ME240/ ME340
THERMAL TRANSFER / DIRECT THERMAL
BAR CODE PRINTER
SERVICE
MANUAL
Interior View
1
2
6
7
8
3
4
9
10
5
1. Ribbon rewind spindle
2. Ribbon supply spindle
3. Print head pressure adjustment knob
4. Ribbon end sensor
5. Print head release lever
6. Label roll guard
11
7. 3” core adapter
8. Label supply spindle
9. Ribbon guide bar
10. Media guide bar
11. Print head
12
12. Platen roller
13. Media sensor
13
14
14. Label guide
2
Rear View
5
6
1
2
7
3
4
8
9
1. Internal Ethernet interface (Option)
2. Fan-fold paper entrance chute
3. RS-232C interface (Max. 115,200 bps)
4. USB interface (USB 2.0/ Full speed mode)
*5. SD card slot
6. Centronics interface (Option)
7. USB host (Option)
8. Power switch
9. Power jack socket
Note:
The interface picture here is for reference only. Please refer to the product
specification for the interfaces availability.
* Recommended SD card specification.
SD card spec
V1.0, V1.1
SD card capacity
128 MB
Approved SD card manufacturer
SanDisk, Transcend
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
256 MB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
512 MB
1 GB
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4 4 GB
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6 4 GB
SanDisk, Transcend, Panasonic
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 128 MB Transcend, Panasonic
microSD 256 MB Transcend, Panasonic
microSD 512 MB Panasonic
3
V1.0, V1.1
microSD 1 GB
Transcend, Panasonic
Panasonic
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4 microSD 4 GB
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6 microSD 4 GB
Transcend
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
V1.0, V1.1
miniSD 128 MB
miniSD 256 MB
miniSD 512 MB
miniSD 1 GB
Transcend, Panasonic
Transcend, Panasonic
Transcend, Panasonic
Transcend, Panasonic
Transcend
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 4 miniSD 4 GB
V2.0 SDHC CLASS 6 miniSD 4 GB
- 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.
- The miniSD/microSD card adapter is required for SD card reader.
4
Connector
Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
USB connector
RS-232C connector
SD card slot
Ethernet RJ-45 connector (Option)
USB host connector (Option)
Micro processor
Head open sensor connector
Pin
Description
Voltage
1.2~1.4V
Head open sensor emitter
power pin
1
7
2
3
GND
0V
Head open sensor
receiver
0V: Head close
3.3V: Head open
4
GND
0V
8
9
RFID module connector
Recovery connector
Ribbon near end sensor connector
Pin
Description
Voltage
1
2
3
GND
0V
10
Encoder signal
Power
3.3V
3.3V
11
12
13
Centronics soft cable connector (Option)
Stepping motor connector
Centronics power connector (Option)
Gap sensor connector
Pin
1
Description
Voltage
Power
5V
4.0~4.1V: Emitter on
4.3~4.4V: Emitter off
4.0~4.1V: Emitter on
4.3~4.4V: Emitter off
2
Gap sensor emitter
14
15
3
4
Black mark sensor emitter
Gap and black mark
sensor receiver
A/D: 0~3.3V
0V
5
GND
Ribbon sensor connector
6
Pin
1
Description
Voltage
A/D: 0~3.3V
Ribbon sensor receiver
Ribbon sensor emitter
power pin
2
5V
3
4
GND
0V
4.0~4.1V: Emitter on
4.3~4.4V: Emitter off
Ribbon sensor emitter
Cutter/peel-off sensor connector
Pin
1
Description
GND
Voltage
0V
2
Cutter power
24V
4.0~4.1V: Emitter on
4.3~4.4V: Emitter off
3
Peel sensor emitter
Logic power
16
4
5
5V
Cutter position sensor
switch
0V: Cutter stop
3.3V: Cutter work
6
7
Peel sensor receiver
A/D: 0~3.3V
0V: Cutter work
5V: Cutter stop
Cutter enable
0V: Cutter positive cut
5V: Cutter negative cut
8
Cutter direction
17
18
19
LCD panel connector
Print head signal connector
Power supply output (24V DC) connector
7
Centronics-interface board
1
3
2
Connector Description
Remark
1
2
3
Centronics soft cable connector
Centronics power connector
Centronics port connector
8
2.2 Pin Configuration
RS-232C
PIN
1
CONFIGURATION
+5 V
TXD
RXD
CTS
GND
RTS
N/C
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
RTS
N/C
9
USB
PIN
1
CONFIGURATION
N/C
D-
2
3
D+
4
GND
Centronics
Pin
SPP Mode
Nibble
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
In/Out
In
1
2-9
10
Strobe
Data 0-7
Ack
In
Out
11
Busy
