Argox OS-214ZIP User's Manual

OS Series

Desktop Barcode Printer

User’s Manual

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information Co., Ltd. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.

Product Improvements

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Argox Information Co., Ltd. All specifications and signs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by the following measures:



Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.





Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

Connect the equipment into a different outlet on a different circuit.



Consult the dealer or an experience Radio/TV technician for help.

This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables must be used with the unit to insure compliance. The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Argox Information Co., Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Liability Disclaimer

Argox Information Co., Ltd. takes steps to assure that the company’s published engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Argox

Information Co., Ltd. reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any resulting liability. In no event shall Argox Information Co., Ltd. or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product

(including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to use such product, even if Argox Information Co., Ltd. has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

II

A Letter to Our Customers

Dear Customers,

Congratulation on selecting an Argox OS series printer!

We believe soon you will find that you have made a cleverest choice!

This booklet is a small gift from us. It is intended for helping you to know your printer better, then further to optimize it. Basically, this booklet contains two parts: operation guidance and related valuable information.

In the part of the operation guidance, we will furnish you with a lot of complementary illustrations, so you may pick up those operation guides more quickly.

In the latter chapters of Trouble Shooting, Maintenance as well as Reference Technical information, which we think, you may need them just in case. Therefore, for your quick reference, we try to table them as much as possible.

Enjoy your reading and have a good time with your printer!

Best wishes,

Argox Information Co., Ltd.

III

Table of Contents

A Letter to Our Customers

................................................. III

Table of Contents ....................................................................IV

Getting Started.......................................................................... 1

Unpacking............................................................................... 1

Package Contents ................................................................ 2

Connecting the Power Supply ................................................. 3

Parts and Features (OS-214, OS-214Zip, OS-314)................... 5

Parts and Features (OS-203, OS-204)...................................... 7

Controls and Indicators ......................................................... 10

Loading Ribbon and Media.................................................... 12

Loading a Ribbon (OS-214, OS-214Zip, OS-314) ................. 12

Loading Media...................................................................... 17

Standard Mode .................................................................. 17

Peel Off Mode................................................................... 22

Cutting Mode .................................................................... 26

Calibration and Configuration............................................... 28

Performing Calibration and Configuration............................. 28

Resetting to Factory Default Settings .................................... 29

Computer Connections ........................................................... 30

Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements ................................ 30

Parallel Interface Requirements............................................. 32

Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements.............................. 32

Communicating with the Printer............................................ 33

Before installation

............................................................... 33

Installing the Printer Driver (Label Dr.200 or Label Dr. 300)

............................................................................................. 33

Installing the Printer Driver (Seagull Driver)

.................... 36

Setting Parameters ................................................................ 41

Parameters for Win 98 ....................................................... 43

Parameters for Win 2000 ................................................... 46

For NT 4.0 ........................................................................ 50

IV

For Win XP....................................................................... 52

For Windows Vista............................................................ 56

Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 59

LED Diagnosis ..................................................................... 59

Miscellaneous ....................................................................... 62

Recovery .............................................................................. 63

Caring for Your Printer.......................................................... 64

Cleaning ............................................................................... 64

Thermal Print Head........................................................... 64

Paper Sensor ..................................................................... 64

Technical Reference ................................................................ 67

General Specifications .......................................................... 67

Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification ........................ 70

Printer Programming Language A, PPLA.......................... 70

Printer Programming Language B, PPLB .......................... 71

Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ (OS-214Zip)...... 72

Interface Specifications......................................................... 73

Serial ................................................................................ 73

Connection with host: ....................................................... 74

Parallel (Centronics) ......................................................... 76

Auto Polling...................................................................... 76

Appendix I - Installing Dispenser Kit .................................... 77

Top Cover............................................................................. 77

Middle Cover........................................................................ 78

Base Housing........................................................................ 79

Appendix II - Installing the Cutter ........................................ 82

Appendix III - Installing the Extension Card

...... 85

V

Getting Started

Congratulations on choosing the Argox OS Series desktop barcode printer. This manual will help you get to know your new printer. There are two parts to this manual, an operation guide and related information. The operation guide is illustrated to help you quickly become familiar with the printer. The related information includes troubleshooting, maintenance and technical information for your reference.

Unpacking

After receiving your printer, please check for possible shipping damage:

1. Inspect the outside of both the box and the printer for possible damage.

2. Open the top cover of the printer to see if the media compartments are in order.

Note: If damage has occurred, contact your shipping company immediately to file a claim.

3. Check whether you have received the following accessories together with the printer. If there are any items missing, please contact your local dealer.

