TSC Alpha-2R Series User manual

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USER’S
MANUAL
Alpha-2R Series
Direct Thermal Portable Printer

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Copyright Information
© 2016 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.,
Ltd,

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Agency Compliance and Approvals
EN 55032 Class B
EN 55024
FCC part 15B, Class B
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.
AS/NZS CISPR 22 Class B
AS/NZS CISPR 32 Class B
EN 60950-1
NOM-019-SCFI-1998
10 C.F.R. Section 430.23(aa) (Appendix Y to Subpart B of part 430)
Energy Star for Imaging Equipment 2.0

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Important safety instructions:
1. Read all of these instructions and keep them for later use.
2. Follow all warnings and instructions on the product.
3. Disconnect the power plug from the AC outlet before cleaning or if fault happened.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Using a damp cloth is suitable for cleaning.
4. The mains socket shall be installed near the equipment and easily accessible.
5. The unit must be protected against moisture.
6. Ensure the stability when installing the device, Tipping or dropping could cause
damage.
7. Make sure to follow the correct power rating and power type indicated on marking
label provided by manufacture.
8. Please refer to user manual for maximum operation ambient temperature.
WARNING:
Hazardous moving parts, keep fingers and other body parts away.
CAUTION:
(For equipment with RTC (CR2032) battery or rechargeable battery pack)
Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type.
Dispose of used batteries according to the Instructions as below.
1. DO NOT throw the battery in fire.
2. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.
3. DO NOT disassemble the battery.
4. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.
5. The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.
Caution: The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the
printhead to cool.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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RF exposure warning (Wi-Fi)
This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided
instructions and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be providing with antenna
installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance.
SAR Value: 0.736 W/kg
RF exposure warning (For Bluetooth)
The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment.
The equipment must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Canada, Industry Canada (IC) Notices
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Information
The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Industry Canada (IC)
radio frequency exposure limits. The Wireless Device should be used in such a
manner such that the potential for human contact during normal operation is
minimized.
This device has been evaluated for and shown compliant with the IC Specific
Absorption Rate (“SAR”) limits when installed in specific host products operated in
portable exposure conditions. (For Wi-Fi)
This device has also been evaluated and shown compliant with the IC RF Exposure
limits under portable exposure conditions. (Antennas are less than 20 cm of a
person's body). (For Bluetooth)
Canada, avis de l'Industry Canada (IC)
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-
003 et RSS-210.

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Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne
doit pas causer d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence,
notamment les interférences qui peuvent affecter son fonctionnement.
Informations concernant l'exposition aux fréquences radio (RF)
La puissance de sortie émise par l’appareil sans fil est inférieure à la limite
d'exposition aux fréquences radio de l'Industry Canada (IC). Utilisez l’appareil sans fil
de façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors du fonctionnement normal.
Ce périphérique a été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites SAR (Specific
Absorption Rate –Taux d'absorption spécifique) par l'IC lorsqu'il est connecté à des
dispositifs hôtes spécifiques opérant dans des conditions d’utilisation mobile. (Pour
le Wi-Fi)
Ce périphérique a également été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites
d'exposition radio-fréquence par l'IC pour des utilisations par des opérateurs mobiles
(les antennes sont à moins de 20 cm du corps d'une personne). (Pour le Bluetooth)
NCC 警語:
經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更
頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦法第十
二條)
低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應
立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信
或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。(即低功率電波輻射性電機管理辦
法第十四條)

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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 ................................................................... 3
1.3 General Specifications ................................................................................ 4
1.4 Print Specifications...................................................................................... 5
1.5 Media Specifications.................................................................................... 5
2. Operations Overview.......................................................................................... 6
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection........................................................................... 6
2.2 Printer Overview .......................................................................................... 7
2.2.1 Front View............................................................................................ 7
2.2.2 Interior View ........................................................................................ 8
2.2.3 Rear View............................................................................................. 9
2.3 Operator control......................................................................................... 10
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys .................................................................. 10
3. Setup................................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Install the Battery....................................................................................... 12
3.2 Charge the Battery..................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Charge the Battery............................................................................ 13
3.2.2 Charge by Charger Station (Optional) ............................................. 14
3.3 Communicate............................................................................................. 15
3.3.1 Connecting with the Communication Cable.................................... 15
3.3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth (Optional).......................................... 16
3.4 Loading the Media ....................................................................................... 17
4. Accessories....................................................................................................... 18
4.1 Install the Belt Clip ...................................................................................... 18
4.2 Install the IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder strap (Optional)19
4.3 Install the media adapter (Optional) ........................................................... 20
5. Power-on Utilities............................................................................................. 21
5.1 Media Sensor Calibration............................................................................ 21
5.2 Self-test and Dump Mode............................................................................ 21
5.3 Printer Initialization ..................................................................................... 25
6. Diagnostic Tool ................................................................................................ 26
6.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool ............................................................................ 26

