MODEL 226 / 426 DIRECT THERMAL PRINTER USER’S GUIDE PART NUMBER 880018-0110 Revised: December 13, 2004 CPC © Copyright 2004 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
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Proprietary Statement This manual contains information proprietary to Microcom Corporation. This information is intended solely for the use of parties operating and maintaining such equipment described herein. Product Enhancements Microcom Corporation is committed to the continual improvement of performance and quality in our products. For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 1: Printer Specifications .............................................................. 3 1.1 General Specifications......................................................................................... 3 1.2 Printing Specifications ......................................................................................... 3 1.3 Media Specifications...............
4.1.2 Status Label................................................................................................. 26 Chapter 5: Communications .................................................................... 29 5.1 RS-232 Serial .................................................................................................... 29 5.1.1 RS-232 Printer Cables.................................................................................30 5.2 10BASE-T Ethernet .................................
List of Tables Table 1 General Specifications...............................................................................3 Table 2 Printing Specifications ...............................................................................3 Table 3 Media Specifications..................................................................................4 Table 4 Front Panel Button Description................................................................11 Table 5 Indicator Light Description ...........
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List of Figures Figure 1 426 Front Angled View ............................................................................. vi Figure 2 426 Rear Angled View.............................................................................. vi Figure 3 Standard Printer Accessories ....................................................................7 Figure 4 Connecting the Printer...............................................................................8 Figure 5 Tag Bracket .......................
vi Figure 1 426 Front Angled View Figure 2 426 Rear Angled View 226/426 User’s Guide
Introduction The Models 226 and 426 are high performance, Direct Thermal tag/label printers that are economically priced to fit everyone’s budget. The extensive list of standard features combined with an easy to operate and maintain design provides continuous and reliable printing at true high volume throughput. The Model 226 printer is a smaller version of the Model 426 with the only differences being the AC power plug orientation, the print head size and the lack of the Auxiliary Port.
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Chapter 1: Printer Specifications 1.1 General Specifications Width Height Depth Weight Electrical Temperature Humidity SRAM Memory Flash Memory Agency Approvals Interface Communications RS-232 Serial RS-232, 9 pin D-Sub connector (DCE) Flow Control: XON, XOFF, and CTS Parity: Odd, Even, and None Data Bits: 7 or 8 Table 1 1.2 226 - 6.6” (167mm); 426 - 8.5” (216mm) 226 - 6.9” (175mm); 426 - 6.9” (175mm) 226 - 4.8” (122mm); 426 - 4.8” (122mm) 226 - 6 lbs (2.7kg); 426 - 7.8 lbs. (3.
Printer Specifications 1.3 Chapter 1 Media Specifications Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled or fanfold. .010” (.25mm) * see note below. 4.5” (114.3mm) ** see note below. Media Types Maximum Media Thickness Maximum Media Width Table 3 Media Specifications The 426P printer is optimally configured with a fixed tag bracket to assist in the installation of direct thermal rolled or fanfold tag stock.
Chapter 2: Features and Options 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Fonts 19 smooth bitmapped alphanumeric fonts from 6pt to 28pt including OCR-A and OCR-B. Downloadable font support. Bitmapped fonts expandable in height and width. Reverse image printing. Rotated: 0º, 90º, 180º, and 270º. Graphics Lines and boxes. Direct Monochrome BMP image support. Store fonts, scripts and/or graphics. Rotated: 0º, 90º, 180º, and 270º.
Features and Options 2.5 6 Chapter 2 Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or fixed tag bracket. Software controlled contrast adjustment. Downloadable monochrome BMP image support. Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed. Remote printer interrogation. Ethernet capability. Detects label gap, blackline, and blowhole using reflective and transmissive sensors. Field incrementing, decrementing and serialization.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 3.1 Unpacking and Inspection The printer has been packaged to help reduce the damage that may occur during the shipment of product. Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of damage. If damage is evident, contact the shipping company immediately to file a damage claim. After the printer is removed from the container(s), verify that all the parts are present and in good condition (see Figure 3).
Getting Started 3.2 Chapter 3 Connecting the Printer Refer to Figure 4 below for proper connections. 3.2.1 Printer Power The printers use a universal auto-sensing internal power supply that operates in the 100240 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range. The three-prong female end of the power cord plugs into the mating connector located on the back of the printer. The Model 226 printer’s AC power connection is the same internally but rotated 90 ° counter clockwise externally.
