TSC PEX-1121 Series User manual

USER’S
MANUAL
PEX-1121/ PEX-1131/ PEX-1161 SERIES
PEX-1221/ PEX-1231/ PEX-1261 SERIES
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
PRINT ENGINE

Copyright Information
© 2018 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd,
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the print engine
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.

- ii -
Agency Compliance and Approvals
EN 55032: Class A
EN 55024
EN 55035
EN 61000
EN 60950-1
EN 62368-1
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
FCC part 15B, Class A
ICES-003, 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 reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment.
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 equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conform à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
AS/NZS CISPR 32, Class A
UL 62368-1:2014
CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 62368-1
UL 60950-1：2007
CAN/CSA-C22.2 NO. 60950-1

- iii -
Mexico
CoC
UL 60950
KN 32
KN 35
K60950-1(2011-12)
이기기는 업무용(A 급) 전자파적합기기로서 판매자 또는 사용자는 이점을
주의하시기 바라며, 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 합니다.
GB 4943.1
GB/T9254, Class A
GB 17625.1
此为 A 级产品，在生活环境中，该产品可能会造成无线电干扰，
在这种情况下，可能需要用户对干扰采取切实可行的措施。
Energy Star for Imaging Equipment Version 3.0
TP TC 004
TP TC 020
CNS 13438
CNS 14336-1
CNS 15663
IS 13252(Part 1)/
IEC 60950-1
Note: There may have certification differences in the series models, please refer to product label for
accuracy.
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 from the AC inlet 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.

- iv -
provided by manufacture.
WARNING:
Moving parts. Keep finger or body away from moving parts.
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: Hot surface for printhead.
Do not touch the printhead before it cooling.
WARNING:
Remove the power from AC inlet before opening the media cover for cleaning or repairing faults. After
cleaning or fixing faults, media cover closing before power connecting to AC inlet.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
CE Statement:
This equipment complies with EU radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the radiator &
your body.
All operational modes:
2.4GHz: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n (HT20), 802.11n (HT40)
5GHz: 802.11a,
The frequency, mode and the maximum transmitted power in EU are listed below:
2400 MHz –2483.5 MHz: 19.88 dBm (EIRP)

- v -
5150 MHz –5250 MHz: 17.51 dBm (EIRP)
5150-5350MHz for Only indoor use
5470-5725MHz for indoor/outdoor use
Restrictions In AZE
National restrictions information is provided below
Frequency Band
Country
Remark
5150-5350MHz
Azerbaijan
No license needed if used indoor and
power not exceeding 30mW
5470-5725MHz
Hereby, TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type [Wi-Fi] IEEE 802.11
a/b/g/n is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU
The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://
www.tscprinters.com
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.

- vi -
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.
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)

- vii -
Contents
1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Product Introduction.........................................................................................................1
1.2 Product Specification....................................................................................................... 2
2. Operations Overview ............................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................................... 4
2.2 Print Engine Orientation................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Checking the Installation Space ...................................................................................... 6
2.4 Print Engine Overview .................................................................................................. 10
2.4.1 Front View....................................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.2 Interior view.................................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 Rear View........................................................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Operator Control ............................................................................................................13
2.5.1 LED Indication................................................................................................................................ 13
2.5.2 Keys ................................................................................................................................................ 13
2.5.2 Main page Icons............................................................................................................................. 14
3. Setup.....................................................................................................................................15
3.1 Setting up the print engine .............................................................................................15
3.2 Loading the Ribbon ........................................................................................................16
3.3 Loading the Media..........................................................................................................19
3.3.1 Loading the Media.......................................................................................................................... 19
3.3.2 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode ................................................................................................... 22
4. Moveable Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob .............................................................. 25
4.1 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles.............................................. 25
5. Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob...................................................................................... 26
Suggestion of Ribbon Tension Adjustment.........................................................................28
6. TSC Console.........................................................................................................................30
6.1 Start TSC Console...........................................................................................................30
6.2 Set WiFi and Add to TSC Console Interface.................................................................. 32
6.3 TPH Care ....................................................................................................................... 34
6.5 Printer Function ............................................................................................................ 35