1

Connecting the Power Supply

Connect the power supply as below.

WARNING:



Do not operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet.

Make sure the power switch is in the "O" position, and be careful not to touch the 36-pin parallel connector.

1. Insert the barrel connector of the Power Supply into the power jack on the back of the printer.

Note the location of the power jack for different models in the diagrams below.

2. Insert the separate power cord into the power supply.

3. Plug the other end of the cord into an AC electrical outlet.

Package Contents



Printer









Power Supply

Power Cord

User’s Manual

CD Rom Disk





Ribbon (not included with OS-203 or OS-204)

Sample Media (not included with OS-203 or OS-204)

Note: The ribbon and sample media are not included with the

OS-203 or OS-204 models.

2

OS-204 / 214 / 214Zip / 314

Models

3

OS-203 Model

4

Getting to Know Your Printer

There are five models in the OS Series. The OS-214, OS-214Zip and OS-314 share the same parts and features, as do the

OS-203 and OS-204. Parts and features of the OS series are illustrated below.

Parts and Features (OS-214, OS-214Zip,

OS-314)

H Cover

Power Indicator

Ready Indicator

Top Cover

Feed Button

Power Switch

OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

5

Ribbon Pick-up Holder

Release Levers

Ribbon Supply Holder

Platen Roller

Media Hanger

Thermal Print head

Power Switch

OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

6

Parts and Features (OS-203, OS-204)

H Cover

Top Cover

Power Indicator

Ready indicator

Power Switch

Feed Button

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

7

Media Hanger

Release Levers

Platen Roller

Thermal Print head

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

8

Peel-Off Option Cutter Option

White Plastic Roller Cutter

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

9

Controls and Indicators

The printer’s controls and indicators are shown in the diagram below. The following table explains control and indicator functions.

Power Indicator

Ready Indicator

Feed Button

Power Switch

Control /

Indicator

Power Switch

Power Indicator

Function



On: power on



Off: shut down

Note: Turn power off before connecting or disconnecting cables



Green light shows the power-on status



Light off shows the power-off status



Blinking light indicates error has occurred

Ready Indicator

Feed Button













Green shows printer is ready to operate

Blinking light indicates printer is paused

Press to advance labels to the first printing position

Press to leave "pause" status

Press to back feed if a label is not properly aligned (for OS-203 Peel-Off mode only)

Press and hold while turning on the power to print out a configuration profile

10 11

Loading Ribbon and Media

This section describes how to load ribbon and media into the OS

Series printers.

Loading a Ribbon (OS-214, OS-214Zip,

OS-314)

Note: This section does not apply to direct thermal printing.

1. Lift the top cover to expose the media compartment.

2. Unlatch the print head module by pushing the two white release levers on the sides toward the rear.

3. Turn over the print head module to expose the ribbon supply holder.

12

Release Lever

Media Compartment


Print Head Module

Release Lever

13

4. Unwrap the ribbon roll pack and separate the ribbon roll and the bare core.

5. Attach the edge of the ribbon on the bare core and wind it a little bit onto the core.

6. Insert the ribbon roll into the supply holder. (First snap in the left side and then the right side.)


Bare Core

Ribbon Roll

14

7. Put the print head module down and insert the bare core into the pick-up holder. (First snap in the left side, and then the right side.)

Ribbon Pick-up Holder

Bare Core

8. Turn the wheel of the print head module to ensure the ribbon is tightly wound.

9. Press down the print head module firmly until you hear a snap.

15

Wheel

Print Head Module

16

Loading Media

The OS Series printers offer three different loading modes: standard, peel-off, or cutting.







Standard mode

allows you to collect each label freely.

Peel-off mode

peels backing material away from the label as it prints. After a label is removed, the next label prints.

Cutting mode

automatically cuts the label after it prints.

Standard Mode

1. Lift the top cover to expose the media compartment.

17

2. Remove the media hanger.

Media Compartment Media Hanger

3. Load the media roll onto the hanger from left to right.

Media Roll

Media Hanger

18

4. Click the media hanger back into the media compartment.

5. Align the media roll to the left end.

6. Move the shield from right to left until it leans against the media.

Media Compartment

Media Roll

Shield

19

7. Unlatch the print head module.

8. Hold the print head module upright with one hand to allow the media to pass under it. Lead the media through the media guides with the other hand.

9. Lead the media over the platen roller.

Print Head Module

Media Guides

20

10. Put the print head module down and press down firmly until you hear a snap.

11. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the

"FEED" button if the printer is already on.

Print Head Module

Feed Button

21

Peel Off Mode

Note: For Peel-off mode you must first install the dispenser kit.

