TSC TTP-243 Pro Series User manual

TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro Series
TTP-243 Plus/ 243E Plus/ 342 Plus Series
USER’S
MANUAL
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL BAR
CODE PRINTER

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CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION .........................................................2
1.1 Compliances..................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Effective Print Area........................................................................................... 3
1.3 Available Bar Codes......................................................................................... 3
1.4 Various Sensors............................................................................................... 4
1.5 Supply Specifications ....................................................................................... 6
1.5.1 Types of Paper.......................................................................................... 6
1.5.2 Specifications............................................................................................ 6
1.5.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes......................................................................... 8
2. GETTING STARTED......................................................................9
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................ 9
2.2 Equipment Checklist..................................................................................... 9
2.3 Printer Parts ............................................................................................... 10
2.4 External Label Roll Mount (Option for 243E series printer)........................ 13
2.5 Buttons and Indicators................................................................................ 14
3. SET UP........................................................................................15
3.1 Setting up the Printer.................................................................................. 15
3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock..................................................................... 16
3.3 Peel-off Function (Not available for 243E series printer)............................ 19
3.4 Ribbon Loading Instructions....................................................................... 22
3.5 Install External Label Roll Mount (Not available for 243E series printer).... 26
3.6 Install Memory Module (Option) ................................................................. 27
3.7 Self Test..................................................................................................... 29
3.8 Dump Mode................................................................................................ 30
4. USING TTP-243 SERIES/243E SERIES/342 SERIES.................31
4.1 Power-on Utilities ....................................................................................... 31
4.1.1 Self Test Utility........................................................................................ 31
4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility................................................................. 31
4.1.3 Printer Initialization ................................................................................. 32
4.2 Troubleshooting Guide............................................................................... 33
Update History...................................................................................................... 35

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1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC TTP-243 series/ 243E series/ 342
series bar code printer. The attractive desktop printer delivers superior
performance at an economical price. Both powerful and easy-to-use, this printer
is your best choice among desktop direct thermal and thermal transfer label
printers.
Printer offers both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at selectable
speeds of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 inches per second for TTP-243 series/ 243E series
and 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 inch per second for TTP-342 series. It can accept a wide
range of media, including roll feed, die-cut, and fan-fold labels or tags for both
thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. All of the most frequently used bar
code formats are available. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of
four directions. This printer provides a choice of five different sizes of
alphanumeric fonts. By using font multiplication, an even greater range of sizes
is possible. Smooth fonts can be downloaded from the user-friendly Windows
labeling design software. In addition, This printer is capable of independently
executing BASIC programming functions, including arithmetic, logical operation,
loop, flow-control and file management, among others. This programming
capability provides the greatest efficiency in label printing.
TSC reserves the right to make changes in the product, the programs, and their
availability at any time and without notice.
1.1 Compliances
CE Class A, FCC Class A, C-Tick Class A, TÜ V/Safety, CCC
WARNING
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 INSTRUCTIONS.
A급기기
(업무용 정보통신기기)
이기기는 업무용으로 전자파 적합등록을 한기기이오니, 판매자 또는 사용자는 이점을
주위하시기 바라며, 만약 잘못 판매 또는 구입하였을 때에는 가정용으로 교환하시기 바랍니다.

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1.2 Effective Print Area
203 DPI
300 DPI
Label/Ticket Print Length
12 mm~2286 mm
12 mm~1016 mm
Effective Print Length
10 mm~2284 mm
10 mm~1014 mm
Label/Ticket Print Width
25 mm~104 mm
Effective Print Width
23 mm~102 mm
No Print Area
1 mm
1.3 Available Bar Codes
1D bar code
Code 39
Code 93
Code 128 UCC
Code 128, Subsets A, B, and C
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5
EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128
UPC-A, UPC-E
EAN and UPC with 2 or 5 digits add-on
MSI
PLESSEY
Postnet
China post
2D bar code
Maxicode
PDF-417
DataMatrix
QR code
GS1 DataBar family (RSS)

