TSC Printronix MB240 Series User manual

MB240 Series
Industrial Barcode Printers
User Manual
Series Lists:
MB240 / MB340
MB240T / MB340T
◼Thermal Transfer
◼Direct Thermal

I
Copyright Information
©2023 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer described 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
Table of Contents
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Product Specification ................................................................................................................................................................................2
2 Operation Overview.........................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection.........................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Printer Overview........................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Front View..................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 Interior View ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2.3 Rear View...................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.3 Operator Control.......................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keypads......................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.3.2 Touch Screen Manipulation .....................................................................................................................................................................................12
2.3.3 Power-on Utilities .....................................................................................................................................................................................................13
3 Setup...............................................................................................................................................................................................14
3.1 Setting up the Printer ..............................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Loading the Ribbon.................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Loading the Media...................................................................................................................................................................................17
3.4 Loading the Fanfold/External Media........................................................................................................................................................19
3.5 Loading Media in Peel-off Mode (Optional).............................................................................................................................................20
3.6 Loading Media in Cutter Mode (Optional)................................................................................................................................................22
3.7 Loading the Linerless Media (Optional)...................................................................................................................................................23
4 Knob Adjustment...........................................................................................................................................................................27
4.1 Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob...........................................................................................................................................................28
4.2 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles...........................................................................................................................29
5 TSC Console..................................................................................................................................................................................32
5.1 Start TSC Console..................................................................................................................................................................................32
5.2 Setup Ethernet Interface .........................................................................................................................................................................34
5.3 Set Wi-Fi and Add to TSC Console Interface ..........................................................................................................................................36

III
5.4 Initialize the Printer WIFI Setting.............................................................................................................................................................39
5.5 Printer Function.......................................................................................................................................................................................40
5.6 Setting Post-Print Action .........................................................................................................................................................................41
6 LCD Menu Function.......................................................................................................................................................................42
6.1 Enter the Menu .......................................................................................................................................................................................42
6.2 Menu Overview.......................................................................................................................................................................................43
6.3 Setting.....................................................................................................................................................................................................44
6.3.1 TSPL ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................45
6.3.2 ZPL2.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................47
6.4 Sensor ....................................................................................................................................................................................................50
6.5 Interface..................................................................................................................................................................................................51
6.5.1 Serial COM...............................................................................................................................................................................................................52
6.5.2 Ethernet....................................................................................................................................................................................................................53
6.5.3 Wi-Fi.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................54
6.5.4 Bluetooth..................................................................................................................................................................................................................55
6.6 Advanced................................................................................................................................................................................................56
6.7 File Manager...........................................................................................................................................................................................59
6.8 Diagnostic ...............................................................................................................................................................................................60
6.9 Favorites.................................................................................................................................................................................................61
6.9.1 Configuring the Printer and Setting Options for the Linerless Media.......................................................................................................................62
7 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................................................65
8 Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................................................68
8.1 Cleaning Tools and Methods...................................................................................................................................................................68
8.2 Cleaning the Printer after Linerless Printing ............................................................................................................................................70
8.2.1 Linerless Cleaning Kit ..............................................................................................................................................................................................70
8.2.2 Cleaning the Component of the Printer....................................................................................................................................................................71
8.2.3 Cleaning the Cutter Blade........................................................................................................................................................................................73
9 Agency Compliance and Approvals ............................................................................................................................................77
10 Revision History ..........................................................................................................................................................................85

1
1 Introduction
TSC MB240 series of industrial thermal label printers is the new value leader for 4” wide light industrial label printing. The MB240
features a small footprint, easily understandable operator interface and a full set of options to meet nearly every printing application.
Its compact design, quiet operation and fast label throughput is equally at home, in the office or on the shop floor. The printer’s all-
metal construction and die-cast aluminum print mechanism engine is durable enough to withstand the toughest production
environments and is designed for years of trouble-free use.
This manual provides the essential information and clear instructions for operating MB240 series. To print label formats, please refer
to the instructions provided with your labeling software. TSC printers include the Windows labeling software for creating your label
template. For system integration, the TSPL/TSPL2 printer programming manual or SDKs can be found on TSC website at
https://www.tscprinters.com
Applications
• Work In Process
• Product Marking
• Compliance Labeling
• Industrial-Duty Printing
• Packing
• Order Fulfillment
• Shipping/Receiving
• Inventory Management Retail
• Product Label
• Event Ticketing

