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Technical Reference Guide Product Overview Describes features and general specifications for the product. Setup Describes setup and installation of the product and peripherals. Application Development Information Describes how to control the printer and necessary information when you develop applications. Handling Describes how to handle the product.
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• Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. • Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of: accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating...
For Safety Key to Symbols The symbols in this manual are identified by their level of importance, as defined below. Read the following carefully before handling the product. You must follow warnings carefully to avoid serious bodily injury. WARNING Provides information that must be observed to prevent damage to the equipment or loss of data.
Shut down your equipment immediately if it produces smoke, a strange odor, or unusual noise. Continued use may lead to fire. Immediately unplug the equipment and contact your dealer or a Seiko Epson service center for advice. Never attempt to repair this product yourself. Improper repair work can be dangerous.
Use of the TM-L500A RFID in other countries/areas than specified is strictly prohibited. For the information on the countries/areas where you can use the TM-L500A RFID, see the information...
About this Manual Aim of the Manual This manual was created to provide information on development, design, and installation of systems and development and design of printer applications for developers. Manual Content The manual is made up of the following sections: Chapter 1 Product Overview Chapter 2...
Contents ■ For Safety..........................3 Key to Symbols ............................3 Warnings ..............................4 Cautions..............................5 ■ Restriction of Use ........................5 ■ About this Manual ........................6 Aim of the Manual..........................6 Manual Content ............................ 6 Product Overview ................11 ■ Features ..........................11 ■ Product Configurations ......................12 Interfaces ..............................
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Power Supply Unit (PS-180) ........................33 Setup .....................35 ■ Flow of Setup........................35 ■ Installing the Printer......................35 Important Notes ...........................35 ■ Setting the DIP Switches..................... 36 Setting Procedure..........................36 For Serial Interface..........................38 For USB Interface...........................39 For Ethernet Interface ..........................39 ■ Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer ..............40 For Serial Interface..........................40 For USB Interface...........................41 For Ethernet Interface ..........................42...
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Cleaning the Printer Case ........................59 Cleaning the Thermal Head....................... 59 ■ Preparing for Transport .......................61 Appendix..................63 ■ Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors ..............63 RS-232 Serial Interface ......................... 63 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet Interface................... 66 USB (Universal Serial Bus) Interface ....................68 ■...
Chapter 1 Product Overview Product Overview This chapter describes features and specifications of the product. Features The TM-L500A RFID is a high-speed compact printer suited for issuing RFID baggage tags. The features are as follows: RFID UHF GEN2, Complies with IATA Resolution 1740C Use of the TM-L500A RFID in other countries/areas than specified is strictly prohibited.
• USB/RS-232C D-sub9 interface board (Model: UB-U500) • RS-232C D-sub25 interface board (Model: UB-S500) • Ethernet interface board (Model: UB-E500) These optional interface boards are only for the TM-L500A. Never use them with other Epson printers. Also, never use other interface boards with the TM-L500A.
Chapter 1 Product Overview Part Names and Functions Cover open lever Control panel Paper loading cover Manual cutter Power switch Platen cover Power Switch Turns the printer on or off. The marks on the switch: ( : OFF/ : ON) Before turning on the printer soon after turning it off, make sure the LEDs on the control panel are off.
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Power LED (Green) • Lights when the power supply is on. • Goes out when the power supply is turned off, or the printer is in the power-saving mode (sleep 3). On Line LED (Green) • Lights when the printer is online. •...
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Chapter 1 Product Overview Menu (OK) button This button enters the menu mode when the printer is offline. In the menu mode, this button sets the displayed setting option. For the setting items in the menu mode and setting procedures, see "Setting Menu on the LCD"...
Connectors All cables are connected to the connector panel on the lower rear of the printer. Interface connectors Ethernet Serial (9-Pin D-Sub) Serial (25-Pin D-Sub) Power supply connector Connects the printer with the host computer interface. • Interface connector: The interface type differs depending on the model.
