Specifications

ManualsBrandsArgox ManualsPrint & ScanOS Series

OS Series

Desktop Barcode Printer

User’s Manual

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information Co., Ltd. It is

intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the

equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced,

or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written

permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.

Product Improvements

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Argox Information Co., Ltd. All

specifications and signs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

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 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 the 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 the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into a different outlet on a different circuit.

• Consult the dealer or an experience Radio/TV technician for help.

This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables

must be used with the unit to insure compliance. The user is cautioned that any changes

or modifications not expressly approved by Argox Information Co., Ltd. could void the

user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Liability Disclaimer

Argox Information Co., Ltd. takes steps to assure that the company’s published

engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Argox

Information Co., Ltd. reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any

resulting liability. In no event shall Argox Information Co., Ltd. or anyone else

involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product

(including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,

without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of

business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of

use of or inability to use such product, even if Argox Information Co., Ltd. has been

advised of the possibility of such damages.

Summary of content (41 pages)

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Proprietary Statement OS Series Desktop Barcode Printer This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information Co., Ltd. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.
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A Letter to Our Customers Table of Contents Dear Customers, Getting Started .............................................................................1 Unpacking ..................................................................................1 Package Contents ...................................................................2 Connecting the Power Supply....................................................3 Getting to Know Your Printer ....................................................
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Troubleshooting..........................................................................52 LED Diagnosis.........................................................................52 Miscellaneous ..........................................................................54 Recovery ..................................................................................55 Caring for Your Printer.............................................................56 Cleaning ..................................................
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Connecting the Power Supply Printer Power Adapter Connect the power supply as below. Sample Media Ribbon WARNING! Do not operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet. Make sure the power switch is in the "O" position, and be careful not to touch the 36-pin parallel connector. 1. Insert the barrel connector of the Power Adapter into the power jack on the back of the printer. Note the location of the power jack for different models in the diagrams below. 2.
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Getting to Know Your Printer AC Electrical Outlet There are five models in the OS Series. The OS-214, OS-214Zip and OS-314 share the same parts and features, as do the OS-203 and OS-204. Parts and features of the OS series are illustrated below.
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Peel-Off Option Ribbon Pick-up Holder Cutter Option Media Hanger White Plastic Roller Release Levers Cutter OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models Ribbon Supply Holder Thermal Print head Platen Roller Power Switch OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models 6 7
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Parts and Features (OS-203, OS-204) Media Hanger Top Cover Release Levers H Cover Platen Roller Power Switch Power Indicator Thermal Print head Ready indicator Feed Button OS-203 / OS-204 Models OS-203 / OS-204 Models 8 9
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Controls and Indicators Peel-Off Option Cutter Option White Plastic Roller The printer’s controls and indicators are shown in the diagram below. The following table explains control and indicator functions.
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Loading Ribbon and Media Control / Indicator Function On: power on • Power Switch • Off: shut down Note: Turn power off before connecting or disconnecting cables Power Indicator Ready Indicator Feed Button • Green light shows the power-on status • Light off shows the power-off status • Blinking light indicates error has occurred • Green shows printer is ready to operate • Blinking light indicates printer is paused • Press to advance labels to the first printing position • Press to leav
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Media Compartment Print Head Module Release Lever Release Lever 4. Unwrap the ribbon roll pack and separate the ribbon roll and the bare core. 5. Attach the edge of the ribbon on the bare core and wind it a little bit onto the core. 6. Insert the ribbon roll into the supply holder. (First snap in the left side and then the right side.
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7. Put the print head module down and insert the bare core into the pick-up holder. (First snap in the left side, and then the right side.) Wheel Ribbon Pick-up Holder Bare Core Print Head Module 8. Turn the wheel of the print head module to ensure the ribbon is tightly wound. 9. Press down the print head module firmly until you hear a snap.
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2. Remove the media hanger. Loading Media The OS Series printers offer three different loading modes: standard, peel-off, or cutting. • • • Standard mode allows you to collect each label freely. Peel-off mode peels backing material away from the label as it prints. After a label is removed, the next label prints. Cutting mode automatically cuts the label after it prints. Media Compartment Media Hanger Standard Mode 1. Lift the top cover to expose the media compartment. 3.
