PCOS SERIES 150
WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this printer to rain or moisture.
Disclaimer © 2003 TransAct Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT: The information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of TransAct Technologies, Inc. ("TransAct").
Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement The Series 150 Printer complies with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to minimize radio frequency interference during installation; however, there is no guarantee that radio or television interference will not occur during any particular installation.
i Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE SERIES 150 PRINTER 1 About this Operator’s Guide ......................................................................... 1 Who should read this book? ................................................................. 1 What is covered in this book? .............................................................. 1 Where can you find more information? ............................................... 2 Contacting TransAct Technologies’ Ithaca facility ........
ii Series 150 Operator’s Guide SETTING UP THE PRINTER 15 Unpacking the Printer ................................................................................. 16 Check that All Items are Present ........................................................ 18 Remove the Print Head Carriage Restraint ........................................ 19 Remove the Paper Roll....................................................................... 21 Choosing a Location for the Printer...................................
Table of Contents iii Changing the Print Head ............................................................................. 48 Removing the Used Print Head .......................................................... 48 Installing the New Print Head ............................................................ 50 Cleaning the Printer .................................................................................... 52 Correcting Problems .....................................................................
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About the Series 150 Printer 1 ABOUT THE SERIES 150 PRINTER ABOUT THIS OPERATOR’S GUIDE WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK? This book is intended for new and experienced operators. If you are going to set up, use, or maintain a Series 150 Printer with any point-of-sale system, then this book is for you. WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS BOOK? This book only covers the Series 150 Printer, not the entire point-of-sale system, but it will tell you all you need to know about using the printer properly.
2 Series 150 Operator’s Guide WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION? A Programmer’s Guide is available if you need to know how to program a point-of-sale terminal or a personal computer to work with the printer. It describes the commands the printer recognizes to perform its functions. A Maintenance Manual is also available It shows how to repair the Series 150 Printer and lists the replacement parts. The Maintenance Manual is intended for trained, service technicians.
About the Series 150 Printer 3 You may reach both the Sales and Technical Support Departments at the following address and telephone or fax numbers: TransAct Technologies Incorporated Ithaca Facility 20 Bomax Drive Ithaca, NY 14850 USA Telephone Main fax Sales fax Technical Support fax Web site (877) 7ithaca or (607) 257-8901 (607) 257-8922 (607) 257-3868 (607) 257-3911 http://www.transact-tech.
4 Series 150 Operator’s Guide TransAct offers the following service programs to meet your needs: Extended Warranties, Depot Repairs, Maintenance Contracts, and Internet Support. ORDERING SUPPLIES You may order supplies by calling the Ithaca facility or by faxing the order form that was shipped in the box with the printer. The fax number is (607) 2573868. If you would like more forms, call Transact Technologies’ Ithaca facility at (877) 7ithaca or (607) 257-8901, and ask for the Sales Department.
About the Series 150 Printer RIBBON CASSETTES Color Supplier Stock Number Black TransAct Technologies 100-7565 Purple TransAct Technologies 100-7859 Note: Your warranty may be voided if other than genuine Ithaca ribbons are used.
6 Series 150 Operator’s Guide DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES 150 PRINTER The PcOS Series 150 Printer is a stand-alone, 40-column, high-speed impact printer.
About the Series 150 Printer 7 SERIES 150 MODELS Each of the three models in the Series 150 line of printers has its own unique set of features. PcOS Model 151 Receipt Printer The Model 151 Printer is a receipt printer used for applications requiring highspeed printing of receipts. Its features include: ♦ 340 characters per second bidirectional printing and ♦ 41-column printing at 17 characters per inch.
8 Series 150 Operator’s Guide STANDARD FEATURES The following features and items are standard on all Series 150 Printers: ♦ Centronics parallel interface with 6K buffer ♦ Internal International Power Supply (95 to 265 VAC) ♦ Operating controls and lights Power On/Off switch and indicator Paper FEED button Forms RELEASE button RESUME button ♦ READY, ALARM, and POWER LED’s ♦ Paper out sensor ♦ Operator controlled self-test ♦ Cash drawer connector (RJ12) and driver (24V, 1.