Out
12
Paper Out / End
Select
Out
13
Out
14
Ground
GND
N/A
GND
N/A
GND
N/A
Out
15
No Defined
Ground
16-17
18
No Defined
Ground
19-30
31
No Defined
Error / Fault
Ground
32
33-35
36
GND
N/A
No Defined
9
Ethernet
PIN
1
CONFIGURATION
Tx+
Tx-
2
3
Rx+
N/C
N/C
Rx-
N/C
N/C
4
5
6
7
8
10
3.3 Replacing the Key/LCD Panel Module
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.
2. Disconnect harness from the Key/LCD panel module.
3. Push two tabs to remove/replace the Key/LCD panel module.
Key Panel Module
LCD Panel Module
(Option for Basic
model)
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
4. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
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3.4 Replacing the Main Board
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove electronics cover.
2. Remove two screws on the power jack socket then pull out the socket.
3. Disconnect all connectors from the main board.
Note:
You should press the tab of power supply harness when disconnect the power supply
connector.
The connector to
power supply
The tab of harness
14
4. Remove four screws on the main board.
Screws
Screws
4. Replace the main board.
5. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
15
3.5 Replacing the Power Supply Unit
1. Refer to section 3.4 to remove the main board.
2. Disconnect two connectors from the power switch.
3. Take off the power supply cover (black mylar). Disconnect two connectors and
remove four screws on the power supply unit.
Screws
Screws
3. Replace the power supply unit.
4. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
16
3.7 Replacing the Platen Roller Assembly
1. Open printer right side cover.
2. Disengage the print head lift lever.
3. Remove one screw to remove the lower front cover.
Lower front
cover
Screw
4. Remove one screw on the platen right side bushing.
Screws
5. Disengage the platen left side bushing tab from the printer.
Left side
bushing tab
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6. Take out the platen bushing, platen roller assembly and replace a new platen
roller assembly.
Right side
bushing
Platen roller assembly
7. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
Note:
For regular label
For thick label
(Thickness is 0.19 mm)
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6. Connect the print head cable and carefully slide assembly into the print
mechanism. The holes of print head assembly must align and then insert the
tenons of print mechanism.
Tenons
Print head
module
7. Close the print head release lever. Use the new screw to install the new print
head module.
New screw
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3.9 Replacing the Media Sensor Module
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.
2. Disconnect the media sensor module connector from the main board.
Media sensor
module connector
3. At the bottom of the media sensor module, there is a green plastic tab to latch the
sensor module to the mechanism. Use a tool to push up the tab then pull out the
media sensor module.
6. Replace the media sensor module.
7. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
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3.10 Replacing the Ribbon End Sensor Module
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.
2. Disconnect the ribbon end sensor module connector from the main board.
Ribbon end sensor
module connector
3. Remove two screws to remove the ribbon end sensor module.
Screws
6. Replace the media sensor module.
7. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
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3.11 Replacing the Ribbon Encoder Sensor Module
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics cover.
2. Disconnect the ribbon encoder sensor module connector from the main board.
Ribbon encoder sensor
module connector
3. Remove one screw that fixing the ribbon supply spindle.
Screw
6. Open the printer right side cover to remove the ribbon supply spindle.
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7. Remove one screw to replace the ribbon encoder sensor module.
