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Microcom 326M User Manual

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MODELS 326M / 426M
DIRECT THERMAL PRINTERS
USER'S GUIDE
PART NUMBER 880024-0107
Revised: December 12, 2004 CPC
© Copyright 2004 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

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Summary of Contents for Microcom 326M

  • Page 1 MODELS 326M / 426M DIRECT THERMAL PRINTERS USER’S GUIDE PART NUMBER 880024-0107 Revised: December 12, 2004 CPC © Copyright 2004 by Microcom Corporation, Lewis Center, Ohio – All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America...
  • Page 2 This Page Intentionally Left Blank...
  • Page 3 This Page Intentionally Left Blank...
  • Page 4 For this reason, specifications are subject to change without notice. Liability Disclaimer Microcom Corporation makes every effort to assure that all information and specifications contained in this manual are accurate; however, mistakes are sometimes made. Microcom Corporation shall not be liable for any damages resulting in the use or misuse of this product.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    ........................14 LEARING EDIA CHAPTER 4: PRINTER MODES ..................15 ............................ 15 ..........................15 ALTED 4.2.1 Enquiry Responses........................15 4.2.2 Fatal Error Responses ......................18 4.2.2.1 >STOCK OUT< (01) ......................18 4.2.2.2 >STOCK OVERADVANCED< (02) .................. 18 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 6 >TEMPERATURE OUT OF RANGE< (D0) ..............24 4.2.3.20 >NONEXISTENT COMMAND< (D1)................24 4.2.3.21 >INCOMPLETE COMMAND< (D2)................24 4.2.3.22 >ZIP FILE ERROR< (D3) .................... 24 4.2.3.23 >FILE CONVERSION ERROR< (D4)................24 4.2.3.24 >UNSUPPORTED FILE TYPE< (D5)................25 4.2.3.25 >FILE NOT FOUND< (D6)................... 25 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 7 ......................... 39 UXILIARY UTTON ........................ 39 LASH EMORY PDATE 6.9.1 Compressed File Update......................40 6.9.2 MCA Compressed File Recovery ..................... 41 CHAPTER 7: TROUBLESHOOTING ................. 43 ........................ 43 ROUBLESHOOTING APPENDIX A ........................47 ............................ 47 IMITED ARRANTY 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 8 APPENDIX B........................49 (RMA) P ................49 ETURN ATERIAL UTHORIZATION ROCEDURE GLOSSARY ........................51 INDEX..........................55 USER NOTES ........................59 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 9 Printing Specifications ................3 Table 3 Media Specifications..................4 Table 4 Minimum Power Supply Specifications............8 Table 5 Print Button Description................12 Table 6 Indicator Light Description ...............12 Table 7 Enquiry Responses .................18 Table 8 RS-232 Cable Configurations..............31 Table 9 Recommended Maintenance Schedule...........33 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 10 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 11: List Of Figures

    ^D325-List Selections Example ............29 Figure 14 ^D324-List Statistics Example..............29 Figure 15 Ethernet Port (426M) ................32 Figure 16 Unlatching of the Print head (326M) ............35 Figure 17 Removal of Thermal Card (326M)............35 Figure 18 Internal Cleaning (326M) ..............36 Figure 19 Print head Thermal Elements (326M) ..........37 Figure 20 Gap Detector (326M) ................39...

  • Page 12: Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M)

    Figure 1 Front Angled View (426M) Figure 2 Rear Angled View (426M) 326M User’s Guide viii...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Many printer applications use the same label format, but change the data on every label. This is not a problem for the 326M and 426M printers, data may be changed without downloading the same fixed format or fixed data field. This, along with the available serial communication speeds, increases data access time and productivity.

  • Page 14: F Onts ............................................................................................................................................ 5

    326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Printer Specifications

    6”/sec. (152mm/sec.) Maximum Print Speed 4”/sec. (102mm/sec.) with 300 DPI option 326M = 3.15 inches (80mm) 326M = 3.189 inches (81mm) with 300 DPI Maximum Print Width 426M = 4.094 inches (104mm) 426M = 4.252 inches (108mm) with 300 DPI 50”...

  • Page 16: Media Specifications

    Corporation representative for additional information regarding testing and evaluation of thicker or rigid media types. **NOTE: The 326M printer’s media path has a maximum width of 3.5” while the actual printable width is 3.15” for the 203 DPI and 3.189” for the 300 DPI print head.