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6.2 Printer Function........................................................................................... 27
6.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool.......................................... 28
6.3.1 Auto Calibration................................................................................ 28
6.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Diagnostic Tool (Optional)............................................. 29
6.5 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool (Optional)..................................... 30
7. Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 31
7.1 Common Problems.................................................................................... 31
8. Maintenance...................................................................................................... 33
Revise History....................................................................................................... 34

1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer.
Enjoy TSC’s reputation for cost-efficient, high durability printers with the Alpha-2R
economical printer. The Alpha-2R is a comfortable, light-weight printer capable of
working with any mobile printing application where you need quick, simple
receipts/labels on demand.
Our Alpha-2R is designed for a rough life, inside the IP54-rated environmental case to
resist dust and water and with its rubber over-mold design prepared to take up to a
five-footfall and keep printing.
These small and light printers can be worn comfortably for a full shift, without
interfering with the user’s tasks. Use USB or optional Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g/n
Wireless or Serial to connect to a mobile computer or even a smartphone and produce
clear easy-to-read receipts hour after hour.
This document provides an easy reference for operating the Alpha-2R.
The online version of the Programmer's manual, or more information can be
downloaded from service and support website as an AdobeAcrobatReader file.
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 or at TSC official website.
−Applications
Direct store deliveries (DSD)
Proof of Delivery and Pickup
Field Sales/Repairs
Mobile Point-of-Sale
Parking Citations
Mobile Ticketing
Onboard Transportation Ticketing
Utility Billing/Meter Reading
Fleet Management

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1.2 Product Features
1.2.1 Printer Standard Features
The printer offers the following standard features.
Product standard feature
Direct thermal printing (receipts & partial label)
Black mark reflective sensor
Head open sensor
3 operation buttons (On/off, feed/pause, and cover-open buttons)
Standard Model
2 Buttons (Power, Feed and Pause)
5 LEDs
1 * States (green), Error (red)
3 * Battery capacity
green * 2
green * 1 or orange * 1 (charging)
1* RF
Link
Print job transmission
BT
Solid Blue
Flash Blue
Wi-Fi
Solid Green
Flash Green
Combo
Solid White
BT : Flash Blue
Wi-Fi : Flash Green
Audible alert Programmable buzzer
Mini type USB 2.0 (High speed mode)
64 MB DRAM
128 MB Flash memory
32-bit RISC high performance processor
Eltron® EPL and Zebra® ZPL emulation languages support
Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions (0,
90,180, 270 degree)
8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
One Monotype Imaging® CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font
Built-in Monotype True Type Font engine
Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory
Downloadable firmware upgrades

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Text, bar code, graphics/image printing (Please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2
programming manual for supporting code page)
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 add-
on, 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)
1.2.2 Printer Optional Features
The printer offers the following optional features.
Product option feature
User
options
Factory
options
Bluetooth V4.0 + EDR
Standard mode ; support SMART READY
○
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with BT 4.0 (Supports
Bluetooth, use either one of them)
○
Bluetooth V4.2 + MFi ; support SMART READY
○
NFC tag
○
NFC (tag & reader)
○
TSPL-EZ, CPCL or ESC-POS emulation
○
128 MB DRAM memory
○
256 MB Flash memory
○
1 bay battery charger station
○
4 bay batteries charger station
○
Vehicle power adapter
○
12-24V DC automobile cigarette lighter plug
○