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4. Click the media hanger back into the media compartment. 5. Align the media roll to the left end. 6. Move the shield from right to left until it leans against the media. 7. Unlatch the print head module. 8. Hold the print head module upright with one hand to allow the media to pass under it. Lead the media through the media guides with the other hand. 9. Lead the media over the platen roller.
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10. Put the print head module down and press down firmly until you hear a snap. 11. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the "FEED" button if the printer is already on. Peel Off Mode Note: For Peel-off mode you must first install the dispenser kit. Please refer to Appendix I. Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above. 9. Remove enough labels to expose approximately a 6" length of backing paper.
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10. Trim the front edge of the label backing paper with scissors or a knife. 11. Lead the backing paper over the dispenser bar, then thread it back into the slot between the dispenser bar and H cover, ensuring that it is inserted between the white plastic roller and platen roller. Media Guides 12. Press the "FEED" button for the label backing paper to come out from the slot under the H cover. 13.
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15. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the "FEED" button if the printer is already on. Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer peel. Peeling occurs only when the software is properly set. Cutting Mode Note: For Cutting mode you must first install the cutter. Please refer to Appendix II. Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above. 9. Thread the media over the platen roller, then route the media through the slot of the cutter module. 10.
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11. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the "FEED" button if the printer is already on. Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer cut. Cutting occurs only when the software is properly set. Configuration This section discusses calibration, printing configuration and resetting the printer to factory defaults. Performing Calibration 1. Press and hold the feed button while turning on the power, until the printing motor is activated. 2.
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Resetting to Factory Default Settings 1. Turn on the printer and wait for 5 or more seconds. 2. Press the "Feed" button for 10 seconds, and the "Ready" indicator and "Power" indicator will go off in order. 3. When the two indicators relight, release the feed button. 4. The printer feeds 8 inches of label stock, and then resets to the factory defaults. Note: All settings are stored in non-volatile E2PROM and are retained even after the printer is turned off.
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Parallel Interface Requirements Power Jack RS232 Serial Port Parallel Port The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the parallel port located on the back of the printer. The other end of the parallel interface cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer. For pin-out information, refer to the Reference Technical Information, Interface Specification. Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements.
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Communicating with the Printer The bundled printer driver can be applied to all applications under Windows 98/2000/NT, and Windows XP. With this driver you can run any popular Windows software applications such as MS-Word and print to this printer. 3. Select a driver for your printer and click "Next". For 203 dpi modes with 4 inches print width, you should select Label Dr.200 (4 inch model). Before Installation 1. Check the contents of the driver to ensure it is complete. 2.
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5. After the related files are copied to your system, click “Next”. 3. If you install new bar code application software such as Bartender Ultra Lite, you should activate the seagull driver for Argox printer. ArgoBar File → New→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK LabelView File→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK CodeSoft File→ Printer→ Windows→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK 6. After the installation is complete, click “Finish”. LabelMatrix File→ Printer Setup →Label Dr.
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Setting Parameters Parameters for Win 98 After installing the driver, follow the path below to set parameters: Ports Start → Settings→ Printers→ Label Dr.→ Properties Parameters include: Ports Select the IO port to link with the printer. The port may be parallel (LPT), serial (COM), network port, or file. Paper size Select the proper size. If there is no desired size, select "Custom" to define paper size. Orientation Set portrait or landscape.
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Create a custom size Output bin (Accessory setting) In the Properties menu: → Click "Paper" → Select "Custom" → User-Defined Size → Set a custom size → Click "OK" In the Properties menu: → Click "Paper" → Click "More Options" → Select Enable w/o cutter, peeler → Click "OK" Print quality (Speed) In the Properties menu: → Click "Device Options" → Select parameters → Click "OK" 40 41
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Parameters for Win 2000 Orientation Page order Ports In Printing Preferences: → Click "Layout" → Select "Portrait" or "Landscape" → Click "Page order”" → Select "Front to Back" or "Back to Front" → Click "OK" In the Properties menu: → Click "Ports" → Select the IO port → Click "OK" Paper size Copies Print quality (Speed) Output bin (Accessory setting) Paper source (Media type) In the Printers menu: → Right click → Select "Printing Preferences" → Click "Paper/Quality" and select media type → Click "OK"
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Paper size setup Create a custom size In Printing Preferences: → Click tag "Layout" → Click button "Advanced" → Click "button Customize”" → Select "paper size" or add new paper size.
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Paper/Output (Speed) Print quality (Darkness) For NT 4.0 Ports In the Properties menu: → Click "Ports" → Select IO port → Click "OK" In Default Document: → Click "Advanced" → Click item to select desired parameters → Click "OK" Create a custom size Paper size Orientation Paper source (Media type) Copies Media choice (Accessory setting) Please refer to Create a custom size in Win 2000 above.
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Orientation Page order For Win XP Ports In Printing Preferences: → Click "Layout" → Select "Portrait" or "Landscape" → Click "Page order”" → Select "Front to Back" or "Back to Front" → Click "OK" In the Properties menu: → Click "Ports" → Select the IO port → Click "OK" Paper size Copies Print quality (Speed) Output bin (Accessory setting) Paper source (Media type) In Printing Preferences: → Click "Layout" → Click "Advanced" → Click items to select parameters → Click "OK" In the Printers menu: → Label
