Argox Information Co MP32001 Mobile Printer User Manual
Argox Information Co Ltd Mobile Printer
Users Manual
1
AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
AME-2230B
AME-3230B
MOBILE PRINTERS
USER’S MANUAL
December 29, 2009
Revision 1.0
Website: http://www.argox.com
Address: 7F, No 126, Lane 235, Pao-Chiao Rd., Hsin Tien, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Ar
g
ox Information Co., Ltd
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Proprietary Statement....................................................... 4
Safety................................................................................. 6
Getting Started.................................................................. 7
Unpacking Printer............................................................ 7
Package Contents........................................................ 8
Printer Overview.............................................................. 9
Battery........................................................................... 10
Installing the Battery................................................... 10
Charging the Battery .................................................. 13
Battery & Power Notifications..................................... 14
Loading Media............................................................... 15
Wearing Belt Strap ........................................................ 18
Controls & Connections................................................. 23
Self-Test before Connecting.......................................... 23
Printer Controls and Indicators...................................... 24
Smart Battery Power Management ............................... 26
Connecting the Printer................................................... 27
Drivers & Software ........................................................ 29
Troubleshooting.............................................................. 30
Printer Status Indications............................................... 30
Performing Calibration................................................... 32
Printing a Configuration Report..................................... 32
Printer Maintenance ....................................................... 35
Print Head Maintenance Guide ..................................... 35
Cleaning the Media Sensor:.......................................... 36
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Specifications..................................................................37
General Specifications...................................................37
Interface Specifications..................................................39
Serial Interface:...........................................................39
USB Interface: ............................................................40
Bluetooth Interface:.....................................................40
IrDA (Infrared) Interface: .............................................41
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information Co., Ltd. It is
intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the
equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used,
reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the
expressed written permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Argox Information Co., Ltd. All
specifications and signs are subject to change without notice.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into a different outlet on a different circuit.
Consult the dealer or an experience Radio/TV technician for help.
This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables
must be used with the unit to insure compliance. The user is cautioned that any
changes or modifications not expressly approved by Argox Information Co., Ltd.
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Liability Disclaimer
Argox Information Co., Ltd. takes steps to assure that the company’s published
engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Argox
Information Co., Ltd. reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any
resulting liability. In no event shall Argox Information Co., Ltd. or anyone else
involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product
(including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of
business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results
of use of or inability to use such product, even if Argox Information Co., Ltd. has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
RF exposure warning
·
The equipment complies with FCC RF exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment.
The equipment must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Safety
Supplemental Information: This device complies with the requirement
of FCC Part 15 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 ma
y
cause undesired o
p
eration.
Please only use adapters with the following electrical characteristics and
are certified by current legislation. Using other adapters may damage the
device and void the warranty also cause risks to the user.
Specifications Input: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1.0 A
F
eatu
r
es
Output
:
9
VD
C
,
1.
5
A
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product
conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022:2006+A1:2007, class A
EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003
EN 301489-1/-17
EN 300328
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications which not recommended by Argox
Information Co. Ltd. could result in the loss of the user's authority to operate the equipment.
To ensure compliance, the users must use accessories and peripherals which approved by
A
rgox Information Co. Ltd.
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:
This device complies with Industry Canada ICES-003 class A requirements.
Cet equipement est conforme a ICES-003 classe A de la norm Industrielle
Canadian.
A
rgox Information Co., Ltd certifies that the following products and/or
components are compliant with the current requirements of the European
Union Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive,
2002/95/EC.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Getting Started
Congratulations on choosing AME-3230 & AME-3230B mobile printer
series, made by Argox Information Co., a leader in the world-wide
barcode industry. AME-2230B and AME-3230B are ideally designed
to easily bring more efficiency for your business. This manual will help
you get to know your new printer and provide sufficient information
needed.
Unpacking Printer
After receiving your printer, please check for possible shipping
damage:
Inspect the outside of both the box and the printer for possible
damage.
1. Open the top cover of the printer to see if the media
compartments are in order.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
2. Check whether you have received the following accessories
together with the printer. If there are is any item missing,
please contact your local dealer.
Package Contents
Printer
Power Supply
Battery
Belt Strap & Screw
Note: If shipping damage has been discovered, contact you
r
shipping company immediately to file a claim.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Sample Media
Media Shield
CD Rom
Printhead Cleaning Pen
Quick Guide
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Printer Overview
Power Switch
Feed Button
Communication
LED
Power LED
Battery LED
Media LED
USB/ RS-232 Port
Battery Charging
Receptacle
Latch Release Button
Platen Rolle
r
Media
Senso
r
Media Cover
Print Head
IrDA
Window
Media Shield
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Battery
Each printer package contains one battery pack. Printer power is only
supplied by the battery; printer cannot work while battery is not
installed, even if the Power Supply is connected. You must fully
charge the battery before using the printer for the first time.