Screw
8. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
25
3.12 Centronics Parallel Interface Board Installation (Option)
1. Refer to section 3.1 to remove the electronics
cover.
2. Remove two screws to remove the interface
cover.
Screws
3. Use two screws to fix the Centronics parallel
interface board on the rear of printer.
Screws
4. Break the tab at the interface cover to get the
parallel interface opening. Then fasten the
interface cover back by two screws.
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5. Loosen the connector before install the flat cable.
6. Connect the flat cable between the Centronics parallel interface board and the main
board.
7. Connect the 5-pin cable between the Centronics parallel interface board and main board.
8. Reassemble the parts in the reverse procedures.
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3.13 Cutter Module Installation (Option)
1. Open printer right side cover.
2. Remove one screw to remove the lower front cover.
Lower front
cover
Screw
3. Thread the cutter cable through the bottom of lower print mechanism.
Lower print
mechanism
Cutter module cable
4. Plug the cutter mini DIN cable connector into the cutter/peel-off module cable connector.
The triangle mark on the connector must be at the upper side.
Peel/cutter
module cable
connector
Triangle mark
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5. Use enclosed two screws to fix the cutter fixing plate onto the lower print mechanism.
6. Close the cutter cover.
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3.14 Peel-off Module Installation (Option)
1. Open printer right side cover.
2. Remove one screw to remove the lower front cover.
Lower front
cover
Screw
3. Thread the peel-off module cable through the bottom of lower print mechanism.
Lower print
mechanism
Peel-off module cable
4. Plug the peel-off module mini DIN cable connector into the cutter/peel-off connector. The
arrow mark on the connector must be at the upper side.
Peel/cutter
module cable
connector
Arrow mark
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5. Use enclosed two screws to fix the peel-off fixing plate onto the lower print mechanism.
6. Close the peel-off cover.
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-Print engine module with cutter
Bottom view
Note:
1. All measurements are in mm.
2. There are 3 fastenings in this print engine module, the fastening location be marked in
blue on bottom view drawing, fits with screw M4*10L.
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4. TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 Common Problems
The following guide lists the most common problems that might 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
Power indicator does not
illuminate
Possible Cause
Recovery Procedure
* The power cord is not properly
connected.
* Plug the power cord in printer and outlet.
* Switch the printer on.
- The printer status from DiagTool
shows “Head Open”.
* The printer carriage is open.
* Please close the print carriage.
- The LCD shows “Carriage
Open”.
- The printer status from DiagTool
shows “Ribbon End Err.” Or
“Ribbon Encoder Err.”
- The LCD shows “No Ribbon”.
* Supply a new ribbon roll.
* Running out of ribbon.
* The ribbon is installed incorrectly.
* Please refer to the steps in user’s manual
to reinstall the ribbon.
- The printer status from DiagTool
shows “Out of Paper”.
* Running out of label.
* The label is installed incorrectly. * Please refer to the steps in user’s manual
* Gap/black-mark sensor is not
calibrated.
* Supply a new label roll.
to reinstall the label roll.
* Calibrate the gap/black-mark sensor.
- The LCD shows “No Paper”.
* Gap/black-mark sensor is not set
properly.
* Make sure label size is set
properly.
- The printer status from DiagTool
shows “Paper Jam”.
* Calibrate the gap/black-mark sensor.
* Set label size correctly.
* Labels may be stuck inside the
printer mechanism.
- The LCD shows “Paper Jam”.
* If the peel-off module is installed, please
remove the label.
* If there is no peel-off module in front of the
printer, please switch off the printer and
install it.
* Peel-off function is enabled.
- The LCD shows “Take Label”.
* Check if the connector is plugging
correctly.
* If the cutter module is installed, please
press UP or DOWN key to rotate the
cutter up or down to make the knife back
UP:
Fwd.
