Ct_a_cov.chp CT 400 User Guide
User Manual: CT 400
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® CT 400 and CT410 Desk Top Printers Operator and Technical Reference Manual PN 9001069 Preliminary SATO America, Inc. 545 Weddell Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Main Phone: (408) 745-1300 Tech Support Hotline: (408) 745-1379 Fax: (408) 745-1309 www.satoamerica.com © Copyright 2000 SATO America, Inc. Warning: This equipment complies with the requirements in Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class A computing device. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception requiring the operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference. 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. The materials in this document is provided for general information and is subject to change without notice. SATO America, Inc. assumes no responibilities for any errors that may appear. SATO CL Series Printers Preliminary PN 9001035 PREFACE CT SERIES PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL The CT Series Printer Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the printer such as setup, installation, cleaning and maintenance. It also contains complete instructions on how to use the operator panel to configure the printer. The following is a brief description of each section in this manual. SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW This section contains a discussion of the printer specifications and optional features. SECTION 2. INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION This section contains instructions on how to unpack and set up the printer, load the labels and ribbon, and how to use the operator panel to configure the printer. SECTION 3. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE This section contains instructions on how to clean and maintain the printer. SECTION 4. PROGRAMMING This section introduces the SATO printer programming language. It contains the commands that are used with the printer to produce labels with bar codes, alphanumeric data and graphics. SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS This section contains the printer’s interface specifications, which include detailed information on how to properly interface your printer to the host system. SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING This section contains troubleshooting procedures to follow in the event you have printer problems. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page - i Preface APPENDICES Page - ii APPENDIX A: Command Code Quick Reference APPENDIX B: Bar Code Specifications APPENDIX C: Custom Characters and Graphics 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Preface TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW Introduction . . . . . . . . . General Printer Specifications Character Fonts . . . . . . . . Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-2 1-4 1-5 1-6 1-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 2-2 2-3 2-5 2-7 2-10 2-11 2-12 2-13 2-16 2-16 2-19 2-20 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers Replacing the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 3-1 3-1 3-1 3-2 3-2 3-3 3-5 SECTION 2. INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION Introduction . . . . . . . . . . Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Up the Printer . . . . . Loading Ribbon (CT4XXTT Only) Loading Media . . . . . . . . . Label Sensing . . . . . . . . . . Operator Panel . . . . . . . . . Rear Connector Panel . . . . . . Configuration Panel . . . . . . . Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potentiometer Adjustments . . . Hex Dump Diagnostic Label . . Print Test Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SECTION 3. CTEANING AND MAINTENANCE SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page - iii Preface SECTION 4. PROGRAMMING Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The SATO CT Programming Language . . . Protocol Control Codes . . . . . . . . . . . Using Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rotated Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Command Default Settings . . . . . . . . . Command Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar Codes, Expansion . . . . . . . . . . Bar Codes, Variable Ratio . . . . . . . . Base Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . Characters, Custom Designed . . . . . . Character Expansion . . . . . . . . . . Character, Fixed Spacing . . . . . . . . Character Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . Character, Proportional Spacing . . . . Clear Print Job(s) and Memory . . . . . Continuous Forms Printing . . . . . . . Copy Image Area . . . . . . . . . . . . Cut Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cut Last . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fonts, U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS and XM Font/Graphic Recall . . . . . . . . . . Font, Raster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fonts, Vector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fonts, WB,WL, XB and XL . . . . . . . Form Overlay Recall . . . . . . . . . . Form Overlay Store . . . . . . . . . . . Graphics, Custom . . . . . . . . . . . . Job ID Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Journal Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lines and Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . Job Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Label/Tag Select . . . . . . . . . . . . Line Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Off-Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Quantity . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repeat Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replace Data (Partial Edit) . . . . . . . Reverse Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point . . . Page - iv 9001069 Preliminary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 4-1 4-2 4-2 4-4 4-6 4-6 4-6 4-9 4-14 4-15 4-17 4-29 4-21 4-23 4-24 4-26 4-27 4-28 4-29 4-31 4-32 4-33 4-34 4-36 4-37 4-38 4-40 4-42 4-43 4-44 4-46 4-47 4-48 4-50 4-51 4-52 4-54 4-55 4-56 4-57 4-58 4-60 4-61 4-62 4-63 4-65 4-67 SATO CT Series Printers Preface Sequential Numbering . . . . . . . . Start/Stop Label . . . . . . . . . . . Two-Dimensional Symbols . . . . . . Data Matrix, Data Format . . . . . Data Matrix, Data Print . . . . . . Dat Matrix Sequential Numbering Maxicode . . . . . . . . . . . . . PDF417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printer Configuration Commands . . . Protocol Codes . . . . . . . . . . Printer Setting . . . . . . . . . . Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pitch Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . Sensor Type . . . . . . . . . . . . Serial Interface Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68 4-70 4-71 4-72 4-74 4-75 4-77 4-79 4-81 4-82 4-83 4-86 4-87 4-88 4-89 4-90 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interface Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Receive Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS232C Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . Optional RS232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ready/Busy Flow Control . . . . . . . . . X-On/X-Off Flow Control . . . . . . . . . Optional Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface Optional Local Area Network Interface . . . . Bi-Directional Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 5-1 5-2 5-3 5-3 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-5 5-6 5-57 5-7 5-8 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1 . 6-1 . 6-3 . 6-4 SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING Initial Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface Using the RS232C Serial Interface . . Error Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page - v Preface APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Command Code Quick Reference APPENDIX B: Bar Code Specifications Bar Code Symbologies . . . . . . . . . Codabar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interleaved Two of Five (I 2/5) . . . UPC-A/EAN-13 . . . . . . . . . . . EAN-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial Two of Five . . . . . . . Matrix Two of Five . . . . . . . . . Code 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code 93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UPC-E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplements) UCC-128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maxicode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PDF417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code 128 Character Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX C: Custom Characters and Graphics Custom Designed Characters Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Custom Graphics Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PCX Graphics Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page - vi 9001069 Preliminary B-1 B-2 B-3 B-4 B-5 B-6 B-8 B-9 B-10 B-11 B-12 B-13 B-14 B-15 B-17 B-18 B-20 B-21 B-22 C-1 C-4 C-8 SATO CT Series