  • Page 17: Chapter 2: Features And Options

     Two-dimensional: PDF-417 and Data Matrix  Rotated: 0 º, 90 º, 180 º, and 270 º. Special Features  Durable steel chassis that protects your investment, even in harsh environments.  Rotating head mechanism for easy print head cleaning. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 18: Options

     Configurable sensor (Input 1) that may be customized for different functions including a Low Stock indicator.  300 DPI (11.808 dots/mm) resolution print head.  Custom Media Handling  +24VDC 100 W Power Supply  Cleaning kit. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 19: Chapter 3: Getting Started

    The protective foam and shipping container(s) should be kept and used if the printer is to be shipped. Additional shipping materials may be ordered by contacting the Microcom Corporation Service Department. Figure 3...

  • Page 20: Table 4 Minimum Power Supply Specifications

    3.2.1 Printer Power Microcom Corporation offers a “desk type” universal power adapter as an option for the 326M and 426M printers. Any power adapter that conforms to the necessary specifications, listed below, may be used. The printer requires a universal +24VDC 100 Watt power supply that operates in the 90-264 VAC;...

  • Page 21: Figure 5 Communication Connections (426M)

    Communication Interface The printers may be interfaced to PC’s, mini-computers, main frames, and special purpose machines. The 326M and 426M printers offer a standard RS-232 serial port, USB (version 1.1), and 10BASE-TX Ethernet as standard communication interface. 10 BASE T...

  • Page 22: Optional Cutter Interface

    This port is not yet active but will provide an additional sensor input. Once the sensor is blocked or activated, the printer issues either the “>INPUT 3<” enquiry response that may be defined by the user to identify custom meanings. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 23: Button And Indicator Light

    The Button is configured using the “^D541)” command with the default being “1”. Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for additional information regarding the button’s configuration. Indicator Button Light Figure 7 Button and Indicator Light (426M) 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 24: Button

    Note: Refer to Chapter 7: Troubleshooting for helpful hints. Alternating Indicates that the printer is Initializing the RAM memory. Green/Amber. Alternating Indicates that the printer is updating or loading a new MCA or Amber/Red. MCB code revision to Flash memory. Table 6 Indicator Light Description 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 25: Loading Media

    The open frame printers have been designed to make loading media a simple process. No adjustments are required when installing media once the media guides are set, thus reducing down time. Contact your Microcom Corporation Representative about the availability of custom size media guides. Follow the instructions below to properly load the media.

  • Page 26: Clearing Media Jams

    7. Push and hold the FEED button to feed the media through the printer. 8. Once the media exits the front of the printer, release the button. Figure 9 Releasing the Print Head (326M) 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 27: Chapter 4: Printer Modes

    Out of Media Excess media past LPD 0x02 >STOCK OVERADVANCED< preventing a TOF operation. 0x03 >STOCK JAMMED< Media is jammed. Problem encountered trying to 0x04 >INCORRECT STOCK< realign media. ACK message used with the 0x06 >OK< ^D726)1 command. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 28 The printer is currently busy. 0x83 >PAUSED< The printer has been paused. 0x84 >PRINTING< The printer is currently printing. The printer is currently feeding 0x85 >FEEDING< media. Media has been presented in a 0x86 >LABEL/TAG PRESENT< dispense mode. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 29 The Input/Output circuitry has 0xDB >I/O FAILURE< failed. The requested file does not exist 0xDC >FONT/GRAPHIC NOT FOUND< or cannot be found. 0xE1 >SWITCH 0 ACTUATED< Switch 0 has been actuated. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 30: Fatal Error Responses

    ASCII 0x01 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 4.2.2.2 >STOCK OVERADVANCED< (02) This error response is typically generated when the printer has an excess amount of media feed out of the printer and a Top-of-Form operation is executed. If the printer is configured 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 31: Stock Jammed< (03)

    The cutter watchdog timer will disable the power to the cutter to prevent damage from occurring. The printer power should to be cycled to properly clear this error after the jam has been cleared from the cutter blades. If the printer 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 32: Cutter Watchdog Won"T Reset< (13)

    This error response indicates that a received command contains an invalid parameter or illegal structure while in text and verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x31 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 33: Parser Error< (32)