About the Series 150 Printer 9 OPTIONAL FEATURES The optional features either replace a standard feature or enhance the operation of the printer. All optional features are installed at the factory and must be selected when the printer is ordered.
10 Series 150 Operator’s Guide PRINT CHARACTERISTICS The Series 150 Printer prints characters in a variety of pitches as shown in the following table and print samples. Each pitch can also be printed in a variety of styles affecting the appearance of the characters and the speed of the printer. For information about programming the printer to print a particular pitch or style, please refer to the Programmer’s Guide. You may order the Programmer’s Guide from TransAct Technologies’ Ithaca facility.
About the Series 150 Printer 11
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About the Series 150 Printer 13
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Setting Up the Printer 15 SETTING UP THE PRINTER By following the instructions in this chapter, the Series 150 Printer should be ready to hook up to your system in just a few minutes.
16 Series 150 Operator’s Guide UNPACKING THE PRINTER Print Ribbon Cassette AC Power Cord Protective Foam Pads • Operator's Guide • Supplies Order Form • Journal Lock Keys (Optional)
Setting Up the Printer 17 Note: Be sure to save the box and packing materials in case you need to send the printer in for service. 1. Before removing the printer, examine the outside of the box for signs of damage. If any damage has occurred to the box, carefully examine the printer and accessories before setting up the printer. Report all evidence of damage or abuse to your dealer and shipper. 2. Open the box and remove the papers and supplies envelope. 3.
18 Series 150 Operator’s Guide CHECK THAT ALL ITEMS ARE PRESENT The following items are packed in the box and supplies envelope. If any items are missing, contact your dealer, or if you purchased the printer directly from TransAct Technologies, contact the Sales Department. Please refer to “Contacting TransAct Technologies’ Ithaca facility” on page 2.
Setting Up the Printer 19 REMOVE THE PRINT HEAD CARRIAGE RESTRAINT Note: Do not remove the packing restraints if you will be moving the printer to another location before installation. Cassette Cover 1. Open the cassette cover.
20 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Print Head Carriage Restraint 2. Remove the print head carriage restraint. The foam restraint keeps the print head from moving during shipment. Be sure to remove the restraint before operating the printer. 3. Close the cassette cover. Note: Save the restraint with the box and packing materials in case you need to send the printer in for service.
Setting Up the Printer 21 REMOVE THE PAPER ROLL Paper Cover 1. Open the paper cover. Paper Roll Rubber Band 2. Remove the paper roll and the rubber band around it. 3. Close the paper cover.
22 Series 150 Operator’s Guide CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE PRINTER The Series 150 Printer is designed to be placed on point-of-sale terminals, counter tops, or any other flat, stable surface that can support the weight of the printer (about 6.5 pounds or 2.9 kg). Please refer to the dimensions when selecting the best possible location. Be aware of the environmental conditions of the location where you place the printer. Generally, the environment in any store is suitable for operating the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 23 INSTALLING A RIBBON CASSETTE Note: If you are installing the printer, a ribbon cassette can be found in the supplies envelope. Follow these steps to install or change the ribbon cassette. Power Switch On Off Back of Printer 1. Turn off the printer (if already on), and open the cassette cover. Note: If you are removing a used ribbon cassette, grasp both sides of the cassette. Lift and rock the cassette towards you. Do not pull the cassette straight up. 2.
24 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Note: It is important to fit the front edge of the ribbon cassette into the carriage first. Do not place the ribbon cassette flat on the carriage. Tab Print head Ribbon Cassette Clamp Carriage 3. Rock the ribbon cassette forward, toward the print head, and then press down on it until the tabs on the cassette snap into the clamps on the carriage. 4. Tighten the ribbon by turning the knob on the cassette clockwise. 5. Close the cassette cover. 6.
Setting Up the Printer 25 CONNECTING THE POWER CORD Caution: The printer must be grounded through the three-prong power connector. Do not use a ground-defeating adapter. Power Switch On Off Back of Printer 1. Turn off the power switch. Back of Printer Power Cord 2. Connect the power cord to the power socket located on the back of the printer and the external AC power source. The power cord is in the supplies envelope. 3. Turn on the printer.
