M23 Direct Thermal Portable Printer USER’S MANUAL
Contents Copyright Declaration ................................................................................... 1 Compliances .................................................................................................. 1 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 2 1.1 Documentation ......................................................................................... 2 1.2 Unpacking and Inspection ...................................
4.1.4 RF Network ( Optional ) ............................................................... 35 4.1.5 Bluetooth ( Optional ) .................................................................. 39 4.1.6 Display .......................................................................................... 40 4.1.7 Power Manager (Low Power, Shut Down).................................. 41 4.2 File Manager ........................................................................................... 42 4.2.
Copyright Declaration Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written permission of TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.. The TrueType font engine is developed from the “FreeType Project" by David Turner, Robert Wilhelm, and Werner Lemberg.
1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing TSC M23 direct thermal printer. M23 is a portable printer, which can accept varieties of media, such as labels, receipt, tag, and fan-fold paper. With LCD display, it is more user friendly for operation and more easily for understanding printer status. With 802.11b WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, M23 extends the mobile printing technology needs. 1.1 Documentation This document provides an easy reference for operating the TSC M23 Printer.
1.4 Front View Context-sensitive keys Supply door release button Paper exit chute Caution: Hazardous parts. Keep fingers and other body parts away.
Platen Gap/black mark sensor Supply holder Peel-off enabler Li-ion battery Strap button Graphic LCD with back lit display 4
1.
2. Getting Started 2.1 Install the Battery 1. Open the supply door by pulling outward on the release buttons located on either side of the printer.The supply door should swing open. Supply door Release button 2. Insert the connector end of the battery into the printer. Li-ion battery Release button 3. After loading media, close the supply door until the release buttons click into place.
2.2 Using the Strap 2.2.1 Hand Strap 1. Clip both rings of the hand strap onto the strap buttons by placing each O-ring over the strap button and gently pulling up on the strap until the strap until the strap locks into place.
2.2.
2.3 Loading Media 2.3.1 Loading Continuous Labels for Receipt Paper 1. Open the supply door by pulling outward on the release buttons on both sides of the printer. 2. Pull supply holder tabs apart and insert a new roll of media. Make sure the media is positioned so it unwinds from the top as shown. A roll of supplies Release button Supply holder tabs 3. Pull out enough supply to lie across the exit chute.
4. Close the supply door until the release buttons click into place. Paper exit chute Note: Please set the sensor type as Continuous. 2.3.2 Loading Die-cut Labels 1. Open the supply door by pulling outward on the release buttons on both sides of the printer.
2. Lift up the peel off enablers on both sides. Push down the peel off enablers Lift up the peel off enablers 3. Pull supply holder tabs apart, and insert a roll of labels. Make sure the supply unwinds from the top as shown. Note: Calibrate the gap/black mark sensor when changing media. A roll of label. Release button Supply holder tabs 4. Remove a couple of labels from the liner. Insert the liner through the gap between peeler bar and peel-off roller.
5. Close the supply door. 6. Press the button once or twice to advance the labels until the liner is separates from the label. Label Liner 2.3.3 Loading Fan-fold Labels 1. Open the supply door by pulling outward on the release buttons on both sides of the printer. 2. Pull supply holder tabs apart to insert a 3” paper core to keep supply holder wide open. 3” Paper core 3. Insert the fan-fold paper through the fan-fold paper entrance chute and pass over the paper exit chute.
Fan-fold paper entrance chute Fan-fold media 4. Adjust the paper guides by sliding to fit the paper width. Paper guides 5. Close the supply door. 6. Calibrate the media if necessary. Note: Please calibrate the gap/black mark sensor when changing media.
2.4 Connecting the Communication Cable 1. Open the hinged cable door by loosening the two screws. Lift up on the door. Hinged cable door Screws 2. Plug the null modem cable into the RS232 port. (Or plug the USB cable into the USB port.) RS232 port USB port 5V/DTR Switch 3. Place the cable in the cable cavity. RS232 port Cable cavity Null modem cable 4. Close the hinged cable door and tighten the screws.
2.5 Using the Bluetooth Wireless (Optional) 1. Open the hinged cable door by loosening the two screws and lifting up on the door. 2. Set the +5V / DTR switch to the +5V position. 5V/DTR switch 3. Plug in the Bluetooth dongle into the RS-232 port. Hinged cable door Bluetooth device 4. Close the hinged cable door and tighten the screws. 5. Then, please to refer the section 4.1 to calibrate the bluetooth.
