Extech Instruments Printer MSP II User Manual

EXTECH DATA SYSTEMS  
MSP/MPP II/III  
COMPACT PORTABLE PRINTER  
USER'S MANUAL  
VERSION: 2.0  
DATE: August 1995  
Extech Data Systems  
(A Division of Extech Instruments Corporation)  
335 Bear Hill Road  
Waltham MA 02154  
Part Number: 7A060023  
NOTE:  
FCC Part 15 Class B  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B 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 interference will not occur in a particular installation. I F 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 too correct  
the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
-R eorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
-Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.  
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
Warranty  
This printer is warranted by Extech Data Systems to be free of defects in parts and  
workmanship for a period of one year from date of shipment. (The customer is responsible for  
ensuring proper packing to prevent damage in transit.) This warranty does not apply to defects  
resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of  
specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically  
disclaims any implied warranties of merchantibility or fitness for a specific purpose and will not  
be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total  
liability is limited to the repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is  
inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral is expressed or implied.  
Warranty Service (Call 617 890 7440)  
A Return Authorization number must be issued before a unit is returned to Extech for repair.  
Once a unit has been properly returnd to Extech, it will be repaired (estimates are provided first  
if the repair cost is estimated above $50.00) and returned via UPS ground. The customer may  
elect a faster mode of transport at their cost.  
Page 4  
Contents  
1.0  
INSTALLATION AND INITIAL POWER-UP  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
MODEL NUMBER  
UNPACKING YOUR PRINTER  
FRONT PANEL LED INDICATORS  
1.4  
1.5  
MEMBRANE SWITCH PANEL  
DATA CONNECTOR  
1.6  
POWER INPUT  
1.6.1 AC POWER ADAPTER  
1.6.2 DC POWER CONNECTION (OPTIONAL)  
1.6.3 INSTALLING BATTERY  
1.7  
1.8  
INSTALLING PAPER AND RIBBON  
1.7.2 INSTALLING PAPER  
1.7.2 INSTALLING RIBBON  
INITIAL POWER-UP AND SELF-TEST  
2.0  
OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART I  
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
PRINTER CONTROLLER  
PRINTER MECHANISM  
2.2.1 PRINTER PAPER SPECIFICATION  
PRINTER POWER  
2.3.1 MANUAL POWER-UP AND POWER-DOWN  
2.3.2 AUTO POWER DOWN TIMER  
2.3.3 POWER-UP VIA DATA INTERFACE  
2.3.4 PRINTER BATTERY PACK  
2.4  
CONTROL CHARACTERS  
2.5  
2.6  
BUILT-IN CHARACTER FONTS  
CHARACTER SIZE  
2.6.1 NORMAL CHARACTER  
2.6.2 EXPANDED CHARACTER  
2.6.3 EXTENDED CHARACTER  
2.6.4 LARGE CHARACTER  
2.6.5 PRINTER CHARACTER SET  
DOT ADDRESSABLE GRAPHICS  
2.7  
2.7.1 GRAPHIC CHARACTER SET  
2.7.2 GRAPHICS CHARACTER HEX DOT PATTERNS  
2.8  
2.9  
OPERATING PRINTER IN MS-DOS ENVIRONMENT  
OPERATING PRINTER IN WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT  
Page 5  
3.0  
OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART II  
3.1 MSP - RS232C SERIAL INTERFACE  
3.1.1 MSP SERIES - SERIAL COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL  
3.1.2 MSP SERIES - SERIAL BUSY PROTOCOL  
3.1.3 MSP SERIES - XON/XOFF PROTOCOL  
3.1.4 MSP SERIES - RS232C CONNECTIONS  
3.1.5 MSP SERIES - OPTIONAL RJ11 - RS232C CONNECTOR  
3.1.6 MSP SERIES - RS232C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
3.2  
MPP SERIES - 8 BIT PARALLEL INTERFACE  
3.2.1 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE OPERATION  
3.2.2 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS  
3.2.3  
3.2.4  
MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE TIMING DIAGRAMS  
MSP/MPP SERIES - DATA CONNECTOR  
Appendix A Serial MSP/MPP Users guide.  
Appendix B MSP/MPP printer trouble shooting guide.  
Appendix C Magnetic Card Reader Option  
Appendix D Infrared Data Input Option  
Page 6  
Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up  
1.0 INSTALLATION AND INITIAL POWER-UP  
Thank you for selecting the Extech compact portable printer. The MPP/MSP printer series  
feature compact reliable, plain paper dot matrix printers capable of printing 24 through 42  
columns and dot addressable graphics. Packaged in rugged Cycolac enclosure, it is designed  
for use as a table top or portable battery operated printer.  
These printers are available in two types of interfaces, either serial RS232C or 8 bit parallel. All  
models feature 2048 character print buffer to free the host computer during the printing process.  
The serial RS232C printers (models MSP II or MSP III) support all standard serial  
communication handshakes, the communication rate and the protocol are set via dip switches.  
The 8 bit parallel printers (models MPP II or MPP III) support Centronics compatible  
communication handshakes.  
1.1 MODEL NUMBER  
To best meet OEM requirements, the Extech compact portable printers are manufactured in a  
variety of configurations. The Model number of your printer is shown on the front panel label  
(Figure 1.0).  
The model number of the printer is comprised of three fields. The first field specifies the type of  
communication interface installed, the second field specifies print speed and the third field  
specifies the number of the print columns. The model number convention summarizing the  
features of the printer are listed below.  
MSP  
(1)  
-
II  
(2)  
-
24  
(3)  
(1) Printer interface type:  
MSP . . . . . . Serial RS232C interface  
MPP . . . . . . 8 bit parallel interface  
(2) Print speed:  
II . . . . . . 40 Characters per second (CPS)  
III . . . . . . 60 Characters per second (CPS)  
(3) Print columns:  
For II . . . . 24 or 42 columns  
For III . . . . 24 or 40 columns  
The instructions in this manual apply to the following Extech compact printers.  
MODEL #  
DESCRIPTION  
PART #  
MSP-II -24  
MSP-II -42  
MPP-II -24  
MPP-II -42  
MSP-III-24  
MSP-III-40  
MPP-III-24  
MPP-III-40  
Mini Serial Printer 40CPS - 24 columns  
Mini Serial Printer 40CPS - 42 columns  
Mini Parallel Printer 40CPS - 24 columns  
Mini Parallel Printer 40CPS - 42 columns  
Mini Serial Printer 60CPS - 24 columns  
Mini Serial Printer 60CPS - 40 columns  
Mini Parallel Printer 60CPS - 24 columns  
Mini Parallel Printer 60CPS - 40 columns  
76716F0  
76718F0  
76916F0  
76918F0  
76816F0  
76818F0  
77016F0  
77018F0  
Page 7  
Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up  
1.2 UNPACKING YOUR PRINTER  
When you remove the printer from its shipping box, make sure it is in good condition. The  
package also includes an AC power adapter, rechargeable battery pack, paper roll, a warranty  
registration card. If any of the components are missing, contact Extech or your distributor for  
assistance.  
