MB200 Direct Thermal Printer OPERATOR MANUAL PN 9001126A
SATO America, Inc. 10350A Nations Ford Road Charlotte, NC 28273 Main Phone: (704) 644-1650 Technical Support Hotline: (704) 644-1660 Technical Support Fax: (707) 644-1662 E-Mail: satosales@satoamerica.com www.satoamerica.com © Copyright 2003 SATO America, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in any form whatsoever without the express permission of SATO America, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION General Description Theory Of Operation Switches And Indicators Connection Ports 1-2 1-2 1-3 1-3 TECHNICAL DATA Physical Characteristics Power Enviromental Print Media Sensing Interface Modules Processing Character Font Capabilities Barcode Capabilities Regulatory Approvals 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-1 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-2 2-3 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS Interface Types Factory Defaults Interface Configuration RS232 Serial Interface TTL Interface Infrared Data (IrDA) Interface ACK/NAK
MAINTENANCE Cleaning Platen Roller Drive Motor Drive Gear Feed Roller Main Circuit Board IrDA Sensor Gap Sensor Eye-Mark Sensor Head-Open Switch 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-7 6-8 6-10 6-11 6-13 6-15 ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES Position Adjustments 7-1 PN 9001126A
1 INTRODUCTION This manual is laid out consistent with the product discussed and provides all of the information required for general printer configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. For specialized programming, refer to the Programming Manual located on the utility CD-ROM. Step-by-step maintenance instructions are provided with typical problems and solutions. It is recommended that you become familiar with each section before installing and maintaining the printer.
Unit 1: Introduction GENERAL DESCRIPTION The MB400 is a compact, transportable printer designed for frequent, but intermittant use. Its direct thermal print head not only allows high performance two-color printing, but also clear barcode printing. It can also enlarge and print various types of fonts and Kanji characters in a free layout. Its ABS housing with protective rubber boots provide a durable, impact-resistant product.
Unit 1: Introduction SWITCHES AND INDICATORS The table below identifies and defines printer switches and indicators for operator interface. The accompanying graphics display their locations and appearance Power Button Print Button Feed Button Status LED 1-1, 1-3 1-2 1-4 1-5 1-6, 1-7, 1-8 VR1 VR2 VR3 VR4 SWITCHES Two position on/off switch that controls power flow to the system. Two position on/off button that activates and deactivates print action.
Unit 1: Introduction Label guide (Left) Label width scale Label guide (Right) Status indicator (LED) Print key Battery cover Feed key IrDA filter IrDA angle lever Figure 1-1c, Primary Features & Components SATO MB200 Operator Manual PN 9001126A Page 1-4
2 TECHNICAL DATA All technical data deemed pertinent has been tabulated below for quick reference. Find the relative section header and then locate the specific type of technical data in the left column. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Width 3.94 Inches (100 mm) Height 2.93 Inches (74.5 mm) Depth 5.04 Inches (128 mm) Weight .948 Pounds (430 g) POWER Adapter Voltage Autoswitching 100-240 VAC, 60 Hz Battery Supply Pack Type Lithium Ion Battery 1500mAh, 7.
Unit 2: Technical Data MEDIA Maximum Roll Diameter 2.3 Inches (58 mm) Minimum Core Diameter 1.04 Inches (26.5 mm) INTERFACE MODULES Serial Port RS232C/TTL (switchable) Standard Infrared Special RF Special Wireless / 802.
Unit 2: Technical Data REGULATORY APPROVALS Safety UL, CE, TUV, FCC-B Noise VCCI-B Electrical Resistance Level 2 SATO MB200 Operator Manual PN 9001126A Page 2-3
3 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS This unit presents the printer interface specifications. These specifications include detailed information on how to properly interface the printer with the host system. The four acceptable interface methods are: • RS232C Asynchronous Serial • TTL Asynchronous Serial • IrDA Infrared • Bluetooth Wireless • Wireless LAN 802.