2.6 Charging the Battery 1. Open the printer supply door and remove the battery. 2. Insert the battery into the charger station. Battery Power LED Status LED Power LED Description Red Power is on Off Power is off Status LED Description Red Charging battery Amber Battery is 70% charged Green (Solid) Battery is completely charged Green (Blinking) Charger error Off No battery Note: 1.
lifetime of the battery is 300 times for charge/discharge cycles.
3. Using the Display and Buttons 3.1 LCD Display and Buttons Navigation buttons LCD display Feed/Ready button On/Off button Icon Description Turns the printer on and off. Advances label or returns the display to the previous menu. Three buttons that selecting options on the display.
3.2 LCD Display Icon Description Icon Description Enter the menu ] Enter cursor located option Scroll up Scroll down Cursor location ＋ Increase the setting value － Decrease the setting value × Cancel OK/select Return the display to the next higher menu.
3.3 LCD/Keyboard Operation Option ] 3.3.1 Turn on/off the Printer Hold the button to turns on/off printer. 3.3.2 Arrow Keys Press the Press the button under the LCD icon to scroll down the menu list button under the LCD icon to scroll up the menu list. Press the button under the ] LCD icon to enter cursor located option 3.3.3 Exit From a Menu 1. Press the button to exit from a menu or cancel a setting and return to the next higher menu. 2.
4. LCD Menu Overview Ready Setup Printer Setup 0 USA 001 (default) 1 BRI 002 1.5 ips 2 GER 003 2.0 ips (default) 3 GER 031 2.5 ips 4 DAN 032 3.0 ips 5 ITA 033 3.
Main Menu Setup - File Manager - Diagnostics - Language - Service - Exit 1. Turn on the printer by pressing and holding the button until the display turns on. The display flashes printer version information, battery voltage gauge, and then you see: Ready State Menu icon ll Pause icon Note: At ready states press ll icon can check battery voltage gauge. (Press the same button to go back to Ready states.) Pause E 2. Press the F button under the icon to enter the Main menu.
4.1 Setup Setup Printer Setup - File Manager - Diagnostics - Language - - Sensor - Service - Exit Serial RF Power - Bluetooth - Display Comm. Network Manager Exit 4.1.1 Printer Setup Printer setup Speed - Density - Direction - Print Reference Reference Code - Offset - Country - Exit Mode X Y Page 4.1.1.1 Speed: + Speed 2.0 ips - v Use this option to setup print speed. The available print speed is between 1.5~3.5 ips and increament/decreament is 0.5 ips. The default print speed is 2.
4.1.1.2 Density: + Density 7 - v Use this option to setup printing darkness. The available setting is from 0 to 15, and the step is 1. Printer default density is 7.You may need to adjust your density based on selected media. Press button under “+” / “-” icons to increase/decrease the printing darkness. Press button under “V” icon to enable the setting. Note: Density setting will affect printing speed. Printer will adjust the printing speed automatically to optimize the printing quality. 4.1.1.
4.1.1.4 Print Mode: (Tear Off Mode/Batch Mode/Peeler Mode) Batch Mode Peeler Mode V This option is used to set the print mode. Printer default setting is Batch Mode. When enter this list, the print mode in the right side of icon is the printer button under and icon to select the different button under “V” icon to enable the setting. current setting. Press print mode, and press Printer Mode Description Tear Off Mode: Next label leading edge is aligned to the print head burn line location.
4.1.1.7 Code Page: 850 852 V Use this option to set the code page of international character set. For more information about code page, please to refer the programming manual. When enter the code page list, the code page in the right side of icon is the printer current setting. Press the button under and icon to select the code page, and press the button under “V” icon to enable the setting.
Code Country Code Country 001 USA 034 Spanish (Spain) Hungarian 002 Canadian-French 036 003 Spanish (Latin America) 031 Dutch 032 Belgian Code Country Code Country 044 United Kingdom 055 Brazil 045 Danish 061 English (International) Swedish 351 Portuguese 038 Yugoslavian 046 039 Italian 047 Norwegian 358 041 Switzerland 048 033 French (France) 042 Slovak 049 Finnish Polish German 4.1.
When enter the [Auto Gap] option, you will see following message. Normally, we use this option to calibrate the sensor sensitivity. Insert liner ... Then hit Enter V Insert liner between the gap sensors, and press the start sensor calibrate. button under “V” icon to Note: Please make sure the only liner is placed between the gap see-though type sensor.
