCD to Set the Printer.......................................................................................................................................................33
4.2 Main Menu Overview.................................................................................................................................................................................34
4.3 TSPL..........................................................................................................................................................................................................35
4.4 ZPL2..........................................................................................................................................................................................................37
4.5 Sensor.......................................................................................................................................................................................................40
4.6 Interface.....................................................................................................................................................................................................41
4.7 File Manager..............................................................................................................................................................................................47
4.8 Diagnostic..................................................................................................................................................................................................48

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4.9 Advanced...................................................................................................................................................................................................50
5. TSC Console..................................................................................................................................................................................................52
5.1 Start TSC Console.....................................................................................................................................................................................52
5.2 Set Wi-Fi and Add to TSC Console Interface.............................................................................................................................................55
5.3 Initialize the Printer Wi-Fi Setting...............................................................................................................................................................58
5.4 TPH Care...................................................................................................................................................................................................59
5.5 Printer Function .........................................................................................................................................................................................60
5.6 Setting RFID..............................................................................................................................................................................................61
6. TroubleShooting............................................................................................................................................................................................63
6.1 Common Problems....................................................................................................................................................................................63
6.2 RFID Errors Message ................................................................................................................................................................................65
7. RFID Setting Commands...............................................................................................................................................................................68
7.1 RFID ON/OFF............................................................................................................................................................................................68
7.2 RFID ERROR ............................................................................................................................................................................................69
7.3 RFID RETRY.............................................................................................................................................................................................70
7.4 RFID RETRYERROR ON/OFF..................................................................................................................................................................71
7.5 RFID POSITION ........................................................................................................................................................................................72
7.6 RFID POWER............................................................................................................................................................................................73
7.7 RFID COUNTRESET.................................................................................................................................................................................74

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7.8 RFID READ/WRITE...................................................................................................................................................................................75
8. Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................................................................81
9. Angency Compliance and Approvals...........................................................................................................................................................83
10. Revise History .............................................................................................................................................................................................91

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1. Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
The Alpha-40L(R), the first mobile RFID printer from TSC Printronix Auto ID, is user-friendly, heavy-duty and drop-resistant. The
new mobile RFID printer expands our RFID lineup and propels you into the next generation of smart, RFID-enabled solutions for
printing and encoding RFID labels and tags in advanced tracking and tracing applications to boost productivity.
The Alpha-40L RFID supports versatile media handling solutions including standard receipts and labels, as well as encoding RFID
labels for a smarter and faster solution, when and where you need them. This innovative mobile RFID printer has an auto-
calibration function that is simple and easy to use so users can start printing and encoding RFID labels without the assistance of
complicated user manuals and guides.
With the Apple-certified MFi Bluetooth® 5.0 connection and 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi fast roaming features, the Alpha-40L RFID not
only provides reliable and seamless communication with users’ devices, but also securely prints labels wherever they are needed.
The data can be transferred to a central database for prompt tracking.
This document provides an easy reference for operating this printer. TSC printers include the Windows labeling software for
creating your label template. For system integration, the TSPL/TSPL2 printer programming manual or SDKs can be found on TSC
website at: https://www.tscprinters.com.

