USER GUIDE – DP-550 Mobile Label Printer
FCC Part 15 Class B This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Read all setup and operating instructions before proceeding with operation. Do not operate in an enclosure unless properly ventilated. Make sure no ventilation openings are blocked or obstructed, which may result in the printer overheating. Do not operate near a heat source. Lesen Sie vor der Inbetriebnahme die Aufbau- und Bedienungsanleitung. Betreiben Sie den Drucker nicht in einem kleinen, geschlossenen Raum, es sei denn dieser wird ordnungsgemäß belüftet.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Printer Operation .................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................1 Battery Installation and Charging .....................................................................................................................
Table of Contents Appendix F – Additional Setup Features .........................................................................................................41 Appendix G – Printer Setup Menu Summary..................................................................................................43 Appendix H – Mobile Setup Utility ...................................................................................................................47 Appendix I – Control Panel Setup......................
Printer Operation Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Dascom DP-550 Series Mobile Thermal Printer. The DP-550 Series offers a variety of configurations to suit any printing environment. All models support paper and labels up to 3.12 inches wide and include “black mark” sensing capabilities on the printed side. The DP-550LP also supports rear black mark sensing and label gap sensing.
Printer Operation Figure 1 - Printer Features Battery Installation and Charging Please refer to Figure 2 and insert the battery by sliding it into the battery compartment until the release lever on the battery “snaps” into place. Power Connector Release Lever Battery Indicator Figure 2 - Battery Installation and Power Connector The printer contains battery monitoring and charging circuitry so that the battery may be charged in the printer using an optional power adapter.
Printer Operation The printer’s battery status is displayed in the lower right corner of the front panel LCD Display. The status is displayed as a battery shape which indicates the relative capacity that remains as shown below. Fully Charged Discharged Leaving the adapter connected to the printer will cause the printer to continuously monitor the condition of the battery and keep the battery charged.
Printer Operation Refer to Figure 4 and locate the movable paper support. Move the support by pressing in the area indicated by the arrow and then locate the paper between the two supports and release the movable support. Note: Make sure the roll spins freely on the paper supports. Movable Support Fixed Support Figure 4 - Paper Support Refer to Figure 5 and unroll enough paper to allow it to lay through the print head as shown, and close the paper door.
Printer Operation Control Panel The DP-550 Series printers are designed for simple operation with an easy to use control panel. As shown in Figure 6, the control panel consists of an LCD Display, five indicators, and four pushbuttons.
Printer Operation Common Error Messages Check Paper This message is displayed and the Error Indicator flashes whenever the printer runs out of paper. This may also occur if there has been a paper jam that prevents paper from feeding into the print head. To clear the error, first clear the jam and/or install a new roll of paper. For information on how to replace the paper supply or to check for a possible jam, please refer to “Installing Paper” on page 3.
Printer Operation Performing A Printer Self Test To perform a self test, press and hold the Paper Feed button while turning the printer on with the Power Button until the printer displays “Printing Current Menu Values”, and then release the Paper Feed button. A sample self test printout is shown below.
Printer Operation Removing Printed Output In most cases, the host application program will issue a Form Feed that will eject the paper so that all the printed information is fed out of the printer and the receipt or label is ready to be torn off. If all the printing is not yet out of the printer and the host has finished sending data to the printer, the paper may be positioned for tearing by simply pressing the Paper Feed Button.
Printer Operation MCR Indicator Figure 8 - Using The Magnetic Card Reader If the card is read successfully, a short beep will sound, “Card Read Ok” will be displayed. If the card is not read successfully, a longer error tone will sound, “Card Not Read” will be displayed and the Error Indicator will begin to flash.
Printer Operation Unique DP-550 Features Dascom DP-550 Series printers support many unique features not found in other manufacturer’s printers. This includes multiple printer language emulations, generous logo storage capacity, downloadable fonts, and the ability to automatically print headers, footers, and promotional information. A brief description of some of these features follows. For more detailed information, please refer to the DP-5XX Programmer’s Manual.