3. After insert liner between the see through type gap sensor, press the button under “V” icon to continue. 4. Press the button under “+” icon to increase Stock AD value by 50 increment. And press the button under “V” icon to calibrate the sensor sensitivity. GAP Calibrate 185 + V 4.1.2.1.2 Manual Gap: If Auto Gap sensor calibration can not apply to the media, please use Manual Gap function to calibrate sensor manually. This function can be used to fine tune sensor sensitivity.
4.1.2.2 Black Sensor: Auto Bline Manual Bline ] Press the button under and icon to select the sensor calibration mode, and press the under “]” icon to start sensor calibration. 4.1.2.2.1 Auto Bline: When enter the [Auto Bline] option, you will see following message. Normally, we use Auto Bline to calibrate sensor sensitivity. Insert label ... Then hit Enter V Insert label on the black mark sensors, and press the to start sensor calibration.
(without black mark) is placed on the black mark sensor. FAILED Stock AD = 190 If yes, please follow the following steps to calibrate sensor sensitivity agian. 1.Press the button under “” icon to return to Bline Sensor menu. 2. Press the button under “]” icon to enter “Auto Bline” menu. 3. After insert paper on the black mark sensor, press the button under “V” icon to continue. 4. Press the button under “+” icon to increase Stock AD value by 50. And press the button sensitivity.
When enter the [Continuous] option, you will see following message. Insert label ... Then hit Enter V Insert media between the gap sensor and press the start sensor calibration button under “V” icon to Calibrate 50 + V Press the button under “+” and “-“ icon to increase and decrease Stock AD value, and press the under “V” icon to detect sensor sensitivity. Calibrating ... Stock AD = 256 SUCCESSFUL Stock AD = 50 Press the button under “” icon to return to the next higher menu.
sensitivity. Calibrate 100 + V 4.1.3 Serial Comm. Serial Comm. Baud Rate Options Baud Rate Parity Data Bits Stop Bits - Parity - Data Bite - Stop Bits - Parameters 1200 bps/ 2400 bps/ 4800 bps/ 9600 bps / 19200 bps/ 38400 bps/ 57600 bps/ 115200 bps None/ Odd/ Even 7 Data Bits/ 8 Data Bits 1 Stop Bit/ 2 Stop Bits Exit Default 9600 bps None 8 Data Bits 1 Stop Bit 4.1.3.1 Baud Rate: 9600 bps 19200 bps V This option is used to set the RS-232 baud rate, and the default setting is 9600 bps.
This option is used to set the RS-232 parity. The default setting is None. Press button under and to select the different parity, and press button under “V” to set the value into printer. When you enter this list, the parity in the right side of is the printer current setting. 4.1.3.3 Data Bits: 8 Data Bits Exit V This option is used to set the RS-232 Data Bits, and the default setting is 8.
4.1.4 RF Network ( Optional ) Use this menu to configure optional 802.11b WiFi configuration. Checking the printer’s WiFi module status, configure the RF network settings, and reset the WiFi module. Note: Before using WiFi module, please set the RS-232 baud rate to 19200 bps. RF Network Status - Configure - Status Configure Reset - Exit ] Press button under and icon to select the different options, and press button under “]” icon to enter the option. 4.1.4.
Press press button under and icon to select the different options, and button under “]” icon to enter the option. 4.1.4.2.1 IP Address IP Address 000.000.000.000 V Press the button under icon to move the cursor from left to right, and press the button to set the value from “0” to “9”. Press the button under “V” icon to save the setting and return the Configure menu. 4.1.4.2.2 Subnet Mask Subnet Mask 000.000.000.
mode uses battery power quickly. If you select PSP, you are prompted to enter a PSP algorithm between 1~5. 1 is the shortest sleep time (uses battery power quicker, but responds faster); 5 is the longest sleep time (optimal battery conservation, but responds slower). PSP:3 PSP:4 V button under and icon to select the different modes, and button under “V” icon to set it. Press press 4.1.4.2.
4.1.4.2.7 Escape Char Escape Char +035 V Use this option to set or view the Command Escape Character (CEC). Run-time messages from the radio begin with the CEC and the default is the pound sign (#), which has a decimal value of 035. You may need to change the default CEC character if it conflicts with other data, because unexpected operation could occur. The range is a decimal value between 1 and 255.