Chapter 1 Product Overview Error Status When an error occurs, the printer stops operating, the Error LED or Paper LED lights or flashes, and the buzzer beeps (only when the buzzer function is enabled). If the error is a fatal one, the printer goes offline.
Error LED flash code Error description Recovery measure Approx. indication 320 ms Paper JAM Paper jam sensor has Remove the paper detected a paper jam. wrapped around the platen, and then load the appropriate paper. When an Autocutter error occurs, do not turn the printer power off. If the printer power is turned off, in case of autocutter error, the print starting position of the first sheet immediately after the printer power is turned on is placed on the wrong position.
Chapter 1 Product Overview Data Receive Error (Only with the Serial Interface Models) If any of the following errors occurs during serial interface communication, the printer prints “?” or ignores the data. • Parity error • Framing error • Overrun error...
Power-Saving Mode The TM-L500A RFID has the power-saving mode function to reduce the power consumption. There are 3 statuses, sleeps 1, 2, and 3 in the power-saving mode. For the power consumption during standby in each sleep mode, see "Electrical Characteristics"...
Chapter 1 Product Overview Sleep 3 When Sleep 3 is enabled with the memory switch, the printer enters this mode 4 hours after entering standby status. During Sleep 3, the LEDs and the backlight of the LCD are off, and no operation is available. The printer recovers to the normal status when you perform any of the following;...
NV Memory (Non-Volatile Memory) The printer's NV memory stores data even after the printer power is turned off. NV memory contains the following memory areas for the user: • Memory switches • Maintenance counter As a guide when you program applications, NV memory should be rewritten 10 or fewer times a day.
Printing Specifications Printing method Thermal line printing Dot density 203 dpi × 203 dpi Printing direction Unidirectional with friction feed Paper width 54.0 mm {2.13"} Printing width 50.8 mm (2.00"), 407 dots Maximum printing speed Text printing (Roll paper) 200 mm/s {7.87"/s} Bar code/2-dimensional symbol printing 126 mm/s {4.96"/s} Note: The printing speeds listed above are the values when the printer prints with the standard print density...
Chapter 1 Product Overview Paper Specifications Paper must not be pasted to the roll paper spool. If preprinted thermal paper is used, sticking (a problem of the thermal head sticking to the surface of the thermal paper during printing) may occur, causing faulty printing and other problems.
Specified Original Paper Types For good print quality, set the media type, print density, and print speed, depending on the original paper number, as shown in the tables below. They can be changed with the memory switch. For information about the memory switches see "Setting the Memory Switches"...
Chapter 1 Product Overview Printable Area " 54.0 mm {2.13 } ± 0.5 mm Dot no.409 Dot no.3 " " " 1.5 mm {0.059 50.8 mm {2.00 } (407 dots) 1.7 mm {0.067 Printing and Cutting Positions Manual-cutter position Approx. 31 mm Approx....
Electrical Characteristics Be sure to use the power supply that came with your printer. WARNING Supply voltage Epson PS-180 Rated voltage: 100 to 240V Rated frequency: 50 to 60Hz Power consumption during operating Mean: Approx.34.4W (at 230V) (USB interface, at 23C {73.4F}, Approx.
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Chapter 1 Product Overview Power 115V/60Hz Serial I/F No power-saving (normal) 1.26W consumption Sleep 1 1.00W during standby Sleep 2 0.61W (at 23C {73.4F}, normal print Sleep 3 0.33W density) Power off 0.32W USB I/F No power-saving (normal) 1.21W Sleep 1 0.94W Sleep 2 0.56W...
If printing is continuously performed with a high ratio, the overcurrent protection may be activated and result in uneven print density or a low voltage error. Therefore, the printing length must not exceed the following values when printing with high print ratio. Print width: Number of dots being energized per one dot line Baggage tag Total print width: 407 dots (50.8 mm {2.00"})
Acoustic noise (operating) Approximately 57 dB (bystander position) (including autocutting operation) Note: The values above are measured in the Epson evaluation condition. Acoustic noise differs depending on the paper used, printing contents, and the setting values, such as print speed or print...