Please refer to Appendix I.

Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above.

9. Remove enough labels to expose approximately a 6" length of backing paper.

Peeler Sensor

Backing Paper

22

10. Trim the front edge of the label backing paper with scissors or a knife.

11. Lead the backing paper into the slot between the dispenser bar and H cover, then ensure it is inserted between the white plastic roller and platen roller.

Dispenser Bar

Media Guides

H Cover

12. Press the "FEED" button for the label backing paper to

23

come out from the slot under the H cover.

13. In OS-203 Peel-off mode, if a misaligned loading occurs keep pressing the "FEED" button to back-feed and reload the label stock.

14. To remove any slack, rewind the media onto the roll.

Press down the print head module firmly.

H Cover

Slot

Feed Button



Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer peel.

Peeling occurs only when the software is properly set.

Label

24 25

Cutting Mode

Note: For Cutting mode you must first install the cutter. Please refer to Appendix II.

Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above.

9. Thread the media over the platen roller, then route the media through the slot of the cutter module.

10. Press down the print head module firmly.

Cutter Module

26



Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer cut. Cutting occurs only when the software is properly set.

27

Calibration and Configuration

This section discusses calibration, printing configuration and resetting the printer to factory defaults.

Performing Calibration and Configuration

1. Turn off the printer power.

2. Press and hold the feed button while turning on the power, then the printer will execute calibration to let machine automatically stock length of the label. (Please continuous to press the feed button when machine executes calibration.)

3. Please continuous pressing the feed button until the printing motor is activated, then printer will execute configuration, and printing the configuration profile. The profile includes firmware version, ROM checksum, RS232, thermal transfer /direct thermal settings, hardware configuration, and font types.

4. After calibration and configuration, at PPLB emulation, the printer enters character dump mode. To exit from dump mode, press the feed button again. (If you accidentally print the label without exiting from dump mode in advance, you need to turn on the printer again to print normally.)

Resetting to Factory Default Settings

1. Turn on the printer and wait for 5 or more seconds.

2. Press the "Feed" button for 10 seconds, and the "Ready" indicator and "Power" indicator will go off in order.

3. When the two indicators relight, release the feed button.

4. The printer feeds approximately 3 ~5 blank labels, and then resets to the factory defaults.

Note:

Revise the factory default settings that stored in flash, even

if turn off the power source cannot be eliminated.

28 29

Computer Connections

Note: You must insert the power supply’s barrel connector into the power jack on the back of the printer before connecting communication cables.

This printer comes with both a nine-pin Electronics Industries

Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface (for OS-203, it is six-pin) and a standard Centronics parallel interface. In either case, you must supply the required interface cable for your application.

Note: This printer complies with FCC Rules and Regulations,

Part 15, for Class B Equipment, for use with fully shielded six-foot data cables. Use of longer cables or unshielded cables may increase radiated emissions above Class B limits.

Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements

The required cable must have a nine-pin "D" type (for the OS-203, six-pin) male connector on one end, which is plugged into the mating serial port located on the back of the printer. The other end of the signal interface cable connects to a serial port on the host computer.

For technical and pin-out information, please refer to the

Reference Technical Information, Interface Specification.

30

Parallel Port

OS-204 / OS-214 /

OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

Power Jack

OS-203 Model

Power Jack

RS

232

Serial Port

RS

232

Serial Port

Parallel Port

31

Parallel Interface Requirements

The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the parallel port located on the back of the printer.

The other end of the parallel interface cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer. For pin-out information, refer to the Reference Technical Information, Interface

Specification.

Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements

Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with metal or metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise.

To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:







Keep data cables as short as possible (6 ft or 1.83m recommended).

Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.

Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

Notes:

1. Centronics allows a much higher communication speed than serial.

2. The printer automatically detects parallel or serial port.

No need to set a switch or send a command.

3. Default settings are included in the configuration report.

32

Communicating with the Printer

The bundled printer driver can be applied to all applications under

Windows 98/2000/2003/Windows XP and Windows Vista. With this driver you can run any popular Windows software applications such as MS-Word and print out to this printer.

Before installation

1. Check the contents of the driver to ensure it is complete.

2. Make a backup copy of this driver.

Installing the Printer Driver (Label Dr.200 or Label Dr.

300)

1. Double click the driver file

(Label Dr. 200 or Label Dr. 300) to execute in Windows.

2. Click "Next".

33

3. Select a driver for your printer and click "Next".

For 203 dpi modes with 4 inches print width, you should select Label

Dr. 200 (4 inch model).

