TSC Auto ID Technology 0521301 Bar Code Printer User Manual Alpha 4L UserMan 2013 05 20

TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd. Bar Code Printer Alpha 4L UserMan 2013 05 20

(Alpha-4L) UserMan_2013-05-20

           WiFi +Bluetooth Version:   Alpha-4L-W, PR40-W, GR40-W, 4400-W, TSC-40-W, CN-40W, BP-40W  Alpha-4L-D-W, PR40-D-W, GR40-D-W, 4400-D-W, TSC-40-D-W, CN-40LW, BP-40LW, Alpha-4L-W-R, PR40-W-R, GR40-W-R, 4400-W-R, TSC-40-W-R Alpha-4L-D-W-R, PR40-D-W-R, GR40-D-W-R, 4400-D-W-R, TSC-40-D-W-R  Bluetooth Version:   Alpha-4L, PR40, GR40, 4400, TSC-40, CN-40, BP-40, Alpha-4L-D,PR40-D, GR40-D, 4400-D, TSC-40-D, CN-40L, BP-40L,Alpha-4L-R, PR40-R, GR40-R, 4400-R, TSC-40-R, CN-40B, BP-40B, Alpha-4L-D-R, PR40-D-R, GR40-D-R, 4400-D-R, TSC-40-D-R, CN-40LB, BP-40LB      USER’S    MANUALAlpha-4L SeriesBar Code PrinterDirect Thermal Portable type
  Copyright Information  ©2012 TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd,  The copyright in this manual, the software and firmware in the printer described therein are owned by TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd, All rights reserved.  CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed font is under license from the Monotype Corporation. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written permission of TSC Auto ID Technology Co.
 - ii -   Agency Compliance and Approvals         Wichtige Sicherheits-Hinweise 1. Bitte lesen Sie diese Hinweis sorgfältig durch. 2. Heben Sie diese Anleitung fűr den späteren Gebrauch auf. 3. Vor jedem Reinigen ist das Gerät vom Stromentz zu trennen. Verwenden Sie keine Flüssig-oder Aerosolreiniger. Am besten eignet sich ein angefeuchtetes Tuch zur Reinigung. 4. Die Netzanschluß-Steckdose soll nahe dem Gerät angebracht und leicht zugänglich sein. 5. Das Gerät ist vor Feuchtigkeit zu schűtzen. 6. Bei der Aufstellung des Gerätes ist auf sicheren Stand zu achten. Ein Kippen oder Fallen könnte Beschädigungen hervorrufen. 7. Beachten Sie beim Anschluß ans Stromnetz die Anschlußwerte. 8. Dieses Gerät kann bis zu einer Außentemperatur von maximal 40℃ betrieben werden.  Battery safety warning:  DO NOT throw the battery in fire.  DO NOT short circuit the contacts.  DO NOT disassemble the battery.  DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.  The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.  CAUTION Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
 - iii -   Class B: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT  This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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 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 one or more of the following measures: -Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help. CAUTION:  Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.  RF exposure warning (WiFi)  This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be providing with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.  SAR Value: 0.094 W/kg  RF exposure warning (For Bluetooth)   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.