Keep the packing material so you can repack the printer for storage or shipment. If there is any  
visible damage to the printer, record it on the freight bill, have the freight carrier acknowledge it  
and submit your claim to the carrier.  
Caution: Do not install or operate damaged equipment as safety and performance may be  
affected.  
1.3 FRONT PANEL LED INDICATORS  
Five LED lights are used for various printer function indications. These LEDs are located on the  
front panel of the MSP/MPP Printer series. The functions assigned to these lights are as  
follows:  
ON-Line indicator  
The green LED, labeled <ON-Line>, illuminates if the printer is selected.  
Low BAT indicator  
The Yellow LED, labeled <Low BAT>, illuminates if the battery pack is depleted. Recharge  
battery pack if LED is on.  
Charge indicator  
The Yellow LED, labeled <Charge>, illuminates if battery is accepting charge. It turns off  
automatically at the end of the charge cycle.  
Ready indicator  
The green LED, labeled <Ready> is used for the following:  
-The <Ready> LED illuminates if the printer senses the presence of the AC power.  
-The <Ready> LED illuminates if a command to enable Magnetic card reader is  
received.  
Error indicator  
The red LED, labeled <Error>, is used for the following indication:  
- The <Error> LED flashing:  
The <Error> LED flashes at a rate of once per second for 5 seconds, before  
auto-shutoff of the printer.  
- The <Error> LED stays lit:  
The <Error> LED stays lit if the printer control card fails to turn on the printer  
mechanism, due to low battery or paper jam or if an error is detected while  
reading the magnetic card.  
Page 8  
Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up  
1.4 MEMBRANE SWITCH PANEL  
Four membrane switches are provided on the left side of the MSP/MPP printers for various  
operator controls. The switches are labeled <SLCT>, <FEED>, <SET> and <ADVN>. The  
functions performed by these switches are summarized below.  
<SLCT> or <ON>  
The <SLCT> or <ON> switch is used to turn printer power on.  
The green <ON-Line> LED is illuminated, if printer is selected.  
<FEED>  
The <FEED> switch is used to advance the paper by one line.  
<SET> or <OFF>  
The <SET> or <OFF> switch is used to turn the printer OFF. The <Error> LED starts flashing  
when set switch is pressed.  
<ADVN> 0r <  
>
The <ADVN> or < > switch is used to advance paper by one line.  
1.5 DATA CONNECTOR  
The Data Connector of the MSP/MPP printer is located at the front of the printer. Figure 1.0  
shows the front panel of the MSP/MPP Printer series. The serial and parallel input/output  
signals of the MSP/MPP compact printers are terminated on a 25 pin, DB25S female connector.  
Pin assignments and technical specifications for each type of interface are listed in Chapter 3.  
1.6 POWER INPUT  
The MSP/MPP compact printers receive DC power via Extech rechargeable battery pack or  
through a two (2) conductor Power Input Connector located on the right side of the printer.  
NOTE:  
The printer must be operated with the battery installed when the  
Power Adapter is used. Failure to do so will invalidate the warranty.  
1.6.1 AC POWER ADAPTER  
A wall mount UL listed power adapter is provided to operate the printer. The AC Power  
Adapter plugs directly into an AC power outlet while it's mating DC plug, on a 6 ft  
extension, connects to the printer. The center pin is the positive DC input, while the  
body of the connector is logic common or DC negative input.  
The AC Power Adapter is internally fused and it's output is rated at 9 VDC/1.0A for  
MSP II  
printer series and 9VDC/2.0A for MSP III. The Power adapter AC input is  
available for either 110 VAC or 220 VAC.  
Page 9  
Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up  
PART #  
152117  
152220  
153117  
153220  
151129  
DESCRIPTION  
MSP/MPP II 110 VAC IN / 9VDC 1A Out  
MSP/MPP II 220 VAC IN / 9VDC 1A Out  
MSP/MPP III 110 VAC IN / 9VDC 2A Out  
MSP/MPP III 220 VAC IN / 9VDC 2A Out  
DC CAR ADAPTER  
1.6.2 DC POWER CONNECTION (OPTIONAL)  
For DC powered units, a two conductor power plug is provided. Refer to Table 1.0 to  
connect power to your DC unit. No internal fuse is provided with DC units. It is strongly  
recommended to install external fuses with the values shown in the table 1.0.  
Table 1.0 below summarizes Voltage, Current and Fuse requirements for AC and DC  
configurations.  
MODEL #  
MSP/MPP  
MSP/MPP  
MSP/MPP  
VOLTAGE  
110VAC  
220VAC  
7.5-  
+/- CURRENT  
FUSE  
10%  
10%  
.1A  
INTERNALLY FUSED  
.06A INTERNALLY FUSED  
-- 4 WATTS 1.0A SLB  
13.6VDC  
Table 1.0  
Voltages, Currents and Fuses  
1.6.3 INSTALLING BATTERY  
Install the battery pack provided into the battery compartment at the bottom of  
the printer.  
The battery pack provided must be charged over night prior to its first use.  
To charge the battery pack use the AC adaptor provided. 8-10 hours are required  
to recharge the battery pack.  
The MSP/MPP printers are capable of delivering from one to two hours  
continuous printing on a full charge.  
1.7 INSTALLING PAPER AND RIBBON  
The printer is shipped from the factory with paper and ribbon installed, refer to this section to  
install new supply of paper and ribbon. The paper tray and ribbon cartridge of the MSP/MPP  
compact printers are located inside the printer enclosure. To access the paper tray and the  
ribbon cartridge the back cover must be removed. To remove the back cover, press in at the  
arrow mark while pulling the back cover up.  
1.7.1 INSTALLING PAPER  
Remove the back cover (section 1.7 and figures 1.1 and 1.3).  
Turn on the printer by pressing the <SLCT> or <ON> switch.  
Page 10  
Chapter 1 Installation and Initial Power-Up  
Tear and discard any paper remaining in the printer tray.  
Remove any paper remaining in the printer mechanism, using the <FEED> switch.  
Do not REVERSE pull paper out of the printer mechanism - this will damage  
the printer mechanism  
Feed the new roll of paper into the printer paper slot using the <FEED> switch.  
1.7.2 INSTALLING RIBBON  
Remove the back cover (section 1.1 and figure 1.3).  