4.1.5 Bluetooth ( Optional ) Use this menu to enable or disable Bluetooth security, change the PIN, modify the local name, and to show the Bluetooth information. For move Information, please refer to section 2.5 & 5.2. Note: Before using Bluetooth dongle, please set the RS-232 baud rate to 115200 bps. Bluetooth Security - Change PIN - Local Name - Information - Exit The following defaults are set in the Bluetooth printer. Function Default Security Disable PIN 0000 Local Name BT23 4.1.5.
Press the button under icon to move the cursor from left to right, and press the button to set the value. Press the save the setting. button under “V” icon to 4.1.5.3 Local Name: Use this option to view and set the Bluetooth local name. The local name is used for identification purposes with host, not authentication. Local Name BT23 Press the V button under icon to move the cursor from left to right, and press the button to set the value. Press the save the setting.
4.1.6.2 Backlight: Use this option to disable or enable the LCD backlight. Printer default setting is Disable. Disable Enable V button under and icon to select the different modes, and button under “V” icon to set it. Press press 4.1.7 Power Manager (Low Power, Shut Down) Use this menu to set the amount of time before the printer goes into sleep mode.
button under “V” icon to set it. press 4.1.7.2 Shut Down: When the printer is inactive for a certain period of time, it goes into shut down. You can set the printer to go this mode from 5 minutes up to 3 hours. Disable 5 Minutes V button under and icon to select the different modes, and button under “V” icon to set it. Press press 4.2 File Manager Use this menu to check the printer available memory and file list.
Cursor selected file File saved in DRAM File saved in flash ROM R: TEST1.BAS R: TEST2.BAS F: TEST3.BAS V R: Delete this file Run selected file TEST1.BAS 5 Bytes X 4.2.2 Avail. Memory Use this menu to show available memory space. DRAM: 256 KB Free FLASH:3072 KB Free 4.2.3 Del. All Files Use this menu to delete all files. 43 File name Open selected file File size Return to previous menu.
4.3 Diagnostics Diagnostics Print Config. - Dump Print - Battery - Display - Buttons - Exit Mode Head 4.3.1 Print Config. To print out the self test data to a label. PRINTER INFO. Print head test pattern MODEL: M23 MAIN VERSION: MAIN CHECKSUM: AUX. VERSION: AUX. CHECKSUM: V0.90 12BF , 740B , 0 V0.27 B546 Printer model name Main board firmware version Main board firmware checksum Second processor firmware version Second processor firmware checksum VOLTAGE (V): 7.
4.3.2 Dump Mode Captures the data from the communications port and prints out the data received by printer. DOWNLOA D "TEST2. DAT",5,CL S DOWNLO AD F,"TES T4.DAT",5 ,CLS DOW NLOAD "TE ST2.DAT", 5,CLS DO WNLOAD F, "TEST4.DA T",5,CLS DOWNLOAD "TEST2.D AT",5,CLS DOWNLOA D F,"TEST 4.
4.3.5 Display To see the backlight is working or if pixels are missing on the display. Display Press the button under icon to check if there is any white dot on the LCD. The LCD will turn to black, and press any button to return to Display menu. Press the button under icon to check if there is any black dot on the LCD. The LCD will turn to blank, and press any button to return to Display menu. 4.3.6 Buttons To check if the buttons on the keypad are working properly.
Display Buttons 47 ]
4.4 Language Language English - Exit This option is used to setup LCD display interface language.
4.5 Service Service Initialization - Mileage Info. - Exit This option is used to restore printer settings to defaults and display printer mileage information Initialization Mileage Info. ] 4.5.1 Initialization The printer settings are restore to defaults as below once printer is initialized. Parameter Default setting Speed 50mm/sec (2 ips) Density 7 Label Width 2.83"(72.0mm) Label Height 2.5"(63.4mm) Sensor Type Gap sensor Gap Setting 0.12"(3.
sensor Bline Intension Will be reset. Need to re-calibrate the bline sensor LCD Contrast 50 Back Light off Time 10 sec Low Power Time Off Shut Down Time Off Note : When printer initialization is done, please calibrate the gap or black mark sensor again. 4.5.2 Mileage Info. Use this option to check the printed mileage (displayed in meter). Mileage: 6(m) Labels: 53(pcs.
5. Printing Labels 5.1 Connect with a Cable to Print 1. Install the provided printer driver and labeling software to the Windows operating system. 2. Connect the printer to a computer mainframe with RS-232 or USB cable. (Please to refer the section 2.4.) 3. Turn on the printer by pressing and holding the on, then you will see: button until the display turns Ready ll 4. Loading and calibrate supplies. 5. Print Labels. 5.2 Connect by Radio (Optional) Bluetooth 1. Please to refer the section 2.5.