    If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x21 is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. This sensor and response is intended to provide the user with the flexibility for custom configurations. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 34: Input 2< (22)

    The “>FEEDING<” response indicates that the printer is currently feeding media while in text and verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0x85 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 35: Label/Tag Present< (86)

    If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xB0 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 36: Button 1 Tapped< (C0)

    This enquiry response indicates that the printer encountered an error while performing an internal conversion of the received file while in text and verbose modes. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xD4 will be issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 37: Unsupported File Type< (D5)

    This enquiry response typically indicates that switch 0 is actuated while in text or verbose response sets. If the printer is configured for byte responses, the code ASCII 0xE1 is issued from the printer in response to an enquiry command. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 38: Switch 1 Actuated< (E2)

    Additional examples of the printers Paused Mode includes a label script that does not include a print command, or after the printer fails to execute the pending data after an error condition. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 39: Diagnostic Mode

    Auto top-of-form alignment: (D723) disabled Auto alignment after error: (D724) disabled Auto acknowledge after cmd: (D726) disabled Auto respond after error: (D727) disabled Cutter: (D740) disabled Printed Media Handler PMH: (D741) disabled Figure 11 ^D323-List Enablements Example 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 40: Figure 12 ^D326-List Settings Example

    Low head temperature: PWM periods Gap: Black line: Label Present: Stacker: NOTE: Some items may not be correct until after a scripted label has been printed or Auto-size (D310) has been run. Figure 12 ^D326-List Settings Example 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 41: Figure 13 ^D325-List Selections Example

    Available in file area: 964 KB RAM: Installed: 16.0 MB Heap: 12.5 MB Available: 6.53 MB Code: Revision: 1.10 Part number: 950000-0110 Size: 1851552 CRC32: 0x70c6cc74 Bootloader revision: 1.08 Analog PIC revision: Figure 14 ^D324-List Statistics Example 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 42 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 43: Chapter 5: Communications

    The other signals are offered in the event that the host computer requires them. 5.1.1 RS-232 Printer Cables The 326M and 426M printers use standard cables that may be purchased through Microcom Corporation or a local computer supply company. A NULL-modem cable is not required because the printer is configured as DCE.

  • Page 44: Ethernet - 10Base Tx

    The printer provides the capability of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port that supports version 1.1. The USB Type 1 port is a virtual serial communications port and requires the installation of the Microcom Corporation supplied virtual serial communication USB driver to be installed to properly function.

  • Page 45: Chapter 6: Maintenance And Adjustments

    It is important to note that optimum print quality and print head life is achieved by maintaining a clean printer and print head. A Microcom Corporation approved cleaning kit (part # 040005-0000) is available. Contact your Microcom Corporation sales representative for purchasing information.

  • Page 46: Thermal Printer Card

    The necessary cleaning materials can be purchased through Microcom Corporation by contacting your sales representative and ordering the Cleaning Kit, part # 040005-0000. The print head should be cleaned after every roll of media or after every 512 feet (a typical stack of tag or fanfold media is about 3200 tags).

  • Page 47: Figure 16 Unlatching Of The Print Head (326M)

    Chapter 6 Maintenance and Adjustments Figure 16 Unlatching of the Print head (326M) Figure 17 Removal of Thermal Card (326M) 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 48: Internal Cleaning

    See section 6.4 for the proper print head maintenance procedure. 5. When finished, latch the print head completely and reinstall the media. 6. Turn the printer power ON Print head Elements Drive Roller Peel Edge Figure 18 Internal Cleaning (326M) 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 49: Print Head Maintenance

    Print head Elements Figure 19 Print head Thermal Elements (326M) CAUTION: When performing maintenance inside the printer, always make sure that the print head is latched completely before installing the top cover. Failure to do so may result in damage to the print head.

  • Page 50: Cleaning The Drive Roller

    7. Turn the printer power ON. CAUTION: Isopropyl Alcohol should be used to clean the drive roller. The use of other cleaning solvents or materials is not recommended and may degrade the performance of the drive roller. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 51: Exterior Cleaning

    Custom Fixed Locations Standard Factory Location Figure 20 Gap Detector (326M) Auxiliary Button The auxiliary button (see Figure 14) is used for factory adjustments, recovers flash memory, and may be customized for other special features. Flash Memory Update The printer is equipped with 4MB of flash memory that can be updated automatically or optionally upgraded remotely or by using the auxiliary button.