4. Select the port of the printer and click "Next".

34

5. After the related files have been copied to your system, click “Next”.

6. After the installation is complete, click “Finish”.

7. Click “ Yes”.

35

Installing the Printer Driver (Seagull Driver)

1. Double click the driver file to execute in Windows.

2. Click "Next".

3. Select ”Install printer drivers”and click “Next”.

36

4. Select a driver for your

printer and click "Next" .

5. Select the port of the printer and click "Next.

37

6. Enter a specify Printer

Name and click “Nex”

7. Click “Finish”

38

8. After the related files have

been copied to your system,

click “Finish”

9. After the installation is

complete, click “Close”

39

Notes:

1.

If you are updating the driver, make sure you remove the previous version first.

2.

If you install new bar code application software such as

ArgoBar, LabelView or CodeSoft, you should activate the

Label Dr. 200 (or Label Dr. 300) driver and set it as the current printer driver.

3.

If you install new bar code application software such as

Bartender Ultra Lite, you should activate the seagull driver for Argox printers.

40

Setting Parameters

After installing the driver, follow the path below to set parameters:

Windows 98/ 2000/ 2003:

Start → Settings→ Printers→ Label Dr.→ Properties

Windows XP:

Start → Settings → Printers and Faxes → Label Dr.

→ Properties

Windows Vista:

Start → Control Panel → Printers → Label Dr. → Properties

41

Parameters include:

Ports

Select the IO port to link with the printer. The port may be parallel (LPT), serial (COM), network port, or file.

Paper size

Select the proper size. If there is no desired size, select "Custom" to define paper size.

Orientation

Paper source

(Media type)

Media choice

(Darkness)

Copies

Set portrait or landscape.

(without ribbon).

T/T stands for thermal transfer (ribbon) mode and D/T for direct thermal mode

Set the heat value or darkness from this field. Darkness values range from 0 to 15.

This function designates the number of printed copies of each page.

More options

(Accessories)

To use the cutter or peeler function, enter

More Options and select one of the items.

Device options

(Speed)

Set print speed. For OS-214 and OS-214Zip, speed ranges from 1~ 3 ips; for OS-314/204, speed ranges from 1~ 2 ips; for OS-203 speed ranges from 1~ 3.5 ips.

42

Parameters for Win 98

Ports

In the Properties menu:

→ Click "Details"

→ Select the IO port.

→ Click "OK"

Paper size

Orientation

Paper source

(Media type)

Media choice

(Darkness)

Copies


→Click "Paper"

→Click items to select the desired parameters

→Click "OK"

43

Output bin

(Accessory setting)


→ Click "Paper"

→ Click "More Options"

→ Select Enable w/o cutter, peeler

→ Click "OK"

Print quality

(Speed)


→ Click "Device Options"

→ Select parameters

→ Click "OK"

44

Create a custom size


→ Click "Paper"

→ Select "Custom"

→ User-Defined Size

→ Set a custom size

→ Click "OK"

45

Parameters for Win 2000

Ports


→ Click "Ports"

→ Select the IO port

→ Click "OK"

Paper source

(Media type)

In the Printers menu:

→ Right click

→ Select "Printing

Preferences"

→ Click "Paper/Quality" and select media type

→ Click "OK"

46

Orientation

Page order

In Printing Preferences:

→ Click "Layout"

→ Select "Portrait" or

"Landscape"

→ Click "Page order”"

→ Select "Front to Back" or "Back to Front"

→ Click "OK"

Paper size

Copies

Print quality

(Speed)

Output bin

(Accessory setting)


→ Click "Layout"

→ Click "Advanced"

→ Click each item to select parameters

→ Click "OK"

47

Paper size setup


→ Click tag "Layout"

→ Click button "Advanced"

→ Click "button Customize”"

→ Select "paper size" or add new paper size.

→ Click "OK"

48



→ Right click

→ Select "Server

Properties"

→ Enter a form name for in "Form Description for"

→ Reset paper size in

"Measurements"

→ Click "OK"

49

For NT 4.0

Ports


→ Click "Ports"

→ Select IO port

→ Click "OK"

Paper size

Orientation

Paper source

(Media type)

Copies

Media choice

(Accessory setting)

In the Printer’s menu:

→ Right click

→ Select "Document

Defaults"


→ Click items to select desired parameters

50

Paper/Output

(Speed)

Print quality

(Darkness)

In Default Document:


→ Click item to select desired parameters

→ Click "OK"


Please refer to


in Win 2000 above.

