Star Micronics Printer TCP300 Series User Manual

THERMAL RE-WRITABLE  
CARD READER / WRITER  
TCP300 SERIES  
User’s Manual  
This ‘User’s Manual’ describes important information to enable you to use  
the reader/writer safely.  
Carefully read this manual before using the reader/writer and observe the  
descriptions herein.  
CARD SYSTEM SALES SECTION  
STAR MICRONICS CO., LTD.  
536 Shimizunanatsushinya, Shizuoka,  
424-0066 Japan  
OVERSEAS SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES  
STAR MICRONICS AMERICA, INC.  
1150 King Georges Post Road, Edison,NJ 08837-3729 U.S.A.  
Tel: 732-623-5555, Fax: 732-623-5590  
Tel: 0543-47-0122, Fax: 0543-48-5013  
STAR MICRONICS EUROPE LTD.  
Please access the following URL  
frame_sp_car_e.htm  
Star House, Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road,  
High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 7DL, U.K.  
Tel: 01494-471111, Fax: 01494-473333  
for the lastest revision of the manual.  
2004.12.03  
Printed in Japan, 59082067  
 
1. Precautions for Safe Use  
Always observe the following items.  
Carefully read and obey the following items to prevent injury to yourself or to others  
and to prevent damaging property.  
Precautions for Reader/Writer Setup  
1. Setup the reader/writer in a solid, and level location.  
2. Place the reader/writer in a location out of the reach of children.  
3. Do not use or place the reader/writer in areas exposed to direct sunlight, or near heat  
sources.  
4. Avoid using or storing the reader/writer in areas of high humidity.  
Do not use or store liquids near the reader/writer.  
5. Avoid using or storing the reader/writer in locations where there is dust or other air-  
borne particles.  
6. Avoid using the reader/writer in locations where corrosive gases, ignition gases, chemi-  
cals or vapors are emitted.  
7. Do not operate the reader/writer near devices which may produce magnetic fields or  
interference.  
8. Connect the reader/writer to the appropriate, reliable, clean power source.  
9. Allow plenty of space around the reader/writer for ventilation.  
10. The accessory cleaning liquid is flammable, store it in a cool place, out of sunlight.  
11. Avoid contact with the accessory cleaning liquid. If it gets in your eyes, or is ingested,  
seek immediate medical assistance.  
– 1 –  
 
Precautions for Reader/Writer Use  
1. Use only Star recommended cards.  
The reader/writer and the card may not operate normally if other cards are used.  
2. Do not use cards that are dirty or oily or wet in any other manner. Also, do not handle  
cards with dirty or wet hands. Do not apply tape or glue to cards.  
The reader/writer will not operate normally due to the reason above.  
* If the card is dirty, clean the card and the reader/writer.  
See section 7. Cleaning Cards for details on how to clean.  
3. Do not place cards near devices that generate magnetic fields (such as cellular tele-  
phones, speakers, televisions, etc.), as this can erase the information recorded on  
cards.  
4. Do not place cards in direct sunlight or high temperature areas (such as dashboards  
in automobiles), as high temperatures can cause cards to bend or can erase the  
information recorded on cards.  
5. Do not use bent cards, as this can cause them to become jammed in the reader/  
writer.  
6. Insert cards in the indicated direction.  
Inserting them incorrectly can cause mis-operation or it can erase the information  
recorded on cards.  
(Figure for Reference)  
[TCP300]  
7. Never insert anything other than the appropriate cards into the reader/writer.  
8. Do not obstruct the insertion or discharge path of the cards.  
Obstruction of these paths can cause reader/writer failure, mis-operation or lead to  
injury.  
9. Do not cut the power while a card is being processed.  
Cutting the power can erase the information recorded on cards.  
– 2 –  
 
