TSC TTP-244ME Plus series User manual

TTP-244ME Plus / 342M Plus
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER
USER’S
MANUAL

CONTENTS
1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION..........................................................1
1.1 Compliances..................................................................................................... 1
2. GETTING STARTED ......................................................................3
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................ 3
2.2 Equipment Checklist..................................................................................... 3
2.3 Printer Parts ................................................................................................. 4
2.4 Buttons and Indicators.................................................................................. 7
3. SET UP...........................................................................................9
3.1 Setting Up the Printer................................................................................... 9
3.2 Loading Label Stock..................................................................................... 9
3.3 Self-Peeling Function................................................................................. 12
3.4 Cutter Function........................................................................................... 14
3.5 Ribbon Loading Instructions....................................................................... 15
3.6 Self Test..................................................................................................... 18
3.7 Dump Mode................................................................................................ 20
4. USING THE PRINTER..................................................................21
4.1 Power-on Utilities ....................................................................................... 21
4.1.1 Self Test Utility.................................................................................... 21
4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility............................................................. 21
4.1.3 Printer Initialization.............................................................................. 22
4.2 Troubleshooting Guide............................................................................... 23
APPENDIX A MENU CONTROL FLOWCHART....................................1
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1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for purchasing this bar code printer. The attractive printer
delivers superior performance at an economical price. Both powerful and easy-to-
use, this printer is your best choice.
The printer offers both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at user
selectable speeds: either 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 IPS (Inch Per Second) for 203 DPI
model; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 IPS for 300 DPI model. It can accept a wide range of
media, including roll feed, die-cut, and fan-fold labels 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 the 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 down-loaded from the user friendly, Windows labeling 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. The status of printer and error messages can be
displayed on the LCD screen. Unlike its predecessors, this model features an
LCD screen to facilitate the operation of the printer. This new feature enables the
user to view printer status or set printing parameters directly on the printer unit in
English, Chinese, Japanese, Italian…etc., making interfacing with the printer all
the more simple and viable!
1.1 Compliances
CE:
EN55022:1998+A1: 2000+A2: 2003, Class A
EN55024: 1998+A1: 2001+A2: 2003 IEC 61000-4 Series
EN61000-3-2: 2000 & EN61000-3-3: 1995+A1: 2001
UL/CUL:
UL1950, File Number: 178707
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FCC 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 reason-able 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 instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which the user will be required to correct the
interference at his or her own expense.
TUV/ Safety:
EN60950, Certificate Number: AL990636129001
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 Flűssig-oder Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes
Tuch zur Reinigung.
4. Die Netzanschlußsteckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebraucht 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. Beáchten Sie beim Anschlußan das stromnetz die Anschlußwerte.
8. Dieses das Gerät kann bis zu einer Außentemperatur von maximal 40℃
betieben werden.
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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2. GETTING STARTED
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This 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
zBar code printer unit
zRibbon paper core
zRibbon supply/rewind spindle (2 pcs.)
zCentronics port cable
zPower cord
zSoftware/Windows driver CD disk
zQuick start guide
Separately purchased items may also be included. These additional items may
include:
zLabels
zRibbons
zMemory module
zCutter module
zStand-alone keyboard
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
Figure 1. Top Front View
1. Cover Open/Release Handle
2. Label Dispense Opening
3. Backing Paper Opening
4. MENU Button
5. PAUSE/SELECT Button
6. FEED/SET Button
7. Error Indicator
8. On-line Indicator
9. Power Indicator
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Figure 2 Interior View
1. Printer Cover (in open position)
2. Ribbon Rewind Spindle
3. Ribbon Supply Roll Spindle
4. Label Roll Guard
5. Label Supply Roll Spindle
6. Ribbon Mechanism
7. Carriage Release Lever
8. Front Panel
9. Peel Off Sensor
10. Backing Paper Opening
11. Peel-Off Sensor / Cutter Power Connector
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6
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Figure 3. Rear View
1. Label Insert Opening (for use with external labels)
2. Centronics Interface Connector
3. RS-232C DB-9 Interface Connector
4. Power On/Off Switch
5. AC Power Cord Socket
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2.4 Buttons and Indicators
POWER Indicator
The green POWER 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
the PAUSE button is pressed, the ON-LINE indicator flashes.
ERROR Indicator (Error/Paper Empty)
The red ERROR indicator illuminates in the event of a printer error, such as
paper empty, ribbon empty, out of memory, and so forth. For a full list of error
messages, please refer to Section 4.2, Troubleshooting Guide.
MENU Button
Provided with a built-in menu, the printer allows the user to directly set printing
parameters or view printer status on the LCD display panel. To enter the Menu
mode, press the MENU button. Press the button over again to proceed form one
menu item to another or to revert to the original Ready status. The menu is
comprised of these major items: Printer Info, File List, Memory Info, Date/Time,
and Printer Setup. Each of said items, in turn, is made up of a number of sub-
items, which can be selected by pressing the SELECT button, or viewed or set
by pressing the SET button. Refer to Appendix for the structure and operation
logic of the menu.