26 Series 150 Operator’s Guide LOADING AND REMOVING PAPER This section describes how to load and remove paper. Change the paper when the ALARM light turns red. This indicates that the paper is low. The printer will stop. You must change the paper for the printer to resume operation. INSTALL THE NEW PAPER ROLL Follow these instructions for loading either single- or multiple-ply paper. Note: If this is a new installation, a receipt roll is supplied with the printer.
Setting Up the Printer 27 3. Place the roll in the printer, so the paper unwinds from the bottom (front). Bail 4. Slide the edge of the paper under the optional bail and into the paper load throat. This will activate the paper feed. The printer will automatically feed approximately 12 inches of paper.
28 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Take-up Spool 5. If you are loading multiple-ply paper, place the take-up spool into the printer, lining up the gears. If you are loading single-ply paper, continue with Step 10. 6. Separate the paper plies. The white ply is always used for the receipt. FEED button 7. Fold the edge of the journal ply, and insert it into the slot on the take-up spool.
Setting Up the Printer 29 8. Press the FEED button to wind two or three turns of the journal ply onto the take-up spool. RESUME button 9. Close the paper cover, and then tear off any excess receipt paper. Press the RESUME button to put the printer on-line. If at any time the paper does not feed, repeat the steps. If this does not work, remove the paper and restart.
30 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Installing Paper with the Knife Option If the optional knife unit is not installed on your printer, refer to “Installing Paper without the Knife Option” on page 26 for paper loading instructions. 1. Open the paper cover. If you are changing the paper, remove the used supply roll. Do not pull on the paper to remove unused paper from the printer. Instead, push the FEED button. This removes unused paper from the printer safely. 2. Tear off a clean edge on the new roll. 3.
Setting Up the Printer 31 4. Open the knife unit. Bail 5. Slide the edge of the paper under the bail (optional) and into the paper load throat. This will activate the paper feed. The printer will automatically feed approximately 12 inches of paper.
32 Series 150 Operator’s Guide 6. Insert the receipt (white) ply into the slot at the top of the knife unit. 7. Close the knife unit.
Setting Up the Printer 33 RESUME button 8. Close the paper cover, and then tear off any excess receipt paper. Press the RESUME button to put the printer on-line. If at any time the paper does not feed, repeat the steps. If this does not work, remove the paper and start over.
34 Series 150 Operator’s Guide REMOVE THE JOURNAL TAKE-UP ROLL If you are changing multiple-ply paper, you must remove the journal take-up roll before installing the supply roll. Paper Cover FEED button 1. Open the paper cover. 2. Press the FEED button to advance the journal paper past the last journal entry.
Setting Up the Printer 35 3. Lift the take-up spool from the printer, and cut the paper below the last journal entry. Be sure that all entries are included. 4. Slide the printed journal off the take-up core, and put it in a safe place. If the paper sticks on the core, hold the paper, and twist the core in the direction opposite the way the paper is wound.
36 Series 150 Operator’s Guide 5. Remove the journal supply roll. Remove unused paper from the printer. Do not pull on the paper to remove unused paper from the printer. Instead, push the FEED button. This removes unused paper from the printer safely.
Setting Up the Printer 37 OPERATING THE KEYPAD READY ALARM POWER RESUME RELEASE FEED The keypad contains three buttons and three indicator lights for easy operation. The AC power switch is on the left rear side of the printer. Take a few minutes to become familiar with the keypad, so you will be prepared if something unexpected happens. INDICATOR LIGHTS There are three indicator lights: READY, ALARM, and POWER. The READY and POWER lights are green. The ALARM light is red.
38 Series 150 Operator’s Guide BUTTONS The printer includes three buttons and a power switch, which have the following functions: FEED Button The FEED button advances receipt/journal paper. RELEASE Button The RELEASE button is used on printers with validation capability. This button opens and closes the forms compensation assembly, allowing forms to be removed if a jam occurs. RESUME Button The RESUME button has two functions. 1.
Setting Up the Printer 39 TESTING THE PRINTER Test the printer to ensure that it is running properly. The sample on the following page shows what a printout of the test may look like. The test pattern varies depending on the printer model and the character set selected when the printer was ordered. Run the test after loading the paper, but before connecting it to a host system.