  • Page 52: Compressed File Update

    Refer to the “^D670)” command regarding the printer’s serial port parameters. If the printer does not update properly, use a slower Baud rate to transfer the update. 3. Contact the Microcom Corporation support department and/or visit the following web address www.microcomcorp.com to acquire the desired MCA or MCB file.

  • Page 53: Mca Compressed File Recovery

    1. Make sure the RS-232 serial connection is made between the host and the printer including the proper Baud rate. 2. Contact Microcom Corporation support department and/or visit www.microcomcorp.com to acquire the desired MCA code file. 3. Start the terminal emulation program and set the serial parameters to 115200,n,8,1.
  • Page 54 Binary data. CAUTION: Do not send any unnecessary characters or turn the printer off during the flash memory update. Failure to observe this precaution may result in the printer becoming inoperable. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 55: Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

     Verify that media is loaded in the printer properly.  Press Button 1 to attempt to clear the error.  Refer to the LDSII Programming Guide for information on the Enquiry Command to help identify the error condition.  Cycle power to reset the printer. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 56  Verify that media guides are adjusted correctly and that the media is not experiencing excessive drag.  Check the rigidity of the media being used.  Check the gear drive for excessive wear and/or damage.  Contact your Service Representative. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 57  Adjust the appropriate stock threshold to media type being used, refer to the ^D682 command for threshold adjustment and the ^D900 for additional information on determining the correct stock out threshold value in the LDSII Programming Guide.  Contact your Service Representative. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 58 The label present detector is not sensing labels properly:  Is an LPD present?  Is a ^D597 dispense command being used that uses the LPD sensor?  Adjust the LPD drive using the ^D683 command to achieve proper operation.  Contact your Service Representative. 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 59: Limited Warranty

    Although the user is not required to purchase Microcom Corporation brand supplies, to the extent it is determined that the use of other supplies (such as non-approved label stock, ribbons, and cleaning solutions) shall have caused any defects in the thermal print head for which the warranty claim is made, the user shall be responsible for Microcom Corporation’s customary...
  • Page 60 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 61: Return Material Authorization (Rma) Procedure

    Return the defective item(s) for repair to the address listed above, freight and insurance prepaid. Upon receipt of an RMA number, the customer contact is notified by a Microcom Corporation representative regarding repair charges, at which time the ship method is determined.
  • Page 62 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 63: Glossary

    Serial ports on computers are typically configured as DTE. DTR (Data Terminal Ready) - A handshaking signal used to provide information about the status of the communication line connected to the DCE end of an RS-232 link. Used in conjunction with DSR. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 64 Tag stock - Media that typically has no adhesive backing, thicker in nature, and generally is a fanfold type media. Thermal print head - A print head that uses thermal technology, to heat individual elements or dots to produce images. Also referred to as print head in this manual. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 65 TXD (Transmit Data) - An essential signal that carries data from the DTE to the DCE for 2- way RS-232 serial communication. Also known as TX and TD. USB (Universal Serial Bus) - A high-speed asynchronous serial interface, typically transfers up to 12M bits/second, used for connecting host computers to various peripherals. 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 66 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 67: Printer Power ............................................................................................................................. 8

    Head Lift Lever..................................13, 14, 34 Head Release Levers ................................36, 37, 38 Height....................................... 3 Hosts......................................... 3 Indicator Light ..............................11, 12, 15, 26, 43, 44 Inspection ......................................7 Interface Communications Network Connectivity ................................... 3 Serial ......................................3 Isopropyl Alcohol..................................34, 37 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 68: Loading

    Paused ......................................26 Printhead.............................5, 6, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 45, 47, 51, 52 Protocols......................................3 Repairs......................................49 Return Material Authorization ................................. 49 RS-232 Cable....................................31 Serial ....................................40, 41, 42 Service......................................49 Shipping Damage ....................................7 Specifications....................................8 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 69 General......................................3 Media ......................................4 Printing......................................3 Temperature...................................... 3 Thermal Printer Card..................................34 Troubleshooting ....................................43 Unpacking......................................7 Warranty......................................47 Weight ......................................3 Width........................................ 3 326M User’s Guide...
  • Page 70 326M User’s Guide...

  • Page 71: User Notes

    User Notes 326M User’s Guide...

This manual is also suitable for:

426m

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