Remove the worn ribbon by pressing with one finger at the location labeled  
"EJECT" on the ribbon cartridge.  
Insert the new ribbon in place and press at the extreme ends of the ribbon  
cartridge to secure it in place.  
With your thumb, tighten the ribbon by rotating clockwise the ribbed wheel located  
on the front of the ribbon cartridge.  
Feed paper to insure that the paper passes through exposed ribbon and ribbon  
cartridge case.  
1.8 INITIAL POWER-UP AND SELF-TEST  
A self-test feature is built into your MSP/MPP compact printer series. To start the self-test,  
press the <FEED> switch during initial power-up of the printer (see below).  
Once the battery is installed and all the front panel LED indicators are turned off (press the  
<OFF> or <SET> switch to turn off) press and hold down the <FEED> switch, then press the  
<SLCT> or <ON> switch, this will automatically start the self test. The self-test program checks  
the integrity of the operating program installed, the 2048 character print buffer, the processor  
watchdog, and the power supervision circuits. The printer performs an internal self-test and  
prints the self-test findings, current printer settings, and starts continuous print of the built-in  
printer character fonts. To stop the self-test process, press the <FEED> switch.  
If no problems are found, the following messages are printed:  
TEST PRINT  
DESCRIPTION  
2K BUFFER EXTECH V2.2 (C) 1994  
This line shows the version of the installed Eprom  
and the size of print buffer.  
INTERFACE: SERIAL  
MODE:2400,8,N,1  
Type of interface selected SERIAL or PARALLEL.  
Baud=2400, number of Data bits=8, Parity= None,  
Stop bits = 1  
Note:  
The red <Error> LED will turned on if any error is encountered during self test.  
If any problem is encountered during self test. Refer to APPENDIX C for a brief trouble shooting  
guide.  
Page 11  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.0 OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART 1  
The MSP/MPP compact portable printer series is comprised of a microcomputer-based printer  
controller card, a printer mechanism module, a rechargeable battery pack and a high impact  
cycolac enclosure.  
2.1 PRINTER CONTROLLER  
The MSP Serial printers use the Extech Part Number EX075 circuit board while the MPP  
Parallel printers use the Extech EX076 circuit board. A powerful INTEL micro-controller on  
these highly integrated circuit boards manage's all the features supported by the printer. The  
circuit board incorporates the printer drivers, communication interfaces, 2K print buffer, the front  
panel switch inputs, battery charger and power regulator circuits.  
Upon initial power-up, the Printer Controller goes through extensive self-test procedures. It  
verifies the amount of print buffer installed and restores the default printer settings. In the idle  
mode, the printer controller continuously checks the front panel controls, the data input  
interface, the print buffer, the DC and battery pack voltage levels and processor watchdog  
supervisor.  
The data sent to the MSP/MPP printer series is received by the controller on an interrupt basis.  
The controller validates the data before saving it in the print buffer. The power regulator and  
battery charger features are summarized in section 2.3.  
2.2 PRINTER MECHANISM  
The MSP/MPP compact printers are designed using highly reliable high speed alphanumeric  
impact printer mechanisms. The MSP/MPP printer mechanisms require only +5VDC for  
operation and are guarded against possible malfunction by a special protection circuit included  
on the control card. The printer ratings are as follows.  
MSP - II  
1,000,000 character lines  
40 Characters per second  
MSP - III  
1,500,000 character lines  
60 Characters per second  
Reliability  
Print speed  
The MSP/MPP III printer mechanisms are built with eight dot driver coils, while the MSP/MPP II  
printers have six dot driver coils. Both type of mechanisms include gears for fast paper feeding.  
Using a continuous, pre-inked ribbon cassette (part # 757131 ), they can print 5x7, 10x14, 5x14  
or 10X14 dot matrix characters or user defined graphics image.  
Below is a detailed specification on printed character size, line spacing and number of total dots  
for each mechanism used in MSP/MPP printer series.  
Mechanism # Columns  
Character-size  
Column-spacing Line spacing dots/line  
EX180  
EX183  
EX190  
EX192  
24  
42  
24  
40  
1.7(W) X 2.6(H) mm 2.06 mm  
1.1(W) X 2.6(H) mm 1.29 mm  
1.7(W) X 2.6(H) mm 2.06 mm  
1.2(W) X 2.6(H) mm 1.35 mm  
3.78 mm  
3.78 mm  
3.78 mm  
3.78 mm  
144  
252  
144  
240  
Page 12  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.2.1 PRINTER PAPER SPECIFICATION  
The MSP/MPP printers use 2.25" wide, .0027" thick and 1.12" diameter rolls of common  
calculator paper. Three types of paper may be used in the printer, Single ply roll,  
Two ply pressure sensitive roll, Label stock Custom Kiss-cut with perforation. Below is  
the specification for each type of the paper.  
PAPER TYPE  
Single Ply  
Two Ply  
PART #  
WIDTH  
THICKNESS  
LENGTH  
757058 (5 rolls) 2.25"/57.5 mm .0027" / .08 mm 25' / 6.3 m  
757135 (5 rolls) 2.25"/57.5 mm .0035" / .09 mm 16' / 4.0 m  
Label stock  
Custom made  
Kiss-cut w/perf.  
2.25"/57.5 mm label .066 mm custom lengths  
carrier .058 mm  
2.3 PRINTER POWER  
Printer power, battery locations and characteristics were described in section 1.6. This section  
reviews the printer power and battery operation and specification.  
Like any battery-power device, the battery pack supplied with the MSP/MPP printers have finite  
life. The maximum usage between recharge will be obtained when the following simple rules are  
followed.  
- Turn off printer when not in use.  
- Recharge until the <charge> LED turns off, indicating full charge.  
- Use Extech power adapter to recharge the battery pack.  
- Use "Logic Switching" capacity in your software to facilitate  
the auto turn on or turn off of the printer.  
2.3.1 MANUAL POWER-UP AND POWER-DOWN  
The <SLCT> or <ON> membrane switch is used to turn the printer ON manually. The  
<ON-Line> LED indicator is turned ON when <SLCT> or <ON> switch is pressed.  
Press the <SET> or <OFF> switch to turn off the printer power. The red <Error> LED  
starts flashing momentarily, to indicate the start of the power down process. This  
process will last about 5 seconds.  
2.3.2 AUTO POWER DOWN TIMER  
The MSP/MPP printers have a built-in 30 second Power-Down-Timer. The timer is  
automatically restarted under any one of the following conditions.  
- If any of <SLCT> or <ON>, <FEED> or <ADVN> or <OFF> switches are  
pressed.  
- If a character is received via data interface.  
Upon timeout of the Power-Down-Timer, the printer starts flashing the red <Error> LED  
to worn the operator and transmits the power down command string to the host.  