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1.4 Various Sensors
Feed Gap Sensor
The feed gap sensor detects a label gap to locate the starting print position of the next
label. The sensor is mounted 4 mm off the center line of the main mechanism.
.
In case of Label
Black Mark Sensor
The black mark sensor locates the position of label by emitting infrared rays onto
the black mark at the back of the ticket. The sensor is mounted 5.75 mm off the
center line of the ticket roll width on the mechanism.
In case of Ticket
The default sensor position is (1) as shown on the figure below. To change to the
(2) position, the customer should notify the manufacturer in advance. There can
be only one position for the sensor. Once the sensor position is agreed upon, it
can not be changed afterwards.

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Ribbon End Sensor
The sensor detects the end portion of the ribbon. The ribbon end must be transparent.
Label End Sensor
The sensor detects the end portion of the label.
Peel off Sensor
The sensor detects the backing paper of a label.
Ribbon encoder
The encoder is used to detect if the ribbon is broken.

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1.5 Supply Specifications
1.5.1 Types of Paper
Two types of media are available: label and ticket.
There are two types of sensors for paper: gap sensor and black mark sensor.
Label and ticket can be further classified into direct thermal type or thermal
transfer type.
1.5.2 Specifications
Items
Label
Paper Width
Max.114mm
Min. 25mm
Length (Pitch)
12～2286mm
Paper
Thickness
0.20 mm
Paper Weight
Max 240 g/m2
Max. Roll
Diameter
(1” core)
Inner roll diameter. Max 4.3” (110mm)
External roll diameter. Max 8.4”
(214mm)
Roll Up Method
Print surface wound outside as
standard
Paper Core ID.
25.7±0.3mm
Note:
(1) The width and thickness quoted above are said of the label plus its backing paper.
(2) Likewise, the approval of label entails that of its backing paper.
(3) In the peel off mode, the minimum pitch is 35mm.
(4) In the cutter mode, it is required the paper be wound outside. Otherwise, paper jam tends
to result.
(5) In the cutter mode, the paper thickness is 0.2 mm at maximum, and the paper weight is
100 g/m2at maximum.
(6) Paper shape is as shown on next page.
(7) Tag is 0.2mm in thickness, and is less than 100g/m2in weight.

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1.5.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes
Item
Specifications
Ribbon shape
Spool type
Ribbon width
Max. 110mm
Min. 40mm
Ribbon winding width
Max. 110mm
Min. 40mm
Leading tape
Polyester film, 3355mm long
End tape
Polyester film (transparent), 2505mm
long
Max. ribbon OD.
67mm
Winding method
Ink surface to be wound outside
Note: The maximum length of ribbon depends on its thickness and core outside diameter.
The formula below defines the correlation between ribbon roll length and ribbon core
diameter.
t4 )d(D
=L 22
 
, where
L = Ribbon length
D = Max. roll diameter
d = Ribbon core outside diameter
t = Ribbon thickness

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2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
The printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage in the shipping
process. However, for fear that unexpected damage might occur, upon receiving
the bar code printer, carefully inspect the package and the device. In case of
evident damage, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of
the damage. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship
the printer.
2.2 Equipment Checklist
One bar code printer unit
One paper core for ribbon rewind spindle
Two ribbon supply/rewind spindles
One flat label supply roll spindle
Two fixing tabs
One round label supply roll spindle (Not available for 243E series printer)
One Quick installation guide
One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
One power supply
One power cord
One USB interface cable (Pro series printer only)
One Centronics interface cable (TTP-243 Plus & TTP-342 Plus series printer only)
One sample roll of plain label stock (Not available for 243E series printer)
One sample roll of wax-resin ribbon (Not available for 243E series printer)
One external label roll mount (Not available for 243E series printer)
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of
your purchased reseller or distributor.