 - iv -  Canada, Industry Canada (IC) Notices  This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.  Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.  Radio Frequency (RF) Exposure Information  The radiated output power of the Wireless Device is below the Industry Canada (IC) radio frequency exposure limits. The Wireless Device should be used in such a manner such that the potential for human contact during normal operation is minimized.   This device has been evaluated for and shown compliant with the IC Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”) limits when installed in specific host products operated in portable exposure conditions. (For WiFi)  This device has also been evaluated and shown compliant with the IC RF Exposure limits under portable exposure conditions. (antennas are less than 20 cm of a person's body). (For Bluetooth)  Canada, avis d'Industry Canada (IC)  Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003 et RSS-210.  Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer d'interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui peuvent affecter son fonctionnement.  Informations concernant l'exposition aux fréquences radio (RF) La puissance de sortie émise par l’appareil de sans fil est inférieure à la limite d'exposition aux fréquences radio d'Industry Canada (IC). Utilisez l’appareil de sans fil de façon à minimiser les contacts humains lors du fonctionnement normal.  Ce périphérique a été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites SAR (Specific Absorption Rate – Taux d'absorption spécifique) d'IC lorsqu'il est installé dans des produits hôtes particuliers qui fonctionnent dans des conditions d'exposition à des appareils portables. (For WiFi)  Ce périphérique a également été évalué et démontré conforme aux limites d'exposition aux RF d'IC dans des conditions d'exposition à des appareils portables. (les antennes sont moins de 20 cm du corps d'une personne). (For Bluetooth)
 - v -  Contents   1.  Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Product Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Product Features ...................................................................................................... 2 1.2.1 Printer Standard Features ................................................................................................ 2 1.2.2 Printer Optional Features................................................................................................. 3 1.3 General Specifications........................................................................................................... 3 1.4  Print Specifications ................................................................................................. 4 1.5  Media Specifications ............................................................................................... 4 2. Operations Overview...................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................................................... 5 2.2 Printer Overview ...................................................................................................... 6 2.2.1 Front View ............................................................................................................................. 6 2.2.2 Rear View .............................................................................................................................. 7 2.3 Operator control....................................................................................................... 8 2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys .................................................................................................. 8 2.3.2 LED Indication and Keys for LCD (Option) ................................................................ 9 3. Setup.............................................................................................................................. 10 3.1 Install Belt Clip and Battery .................................................................................. 10 3.2 Charge the Battery .................................................................................................. 11 3.3 Communicate .......................................................................................................... 12 3.3.1 Connecting with the Communication Cable ............................................................. 12 3.3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth (Optional) ....................................................................... 12 3.4 Loading the Media .................................................................................................. 13 4. Power-on Utilities ......................................................................................................... 14 4.1 Media Sensor Calibration ....................................................................................... 14 4.2 Self-test and Dump Mode ...................................................................................... 15 4.3 Printer Initialization ............................................................................................... 19 5.  Diagnostic Tool .............................................................................................................. 21 5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool ........................................................................................ 21 5.2 Printer Function ..................................................................................................... 23