2
1.1 Product Specification
Model
MB240
MB340
MB240T
MB340T
Resolution
8 dots/mm (203 dpi)
12 dots/mm (300 dpi)
8 dots/mm (203 dpi)
12 dots/mm (300 dpi)
Printing method
Thermal Transfer & Direct Thermal
Max. print speed
304.8mm (12")/second
228.6mm (9")/second
304.8mm (12")/second
228.6mm (9")/second
Max. print width
107mm (4.25")
105.7mm (4.16")
107mm (4.25")
105.7mm (4.16")
Max. print length
25,400mm (1000")
11,430mm (450")
25,400mm (1000")
11,430mm (450")
Enclosure
Die-cast based print mechanism/Metal cover with large clear media view window
Physical dimension
248mm (W) x 274mm (H) x 436mm (D)
9.76" (W) x 10.79" (H) x 17.17” (D)
Weight
9 kg (19.84 lbs.)
9.2 kg (20.28 lbs.)
Label roll capacity
203.2mm (8") O.D.
Ribbon
450m long, max. O.D. 81.3mm, 1" core (ink coated outside or inside)
Ribbon width
40 to 110mm (1.6" to 4.3")
Processor
32-bit RISC CPU
Memory
128 MB Flash memory
128 MB SDRAM
Interface
◼RS-232
◼USB 2.0
◼Internal Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
◼USB host (for scanner or PC keyboard)
◼GPIO (dealer option)
◼Internal Bluetooth 4.2 MFi (factory option)
◼Slot-in 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless (dealer option)
Power
Internal universal switching power supply
◼Input: AC 100-240V, 2.0A, 50-60Hz
◼Output: DC 24V, 3.75A, 90W

3
Model
MB240
MB340
MB240T
MB340T
LED/LCD
◼4 intuitive icon indicators
◼1 status indicator
◼3.5" touch HVGA color LCD
◼1 status indicator
Operation switch, button
2 buttons (Pause, Feed)
6 buttons (Menu, Pause/Feed, Up, Down, Left, Right)
Sensors
◼Gap transmissive sensor (position adjustable)
◼Black mark reflective sensor (position adjustable)
◼Ribbon encoder sensor
◼Ribbon end sensor
◼Head open sensor
Real time clock
Standard
Built-in fonts
◼8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts
◼Monotype Imaging® true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font
Barcode
◼1D barcode:
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, GS1
DataBar, Code 11, China Post
◼2D barcode:
PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec
Font and barcode rotation
0, 90, 180, 270 degree
Printer language
TSPL-EZD (Compatible to EPL, ZPL, ZPL II, DPL)
Media type
Continuous, die-cut, black mark, fan-fold, notched (outside wound)
Media width
20 to 120mm (0.8" to 4.7")
Media thickness
0.06 to 0.28mm (2.36 to 11 mil)
Media core diameter
25.4 to 76.2mm (1” to 3”)
Label length
5 to 25,400mm
(0.2" to 1000")
5 to 11,430mm
(0.2" to 1000")
5 to 25,400mm
(0.2" to 1000")
5 to 11,430mm
(0.2" to 1000")
Environment condition
Operation: 0 to 40°C, 25 to 85% non-condensing
Storage: -40 to 60°C, 10 to 90% non-condensing

4
Model
MB240
MB340
MB240T
MB340T
Safety regulation
FCC Class A, CE Class A, RCM Class A, cTUVus, CCC, BIS, TÜ V, KC, BSMI, EAC, ENERGY STAR®
Environmental concern
Comply with RoHS, WEEE
Accessories
◼Windows labeling software CD disk
◼Quick start guide
◼USB cable
◼Power cord
Limited warranty
◼Printer: 2 years
◼Printhead: 25km (1 million inches) or 12 months which comes first
◼Platen: 50km (2 million inches) or 12 months which comes first
Factory options
Internal Bluetooth 4.2 MFi **
Dealer options
◼Peel-off kit
◼Regular guillotine cutter (full cut)
◼Linerless tear-off kit
◼Linerless cutter kit
◼GPIO
◼802.11 a/b/g/n wireless module (for device without slot-in housing)*
◼5" OD internal rewinding kit
User options
◼802.11 a/b/g/n wireless module (for device with slot-in housing)
◼KP-200 Plus keyboard display unit
NOTE:
* Either GPIO or wireless interface is available.
** Either wireless or Bluetooth interface is available.

5
2 Operation Overview
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
This printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping. Please carefully inspect the packaging and
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.
◼1 printer unit
◼1 quick installation guide
◼1 power cord
◼1 USB interface cable
◼1 Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk
If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor.