10. In case of reader/writer error (abnormal sounds, abnormal odors, smoke, fire) turn off  
the reader/writer immediately and unplug it from the power outlet.  
11. Always hold the plug to unplug the power cord from its outlet. Pulling on the cord will  
damage the cord. Do not pull on the cord. Do not place heavy objects on the power  
cord. Do not use power cords that are damaged or frayed. Consult with your sales  
outlet.  
12. Avoid sudden changes in ambient temperature and humidity.  
Allow the reader/writer to sit in its new environment for at least one hour before use.  
13. Do not use the reader/writer in an environment where condensation has formed.  
14. To ensure reader/writer reliability, clean the reader/writer everyday, or when the cleaning  
lamp has lit.  
Continuing use without cleaning will cause the reader/writer errors. See section 7.  
Cleaning Cards for details on how to clean.  
15. Do not disassemble or modify the reader/writer.  
16. When cards are excessively dirty:  
If cards are dirty or oily, problems can easily occur in reading and writing or cause  
missing print and incomplete erasing of information.  
* In such cases, clean the card and the reader/writer.  
See section 7. Cleaning Cards for details on how to clean.  
17. If a card is to be reprinted, allow for at least three minutes between prints.  
When printing repeatedly to different cards, no wait is required.  
– 3 –  
 
2. General Description  
The TCP300 series reader/writers are equipped with a thermal type display mechanism  
on a PET(Polyethyleneterephtalate) magnetic strip card reader/writer. They are con-  
nected to electrical devices such as POS and are used to print/erase characters and  
images freely onto the surface of cards.  
• Main Features of the TPC300 Series Reader/Writer  
1. Reads/writes card magnetic stripe data  
2. Prints/deletes the card display area  
3. RS-232C and USB interface  
– 4 –  
 
3. Unpacking  
The following outlines the reader/writer and its accessories.  
The reader/writer (TCP300 Series)  
1. Reader/writer  
2. Cleaning cards (2 cards)  
3. Cleaning fluid  
4. This manual  
5. Ferrite core  
1
4
2
3
5
– 5 –  
 
4. External Appearance and Part Names  
The reader/writer (TCP300 Series)  
2
3
4
5
7
6
1
1. Power Switch............................ This turns the power to the reader/writer on and off.  
2. Power Indicator Lamp .............. Indicates that reader/writer power is on.  
3. Status Indicator Lamp .............. Indicates printer ready, printing and errors.  
4. Cleaning Lamp ......................... Indicates the reader/writer needs cleaning.  
5. Interface Connector .................. Connects to host computer via a cable.  
6. AC Cable .................................. Connects to power source.  
7. Cleaning Switch........................ Press the cleaning switch while turning the power on.  
Insert a cleaning card dampened with alcohol to  
clean the reader/writer.  
– 6 –  
 
5. Connect to and Setting External Devices  
5-1 RS-232C Interface  
<Mounting the RS-232C Interface Cable>  
1. Cut the power to the host computer and reader/writer.  
2. Connect one end of the interface cable to the reader/writer and the other end to the  
host computer.  
3. Mount the accessory ferrite core to the interface cable.  
4. Tighten the left and right screws on the connector.  
<RS-232C Serial Interface Cable>  
1
2
3
Connectors  
D-Sub 9PIN  
(Male) * Reader/Writer Side  
(Female) * Cable Side  
Compatible Connectors  
Connector Pins  
D-Sub 9PIN  
See Table Below  
See Table Below  
RS-232C  
4. I/O Circuit  
5. Level  
6. Cable  
Cross (Reverse) Cable  
Pin No. Signal Name  
I/O  
-
Functions  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
NC  
RXD  
XD  
Not Connected  
Reception Data  
Input  
Output  
Output  
-
Transmission Data  
DTR  
GND  
DSR  
RTS  
CTS  
NC  
Data Terminal Ready  
Ground for Signal  
Input  
Output  
Input  
-
Data Set Ready (Not Detected)  
Transmission Request  
Transmission Ready (Not Detected)  
Not Connected  
– 7 –  
 