Chapter 3 3.3 Getting Started Loading Media The 426P printer has been designed to make loading fanfold or continuous media a simple process. With the fixed Tag bracket installed, no adjustments are needed when installing media, thus reducing down time. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media. Media Path Line Guide Idler Figure 5 Tag Bracket Note: The Tag bracket has a fixed opening of 3.37” (85.73mm). 1. Feed the media below the Line Guide Idler (see Figure 5.
Getting Started 3.4 Chapter 3 Front Panel Button and Indicator Light The front panel button and the indicator light (see Figure 7) are used to identify and perform many functions. This section provides a brief description of the standard configuration to familiarize you with the basic function of the button and light. Refer to Chapter 4: Printer Modes for more detailed information.
Chapter 3 3.4.1 Getting Started Front Panel Button Operation Printing a label. Description A button press while the printer is idle or paused will reprint the last label or after a cold start, a power up label will print. Note: If a power up label has not been enabled or if one does not exist, the printer will print a blank label. Printer Pause. A brief-button press while printing will cause the printer to pause. Note: Press the button again to continue printing. Feeding Labels.
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Chapter 4: Printer Modes 4.1 Idle Mode Idle Mode is when the printer is not printing and has no pending activity. The indicator light is green, which indicates that the printer is ready to receive label scripts and/or commands. The front panel button has a couple of different functions while in the Idle Mode. Pressing the button will reprint the last label or the power-up label if the printer was recently turned on and no formats were sent to the printer.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0x01 >STOCK OUT< Out of Media 0x02 >STOCK OVERADVANCED< Excess media past LPD preventing a TOF operation. 0x03 >STOCK JAMMED< Media is jammed. 0x04 >INCORRECT STOCK< Problem encountered trying to realign media. 0x06 >OK< ACK message used with the ^D726)1 command. 0x10 >CUTTER JAMMED< The cutter has jammed.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0x81 >READY< The printer is in ready to receive data. 0x82 >BUSY< The printer is currently busy. 0x83 >PAUSED< The printer has been paused. 0x84 >PRINTING< The printer is currently printing. 0x85 >FEEDING< The printer is currently feeding media. 0x86 >LABEL/TAG PRESENT< Media has been presented in a dispense mode. 0x87 >STOCK ADVANCED< The media has been advanced.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0xD7 >INADEQUATE ACCESS MODE< Incorrect password to a higher access level. 0xD9 >FILE IS READ ONLY< File is read only and cannot be deleted. 0xDA >INADEQUATE FLASH SPACE< Cannot save an item to the flash memory due to lack of space. 0xDB >I/O FAILURE< The Input/Output circuitry has failed. 0xDC >FONT/GRAPHIC NOT FOUND< The requested file does not exist or cannot be found.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes NOTE: The following section titles are the responses that the printer will generate once the associating condition occurs and the printer processes an enquiry command. The first response (between and including the “>” and “<” characters) is generated if text and verbose responses have been enabled using the ^D550) command. The ASCII hex value listed between the parenthesis characters, indicate the enquiry response if byte mode has been enabled. 4.2.2.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.2.5 >CUTTER JAMMED< (10) The “>CUTTER JAMMED<” error response is generated when the cutter is in a jammed condition and cannot complete a full cycle while in text and verbose modes. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x10 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.6 >CUTTER INOPERATIVE< (11) This error response is typically generated if the cutter is not detected by the printer while in text and verbose modes.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes command. This response appears in conjunction with the >STOCK OUT< error and a printer configured with the “^D581)2” Finish Label command. 4.2.2.12 >CATCH TRAY FULL< (20) The “>CATCH TRAY FULL<” response is generated when the optional Catch Tray has reached its capacity while in text or verbose response modes. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x20 is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.
Printer Modes 4.2.3 Chapter 4 Basic Status Responses Basic status responses are enquiry responses that are not immediate. These enquiry responses are sent from the printer to the host, when the appropriate condition occurs, by issuing the “Ctrl+E” (^E) combination or by issuing the “^D327)” command. The following sections provide further explanations of the non-immediate basic status responses. Refer to the ^D550) command regarding the types of enquiry response sets.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes 4.2.3.6 >BUSY< (82) The “>BUSY<” response indicates that the printer is performing an operation that prevents the printer from accepting data while in text and verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x82 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.7 >PAUSED< (83) The “>PAUSED<” response indicates that the printer’s printing capabilities have been paused while in text and verbose response sets..