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1.1 Product Specification
Item
Alpha-40L(R)
Resolution
203 dpi, 8dots/mm
Printing method
Direct thermal
Max. print speed
Up to 5 ips
Max. print width
104 mm (4.09”)
Max. print length
2,794 mm (110”)
Enclosure
Plastic with rubber over molded
Physical dimension (W x H x D)
160 mm x 191mm x 79 mm (6.30" x 7.52" x 3.11")
Weight (including battery)
1.025 g (2.26 lbs)
Drop specification
1.8 m (6 ft), with IP54 case can be 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
IP rating
IP54 (w/o case, paper path is excluded)
Label roll capacity
67 mm OD
Processor
32-bit RISC CPU
Memory
◼Standard: 128 MB SDRAM, 128 MB Flash, microSD card reader for Flash memory expansion,
up to 32 GB
◼Factory Option: 256 MB SDRAM, 512 MB Flash
Power
7.4V DC, 6,200 mAh Li-ion rechargeable smart battery
Interface
Either one selected
◼Type C USB 2.0 + MFi Bluetooth 5.0 + Passive NFC tag
◼Type C USB 2.0 + 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2 + Passive NFC tag
＊ Type C is for communication only.
Operation button
7 buttons (Power, Feed/Enter, Menu, Navigation keys)
User interface
◼2 LED indicators (battery charging status, printer status)
◼2.3” Color LCD display, 320 x 240 pixels
Sensors
◼Reflective sensor
◼Transmissive sensor
◼Head open sensor
Real time clock
Standard
Internal font
◼8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
◼Monotype Imaging® true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable
font
Bar code
◼1D bar code:
Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A、B、C, EAN128, Interleaved 2 of 5, Interleaved 2 of 5 with

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check digit, Standard 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Code39, Code39 with check digit, Code93,
EAN13, EAN8, UPCA, UPCE, EAN and UPC 2 (5) digits add-on, Codabar, Postnet, MSI, MSI
with check digit, PLESSEY, China post, ITF14, EAN14, Code11, TELEPEN, TELEPEN number,
PLANET, Code49, Deutsche Post Identcode, Deutsche Post Leitcode, LOGMARS
◼2D bar code:
CODABLOCK F mode, GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataMatrix, Maxicode, AZTEC, PDF417, QR Code,
Micro PDF417, TLC39
Printer language
TSPL-EZC (EPL2, ZPL2, CPCL), or ESC-POS
Media type
Die cut, black mark, receipt, fan-fold, continuous (outside wound)
Media thickness
0.06 ~ 0.16 mm (0.002" ~ 0.06")
Media width
50.8~112mm with liner (2" ~ 4.4")
Media height
15.88 ~ 2,794 mm (0.625" ~ 110")
Media core diameter
◼25.4 mm (1"), standard
◼19.1 mm (0.75"), with 0.75" ID adaptors, reserved
◼38.1 mm (1.5"), with 1.5" ID adaptors, reserved
Environment condition
◼Operation: -20 ~ 50˚C (-4 ~ 122˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
◼Storage: -30 ~ 70˚C (-22 ~ 158˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
◼Charging: 0 ~40˚C (32~ 104˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Factory option
◼Media sensor position (default center, right, or left side)
User option
◼Type C USB 2.0 cable
◼IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap
◼Shoulder strap
◼Li-ion smart battery
◼1-slot docking cradle
◼4-slot docking cradle
◼1-slot battery charger
◼4-slot battery charger
◼12-24VDC vehicle power adaptor
◼12-60VDC vehicle power adaptor
◼12-48VDC power source with battery eliminator
◼Vehicle mount adapter can be used with RAM® MOUNTS

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1.2 Battery Information
Model
Capacity
Cycle life
Warning conditions
Charging
hours
Working hours
Alpha-40L(R)
6200 mAh
500 times
GOOD: Discharged count <= 550 or
absolute battery capacity >= 70%.
REPLACE: 550 < Discharged count
<= 600 or 67% =< absolute battery
capacity < 70%.
UNUSABLE: 600 < Discharged count
or absolute battery capacity < 67%.
4.5 ~ 6.5 hrs
45 hrs
- 12.5% printing ratio
- 1 label per two minutes
- Bluetooth

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2. Operation Overview
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping. Please carefully inspect the packaging and
printer upon receiving the bar code printer. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the printer.
Unpacking the printer, the following items are included in the carton.
◼One printer unit
◼One Li-ion battery
◼One quick installation guide
◼One auto-switching AC adapter
◼One belt clip
◼A pair of 0.75" media core adaptors
◼A pair of 1.5" media core adaptors
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor.