 - vi -  5.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool...................................................... 25 5.3.1 Auto Calibration ................................................................................................................ 25 5.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Diagnostic Tool (Optional) ....................................................... 26 5.5 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool (Optional) ................................................ 27 6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 28 6.1 Common Problems ................................................................................................. 28 7.  Maintenance ................................................................................................................. 30 Revise History ................................................................................................................... 32
  1. Introduction   1.1 Product Introduction  Thank you very much for purchasing TSC bar code printer. Enjoy TSC’s reputation for cost-efficient, high durability printers with the Alpha-4L economical receipt printer. The Alpha-4L is a comfortable, light-weight printer capable of working with any mobile receipt printing application where you need quick, simple receipts on demand. Our Alpha-4L is designed for a rough life, inside the IP54-rated environmental case to resist dust and water and with its rubber over-mold design prepared to take up to a five foot fall and keep printing. These small and light printers can be worn comfortably for a full shift, without interfering with the user’s tasks. Use USB, Bluetooth, optional 802.11 b/g/n Wireless or serial to connect to a mobile computer or even a smart phone and produce clear easy-to-read receipts hour after hour.  This document provides an easy reference for operating the Alpha-4L. The online version of the Programmer's manual, or more information can be downloaded from service and support web site as an Adobeâ Acrobatâ Reader file. To print label formats, please refer to the instructions provided with your labeling software; if you need to write the custom programs, please refer to the TSPL/TSPL2 programming manual that can be found on the accessories CD-ROM or on TSC website at http://www.tscprinters.com. −  Applications    Direct store deliveries (DSD)    Field repair/installation    Mobile point of sale    Parking citations    Mobile ticketing    Onboard transportation ticketing    Utility billing/meter reading
 - 2 -  1.2 Product Features 1.2.1 Printer Standard Features The printer offers the following standard features. Product standard feature Direct thermal printing Reflective sensor – Black mark sensor (position selectable – right/left/center position-factory adjustment , default – center position , black mark in back side) Transmissive sensor – Gap sensor Head open sensor Peeler sensor 2 operation buttons (On/off and feed) 3 LEDs for printer status, 3 LEDs for battery status USB 2.0 (full speed) interface Class 2 Bluetooth 2.1 module 32 MB SDRAM memory 16 MB FLASH memory Micro SD card reader for memory expansion up to 4G (max.) DC 7.4V/5760 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery Real time clock Powerful 32 bit 200 MHz RISC processor Eltron® EPL and Zebra® ZPL emulation languages support Internal 8 alpha-numeric bitmap fonts Internal Monotype Imaging® true type font engine with one CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable font Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of the four directions (0, 90,180, 270 degree) Downloadable fonts from PC to printer memory Downloadable firmware upgrades Bar code, graphics/image printing  Supported  bar code Supported image 1D bar code  2D bar code  BITMAP, BMP, PCX (Max. 256 colors graphics) Code 39, Code 93, Code128UCC, Code128 subsets A,B,C, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI, PLESSEY, POSTNET, China POST, GS1 DataBar PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec
 - 3 -  1.2.2 Printer Optional Features The printer offers the following optional features. Product option feature  User option  Dealer option  Factory option 2” LCD (Liquid crystal display), 128 x 64 pixels resolution  w/white  LED  backlight  (with  4 buttons)    ○ WiFi 802.11 b/g/n   ○ Zebra® CPCL emulation language support   ○ Black mark sensor position (position  selectable  –  right/left/center  position-factory adjustment , default – center position , black mark in back side)    ○ Linerless platen  ○  USB cable  ○   USB to RS-232 converter cable  ○   IP54-rated  environmental  case  with  shoulder strap  ○   12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug  ○   Shoulder strap  ○   Fork truck mount  ○   Cart mount  ○   Quad charging cradle  ○   4 battery charger station  ○    1.3 General Specifications General Specifications Physical dimensions  6.35” (W) x 7.65” (H) x 3.06” (D) 161.4 mm (W) x 194.4 mm (H) x 77.6 mm (D) Weight  0.945 kg Environmental condition Operation: -10 ~ 50˚C (14 ~ 122˚F) Storage: -40 ~ 60 ˚C (-40 ~ 140˚F) Relative humidity: 10 ~ 90% non-condensing Limited warranty  Print head: 1 million inches or 12 months which comes first Platen: 2 million inches or 12 months which comes first Charging capability Internal charging capability (battery-in) Quad charging cradle Auto-switching AC adapter 12-24VDC automobile cigarette lighter plug External charging capability (battery-out) 4 battery charger station (for 5760mAh batteries)