External Dimensions and Mass • Height: Approximately 148 mm {5.83"} • Width: Approximately 156 mm {6.14"} • Depth: Approximately 236 mm {9.29"} • Mass: Approximately 2.8 kg {6.17 lb} Right edge of paper Paper path...
Chapter 2 Setup Setup This chapter describes setup and installation of the product and peripherals. Flow of Setup This chapter consists of the following sections, along with the setup flow of the product and peripherals. Installing the Printer (page 35) Setting the DIP Switches (page 36) Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer (page 40) Connecting the Power Supply Unit (PS-180) (page 43)
Setting the DIP Switches On this printer, you can make various settings with DIP switches. Functions of the DIP switches differ depending on the interface. Setting Procedure Follow the steps below to change the DIP switch settings. Before you remove the DIP switch cover, turn the printer off. Otherwise, a short-circuit may cause the printer to malfunction.
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Chapter 2 Setup Set the DIP switches, using the tip of a tool, such as a small screwdriver. Install the left case and secure it with the screw. Align the groove on top of the left case with the rib of the upper case. Align the two hooks of the left case with the two holes of the board plate and slide it to the front.
For Serial Interface Initial Function setting Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to ON Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF See the “ Transmission Speed (DIP Switches 3/ Transmission speed selections 4)” table below. DSR (hardware) reset Enabled Disabled Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF...
Chapter 2 Setup For USB Interface Initial Function setting Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to ON Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to ON Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to ON Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF Reserved (Do not change) Fixed to OFF...
Connecting the Printer to the Host Computer For Serial Interface Connect the printer to a host computer by a serial interface (RS-232) cable. Be sure to turn off the power supply for both the printer and host computer before connecting the cables. WARNING Use a null modem serial cable to connect the printer.
Chapter 2 Setup For USB Interface Connect the printer to a host computer by a USB interface cable. Install the cable hook. Put the USB cable through the cable hook. Putting the USB cable through the cable hook prevents the cable from coming unplugged. Connect the USB cable from the host computer to the USB upstream connector.
Never attempt to connect the customer display cable, drawer kick-out cable, or a standard telephone line cable to the 10/100BASE-T LAN connector. For Ethernet interface communication settings, use TM-L500A Utility or EPSON TMNet WinConfig utility. For detailed information about the setting methods, see the TM-L500A Utility User’s Manual or EPSON TM Net WinConfig User’s Guide.
Always use the EPSON PS-180 as the power supply unit. Using a nonstandard power supply can result in electric shock and fire. Should a fault ever occur in the EPSON PS-180, immediately turn off the power to WARNING the printer and unplug the power supply cable from the wall socket.
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Connect the plug of the AC cable to the wall socket. Be sure to unplug the AC cable from the wall socket whenever connecting or disconnecting the power supply unit to the printer. Failure to do so may result in damage to the power supply unit or the printer. WARNING ...
Chapter 2 Setup Setting the Memory Switches With the memory switch function, which is software setting for this printer, you can set the various functions. For an outline of the functions, see the following section. Use TM-L500A Utility or AEA commands to set the memory switches.
Functions Data receive error • Ignored • Receive error (initial setting) Automatic line spacing • Always enabled • Always disabled (initial setting) Paper jam detection • Disabled • Enabled (initial setting) Setting of paper jam detection is invalid for the model with corner R detection. USB power saving •...
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Chapter 2 Setup Transition pattern for power saving • No power saving • Pattern 1 (initial setting) • Pattern 2 • Pattern 3 Sleep 3 For good print quality, set the media type, depending on the original paper number. (See "Paper Specifications"...
Print density Selectable from levels 1 to 9 (70% 110%) (initial setting: level 7) If the print density is set to a darker level, printing speed may be reduced. If the print density is set to a darker level, paper dust accumulates on the print head and print may be faint.