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IP54-rated environmental case with shoulder
strap
○
Mini type USB cable
○
Mini type USB to RS232 cable
○
Li-ion battery
○
Belt strap
○
Fork truck mount
○
Cart mount
○
1"/2"media adapter
○
1.3 General Specifications
General Specifications
Physical dimensions
89.3 mm (W) 134.5 mm (H) x 56.5 mm (D)
Enclosure
Plastic
Weight (w/ battery)
350g
Electrical
Internal charging capability (battery-in)
12VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug
Auto-switching AC adapter
External charging capability (battery-out)
1 bay battery charger station
- Input: 100 ~ 240VAC
- Output: 12 VDC, 1.5 A
4 bay batteries charger station
- Input: 100 ~ 240VAC
- Output: 12 VDC, 1.5 A
Note: The printer will automatically turn off when stopping
operation after 30 minutes.
Environmental
condition
Operation Temperature: -20 ~ 50˚C (-4 ~ 122˚F)
Charging Temperature: 0 ~ 40˚C (32 ~ 104˚F)
Storage Temperature: -30 ~ 70 ˚C (-22 ~ 158˚F)
Relative Humidity:
- Operation: 10% to 90% non-condensing
- Storage: 10% to 90% non-condensing
IP54 w/ protective case
IP42 w/o protective case

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Drop 1.5m (5ft)
Drop 1.5m (5ft) w/ IP54-rated environmental case with
shoulder strap
1.4 Print Specifications
Print Specifications
Alpha-2R
Print head resolution
203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)
Printing method
Direct thermal (receipts & partial label)
Dot size
0.125 x 0.125 mm
(width x length)
(1 mm = 8 dots)
Print speed
(inches per second)
Max. 4 ips (102 mm/sec)
Max. print width
48 mm (1.89")
Max. print length
Continuous receipt paper: 2286 mm (90”)
Printout bias
Vertical: 1 mm max.
Horizontal: 1 mm max.
1.5 Media Specifications
Media Specifications
Alpha-2R
Media roll capacity
Label: 50 mm
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, receipt, and black mark
Media wound type
Outside wound
Media length
12.7 mm (0.5”) ~ 2286 mm (90”)
Tear mode: 50.8 mm (2.0”)(suggested shortest printing
length)
Media width
w/o adapter: 58 mm
*w/ adapter: 50.8 mm and 25.4 mm
ID core: 10.2 mm (0.4")
Media thickness
Receipt: 0.05 mm to 0.10 mm (2 mil to 4 mil)
Label: Max. 0.14 mm (5.5 mil)
Linerless: 2 mil ~ 3 mil (0.05 mm ~ 0.08 mm)
Note: Please locate the black mark on the printing side when using black mark continuous label.

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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.
One printer unit
One Li-ion battery
One quick installation guide
One Auto-switching AC adapter
One belt clip
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor.

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2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
1. Media cover release button
2. Media cover
3. LED indicator
4. Feed/stop button
5. Power on/off button
3
4
5
1
2

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2.2.2 Interior View
1. Tear edge
2. Print head
3. QR code label (link to TSC website downloads area for more information)
4. Platen roller
5. Black mark sensor
4
2
5
1
3

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2.2.3 Rear View
1. Li-ion Battery
2. Battery open clasp
3. USB interface
4. Power jack
5. Interface cover
1
2
3
4
5

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2.3 Operator control
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys
1. Power on/off button
2. Printer status LED indicator
3. Battery charge level LED indicator
4. Wireless status LED indicator
5. Feed/Pause button
Keys
Function
1. Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer.
2. Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer.
1. Ready status: Feed one label
2. Printing status: Pause the print job
1
3
5
2
4

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LED
Status
Indication
Printer status LED
indicator
Off
Printer is ready
Green (blinking)
Printer is paused
Green (blinking every two
seconds)
Sleeping states (S-states)
/entered the sleep mode
after stop working over 2
minutes
Red (solid)
Media cover is open
Red (blinking)
Printer error
Battery status LED
indicator
Green (blinking)
Recharge the battery
Amber (solid)
Battery is charging
Green
(solid)
Fully charged
2/3 charged level
1/3 charged level
Wireless/Bluetooth
status LED
indicator
Bluetooth
Blue (solid)
Bluetooth device is ready
Blue (blinking)
Bluetooth device is
communicating
Wi-Fi
Green (solid)
Wireless device is ready
Green (blinking)
Wireless device is
communicating
Combo
White (solid)
BT : Flash Blue
Wi-Fi : Flash Green

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3. Setup
3.1 Install the Battery
1. Insert the left side of battery to
the slot on the rear of the printer.
2. Push the right side of the battery
clasp down and lock 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.
3.2 Charge the Battery
It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge the battery before the first time usage. The
lifetime of the battery is 300 times for charge/discharge cycles.
PUSH