The power down timer may be disabled by activating the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals  
on the interface connector.  
Page 13  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.3.3 POWER-UP VIA DATA INTERFACE  
The MSP/MPP printer can be powered-up by transmitting a single character or  
activating <RTS> or <SELECT> signals on the interface connector.  
To avoid the loss of data during "Logic Switching", the following software features must  
be implemented in the Host program.  
After sending a wake up character or activating the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals.  
- Pause for 1.6 seconds before sending additional characters to the printer.  
- Verify the status of <CTS> or <BUSY> before sending additional characters.  
- Wait for the XON character from the printer.  
The printer turns off power automatically, 30 seconds after the last character received  
or de-activation of the <RTS> or <SELECT> signals.  
2.3.4 PRINTER BATTERY PACK  
The MSP/MPP printer is designed to operate with a 5.0 VDC/ 800 mAH rechargeable  
Ni-Cd battery pack. The battery recharge and monitor circuits are located on the printer  
controller.  
Two LED indicators showing the status of the battery pack are provided.  
The <Low BAT> LED is turned on when the battery voltage drops below 4.1  
volts.  
The <Charge> LED is on while the battery is accepting charge. It turns off  
automatically at the end of the charge cycle, when battery voltage reaches 5.56  
volts.  
8 to 10 hours are required to fully recharge the batteries. Up to 216,000 characters can  
be printed with a fully charged battery pack.  
The battery pack will hold charge for 800 to 1000 hours after complete recharge.  
Remove the battery pack from the printer battery compartment during long storage or  
shipping. Additional battery packs and a 4 pack battery charger are available. The part  
numbers and descriptions of these accessories are:  
PART #  
CAPACITY  
DESCRIPTION  
7A100002  
7A100003  
767500  
700 mAH  
800 mAh  
700 mAH battery pack  
800 mAh battery pack  
Simultaneous 4 battery pack charger  
The Extech AC adapters and their respective specification are listed in section 1.6.1 of  
this manual.  
Page 14  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.4 CONTROL CHARACTERS  
The printer has a set of commands which provide control of printer functions. The printer also  
provides response commands informing the user of the printer status. In this section, the  
recognized control characters and the corresponding printer actions are summarized.  
CHAR. CON H/D  
CONTROL ACTION  
EOT  
End Of Text  
^D  
04/04 printer sends an EOT character when buffer  
is empty. This is used to tell the host  
that printer is in idle mode.  
Back Space  
08/08 remove previous character in print buffer.  
Horizontal Tab  
BS  
HT  
^H  
^I  
09/09 Tab to 5,9,13,17,21,25,29,33,37 or to the  
beginning of next line.  
LF  
VT  
FF  
CR  
Line Feed  
^J  
^K  
^L  
^M  
0A/10 Advance to beginning of next line.  
Vertical Tab  
0B/11 Advance 5 lines.  
Form Feed  
0C/12 Advance 10 lines.  
Carriage Return  
0D/13 Advance to beginning of next line.  
clears double width or extended print  
pending.  
SO  
SI  
Shift Out  
^N  
^O  
^Q  
0E/14 All characters are printed in double width  
(10x7)  
Shift In  
0F/15 All characters are printed in normal width  
(5x7).  
XON  
Transmitter On  
11/17 Printer to Host: Ready to receive data.  
Host to printer: The host is ready to  
accept data.  
AUXON  
Print on  
^R  
12/18 Printer to Host: Print is on line.  
Transmitted after initial power up or  
clearing of printer jam.  
XOFF  
NORM  
Printer receiver is off  
13/19 Printer to Host: Print Buffer is full.  
Host to Printer: Host transmitter off.  
^S  
^T 14/20 Return to normal print.  
Page 15  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
CHAR. CON H/D  
T
CONTROL ACTION  
AUXOFF  
^U 15/ Printer to Host: printer is off  
21 transmitted to host before power down  
CANCEL  
Cancel and reset printer  
^X  
18/ If received, 2K print buffer is reset  
24 and printer placed in initial power-up  
default settings.  
ESC  
Escape  
1B/  
^[ 27 Escape character precedes graphics and  
printer operating modes. Refer to escape  
command section.  
EXTEND  
Extended print  
1C/  
^\ 28 All characters following this command  
are printed double high (5x14).  
EXTEND  
OFF  
Extended print off/Normal print  
^] 29 All characters following this command  
are printed normal size (5x7)  
1D/  
2.5 BUILT-IN CHARACTER FONTS  
The MSP/MPP printer has three built-in user select fonts. Below is the list of commands to  
select these fonts.  
FONT TYPE FONT DESCRIPTION  
COMMAND STRING  
Standard  
IBM PC  
Hebrew  
ASCII and International character set  
ASCII and IBM PC character set  
ASCII and IBM PC character set  
ESC+F+1  
ESC+F+2  
ESC+F+3  
The characters are formed using a 5x7 matrix. The first 127 entries in the font tables are ASCII  
characters. Characters 0 through 31 are reserved ASCII printer control characters, while 32  
through to 127, are the 96 ASCII Alpha numeric upper and lower case characters.  
The alternate characters for each font type are from 128 to 255.  
The printer defaults to Standard font on initial power-up or upon receiving the CANCEL  
character (^X,18H,24).  
Page 16  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.6 CHARACTER SIZE  
Four character sizes can be selected through the communication interface, by sending control  
characters to the printer.  
Character Size  
Dot matrix  
size  
Normal  
5x7  
Expanded (Double Wide)  
Extended (Double Height)  
Large (double wide and  
double height)  
10x7  
5x14  
10x14  
2.6.1 NORMAL CHARACTER  
The Normal characters are formed using a 5x7 dot matrix. The printer defaults to 5x7  
matrix Normal character size upon initial power-up.  
2.6.2 EXPANDED CHARACTER  
Expanded size or double wide characters are formed by using 10x7 dot matrix.  
Expanded print is selected by sending the EXPAND character command(0E/14) to the  
printer, all succeeding characters are printed in Expanded form. Sending the EXPAND  
OFF character (0F/15) or Carriage Return resets the Expanded print to normal print.  
2.6.3 EXTENDED CHARACTER  
The Extended or double height characters are formed by using a 5x14 dot matrix.  
Extended Print can be selected through the communication interface by sending the  
EXTEND command (1C/28) character. EXTEND (1D/29) or Carriage return resets the  
Extended print to normal print.  
2.6.4 LARGE CHARACTER  
The Large characters are formed by using a 10x14 dot matrix. Large character print is  
selected if both Expanded and Extended print is selected. To reset large print to normal  
print, Expanded and Extended prints must be disabled or Carriage return sent to  
printer.  