 - 4 -  1.4 Print Specifications  Print Specifications Print head resolution (dots per inch/mm)  203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm) Printing method  Direct thermal Dot size  0.125 x 0.125 mm (width x length)  (1 mm = 8 dots) Print speed  2, 3, 4 ips selectable; Max. 4 ips (inches per second)  2,3 ips for peeler mode Max. print width  4.09” (104 mm) Max. print length  90” (2286 mm)  1.5 Media Specifications  Media Specifications Media roll capacity  Max. 2.65” (67.3 mm) OD Media core diameter  0.5” (10.2 mm) to 1“ (25.4 mm) Media type  Die cut, black mark, receipt, fan-fold, linerless, continous Media width  2.0”(50.8 mm) to 4.4” (112 mm) Media thickness  2 mil (0.0508 mm) to 6.5 mil (0.1651) Media length  0.5” (12.7 mm) to 90” (2286 mm) 1” (25.4 mm) to 6” (152.4 mm) for peeler mode External fanfold media  Stack height: 70 mm (2.75 in) Page length: 152 mm (6 in) to 305 mm (12 in) Black mark  Min. 8 mm (W) x 2 mm (H) Gap height  Min. 2 mm
 - 5 -  2. Operations Overview   2.1 Unpacking and Inspection  This printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage during shipping. Please carefully inspect the packaging and printer upon receiving the bar code printer. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the printer. Unpacking the printer, the following items are included in the carton.             If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor.   § One printer unit § One DC 7.4V/5760 mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery § One Windows labeling software/Windows driver CD disk § One quick installation guide § One auto-switching AC adaptor § One belt clip
 - 6 -  2.2 Printer Overview 2.2.1 Front View                    Note:  * The media sensor position is selectable by factory adjustment. Please refer to this figure for default settings. (Default – center position, black mark in back side) * For LCD control panel (option), please refer to subsection 2.3.2 for more details.      1.  Power on/off button 2.  Feed button 3.  Printer status LED indicator 4.  Battery status LED indicator 5.  Media cover release button 6.  Peel-off sensor 7.  Print head 8.  Transmissive sensor – Gap sensor 9.  Media holder lock switch 10.  Media holder 11.  Media cover 12.  Reflective sensor – Black mark sensor 13.  Platen roller  9 2 1 3  4 6 8 7 5 10 11 12 13
 - 7 -  2.2.2 Rear View                 Note:  * The interface picture is for reference only. Please refer to the product specification for the interface availability. * Recommended MicroSD card specification. SD card spec  SD card capacity Approved SD card manufacturer V1.0, V1.1  MicroSD 128 MB  Transcend, Panasonic V1.0, V1.1  MicroSD 256 MB  Transcend, Panasonic V1.0, V1.1  MicroSD 512 MB  Transcend, Panasonic V1.0, V1.1  MicroSD 1 GB  Transcend, Panasonic V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6 MicroSD 4 GB   Transcend - The DOS FAT file system is supported for the SD card. - Folders/files stored in the SD card should be in the 8.3 filename format     1.  Li-ion battery 2.  Belt chip 3.  Battery open clasp 4.  Hanger for shoulder strap 5.  External label entrance chute 6.  USB interface 7.  MicroSD card socket 8.  Power jack   1 3 2 4 7 6 5 8
 - 8 -  2.3 Operator control  2.3.1 LED Indication and Keys                       Keys  Function  −  Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer −  Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer  −  Ready status: Feed one label −  Printing status: Pause the print job LEDs  Status Indication   Green (solid)  Full charged  2/3 charged level  Green (solid) 1/3 charged level Green (blinking)  Low battery Amber (solid)  Battery is charging  Blue (solid) Bluetooth device is ready Blue (blinking) Bluetooth device is communicating  Blue (solid) WiFi device is ready Blue (blinking) WiFi device is communicating Note: WiFi device is optional.  Off  Printer is ready Green (blinking)  −  Printer is paused −  Printer is downloading data Red (solid)  −  Media cover is open −  Out of memory Red (blinking)  −  No paper −  Paper jam Amber (solid)  −  Clean data −  Printer is busy
 - 9 -  2.3.2 LED Indication and Keys for LCD (Option)                Keys  Function  −  Display  the printer information −  Button for LCD setting menu  −  Enter the printer setting menu −  Button for LCD setting menu  −  Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn on the printer −  Press and hold for 2-3 seconds to turn off the printer −  Button for LCD setting menu  −  Ready status: Feed one label −  Printing status: Pause the print job −  Button for LCD setting menu LEDs  Status Indication Error Off  Printer is ready Red (solid) −  Media cover is open −  Out of memory −  Clean data −  Printer is busy Red (blinking)  −  No paper −  Paper jam Power Off Printer power is turned off Green (solid) −  Printer power is turned on −  Battery is full charged Green (blinking)  Low battery Amber (solid)  Battery is charging
 - 10 -  3. Setup 3.1 Install Belt Clip and Battery                   Battery safety warning: DO NOT throw the battery in fire. DO NOT short circuit the contacts.  DO NOT disassemble the battery. DO NOT throw the battery in municipal waste.  The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.