- viii -
7 LCD Menu Function............................................................................................................ 36
7.1 Enter the Menu .............................................................................................................. 36
7.2Menu Overview .............................................................................................................. 36
7.3Setting ............................................................................................................................38
7.3.1 TSPL................................................................................................................................................ 38
7.3.2 ZPL2................................................................................................................................................ 40
7.3.3 SBPL ( Only available on EZS version firmware)........................................................................ 43
7.4Sensor.............................................................................................................................44
7.5 Interface ......................................................................................................................... 45
7.5.1 Serial Comm................................................................................................................................. 45
7.5.2 Ethernet........................................................................................................................................ 46
7.5.3 Wi-Fi.............................................................................................................................................. 46
7.5.4 Bluetooth...................................................................................................................................... 47
7.5.5 GPIO.............................................................................................................................................. 47
7.5.6 GPIO-DB25 (Only available on EZS Version firmware)............................................................. 50
7.6Advanced........................................................................................................................ 52
7.7 File Manager .................................................................................................................. 54
7.8Diagnostic....................................................................................................................... 55
7.9Favorites......................................................................................................................... 57
8 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................. 59
9 Maintenance........................................................................................................................ 62
Revise History .......................................................................................................................... 63

1. Introduction
1.1 Product Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code print engine.
TSC’s innovative PEX-1000 Series print engine incorporates a robust die cast
construction designed for years of reliability, ease of use, and cost-conscious
serviceability. The PEX combines a precision print mechanism with high performance
electronics to produce labels at up to 18 inches per second, the fastest in its class.
Designed for ease of integration, the PEX features a bolt-compatible construction with a
commonly used GPIO interface and an easy to use color display. The PEX offers simple
integration into both new and existing label application installations. It is ideal for
manufacturing and logistic applications where high speed and high demand label printing
is required.
This document provides an easy reference for operating the PEX-1000 Series. To print
label formats, please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual for writing the
custom programs, the TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual can be found on the
accessories CD-ROM or on TSC website at https://www.tscprinters.com.
−Applications
-Manufacturing
Automotive
Food and Beverage
-Warehouse & Logistics
Pallet Labeling
Carton Shipping
-Healthcare
Pharmaceutical labeling

- 2 -
1.2 Product Specification
Item
Printer model
PEX-1121/PEX-1221
PEX-1131/PEX-1231
PEX-1161/PEX-1261
Resolution
8 dots/mm (203 DPI)
12 dots/mm (300 DPI)
24 dots/mm (600 DPI)
Printing method
Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Print speed
457mm (18”)/second
356 mm (14”)/second
152 mm (6”)/second
Max. print width
104 mm(4.09”)
Max. print length
25,400 mm (1000”)
11,430 mm (450”)
2540 mm (100”)
Enclosure
Die-cast based print mechanism
Physical dimension
245 mm (W) x 300 mm (H) x 390 mm (D)
9.65” (W) x 11.81” (H) x 15.35” (D)
Weight
13 kg (28.66 lbs)
Ribbon
600 m long, max. O.D. 90 mm, 1“ core (ink coated outside or inside)
Ribbon width
25.4 mm ~ 114.3 mm (1” ~ 4.5”)
Processor
32-bit RISC CPU
Memory
512MB Flash memory
512MB DDR2
USB device memory (FAT32)
Micro SD card reader for memory expansion, up to 32GB
Interface
RS-232
USB 2.0
Internal Ethernet, 10/100 Mbps
USB host * 1 (front side), connecting USB storage device
GPIO (DB15F) + Centronics
GPIO (DB25F) (dealer option)
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi + BT wireless (dealer option)
Power
Auto sensing power supply (20% print ratio)
Input: AC 100-240V, 4-2A, 50-60Hz
Output: DC 5V, 5A; DC 24V, 7A; DC 36V, 1.4A; Total 243W
LCD display/ Operation
buttons
3.5” color TFT display, 320 x 240 pixel
1 status indicator
Operation switch, button
6 buttons (Menu, Pause/Feed, Up, Down, Left, Right)
Sensors
Gap transmissive sensor (Position adjustable, 15mm ~ 98mm)
Black mark reflective sensor(Bottom or Top black mark sensor switchable and
position adjustable)Ribbon end sensor (transmissive)
Ribbon encoder sensor
Head open sensor
Media cover open sensor
Real time clock
Standard