Unit 3: Interface Specifications RS232 SERIAL INTERFACE This High Speed Serial Interface is a Plug-In Interface Module that can be connected to the printer by the user. The only difference between this interface and the TTL is their signal levels and cable pinouts.
Unit 3: Interface Specifications TTL INTERFACE The only difference between this interface and the RS232C is their signal levels and cable pinouts.
Unit 3: Interface Specifications INFRARED DATA (IRDA) INTERFACE Infrared communications is based on technology which is similar to entertainment remote control devices used in homes today. This technology offers a convient, interoperable, low power, and reliable way to connect computer and printer without the use of cables. The half duplex, serial data interconnection capabilities supports walk up point to point use.
Unit 3: Interface Specifications MESSAGE FORMATS SSS, YYT, NNX Header, variable length Data, variable length EXT BB, CC, CC, Ih HEADER PACKETS Connection Request/Connection Response packet 40H Printer Status Inquiry/Printer Status Response packet 14H Data Header/Response packet 03H Data/Data Response packet 15H Data Transmission Complete/Transmission Complete Response packet 17H Disconnection Request/Disconnection Response packet 41H DATA ITEMS SPACE(13) Dummy data. null(4) Dummy data.
Unit 3: Interface Specifications RECEIVE BUFFER The data stream is received from the host to the printer one job at a time. This allows the software program to maintain control of the job print queue so that it can move a high priority job in front of ones of lesser importance. The printer receives and prints one job at a time. If a print job exceeds the buffer size, transmission will be rejected by the printer. Flow control protocols to throttle transmission are not used.
4 PRINTER CONFIGURATION The printer may be configured for specific jobs via the operator and interface panels. The operator panel is located on the face of the front housing cover and is comprised of a power switch, Print button, Feed button, and a Status LED. The interface panel is located under the hinged cover beneath the operator panel. The interface panel is comprised of three eight dip switch complexes, three potentiometers, and an interface connector located to the right.
Unit 4: Configuration DIP SWITCH COMPLEX DSW1 The following tables provide guidance on the enabling/disabling of various functions and features. This chapter deals solely with dip switch complex DSW1.
Unit 4: Configuration DIP SWITCH COMPLEX DSW2 The DSW2 dip switch complex is used for configuring the IrDA Interface. For instructions on this configuration, contact SATO Technical Support for guidance. The factory defaults are provided below in case of accidental alteration of their settings. CAUTION: DO NOT CHANGE THE DEFAULT SETTINGS UNLESS DIRECTED OTHERWISE. NOTE: The IrDA Interface for this unit is not compatible with LPT or COM.
Unit 4: Configuration CONFIGURATION MODES This section provides an overview of the various configuration modes of the operation menu. Refer to Figure 5-2 for initial activity and then advance to its relative section that follows.
Unit 4: Configuration NORMAL MODE Figure 5-3 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for normal mode congiguration. POWER STATUS LED flashes red, flashes green STATUS LED blinks green Offline Online STATUS LED turns off PRINT STATUS LED illuminates green Prints then positions for the next label.
Unit 4: Configuration SLEEP MODE Figure 5-4 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for sleep mode to be activated. Printer left untouched for 5 seconds.
Unit 4: Configuration AUTO POWER OFF MODE Figure 5-5 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for the auto power-off mode to be activated.
Unit 4: Configuration DISPENSER MODE Figure 5-6 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for dispenser mode to be activated. DSW1-6 = Off DSW1-7 = Off DSW1-8 = Off Advance Dispenser Auto Dispense Mode DSW1-6 = Off DSW1-7 = Off DSW1-8 = On Retract Dispenser Manual Dispense Mode One Label Printed each time label removed Dispense Auto/Manual One Label Printed Pause Mode FEED One label printed for each time pressed.
Unit 4: Configuration USER TEST PRINT MODE Figure 5-7 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for the user test print mode to be activated.