 - 11 -  3.2 Charge the Battery
 - 12 -  3.3 Communicate 3.3.1 Connecting with the Communication Cable  * USB to USB Cable (Optional)                   Open the interface cover and connect the printer to the computer with USB cable.     3.3.2 Connecting with Bluetooth (Optional)   Default Name  BT-SPP PIN  0000 Turn on the printer and make sure the Bluetooth of device is open.  Note: Please refer to section 6.5 to change the name of default and PIN.   USB connector (Printer) USB connector (PC) USB interface
 - 13 -  3.4 Loading the Media
 - 14 -  4. Power-on Utilities  There are three power-on utilities to set up and test printer hardware. These utilities are activated by pressing FEED button( ) then turning on the printer power simultaneously and release the button at different positions of LED indicator.  Please follow the steps below for different power-on utilities. 1. Turn off the printer power switch. 2. Hold on the FEED button( ) then turn on the power switch. 3. Release the button( ) when LED indicates with different positions for different functions.  Power on utilities The positions of LED light will be changed as following pattern: LED Functions  (Solid)  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  (5 blinks)  (Solid green) 1. Media sensor calibration  Release    2. Self-test and enter dump mode   Release   3. Printer initialization    Release   4.1 Media Sensor Calibration  Please follow the steps below to calibrate the media sensor. 1. Turn off the power switch. 2. Hold on the FEED button( ) then turn on the power switch. 3. Release the FEED button( ) when the indicator becomes   and blinking. (Any green will do during the 5 blinks)
 - 15 -   n  It will calibrate the black mark sensor sensitivity. n  The LEDs will be changed as following order:  (amber) à   (5 blinks) à   (5 blinks) à (5 blinks) à   (solid green)   4.2 Self-test and Dump Mode  Please follow the steps below. 1. Turn off the power switch. 2. Hold on the FEED button( ) then turn on the power switch. 3. Release the FEED button( ) when the indicator becomes   and blinking. (Any green will do during the 5 blinks)  n  The LEDs will be changed as following order:  (amber) à   (5 blinks) à   (5 blinks) à (5 blinks) à   (solid green)  4. It calibrates the sensor and measures the media length and prints internal settings then enter the dump mode. 5. Turn off / on the power to resume printer for normal printing.
 - 16 -  n Self-test  Printer will print the printer configuration after media sensor calibration. Self-test printout can be used to check if there is any dot damage on the heater element, printer configurations and available memory space.    Printer model name & Main board firmware version Printer serial number Printed mileage Main board firmware checksum Serial port setting Code page Country code Print speed Print darkness Label size (width, height) Black mark (vertical gap, offset) Sensor sensitivity Battery voltage Print head temperature Print head average resistance Bad dots of print head   Bluetooth settings information (option)        File management information
 - 17 -    Print head test pattern
 - 18 -  n Dump mode  Printer will enter dump mode after printing printer configuration. In the dump mode, all characters will be printed in 2 columns as following. The left side characters are received from your system and right side data are the corresponding hexadecimal value of the characters. It allows users or engineers to verify and debug the program.    Note: 1. Dump mode requires 3” wide paper width. 2. Turn off / on the power to resume printer for normal printing.     ASCII Data  Hex decimal data related to left column of ASCII data
 - 19 -   4.3 Printer Initialization  Printer initialization is used to clear DRAM and restore printer settings to defaults. Printer initialization is activated by the following procedures. 1. Turn off the power switch. 2. Hold on the FEED button( ) then turn on the power switch. 3. Release the FEED button( ) when the indicator becomes   and blinking. (Any green will do during the 5 blinks).  n  The LEDs will be changed as following:   (amber) à   (5 blinks) à   (5 blinks) à (5 blinks) à   (solid green)    Printer configuration will be restored to defaults as below after initialization.  Parameter Default setting Speed  50.8 mm/sec (2 ips) Density  8 Media Width  2.83” (72 mm) Media Height  4” (101.5 mm) Sensor Type  Black mark sensor (As paper end sensor) Black Mark Setting  As paper end sensor Print Direction  0 Reference Point  0,0 (upper left corner)
 - 20 -  Offset  0 Serial Port Settings  9600 bps, none parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit Code Page  850 Country Code  001 Clear Flash Memory   No IP Address  DHCP
 - 21 -  5. Diagnostic Tool  TSC’s Diagnostic Utility is an integrated tool incorporating features that enable you to explore a printer’s settings/status; change a printer’s settings; download graphics, fonts and firmware; create a printer bitmap font; and send additional commands to a printer. With the aid of this powerful tool, you can review printer status and settings in an instant, which makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and other issues.   5.1 Start the Diagnostic Tool 1. Double click on the Diagnostic tool icon   to start the software. 2. There are four features (Printer Configuration, File Manager, Bitmap Font Manager, Command Tool) included in the Diagnostic utility.