40 Series 150 Operator’s Guide The menu shown on the sample above provides different modes for running the printer. These modes are described in the Programmer’s Guide. To order a Programmer’s Guide, see “Contacting TransAct Technologies’ Ithaca facility” on page 2. If you have accidentally entered this menu mode, turn the printer off and then back on again.
Setting Up the Printer 41 CONNECTING THE CABLES Now that you have set up and tested the printer, you are ready to connect it to the point-of-sale system. CONNECTING THE COMMUNICATION CABLE Depending on the interface your system uses, either connect the serial or parallel communication cable to the appropriate connector on the back of the printer. Cables are provided by your dealer or system installer. If cables are unavailable, contact TransAct Technologies’ Ithaca facility.
42 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Connect the Parallel Cable Back of Printer 25-pin Parallel Interface Connector 1. Turn off the printer and host system or personal computer. 2. Connect the 25-pin parallel interface cable to the connector located on the back of the printer. Refer to the Appendix for information on the parallel cable requirements. 3. Tighten the two mounting screws on each side of the cable connector.
Setting Up the Printer 43 CONNECTING THE CASH DRAWER CABLES Cash Drawer Connector 2 Cash Drawer Connector 1 Back of Printer 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Connect the cash drawer cable to the connectors located on the back of the printer. Adapters are available for connecting cash drawers equipped with BNC style connectors. (The standard is a modular, telephone style connector). If you need an adapter, contact the Technical Support Department at TransAct Technologies.
44 Series 150 Operator’s Guide SETUP CHECKLIST Did you follow all of the steps to set up the printer? Here they are again for you to check. ❑ Unpack the printer. ❑ Remove the print head carriage restraint. ❑ Choose a location for the printer. ❑ Check the environmental conditions and the airflow around the printer. ❑ Install the ribbon cassette. ❑ Connect the power cord. ❑ Load the paper: single-ply paper on the Model 151, multiple-ply paper on the Models 152 and 153. ❑ Test the printer.
Operating the Printer 45 OPERATING THE PRINTER Once the printer has been setup, there is very little that you need to do during daily operation because most functions are controlled by the host system. This chapter describes the following few tasks that you will need to perform, some more often than others: ♦ Validating a form or slip, ♦ Changing the print head, ♦ Cleaning the printer, and ♦ Correcting problems.
46 Series 150 Operator’s Guide PRINTING ON FORMS OR SLIPS The Model 153 Printer can print on inserted forms. Inserting the form in the top of the printer, generally referred to as validation, allows up to 15 lines of print on a form. VALIDATING A FORM Forms can be validated with either a single line or multiple lines of information. Depending on the host system and software used, either the host system or the printer controls the procedure.
Operating the Printer 47 Validation Controlled by the Printer 1. The host system sends a validation transaction to the printer. 2. The printer opens the validation clamp, so the form can be inserted. The READY light flashes green. READY light 3. Insert the form into the printer. Push the form down until it bottoms in the validation slot. Then push the form all the way to the right until the READY light stops flashing green.
48 Series 150 Operator’s Guide CHANGING THE PRINT HEAD Replace the print head when the characters are consistently misprinting. REMOVING THE USED PRINT HEAD Caution: The print head can get very hot. Power Switch On Off Back of Printer 1. Turn off the printer, and allow the print head to cool for at least three minutes before replacing it. Cassette Cover 2. Open the cassette cover. 3. Remove the ribbon cassette.
Operating the Printer 49 4. Open the print head clip by grasping the tab on the right side of the clip and rotating it from right to left. Note: In the following illustration, the heat sink is not shown for clarity. 5. Lift the print head straight up out of the carriage.
50 Series 150 Operator’s Guide INSTALLING THE NEW PRINT HEAD 1. Slide the black wire guide on the back of the print head into the slot on the carriage. Make sure the tabs on the wire guide hold the print head against the carriage. 2. Align the PC board on the bottom of the print head with the receptacle on the carriage. 3. Press the print head into the carriage. Do not force the PC board into the receptacle. Make sure it is lined up properly.
Operating the Printer 51 Note: In the following illustration, the heat sink is not shown for clarity. 4. Close the print head clip by rotating it from left to right and latching it into place. 5. Replace the ribbon cassette, and then close the cassette cover. 6. Turn on the printer. 7. After the print head has been replaced, test the printer to make sure it is printing properly.