<Settings for Communication Speed>  
To change the serial communication settings, change the following DIP switch settings.  
(Ex-factory Default Settings: DSW 1 to 6 are ON, 7 and 8 are OFF.)  
Switches  
DSW 1-1  
DSW 1-2  
DSW 1-3  
DSW 1-4  
DSW 1-5  
DSW 1-6  
DSW 1-7  
DSW 1-8  
ON  
OFF  
Baud Rate Setting (See table below)  
8 bit  
7 bit  
Parity Disabled  
Odd Parity  
Parity Enabled  
Even Parity  
Fixed at On  
Fixed at Off  
Fixed at Off  
Baud Rates BPS  
DSW 1-1  
4800 BPS  
OFF  
9600 BPS  
ON  
19200 BPS  
ON  
38400 BPS  
OFF  
DSW 1-2  
ON  
ON  
OFF  
OFF  
* If incorrect switch settings are made, there may be a failure of the card reader/writer.  
Be careful when making setting changes.  
To change the DIP switch settings, do the following.  
1. Check that the power is turned off for both the reader/writer and the host computer.  
2. Remove the two screws.  
3. Pull out the serial interface card to remove it.  
4. Change the DIP switch settings on the serial interface card.  
5. Push in the serial interface card to mount it.  
6. Tighten the two screws.  
7. Turn on the power for both the reader/writer and the host computer.  
Note: The new settings will take effect when the reader/writer power is turned back on.  
DIP Switches  
– 8 –  
 
5-2 USB Interface  
<Mounting the USB Interface Cable>  
1. Connect one end of the interface cable to the reader/writer and the other end to the  
host computer.  
2. Snap the accessory ferrite core onto the interface cable.  
3. If a driver for the reader/writer is required, use the media that was distributed by your  
agent to install the driver.  
<USB Interface Specifications>  
1
2
3
4
5
Communication Rating  
Communication Speed  
Communication Method  
Power Specifications  
Connectors  
Conforms to USB 1.1 Specifications  
USB Full Speed Mode (Max. 12 MBPS)  
USB Bulk Transmission Mode  
USB Self-power Function  
Type-B  
– 9 –  
 
6. Interface Board Replacement (RS-232C to USB)  
Replacement Procedures  
1. Turn off the power switch. Then, unplug the power cord from the outlet.  
2. Remove the two screws as shown in the figure below.  
3. Pull the RS-232C interface board in the direction of the arrow to remove it.  
4. Insert the USB interface board to the reader/writer.  
Note: Firmly insert so that the reader/writer connector and the interface board con-  
nector are securely connected.  
5. Tighten the two screws to fasten the USB interface board.  
6. After connecting the interface board, run a test print using the following steps before  
connecting the USB cable. If the connection is good, Interface: USB will be printed.  
< How to Run a Test Print >  
Turn on the power while pressing the CLEANING switch. The buzzer will ring and  
the green status lamp will flash. Press the CLEANING switch again. The status  
lamp will switch to orange and will flash. Insert a card in this state. This will cause  
the system to automatically write data to the magnetic stripe and to read data there-  
from. The test results will be printed, and the card will be discharged. The results of  
reading and writing to the magnetic stripe, the setting rank of the erase/print heads,  
the status of the EEPROM setting, the type of interface being used and the ROM  
version are printed in order for the test results.  
Use a PET type card with the predetermined magnetic stripe on both sides to run a  
test print.  
When performing a test print, magnetic data for the test is written to the card.  
Use a card whose magnetic stripe can be overwritten without causing a problem.  
(Use a card that is right for the print settings on the card reader/writer.)  
7. A USB cable is not an accessory part. Purchase one that meets specifications. Mount  
the ferrite core to the cable and insert to the hook that fastens the cable.  
– 10 –  
 
7. Cleaning Cards  
A cleaning card is used to clean the transport rollers inside the unit. Two cleaning cards  
accompany each unit. They are in the plastic wrap.  
7-1 External Shape  
Felt Surface  
Felt Surface  
85.6  
89.6  
7-2 Frequency of Use  
1. Everyday, or once every 300 prints.  
2. If errors occur repeatedly, or if there are printing problems, clean the reader/writer.  
3. The cleaning LED will flash when there have been 300 printings. Clean the reader/  
writer when this flashes.  
7-3 How to Use  
Use the following procedures to clean the reader/writer.  
1. Press the cleaning switch.  
2. Dampen the felt surfaces (both side) of a cleaning card with head cleaning liquid.  
3. Insert the cleaning card from the normal card insertion inlet.  
4. Allow the reader/writer to sit for approximately one minute before using again, to  
allow it to dry.  
Note: 1. Do not use bent cleaning cards. Using bent cards can cause them to become  
jammed.  
2. Use only the accessory head cleaning fluid or dedicated head cleaning fluids  
for audio-video equipment. If cleaning cards are dirty, or if you run out of  
cleaning fluid, purchase new materials from your sales outlet.  
3. Cleaning cards can be used approximately 30 times. Contact your sales agent  
if they are damaged or excessively dirty.  
Cleaning Switch  
– 11 –  
 