PAUSE/SELECT Button
This button combines two functions: PAUSE if the printer is in the Ready status,
or SELECT if in the Menu mode.
The PAUSE button allows the user to hold a print job and then resume the
printing with a second depression of the button. By pressing the PAUSE button:
(1) the printer stops at the completion of printing of the current label, (2) the
PAUSE LED flashes, and (3) the printer holds 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.
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The SELECT button allows the user select for the sub-item to be processed.
Once the sub-item has been selected, the user can change its setting by press-
ing the SET button.
FEED/SET Button
As does the PAUSE/SELECT button, this button also has dual functions: FEED
and SET.
Press the FEED button for label to advance to the next print position.
Press the SET button to change parameter settings or view printer status on the
LCD screen.
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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 Centronics
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 receptable.
3.2 Loading Label Stock
1. Open the printer cover
2. Disengage the printer carriage by pulling the printer carriage release lever
located to the left side of the platen.
3. Lower the label roll guard to the horizontal position, slide the label stock into
label roll spindle, and then flip back the label roll guard.
4. 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.
7. Wind the label roll until it becomes adequately stretched for the intended
purpose.
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 ERROR 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.
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Figure 4. Inserting Label Supply Roll Onto Label Roll Spindle
1. Label Roll
2. Label Roll Guard
3. Label Supply Roll Spindle
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1
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3
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Figure 5. Feeding Labels Through Adjustable Label Guide
1. Adjustable Label Guide
2. Label Media
3. Platen
4. Printer Carriage Release Lever
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3.3 Self-Peeling Function
(The self-peeling function and the cutter function cannot be installed at the same
time. To uninstall the cutter, refer to Section 3.4)
To employ the self-peeling function, load the label stock according to the follow-
ing steps.
1. Open the printer cover and front panel.
2. Tear off the foremost one or two labels of the label stock, as befits the case.
Feed the backing paper between the platen and the white “self-peeling” roller,
as shown in Figure 6.
3. Feed the backing paper through the backing paper opening in the front panel,
as shown in Figure 7.
4. Close the front panel and printer cover.
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Figure 6. Setting Up Printer for Self-Peeling Function
1. Platen
2. Self-Peeling Roller
3. Backing Paper
4. Backing Paper Opening
5. Carriage Release Lever
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5 2
4
3
Figure 7. Printer Ready for Self-Peeling Function
1. Printer Front Panel
2. Backing Paper Opening
3. Backing Paper
4. Printer Carriage Release Lever
5. Label (Media)
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3.4 Cutter Function
(Unlike the aforesaid self-peeling function, the cutter function is not a standard
device of this printer. To have this function, user should additionally purchase the
cutter set, which includes a cutter module and a detachable front panel.)
To employ the cutter function, follow the steps below.
1. Open the printer cover and front panel.
2. Unfasten the front panel, replace it with the one that goes with the cutter
module.
3. Install the cutter module. First fit the cutter module in the slits at the front edge
of the carriage and slide the module to the right. After that, fix the cutter
module in place with the provided tap screw; and then connect the cutter to
the power connector below and to the right of the carriage.
4. Install the ribbon and feed the labels as shown.
5. Put back the front panel and top cover.
Figure 8 Cutter Function Installation
1. Label
2. Cutter Module
3. Cutter Power Connector
4. Cutter Mode Front Panel
5. Cutter Power Cord (Insert the cord in cord clips right under the carriage)
6. Screw
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3.5 Ribbon Loading Instructions
1. Place an empty paper core on the ribbon rewind spindle.
2. Install the ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle.
3. Disengage the printer carriage.
4. Pull the ribbon leader to the front from beneath the printer carriage. Attach the
ribbon leader to the ribbon rewind paper core (with a tape).
5. Rotate the ribbon rewind roller until the ribbon leader is thoroughly, firmly
encompassed by the black section of the ribbon.
6. Engage the printer carriage.
7. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button until the green ON-LINE
LED illuminates.
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1
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3
Figure 9. Placement of Ribbon Supply Roll
1. Thermal Transfer Ribbon
2. Ribbon Supply Spindle
3. Ribbon Rewind Spindle
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Figure 10. Installation of Label Stock and Thermal Transfer Ribbon
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3.6 Self Test
To initiate the self test mode, hold down the FEED button and activate the printer
power simultaneouly. The printer will calibrate the label length. If the label gap is
not detected within 7", the printer stops feeding labels and the media is regarded
as continuous paper. In self test, a check pattern is used to check the perform-
ance of the thermal print head. Following the check pattern, the printer prints its
internal settings as listed below:
1. Printer model and firmware version
2. Mileage
3. Flash times
4. Check sum
5. Serial port setting
6. Code page setting
7. Country code setting
8. Print speed setting
9. Print density setting
10. Label size setting
11. Gap (Bline) width and offset setting
12. Backing paper transparence
13. File list
14. Memory available
When the self test is completed, the printer enters the dump mode. Please turn
the printer's power off and then on again to resume normal printing.
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