Printers SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The SATO CT Series Thermal Transfer Printers are complete, high-performance on-site labeling systems. All printer parameters are user programmable using software commands or the utility program provided. All popular bar codes and 15 human-readable fonts, including a vector font and two raster fonts, are resident in memory providing literally thousands of type styles and sizes. Additional fonts can be downloaded into memory. The Operator’s Manual will help you understand the basic operations of the printer such as setup, installation, configuration, cleaning and maintenance. The major differences in the CT400 and the CL410 printers is the resolution of the head. The CT400 with its 203 dpi head provides an economical labeling solution for most applications. It can print labels up to four inches wide. The CT410’s higher 305 dpi resolution provides greater detail for graphics and small point size text. The CT Series printers use a subset of the standard SATO Command Language. The CT400 and CT410 share the same command set, the only differences are the allowable values representing the print positions on the label. These values are specified in “dots” and will vary depending upon the resolution of the printer and the amount of memory available for imaging the label. The allowable range for each printer is specified in a table for those command codes. This commonalty makes it very easy to convert labels from one CT printer to another without having to create an entirely different command stream. There are some caveats that must be observed though to compensate for the different resolution print heads. The effect of the different printer resolutions are best illustrated by taking a label designed for a 203 dpi printer and sending the command stream to its 305 dpi counterpart. The label printed will be an exact two-thirds scale, including the fonts, bar code dimensions and line lengths/widths. The only exceptions are PostNet and Maxicode which have only one legal size and the printer resolution is automatically compensated for by the printer. Conversely, a label designed for a 305 dpi printer and sent to its 203 dpi cousin will be one-third larger. It probably will be “truncated” if the label size is larger than the maximum allowable for the printer. The following general information is presented in this section: • General Printer Specifications • Optional Accessories SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 1-1 Section 1. Printer Overview GENERAL PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATION CT400 CT410 PRINT Method Direct or Thermal Transfer Speed (User Selectable) 2 to 6 ips 50 to 150 mm/s 2 to 4 ips 50 to 100 mm/s Print Module (Dot Size) .0049 in. .125 mm .0033 in. .083 mm Resolution 203 dpi 8 dpmm 305 dpi 12 dpmm Maximum Print Width 4.1 in. 104 mm Maximum Print Length 15.6 in. 400 mm MEDIA Minimum Width .90 in. (23 mm) Minimum Length .60 in. (15 mm) Maximum Width 4.6 in. (118 mm) Type Caliper Die Cut Labels, Fan-Fold, Tag Stock or Continuous 0.003 to .0075 in. (0.08 to 0.19 mm) Roll OD (max) 4.3 in. (110 mm), Face-Out Wind Core ID (min) 1.5 in. (40 mm) SENSING See-Thru for labels or tags Reflective Eye-Mark Continuous Form Fixed, 0.25" (6.3 mm) from left label edge Fixed, 0.20" (5 mm) from left label edge Sensor not used RIBBON Maximum Width 4.4 in. (111 mm) Length 325 ft. (100 m) Core ID 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) Thickness 4.5 micron, Face-Out Wind All specifications subject to change without notice. Page 1-2 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 1. Printer Overview SPECIFICATION CT400 CT410 CONTROLS AND SIGNALS On-Line LED Green Power LED Green Error LED Red LED Display Panel 7 Segment Single Character On/Off-Line Switch Front Panel Label Feed Switch Front Panel Power On/Off Switch Front Panel POTENTIOMETER ADJUSTMENTS Pitch Offset/Print Darkness Front Panel Reflective Sensor Adjustment Front Panel See-thru Sensor Adjustment Front Panel INTERFACE CONNECTIONS Parallel (Standard) IEEE 1284 Serial (Option) RS232C (9600 to 57.6K bps) Hardware Flow Control (Ready/Busy) Software Flow Control (X-On/X-Off) Bi-directional Status USB (Option) USB Specification Version 1.0 PROCESSING CPU 32 Bit RISC EEPROM 8KB SDRAM 8MB Flash ROM 2MB Flash ROM Option 8MB Receive Buffer 2.95MB All specifications subject to change without notice. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 1-3 Section 1. Printer Overview CHARACTER FONTS SPECIFICATION CT400 CT410 MATRIX FONTS U Font (5 dots W x 9 dots H) S Font (8 dots W x 15 dots H) M Font (13 dots W x 20 dots H) XU Font (5 dots W x 9 dots H) Helvetica XS Font (17 dots W x 17 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold XM Font (24 dots W x 24 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold OA Font (15 dots W x 22 dots H) OCR-A (22 dots W x 33 dots H) OCR A OB Font 20 dots W x 24 dots H) OCR-B (30 dots W x 36 dots H) OCR B AUTO SMOOTHING FONTS WB(1) WB Font (18 dots W x 30 dots H) (1) WL Font (28 dots W x 52 dots H) WL XB XB Font (48 dots W x 48 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold XL XL Font (48 dots W x 48 dots H) Sans Serif VECTOR FONT Proportional or Fixed Spacing Font Size 50 x 50 dots to 999 x 999 dots Helvetica, 10 Font Variations RASTER FONTS A Font(1) (1) B Font CG Times CG Triumvirate DOWNLOADABLE FONTS TrueType Fonts with Utility Program CHARACTER CONTROL Expansion up to 12X in either the X or Y coordinates Character Pitch control Line Space control Journal Print facility 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° Rotation (1) Not available on early models. All specifications subject to change without notice. Page 1-4 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 1. Printer Overview BAR CODES SPECIFICATION CT400 CT410 SYMBOLOGIES Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplemental) EAN-8, EAN-13 CODABAR Code 39 Code 93 Code 128 Interleaved 2 of 5 Industrial 2 of 5 Matrix 2 of 5 MSI POSTNET UCC/EAN-128 UPC-A and UPC-E Data Matrix Maxicode PDF417 Micro PDF Truncated PDF Ratios 1:2, 1:3, 2:5 User definable bar widths Bar Height 4 to 600 dots, User programmable Rotation 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° OTHER FEATURES Sequential Numbering Sequential numbering of both numerics and bar codes Custom Characters Graphics RAM storage for special characters Full dot addressable graphics, SATO Hex/Binary and PCX(1) format Form Overlay Form overlay for high-speed editing of complex formats. (1) Not available on early models. All specifications subject to change without notice. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 1-5 Section 1. Printer Overview PHYSICAL SPECIFICATION CT400 CT410 DIMENSIONS Wide 7.8 in. (198 mm) Deep 9.1 in. (230 mm) High 6.5 in. (181 mm) WEIGHT 6.6 lbs (3 Kg) POWER REQUIREMENTS Voltage Power Consumption 110 V (±10 %) 220V (±10 %) 50/60 Hz (±1%) 150W Operating at 30% density ENVIRONMENTAL Operating Temperature Storage Temperature 41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C) -0° to 104°F (-20° to 40°C) Operating Humidity 30-80 % RH, non-condensing Storage Humidity 20-80% RH, non-condensing Electrostatic Discharge 8KV REGULATORY APPROVALS Safety UL, CSA RFI/EMI FCC Class B All specifications subject to change without notice. Page 1-6 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 1. Printer Overview OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ACCESSORY CT400 CT410 LABEL CUTTER Internal option allowing labels to be cut at specified intervals. Controlled through programming. Factory installed only. LABEL DISPENSER Internal option allowing labels to be peeled from backing for immediate (on demand) application. Factory installed only. LABEL REWINDER External accessory rewinds labels onto a roll after they are printed. SERIAL INTERFACE High Speed RS232 Interface option, 9600 to 57.6KB. Factory installed only. ETHERNET INTERFACE TCP/IP Protocol Interface option. Factory installed only. USB INTERFACE Universal Serial Bus Interface option. Factory installed only. COAX/TWINAX INTERFACE External Coax/Triax I/F Interface accessory. Coax I/F emulates an IBM 3287-2 printer with a standard Type A BNC connector. Twinax I/F emulates IBM 5224, 5225, 5226 or 4214 printers with auto-terminate/cable-thru capabilities. All specifications subject to change without notice. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 1-7 Section 1. Printer Overview This page left intentionally blank. Page 1-8 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers SECTION 2. INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION INTRODUCTION This section is to assist you in taking the CT Series printer from the shipping container to the application environment. The following information is provided in this section: • Unpacking and Parts Identification • Setting Up the Printer • Loading Labels or Tags • Loading the Ribbon (CT4XXTT only) • Control Panel • Printer Configuration SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-1 Section 2. Installation and Configuration UNPACKING Consider the following when unpacking the printer: • The box should stay upright. • Lift the printer out of the box carefully. • Remove the plastic covering from the printer. • Remove the accessory items from their protective containers. • If the printer has been stored in a cold environment, allow it to reach room temperature before applying power. • Set the printer on a solid flat surface. Inspect the shipping container and printer for any signs of damage that may have occured during shipping. In addition to this manual, verify that you have the following materials when unpacking: Printer Power Module AC Power Cord Ribbon/Core CD-ROM Page 2-2 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration SETTING UP THE PRINTER Consider the following when setting up the printer/ • Locate a solid flat surface with adequate room to set the printer. Make sure the Power Module can be located so that the power connecting cable can be attached to the printer and the AC Power Cable can be connected to an AC power outlet. • The location should be near the host or computer terminal. The maximum distance is: - 10 feet for the Parallel interface. To fully utilize the capabilities of the printer, a cable meeting IEEE 1284 specifications must be used. - 18 feet for the optional Serial RS232 Interface. - 10 feet for the optional USB interface without hub. - the optional 10baseT Ethernet Interface depends upon the LAN cabling. • For imformation on interfacing the printer to a host system, see Section 5. Interface Specifications. Follow these steps to set up your printer: 1. Make sure the power switch on the Operator Panel is in the OFF (0) position and place the Power Module in a safe and secure location, taking into consideration the location of the AC outlet and the host in relation to the printer. 2. Connect the Input Power connector to the printer. This connector is keyed and must be turned approximately 3/4 turn clockwise to secure it to the printer. 3. Connect the AC Power Cable to the proper AC Outlet supply. Input Power Connector Host I/F Connector 4. Connect the interface cable to the host system. A parallel IEEE1284 interface cable must be used to realize the high data transfer rate of the printer’s parallel port. If an optional interface is installed, the appropriate cable should be used. 5. Load the ribbon and media following the instructions in this section. 6. Configure the printer for label width and operating mode using the instructions in this section. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-3 Section 2. Installation and Configuration 7. Apply power to the printer by placing the AC Power switch in the ON (1) position. 8. Print a test label to verify the printer is set up and operating correctly. Page 2-4 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration LOADING RIBBON (CT4XXTT only) Ribbon Spindle The SATO CT Series ribbons come shrink-wrapped with a 12" (305 mm)leader pre-attached to a takeup core. There are three widths of ribbon available for the CT Series printers; 4.3" (110 mm), 3" (76 mm) and 1.75" (45 mm). 1. Remove power from the printer. 2. Open the Top Cover by by pressing Head Latch on cover the release points located on each side of the printer. This Ribbon releases the cover latch and allows Position Button it to swing upward on the rear mounted hinge points. Ribbon Ass’y Latch 3. Release the Print Head Assembly by pressing the Head Latch to the rear. This allows the assembly to rotate upward to the left allowing easy access for ribbon routing. Rotate the assembly until it is vertical. 4. Press down on the Ribbon Assembly Latch. This allows the Paper Roller to swing downward for ribbon routing. Head Latch Ribbon Ass’y Latch 5. Press down on the Ribbon Positioning button while simultaneously pulling upward on the Ribbon Spindle Unit. The Ribbon Spindle Unit should slide off. 6. Remove the shrink wrap from the ribbon and unwind approximately 6" of the leader. Press the Ribbon Supply core all the way onto the rear spindle of Ribbon Spindle Unit. Press the attached take-up core on the front spindle. Make sure each of the cores is fully seated on the spindles and there is enough ribbon leader to go down around the print head. Note: CT Series ribbons are wound face (ink side) out. Make sure the dull (ink) SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Paper Roller Ribbon Supply Spindle Ribbon Position Button Ribbon Take-Up Spindle Page 2-5 Section 2. Installation and Configuration side of the ribbon will be in contact with the paper and the supply core is on the rear spindle. Ribbon Drive Spindles 7. Slide the Ribbon Spindle Unit over the Ribbon Drive Spindles until the Head Positioning Latch snaps into position. The first position corresponds to a 4.3" ribbon width. If you are using a narrower ribbon, press the Head Position Latch while sliding the Ribbon Spindle Unit to the correct position. There are three latch positions, one for a 4.3" wide ribbon, one for a 3" wide ribbon and one for a 1.75" wide ribbon. 8. The ribbon should be center justified (i.e., the center of the ribbon roll should be aligned with the center of the print head). If it is not, reposition the Ribbon Spindle Unit on the Drive Spindles until the Ribbon Position Latch is is in the correct position. Ribbon Ass’y Latch 9. Route the ribbon leader under the print head and between the Ribbon Assembly and the Paper Roller. Rotate the take-up spindle until the leader is completely wound onto the take-up core. 10. Push the Ribbon Assembly Latch to the up or locked position. Rotate the Paper Roller upward and latch it by pushing the Ribbon Assembly Latch into the upward position. 11. Latch the Print Head Assembly in the closed position by pushing downward on the “PUSH” tabs on both sides of the assembly until it latches in position. Page 2-6 9001069 Preliminary Ribbon Path SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration LOADING MEDIA The CT Series printers can use die-cut labels, tag stock or continuous media. The media supply can be either roll or fanfold. Roll Media Roll media should be between 0.90" (23 mm) and 4.5" (115 mm) in width and wound face-out on a core with a minimum ID of 1.6" (40 mm). 1. Remove power from the printer by placing the Power Switch in the OFF (0) position. 2. Open the Top Cover by by pressing on cover release points located on each side of the printer. This releases the cover latch and allows it to swing upward on the rear mounted hinge points. 3. Release the Print Head Assembly Paper by pressing the Head Latch to the Sensor rear. This allows the assembly to rotate upward to the left allowing easy access for media routing. Rotate the assembly until it is vertical. 4. With the Print Head Assembly in the up position, press the Paper Guide Release while adjusting the Paper Guides until they allow a media roll to fit between them. A millimeter scale is molded into the case to provide a guide when making the adjustment. The Paper Guides are center justified and interact with each other so that each moves an equal distance. Head Latch Roll Holders Millimeter Scale Paper Guide Release 5. Make sure the Roll Holders are in the released position. If they are not, lift up on each one and they will snap to the open position. 6. Unwind approximately 12" of label material from the roll. The labels should be wound face-out (printing side to the outside of the roll). Drop the roll in between the Paper Guides so that the labels SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-7 Section 2. Installation and Configuration come off the top of the roll. The Paper Guides will automatically position the Roll Holders to suspend the roll. 7. Route the label material through the Paper Sensor Assembly and over the Platen. Note that the Sensor is part of the left Label Roll Guide so that the Paper Sensor is always positioned in the same location relative to the left edge of the label. Paper Sensor Platen 8. Close and latch the Print Head Assembly. 9. Press the LINE key so that the printer is in the OFF LINE mode and then press the FEED key. The label should advance to the next index (label gap or eye-mark) position. Fanfold Media 1. Place the fanfold media behind the printer with the printing surface up. Break Out for Fanfold Paper 2. Open the Top Cover by by pressing on cover release points located on each side of the printer. This releases the cover latch and allows it to swing upward on the rear mounted hinge points. 3. Carefully break out the Fanfold Access Panel from the back of the Top Cover. 4. Release the Print Head Assembly by pressing the Head Latch to the rear. This allows the assembly to rotate upward to the left allowing easy access for ribbon routing. Rotate the assembly until it is vertical. 5. With the Print Head Assembly in the up position, press the Paper Guide Release while adjusting the Paper Guides until they allow a media to fit between them. A millimeter scale is molded into the case to provide a guide when making the adjustment. The Paper Guides are center justified and interact with each other so that each moves an equal distance. 