8. Troubleshooting  
• Trouble when Turning on the Power  
Symptom  
Possible Cause  
What to Do  
Correct connect the power  
plug.  
The power indicator Won’t accept The power plug is not  
lamp does not light. cards.  
correctly connected.  
Broken wire in power cord.  
Broken wire in fuse.  
Contact your dealer.  
Accepts cards. Display LED burned out.  
The power indicator Won’t accept Reader/writer error.  
lamp lights.  
cards.  
Accepts cards Bad Card  
Use a normal card.  
but reader/  
writer  
Card damaged, bent,  
data erased on card,  
or other user card.  
Head is dirty.  
operating  
incorrectly.  
Clean using a cleaning card.  
Contact your dealer.  
Composing system is  
not operating normally.  
Reader/writer error.  
• Trouble when Operating  
Symptom  
Possible Cause  
Card is jammed.  
What to Do  
Cards are not discharged.  
Turn on power to reader/writer  
again.  
If cards are still not discharged,  
turn off the power and open the  
upper cover.  
Then, pull the snap lever to  
raise the upper portion of the  
mechanism to remove the card.  
Use the recommended card.  
Use the correct card.  
Reading/Writing errors occur Inappropriate card.  
Using other card type.  
Card data erased by magnet.  
Card is bent.  
Issue a new card.  
Card is damaged.  
Head is dirty.  
Clean using a cleaning card.  
– 12 –  
 
Removing Jammed Cards  
1. Turn off the power and unplug the reader/writer.  
2. Press the cover opener.  
3. Lift the upper cover while the cover is open.  
Upper cover  
Cover Opener  
4. While pulling the mechanism’s snap lever (green), lift the mechanism.  
Snap lever  
5. Remove the card while the cover is open.  
Note: Do not touch the thermal head or erasing head. There is the danger of getting  
burned.  
Thermal head  
Erase head  
6. Return the mechanism to its original position.  
7. Close the upper cover.  
– 13 –  
 
9. General Specifications  
Item  
Specifications  
Card Specification  
PET (Thin type card)  
Card Transport Unit  
Transport Method  
Rollers  
Card Insertion Direction One Direction  
Card Travel Speed  
400 mm/s (at high speed: When reading)  
30 to 60 mm/s  
(at slow speed: when erasing/printing)  
Magnetic Stripe  
Print Unit  
Functions *  
1 Track or 3 Tracks Reading/Writing  
Number of  
Max. 20 characters x 13 lines (480 x 320 dots)  
Print Characters  
Printing Character  
Types *  
Alphanumeric,  
Chinese Characters (BIG-5, GB Fonts),  
External Characters, Graphics  
Dot Configuration  
Dot Pitch  
24 x 12, 24 x 24, 48 x 24, 24 x 48, 48 x 48  
Vertical Direction: 0.125 mm  
Horizontal Direction: 0.121 mm  
Indoors  
Environment  
Conditions  
Location of Use  
Ambient Temperature 5 to 35°C, 20 to 80% RH  
and Humidity  
(There must be no condensation.)  
Storage Temperature  
and Humidity  
-30 to 65°C, 20 to 90% RH  
(There must be no condensation.)  
1.5 G 7 to 100 Hz XYZ Directions for  
one hour (When packaged)  
Shock Durability  
Recommended cards  
Power Source *  
Interface *  
STAR Recommended Thermal Re-writing Cards  
AC 90 to 132V/198 to 264 V 50/60Hz  
RS-232C D-sub 9 Pin  
USB (option) / Ethernet (option)  
Approximately 2.5 kg  
Mass  
External Dimensions  
119 (W) x 132.5 (H) x 270 (D) mm  
* Differs according to specifications for destination.  
– 14 –  
 

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