Printer Operation Automatic Header and Promo Printing Graphic images stored in the printer as described above may be set to automatically print at either the beginning or end of each print job. Using the automatic header feature can allow the printer to print a logo at the beginning of each print job without requiring changes to application programs. Promos print at the end of each print job and can be used to print advertising “specials” or to print standard “boilerplate” information.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Cleaning In normal environments, the printer should be cleaned after printing a few rolls of paper or if there are voids in the printout. For optimum performance and life, you should clean the Print Head and Platen Roller whenever you load new paper. To clean the printer areas as described below, use a Thermal Head Cleaning Pen available from Dascom, or you may use cotton swabs moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Please refer to Figure 10 for the following instructions.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Battery Care Charging the Battery The printer’s battery is charged in the printer using an optional power adapter. Adapters are available for 100240VAC/50-60Hz and for 12/24VDC vehicle applications. Follow the steps listed below to charge the battery. An optional external four-bay charger is also available. • Plug the power adapter into a power source appropriate for the adapter being used. • Plug the power adapter into the power connector on the side of the printer.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Testing the Power Adapter and Battery To verify that the printer’s internal battery charger is functioning properly, perform the following steps. • Test the power adapter with a voltmeter to verify that its output voltage is 9 VDC. • Connect the power adapter to a power source and then connect it to the printer. • Verify that the printer’s Battery Indicator is illuminated. If illuminated, the charging circuit is functioning properly.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Troubleshooting When encountering problems, the cause may be the printer or may sometimes be due to other problems with your system. Please review the following tables to solve common problems you may encounter with your printer. You may also visit www.Dascom.com for additional “FAQ’s” that may assist you. If you are still unable to solve your problem, please contact the company where you purchased your printer since they are most familiar with your systems.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Other Problems Problem Printer will not turn on. Possible Cause Battery not installed properly. Printer turns itself off. Discharged battery. Auto Power Down is enabled. Battery discharged. Electrostatic discharge. Battery Indicator does not light or does not stay lit when power adapter is connected. Battery already fully charged. Power adapter not receiving power. Faulty power adapter. Battery not installed properly. Battery not charging.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Obtaining Service If service is required for your printer, please contact the company where you purchased your printer. If they are unable to assist you, contact Dascom Customer Service at 877-434-1377 to obtain the name of the nearest Dascom Authorized Service Center. If you wish to return your printer to Dascom for service, please contact Dascom Customer Service at 877-4341377 to obtain a Return Authorization Number.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration This section describes printer operating features that may be configured to allow DP-550 series printers to communicate and operate properly with your computer and applications. These items are grouped into logical groupings, or menus, as described below. Two methods are available to change the configuration of the printer.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration Image Management The items in the Image Management menu affect character size and appearance. The table below lists the items available, the values that may be selected, and the factory default value. Which setup method may be used to change values is indicated by a checkmark. Note that some of these settings may be overridden by the host application software. Following the tables are detailed descriptions of each setup item.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration Default Font Possible Values: 4.2 cpi SnsSrfA 16.9 cpi SnsSrfA 5.5 cpi SnsSrfA 16.9 cpi Courier* 10.2 cpi SnsSrfA 18.5 cpi SnsSrfA 10.7 cpi SnsSrfA 18.5 cpi Courier 12.7 cpi Courier 20.3 cpi SnsSrfA 13.5 cpi Courier 20.3 cpi Courier 14.5 cpi Courier 22.6 cpi Courier 15.6 cpi Courier 25.4 cpi Courier 34.0 cpi SnsSfrA Downloaded fonts are also displayed.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration Line Spacing Possible Values: 0 … 3* … 10 Lines When printing text, this item sets the amount of spacing to be placed between lines. The height of a complete line, or line pitch, is determined by adding the Line Spacing value to the vertical size of the current font. With Line Spacing set to the default value of “3” and using a font that is 23 rows high, the line pitch would be 3 + 23, or 26 dot rows. Since each dot row is 0.125mm, 26 x 0.125 yields a line pitch of 3.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration DEVICE SETTINGS Setup Method Menu Item Left Margin Right Margin Maximum Paper Speed Form Feed Control Form Feed Distance Top of Form Adjust Tear Adjust Mark Sensitivity Values 0 to 1.0244” 0 to 1.0244” 0.07 to 3.30 ips Front Mark, Back Mark*, Gap, Distance* 0.0394 to 2.5216” -0.2955 to 0.2955” -0.2955 to 0.3152” -10 to +10 Default Value Control Setup Panel Utility 0 0 3.30 ips Back Mark Distance 1.2608” 0.0000” 0.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration Form Feed Distance Possible Values: 0.0394” … 1.2608”* … 2.5216” Note: This item is only available when Form Feed Control is set to “Distance”. This item sets the distance that paper is to be moved whenever the user presses the Form Feed character is received from a host system. Paper Feed Button or a Top of Form Adjust Possible Values: -0.2955 … 0* … +0.2955” Note: This item is not available when Form Feed Control is set to “Distance”.
