TSC TTP 243 Pro User manual

TTP 243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
TTP/TDP 244/342
TTP/TDP 244
Service Manual
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER

i
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Table of Contents
1. FUNDAMENTALS ABOUT THE SYSTEM ..................................................................1
1.1 Features of the TTP-243 Series .................................................................................1
1.2 Model Naming Syntax.................................................................................................1
1.3 Overview ....................................................................................................................2
1.3.1 Front View...........................................................................................................2
1.3.2 Rear View...........................................................................................................3
1.4 Basic Specifications....................................................................................................4
1.5 Effective Print Area.....................................................................................................6
1.6 Available Bar Codes...................................................................................................6
1.7 Various Sensors.........................................................................................................7
2. SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................9
2.1 Types of Paper...........................................................................................................9
2.2 Specifications.............................................................................................................9
2.3 Ribbon Sizes and Shapes ........................................................................................11
3. ELECTRONICS ..............................................................................................................12
3.1 Summary of Board Connectors ................................................................................12
3.2 Pin Configuration......................................................................................................14
4. MECHANISM..................................................................................................................16
4.1 Mainboard Replacement...........................................................................................16
4.2 Cutter Installation (Option / Not available for TTP-243E Pro model).........................20
4.3 Print Head Replacement ..........................................................................................21
4.4 DC Motor Replacement............................................................................................23
4.5 Ribbon Rewind Spindle Encoder Replacement ........................................................24
4.6 Felt Fabric Replacement ..........................................................................................25
4.7 Stepping Motor Replacement...................................................................................27
4.8 Black Mark Sensor / Gap Sensor (Receiver) Replacement ......................................28
4.9 Ribbon Sensor (Receiver) Replacement...................................................................29
4.10 Ribbon Sensor (Transmitter) / Gap Sensor (Transmitter) Replacement .................31

ii
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4.11 Platen Replacement...............................................................................................32
5. TROUBLE SHOOTING................................................................................................... 35
5.1 Trouble Shooting......................................................................................................35
5.2 Calibrate the Gap Register.......................................................................................36
5.3 Self-test....................................................................................................................36
5.4 Ram Clear................................................................................................................36
5.5 Diagnosis Operation Procedure................................................................................36
5.6 Testing Sensors .......................................................................................................37
5.7 Cleaning the Print Head ...........................................................................................38

1
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1. FUNDAMENTALS ABOUT THE SYSTEM
1.1 Features of the TTP-243 Series
1. This bar code printer prints bar codes, characters, logos, on various types of labels and tickets
by direct thermal or thermal transfer printing.
2 This printer adopts a “BASIC-like” high level programming language to help users programme
the desired label forms with ease.
3. This bar code printer can be connected to a personal computer or an optional LCD keyboard to
execute the programs downloaded in the printer’s memory. The printer is equipped with the
following standard devices: black mark sensor, peel off module and real time clock.
4. This bar code printer provides a selection of optional features, including cutter module, memory
module, portable LCD keyboard, etc.
5. The user friendly labeling software package is bundled with printer.
1.2 Model Naming Syntax
T T P –2 4 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(1) Print method:
TTP –Thermal Transfer Printing
TDP –Thermal Direct Printing
(2) Resolution of print head (DPI)
(3) Maximum print width (Inch)
(4) Maximum print speed (Inch/Sec)

2
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.3 Overview
1.3.1 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

3
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.3.2 Rear View
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)
1
2
3
4
5
6

4
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.4 Basic Specifications
Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing
High dot density printing (243 Pro series: 203 dots/inch, 342 Pro series: 300 dots/inch)
Selectable print speeds at 1.5”, 2.0” or 3.0” per second (243 Pro series: 1.5, 2 and 3 ips /
342 Pro series: 1, 1.5 and 2 ips)
Supports RS-232 serial and USB interface (Factory option for RS-232 and Centronics
interface)
Maximum media width up to 4.49”(114 mm)
Adjustable label edge guide
International character sets
Print area：TTP-243 Pro/243E Pro：4.09” W x 90”L；TTP-342 Pro：4.09”W x 40”L (without any
file downloaded in the printer memory)
User selectable bar code ratios and heights
Prints on labels or tickets
Equipped with black mark sensor
Equipped with Real Time Clock (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Comes with self-peeling function (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Buzzer provided to warn of possible errors (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
Label stock and thermal transfer ribbon are easy to install
Internal label print counter
Self test and hex dump mode
Downloadable fonts from label design software
Electronics/Communication Specifications
Electrical
DC Motor: DC24V
Memory:
─SDRAM: 8 Mb
─Flash: 4 Mb
Adapter 100~240VAC10%, 50~60Hz
Regulations: FCC Class A, CE Class A, C-Tick Class A, TÜV/Safety, CCC
Communications Interface:
Serial port: RS-232C (DB-9) at 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200 baud rate
─Word Length: 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, selectable parity
─Handshaking: XON/XOFF and DSR/DTR
Parallel port: Standard parallel interface
Input Buffer: 64KB
RS-232 Interface Pin Configuration:

5
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
Host Function
9 Pin
25 Pin
9 Pin
Printer Function
1
+5V
RxD
2
3
2
TxD
TxD
3
2
3
RxD
DTR
4
20
4
DSR
GND
5
7
5
GND
DSR
6
6
6
RDY
RTS
7
4
7
N/C
CTS
8
5
8
RDY
9
+5V

6
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.5 Effective Print Area
Label/Ticket Length
12mm~2286mm
Effective Print
Length
10mm~2284mm
Label/Ticket Width
25mm~103mm
Effective Print Width
23mm~101mm
No Print Area
1mm
1.6 Available Bar Codes
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, RSS14, Code 11, China Post
2D bar code
PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec

7
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
1.7 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.

8
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
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.
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.

9
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
2. SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS
2.1 Types of Paper
Two types of media are available for TTP-243: label and ticket.
In TTP-243, 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.
2.2 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.

10
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer

11
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
2.3 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

12
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3. ELECTRONICS
3.1 Summary of Board Connectors
Main board
Connector
Description
Remark
1
Ribbon sensor connector
JP18
2
Black mark sensor connector
JP46
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
Power
5V
2
Black mark
sensor receiver
No paper or black mark : 3.1~3.2V
Detect paper: 0~0.3V
3
GND
0V
1
2
3
9
7
12
8
4
10
13
5
14
11
6
15
16
17

13
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3
Gap sensor connector
JP53
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
GND
0V
2
Gap sensor emitter
Emitter on : 0.7~1.8V
Emitter off: 2.4~2.7V
3
Power
5V
4
GND
0V
5
Gap sensor receiver
No paper or gap: 3.1~3.2V
Detect paper: 0~0.3V
6
Power
5V
4
Ribbon encoder sensor & DC motor connector
JP37
5
Stepping motor connector
JP14
6
Print head connector
JP49
7
SD memory card module connector
JP44
8
Micro processor
U2
9
Power switch
SW2
10
Power supply output (24V DC) connector
B3
11
RS-232C connector
JP7
12
Centronics port connector (Option)
JP4
13
USB connector
JP9
14
Push button connector
JP52
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
LED green (PWR)
LED light on: 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
2
LED green (ONLINE)
LED light on: 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
3
LED red (ERR)
LED light on : 2.0~2.2V
LED light off: 0~0.3V
4
Pause switch
0V: Push key
3.3V: Stand-by
5
Feed switch
0V: Push key
3.3V: Stand-by
6
GND
0V
15
Cutter /peel-off sensor connector (Option for TTP-243/342 Pro, not
available for TTP-243E Pro)
JP48
16
Head open sensor connector
JP16
17
RTC Battery (Not available for TTP-243E Pro)
BT1

14
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
3.2 Pin Configuration
RS-232C
PIN
CONFIGURATION
1
+5 V
2
TXD
3
RXD
4
CTS
5
GND
6
RTS
7
N/C
8
RTS
9
N/C
USB
PIN
CONFIGURATION
1
N/C
2
D-
3
D+
4
GND
Centronics
Pin
SPP Mode
Nibble
In/Out
Function
1
Strobe
N/A
In
A low on this line indicates that there are valid data
at the host. When this pin is de-asserted, the +ve
clock edge should be used to shift the data into the
device.
2-9
Data 0-7
N/A
In
Data Bus. Single-directional.
10
Ack
N/A
Out
A low on this line indicates that there are valid data
at the Device. When this pin is de-asserted, the
+ve clock edge should be used to shift the data into
the host.
11
Busy
N/A
Out
When in reverse direction, a high indicates data,
while a low indicates a command cycle. In forward
direction, it functions as PtrBusy.
12
Paper Out /
End
N/A
Out
When low, device acknowledges reverse request.
13
Select
N/A
Out
Extensibility flag
14
Ground
N/A
GND
15
No Defined
N/A
N/A
16-17
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
18
No Defined
N/A
N/A
19-30
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
31
No Defined
N/A
N/A
32
Error / Fault
N/A
Out
A low set by the device indicates that the reverse
data is available

15
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
33-35
Ground
N/A
GND
Ground
36
No Defined
N/A
N/A

16
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
4. MECHANISM
4.1 Mainboard Replacement
1. Turn off the printer power.
2. Remove the power cord and RS-232 and/or USB cable.
3. Open the top cover of the printer.
4. Remove the printer front panel.
Remove the front cover
in the direction of the arrows
5. Remove the two screws and the metal cover.
Remove the screws
and metal cover
Screws
Metal Cover

17
TTP-243 Pro/ 243E Pro/ 342 Pro
Bar Code Printer
6. Release the cable tie and remove the peel-off sensor connector. (Not available for TTP-243E Pro
model)
Cable tie and peel-off sensor connector
7. Remove the screws on the lower left and lower right corners of main mechanism.
Remove the screws in the lower left, lower
right corners of the main mechanism.
Cable Tie
Peel-Off Sensor
Connector
Cutter Connector