Installing the Battery
1. To release the Battery Cover, rotate the Battery Cover Latch 1/4
turn to the left, as shown below:
Battery Cover
Battery Cover Latch
90°
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
2. Remove the Battery Cover; install the Battery Pack into printer:
3. Re-install the Battery Cover; rotate the Battery Cover Latch
1/4 turn to the right to lock up:
90°
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Charging the Battery
1. After installing the Battery Pack, connect the Power Supply’s
Power Jack into printer’s Battery Charging Receptacle.
2. Then plug the Power Supply into the AC wall receptacle. Printer’s
Battery LED will remain yellow during charging.
Battery Charging
Receptacle
Power
Suppl
y
Power Jac
k
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
3. The battery will be fast charged; after about 3.5 hours (210
minutes), the Battery LED will be off to remind battery is fully
charged and ready for use.
Battery & Power Notifications
1. Do not disassemble the Battery Pack, in case of malfunction.
2. Keep the Battery Pack and printer away from fire, liquids, and
conductive material to avoid possible damage and danger.
3. Be sure to use the Power Supply and Battery Pack provided or
approved by Argox.
4. Any damage caused by abnormal use will void the warranty.
Note: Operating the printer during charging will increase
charging time. Wait until battery is fully charged to
o
p
erate the
p
rinter.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Loading Media
1. Press the Latch Release Button on printer to automatically open
the Media Cover:
2. Place the media supply roll into the Media Compartment. Make
sure media supply unwinds near Print Head, as in the direction
shown below:
Print Head
Latch Release Button
Media
Compartment
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
3. For media supply rolls with width less than 3 inches:
Load media supply first, and then align media supply roll to the
right end for correct detection of Media Sensor:
4. Install the Media Shield into Media Compartment, and lean
closely against the media supply roll:
Media Sensor
Media Shield
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
5. Pull a short length of media out of the printer. Close the Media
Cover and press to properly latch until you hear a click:
6. Tearing Media:
To tear media, pull the media edge against the Tear Bar as in the
direction below:
Media Cover
Tear Bar
Tear Direction
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Wearing Belt Strap
Considering convenience of operators, the Belt Strap design is easy
to use and quick to install, as a standard feature of Argox AME-2230B
and AME-3230B:
1. Prepare the Belt Strap and the Screw.
Find the Knob located at the printer bottom, right above the
Battery Cover:
Belt Strap
Screw
Knob
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
2. Attach the Belt Strap onto the Knob.
Notice the exterior surface of Belt Strap should face toward you:
Knob
Belt Strap
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
3. Insert the Screw onto the Knob, through the Belt Strap, and
tighten clock-wise until it is fully secured:
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
4. Now that printer has been attached with the Belt Strap, place top
of the Belt Strap over your belt:
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
5. Pull down top of the Belt Strap to fix onto the lock:
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Controls & Connections
Self-Test before Connecting
After the Battery is charged and media is loaded, and before
connecting the printer to a computer or a portable data terminal,
perform a printer self-test label to verify if printer works properly:
Printing a Self-Test Label
Press the Power Switch to turn off the printer.
Make sure the Battery is installed, and media is loaded.
Press and hold the Feed Button, and then press the Power
Switch to turn on the printer.
After printer starts to print, release the Feed Button.
Wait until printer finishes printing, press the Power Switch or
Feed Button to resume the normal printing mode.
Note: To know more about info on self-test printouts, check
Page 30. Troubleshooting – Printing a Configuration Report
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Printer Controls and Indicators
The printer’s controls and indicators are shown in the diagram below:
Feed Button:
1. Pressing this button during printing will make printer pause.
2. To feed a blank label.
Power Switch: Turn ON/OFF the printer.
Power LED
Battery LED
Media LED
Communication
LED
Power Switch
Feed Button
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
The following table explains control and indicator functions to help
understanding LED indications and printer status:
Printer
Status
Power
LED
(Green)
Battery
LED
(Green
& Red)
Media
LED
(Orange)
Communication
LED (Blue)
Beep
Power On ON
Power Off
Media Out ON Blinking
Bluetooth
Connection
ON ON Beep
x1
IrDA
Connection
ON Beep
x2
RS232
Connection
ON Beep
x3
Charger
Connected
ON
(Green)
Battery Low
ON Blinking
slowly
(Red)
Battery Out
(printer will
power off)
ON Blinking
fast
(Red)
Beep
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Smart Battery Power Management
The AME-3230B mobile printer is equipped with a Li-ion battery
pack (7.4V 2200mAH). With the Smart Battery Power Management
function, AME-2230B and AME-3230B are able to monitor and
automatically remind operators of different battery power status:
Battery
Power
Status
Printer’s Indications
100% Battery LED remains on
10%
Battery LED blinks slowly
(Reminder:
battery power will be 5% in about 30-60minutes))
5%
Battery LED blinks + warning beeps
(Reminder:
battery power will be 0% in about 30-60minutes)
0% printer suspends printing
(some minor power remains)
Note:
1. If the standby duration exceeds 3 minutes, printer will turn off
automatically, in order to decrease power consumption.