6
2.2 Printer Overview
2.2.1 Front View
MB240/MB240T Series
1. LED indicator
2. Icons and LED indicators
3. Pause button
4. Feed button
5. Media view window
6. Paper exit chute
7. Media cover handle
1. LED indicator
2. LCD touch display
3. Front panel buttons
4. Media view window
5. Paper exit chute
6. Media cover handle
1
4
2
5
3
6
1
5
6
3
7
2
4

7
2.2.2 Interior View
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Printhead pressure adjustment knob
3. Printhead release lever
4. Ribbon supply spindle
5. Label roll guard
6. Label supply spindle
7. External label entrance chute
8. 3” core adapter
9. Liner securing clip (Optional kit of Peel-off module assembly)
10. Liner rewind spindle (Optional kit of Peel-off module assembly)
11. Media guide bar (Optional kit of Peel-off module assembly)
12. Damper
13. Ribbon end sensor
14. Printhead
15. Front label guide
16. Platen roller
17. Black mark sensor (shown as↓)
18. Gap sensor (shown as ▽)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

8
2.2.3 Rear View
1. External label entrance chute
2. Power switch
3. USB interface (High speed mode)
4. Slot-in Wi-Fi or GPIO interface (Option)
5. USB host
6. RS-232C interface
7. Ethernet interface
8. Power cord socket
Note:
The interface picture here is for reference only.
Please refer to the product specification for the
interfaces availability.
1
2
8
4
3
5
6
7

9
2.3 Operator Control
LED indicator
Icons &
LED indicators
Pause button
Feed button
LED indicator
Printer status
Printer model
Icons
Firmware version
Time & Date
Ethernet / Wi-Fi IP
Keys

10
2.3.1 LED Indication and Keypads
LED color indication:
Color
Meaning
(Green)
Solid: Power is on and ready to be used.
Flash :System is downloading data or printer is paused.
(Amber)
System is clearing data.
(Red)
Solid - Printer head open, cutter error.
Flash - Printing error, such as paper empty, paper jam, ribbon empty, or memory error etc.
Keypads:
Keypads form
Item name
Function
Select keys
Feed, Pause, Confirm, Cancel.
Navigational keys (MB240T)
Select / Navigate.

11
LCD/LED Icon Indication:
icon
Function
On: Printhead open.
On: Out of ribbon.
Blinking: Ribbon near end.
On: Out of paper.
Blinking: Paper jam.
On: RF connected.
Blinking: RF communication.
Main Page Icon (MB240T)
Icon
Indication
Wi-Fi device is ready (option).
Ethernet is connected.
Bluetooth device is ready (option).
Remaining amount of ribbon(m).
Security lock.
TPH cleaning.
Reminds users to clean the printer when
printing with the linerless media.
icon
Function
Enter the menu.
Calibrate the media sensor.
Enter the “Favorites” option.
Enter cursor (be marked in green) located
option.
Feed button (advance one label).

12
2.3.2 Touch Screen Manipulation
Tap an item to open/use it.
Be selected
(Green)
Return
Enter
Scroll down
Scroll up
Return
Set

13
2.3.3 Power-on Utilities
Power-on Utilities provides the basic functions and can be activated by below procedures:
Turn off the power > Hold the button > Open the power > Release the button depending on the color of the LED.
MB240/ MB340 Series: Power down and hold the PAUSE button to restart the printer.
MB240T/ MB340T Series: Power down and hold the right side of the Select Keys to restart the printer.
Sequences of the settings:
LED Colors
Functions
Amber
Red
(5 blinks)
Amber
(5 blinks)
Green
(5 blinks)
Green /
Amber
(5 blinks)
Red /
Amber
(5 blinks)
Solid
green
1. Sensor Calibration
(Gap / black mark sensor)
Release
2. Self-Test
(And enter dump mode)
Release
3. Factory Default
Release
4. Black Mark Calibration
Release
5. Gap Calibration
Release
6. READY
(Skip AUTO.BAS)
Release

14
3 Setup
3.1 Setting up the Printer
1. Place the printer on flat surface.
2. Make sure the printer is power off.
3. Connect the printer to the computer with the provided USB cable.
4. Plug in the power cord.
◆Note: Please switch OFF the printer before plugging in the power cord to printer power jack.

15
3.2 Loading the Ribbon
1. Open the media cover.
2. Install ribbon on the ribbon
supply spindle and paper core
on the ribbon rewind spindle.
3. Release the lever.
4. Wind the ribbon rewind spindle
counterclockwise to tighten the
ribbon and remove any slack.

16
5. Wind the ribbon rewind spindle
counterclockwise roughly 3 to 5
circles until the ribbon is
smooth, properly stretched and
wrinkle-free.
6. Close the printhead mechanism.
Ribbon Loading Path