2.6.5 PRINTER CHARACTER SET  
The following Table lists the entire printable character set, starting at ASCII code 32  
(space character).  
Page 17  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.7 DOT ADDRESSABLE GRAPHICS  
The MSP/MPP Compact Printers can print special symbols, graphs and characters if operated  
in the Dot Addressable Graphics mode.  
During the Dot Addressable Graphics mode of operation, the printer prints one dot line at a time.  
Each horizontal dot line is made out of (1x6) dot cells, and the total number of dot cells per line  
is the same as the maximum number of columns on the printer.  
For example, a model MSP-II-24 Column has a total of 24 (1x6) dot cells corresponding to its  
24 column capacity.  
Each dot in a (1x6) dot cell can be turned ON or OFF by sending specific ASCII characters.  
The graphics mode is invoked by sending ASCII characters 'ESC' (1B/27) followed by 'G'. Dot  
line printing starts upon receiving enough dot cells to complete a dot line, or  
ASCII 'CR' (0DH) or ASCII 'LF' (0AH).  
The graphics mode is terminated by sending ASCII characters 'ESC', followed by 'A'.  
2.7.1 GRAPHIC CHARACTER SET  
The graphic character set extends from the character '?'(3FH) to TILDA (7EH). Bits 1  
through 6 of the characters received are used to turn ON or OFF the dots in a dot  
cell.  
If a bit is set (=1), a dot is enabled, otherwise the dot is disabled.  
For example for ASCII '?' (3FH or 00111111B), bits 1 through 6 are set. Sending  
consecutive '?'s will form a one dot solid line across the paper.  
2.7.2 GRAPHICS CHARACTER HEX DOT PATTERNS  
The following table, Table 1, outlines the dot patterns and HEX codes for graphics  
operation. Table 1  
Dot patterns and HEX codes  
Page 18  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
2.8 OPERATING MSP/MPP PRINTER IN MS-DOS ENVIRONMENT  
To insure proper operation of the Extech MPP/MSP printers in DOS environment the following  
are required.  
FOR MPP SERIES - Parallel Printer  
1- Use DOS print command to print, or Write Direct to printer port.  
2- Set the printer port for infinite retry using the dos MODE command.  
MODE LPT1:,,P  
FOR MSP SERIES - Serial Printer  
1- Use DOS print command to print, or Write Direct to printer port.  
2- Set the PC's communication baud using DOS MODE command, printer  
and PC baud rate and parity have to match.  
Mode com1:9600,n,8,1,r  
3- Redirect PC's serial (COM) port to parallel (LPT)  
mode lpt1:=com1:  
4- Set the printer port for infinite retry using the dos MODE command.  
MODE LPT1:,,P  
2.9 OPERATING MSP/MPP PRINTER IN WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT  
To insure proper operation of the Extech MSP/MPP in a windows environment the following are  
required.  
Select Generic/text only printer driver.  
Use Windows printer manager.  
For MPP Parallel printers, Set the PC's parallel (LPT1) port as follows.  
- LTP1: Local Port  
- Device not selected:  
- transmission retry:  
15  
45  
- Fast printing Direct to Port enabled  
For MSP serial printers, Set the PC's serial port (COM1) baud rate and parity to match  
printer. Use printer Self-Test to verify baud rate and parity setting.  
Page 19  
Chapter 2 Operating Your Compact Printer  
3.0 OPERATING YOUR COMPACT PRINTER PART 2  
This chapter describes the input connections, operation, and electrical characteristics for all  
MSP/MPP printers.  
- The operating features of the MSP Serial printers are covered in section 3.1.  
- The operating features of the MPP Parallel printers are covered in section 3.2.  
3.1 MSP SERIES: SERIAL COMMUNICATION  
PARITY  
SPEED  
AND  
The proper Baud Rate and protocol settings are required to communicate with a host computer.  
The standard factory setting is 9600 BAUD, 8 DATA BITS, NO PARITY BIT, and one STOP  
BIT.  
A six position dip switch, located to the left of the paper tray, can be used to set the baud rate  
and parity (Figure 3.1). The printer reads these switches once on initial power-up.  
Switches 1 and 2 are used to set the communication speed/baud rate.  
SW1  
ON  
OFF  
ON  
SW2 BAUD RATE  
ON  
ON  
1200  
2400  
4800  
9600  
OFF  
OFF  
OFF  
Switch 3 selects number of data bits.  
.
SW3  
OFF  
ON  
DATA BITS  
8 DATA BITS  
7 DATA BITS  
Switches 4 and 5 are used for parity selection  
SW4 SW5  
PARITY  
BIT  
OFF OFF No parity  
OFF  
ON  
ON  
ON  
No parity  
OFF Odd parity  
ON Even parity  
The printer self-test can be used to print and verify the current serial settings.  
A sample test print is shown in SECTION 1.8.  
Page 20  
3.1.1 MSP SERIES - SERIAL COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL  
Two communication protocols are supported by the MSP printer series - SERIAL BUSY  
PROTOCOL and XON/XOFF PROTOCOL.  
3.1.2 MSP SERIES - SERIAL BUSY PROTOCOL  
In this mode, Pins 4 (RTS - From Host ) and 5 (CTS - From Printer) are used to control  
data flow to and from the printer. This protocol is available for serial RS232C version  
printers.  
The <RTS> signal from the Host (pin #4) is used to enable the printer, the printer raises  
<CTS> (pin #5) when it is ready to accept data.The printer lowers <CTS> line when  
either the Print Buffer has less than 64 unused locations or when TEST OR FEED is  
selected. The <RTS> signal is monitored during data transmission from the Printer to  
Host. The printer transmits data to Host only if <RTS> is high.  
3.1.3 MSP SERIES - XON/XOFF PROTOCOL  
The Printer transmits XON when it is ready to accept data, and XOFF for conditions A  
and B listed above. Under XON/XOFF protocol, the data flow out of the printer's Serial  
Port is halted on receipt of XOFF from Host and resumed on receipt of XON.  
3.1.4 MSP SERIES - RS232C CONNECTIONS  
The RS232C Interface signals for the MSP printer series are terminated on a DB25S  
female connector located at the front of the printer. Six connections are provided from  
the Serial Interface to the host computer for proper operation of this option. A minimum  
of two connections are required for operation, RXD-pin2 and Common-pin3.  
The table below lists the Serial Interface signals and pinouts on the DB25S female  
connector.  