2. The standby duration is changeable, to be set by operators;
printer’s default standby duration is 3 minutes.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Connecting the Printer
The interfaces of AME-3230 AME-2230 include RS-232, USB(2.0),
and IrDA.
The interfaces of AME-3230B AME-2230Binclude RS-232, USB(2.0),
IrDA, and Bluetooth 2.0.
USB and RS-232 communication cables are optional accessories.
USB & RS-232 Communications:
No additional setups are required for cable communications.
USB:
Once USB cable is connected, printer will detect
automatically and link to host, without emitting beeps.
RS-232:
When printer is off and RS-232 cable gets connected,
printer will emit 3 beeps and automatically switches to
RS-232 mode. Next time when printer is turned on, with
RS-232 cable remained, printer will emit 1 beep
(Bluetooth mode), and then 3 beeps to indicate RS-232
mode.
When RS-232 cable is disconnected, printer will emit 1
Note: Turn off the printer before connecting or disconnecting USB
or RS-232 interface cables
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
beep and switch back to Bluetooth mode.
Bluetooth & IrDA Communications:
The default communication mode of AME-3230B is Bluetooth.
What follows will explain how to switch between Bluetooth and
IrDA modes.
IrDA:
When printer is in Bluetooth mode, if you press and hold
the Feed Button, printer will switch to IrDA mode, while
emitting 2 beeps.
Bluetooth:
When printer is in IrDA mode, if you press and hold the
Feed Button, printer will switch to Bluetooth mode, while
emitting 1 beep.
As long as printer is in Bluetooth mode, the Communication
Indicator will always remain blue, whether Bluetooth connection
to host is linked or unlinked.
Note: The Communication Indicator will blink blue, during data
transmission via all interfaces – Bluetooth, IrDA, RS-232,
and USB.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Drivers & Software
AME-2230B and AME-3230B are bundled with their smart
printer drivers. By means of this, users can easily print a receipt
or label within any Windows applications, e.g. Microsoft Word,
labeling software like Bartender, .etc, in operation systems
including Windows 2000/ XP/ Vista/ Windows 7.
The AME- 2230B and AME-3230B drivers and Bartender
labeling software are available via Argox CD-Rom included in
the printer package.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Troubleshooting
Normally, when the printer is in not working properly, the "Power"
LED blinks continuously; while printing and communication between
the host and printer stops.
Printer Status Indications
Printer status and error indications are displayed via LED
indicators. Generally, when a malfunction or an abnormal
condition is detected, the ERROR LED will blink.
The table below shows the LED indications corresponding to
various errors:
Status Blinking LED
PAUSE POWER LED blinking
Possible Symptom & Solution
The printer is at the PAUSE status.
Press FEED button to return to normal printing mode.
Status Blinking LED
MEDIA OUT MEDIA LED blinking
Possible Symptom & Solution
1. The media is not installed or used up.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
2. Printer fails to detect the media gaps/ black-marks.
Status Blinking LED
SERIAL I/O ERROR POWER LED blinking
Possible Symptom & Solution
The format or baud rate of the RS232 communication is
inconsistent between the printer and host.
Status Blinking LED
MEMORY FULL POWER LED blinking
Possible Symptom & Solution
The printer memory buffer is fully loaded by downloadable soft
fonts, graphics or forms.
Check the format & size of stored data with available memory
size or call for service.
Status Blinking LED
Print Head overheated POWER LED blinking
Possible Symptom & Solution
Printer enters the PAUSE status to wait print head to cool down;
printer will resume printing tasks when it is ready.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Performing Calibration
If labels with gaps / black-marks are in use, perform media calibration
before printing, to make printer index correctly.
1. Properly install labels.
2. Power off the printer.
3. Press and Hold the FEED button then turn on power; do not
release the button until printer starts to feed labels.
4. Afterwards, press FEED button once or twice to check if
labels get correctly indexed.
Printing a Configuration Report
The Configuration report, or called Self-Test report, can works as a
printer diagnosis tool. Steps to print a Configuration report are listed
as below:
1. Press the Power Switch to turn off the printer.
2. Make sure the Battery is installed, and media is loaded.
3. Press and hold the Feed Button, and then press the Power
Switch to turn on the printer.