3. 4. Loading and calibrate supplies. Then, refer as follow to calibrate the bluetooth. (1) Please to refer the section 2.5 to plug the Bluetooth device into the printer. Make sure the +5V/DTR switch is setting to the +5V position. (2) Please to refer the section 4.1 to make sure the communication values are set to 115200, None, 8, 1. See option " Serial Comm." (3) Please to refer the section 4.
4. Download a format and batch. Refer the Programmer's manual. (Can be downloaded from service and support web site.) Start Stand-along Printing: 1. Pull out the connecting cable. 2. To print the supplies (Refer the Programmer's manual.) 3. Remove the printed supplies. 6. Troubleshooting The following guide lists the most common problems that may be encountered when operating this bar code printer.
Make sure the battery is fully charged Check if front door is closed completely Recharge or replace a new battery Close front door completely Check if supply is loaded correctly Reload the supply Poor Print Quality Check for dust or adhesive accumulation on the print head. Clean the print head Check if print density is set properly. Adjust the print density and print speed.
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. Cotton swab Lint-free cloth Vacuum 100% ethanol 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 printhead to cool for a minimum of one minute. 3. Use a cotton swab and 100% ethanol to clean the print head surface.
3.
Note: Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol to clean it. It’s industry alcohol. Please do not use regular alcohol, which may damage the printer head. You may have to clean the supply sensors more often if you frequently receive supply error messages.
8. Firmware Update Procedure Both RS-232 and USB interfaces are available to upgrade printer firmware. Please refer to the firmware update procedures as below. 8.1 Update Firmware Via Serial Port 1. Set M23’s “Serial Comm.” setting as below. Baud Rate = 115200 Parity = No Parity Data Bits = 8 Data Bits Stop Bits = 1 Stop Bits 2. Printer is in ready mode. Ready ll Method 1：In MS-DOS mode (Command Prompt), copy the firmware file (*.NEW) to printer via serial port. (1) Set the PC’s COM port setting.
(3) M23 will show the following message on LCD when firmware update. Main Update BIOS Write Flash … Main Update BIOS Receive Data … (4) Printer will reset automatically when firmware is upgrade completely. Method 2： Use the utility “CommTool.exe” to update printer firmware (1) Start “CommTool” utility and click “RS232 setup” button to setup PC RS-232 communication parameters.
(2) Click “Send File” button and select firmware file to upgrade firmware from RS-232 interface. (3) Printer will reset automatically when firmware update is completed.
8.2 Update Firmware Via USB Port 1. Select USB port and click “Get USB” button. 2. Select “USB Printing Support” in USB Device option 3. Click “Send File” button to select firmware file and send selected firmware through USB interface to update printer firmware. 4. M23 will show the following message on LCD when firmware update. Main Update BIOS Write Flash … Main Update BIOS Receive Data … 5. Printer will reset automatically once firmware upgrade is completed.
9. Power on utilities There are two power-on utilities to set up and test printer hardware. These utilities are activated by pressing button and by turning on the printer power simultaneously. The utilities are listed as below: 1. 2. Printer initialization Ignore AUTO.BAS Middle button Left button Right button Feed button 9.1 Printer initialization Printer Initialization will restore printer settings to defaults.
Gap Setting 0.12"(3.0mm) Print Direction 0 Reference Point 0,0(upper left corner) Offset 0 Tear Mode On Peel off Mode Off Serial Port Settings 9600 bps, none parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit Code Page 850 Country Code 001 Clear Flash Memory No Shift 0 Gap Intension Will be reset. Need to re-calibrate the gap sensor Bline Intension Will be reset.
9.2 Ignore AUTO.BAS If AUTO.BAS file is downloaded in printer flash memory, printer will run this program automatically when turns on printer power. Please follow the steps below to skip the AUTO.BAS file. 1. Turn off the printer power. 2. Hold down the right button and turn on the printer power. 3. Do not release the buttons until the printer is ready then, LCD will show "IGNORE AUTO.BAS" under "Ready" in a second. Ready IGNORE AUTO.
65
TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd. Corporate Headquarters 9F., No.95, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan (R.O.C.) TEL: +886-2-2218-6789 FAX: +886-2-2218-5678 Web site: www.tscprinters.com E-mail: printer_sales@tscprinters.com tech_support@tscprinters.com Li Ze Plant No.35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Township, Yilan County 26841, Taiwan (R.O.C.