6. Route the label material through the Sensor Assembly and over the Platen. Page 2-8 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration 7. Close and latch Print Head Assembly. 8. After loading the ribbon and media, it is recommended that you run a Test Print to make sure the labels and ribbon (for CX4XXTT only) are correctly loaded. See Section 2 for instructions on how to run test prints. Route Paper under the Sensor SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-9 Section 2. Installation and Configuration LABEL SENSING The CT Series printers can use either label Gap (see-thru) or Eye-Mark (reflective) sensing. The Sensor Assembly is located on the left edge of the media and is automatically positioned by the Paper Guides. The printer is shipped from the factory with the default sensing method set for label gap. The setting can be overridden by using theIG command (Section 4) however it will be reset to the default when power is cycled. The default setting can be changed using the PG command (Section 4) or the Printer Configuration Utility program on the CD-ROM. Miminum Eye-Mark Size .12 in (3 mm) W x .5 in. (12 mm) L 0.20" (5 mm) Eye-Mark Sensor 0.25" (6.3 mm) Gap Sensor Label Feed Direction Inter-Label Gap Min. 0.12" (3 mm) Max. 0.20" (5 mm) Backing Paper Inside Edge Label Inside Edge CT Series Printer Label Sensor Positioning Eye-Mark Roll Paper Eye-Mark Fanfold Paper Page 2-10 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration OPERATOR PANEL The Operator Panel consists of three LED indicators and three switches. POWER LED ERROR LED ON LINE LED ON LINE Key FEED Key POWER Switch POWER Green LED, illuminated when power is applied. ERROR Red LED, illuminated when there is a system fault such as an open print head. ON LINE Green LED, illuminated when the printer is ON LINE and ready to receive data. The printer is placed ON LINE and OFF LINE by toggling the ON LINE key. ON LINE KEY If the ONLINE LED is illuminated, pressing this switch will place the printer in the OFFLINE mode. Pressing the switch again will place the printer back in the ONLINE mode. If this switch is pressed while the printer is printing, the printing process is suspended. To resume printing, press this switch again. When the printer is ON LINE, it is ready to receive data from the host. When it is OFF LINE, the printer will not receive data from the host or print. FEED KEY Feeds one label when pressed in the OFFLINE mode. If this switch is held in the depressed position while power is applied, a printer status label will be printed. POWER A two position switch that applies power to the printer. When the “0" position is pressed, power is removed from the printer. When the ”1" position is pressed, power is applied to the printer. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-11 Section 2. Installation and Configuration REAR CONNECTOR PANEL All of the printer cable connectors are located on the Rear Connector Panel. Fanfold Paper Slot Optional I/F Connector Page 2-12 Power Connector IEEE1284 Parallel IF Connector Power DC Power input to the printer. From Power Module. Parallel Interface IEEE1284 Parallel Interface Connector.. Optional Interface (if Installed) Connector for any installed optional interface. Fanfold Paper Slot Slot for fanfold paper. Panel must be removed to route fanfold paper into the printer. 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration CONFIGURATION PANEL The Configuration Panel can be accessed by opening the Top Cover. It consists of an eight position DIP switch, three adjustment potentiometers and a seven segment LED Error display. Receptacles for connecting the Dispenser and Cutter options are also located on this panel. Error Display Configuration Switch VR1 Potentiometer Paper Handling Print Mode Head Check VR1 Adjust Hex Dump I/F Select CONFIGURATION SWITCH An eight position DIP switch is utilized for setting the operating conditions of the printer. Paper Handling (DSW1-3). Selects the method used for controlling the paper handling. Continuous - Does not use the sensor for paper indexing. The paper movement will stop after all the label data has been printed. Tear Off - Paper is fed out to the cut/tear off position after printing is complete. Before the next label is printed, the paper is pulled back in to the first print line position. Cutter Mode - Enables the Cutter option if installed. Dispenser Mode - Enables the Label Taken sensor if the Dispenser option is installed. DSW1 DSW2 DSW3 SETTING Configuration Switch Off Off Off Continuous ON On Off Off Tear Off OFF Off On Off Cutter Mode On On Off Dispenser SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Page 2-13 Section 2. Installation and Configuration Font/Graphic Download (DS1-3). Enables the downloading of fonts and/or graphics to printer memory. DSW1 DSW2 DSW3 Off On On Configuration Switch SETTING Enable ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Print Method (DSW4). Selects Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer print mode for a CT4XXTT printer. Configuration Switch DSW4 SETTING Off Direct On Transfer ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Head Check (DSW5). When selected, the printer will check for head elements that are electrically malfunctioning. Configuration Switch DSW5 SETTING Off Disabled On Enabled ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 VR1 Potentiometer Function (DSW6). Select the function adjusted by VR1. When placed in the Off position, VR1 will adjust the pitch offset value over a range of +/- 3.75 mm. When placed in the On position, VR1 will adjust the print darkness range. DSW6 SETTING Off Pitch On Darkness Configuration Switch ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hex Dump (DSW7). When ON, the printer will print out the hex value for each character received. When OFF, the printer will accept and process the data stream in a normal fashion. DSW7 SETTING Off Normal On Hex Configuration Switch ON OFF 1 Page 2-14 9001069 Preliminary 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration Interface Select (DSW8). When OFF, the printer will activate the Parallel input port for receiving data. When ON, the printer will activate the optional interface (if any) that is installed. DSW8 SETTING Off Parallel I/F On Optional I/F Configuration Switch ON OFF 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ERROR DISPLAY The ERROR dispay is a seven segment LED array that provides information on error conditions detected by the printer. The conditions are: LED ERROR 0 Flash Memory error. 1 Not Assigned 2 Motherboard error 3 EEPROM error 4 Electrical Head error 5 Head not latched in the down position 6 Out of Paper 7 Sensor type or level error 8 Cutter error 8. Program error 9 Ribbon End (TT mode only) A Receive buffer overflow b Parity error (Serial I/F only) c Framing error (Serial I/F only) d Overrun error (Serial I/F only) E Time Out error F Download Font/Graphic error For more information the cause and troubleshooting of printer errors, see Section 6. Troubleshooting. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-15 Section 2. Installation and Configuration OFFSET There are three offset setting stored in the printer; one for Dispense mode, one for the Cut mode and one for the Tear-Off mode. These three offsets can be set independently for each job using the PO Pitch Offset command and will remain in the printer until a new command is received changing the setting or until power is turned off. The PG Printer Setting command can be used to change the default settings of the printer. The default setting will always be active after power to the printer is cycled. The default settings can be determined by printing a User Test Label or displayed by the Printer Configuration Utility Program on the CD-ROM. Please note that the Printer Configuration Utility Program requires a bi-directional communications port on a host that is running Windows 9X. The following should be used as starting points for establishing the three Offset values: MODE MILLIMETERS INCHES DOTS 203/305 dpi CUTTER 17.9 0.70 143/215 DISPENSE 15.2 0.60 122/182 TEAR-OFF 29.2 1.15 234/350 POTENTOMETER ADJUSTMENTS PITCH OFFSET After the Label Pitch Offset has been set using the PO Pitch Offset command,it is sometimes desirabel to make minor adjustments. This can be done using the VR1 potentiomenter on the Configuration Panel. This potentiometer is set at the factory so that it has a range of +/-3.75 mm. The midpoint setting should have no effect on the label pitch. Turning the potentiometer all the way clockwise should move the print position 3.75 mm upwards towards the leading edge of the label. Turning the it all the way counterclockwise should move the print position down 3.75mm away from the leading edge of the label. 1 Place DSW6 on the Configuration Switch in the OFF position. 2. Turn the Power Switch OFF. 3. While pressing the FEED key on the Operator Panel, turn the Power Switch ON. 4. When you hear one beep from the printer, release the FEED key . 