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Paper size setup Create a custom size In Printing Preferences: → Click tag "Layout" → Click button "Advanced" → Click button "Customize”" → Select "paper size" or add new paper size.
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Troubleshooting LED Indicators: Power and Ready LEDs blink alternately Normally, when the printer is in not working properly, the "Power" LED blinks continuously; while printing and communication between the host and printer stops. Power LED ON OFF LED Diagnosis Possible Problems Solutions Ribbon out Supply the ribbon roll Ribbon jam Recover the jam Ribbon sensor error Replace ribbon sensor Power and Ready LEDs blinking continuously indicates printer errors.
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Clean the print head. If the problem persists, replace the print head. Miscellaneous If the host shows "Printer Time out" 1. Check if the communication cable (parallel or serial) is connected securely to your parallel or serial port on the PC and to the connector on the printer at the other end. 2. Check if the printer power is turned on. If the power cord is connected, the power switch is at position "I" and the power LED is still not illuminated, check the fuse inside the power adapter case.
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Caring for Your Printer After using eight rolls of label stock, clean the following areas of the printer. Note: Always switch off the power before cleaning. Cleaning Clean the following components of the printer using a cotton bud dampened with alcohol. Do not soak the cotton bud excessively. Thermal Print Head Replacing the Thermal Print Head 1. 2. 3. 4. Switch off the power and wait for both LEDs to go off. Unlatch the print head module. Remove the ribbon.
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Technical Reference General Specifications Specification Print method Resolution Maximum print width Maximum print length Maximum print speed Onboard DRAM Rotation Media type 58 Model Model Model Model Model OS-203 OS-204 OS-214 OS-214Zip OS-314TT Direct thermal Direct thermal and thermal transfer 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) 300 DPI (12 dots/mm) 2.83 in. 4.09in. 4.13 in. (72mm) (104 mm) (105 mm) 10 in. 8 in. 48 in. 14 in. (254mm) (203mm) (1219mm) (356mm) 2 inches 3.
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Specification Model Model Model Model Model OS-203 OS-204 OS-214 OS-214 Zip OS-314TT 4.3 in.(109mm) outside diameter, 1 in.(25 mm) inside diameter Maximum label roll diameter Black stripe and gap Label indexing Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin Ribbon types N/A OD 1.45 in. (37 mm); ID 0.5 in. Ribbon size (12.7mm); Length11 Dimensions Weight Electrical Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity W5.3 x D9.0 x W7.3 x D10.9 x H6.0 in H6.4 in. 1.2Kg 1.9 kg (2.6lbs) (4.
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Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification The specifications of fonts, bar codes and graphics depends on printer emulation, which is a printer programming language (PPL) through which the host communicates with your printer. There are two PPLs for models OS-203/204/214/314. The factory default is PPLA, and you can also update firmware to PPLB. Note: Printer Programming Language B, PPLB Specification General fonts Symbol sets (Code pages) Improper firmware updating may crash printer firmware.
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Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ (OS-214Zip) Specification General fonts International character sets Soft fonts Bitmapped Font expandability Bar code types Graphics Model OS-214Zip 10 resident fonts (9 bitmapped fonts and 1 scalable font) 14 international character sets: USA, USA2, UK, Holland, Den / Nor, Swe / Fin, German, France1, France2, Italy, Spain, Misc., Japan, page 850.
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Note: Pin 9 on the OS-204/214/314 and pin 1 on the OS-203 are reserved for a KDU (keyboard device unit). Do not connect these pins if you are using a general host such as a PC.
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ASCII TABLE Parallel (Centronics) The parallel port is a standard 36-pin Centronics. Pin assignments are as follows: Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11t 12 Direction In In In In In In In In In Out Out Out Definition /STROBE Data1 Data 2 Data3 Data4 Data5 Data6 Data7 Data8 /ACK BUSY PE Pin 13 14,15 16 17 18NC 19~30 31 32 33~36 Direction Definition Out SELECT NC Ground Ground Out - Ground NC /Fault NC NUL SOH XON ! STX " XOFF # $ NAK % ACK & BEL ‛ BS ( ) LF * ESC + FF , CR SO RS .
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Appendix I - Installing Dispenser Kit Sensor Cable 1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer. 2. Unwrap the dispenser kit and take out screws, the shaft, the plastic roller, the dispenser bar, the direction label, and the peeler sensor cable. Top Cover 3. Take off the top cover of the printer. 4. The peeler sensor cable has a sensor board at one end and a connector at the other end. 5.
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Base Housing Base Housing 12. Release the screw on the left bracket of the chassis. 13. Unlatch the print head module. Hook the white roller on the brackets of the chassis, ensuring the long thinner end is on the left side. 14. Guide the shaft through the respective holes on the left bracket, the white roller and then the right bracket in order. (To smooth this procedure, hold the white roller with one hand.) 15. Secure the attached screw to the right bracket of the chassis to fix the shaft. 16.
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19. Click the top cover back onto the middle cover. 20. Insert the sensor connector into its receptacle on the main logic board of the base housing. 21. Click the middle cover back into the base housing. First click in the front then the rear. 22. Secure the two screws at the bottom of the base housing. Appendix II - Installing the Cutter 1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the power cable and Centronics / Serial cable. 2. Remove the top cover. 3. Remove the two screws under the base housing. H.
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4. Remove the whole print head assembly by releasing the 4 screws at its feet. 6. Secure the four screws attaching the cutter. Print Head Assembly Cutter 5. a. Mount the cutter IC (3717) to U19 on the main board (OS-204/214). b. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board (OS-214ZIP). c. Mount the cutter baby board to JP17 on the main board (OS-203). d. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board (OS-314). 76 7. Plug the cutter's connector into the PCB's header connector (JP13). 8.