Rev.
Exit
* Cutter jam.
* There is no cutter installed on the to the right position.
DOWN:
MENU:
printer.
* Cutter PCB is damaged.
* Remove the label.
* Make sure the thickness of label is less
than 0.254 mm (10mil)
* Replace a cutter PCB.
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* Re-connect cable to interface.
* If using serial cable,
- Please replace the cable with pin to pin
connected.
- Check the baud rate setting. The default
baud rate setting of printer is 9600,n,8,1.
* If using the Ethernet cable,
- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector
green LED is lit on.
- Check if the Ethernet RJ-45 connector
amber LED is blinking.
- Check if the printer gets the IP address
when using DHCP mode.
- Check if the IP address is correct when
using the static IP address.
- Wait a few seconds let the printer get the
communication with the server then
check the IP address setting again.
* Chang a new cable.
* Ribbon and media are not compatible.
* Verify the ribbon-inked side.
* Reload the ribbon again.
* Cable is not well connected to
serial or USB interface or parallel
port.
* The serial port cable pin
configuration is not pin to pin
connected.
Not Printing
* Clean the printhead.
* The print density setting is incorrect.
* Printhead’s harness connector is not well
connected with printheat. Turn off the
printer and plug the connector again.
* Check if the stepping motor is plugging in
the right connector.
* Check your program if there is a
command PRINT at the end of the file and
there must have CRLF at the end of each
command line.
* Delete unused files in the FLASH/DRAM.
* The max. numbers of file of DRAM is 256
files.
* The max. user addressable memory
space of DRAM is 256 KB.
* The max. numbers of file of FLASH is 256
files.
Memory full
* The space of FLASH/DRAM is
full.
( FLASH / DRAM )
* The max. user addressable memory
space of FLASH is 2560KB.
* Use the supported capacity SD card.
* Insert the SD card again.
* The supported SD card spec and the
approved SD card manufacturers, please
refer to section 1.1
* SD card is damaged.
* SD card doesn’t insert correctly.
* Use the non-approved SD card
manufacturer.
SD card is unable to use
35
* 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 ribbon or proper label
media.
* Adjust the print head pressure adjustment
knob.
- If the left side printout is too light, please
adjust the left side pressure adjustment
knob to the higher index (higher
pressure). If the pressure adjustment
knob has been adjust to index “5” and
the poor print quality is still at the left
side of the printout, please adjust the
pressure adjustment knob to index “1”
and use the Z-axis adjustment knob to
fine tune the pressure.
- If the right side printout is too light,
please adjust the right side pressure
adjustment knob to the higher index
(higher pressure) to improve the print
quality.
* Ribbon and media is loaded
incorrectly
* Dust or adhesive accumulation on
the print head.
* Print density is not set properly.
* Print head element is damaged.
* Ribbon and media are
incompatible.
* The print head pressure is not set
properly.
Poor Print Quality
* If the label thickness is more than 0.22
mm, the print quality might be not good
enough, please adjust the heater line
adjustment screw counter clockwise to
get the best print quality.
* The release lever does not latch the print
head properly.
LCD panel is dark and keys are
not working
* The cable between main PCB and * Check if the cable between main PCB and
LCD panel is loose.
LCD is secured or not.
LCD panel is dark but the LEDs
are light
* The printer initialization is
unsuccessful.
* Turn OFF and ON the printer again.
* Initialize the printer.
LCD panel is dark and LEDs are
lit on, but the label is feeding
forward
* The LCD panel harness connector * The LCD panel harness connector is
is loose.
plugged upside down.
* The connector is loose.
* Plug the connect cable correctly.
Peel sensor is not working
Ribbon encoder sensor doesn’t
work
* The ribbon encoder sensor
connector is loose.
* Fasten the connector.
* Check the connector.
* The connector is loose.
* The ribbon sensor hole is covered * Clear the dust in the sensor hole by the
Ribbon end sensor doesn’t work
with dust.
blower.