5. Press the LINE key to begin printing large Test Labels (press the FEED key if you are using labels smaller than 4.1" (104 mm) in width). Page 2-16 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration 5. Adjust potentiometer VR1 until the first print position is at the desired location on the label. If the potentiometer does not have enough range, you will have to change the Label Pitch setting using the PO command. Note: The printer will return to the default settings specified by the PG command when power is cycled. Must be moved with Minus (-) Offset to print on leading edge of label ABCDEFG Leading Edge of Label as detected by the sensor Sensor Position Label Feed Direction ABCDEFG ABCDEFG Original First Line Print Position Moved with Positive (+) Offset to print on trailing edge of label 6. Press the FEED key to stop the printing. Note: Adjusting the Label Pitch with VR1 will affect the stop position of the label and the cut/dispense/tear-off positions. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-17 Section 2. Installation and Configuration Print Darkness Print Darkness is set using the #E Print Darkness command. A fine adjustment for PRINT DARKNESS can be made using potentiometer VR1 on the Front Operator Panel. It provides a continuous range of adjustment, allowing you to make precise changes. Turning VR1 clockwise will make the print darker and counterclockwise will make it lighter. 1 Place DSW6 on the Configuration Switch in the ON position. 2. Turn the Power Switch OFF. 3. While pressing the FEED key on the Operator Panel, turn the Power Switch ON. 4. When you hear one beep from the printer, release the FEED key. 5. Press the LINE key to begin printing large Test Labels (press the FEED key if you are using labels smaller than 4.1" (104 mm) in width). 6. Adjust potentiometer VR1 until the desired print darkness is obtained. 7. Press the FEED key to stop the printing. Adjustment of the Print Darkness using VR1 will affect the darkness in all the #E command code ranges, i.e., if the print darkness is adjusted with VR1 for lighter print, the darkness will be lighter in all the Print Darkness ranges selected by the command code. Page 2-18 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration HEX DUMP DIAGNOSTIC LABEL The contents of the printer buffer can be examined using the Hex Dump mode. This printout labels each line of the received data in the left hand column, the data in hex format in the middle column followed by the same data in ASCII format in the right-hand column. 1. Turn the printer OFF. 2. Place DSW7 on the configuration Switch in the ON position. 3. Turn the printer ON. 4. Transmit data to the printer. 5. The data received is printed on the label. 6. Place DSW7 in the OFF position. 7. Turn the printer OFF and then back ON to place it back in the normal print mode. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-19 Section 2. Installation and Configuration PRINT TEST LABELS USER TEST PRINT The User Test Label prints the current default setting of the printer. These settings can be changed by sending new default settings with the PG Printer Setting command. 1. Press the FEED key while simultaneously turning the POWER switch ON. 2. When the printer beeps, release the FEED key. 3. To print a large (4" wide) test label, press the ON-LINE key. To print a small (2" wide) test label, press the FEED key. 4. The printer will continuously print the USER TEST LABEL until the FEED key is pressed. If the FEED key is pressed a second time, printing will resume. 5. To remove the printer from the Test Label mode, power the printer OFF. Page 2-20 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 2. Installation and Configuration FACTORY/SERVICE TEST PRINT The Factory/Service Test Label prints the internal operating parameters of the printer. 1. Open the print head by pushing the Head Latch Lever to the rear. 2. Press the LINE and FEED keys while simultaneously turning the POWER switch to the ON position. 3. When the printer beeps, release the LINE and FEED keys. The printer will then beep 3 times indicationg it is in the Factory/Service Print Test mode. 4. Latch the Print Head in the down position. 5. Press the LINE key to print a large (4" wide") Factory/Service Test Label. Press the FEED key to print a small (2" wide) Factory/Service Test Label. 6. The printer will begin printing a series of test labels, the first containing the operational parameters of the printer followed by one containing the internal printer settings. these two label formats will alternate until the FEED key is pressed, suspending the print operation. If the FEED key is pressagain, the printing will resume. 7. To remove the printer from the Factory/Service Print Test mode, remove power by placing the POWER switch in the OFF position. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 2-21 Section 2. Installation and Configuration This page left intentionally blank. Page 2-22 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers SECTION 3. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE INTRODUCTION This section provides information on user maintenance for the CL Series printers. This section contains the following information. • Adjusting the Print Quality • Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers • Replacing the Print Head • Replacing the Fuse PROCEDURES ADJUSTING THE PRINT QUALITY The CT400 and CT410 printers are equipped with two different methods of adjusting the quality of the print; print darkness and speed. When adjusting the printer for optimum print quality, a bar code verifier system should be used. The human eye is a poor judge of the relative widths of the bars in a symbol, a characteristic that is extremely important for good bar code quality. Darkness (Print) This adjustment allows the user to control (within a specified range) the amount of power that is used to activate the individual print head heat elements. It is important to find a proper print darkness level based on your particular label and ribbon combination. The printed images should not be too light nor should the ink from the ribbon “bleed.” The edges of each image should be crisp and well defined. The print darkness level can be set by downloading the setting using the #E Print Darkness software command (see Section 4, Programming Reference). There are five ranges 1 through 5, with the lightest setting being 1 and the darkest setting being 5. The #E Print Darkness command also provides for darkness ranges matched to the type of media used. Setting “A” is used Direct thermal media and “B” for coated thermal transfer media. Once the range has been selected, the PRINT Potentiometer on the front panel can be used to make finer adjustments. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 3-1 Section 3: Cleaning and Maintenance Print The fine adjustment for Print Darkness is the VR1 potentiometer on the operator panel. It provides a continuous range of adjustment, allowing you to make precise changes. Use a small cross-point screwdriver, turning clockwise for darker print and counterclockwise for lighter print. See Section 2: Installation and Configuration for instructions on performing potentiometer adjustments NOTE: The PRINT potentiometer adjustment will affect the darkness in all of the command code speed ranges, i.e. if the PRINT potentiometer is adjusted for lighter print, the darkness will be lighter in all speed ranges selected by the command code. Print Speed The other method of controlling print quality is by controlling the speed at which the label is printed. This adjustment is made only on an individual label basis using the CSPrint Speed command code. For more details on this command, see Section 4: Programming. Changing the print speed allows the user to control the amount of time allowed for print element cooling before the media is stepped to the next print position. It is especially critical when printing “ladder” bar codes (bar codes printed with the bars parallel to the print line). When printing a “ladder” bar code, it is important to allow the head to cool sufficiently before stepping to the next position. If it does not have sufficient time to cool, the bar will be “smeared” on the trailing edge. CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD, PLATEN AND ROLLERS Supplies needed: SATO SA070 Cleaning Kit CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD 1. Turn the printer off and remove the power cable. 2. Open the Top Cover. 3. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer. The Print Head Assembly is spring-loaded and will automatically open as soon as the Head Latch is disengaged. 4. Rotate the Print Head Assembly upward to give access to the Print Head. 5. Remove the ribbon. 6. Apply SATO Thermal Print Head Cleaner to a cotton swab. 5. The Print Head faces downward along the front edge of the assembly. Pass the end of the dampened swab along the entire width of the Print Head. Page 3-2 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 3: Cleaning and Maintenance 5. Check for any black coloring or adhesive on the swab after cleaning. 