51

For Win XP

Ports


→ Click "Ports"


→ Click "OK"

Paper source

(Media type)


→ Label Dr

→ Right click

→ Select "Printing

Preferences"

→ Click "Paper Quality"

→ Select media type

→ Click "OK"

52

Orientation

Page order


→ Click "Layout"

→ Select "Portrait" or

"Landscape"

→ Click "Page order”"

→ Select "Front to Back" or "Back to Front"

→ Click "OK"

Paper size

Copies

Print quality

(Speed)

Output bin

(Accessory setting)


→ Click "Layout"


→ Click items to select parameters

→ Click "OK"

53

Paper size setup


→ Click tag "Layout"

→ Click button "Advanced"

→ Click button "Customize”"

→ Select "paper size" or add new paper size.

→ Click "OK"

54



→ Right click

→ Select "Server

Properties"

→ Enter a “Form name”

→ Reset paper size in the "Form description"

→ Click "OK"

55

For Windows Vista

Ports

In the Properties menu

→ Click "Ports"


→ Click "OK"

Orientation

In the Properties menu

→ Click” General”

→ Click” Printing

Preferences” button

→ Click” Layout”

→ Select” Portrait” or “ Landscape”

→ Click “OK”

56

Paper Size

Copy Count

Print Quality

(Speed)

Output Bin

(Accessory setting)

Printinh Preferences menu

→Click” Layout”

→Click” Advanced” button

→Click each item to select the parameters

→Click “OK”

Paper Source

(Media type)

Media

(Darkness)

Printing Preferences menu

→Click” Paper/Quality

→Select media type

→Select Darkness

→Click” OK”

57

Paper Size Setup or

Create a Custom Size

Printing Preferences menu

→Click” Advanced” button

→Click” Customize” button

→Select” Paper Size” or add new paper size

→Click” OK”

58

Troubleshooting

Normally, when the printer is in not working properly, the "Power"

LED blinks continuously; while printing and communication between the host and printer stops.

LED Diagnosis

Power and Ready LEDs blinking continuously indicates printer errors. To understand the problem, please observe the Power and Ready LEDs and refer to the following solutions:

LED Indicators:

Power and Ready LEDs blink at the same tempo

Power LED Ready LED

ON ON

OFF OFF

Possible Problems

Miss-detect gap

Solutions

Check the label path

Remarks

If you use a

Check the label sensor continuous label roll and run under

Windows, select continuous media.

Label stock out

Label stock not installed

Supply the label roll

Install the label roll

Label jam Recover the jam

59

LED Indicators:

Power and Ready LEDs blink alternately


ON OFF

OFF ON

Possible Problems Solutions Remarks

Ribbon out

Ribbon jam

Supply the ribbon roll

Recover the jam

Not applicable to direct thermal type.

Ribbon sensor error Replace ribbon sensor

Note: For models OS-203/OS-204 this error will not occur.

LED Indicators:

Only the Power LED blinks


ON ON

OFF ON

Possible Problems

Serial IO error

Solutions Remarks

Check the baud rate Not for Centronics

Memory full

Cutter failed, or jam

Add the extension RAM

Check the cutter Occurs only when at cutter Recover the jam installing or setting the cutter

Hardware error Call for service

60

LED Indicators:

Only the Ready LED blinks


ON

ON

ON

OFF

Possible Problems Solutions

Print head too hot Printing will stop until the print head cools to an acceptable printing temperature. When it does, the printer will automatically resume operation.

Printer is receiving data

Wait for the data transmission finished

Remarks

61

Miscellaneous

If the host shows "Printer Time out"

1. Check if the communication cable (parallel or serial) is connected securely to your parallel or serial port on the

PC and to the connector on the printer at the other end.

2. Check if the printer power is turned on.

If the data has been sent, but there is no output from the printer.

Check the active printer driver, and see if Label Dr. for your

Windows system and the label printer has been selected.

Vertical streaks in the printout usually indicate a dirty or faulty print head. (Refer to the following examples.)

62

Clean the print head. If the problem persists, replace the print head.

Poor printout quality:



The ribbon may not be qualified.









The media may not be qualified.

Adjust the Darkness (heat temperature).

Slow down the print speed.

Refer to the next chapter and clean the related spare parts.

Recovery

After correcting problems, simply press the panel button or restart the printer to continue your print jobs. Make sure the LEDs are not blinking and remember to resend your files.

63

Caring for Your Printer

After using eight rolls of label stock, clean the following areas of the printer.

Note: Turn off the printer before cleaning.

Cleaning

Clean the following components of the printer using a cotton bud dampened with alcohol. Do not soak the cotton bud excessively.

Thermal Print Head

Thermal paper stock and the ribbon release debris on the print head, which degrades printing quality. Clean the print head with methanol or isopropyl alcohol and a cotton bud. Do not touch the heater element with your fingers. Debris or dirt on the roller should be cleaned with alcohol.