52 Series 150 Operator’s Guide CLEANING THE PRINTER Cleaning the printer occasionally and keeping it well maintained will help it to last longer and run better. Caution: Do not use rubbing alcohol or any other cleaner on the internal parts of the printer, as some parts may crack or break. The internal parts of the printer do not require lubrication or routine maintenance. Apply a common cleaner such as fantastik® or Formula 409® to a damp cloth and gently wipe the surface of the printer and keypad.
Operating the Printer 53 ALARM LIGHT FLASHES RED Any time the ALARM light is flashing red, the printer has failed. You should first find out the code for the error that has occurred and then attempt to correct the problem. Press the RESUME button to display the error code. The number of times the READY light blinks indicates the error code. Count the blinks and write down the number. If you lose count, push the RESUME button again to redisplay the code.
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Appendix 55 APPENDIX CASH DRAWER PIN ASSIGNMENTS (ITHACA) Function Drawer 1 Drawer 2 Drawer Drive + Pin 4 Pin 4 Drawer Drive - Pin 5 Pin 1 Status Signal Pin 2 Pin 2 Status Ground Pin 3 Pin 3 Frame Ground Pin 6 Pin 6 No Connect Pin 1 Pin 5 CASH DRAWER PIN ASSIGNMENTS (EPSON/AXIOHM) Function Drawer 1 Drawer 2 Drawer Drive + Pin 4 Pin 4 Drawer Drive - Pin 2 Pin 5 No Connect Pin 5 Pin 2 Status Signal Pin 3 Pin 3 Status Ground Pin 6 Pin 6 Frame Ground Pin 1 Pin 1 CASH D
56 Series 150 Operator’s Guide Function Drawer 1 Drawer 2 Drawer Drive - Pin 2 Pin 2 Drawer Drive + Pin 3 Pin 3 Status Signal Pin 6 Pin 6 Frame Ground Pin 1 Pin 1 No Connect Pin 4 Pin 4 No Connect Pin 5 Pin 5 Pin 1 Drawer 2 Pin 1 Drawer 1
Appendix 57 SERIAL CABLE CABLE REQUIREMENTS The PcOS Series 150 Printer requires an RS-232C shielded cable, no more than 50 feet long. The cable must be UL and CSA approved. RS-232C COMMUNICATION The RS-232C interface uses the following protocol and communication characteristics: ♦ Up to 19.2 K baud, ♦ Up to 6K buffer, ♦ Ready/Busy or XON/XOFF Protocol, and ♦ Communication Diagnostic Mode.
58 Series 150 Operator’s Guide SERIAL CABLE CONFIGURATIONS The following cable configurations are for different host requirements. Serial PC to Series 150 Ithaca part number 10-2020, 9-pin to 9-pin female cable, should be used to connect PcOS Series 150 Printers to personal computers or PS/2’s with 9-pin serial ports.
Appendix 59 PARALLEL CABLE CABLE REQUIREMENTS The PcOS Series 150 Printer requires a 25-pin male D-shell connector at the printer. To connect the printer to most personal computers, use Ithaca part number 253-9800007, 25-pin male to 25-pin male parallel interconnect cable.
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Index 61 INDEX A AC power switch, 39 airflow around printer, 23 B buttons, 39 C cables connecting, 42 ordering, 5 cash drawer cable connecting, 44 cash drawer connector pin assignments, 57 character pitch, 10 character set sample printout, 40 cleaning, 54 D dimensions of printer, 22 documentation ordering. See TransAct Technologies.
62 Series 150 Operator’s Guide ordering, 5 printer cleaning, 54 dimensions, 22 environment, 22 features, 8 models, 7 options, 9 reliability, 9 repacking, 17 testing, 40 unpacking, 17 warranty, 3 weight, 22 printing forms, 48 problems correcting, 54 R RELEASE button, 39 reliability, 9 repacking the printer, 17 RESUME button, 39 ribbon cassette installing, 23 removing, 23 RS-232C communication, 59 S serial cable configurations, 60 connecting, 42 requirements, 59 serial cable connector pin assignments, 59
PN: 100-9726 Rev.