6. Repeat if necessary until the swab is clean after it is passed over the head. 7. The head should be cleaned at least every time the ribbon is changed and more often in harsh environments. CLEANING THE PLATEN AND PAPER ROLLER 1. Turn the printer off and remove the power cord. 2. Open the Top Cover. 3. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer. The Print Head Assembly is spring-loaded and will automatically open as soon as the Head Latch is disengaged. Rotate the Print Head Assembly upward to give access to the Platen and Ribbon Roller. Remove any labels in the printer. 4. Apply SATO Thermal Print Head Cleaner to one of the cotton swabs. 5. The Platen is the rubber roller directly below the Print Head. It should be cleaned of any ribbon or label residue. The Platen is easily cleaned by rotating the Platen with your thumb while cleaning the residue with the cotton swab. 6. The Paper Roller is located at the rear of the Print Head Assembly. It should be cleaned of any residue or foreign material. 7. Repeat if necessary. The platen and rollers should be cleaned whenever foreign matter such as dust or adhesive is present. REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD The print head on the CT printers is a user-replaceable item. If it becomes damaged for any reason, it can be easily removed and replaced. Contact your local SATO representative for information on obtaining a new print head. Supplies needed: No. 2 Phillips screwdriver (a magnetic tip is helpful) 1. Turn the printer off and remove the power cable. 2. Open the Top Cover. 3. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer. The Print Head Assembly is spring-loaded and will automatically open as soon as the Head Latch is disengaged. 4. Remove the ribbon from the Ribbon Spindle unit if the printer is a thermal transfer version. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 3-3 Section 3: Cleaning and Maintenance 5. View the Print Head Assembly from the front of the printer. Locate the mounting screw on the top of the assembly. It is accessible through a hole in the top of the assembly . Unscrew these Head Retaining screw and set it aside. 6. The Print Head should now be loosened from the top of the assembly by grasping either side and carefully pulling it forward. 7. Disconnect the connecting cable from the print head connectors and set the Print Head aside. 8. Carefully attach the new Print Head to the connectors, using caution to make sure the connector keys are correctly positioned. The connector is keyed so that it can only be inserteed easily in the correct orientation. NOTE: Be careful not to scratch the printing surface of the print head while installing it. Scratching the surface will cause permanent and irreparable damage and is not covered by the warranty! 9. Locate the mounting screw in the top plate assembly and alignit with the tapped holes in the new Print Head. 10. Re-secure the print head by tightening the screw. Page 3-4 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 3: Cleaning and Maintenance CLEANING THE SENSORS There are two sensors that are used to control the positioning of the label. One is a transmissive see-thru sensor that detects the edge of the label by looking through the backing paper which is translucent and detecting the presence of the opaque label. The other is a reflective sensor that detects the light reflected from the bottom of the label liner. When a printed black Eye-Mark passes through the beam, the light is no longer reflected back to the sensor detector, indicating to the printer that it should use this position as the start of a new label. When dust, dirt or other foreign matter interferes with the light path of either of these sensors, the results is erratic label positioning. These sensors should be cleaned regularly, at least every two rolls of labels. Supplies Needed: SATO SA070 Cleaning Kit 1. Turn the printer off and remove the power cable. 2. Open the Top Cover. 3. Open the Print Head Assembly by pushing the Head Latch toward the rear of the printer. The Print Head Assembly is spring-loaded and will automatically open as soon as the Head Latch is disengaged. The sensors are built into the left hand Label Guide so that they move whenever the Label Guides are adjusted for different media widths. 4. Apply SATO Thermal Print Head Cleaner to one of the cotton swabs. 5. Use the cotton swab to clean any foreign matter from the exposed surface of the sensors by inserting the cotton tip in the paper slot and brisky cleaning it with a back and forth motion. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 3-5 Section 3: Cleaning and Maintenance This page left intentionally blank. Page 3-6 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers SECTION 4. PROGRAMMING INTRODUCTION This section presents the commands that are used with the SATO CT Series printers to produce labels with logos, bar codes and alphanumeric data. All of the CT commands use the same syntax. Some commands reference a physical point on the label using horizontal and vertical dot reference numbers. The allowable range for these references is dependent upon the particular printer to accomodate different print widths and resolutions. These differences are noted in tables under the commands affected. The following information is presented in this section: • The SATO Programming Language • Protocol Control Codes • Using Basic • The Print Area • Command Codes THE SATO CT PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE A programming language for a printer is a familiar concept to most programmers. It is a group of commands that are designed to use the internal intelligence of the printer. The commands, which are referred to as CT Command Codes, contain non-printable ASCII characters (such as , , ) and printable characters. These commands must be assembled into an organized block of code to be sent as one data stream to the printer, which in turn interprets the command codes and generates the desired label output. The programmer is free to use any programming language available to send the desired data to the SATO CT Series printer. The command codes used by the SATO CT Series Printers are based upon “Escape” (1B hexadecimal) sequences. Typically there are four types of command sequences: {Command} These commands generally tell the printer to perform a specific action, like “clear the memory.” {Command} {Data} Commands with this format tell the printer to perform a specific action which is dependent upon the following data, like “print X labels”, where the value for X is contained in the data. {Command} {Parameter} SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-1 Section 4. Programming Reference These commands set the operational parameters of the printer, like “set the print speed to 3.” {Command} {Parameter} {Data} Some commands can contain both Parameter and Data elements, such as “print a Code 39 symbol containing the data”. PROTOCOL CONTROL CODES Protocol codes are the special control characters that prepare the printer to receive instructions. For example, the character tells the printer that a command code will follow and the character asks for the printer status. There are two pre-defined different sets of Protocol Control codes to choose from. Each set is made up of six special characters. The Standard Protocol Control codes are non-printable characters, and the Non-Standard Protocol Control codes are printable characters. The Non-Standard set may be useful on host computers using protocol converters or in an application where non-printable ASCII characters cannot be sent from the host. This manual uses the Standard Protocol Control codes for all of the examples. CONTROL CHARACTER HEX VALUE DESCRIPTION SOH 01 Status Request STX 02 Start of Data ETX 03 End of Data ESC 1B Command code to follow NULL ~ 00 7E Cutter command (Responds to either) ENQ 05 Get printer status, Bi-Com Mode CAN 18 Cancel Print Job DLE 10 Print Stop DC1 11 Print Start Off-Line 40 Hex Take printer Off-Line USING BASIC It may be useful to test your CT printer using a BASIC program on a PC. You may also write your actual production programs in BASIC. Whatever the reason, if you will be working in BASIC, some of the following hints may help you get started: 1. Set the WIDTH of the output device to 255 characters to avoid automatically sending and characters after every line. The command string should be continuous and uninterrupted by and/or commands. The examples given in this manual are printed on separate lines because they will not fit on one line and do not contain any and/or characters. If these characters are needed, they are explicitly noted by the inclusion of and notations. Page 4-2 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference 2. If you are using the printer’s RS232 interface, it is necessary to set the COM port on the PC such that the CTS and DSR signals will be ignored. Send your OPEN “COM” statement in the following way: OPEN “COM1:9600,E,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1 This sets the RS232 communication parameters of the host PC’s COM1 port for 9600 baud, Even parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and directing the port to ignore the CTS and DSR control signals. 