MSP DB25S CONNECTOR FUNCTIONAL  
SIGNAL  
NAME  
GND  
PIN #  
DESCRIPTION  
1
Protective Earth  
Ground  
2
3
4
5
7
RS232 from Host  
(INPUT)  
RS232 from Printer  
(OUTPUT)  
Request to send from  
Host (INPUT)  
Clear to send from  
Printer (OUTPUT)  
Logic common  
RXD  
TXD  
RTS  
CTS  
COM  
Page 21  
3.1.5 MSP SERIES - OPTIONAL RJ11 - RS232C CONNECTOR  
The table below lists the Serial Interface signals and pinouts for the Extech MSP  
printer series with RJ11 type space saving data connector.  
The six (6) pin RJ11 data connector is located at the left side of the printer adjacent to  
power input connector. The pin # 1 is on the left side of the connector.  
Five connections are provided from the Serial Interface to the host computer for proper  
operation of this option. A minimum of two connections are required for operation,  
RXD-pin3 and Common-pin1 or pin5.  
MSP RJ11 CONNECTOR FUNCTIONAL  
SIGNAL  
NAME  
COM  
PIN #  
1 and 5  
2
DESCRIPTION  
Logic common  
RS232 serial output  
From Printer to Host  
RS232 serial input  
From Host to Printer  
Clear To Send output  
From Printer to Host  
Request To Send input  
From Host to Printer  
TXD  
3
4
6
RXD  
CTS  
RTS  
3.1.6 MSP SERIES - RS232C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
RS232C technical specifications are as follows:  
DATA TRANSFER RATE:  
WORD LENGTH:  
1200 Through 9600 Baud  
Dip switch select  
1 Start bit  
7 Or 8 Data bits  
1 Or 2 Stops bits  
SIGNAL LEVELS:  
HANDSHAKING:  
Mark or Logical 1 = -3 to -15VDC  
Space or Logical 0 = +3 to +15VDC  
RTS/CTS or XON/XOFF  
Page 22  
3.2  
MPP SERIES - 8 BIT PARALLEL INTERFACE  
The Parallel Interface signals for the MPP printer series are terminated on a 25 pin IBM PC  
parallel printer output type connector located on the front panel of the printer.  
The table below lists the Parallel Interface signals and the connector pinouts. A (/) before a  
signal name indicates the signal is ACTIVE LOW; otherwise, the signal is ACTIVE HIGH.  
___________________________________________________________________________  
PIN# SIGNAL NAME  
DIRECTION  
FUNCTION  
___________________________________________________________________________  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
/STROBE  
DATA 1  
DATA 2  
DATA 3  
DATA 4  
DATA 5  
DATA 6  
DATA 7  
DATA 8  
/ACK  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
INPUT  
OUTPUT  
OUTPUT  
DATA READY FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 1 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 2 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 3 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 4 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 5 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 6 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 7 FROM HOST  
DATA BIT 8 FROM HOST  
RECEIVE ACKNOWLEDGE FROM PRINTER  
BUSY OUTPUT FROM PRINTER  
SIGNAL COMMON  
4.7K PULL UP TO VCC  
PAPER FEED REQUEST FROM HOST  
4.7K PULL UP TO VCC  
NO CONNECTION  
SELECT PRINTER FROM HOST - OPTIONAL  
SIGNAL COMMON  
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
BUSY  
COMMON  
/PAPER-FEED  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SELECT-IN  
18 THRU 25  
___________________________________________________________________________  
A minimum of 12 connections are required for the parallel interface operation (pin 1 through 12).  
3.2.1 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE OPERATION  
Pin #1 of the Parallel Interface connector carries the </STROBE> signal from the host  
computer to the printer. This signal is held at TTL HIGH level normally, and lowered by  
the computer when the data is ready for the printer. The fact that the signal went low is  
latched by the printer control card and the processor is interrupted to read, validate,  
and save the data received.  
Also, the <BUSY> signal (Pin#11) is set to indicate that the printer is busy reading data  
received.  
Upon saving the received data, the printer lowers </ACK> (Pin #10) to acknowledge  
that the data has been received, and lowers the BUSY signal.  
Page 23  
3.2.2 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS  
DATA TRANSFER RATE:  
SYNCHRONIZATION:  
HANDSHAKING:  
6000 Characters/second  
Via </STROBE> line  
</ACK> and <BUSY> Signals  
Compatible with CMOS and TTL levels.  
SIGNAL LEVELS:  
3.2.3 MPP SERIES - PARALLEL INTERFACE TIMING DIAGRAMS  
3.2.4 MSP/MPP SERIES - DATA CONNECTOR  
Page 24  
Appendix A  
Serial MSP/MPP Users guide  
This Guide summarizes the operating and maintenance feature of Extech MSP or MPP printer  
series. Refer to user's and operators manual for additional information.  
Initial preparation  
- Install the battery pack in the battery compartment located on the back of the printer.  
- Recharge battery pack overnight by using the Extech power adapter provided.  
- Connect the Data Connector located on the front of the printer.  
- Set the communication parameters (serial printers only).  
- If interfacing to PC, set MS-DOS and Windows variables.  
Initial power up and self-test  
- Press <SLCT> or <ON> switch to turn on printer.  
- Press <SET> or <OFF> to turn off printer.  
- To start self-test Hold <FEED> switch then press <SLCT> or <ON>.  
Install Paper  
- Remove the back cover  
- Turn on the printer by pressing the <SLCT> or <ON> switch.  
- Tear and discard any paper remaining in the printer tray.  
- Remove any paper remaining in the printer mechanism, using the <FEED> switch.  
Do not REVERSE pull paper out of the printer mechanism - this will damage printer.  
- Feed the new roll of paper into the printer paper slot, press the <FEED> switch to advance the  
paper.  
Install Ribbon  
- Remove the back cover  
- Remove the worn out ribbon by pressing with one finger at the location labeled "EJECT" on  
the ribbon cartridge.  
- Insert the new ribbon in place and press at the extreme ends of the ribbon cartridge to secure  
it in place.  
- With your thumb, tighten the ribbon by rotating clockwise the ribbed wheel located on the front  
of the ribbon cartridge.  
- Feed paper to insure the that paper passes through exposed ribbon and ribbon cartridge case.  
Page 25  
Membrane Switch Functions  
<SLCT> or <ON>  
The <SLCT> switch is used to turn printer power on. The green <ON-Line> LED is turned on, if  
printer is selected.  
<FEED>  
The <FEED> switch is used to advance the paper by one line.  
<SET> or <OFF>  
The <SET> switch is used to turn the printer OFF. The red <Error> LED starts flashing when  
<SET> switch is pressed.  
<ADVN> or < >  
The <ADVN> switch is used to advance paper by one line.  
Front Panel Indicators  
<ON-Line> Green - If illuminated the printer is selected.  
<Low BAT> Yellow - If illuminated the battery pack is depleted. Recharge battery pack if  
LED is on.  
<Charge>  
<Ready>  
Yellow - If illuminated the battery is accepting charge.  