Paper Sensor

Debris or dirt on the paper sensor can cause a miss-read or unstable detection of the label gap. Clean with a cotton bud dampened with alcohol.

Replacing the Thermal Print Head

1. Switch off the power and wait for both LEDs to go off.

2. Unlatch the print head module.

3. Remove the ribbon.

4. Push the print head firmly into the casing and shift it to the left. It will release from the module.

5. Disconnect the print head cable.

6. Disassemble the print head and the mounting bracket by releasing screws.

7. Replace with a new print head. Reassemble the print head module in reverse order. Be careful not to touch the print head elements.

64 65

66

Technical Reference

General Specifications

Specification

Print method

Resolution

Maximum print width

Maximum print length

Maximum print speed

Model

OS-203

Model

OS-204

Direct thermal

203 DPI (8 dots/mm)

2.83 in.

(72mm)

10 in.

(254mm)

4.13in.

(105 mm)

8 in.

(203mm)

3.5 inches 2 inches

(89 mm) (51 mm) per second per second

Model

OS-214

Model

OS-214Zip

Model

OS-314TT

Direct thermal and Thermal transfer

4.16in

(106mm)

48 in.

(1219mm)

300 DPI

(12 dots/mm)

4.06 in.

(103 mm)

14 in.

(356mm)

3 inches

(76 mm) per second

2 inches

(51 mm) per second

Onboard DRAM

512 K bytes

Rotation

2 M bytes

0, 90, 180 and 270, 4 direction rotations

Media type

I. Direct thermal: paper visible light and infrared scan able labels, tag stock, butt cut or die cut, with various adhesives.

N/A

II. All above media, plus thermal transfer paper or vinyl labels and tags, butt cut or die cut, with various adhesives.

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Specification Model

OS-203

Model

OS-204

Model

OS-214

Model

OS-214 Zip

Model

OS-314TT label roll diameter

Maximum 4.3 in.(109mm) outside diameter, 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) inside diameter (beside OS-203)

Maximum 5 in. (127mm) outside diameter, 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) inside diameter(only OS-203)

Label indexing

Ribbon types

Ribbon size

Black stripe and gap

Dimensions

W5.3 x

D9.0 x

H6.4 in.

Weight

1.2Kg

(2.6lbs)

W7.3 x D10.9 x H6.0 in

1.9 kg

(4.2lbs)

Agency Listing

FCC class A

N/A

Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin

Ribbon width- 1”~4”

Ribbon roll –max OD 1.45 “ (37 mm)

Ribbon length – max 91m

Core size – ID 0.5” core (13 mm) with notch

FCC class B

2.1 kg

(4.6 lbs)

CE, cTUVus approved

Power Source

Universal switching power supply

Operating temperature

Input:100V~240V, 1.5A, 47~63Hz

Output: 24VDC, 2.92A, 70W Max

32°F ~ 104°F (0°C ~ 40°C)

-4°F ~ 122°F (-20°C ~ 50°C)

Storage temperature

Humidity

10~90% RH

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Optional

Accessories



















Serial (RS232) cable

External media stacker

(for media roll with max. 8-inch OD)

Dispenser Kit

Cutter

2MB Flash memory card

Font card (OS-214Zip – Traditional Chinese or

Simplified Chinese or Korean only)

RTC card (with 1MB Flash board) (OS-214Zip does not support RTC card)

Parallel to USB adapter

Standalone KDU-ArgoKee

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Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification

The specifications of fonts, bar codes and graphics depends on printer emulation, which is a printer programming language (PPL) through which the host communicates with your printer. There are two PPLs for models OS-203/204/214/314. The factory default is

PPLA, and you can also update firmware to PPLB.

Note: Improper firmware updating may crash printer firmware. Please contact your supplier for assistance.

Printer Programming Language A, PPLA


OS-203DT

Model

OS-204DT

Model

OS-214TT

Model

OS-314TT

General fonts

7 alpha-numeric fonts, OCR A and OCR B ASD

Smooth fonts

4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 points

Symbol sets for fonts smooth

USASCII, UK, German, French, Italian, Spanish,

Swedish, and Danish/Norwegian

Courier fonts

8 symbol set (PC, PC-A, PC-B EAMA-94,

Roman8, Legal, Greek and Russian)

Soft fonts

Font expandability

Downloadable PCL fonts

1x1 to 24x24

One-Dimension barcode

N/A

Code39, Code93, Code128/subset A, B and C,

Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPC A/E/2 and 5 add-on, EAN 13/8, UCC/EAN-128, UCC/EAN 128

Two-Dimension barcode

random weight, Postnet, Plessey, HIBC, Telepen,

FIM.