3. You may want to minimize keystrokes and program size by assigning the character to a string variable since this character is used quite often. The following two examples in BASIC show a typical example using these hints. Both of these examples use the Standard Protocol codes. Printing with the Parallel Port 5 REM CT410 Parallel Example Identifies the program as a CT410 parallel port print label. The “REM” prevents this data from being sent to the printer and displays it only on the screen. 10 E$=CHR$(27); Sets the “E$” string as an character 20 WIDTH “LPT1:”,255; Sets the width of the output to 255 characters 30 LPRINT E$;"A"; Sends an “ A” command code to the LPT1 parallel port 40 LPRINT E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be to be placed 400 dots horizontally and 100 dots vertically on the label and printed in the “XL” font. 50 LPRINT E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print one label. 60 LPRINT E$; “Z”; Tells the printer that the last command has been sent. The printer can now create and print the job. Printing with the RS232 Port 5 REM CT410 RS232 Example Identifies the program as a CT410 RS232 port print label. The “REM” prevents this data from being sent to the printer and displays it only on the screen. 10 E$=CHR$(27); Sets the “E$” string as an character. 20 OPEN “COM1:9600,N,8,1,CS,DS” AS #1; Opens the COM1 port for output and sets the parameters as 9600 baud, No parity, 8 Data bits, 1 Stop bit and instructs the port to ignore the CTS and DSR control signals. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-3 Section 4. Programming Reference 30 PRINT #1,CHR$ (2); Sends an (ASCII Code a decimal “2”) to the printer instructing it to prepare to receive a message. 50 PRINT #1,E$;"A"; Sends an “ A” command code to Print Port #1 opened by statement 20 above. 60 PRINT #1, E$;"H400";E$;"V100";E$;"XL1SATO"; Sends the data “SATO” to be placed 400 dots horizontally and 100 dots vertically on the label and printed in the “XL” autosmoothed font. 50 PRINT #1, E$;"Q1"; Instructs the printer to print a quantity of one label. 60 PRINT #1, E$; “Z”; Tells the printer that the last command has been sent. The printer can now create and print the job. 70 PRINT #1,CHR$ (3); Sends an (ASCII Code decimal “3”) to the printer telling it that this is the end of the message. THE PRINT AREA The maximum print area for the various CT Series printers is listed in Table 4.1, Print Area. Most of your label applications will not require labels that fill the entire print area. To make label design simplier, the media on the CT Series printers is center justified, i.e. the label is always centered on the print head. An A1 Media Size command is then used to specify the length and width of the label. The CT printer uses this information to automatically calculate an “offset” that will move the Horizontal Reference point to coincide with the first printable dot position on the specified label. It is extremely important to use the Media Size command. If you do not, you will have to manually calculate the offset and send it to the printer using the A3 Base Reference Point command. The diagram below illustrates the maximum print area and a sample 2 inch wide by 3 inch long label placed within this area. As can be seen, your label will be oriented in the middle of the print head as viewed from the front of the printer. The normal Table 4.1, Print Area CT400 CT410 Resolution 203 dpi 8 dpmm 305 dpi 12 dpmm Max Print Width 832 dots 4.1 in. 104 mm 1248 dots 4.1 in. 104 mm Max Label Width 4.5 in. 115 mm 4.5 in. 115 mm 3200 dots 15.7 in. 400 mm 4800 dots 15.7 in. 400 mm Print Length Page 4-4 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference reference point is located at the H1, V1 position of the print area in the normal print orientation (no rotation). Max Print Width Label Feed Direction Print Area Max. Print Length 2" 3" SATO CT Series Printers Your Label 9001069 Preliminary Adjusted Reference Point H1, V1 Normal Reference Point H1, V1 Page 4-5 Section 4. Programming Reference ROTATED FIELDS The CT Series printers can rotate each print field in 90° increments using the % Rotate command. The following data stream will rotate the print field but will not change the base reference point of the field: A %1 V800 H200 L0202 XB1E Q1 Z Base Ref Point H=200 V=800 E Label Feed Direction “%1” COMMAND DEFAULT SETTINGS There are some types of commands that must have a value specified before a label can be printed. If the data stream does not contain these commands, a “default” value is assumed. The default settings are determined by the values specified in the last PG Printer Setting command sent to the printer. These values are stored in EEPROM and will remain valid even if power to the printer is cycled. COMMAND CODES This section contains all the CT Series printer Command Codes. The commands must be sent to the printer in an organized fashion in order for the label(s) to print. The purpose of this section is to: 1. Explain the different commands and provide examples of their usage. 2. To provide a detailed reference for programming the CT Series Printers. Each command begins on a separate page with its own heading. A uniform layout is used to help you find key information about each command. For each Command Page 4-6 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Code in this section, there will be a sample data input stream to the printer and the expected print output. By studying the examples, you can learn how to use the particular command within a whole block of printer code. Pay particular attention to the “Special Notes” with each command to learn other important information. The subject commands are highlighted in bold letters in the Reference Sheets. There are two parts of most, but not all, commands. The first is the command character which immediately follows the code. It is always an upper case alpha or a special character (such as an “&” or a “%”). It is never a lower case alpha character. If the command requires additional variable information, it is represented by a group of lower case alpha characters immediately following the command character. For example, if an aaaabb is listed following the basic command, the printer will look for six characters immediately following the command. The first four would represent the value of aaaa and the next two the value of bb. The maximum number of characters defined in a parameter is represented by the number of characters shown in the command structure. For example, a command followed by an aaaa can have up to four characters. In general, commands with only one parameter following the command can be entered without the leading zeroes. However, certain commands require the exact number of matching characters. A command with two parameters listed following the command code without a comma delimiter, such as aaaabbbb require the exact number of digits to be entered. If the value of aaaa is “800” and the value of bbbb is “300”, then the parameters must be entered as “08000300”. It is recommended that you make it a practice to always enter leading zeros to prevent any mistakes. NOTE: These examples assume the use of the Standard Protocol Command Codes, a parallel interface and a 4 inch wide label in a CT400 printer. The labels for all other printers will be similar, but, because of different resolutions and print widths may be larger or scaled differently. An alphabetical listing of the command codes is contained in Appendix A: Command Code Quick Reference. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-7 Section 4. Programming Reference This page left intentionally blank. Page 4-8 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Bar Codes Command Structure Command Function SATO CT Series Printers 1:3 narrow/wide bar ratio: Babbcccd 2:5 narrow/wide ratio: BDabbcccd 1:2 narrow/wide bar ratio: Dabbcccd a = Bar Code Symbol 0 Codabar 1 Code 39 2 Interleaved 2 of 5 (I 2/5) 3 UPC-A / EAN-13 4 EAN-8 5 Industrial 2 of 5 6 Matrix 2 of 5 7 reserved 8 reserved 9 reserved A MSI B reserved C Code 93 D reserved E UPC-E F Bookland G Code 128 I UCC 128 bb = Number of dots (01-12) for narrow bar and narrow space ccc = Bar height in dots (001-600) d UCC 128 only. Not used for other bar code types 0 No human readable text 1 Human readable at top 2 Human readable at bottom = Example: BD103200 Placement: Immediately preceding data to be encoded Default: None To print bar code images on a label. With this command, there are 13 standard bar code symbologies available to be printed and three two dimensional symbols (see Two Dimensional Bar Code Symbols at the end of this section). Each of the bar codes are unique, and it is important to know the differences. See Appendix B for specific information on using each individual bar code symbol. 