 - 22 -     Features tab Printer functions Interface Printer Status Printer setup
 - 23 -  5.2 Printer Function  1.  Select the PC interface connected with bar code printer.   The default interface setting is USB interface. If USB interface is connected with printer, no other settings need to be changed in the interface field.   2.  Click the “Printer Function” button to setup. 3.  The detail functions in the Printer Function Group are listed as below.   Function Description Calibrate Sensor  Calibrate the sensor specified in the Printer Setup group media sensor field Ethernet Setup  Setup the IP address, subnet mask, gateway for the on board Ethernet RTC Setup  Synchronize printer Real Time Clock with PC Factory Default  Initialize the printer and restore the settings to factory default. (Please refer section 5.3) Reset Printer  Reboot printer Print Test Page  Print a test page Configuration Page  Print printer configuration (Please refer section 5.2) Dump Text  To activate the printer dump mode. Ignore AUTO.BAS  Ignore the downloaded AUTO.BAS program Exit Line Mode  Exit line mode. Password Setup  Set the password to protect the settings   For more information about Diagnostic Tool, please refer to the diagnostic utility quick start guide in the CD disk \ Utilities directory.  1 2
 - 24 -
 - 25 -  5.3 Calibrating Media Sensor by Diagnostic Tool  5.3.1 Auto Calibration  1. Make sure the media is installed ready and media cover is closed. (Please refer to section 3.4) 2. Turn on the printer power switch. 3. Open Diagnostic tool and set interface. (The default setting is USB)   The default interface setting is USB interface. If USB interface is connected with printer, no other settings need to be changed in the interface field.   4. Click the “Calibrate Sensor” button. 5. Select the media type and click the “Calibrate” button.   Note: The Alpha-4L can only support back mark and continuous of media type.    1 2 1 2
 - 26 -   5.4 Setting Wi-Fi by Diagnostic Tool (Optional)  1.  Make sure the media is installed ready and media cover is closed. (Please refer to section 3.4) 2.  Turn on the printer power switch. 3.  Open Diagnostic tool and set interface. (The default setting is USB)   The default interface setting is USB interface. If USB interface is connected with printer, no other settings need to be changed in the interface field.   4.  Select “Wireless” tab and “Built-in wireless module” item. 5.  Enter and select the new WLAN settings in the editor. 6.  Press “Set” button to set the new settings to the printer. 7.  Press “Get” button to make sure WLAN is set properly.   Note: * The printer connects with the computer via USB cable or RS-232 cable, which are option. * Diagnostic tool higher than V1.50 and the firmware higher than V1.22 can support this function.  1 2 3 4 1 2 5
 - 27 -  5.5 Setting Bluetooth by Diagnostic Tool (Optional)  1.  Make sure the media is installed ready and media cover is closed. (Please refer to section 3.4) 2.  Turn on the printer power switch. 3.  Open Diagnostic tool and set interface. (The default setting is USB)   The default interface setting is USB interface. If USB interface is connected with printer, no other settings need to be changed in the interface field.   4.  Select “Wireless” tab and “Built-in wireless module” item. 5.  Enter the new BT Local Name or BT PIN Code in the editor. 6.  Press “Set” button to set the new BT name or BT PIN code of the printer. 7.  Press “Get” button to get back the settings. Make sure the Bluetooth module settings are set properly.   Note: * The printer connects with the computer via USB cable or RS-232 cable, which are option. * Diagnostic tool higher than V1.50 and the firmware higher than V1.22 can support this function. 1 2 3 4 1 2 5