4. After printer starts to print, release the Feed Button.
5. Wait until printer finishes printing, press the Power Switch or
Feed Button to resume the normal printing mode.
Note: You must always carry out calibration when changing
media. Failure to do so will result in improper
detection b
y
the label sensor.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Sample printout of Configuration (Self-Test):
Firmware Version Firmware version
Flash memory capacit
y
RS-232 parameters
Standby duration (in minutes)
Bluetooth PIN code
Media type setting
Printed label length
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Internal fonts
Print Head test
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Printer Maintenance
Print Head Maintenance Guide
To keep the Print Head remain in the best conditions and efficiency
and to extend duration for use, regular cleaning action is needed:
1. Cleaning Interval:
It’s strongly recommended to regularly clean print heads at least
when changing every one label roll (in direct thermal printing
mode). In addition, if printers are operated under critical
applications and environments, or if it’s found that print quality is
degraded, please clean print heads more frequently.
2. Cleaning Material:
Surface of print head’s heating element is very fragile. To
prevent from any possible damage, please use the Printhead
Cleaning Pen in printer package, or soft cloth/ cotton buds with
“Ethanol” or “industry alcohol” to clean print head surface.
It’s strongly recommended to wear hand gloves during cleaning
progress.
Do not touch print head surface by bare hands or with any hard
equipment.
Water or spit should be kept away in case of corrosion on heating
elements.
Note: Always switch off printer power before cleaning.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
3. Cleaning Direction:
When cleaning the print head, always wipe in One-Way Direction
- from Left to Right only, or, from Right to Left only, to clean
“Heating Line” of print head gently without excessive stress.
Do not wipe back and forth, to avoid dust or dirt on cleaning
cotton would be attached onto print head again.
Cleaning the Media Sensor:
Debris or dirt on the Media Sensor can cause a miss-read or unstable
detection to index label gaps/ black-marks. Clean the Media Sensor
properly with a cotton bud dampened with alcohol.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Specifications
General Specifications
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Specifications AME-3230 (3”)
AME-2230 (2”)
AME-3230B(3”)
AME-2230B(2”)
Printing
Method Direct Thermal
Printing
Resolution 203 dpi(8 dots/mm)
Printing Speed 2~ 3ips(51~76mm/s)
Printing Length 40”(1016mm)
Printing Width AME-3230B 2.8" (72mm)
AME-2230B 2" (54mm)
Memory 8MB DRAM(6MB User available),
4MB Flash ROM(2MB User available)
CPU Type 32 bit RISC microprocessor
Media Sensor Media gap/black line sensor, Paper end sensor,
Open cover sensor
Operation
Interface
LED indicator x 4
(Power status/Battery/Media/Communication),
Button x 2(Power/Feed)
Communication
Interface RS-232, USB(2.0), IrDA RS-232, USB(2.0), IrDA,
Bluetooth 2.0
Fonts
Internal character sets standard
5 alpha-numeric fonts from 0.049”H ~ 0.23” H
(1.25mm ~ 6.0mm)
All fonts are expandable up to 24x24
4 direction 0 ~ 270 rotation
Ability to print any Windows True Type font easily
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
Interface Specifications
Serial Interface:
RS-232C port with a mini-type 10-pin convertor.
Flow Control mechanism is either RTS/CTS or X-on/X-off (control
characters are DC2 and DC4).
Programmable parameters are listed as below:
Speed: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, 115200 bauds
Parity: Odd, Even or None.
Data Bits: 7 or 8 bits.
Stop Bit(s): 1 or 2 bits.
Factory Default Parameters: 9600 bauds, no parity,
8 data bits, 1 stop bit.
Pin Signal Description
3 Transmitted Data,
TxD Output. Serial “Transmitted Data”.
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
5 Received Data,
RxD Input. Serial “Received Data”
7 Request to Send,
RTS
Output. Used as the control
signal for “H/W Flow Control “
9 Clear to Send,
CTS
Input. Used as the control signal
for “H/W Flow Control”
10 GND Signal ground
USB Interface:
This port complies with USB 2.0 Full-Speed communication.
The USB interface is a mini-type USB 10-pin convertor.
Pin Signal Description
2 VBUS 5V
4 D - Differential data signaling pair -
6 D + Differential data signaling pair +
10 GND Ground
Bluetooth Interface:
Bluetooth version: 2.0
Communication range: 10 meters
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AME-2230B & AME-3230B User’s Manual
IrDA (Infrared) Interface:
IrDA version: 1.0
Communication zone:
Printer
Printer