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-9 Section 4. Programming Reference Input to Printer A H050 V0025 B103100*CODE 39* H0230 V0130 XS*CODE 39* H050 V0175 BD20310045676567 H0215 V0285 XM45676567 H050 V0325 BD30215001234567890 H050 V0525 BD50310012345 H0250 V0635 XS12345 H050 V0675 BD60310012345 H0230 V0785 XS12345 H050 V0825 BA03100123455 H0170 V935 XS12345 H050 V980 BC03100081234ABCD H0155 V1095 XS1234ABCD H050 V1130 B002100A12345B H090 V1240 XS12345 H0530 V0025 BD303100123456789012 H0590 V0525 BD4031001234567 H0575 V175 DE03100123456 H0550 V0225 OB0 H0583< ESC>V0280 OB123456 H0325 V0325 D30315009827721123 L0101 H0295 V0400 OB0 H0340 V0478 OB98277 H 0480 V0478 OB21123 H630 V0365 BF0313021826 H645 V0335 OB21826 H0450 V0675 D30315000633895260 L0101 H0415 V0750 OB0 H0465 V0828 OB06338 H 0605 V0828 OB95260 H0755 V0705 BF0314024 H0770 V0675 OB24 H0450 V0980 BG03100>GAB>B789>C123456 H0560 V1085 XS AB789123456 Q1 Z Note: Carriage Returns and Line Feeds have been added to the command listing for clarity and should not be included in the actual data stream. Page 4-10 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Printer Output SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-11 Section 4. Programming Reference UCC-128 Without Incrementing A H0100 V0100 BI07150101234567000000001 Q2 Z With Incrementing A H0100 V0100 F001+001 BI07150101234567000000001 Q2 Z Page 4-12 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. UPC and EAN bar codes are not affected by the different types of narrow to wide ratios. Instead, the D command adds descender bars to these codes where needed to meet UPC specifications. The BD command puts decender bars and human readable text below the symbol. 2. The Code 128, UCC 128, MSI, and Code 93 bar codes are not affected by the narrow to wide ratios. 3. The Codabar, Code 39, Industrial 2 of 5, and Matrix 2 of 5 bar codes are affected by the Character Pitch command. This command must be placed before the Bar Code command. 4. See Appendix B for more specific instructions and detailed information regarding individual bar code symbols. 5. Because of their unique characteristics, two-dimensional symbols are covered separately. 6. For UCC128, the FNC1 code is automatically inserted and the Mod 10 and Mod 103 check digits are automatically calculated. 7. The D and BD commands are not valid for the MSI, Code 128, Code 93, UPC-E, Bookland, UCC128 and Postnet symbologies. SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-13 Section 4. Programming Reference Bar Codes, Expansion Command Structure BWaabbb aa = bbb = Expansion factor by which the width of all bars and spaces will be increased (01-12) Bar height by dot (004-600 dots) Example: BW02100 Placement: Immediately follows the BT command and precedes data to be encoded. Default: None Command Function This command works together with the BT command to specify an expansion factor and the bar code height for the particular symbol being printed. Input to Printer: A H0050 V0200 BD103100*SATO* H0050 V0050 BT001030103 BW03100123456 Q1 Z Printer Output: Special Notes 1. This command must be preceded by the Variable Ratio Bar Codes BT command. 2. The following bar codes will be affected by the Character Pitch command: Codabar, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5. Page 4-14 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Bar Codes, Variable Ratio Command Structure BTabbccddee a = Bar Code Symbol: 0 Codabar 1 Code 39 2 Interleaved 2 of 5 5 Industrial 2 of 5 6 Matrix 2 of 5 bb cc dd ee = = = = Narrow space in dots (01-99) Wide space in dots (01-99) Narrow bar in dots (01-99) Wide bar in dots (01-99) Example: BT101030103 Placement: Following print position commands and preceding BW Default: Current setting Command Function To print a bar code with a ratio other than those specified through the standard bar code commands (B,BD, and D). This is done through individual control of each of the bar code elements (bars, spaces) as shown above. Remember that this command only applies to the five bar code types shown. Input to Printer: A H0050 V0200 BD104100*SATO* H0050 V0050 BT001030103 BW03100123456 Q1 Z Printer Output: Special Notes SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-15 Section 4. Programming Reference 1. This command must be immediately followed by the BW Bar Code Expansion command. 2. You may use only one variable ratio bar code per label. 3. If the data specified in this command is incorrect, the command is ignored and the ratio used will be based on the previous setting. 4. See Appendix B for more specific instructions and details regarding individual bar code symbols. Page 4-16 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Base Reference Point Command Structure A3HabbbbVcdddd a = bbbb = c = dddd = Command Function - Specifie that the horizontal offset is in the negative direction. + Specifies that the horizontal offset is in the positive direction. Horizontal Print Offset (see Note 5 for field range) - Specifie that the vertcal offset is in the negative direction. + Specifies that the vertical offset is in the positive direction. Vertical Print Offset (see Note 5 for field range) Example: A3H+100V+0050 Placement: Preceding all images that are based on the new base reference point Default: Current V and H offset setting in the printer configuration To establish a new base reference point for the current label. The base reference point is the top left corner or “origin” from where all print position commands are based. This command may be very helpful when using labels less than four inches wide to place images on the printable label surface. It may also be used to move images past preprinted fields on a label. Input to Printer: A L0202 H0100 V0025 XMNORMAL REFERENCE POINT A3H+0300V+0075 H0100 V0050 XMNEW REFERENCE POINT Q1 Z Printer Output: SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-17 Section 4. Programming Reference Special Notes 1. Use of this command will set the Vertical/Horizontal Offset setting of the printer configuration until a new Base Reference Point command is issued or the setting is changed from the operator panel. See Section 2: Printer Configuration. 2. This command may be used more than once in a print job. 3. An alternative to using this command is to make changes to your current Horizontal and Vertical Print Position commands. Example: Let’s say the current base reference point is H=1, V=1 and you wish to move all the fields on your label downward vertically by 150 dots. You could either (1) add the Base Reference Point command or (2) change all the vertical position commands by an additional 150 dots. 4. For a more detailed example of the Base Reference Point command, see “Print Area” in this section. 5. The allowable field ranges for this command are: Page 4-18 CT400 CT410 Horizontal aaaa -0832 to 0832 -1248 to 1248 Vertical bbbb -3200 to 3200 -4800 to 4800 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Characters, Custom-Designed Command Structure Store Command: Tabcc Recall Command: Kab90cc a = 1 2 b = Specifies the character encoding method for the data stream H Hexadecimal characters B Binary characters cc = Memory location to store/recall the character. Valid memory locations are 21 to 52 (counting in Hex) or “!” to “R” in Binary (data) = 16x16 matrix 24x24 matrix Data to describe the character Example: T1H3F K1H903F See Appendix C for a more detailed explanation Placement: The Store command is typically sent in its own data stream to the printer, between the Start/Stop commands. The Recall command is sent in a secondary data stream to print the character,and follows any necessary position or size commands. Default: None Command Function To allow for the creation, storage, and printing of custom characters, such as special fonts or logos. Up to 50 individual characters may be stored in the custom character volatile memory. Printer Input See Appendix C for a detailed explanation. A T1H3F 0100038007C00FE01FF03FF87FFCFFFE07C007C007C007C007C007C007C007C0 Z A H150 V100 L0505 K1H903F H350 V100 L1010 K1H903F Q1 Z SATO CT Series Printers 9001069 Preliminary Page 4-19 Section 4. Programming Reference Printer Output Special Notes 1. When printing the custom character using the Recall command, the character is affected by the following commands: Character Expansion Character Pitch Line Feed Rotate, Base Reference Point Fixed Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point 2. The characters are stored in volatile memory and must be reloaded if the printer power is lost. 3. Do not use ASCII or characters (carriage return or line feed) as line delimiters within the graphic data or the actual image will not be printed as specified. Page 4-20 9001069 Preliminary SATO CT Series Printers Section 4. Programming Reference Character Expansion Command Structure Laabb aa bb = = Multiple to expand horizontally (01-12) Multiple to expand vertically (01-12) Example: L0305 Placement: Preceding the data to be expanded Default: L0101 Command Function To expand characters independently in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The command allows you to enlarge the base size of each font (except the vector font) up to 12 times in either direction. Expanded characters are typically used for added emphasis or for long distance readability. Input to Printer A A H0100 V0100 XMSATO H0100 V0200 L0402 XMSATO