Turns off automatically at the end of the charge cycle.  
Green - illuminated if the printer senses the presence of the AC power.  
Green - illuminated if a command to Enable Magnetic card reader is  
received.  
<Error>  
Red - Flashing indicates start of power down process.  
Red - illuminated steady if the battery is  
too low to turn on the printer mechanism.  
Red - illuminated steady Magnetic card  
reading Error.  
Page 26  
Appendix B  
Trouble Shooting Guide  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE CAUSE  
SOLUTION  
Printer will not turn on  
Discharged Battery  
No AC power  
Recharge battery overnight.  
Check AC outlet and adapter.  
Battery pack fully charged.  
Charge LED not lighting  
when AC adapter is  
plugged in  
Bad AC Adapter  
Battery not Charging  
Battery incorrectly  
installed or no AC.  
Check Battery installation  
and AC adapter.  
Poor print Quality  
Paper not feeding  
Worn ribbon  
Replace ribbon.  
Obstruction in paper  
path or improperly  
installed.  
Check the paper path.  
Verify installation.  
Use paper with the right thickness  
Error LED on Steady  
Print Mechanism Jam  
Low Battery  
Press <FEED> to clear problem.  
If problem persists recharge  
battery or cycle power.  
Low-BAT LED on Steady  
Prints illegible characters  
Low AC or Battery.  
Recharge Battery  
Improper Baud rate  
and parity.  
Verify the printer and Host setting.  
Match, use test print to verify  
Printer setting.  
In MS-DOS use write direct to port  
In WINDOWS use Generic printer  
driver, print manger and direct  
write to port.  
Printer will not print  
Improper cabling.  
For MSP verify that PC's pins 6,8  
and 20 tied together.  
For MPP make proper cable is in  
use, all 25 pins connected  
straight through.  
Page 27  
APPENDIX C  
Magnetic Card Reader Option  
Introduction  
An optional Magnetic Card Reader is available for the MSP/MPP series printers. This option is  
designed to read Magnetic Cards conforming to ISO standards (ABA, IATA, MINTS and  
THRIFT), convert the encoded signals to ASCII format and transmit the information to the host  
computer or terminal.  
Three Types of Magnetic Card Reader Heads are available. The part number, Model number  
and functional description of each type are summarized in Table 1. The Model number of the  
Magnetic Card Reader installed in the printer is shown on a label located inside the printer  
battery compartment.  
Part #  
Model # Track #  
Functional Description  
Track # - Max. capacity/ data bits  
Recording method/Recording Density  
Track 1 - 79 characters / 7 bit  
RecM: F2F : RecD:210BPI  
Track 2 - 40 characters / 5 bit  
RecM: FM : RecD: 75BPI  
Track 2 - 40 characters / 7 bit  
RecM: FM : RecD: 75BPI  
Track 2 - 40 characters / 7 bit  
RecM: FM RecD: 75BPI  
7A07000  
7
MR-  
1 & 2  
2105  
7A07000  
MR-  
1102  
MR-  
2106  
2
5
7A07001  
1
2 & 3  
Track 3 - 107 characters / 5 bit  
RecM: F2F RecD:210BPI  
Table 1  
Note: All readers will accept odd or even Parity  
Interfacing to the Magnetic Card Reader  
This section details the software steps required to access the Magnetic Card Reader from a  
computer or from a terminal.  
Select the MSP/MPP printer  
The Host Selects the MSP/MPP printer by activating the RTS input line or  
sending wake-up character to the printer.  
The Printer Sends the XON command to the Host to indicate ready to receive  
Command strings. The host has to wait for XON before proceeding.  
Page 28  
Select the Magnetic Card Reader  
The Host sends ASCII serial command string to enable the Magnetic Card  
Reader. The printer turns on the <READY> LED if the proper command string is  
received.  
Receive the ASCII Data Output from printer  
Once the magnetic card is swiped by the operator, the printer transmits in ASCII  
format <Track Data> or <Error Message>. A good read automatically turns off  
the reader. The printer turns on the red <ERROR> LED if an error is  
encountered.  
Magnetic Card Command String  
ESC - M - nn - 1 - CR  
ESC - M - nn - 2 - CR  
ESC - M - nn - 3 - CR  
ESC - M - nn - 4 - CR  
ESC - M - nn - 5 - CR  
ESC – C  
Description  
Read Track1 only  
Read Track2 only  
Read Track3 only  
Read Track1 and Track2 simultaneously  
Read Track2 and Track3 simultaneously  
Cancel Read  
Turns off the <READY> LED  
Table 2  
(nn = ASCII "01" through "99" seconds)  
Recognized Magnetic Card command strings  
Six Magnetic Card command strings are recognized by the printer, these commands are  
summarized in Table 2.  
The command syntax is as follows:  
ESC  
M
n n  
Track # CR  
(1)  
( 2 ) (3)  
(4)  
(1) Turn On the Card Reader  
The first two characters "ESC" and "M" will turn on the Card Reader.  
(2) Set the Card Read Timeout  
The next two digits "01" through "99" sets the timeout in seconds before the  
printer turns off the Card Reader. A good read automatically turns off the  
reader.  
(3) Select Track number to read  
The Fifth character specifies the Track number(s) to read.  
Sending "1", "2" or "3" enables read of single track 1, 2 or 3.  
Sending "4" enables simultaneous read of tracks 1 and 2.  
Sending "5" enables simultaneous read of tracks 2 and 3.  
There is no command to read tracks 1, 2 and 3 simultaneously.  
Page 29  
(4)  
Terminate command string  
The MSP/MMP waits for Carriage return character before start of the Magnetic  
card read process.  
Table 2 summarizes the recognized Magnetic card command strings.  
Track Data Output Format  
The <Track Data> retrieved from magnetic card is transmitted to the Host in ASCII format. The  
<Track Data> format is as follows:  
/1/ <TRACK 1 DATA> <CR> <LF>  
/2/ <TRACK 2 DATA> <CR> <LF>  
/3/ <TRACK 3 DATA> <CR> <LF>  
The first three characters (/,1,/) flag the track number. The track data follows the third  
character, CR-LF terminates the <Track Data> string.  
Read Error Messages  
All error messages are prefaced by <ESC><E> characters. Following these two characters is a  
comma, the error number in ASCII (01 through 99), another comma, English description of the  
error encountered and finally CR-LF terminating the <Error Message> string. The syntax is as  
follows:  
<ESC><E>, nn, Error text in ASCII, <CR><LF>  
Where nn is error number encountered. Nine (9) types of Read Error messages may be  
transmitted by the Mag card reader. The following messages terminated with CR-LF are  
returned by the firmware:  
Error #  
Error Message Transmitted  
01  
02  
03  
04  
05  
06  
07  
08  
09  
Parity Error  
Checksum Error  
End Sentinel Not Found  
Too Many Characters  
Timeout Expired  
Invalid Character  
Invalid Track Number  
Unsupported Track Selected  
Cancel Request  
Page 30  
Read Error Messages description  
Error #  
Error Message Description  
01  
The Parity of the character read is opposite of the  
card default parity.  