Appendix A – Printer Configuration ADVANCED Setup Method Menu Item Values Auto Power Down Print Header Print Promotion Reprint Mode Off, 1-15 Minute Delay No, Yes, Not Loaded No, Yes, Not Loaded Disabled, Enabled MCR Method MCR Data Always On, Host Request 1 Track, 2 Track, 3 Track Default Value Control Setup Panel Utility Off Not Loaded Not Loaded Disabled 9 9 9 Host Request 1 Track 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Auto Power Down Possible Values: Off*, 1 Minute Delay … 15 Minute Delay This item sets whether th
Appendix A – Printer Configuration This item sets whether the printer will attempt to reprint the current print job after a paper fault is corrected. MCR Method Possible Values: Always On, Host Request* Note: This item is only available when using the Mobile Setup Utility. This item sets whether the MCR is enabled only when a host request is received, or if it is enabled at all times. When used in the Host Request mode, the host system sends a request to the DP-550 to enable the Magnetic Card Reader.
Appendix B – Using the Serial/USB Interface Overview Every DP-550 is equipped with a Serial Interface. Optional cables are available to provide RS-232C or USB connectivity. The serial interface is provided using an “RJ” type connector located on the left side of the printer. The connector pin assignments are shown below.
Appendix B – Using the Serial/USB Interface Selecting the Serial/USB Interface & Printing the Configuration In order to use the Serial interface, it must be the currently “selected” interface. If your printer does not have an optional IrDA®, Bluetooth®, or Wi-Fi® interface installed, the Serial interface will always be selected.
Appendix B – Using the Serial/USB Interface INTERFACE MENU – Serial Selected Menu Item Emulation Baud Rate Parity Data Bits Stop Bits XON/XOFF ETX/ACK RTS/CTS Values Printek, Oneil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL, MPL, IPL, ESim, HexDump 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 None, Even, Odd 7, 8 1, 2 On, Off On, Off On, Off Setup Method Default Value Control Setup Panel Utility 9 9 CPCL 57600 None 8 1 Off Off On 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Emulation Possible Values: Dascom*, O’Neil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL, MPL, IPL, ESim, Hex Dump
Appendix B – Using the Serial/USB Interface XON/XOFF Possible Values: Off*, On This item enables or disables the XON/XOFF (DC1/DC3) character handshaking method used to control data flow from the host system to the printer. When enabled, an XOFF character will be sent by the printer whenever the printer’s input buffer is nearly full. An XON character will be sent whenever the printer’s input buffer becomes nearly empty or if the control panel Setup Mode has been exited.
Appendix C – Using the IrDA® Interface Overview In addition to the standard Serial interface, your DP-550 may be equipped with an optional IrDA® interface. To determine if this interface is installed in your printer, you may look at the model description on the serial number label on the back of the printer. You may also refer to “Performing A Printer Self Test” on Page 7. The IrDA interface uses infrared light to provide a cable free, short range interface.
Appendix C – Using the IrDA® Interface 3. To select the IrDA interface, press and hold the Enter Button until the following is displayed. Interface Now IrDA 4. To obtain the current parameter settings for the IrDA interface, press and hold the the following is displayed. You may ignore any information on the bottom line.
Appendix D – Using the Bluetooth® Interface Overview In addition to the standard Serial interface, your DP-550 may be equipped with an optional Bluetooth® interface. To determine if this interface is installed in your printer, you may look at the model description on the serial number label on the back of the printer. You may also refer to “Performing A Printer Self Test” on page 7. The DP-550 Bluetooth interface acts as a “serial port adapter” operating as a “server”.
Appendix D – Using the Bluetooth® Interface Bluetooth® Interface Configuration When using Bluetooth® communications, the interface parameters set in the printer must match settings in the host computer. The table below lists the menu items available, the values that may be selected, and the factory default value. Following the table are detailed descriptions of each setup item. In the detailed descriptions an asterisk (*) indicates the factory default value.
Appendix D – Using the Bluetooth® Interface Pairing Mode Possible Values: Paired*, Unpaired This item allows Bluetooth pairing to occur between the printer and the connecting device whenever Security is required by either device. Pairing requires that the PIN on the printer and the connecting exactly match each other. Role Policy Possible Values: Defer*, Master Note that this item is only available in firmware version 2.8 or later.