* The connector is loose.
* Plug in the connect cable correctly.
Cutter is not working
* If the label is moving to the right side,
please move the label guide to left.
* If the label is moving to the left side,
please move the label guide to right.
Label feeding is not stable
(skew) when printing
* The media guide does not touch
the edge of the media.
36
* Label size is not specified
properly.
* Sensor sensitivity is not set
properly.
* The media sensor is covered with
dust.
* Check if label size is setup correctly.
* Calibrate the sensor by Auto Gap or
Manual Gap options.
* Clear the GAP/Black-mark sensor by
blower.
Skip labels when printing
* Calibrate the sensor sensitivity again.
* Set the correct label size and gap size.
* Press [MENU] [SELECT]
x3[DOWN]x6 [SELECT] to fine tune
the parameter of Shift Y.
* If using the software BarTender, please
set the vertical offset in the driver.
* Media sensor sensitivity is not set
properly.
* Label size is incorrect.
* The parameter Shift Y in the LCD
menu is incorrect.
The printing position of small
label is incorrect
* The vertical offset setting in the
driver is incorrect.
* Set the correct label size.
* Wrong label size setup.
* The parameter Shift X in LCD
menu is incorrect.
The left side printout position is
incorrect
* Press [MENU] [SELECT] x 3
[DOWN] x 5 [SELECT] to fine tune the
parameter of Shift X.
Missing printing on the left or
right side of label
* Wrong label size setup.
* Set the correct label size.
RTC time is incorrect when
reboot the printer
* Check if there is a battery on the main
board.
* The battery has run down.
Power and Error LEDs are
blinking fast
* Power switch OFF and ON too * Turn off the printer and wait all LEDs are
fast.
dark, and turn on the printer again.
* Print head pressure is incorrect.
* Ribbon installation is incorrect.
* Media installation is incorrect.
* Print density is incorrect.
* Media feeding is incorrect.
* The print head is dirty.
* Make sure the label guide touch the edge
of the media guide.
* Make sure label, paper core and ribbon
are set at the center of the spindle.
Wrinkle Problem
* Clean the print head.
Gray line on the blank label
Irregular printing
* The platen roller is dirty.
* Clean the platen roller.
* Turn off and on the printer to skip the
dump mode.
* The printer is in Hex Dump mode.
* The RS-232 setting is incorrect.
* Re-set the Rs-232 setting.
37
4.2 Print Head Pressure Adjustment Knob
There are two conditions that will need to adjust the print head pressure.
1. Print with thick media
If the media thickness is larger than 0.19 mm, the larger pressure is required to get
good quality printout.
2. Print with narrow media
If the media width is less than 4 inch wide the print head pressure will need to be
adjusted to avoid ribbon wrinkle
There are 5 levels of pressure for adjustment. Level 1 is the minimum pressure and level 5 is
the maximum pressure.
For example, if the label width is 4 inch, adjust both print head pressure adjustment knobs to
the same level. If the label is less than 2 inch wide, increase the left side print head pressure
by rotating the adjustment knob clockwise and decrease the right side pressure by rotating
the adjustment knob counter-clockwise to level 1.
38
4.3 Mechanism Fine Adjustment to Avoid Ribbon Wrinkles
This printer has been fully tested before delivery. There should be no ribbon wrinkle
presented on the media for general-purpose printing application. Ribbon wrinkle is related to
the media thickness, print head pressure balance, ribbon film characteristics, print darkness
setting…etc. In case the ribbon wrinkle happens, please follow the instructions below to
adjust the printer parts.
Adjustable
Printer
Parts
1. Wrinkle happens from label lower left to 2. Wrinkle happens from label lower right to
Symptom
upper right direction (“ˊ”)
upper left direction (“ˋ”)
Wrinkle
Example
Feed direction
39
Adjust the print head pressure adjustment knob
Left knob
Adjust the print head pressure adjustment knob
Right knob
The print head pressure adjustment knob has 5
levels of settings. Clockwise direction adjustment
is to increase the print head pressure. Counter
Clockwise adjustment can decrease the print head
pressure.