- 3 -
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
Code 11, Code 39, Code 49, Code 93, Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A.B.C, Codabar,
Standard 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Interleave 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-14, EAN-128,
ITF14, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI, PLESSEY, PLANET,
POSTNET, RSS-Stacked, GS1 DataBar, China Post, Telepen, LOGMARS
2D bar code
PDF-417, Micro PDF 417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec, TLC 39, RSS
Font & bar code rotation
0, 90, 180, 270 degree
Command set
TSPL-EZD (Compatible to EPL, ZPL, ZPL II, DPL)
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notch (outside wound)
Media width
20 mm ~ 114 mm (0.8” ~ 4.5”)
Media thickness
0.076 ~ 0.305 mm (2.99 ~ 12.01 mil)
Label length
5 ~ 25,400 mm (0.2" ~ 1,000")
5 ~ 11,430 mm (0.2" ~
450")
5 ~ 2,540 mm (0.2" ~ 100")
Environment condition
Operation:0 ~ 40˚C ( 32~ 104˚F), 25~85% non-condensing
Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F), 10~90% non-condensing
Safety regulation
BSMI 、CCC、CE Class A、EAC、FCC Class A , BIS, KC , cTUVus(UL62368-1), Mexico
COC
Accessories
Windows labeling software CD disk
Quick start guide
USB port cable
Power cord
Factory option
Bluetooth BT5.0 MFi
Dealer option
Internal 802.11a/b/g/n/ac + Bluetooth 4.2 wireless module kit
GPIO (DB25F)

- 4 -
2. Operations Overview
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This print engine has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping.
Please carefully inspect the packaging and print engine upon receiving the bar code print
engine. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the print
engine. Unpacking the print engine, the following items are included in the carton.
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor.
One print engine unit
One Windows labeling software/ Windows driver CD disk
One quick setup guide
One power cord
One USB interface cable
Note: Check the production date
Serial NO.: XXX 18 12 XXXX
YEAR
Год
WEEK
Неделю

- 5 -
2.2 Print Engine Orientation
The PEX-1000 series are available in a left-hand configuration and a right-hand
configuration.
PEX-1121/ PEX-1131/ PEX-1161 series
PEX-1221/ PEX-1231/ PEX-1261 series
Left-hand model
Right –hand model
Note:
This document is going to show the components inside the media compartment of a left-
hand print engine. A right-hand unit contains a mirror image of those components.
Familiarize yourself with those components before continuing with the print engine setup
procedure.

- 6 -
2.3 Checking the Installation Space
Please check the space for mounting the print engine into an applicator. Please refer to
the dimensions in this section.

- 7 -

- 8 -

- 9 -

- 10 -
2.4 Print Engine Overview
2.4.1 Front View
1. Soft keys
2. Power switch
3. LCD display
4. Wi-Fi antenna
5. LED indicator
6. Navigational keys
7. Media view window
8. Print engine cover
9. USB host
2
1
3
P
o
w
e
r
L
E
D
in
di
c
a
t
o
r
4
6
7
Pri
nt
he
ad
5
8
Pri
nt
he
ad
9
Pri
nt
he
ad

- 11 -
2.4.2 Interior view
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Ribbon tension adjustment knobs
3. Print head pressure adjustment knobs
4. Print head release lever
5. Print engine cover open sensor
6. Ribbon supply spindle
7. Label guide bar release lever
8. Media sensor position adjustment knob
9. Platen roller
10. Print head
11. Media sensor
12. Label guide
2
1
3
P
o
w
e
r
L
E
D
in
di
c
a
t
o
r
4
6
5
8
Pri
nt
he
ad
9
Pri
nt
he
ad
10
Pri
nt
he
ad
2
Pri
nt
he
ad
11
Pri
nt
he
ad
12
Pri
nt
he
ad
7
Pri
nt
he
ad