Unit 4: Configuration DEFAULT SETTING MODE Figure 5-8 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for default setting mode to be activated. Open Cover PRINT + POWER Default Settings Mode STATUS LED flashes orange, blinks green to begin process STATUS LED terminates when process complete Sleep Mode STATUS LED blinks at 2 second intervals when in sleep mode.
Unit 4: Configuration HEX DUMP MODE Figure 5-9 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for hex dump mode to be activated.
Unit 4: Configuration FACTORY CLEAR MODE Figure 5-10 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for factory clear mode to be activated.
Unit 4: Configuration FONT DOWNLOAD MODE A Flash ROM is used to internally store and delete font data and custom designed character data. The storage capacity for custom designed characters is a maximum of 95 for each type of 16 x 16, 22 x 22, and 24 x 24 dots. There are four transmission protocols for font download: (1) Download Font Storage, (2) Download Font Deletion, (3) Download Font Information Aquisition, (4) Storage CustomDesigned Character.
Unit 4: Configuration DOWNLOAD FONT REGISTRATION STATUS DESCRIPTION ACSII HEX TRANSFER Not Already Stored A 41 Printer to Host Already Stored B 42 Printer to Host Storage Area NG N 4E Printer to Host Store Font 0 30 Host to Printer Do Not Store Font 1 31 Host to Printer Ready For Storage Status O 4F Printer to Host Font Storage Completed Normally E 45 Printer to Host Font Storage Cancelled S 53 Printer to Host Font Storage Completed Abnormally Z 5A Printer to Host AC
Unit 4: Configuration PROGRAM DOWNLOAD MODE Figure 5-12 provides the specific sequence of events required by the operator, the printer, and the printer’s software for program download mode to be activated.
5 TROUBLESHOOTING This unit is provides assistance in identifying the route cause of inadequate performance or complete failure. Whereas simple instructions may be provided here for problem correction, their indepth procedures will most likely be found in the Adjustment Procdures or Replacement Procedures sections of this manual. ERROR SIGNALS STATUS LED Illuminated Red MODE RESOLUTION GUIDE After Power Input Program or flash ROM error. Replace flash ROM or reload program.
Unit 5: Troubleshooting SMEARED PRINT IMAGE Poor label quality. Use high quality direct thermal label stock. Foreign material on print head and platen Clean print head and platen roller. roller. Foreign material on labels. Use high quality label stock. Excessive print head energy. Adjust darkness control. Excessive print speed. Adjust speed as required. FUZZY PRINT IMAGE Heat too high. Adjust as required. NO LABEL MOVEMENT Loose or broken platen drive gears.
Unit 5: Troubleshooting • Ensure the data stream is correct (all letters of command codes are in upper case and without spaces). • Ensure the Baud rate, Parity, Data Bits, and Stop Bits are consistent with that of computer. Print a Configuration Test Label to determine the RS232 settings. • Ensure the printer is recieving from the computer using the Hex Dump Mode. Refer to that procedure for instructions.
6 MAINTENANCE This unit includes all of the operator approved maintenance activities. CLEANING PROCEDURES Cleaning of the printer is a necessary maintenance activity to ensure print quality and long printer life. There are two basic types of cleaning involved; the removal of loose debris and the removal of residue. Use a soft cloth and/or a pneumatic blower (pressurized air) to remove debris from the printer. This process should be performed prior to the removal of residue.
Unit 6: Maintenance 3 1 2 Figure 7-1, Platen Roller Replacement SATO MB200 Operator Manual PN 9001126A Page 6-2
7 ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES This section of the manual provides instruction of all printer operational adjustments. Adjustments for the MB200 printer are minimal. Almost all adjustments are electrical in nature due to self aligning and balancing design features. POSITION ADJUSTMENTS Adjustment Method Adjustment Description Factory Offset Switch DSW1-4 to the Off position, then adjust the VR3 potentiometer. Printer Setting Commands Use the programming command. Saves the values to the Flash ROM.