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.3.13 >STOCK NOT LOADED< (8F) The “>STOCK NOT LOADED<” response indicates that media is not being detected in the printer on power up while in text and verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x8F is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. This message persists until media is detected at the registration mark sensors but does not prevent commands from being processed. 4.2.3.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes range. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xD0 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.20 >NONEXISTENT COMMAND< (D1) The “>NONEXISTENT COMMAND<” response indicates that the printer has received data that is in the LDSII command structure that does not exist or has not yet been implemented while in text and verbose response sets.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.3.27 >FILE IS READ ONLY< (D9) This enquiry response typically indicates that a save or delete command is being issued to the printer and that the file is a protected file stored in the printer. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xD9 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes 4.2.3.35 >FIELD OFF IMAGE< (F0) The “>FIELD OFF IMAGE<” response indicates that a fields size and placement coordinates will not allow the field to fit on the print image or script layout while in text and verbose modes. The given field that is being placed off the image will not be printed on to the media. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xF0 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.
Printer Modes 4.4.1 Chapter 4 Entering Diagnostic Mode To enter the diagnostic mode, press and hold the print button in while turning on the printer. Release the button after the status light indicator starts to blink and the printer will power up into diagnostic mode. 4.1.2 Status Label The printer will print the Status label after the printer performs a powered up and enters the diagnostic mode.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes Settings (D326 or V) Operational Print Speed: (D635) Detector mode: (D636) Slew Speed: (D645) Darkness: (D690) Retraction delay: (D641) Print delay: (D640) Labels printed: (D655) Distances Label width (LSX): (D631) Label height (LSY): (D632) Reg. mark height (GAP): (D633) To reg’n mark (DRM): (D634) X offset (OFX): (D637) Y offset (OFY): (D638) Dist.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Statistics (D324 or W) Identity Model number: (D501) Microcom 426 Language: (Auto) LDS2 Serial number: 01234567890 Accumulated operation Labels printed: (D655) 44 Inches printed: 97 inches (246 cm) Total inches run: 109 inches (276 cm) Power on time: 2 hours Printhead Width: (D910) 4.094 inches Resolution: (D910) 203.
Chapter 5: Communications 5.1 RS-232 Serial The printers provide a 9 pin female D-Sub connector, on the rear panel, for RS-232 serial communication. The printer is configured as DCE (Data Circuit-terminating Equipment) so a NULL modem cable is not necessary. A serial data cable is required to use serial communications, refer to Table 7 below for correct cable configurations.
Communications 5.1.1 Chapter 5 RS-232 Printer Cables The printers use standard cables that may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE. For a 25-pin serial communication port – Use a 25-pin female to 9-pin male cable. For a 9-pin serial communication port – Use a 9-pin female to 9-pin male cable.
Chapter 5 Communications RS-232 Serial Port 10BASE-T Ethernet Port Figure 12 Auxiliary Port 426 Interface Connections (A) (C) (B) Figure 13 226/426 User’s Guide Ethernet Port - 10BASE-T 31
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Chapter 6: Maintenance and Adjustments 6.1 Maintenance Schedule It is important to note that optimum print quality and print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head. A Microcom Corporation approved cleaning kit (part # 040005-0000) is available. Contact your sales representative for purchasing information.
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.2 Chapter 6 Thermal Printer Card Decline in print quality, voids, or drop out areas in bar codes and/or graphics may indicate that the print head is dirty and needs to be cleaned. The necessary cleaning materials can be purchased through Microcom Corporation by contacting your sales representative and ordering the Cleaning Kit, part # 040005-0000.
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Adjustments Figure 14 Insertion of Thermal Cleaning Card Figure 15 226/426 User’s Guide Thermal Card Removal 35
Maintenance and Adjustments Chapter 6 (A) (A) Figure 16 Removal of top cover CAUTION: Unplug the power cord before removing the printer covers to avoid possible personal injury or damage to the printer.
Chapter 6 6.3 Maintenance and Adjustments Internal Cleaning The overall internal cleaning of the printer is important to help reduce the dust and other contaminates residing in the printer. Contaminates may attach to the print head or drive roller and affect the printer’s performance. Refer to Figure 18 for common areas needing cleaned. 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the printer power OFF. 3. Unplug and remove the power cord. 4.
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.4 Chapter 6 Print head Maintenance If print quality has not improved after cleaning using a thermal cleaning card or if one is not available, foam or cotton tipped swabs dampened in isopropyl alcohol may be used. Refer to Figure 19 and follow the steps below for the proper cleaning procedure. 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the power to the printer OFF. 3. Unplug and remove the power cord. 4.