MaxiCode , PDF417 and Datamatrix

Graphics

PCX, BMP, IMG and HEX formats

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Printer Programming Language B, PPLB

Specification Model Model Model

OS-203DT OS-204DT OS-214TT

General fonts

5 fonts with different point sizes

Symbol sets

(Code pages)

For 203dpi & 300dpi models:

Model

OS-314TT

8 bits: code page 437, 850, 852, 860, 863 and 865. 7 bits: USA, British, German, French, Danish, Italian,

Spanish, Swedish and Swiss.

For 203dpi model only:

8 bits: code page 857, 861,862, 855, 866, 737, 851, 869,

1252, 1250, 1251, 1253, 1254 and 1255

Downloadable soft fonts

Soft fonts

Font expandability

1x1 to 24x24

One-Dimension

Code39, Code93, Code128/subset A, B and C, Codabar,

barcode

Interleave 2 of 5, UPC A/E/2 and 5 add-on, EAN 13/8,

UCC/EAN-128, Postnet, Matrix 2 of 5, Code-128UCC.

Two-Dimension

MaxiCode and PDF417

barcode

Graphics

PCX and binary raster

Notes:

1.

The bare core for the ribbon must be 11 cm in length. It should have two opposite slits at two ends. If the ribbon itself is less than 11 cm, it must be aligned with the bare core at the left end when you install it.

2.

Since this printer uses band buffer technology. If you just print texts or barcodes the maximum length is more than 30 inches.

If you print many graphics the maximum length can only be a few inches with standard onboard RAM. (Extension RAM, font

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board and flash modules use the same connector and cannot function at the same time.)

Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ (OS-214Zip)


OS-214Zip

General fonts

International character sets

10 resident fonts (9 bitmapped fonts and 1 scalable font)

14 international character sets: USA, USA2, UK,

Holland, Den / Nor, Swe / Fin, German, France1,

France2, Italy, Spain, Misc., Japan, page 850.

Soft fonts

Bitmapped Font expandability

One-Dimension barcode

Downloadable soft fonts

1x1 to 24x24

Two-Dimension barcode

Graphics

Code11, Interleave 2 of 5, Code39, Code93, EAN

13/8, UPCA/E, Code128/subset A, B and C,

Industrial 2 of 5, Standard 2 of 5, Codabar,

UPC/EAN Extensions, MSI, Plessey, Postnet.

PDF-417, MaxiCode, Data Matrix (ECC200 only) and QR Code.

HEX and binary graphics with normal as well as compressed images

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Interface Specifications

Serial

For the OS-204/214/214Zip/314, the RS232 connector on the printer side is a female, DB-9.

Pin Direction

1 In

2

3

In

Out

Definition

DSR

RxData

TxData

5

6

7

8

9

-

Out

Out

In

Out

Ground

DTR

RTS

CTS

+5V

For the OS-203, the RS232 connector is a Mini Dim 6P

.

Pin Direction Definition

1 Out +5V

2

3

4

-

Out

In

Ground

RTS

CTS

5

6

In

Out

RxData

TxData

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Note:

Pin 9 on the OS-204/214/314 and pin 1 on the OS-203 are reserved for a KDU (keyboard device unit). Do not connect these pins if you are using a general host such as a PC.

Connection with host:

Host 25S Printer 9P Host 9S

(PC or compatible)

Printer 9P

(PC or compatible)

DTR 20 …… 1 DSR DTR 4 …… 1 DSR

DSR 6 …… 6 DTR DSR 6 …… 6 DTR

TX 2 …… 2 RX TX 3 …… 2 RX

RX 3 …… 3 TX RX 2 …… 3 TX

CTS 5 …… 7 RTS CTS 8 …… 7 RTS

RTS 4 …… 8 CTR RTS 7 …… 8 CTS

GND 7 …… 5 GND GND 5 …… 5 GND

Alternatively you can connect the 3 wires as follows:

Host 25S Printer 9P

(PC or compatible)

Host 9S Printer 9P

(PC or compatible)

TX 2 …… 2 RX TX 3 …… 2 RX

RX 3 …… 3 TX RX 2 …… 3 TX

GND 7 …… 5 GND GND 5 …… 5 GND pin 4 pin 5 pin 4 pin 6 pin 6 pin 20 pin 7 pin 8

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The simplest way to connect to other hosts (not PC compatible) or terminals is:

Printer Terminal/Host

Pin 2- RxData ……… TxData

Pin 3- TxData ……… RxData

Pin 5- Ground ……… Ground

In general, as long as the data quantity is not too large and you use Xon/Xoff as flow control, it will be problem free.