 - 28 -  6. Troubleshooting  6.1 Common Problems  The following guide lists the most common problems that may be encountered when operating this bar code printer. If the printer still does not function after all suggested solutions have been invoked, please contact the Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor for assistance.  Problem Possible Cause Recovery Procedure Power indicator does not illuminate * The battery is not properly installed. * The battery is dead. * Reinstall the battery.  * Switch the printer on. * Charge the battery. - The printer status from DiagTool shows “Head Open”.  * The printer carriage is open. * Please close the print carriage. - The printer status from DiagTool shows “Out of Paper”.. * Running out of media roll. * The media is installed incorrectly. * Black mark sensor is not calibrated. * Supply a new media roll. * Please refer to the steps on section 3.4 to reinstall the media roll. * Calibrate the black mark sensor. - The printer status from DiagTool shows “Paper Jam”. * Black mark sensor is not set properly. * Make sure media size is set properly. * Media may be stuck inside the printer mechanism. * Calibrate the black mark sensor. * Set media size correctly.  Memory full ( FLASH / DRAM ) * The space of FLASH/DRAM is full. * Delete unused files in the FLASH/DRAM. * The max. numbers of DRAM is 256 files.  * The max. user addressable memory space of DRAM is 256KB. * The max. numbers of file of FLASH is 256 files. * The max. user addressable memory space of FLASH is 2560KB.
 - 29 -  Poor Print Quality * Media is loaded incorrectly * Dust or adhesive accumulation on the print head. * Print density is not set properly. * Printhead element is damaged. * Reload the supply. * Clean the print head. * Clean the platen roller. * Adjust the print density and print speed. * Run printer self-test and check the print head test pattern if there is dot missing in the pattern. * Change proper media roll. Missing printing on the left or right side of label  * Wrong label size setup.  * Set the correct label size. Gray line on the blank label * The print head is dirty. * The platen roller is dirty. * Clean the print head. * Clean the platen roller. Irregular printing * The printer is in Hex Dump mode. * The RS-232 setting is incorrect. * Turn off and on the printer to skip the dump mode. * Re-set the Rs-232 setting.
 - 30 -  7. Maintenance This session presents the clean tools and methods to maintain your printer. 1.  Please use one of following material to clean the printer. n  Cotton swab n  Lint-free cloth n  Vacuum / Blower brush n  100% Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol  2.  The cleaning process is described as following, Printer Part  Method Interval Print Head 1. Always turn off the printer before cleaning the print head. 2. Allow the print head to cool for a minimum of one minute. 3. Use a cotton swab and 100% Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the print head surface. Clean the print head when changing a new label roll   Platen Roller 1. Turn the power off. 2. Rotate the platen roller and wipe it thoroughly with water. Clean the platen roller when changing a new label roll Tear Bar/Peel Bar Use the lint-free cloth with 100% ethanol to wipe it.  As needed Sensor Compressed air or vacuum  Monthly Exterior Wipe it with water-dampened cloth  As needed Interior Brush or vacuum  As needed  Note:
 - 31 -  l  Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol to clean it. l  Please use 100% Ethenol or Isopropyl Alcohol. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage the printer head. l Regularly clean the print head and supply sensors once change a new ribbon to keep printer performance and extend printer life.
 - 32 -  Revise History Date Content Editor
   Corporate Headquarters  Li Ze Plant 9F., No.95, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist.,   No.35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Township, New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan (R.O.C.)  Yilan County 26841, Taiwan (R.O.C.)  TEL: +886-2-2218-6789      TEL: +886-3-990-6677 FAX: +886-2-2218-5678      FAX: +886-3-990-5577 Web site: www.tscprinters.com E-mail: printer_sales@tscprinters.com tech_support@tscprinters.com  TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.

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