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1. Media cover
2. NFC touch point
3. MicroSD card socket
4. Media cover release button
5. LCD screen
6. Buttons / LED indicators
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
2
1
5
6
3
4

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2.2.2 Interior View
1. Power jack
2. Type C interface
3. RFID antenna
4. Printhead
5. Media sensors
6. Media holder
7. Platen roller
4
5
2
3
6
1
7

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2.2.3 Rear View
1. External label entrance chute
2. Charging position for docking cradle
3. Battery open clasp
4. Li-ion battery
5. Installation location for belt clip
1
4
5
2
3

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2.3 Controls and Indicators
Icons
Model Name &
Firmware Version
Status
Menu key / Left
soft key
Status
LED
Battery
charging
LED
Navigational keys
Power key
FEED key / Right
soft key
IP Address
Time & Date

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2.3.1 Keys / LCD control panel icon indication
Keys
Function
◼Menu key(Ready status)
◼Left soft key (Menu status)
Enter the LCD menu list.
The label on the left footer of the UI will explain the function for left soft key.
Check the label on the footer of the UI screen. The meaning of the select keys
will vary.
◼Feed key (Ready status)
◼Pause key (Printing status)
◼Right soft key (Menu status)
Feed one label.
Pause the print job.
The label on the right footer of the UI will explain the function for right soft key.
Check the label on the footer of the UI screen. The meaning of the select keys
will vary.
◼Power-on key
Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer.
Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer.
◼Navigational keys
Used to select items, menu selection, and navigation in the UI.
Icon
Indication
1/4 charging level: 0~25%
2/4 charging level: 25~50%
3/4 charging level: 50~75%
4/4 charging level: 75~100%
Wi-Fi device is ready
Bluetooth device is ready
Print head cleaning notice
icon
Function
Enter the menu list ( the Menu is
locked and a password is required.)
Feed button (advance one label)
Back button
Enter cursor (be marked in green)
located option
Scroll down / up button

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2.3.2 Status LED indication:
Color
Meaning
Off
Printer is ready to use
(Green)
Flash: System is downloading data or printer is paused.
(Amber)
System is clearing data.
(Red)
Solid: Printer head open or errors.
Flash: Printing error, such as paper empty, paper jam or memory error etc.
2.3.3 Battery charging LED indication:
Color
Meaning
Off
Printer is ready to use
(Amber)
Solid: Charging is in progress
Flash: Battery temperature is too hot or too cold; Battery overvoltage; Charge
timeout; Battery absent

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3. Setup
3.1 Setting up the Printer
1. Open the printer’s top cover Insert the right side
to install the battery at the rear of the printer.
2. Push the left side of the battery.
Battery safety warning:
DO NOT throw the battery in fire.
DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
DO NOT disassemble the battery.
DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the battery should not be placed in
municipal waste.
PUSH

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3.2 Charging the Smart Battery
Smart Battery Charging Mode and Operation Instructions
In order to battery storage safety and increase battery storage time, the battery will be in shutdown mode for storage and shipping.
The smart battery is charged for the first time, it needs to unlock this shutdown mode.
◼For charging via printer:
No steps are required.
◼For 1-bay or 4-bay battery charger charging:
The LED indicator on the charger will flash red when the battery is charged for the first time. Please remove the smart battery
and reinstall it to unlock this shutdown mode.
Charging Temperature
The battery normal working condition is from 0°C to 40°C (32 °F to 104 °F). The device or battery charger always
perform battery charging in a safe and optimummanner. At higher temperatures (e.g. approximately +40 °C (+104 °F) or
charging when turning on the printers), the printer or battery charger may stop charging for a period of time to keep the
battery at acceptable temperatures.

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3.2.1 Charging the Battery
1. Open the interface cover.
2. Plug the power cord to the power jack and
power outlet.
3. When charging, the battery status LED
indicator on the printer turns solid amber.
After fully charged, the printer LED indicator
turns off. It will stop charging automatically
after the battery is fully charged.
Note:
Please switch OFF printer power prior to plug in the power cord to printer power jack.
When the battery is charging, please do not remove the battery from the printer, otherwise, please re-plug the power cord into a power outlet.