Appendix D – Using the Bluetooth® Interface Address Possible Values: Twelve digit hexadecimal string. This item displays the unique hardware value associated with the particular Bluetooth interface installed in the printer. This value is set by the hardware manufacturer, is guaranteed to be unique for each interface, and may not be changed.
Appendix E – Using the Wi-Fi® Interface Overview In addition to the standard Serial interface, your DP-550 may be equipped with an optional Wi-Fi®, IEEE 802.11a/b/g interface. To determine if this interface in installed in your printer, you may look at the model description on the serial number label on the back of the printer. You may also refer to “Performing A Printer Self Test” on Page 7.
Appendix E – Using the Wi-Fi® Interface Wi-Fi® Interface Configuration When using Wi-Fi® communications, the interface parameters set in the printer must match settings in the host computer or network access point. The table below lists the menu items available, the values that may be selected, and the factory default value. Following the table are detailed descriptions of each setup item. In the detailed descriptions an asterisk (*) indicates the factory default value.
Appendix E – Using the Wi-Fi® Interface INTERFACE MENU – Wi-Fi Selected Menu Item Emulation Pass Through Mode SSID Type Channel Encryption Authentication Auth Protocol Use WEP Key # IP Method Address Subnet Gateway Printer Server Port Advanced Features Values Printek, O’Neil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL, MPL, IPL, ESim, Hex Dump On, Off Access Point, Ad Hoc WEP 64, WEP 128, WPA, Open Open PSK, Shared PSK, PSK, Leap PAP, MS-CHAP v2 Setup Method Default Value Control Setup Web Panel Utility Page 9 9 CPCL Off Any Ad
Appendix F – Additional Setup Features An additional security menu is available for system administrators who prefer to “lock out” operator changes to other setup menus. This method of security can be set independently for the each of the menus. To access the Security menu, you must press and hold the Increment Button (not the Enter Button) while turning the printer on. Once Setup is entered, press the Enter Button to advance through the menus that may be controlled as listed in the table below.
Appendix G – Printer Setup Menu Summary INTERFACE MENU – Serial Selected Menu Item Emulation Baud Rate Parity Data Bits Stop Bits XON/XOFF ETX/ACK RTS/CTS Values Printek, Oneil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL, MPL, IPL, ESim, HexDump 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600 None, Even, Odd 7, 8 1, 2 On, Off On, Off On, Off Setup Method Default Value Control Setup Panel Utility 9 9 CPCL 57600 None 8 1 Off Off On 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 INTERFACE MENU – IrDA Selected Menu Item Emulation Values Printek, Oneil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL
Appendix G – Printer Setup Menu Summary INTERFACE MENU – Wi-Fi Selected Menu Item Emulation Pass Through Mode SSID Type Channel Encryption Authentication Auth Protocol Use WEP Key # IP Method Address Subnet Gateway Printer Server Port Advanced Features Values Printek, O’Neil, ZPL-II, Mt3, CPCL, MPL, IPL, ESim, Hex Dump On, Off Access Point, Ad Hoc WEP 64, WEP 128, WPA, Open Open PSK, Shared PSK, PSK, Leap PAP, MS-CHAP v2 Setup Method Default Value Control Setup Web Panel Utility Page 9 9 CPCL Off Any Ad
Appendix G – Printer Setup Menu Summary DEVICE SETTINGS Setup Method Menu Item Left Margin Right Margin Maximum Paper Speed Form Feed Control Form Feed Distance Top of Form Adjust Tear Adjust Mark Sensitivity Values 0 to 1.0244” 0 to 1.0244” 0.07 to 3.30 ips Front Mark, Back Mark*, Gap, Distance* 0.0394 to 2.5216” -0.2955 to 0.2955” -0.2955 to 0.3152” -10 to +10 Default Value Control Setup Panel Utility 0 0 3.30 ips Back Mark Distance 1.2608” 0.0000” 0.
Appendix H – Mobile Setup Utility This utility should be part of your Developer’s CD. It can also be obtained by contacting Dascom Technical Support. How to use: First, you must configure your communication parameters by clicking the 'Help and Options' button. Navigate using the arrow keys (on a keyboard), or the directional-pad (on a Windows Mobile Device). Most settings can be incremented or decremented using the Left and Right keys.
