MODELS 326M / 426M DIRECT THERMAL PRINTERS USER’S GUIDE PART NUMBER 880024-0107 Revised: December 12, 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 ................................................................................
4.2.2.3 >STOCK JAMMED< (03)................................................................................................. 19 4.2.2.4 >INCORRECT STOCK< (04)........................................................................................... 19 4.2.2.5 >CUTTER JAMMED< (10)............................................................................................... 19 4.2.2.6 >CUTTER INOPERATIVE< (11) ......................................................................................
4.2.3.26 >INADEQUATE ACCESS MODE< (D7) ...................................................................... 25 4.2.3.27 >FILE IS READ ONLY< (D9) ....................................................................................... 25 4.2.3.28 >INADEQUATE FLASH SPACE< (DA)........................................................................ 25 4.2.3.29 >I/O FAILURE< (DB) ................................................................................................... 25 4.2.3.
APPENDIX B....................................................................................................................... 49 RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) PROCEDURE ................................................................................ 49 GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................ 51 INDEX..............................................................................................................
List of Tables Table 1 General Specifications...............................................................................3 Table 2 Printing Specifications ...............................................................................3 Table 3 Media Specifications..................................................................................4 Table 4 Minimum Power Supply Specifications......................................................8 Table 5 Print Button Description.....................
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List of Figures Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M).......................................................................viii Figure 2 Rear Angled View (426M) .......................................................................viii Figure 3 Printer Accessories (326M) .......................................................................7 Figure 4 Connecting the Power Adapter (426M) .....................................................8 Figure 5 Communication Connections (426M) ..................
viii Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M) Figure 2 Rear Angled View (426M) 326M User’s Guide
Introduction The Models 326M and 426M are high performance, Direct Thermal open frame printers specifically designed for kiosk, OEM, and specialty applications. With an Industrial quality design and steel construction, these printers provide continuous reliable printing at true high volume throughput. Economically priced and loaded with features, Models 326M and 426M reach print speeds up to 6 inches per second using a 32-bit microprocessor.
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Chapter 1: Printer Specifications 1.1 General Specifications 9.25” (235mm) 4.25” (108mm) 4” (102mm) 4.18 lbs. (1.9 kg) Auto-sensing 90-264 VAC ; 50-60 Hz 4.2 Amps 40° F – 104° F (5° C – 40° C) Operating 10% – 85%, non-condensing 32MB 8MB Designed to meet CUL, CE, and to comply with FCC Class A.
Printer Specifications 1.3 Chapter 1 Media Specifications Media Types Continuous, die-cut, preprinted and tag stock either rolled (up to 8” in diameter) or fanfold. Maximum Media Thickness .010” (.25mm) * see note below. Maximum Media Width 326M = 3.5” (90mm) ** see note below. 426M = 4.5” (115mm) *** see note below. Table 3 Media Specifications The printers may be optimally configured with a fixed media guides to assist in the installation of media.
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: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º. Graphics Lines and boxes. Direct Monochrome BMP image support. Store fonts, scripts and/or graphics. Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º.
Features and Options 2.5 6 Chapter 2 Adjustable media guides for easy label centering or fixed media bracket. Software controlled contrast adjustment. Downloadable monochrome BMP image support. Internal statistical counters for inches and labels printed. Remote printer interrogation. Ethernet capability. Standard USB version 1.1 capability. Detects label gap, blackline, and blowhole using reflective and transmissive sensors.
Chapter 3: Getting Started 3.1 Unpacking and Inspection The printers have been packaged in protective foam 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 components ordered are present and in good condition (see Figure 3 for an example).
Getting Started 3.2.1 Chapter 3 Printer Power Microcom Corporation offers a “desk type” universal power adapter as an option for the 326M and 426M printers. Any power adapter that conforms to the necessary specifications, listed below, may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC 100 Watt power supply that operates in the 90-264 VAC; 50-60 Hertz range; 4.2 Amps at a minimum.
Chapter 3 3.2.2 Getting Started Communication Interface The printers may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose machines. The 326M and 426M printers offer a standard RS-232 serial port, USB (version 1.1), and 10BASE-TX Ethernet as standard communication interface.
Getting Started 3.2.3 Chapter 3 Optional Cutter Interface The printer provides a connector on the rear panel for the optional cutter interface. Use this connector when a cutter is installed on the printer. To prevent damage to the printer and/or cutter, connect the cutter when the printer’s power is off. Refer to Figure 6 for the location of the cutter interface connector. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information regarding the “^D506)” and “^D740)” cutter control commands. 3.2.
Chapter 3 3.3 Getting Started Button and Indicator Light The button and the indicator light (Figure 9) are used to identify and perform many functions. This section provides a brief description to familiarize you with the basic function of the button and light with default settings. Refer to Chapter 4: Printer Modes for more detailed information on the default settings. The Button is configured using the “^D541)” command with the default being “1”.