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2.3 Printer Parts
* Top front view
1. Cover Release Button
2. PWR., ON-LINE and ERR. Indicators
3. PAUSE Button
4. FEED Button
5. Label Dispense Opening
6. Liner Opening (For use with peel-off function/ Not available for 243E series
printer)
3
4
2
1
5
6

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* Interior view
1. Printer Cover (In open position)
2. Label Supply Roll Spindle
3. Fixing Tabs
4. Ribbon Mechanism
5. Ribbon Supply Spindle
6. Ribbon Rewind Spindle
7. Printer Carriage Release Lever
8. Liner Opening
9. Detachable Front Panel
10. PAUSE Button
11. PWR., ON-LINE, ERR. Indicators
12. FEED Button
13. Peel-off Sensor (Not available for 243E series printer)
14. Memory Card Cover

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* Rear view
TTP-243 Plus/ 243E Plus/ 342 Plus series
1. Power On/Off Switch
2. Power Supply Connector
3. RS-232C DB-9 Interface Connector
4. Centronics Interface Connector
5. Label Insert Opening (For use with external labels)
TTP-243 Pro/243E Pro/ 342 Pro series
1. Power On/Off Switch
2. Power Supply DC Jacket
3. RS-232C Interface Connector
4. USB Interface Connector
5. Label Insert Opening (For use with external media)
6. Centronics Interface Connector (Factory option)
Note:
The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product specification
for the interfaces availability.
1
2
3
4
5
6

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2.4 External Label Roll Mount (Option for 243E series
printer)
External label roll mount

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2.5 Buttons and Indicators
PWR. (POWER) Indicator
The green PWR. indicator illuminates when the POWER switch is turned on.
ON-LINE Indicator
The green ON-LINE indicator illuminates when the printer is ready to print. When
PAUSE button is pressed, the ON-LINE indicator flashes.
ERR. Indicator (Error/Paper Empty)
The red ERR. indicator illuminates in the event of a printer error, such as
memory error, syntax error, and so forth. For a full list of error messages, please
refer to section 4.2, Troubleshooting Guides.
PAUSE Button
The PAUSE button allows the user to stop a print job and then continue the
printing with a second depression of the button. By pressing the PAUSE button:
(1) the printer stops printing after the printing label, (2) the PAUSE LED flashes,
and (3) the printer will hold all data in memory. This allows for trouble-free
replacement of label stock and thermal transfer ribbon. A second depression of
the PAUSE button will restart the printer.
Note: If the PAUSE button is held down for more than 3 seconds, the
printer will be reset and all data of the previous printing job will be lost.
FEED Button
Press the FEED button to feed the label to the beginning of the next label.

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3. SET UP
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 mainframe with the provided RS-232C or
Centronics cable.
4. Plug the power cord into the power supply connector at the rear of the printer,
and then plug the power cord into a properly grounded receptable.
Note: Please switch OFF printer power switch prior to plug in the power
cord to printer power jack.

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3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock
1. Open the printer cover.
2. Disengage the printer carriage by pulling the printer carriage release lever on
the left side of the platen.
3. Slide the label supply roll spindle through the core of a label roll and attach the
fixing tabs onto the spindle.
4. Place the label roll into the label roll mount. Feed the label under the carriage
and over the platen.
5. Adjust the label guide to fit the width of the media.
6. Engage the printer carriage.

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7. Wind the label roll until it becomes adequately taut.
8. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button three or four times until the
green ON-LINE indicator illuminates.
9. When the printer is out of ribbon or media, the ON-LINE LED will not
illuminate and the ERR. LED will flash. Reload the ribbon or media without
turning off the printer power. Press the FEED button three or four times until
the ON-LINE LED illuminates. The printing job will be resumed without data
loss.
Inserting label supply roll into label roll mount
1. Label Supply Roll Spindle
2. Label Roll Mount
3. Label Roll
4. Fixing Tabs

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Feed labels through adjustable label guide
1. Printer Carriage Release Lever
2. Platen
3. Label Media
4. Adjustable Label Guide