Appendix I – Control Panel Setup Control Panel Setup allows the user to configure most features of the DP-550. Some items may require using the Dascom Mobile Setup Utility described in Appendix H. The list below describes where in this manual you may find detailed information for each of the setup menus. Each section begins with a summary table which describes which setup method(s) may be used.
Appendix I – Control Panel Setup Entering Setup To enter Setup, press and hold the Enter Button while turning on the printer with the Power Button. Continue to hold the Enter Button until “Menus Active” appears on the LCD Display. After releasing the Enter Button, “Entering Setup Menus” will be displayed momentarily before advancing to the “FORMAT MENU”. While in Setup Mode, the power indicator will blink slowly.
Appendix I – Control Panel Setup Control Panel Setup Examples The following examples provide step-by-step instructions for changing parameters from the factory default values. Example: Changing Print Contrast and the Default Font This example shows the steps required to change the print contrast from 0 to +10, and then continue on to change the font selection from 16.9 cpi Courier to 18.5 cpi Courier. Note that either of these values may be overridden by your software application.
Appendix I – Control Panel Setup Example: Changing the Serial Interface Baud Rate This example shows the steps required to change the serial baud rate from 57600 to 38400. 1. Make sure the printer is turned off. 2. Hold the Enter Button and turn the printer on with the Power Button. Hold the Enter Button until “Menus Active” is displayed. 3.
Appendix J - Power Considerations DP-550 printers are designed to provide superior output using as little power as necessary. This provides the longest possible battery life. The printers may also be operated from an external power adapter when used in a more permanent installation in a vehicle or office. The following discussions indicate how the printer accomplishes this power conservation using items such as Standby and Auto Power Down.
Appendix K – Print & Font Samples Print Samples 55
Appendix K – Print & Font Samples Courier Font With International Extended Character Set Courier Font PC Line Drawing Extended Character Set 56
Appendix K – Print & Font Samples Sans Serif Font 57
Appendix L – Specifications Printer Specifications Printing Specifications Printing Method: Printing Resolution: Printing Width: Direct Thermal, Up To 3.3 Inches Per Second (2.3 ips in LP models) 203 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) 576 Printing Elements for up to 2.84″ (7.
Appendix L – Specifications Power Management Battery: Endurance: Internal Charging: Battery Free Operation: 7.4 V, 2200mAH rechargeable 2 cell Lithium Ion (Not in DP-550si models) 500 pages or more than 3500 printed inches per charge (except Wi-Fi) 2 hours (requires optional power adapter). Printer may be used while charging. DP-550 models may be used with only optional external power adapter, 100240VAC 50/60Hz, or 12-24 VDC vehicle adapter.
Appendix L – Specifications Regulatory Approvals Approvals/Markings: FCC Class B CE Mark UL listed AC Adapters E-mark on In-Vehicle Adapters RoHS Compliant Warranty Printer: One year including print head and battery. Paper Specifications Receipt Paper General Specifications: Approved Vendors: 0.0022 to 0.0065” (0.056 to 0.089mm) Thick Black Mark Sensing On Printed Side 2.00 to 3.12” (50.8 to 79.25mm)Wide 0.75”/1.00” (19/25mm) Inside Diameter Core 2.625” (66.
Appendix L – Specifications Black Mark Position The vertical position of a Black Mark is dependent on the application program that will be used to search for and print relative to the mark. The following diagram shows the optimum position when seeking the Black Mark at the beginning of a print job and will require little, if any, reverse paper motion. The Black Mark must be printed on the front side of the paper for the DP-550.
Appendix L – Specifications Supplies and Accessories Supplies Battery: Receipt Paper: 7.4V, 2200 mAH Li-Ion Available separately or in 5 or 20 packs. 3.125” Width * Available in cases of 36. * Other sizes available on request.
Glossary of Terms 802.11 Wireless networking communication standards created by IEEE. access point An interface between a wireless network and a wired network. Ad-Hoc A Wi-Fi network consisting of only stations (no access point). Same as Peerto-Peer. ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. authentication The process a Wi-Fi station uses to identify itself to another station. bandwidth The amount of data that be transferred in a given period of time.
Glossary IP Internet Protocol. A specification for packets, or datagrams, of data and an addressing method to allow the exchange of data with another system. Must be combined with another protocol such as TCP to create a complete connection with the other system. LAN Local Area Network. LCD Liquid crystal display. LED Light emitting diode. line pitch The vertical spacing of rows of characters. Measured in lpi. lpi Lines per inch.