The print head pressure adjustment knob has 5
levels of settings. Clockwise direction adjustment is
to increase the print head pressure. Counter
Clockwise adjustment can decrease the print head
pressure.
If the wrinkle on the label starts from the lower left
side to upper right side, please do following
adjustment.
If the wrinkle on the label starts from the lower right
side to upper left side, please do following
adjustment.
1. Decrease the right side print head pressure
adjustment knob setting 1 level per each
adjustment then print the label again to check if
wrinkle is gone.
1. Decrease the left side print head pressure
adjustment knob setting 1 level per each
adjustment then print the label again to check if
wrinkle is gone.
2. If the right side print head adjustment knob
setting has been set to index 1 (the lowest
pressure index), please increase the left side
print head pressure.
3. If the wrinkle can’t be avoided, please contact
the Customer Service Department of your
purchased reseller or distributor for service.
2. If the left side print head adjustment knob level
has been set to index 1 (the lowest index), please
increase the right side print head pressure.
3. If the wrinkle can’t be avoided, please contact the
Customer Service Department of your purchased
reseller or distributor for service.
40
4.4 Z-axis Mechanism Adjustment Knob
Z-axis mechanism
adjustment knob
Marker position
For narrow media, If change the print head pressure adjustment knob setting can’t get the
printout without ribbon wrinkle, the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob should be adjusted
to get the satisfied printout. This Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob is used to find tune the
right side pressure of print head. Before find tune the print head right side pressure, please
set the pressure adjustment knob to index “1” then use the Z-axis adjustment knob to fine
tune the right side print head pressure. Please refer to the adjustment steps as below.
1. Use wrench to rotate the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob (hexagonal head) at
right side of print engine upper mechanism.
Clockwise direction adjustment is to
Counter Clockwise adjustment can
decrease the right side print head pressure. increase the right side print head pressure.
Marker position will move down.
Marker position will move up.
41
2. Please be noted that print head right pressure find turn should be done by
try-and-error. Rotate the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob for a few circles by
wrench and print again to check if the ribbon wrinkle remains. If the wrinkle still
remains, please turn the Z-axis mechanism adjustment knob clockwise about 1/4
circle each time for adjustment.
42
5. 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 (Head cleaner pen)
Lint-free cloth
Vacuum / Blower brush
100% ethanol
2. The cleaning process is described as following
Printer Part
Method
Interval
1. Always turn off the printer
Clean the print head when changing a
before cleaning the print head. new label roll
2. Allow the print head to cool for
a minimum of one minute.
3. Use a cotton swab (Head
cleaner pen) and 100% ethanol
to clean the print head surface.
Print Head
1. Turn the power off.
2. Rotate the platen roller and
wipe it thoroughly with 100%
ethanol and a cotton swab, or
lint-free cloth.
Clean the platen roller when changing
a new label roll
Platen Roller
Sensor
Exterior
Interior
Compressed air or vacuum
Wipe it with water-dampened
cloth
Monthly
As needed
Brush or vacuum
As needed
43
Note:
Do not touch printer head by hand. If you touch it careless, please use ethanol to clean
it.
Please use 100% Ethenol. DO NOT use medical alcohol, which may damage the printer
head.
Regularly clean the print head and supply sensors once change a new ribbon to keep
printer performance and extend printer life.
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Corporate Headquarters
Li Ze Plant
9F., No.95, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist.,
New Taipei City 23141, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
TEL: +886-2-2218-6789
No.35, Sec. 2, Ligong 1st Rd., Wujie Township,
Yilan County 26841, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
TEL: +886-3-990-6677
FAX: +886-2-2218-5678
FAX: +886-3-990-5577
E-mail: [email protected]
TSC Auto ID Technology Co., Ltd.
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