02  
The Checksum calculated did not match the one on the  
card. The checksum is calculated by Exclusive-  
OR' ing all the valid data on the card including Begin Sentinel and  
End Sentinel, but excluding the checksum byte.  
03  
04  
End Sentinel must exist on all cards, Reader did not  
find the End Sentinel.  
The Maximum number of characters allowed for a track  
was exceeded. This may happen if End Sentinel is not  
found. Refer to Table 1 for further details.  
05  
06  
The command timeout has expired.  
The Track Reader Escape command string transmitted  
by Host contained an invalid character.  
07  
08  
09  
Invalid Track Number is selected. Tracks "1", "2" or  
"3" can be selected.  
Unsupported Track is Selected. Tracks "1", "2" or  
"3" can be selected.  
"Cancel Request" error string is transmitted if Host  
cancels Magnetic card read in process.  
Page 31  
Sample Interface Program in C  
#include <stdio.h>  
#include <com.h>  
#include <vdsp.h>  
// MSC Standard I/O  
// C Run-Time Interrupt Driven Comm  
// C Run-Time Video Display Functions  
#define PRINTSPECS CM_SERIALFSM | CM_9600BAUD | CM_NOPRTY |  
CM_8BITS| CM_1STOP  
void readtrk( int );  
void exit( void );  
char buf[80];  
// Rcv'd data buffer.  
char *cp = buf;  
// Next buffer loc to use.  
void main( void)  
{
int i, status;  
/**** Enable Printer ****/  
if ((status = comopen( COM1, PRINTSPECS, "", CS_NODSP)) !=NOERR)  
exit();  
/**** SELECT XON communication ****/  
comxoff( COM1, YES);  
/**** Read Tracks ****/  
readtrk( 1 );  
readtrk( 2 );  
readtrk( 3 );  
comclose( COM1, CS_NODSP);  
}
void readtrk( int tn )  
{
char cmd[12];  
cp = buf;  
vdspls( 4, 11, "Req track read ");  
sprintf( cmd, "%cM%02d%1d\r", 27, TIMEOUT, tn); /* read Track */  
vdspls( 4, 11, "Read track %d  
", tn);  
/* display */  
}
Page 32  
Appendix D  
Infrared Data Input Option  
Introduction  
This appendix summarizes the operating features of the Extech MSP Series printers with built in  
InfraRed Data Receiver Interface (IRD). The IRD Interface is designed for reception of IRD-  
ASK format serial data and no interconnecting cables are required for data transfer.  
The IRD data transfer is a one way link, in the current version of the printers. The printer has  
circuitry to receive IRD-ASK data but there is no circuit allowing IRD to be transmitted back.  
For reliable serial data transfer, software timing must be implemented in the IRD-ASK  
transmitter. It is the transmitters responsibility to be sure the printer's 2000 Byte buffer never  
overflows.  
IRD-ASK Receiver Specification  
The IRD-ASK receiver consists of photodiode IR detector, automatic gain control amplifier and  
500KHZ bandpass filter.  
The amplifier prevents saturation of the receiver if strong IR signal is applied, while the  
bandpass filter rejects any IR signal without the 500KHZ carrier signal.  
The Operating Characteristics of IR Receiver are summarized in TABLE 1.  
Transmission Wavelength  
Modulation Frequency  
Modulation Process  
Range  
900 to 1,050 nanometers  
500KHZ ± 50  
Amplitude Shift Key (ASK)  
1 meter  
Data Rate  
1200 - 9,600 Bits per second/  
DIP switch select baud rate and  
parity.  
Table 1  
IR Receiver Operating Characteristic  
Printer Power-up through IRD-ASK Interface  
The MSP printer can be powered-up by transmitting a single character. To avoid the loss of data  
during "Logic Switching", pause for 1.0 seconds before sending additional characters to the  
printer.  
The MSP printers have a built-in 30 second Power-Down-Timer. The timer is automatically  
restarted under any one of the following conditions.  
- If side panel <ON>, <FEED> or <ADVN> switch is pressed.  
- If a character is received via IRD-ASK data interface.  
Page 33  
Upon timeout of the Power-Down-Timer, the printer starts flashing the red <Error> LED to warn  
the operator, before turning power off.  
Serial Baud Rate and Parity  
Since IRD-ASK data transfer is serial, The proper Baud Rate and parity settings are required to  
communicate with a Host computer.  
Refer to MSP User's manual to set the desired baud rate and parity.  
Software Interface Overview  
This section details the software steps required for reliable serial IRD-ASK data transfer,  
STEP 1 Select the Printer  
The Host Selects the MSP printer by sending wake-up character to the printer.  
To avoid the loss of data during printer select process, the Host pauses for 1.0  
seconds before sending additional characters to the printer.  
STEP 2 Initialize the Printer  
The MSP User's Manual list the printer operating modes such as character set,  
character width and height and graphics mode. These are all set to their default  
state on printer power up.  
To Initialize the Printer, the Host sends ASCII serial command string to enable  
the desired operating mode.  
STEP 3 Transmit the ASCII Data to printer  
Since the IRD-ASK data transfer is in one direction, from Host to the printer, it is  
the Host responsibility to be sure the printer's 2000 Byte buffer never  
overflows.  
The following simple timing technique can be implemented in the IRD-ASK  
transmitter.  
- Treat every line to be printed as a complete line, independent of the  
number of characters on that line.  
- Keep track of the number of lines sent.  
- Before sending a line, check to see if print buffer is  
full.  
(50 lines for 24 column printers)  
(28 lines for 40/42 column printer).  
- If print buffer is full, Wait 2 seconds before sending the next line.  
Page 34  
Figure 1.0  
Showing front labels (including charge indicators) and model number  
Page 35  
Figure 1.1  
Membrane Switch panel showing <SLCT>, <FEED>, <SET> and <ADVN> switches.  
Page 36  
Figure 1.3  
Battery compartment view showing battery pack, polarity and part number  
Page 37  
Figure 1.4  
Showing Paper Roll installation  
Page 38  
Figure 1.5  
Showing Ribbon Cartridge  
Page 39  
Figure 1.6  
Performing Power-Up and Self-Test  
Page 40  
Figure 3.1  
Showing Dip switch location  
Page 41  
Figure 2.2  
parallel interface timing  
Page 42  

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