Chapter 6 6.5 Maintenance and Adjustments Cleaning the Drive Roller Maintaining a clean drive roller not only helps to extend the life of the roller but also helps to reduce print quality issues and media slips that may occur due to dust, label adhesive and other forms of contamination. The drive roller should be cleaned after every roll of media or after every 512 feet (a typical stack of tag or fanfold media is about 3200 tags).
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.6 Chapter 6 Exterior Cleaning Although cleaning the exterior surfaces does not affect the printer’s performance, it will help the overall appearance of the printer. The use of any mild, non-abrasive general purpose cleaner with a lint-free cloth may be used to clean the exterior surfaces. This cleaning should be performed on an as needed basis. 6.7 Gap Detector Adjustment Refer to Figure 20.
Chapter 6 6.8 Maintenance and Adjustments Auxiliary Button The auxiliary button is used for factory adjustments and updating the flash memory. Press and hold the Auxiliary Button in while powering up the printer. Figure 21 6.9 Auxiliary Button Flash Memory Update This method is used to update the firmware stored in flash memory.
Maintenance and Adjustments Chapter 6 4. Issue the “^D945)?” command and retain the resulting listing for comparison after flash update. 5. The printer’s power should be cycled or a “^D390)” reset command issued to assure that the printer has completed any necessary memory management tasks before updating the code. 6. Send the MCA file to the printer in compressed form (ZIP). 7. After the printer has identified the MCA file, the following dialog will be reported to the host: “File received. Unzipping.
Chapter 6 3.2 Maintenance and Adjustments MCA Compressed File Recovery The printer’s firmware can typically be recovered using this method in the event that during the MCA update the printer has become unstable. Using this method is only intended to provide a recovery method and is not intended to update the software stored in the printer’s flash memory. This method requires the use of a compressed MCA code file, a host computer equipped with a RS-232 serial port, and a Terminal Emulation Program (i.e.
Maintenance and Adjustments Chapter 6 Note: The printer takes approximately 5 minutes to read the read and copy the new code. If a power loss occurs during this time the printer will revert back to the previous code and the update process will have to be restarted. 6. The flash memory has been recovered and the firmware may be upgraded using the procedure outlined in section 3.1. Note: The emulation program used to transfer the MCA file via the serial port must be capable of sending Binary data, (i.e.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting 7.1 Troubleshooting Tips The printer fails to turn “ON” and the indicator light located on the front panel fails to light: Verify that the power cord is connected to the printer as well as the AC outlet. Verify that the printer power switch is in the “ON” position. Verify that the AC outlet is functioning properly. Contact your Service Representative.
Troubleshooting Chapter 7 The front panel light is flashing red in color: The printer has an error and requires service before printing will continue. Verify that media is loaded in the printer properly. Press the front panel button to attempt to clear the error. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for information on the Enquiry Command to help identify the error condition. Cycle power to reset the printer.
Appendix A Limited Warranty Microcom Corporation printers, excluding thermal print heads, which are warranted separately below, are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of original shipment by Microcom Corporation. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear and shall be null and void if the printer is modified, improperly installed or used, damaged by accident or neglect, or in the event any parts are improperly installed or replaced by the user.
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Appendix B Return Material Authorization (RMA) Procedure A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained prior to the return of printer’s and/or materials to the Microcom Corporation Service Department. The purpose of the RMA number is to provide effective tracking and control of returned printers and/or materials. Microcom Corporation is not responsible or accountable for printers and/or materials returned without proper authorization.
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Glossary Alphanumeric - A term used to identify characters consisting of letters, numbers, and other symbols such as punctuation marks and mathematical symbols. Bar code - Alphanumeric characters that are represented using a system of printed lines, which can be read by a computer. Black-line - A registration mark, typically a black line on the underside of certain media that is used to identify the starting position of a label.
Ethernet - A fast and capable serial interface used by many networks for connecting host computers to various peripherals. Fanfold media - Die-cut or tag media that is folded into stacks. Flash memory - Memory that is used to store font, graphics and label formats. This is a non-volatile type of memory; information stored is saved even when the printer power is turned off. GND (Signal Ground) - The ground terminal of a power supply’s output, and all points that connect to it.
TXD (Transmit Data) - An essential signal that carries data from the DTE to the DCE for 2way RS-232 serial communication. Also known as TX and TD. USB (Universal Serial Bus) - A high-speed asynchronous serial interface, typically transfers up to 12M bits/second, used for connecting host computers to various peripherals.
Index A Agency Approvals............................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Auxiliary Interface .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30 B Bar codes .........................................................................................................
L Label Design Software II ................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................................ 47 Line Guide Idler .............................................................................................................
General......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Media ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Printing.................................................................................................................
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