Getting Started 3.3.1 Chapter 3 Button Operation Printing a label. Printer Pause. Description Press the FEED button while the printer is idle or paused to reprint the last label or after a cold start, print a power up label. Note: If a power up label has not been enabled or if one does not exist, the printer will print a blank label. A brief-FEED button press while printing will cause the printer to pause. Note: Press the FEED button again to continue printing. Feeding Labels.
Chapter 3 3.4 Getting Started Loading Media The open frame printers have been designed to make loading media a simple process. No adjustments are required when installing media once the media guides are set, thus reducing down time. Contact your Microcom Corporation Representative about the availability of custom size media guides. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media. 1. Tear off a clean edge on the media before loading into the printer. 2.
Getting Started 3.5 Chapter 3 Clearing Media Jams Occasionally, media may jam inside the printer and require the print head mechanism to be opened to clear the media jam. This section provides the proper procedure to remove and clear media jams. 1. Release (Figure 7) and lift the Print Head mechanism to the open position. 2. Remove the installed media from the media path. 3. Verify that all of the media is removed from the media path and drive roller areas. 4.
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 Print Button has a couple of different functions while in the Idle Mode. Pressing the button once will reprint the last label; if the printer has just been turned on the printer will print a power up label.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0x10 >CUTTER JAMMED< The cutter has jammed. 0x11 >CUTTER INOPERATIVE< The cutter is not detected 0x12 >CUTTER WATCHDOG STOPPED CUTTER< The software shut the cutter off for safety issues. 0x13 >CUTTER WATCHDOG WON’T RESET< The software cannot reset the cutter after a stopped condition. 0x1C >MISSING LABEL< Generated if more than one diecut label has been detected.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0x87 >STOCK ADVANCED< The media has been advanced. 0x8A >FLASH DEFRAGMENTING< Flash file system is optimizing memory. 0x8F >STOCK NOT LOADED< The printer was powered up with out media installed. 0x90 >RETRACTION DELAY< The retraction has been delayed. 0x91 >PRINT DELAY< The printing has been delayed. 0xB0 >FLASH MEMORY LOW< The Flash memory file space is 95% full.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Byte Mode Responses (ASCII Hex) Text and Verbose Mode Responses Definition 0xE2 >SWITCH 1 ACTUATED< Switch 1 has been actuated. 0xE3 >SWITCH 2 ACTUATED> Switch 2 has been actuated. 0xE4 >TOF SWITCH ACTUATED< 0xF0 >FIELD OFF IMAGE< 0xF2 >GRAPHIC TOO LARGE< 0xFF >POWERED DOWN< Table 7 4.2.2 The TOF switch has been actuated. An image placement coordinates exceed the print head or form size. The sent graphic exceeds the available memory.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x02 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.3 >STOCK JAMMED< (03) The “>STOCK JAMMED<” error response indicates that media is jammed and requires correction before the printer can continue printing while in text and verbose modes. A stock jam condition may be detected by two separate methods depending is the printer is configured with a Label Present Detector or LPD.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x12 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.8 >CUTTER WATCHDOG WON”T RESET< (13) This error response is generated when the cutter watchdog timer cannot be reset and the printer power is required to be cycled to clear this error while in text and verbose modes. The cutter watchdog timer disables the power to the cutter to prevent damage from occurring.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes 4.2.2.14 >PARSER ERROR< (32) The “>PARSER ERROR<” indicates that the printer has detected an internal error with the parser while in text and verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x32 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.15 >COMM ERROR< (40) The “>COMM ERROR<” indicates that the printer has detected a communication error while in text or verbose response modes.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.3.3 >INPUT 2< (22) The “>INPUT 2<” response indicates that the INPUT 2 sensor option is tripped while in text or verbose response modes. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x22 is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. This sensor and response is intended to provide the user with the flexibility for custom configurations. 4.2.3.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes 4.2.3.10 >LABEL/TAG PRESENT< (86) This response indicates that media is blocking the Label Present Sensor (LPS) and protruding out the front of the printer. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x86 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.3.17 >BUTTON 1 TAPPED< (C0) The “>BUTTON 1 TAPPED<” response occurs when the ^D541) command is configured for the “tapped” response while in text and verbose response sets. This may be used for custom configuration and definition of the print button press or tapped condition. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xC0 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes 4.2.3.24 >UNSUPPORTED FILE TYPE< (D5) This enquiry response indicates that the printer does not recognize the type of the received file while in text and verbose modes. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xD5 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 4.2.3.32 >SWITCH 1 ACTUATED< (E2) This enquiry response typically indicates that switch 1 is actuated while in text or verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xE2 is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.3.33 >SWITCH 2 ACTUATED< (E3) This enquiry response typically indicates that switch 2 is actuated while in text or verbose response sets.
Chapter 4 4.4 Printer Modes Diagnostic Mode Diagnostic Mode temporarily powers the printer using factory default parameters while printing out the printer’s current configuration on what is called the Status Label. This information is used to help diagnose and troubleshoot printer configuration issues. The default baud rate is set to 9600 and is used when entering the diagnostic mode. The printer continues using the factory default parameters until printer power is cycled.