Baud rate:

2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400.

(Programmable by command)

Data format:

always 8 data bits, 1 start bit and 1 stop bit.

Parity:

always non parity

Handshaking:

XON/XOFF as well as CTS/RTS (hardware flow control).

If you run an application with the bundled printer driver under

Windows and use the serial port, you should check the above parameters and set the flow control to "Xon/Xoff "or "hardware".

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Parallel (Centronics)

The parallel port is a standard 36-pin Centronics. Pin assignments are as follows:

Pin Direction Definition Pin Direction Definition

1

In

2

In

3

In

4

In

5

In

6

In

7

In

8

In

9

In

10

Out

11t

Out

12

Out

/STROBE

13

Data1

14,15

Out

Data 2

Data3

16

17

-

-

Data4

Data5

Data6

Data7

Data8

/ACK

BUSY

PE

18NC

19~30

-

31

32

Out

33~36

-

SELECT

NC

Ground

Ground

Ground

NC

/Fault

NC

Auto Polling

Both the serial port and parallel port of this printer can be activated at the same time, i.e the printer can simultaneously communicate with two PCs via different ports. However as no port contention is made for this printer, if both PCs transmit data at the same time the data may become damaged in the receiving buffer.

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Appendix I - Installing Dispenser Kit

1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer.

2. Unwrap the dispenser kit and take out screws, the shaft, the plastic roller, the dispenser bar, the direction label, and the peeler sensor cable.

Top Cover

3. Take off the top cover of the printer.

4. The peeler sensor cable has a sensor board at one end and a connector at the other end.

5. Mount the two little holes of the sensor board on the two spines at left upper corner inside the top cover, keeping the cable at the left.

6. Route the peeler sensor cable through the guides along the left side of the top cover.

7. Fix the sensor cable and sensor board with Loctite-444 instant adhesive or equivalent.

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Sensor Cable

Middle Cover

8. Remove the middle cover.

9. Take off the H. Cover.

10. Tape the direction label on the top of the H. cover with the arrow sign heading opposite you.

H. Cover

Middle Cover

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Base Housing

Base Housing

11. Release the screw on the left bracket of the chassis.

Screw

79

12. Unlatch the print head module. Hook the white roller on the brackets of the chassis, ensuring the long thinner end is on the left side.

13. Guide the shaft through the respective holes on the left bracket, the white roller and then the right bracket in order.

(To smooth this procedure, hold the white roller with one hand.)

14. Secure the attached screw to the right bracket of the chassis to fix the shaft.

15. Hook the dispenser bar on the brackets of the chassis, positioning it above the white roller. Ensure that the dispenser bar is parallel with the black platen roller and its long thinner end is on the left.

16. Guide the sensor cable connector through the hole on the upper left corner of the middle cover.

Dispenser Bar

White Plastic Roller

Screw

Shaft

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17. Click the top cover back onto the middle cover.

18. Insert the sensor connector into its receptacle on the main logic board of the base housing.

19. Use screw to install the sensor to the front-left side of the top cover. The sensor cable should be along in the left side of the top cover.

20. Click the middle cover back into the base housing. First click in the front then the rear.

21. Secure the two screws at the bottom of the base housing.

H. Cover

4 mm Gap

Middle Cover

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Appendix II - Installing the Cutter

1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the power cable and

Centronics / Serial cable.

2. Remove the top cover.

3. Remove the two screws under the base housing.

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4. Remove the whole print head assembly by releasing the 4 screws at its feet.

Print Head Assembly

5.

a. Mount the cutter IC (3717) to U19 on the main board

(OS-204/214). b. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board

(OS-214ZIP). c. Mount the cutter baby board to JP17 on the main board

(OS-203). d. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board

(OS-314).

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6. Secure the four screws attaching the cutter.

Cutter

7. Plug the cutter's connector into the PCB's header connector (JP13).

8. Reattach the print head assembly by securing the 4 screws.

9. Click back the middle cover.

10. Secure the two screws for the base housing.

11. Click the top cover into place.

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Appendix III - Installing the Extension

Card

Extension Card designated for all optional extension modules. For example, RTC, Font card and specified function card.

Install the extension card into the printer as follows:

1. Turn off the printer power.

2. Remove the top cover.

3. Release the two screws at the bottom of the base housing.

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4. Remove the middle cover.

5. Mount the extension card to J14 on the main board.

6. Click back the middle cover.

7. Secure the two screws for the base housing.

8. Click the top cover into place.

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