Printer Modes Chapter 4 Settings (D326 or V) Operational Print Speed: (D635) 6.0 ips Detector mode: (D636) 0 (none) Slew Speed: (D645) 6.0 ips Darkness: (D690) 75 (Dark) Retraction delay: (D641) 0.5 sec. Print delay: (D640) 0.0 sec. Labels printed: (D655) 42 Distances Label width (LSX): (D631) 3.34 inches Label height (LSY): (D632) 1.5.12 inches Reg. mark height (GAP): (D633) 0.148 inches To reg’n mark (DRM): (D634) 0.0 inches X offset (OFX): (D637) 0.0 inches Y offset (OFY): (D638) 0.
Chapter 4 Printer Modes Selections (D325 or U) Operational Dispense mode: Emulation: Cutter Type: PMH Type: Button Mode: Stock-out handling Response Mode: RS-232 connection: Power-up label: Detector mode: Input 1 LPD type or Input 2 General Measurement units: Speed units: Temperature units: Figure 13 (D597) (D501) (D506) (D507) (D541) (D581) (D550) (D570) (D586) (D636) (D509) (D508) 3 Microcom 426 NONE NONE 1 Halt Text Serial port @default 0 (none) 0 0 (D564) 1 (inches) (D565) 1 (ips) (D566) 1 (
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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 the table below for correct cable configurations.
Communications Chapter 5 CAUTION: Connection of a serial port to a parallel port may result in damage to the printer and / or computer. 5.2 Ethernet - 10BASE TX The printer provides an auto-sensing, 10Mbps Fast Ethernet port with half duplex operation capability. The Ethernet port only supports raw sockets. Refer to the “^D570)” command for additional information regarding the available communication ports the printer offers.
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 Microcom Corporation 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 16 Figure 17 326M User’s Guide Unlatching of the Print head (326M) Removal of Thermal Card (326M) 35
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.3 Chapter 6 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 17 for common areas needing cleaned. 1. Remove installed media. 2. Turn the printer power OFF. 3. Using the two Head Release Levers (See Figure 15), unlatch and raise the print head. 4.
Chapter 6 6.4 Maintenance and Adjustments 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 18 and follow the steps below for the proper cleaning procedure. 1. Remove any installed media. 2. Turn the power to the printer OFF. 3. Using the two Head Release Levers (Figure 15), unlatch and raise the print head. 4.
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.5 Chapter 6 Cleaning the Drive Roller Maintaining a clean drive roller not only helps extend the life of the roller but also reduces 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).
Chapter 6 6.6 Maintenance and Adjustments Exterior Cleaning Although cleaning the exterior surfaces does not affect printer 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 19.
Maintenance and Adjustments 6.9.1 Chapter 6 Compressed File Update This method is used to update the firmware stored in flash memory. To update the printer’s firmware the following are required: a compressed MCB or MCA (ZIP file), a host computer equipped with a RS-232 serial port, and a Terminal Emulation Program (i.e., HyperAccess, HyperTerminal, Procomm Plus, Tera Term Pro...).
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Adjustments Application file recognized. Erasing old application............................... Saving new application........................................ (The periods are status indicators) Booting application now . . . (The periods are status indicators) 9. If problems are experienced during the update and the printer has lost the previous application, refer to the following section regarding the recovery file update. 10.
Maintenance and Adjustments Chapter 6 4. While pressing the Auxiliary button (see Figure 6) turn the printer power switch on. Note: To press the Auxiliary button, use a ballpoint pen and gently press and hold the switch in. 5. Immediately after applying printer power, observe the terminal window and follow the sample dialog below. The bold italics text denotes informational comments or instructions and is not part of the printer’s update dialog. Found rear button pressed.
Chapter 7: Troubleshooting 7.1 Troubleshooting Tips The printer fails to turn “ON” and the indicator light 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. The indicator light is solid amber in color: Indicates that the printer is paused or a ^D597 tag/tear mode is being used.
Troubleshooting Chapter 7 The indicator light is solid red in color: The printer may be in Service, Factory, or Dev access Mode, refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information pertaining to the ^D930 and ^D931 commands. Set the access level to BASIC using the ^D931 command. Cycle power to reset the printer. The indicator light is flashing green/amber in color: The printer is initializing the RAM memory.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting The printer has varying print registration: Verify that the script file DET header parameter and/or ^D636 detector type command is configured for the correct media type being used. Verify that the registration mark detectors are correctly aligned. Clean and remove media dust using compressed air from between the sensors.
Troubleshooting Chapter 7 The printer has no serial communication: Verify that the serial cable is properly connected to the printer and an available serial port on the host computer. Verify that the host serial port is functioning properly. Verify that the printer and the host serial port parameters are set exactly the same. Change terminal emulation parameters to 9600,n,8,1 and press two carriage returns then use the ^E enquiry command. Contact your Service Representative.
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.
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Index A Agency Approvals............................................................................................................................................................................. 3 B Bar codes .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 C Cleaning Kit...............................................................................................
L Label Design Software II ................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................................ 47 M Maintenance Auxiliary Button ..............................................................................................
General......................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Media ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Printing.................................................................................................................
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User Notes 326M User’s Guide 59