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Chapter 2 Setup AEA error judgement for wrong coupon type • AEA error • No AEA error (initial setting) Font compatible mode • PECTAB-compliant font • IER506-compatible font (initial setting) Truncate function • Does not truncate • Truncates (no error) (initial setting) •...
Setting Menu on the LCD You can set the buzzer volume, LCD contrast, LCD brightness, and clock time with the buttons on the control panel. • Buzzer volume: The buzzer sounds when the printer is in an error status. You can adjust the volume of the buzzer from OFF to level 5. •...
TM-L500A Utility User’s Manual TM-L500A Utility: Use for various settings. EPSON TM Net WinConfig User’s Guide EPSON TM Net WinConfig: Use for IP address or wireless LAN setting. You can obtain the software and manuals from one of the following URLs.
Self-Test Mode In the self-test mode, the printer prints the current status of the printer and resident characters as a test print. You can confirm the following information with the status print. • Model name • Control software version • Printer settings •...
Chapter 4 Handling Handling This chapter describes basic handling of the printer. Usage Precautions • This printer is dedicated for RFID tag printing. The paper guide is fixed to the RF tag width, and the paper width is unchangeable. • Do not place other tags next to the printer, or the printer may write data on the tag outside. •...
Installing and Replacing Paper Do not open the covers during printing/autocutting. The printer may be damaged. Do not touch the manual cutter with your hands. WARNING Otherwise, you may be injured because the manual cutter blade is sharp. ...
Chapter 4 Handling Insert the end of the paper under the rollers. The paper is fed automatically. Close the paper loading cover. The paper is fed to the position of a punch hole or a black mark, and cut automatically. Close the paper loading cover immediately.
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Insert the end of the paper under the rollers. The paper is fed automatically. Close the paper loading cover. The paper is fed to the position of a punch hole or a black mark, and cut automatically. Close the paper loading cover immediately. If it is left open for 1 minute or longer, paper feeding may not be correct.
Chapter 4 Handling Removing Jammed Paper When a paper jam occurs, never pull out the paper forcibly. Follow the steps below to remove the jammed paper. Do not touch the thermal head (See"Cleaning the Printer" on page 59.) because it can be very hot after printing.
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Open the paper loading cover by pulling up the cover open lever. Pull out the paper backward, and cut any distorted, crumpled, or torn parts of the paper if there are any. Close the platen frame and the platen cover.
Cleaning the Thermal Head Epson recommends cleaning the thermal head periodically (generally every 3 months) to maintain receipt print quality. After printing, the thermal head can be very hot. Do not touch it and let it cool before you clean it.
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Open the platen cover. Push down the platen lever to open the platen frame. Clean the thermal elements of the thermal head with a cotton swab moistened with an alcohol solvent (ethanol or IPA). Thermal head Close the platen frame and the platen cover.
Chapter 4 Handling Preparing for Transport Follow the steps below to transport the printer. Turn off the printer. Remove the power supply connector. Remove the roll paper. Pack the printer upright.
Appendix Appendix Specifications of Interfaces and Connectors RS-232 Serial Interface Interface board specifications (RS-232-compliant) Item Specifications Data transfer method Serial Synchronization Asynchronous Handshake Select one of the following with a memory switch: DTR/DSR RTS/CTS Signal level MARK -3V to -15V logic “1”/OFF SPACE +3V to +15V logic “0”/ON ...
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Functions of each connector pin Receive buffer full: When the remaining space in the receive buffer drops to 128 bytes, the printer status becomes "buffer full" and it remains "buffer full" until the space in the receive buffer increases to 256 bytes. ...
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Appendix DSUB9 DSUB25 Signal Signal Function Pin no. Pin no. name direction Output <When RTS/CTS flow control is selected> Indicates whether or not the printer is BUSY. SPACE indicates that the printer is ready to receive data, and MARK indicates that the printer is BUSY. The printer goes BUSY when the printer is made offline by pressing down the On/Off Line button or when the receive buffer is full.
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet Interface Software specifications Basic communication protocols • IP, ARP, ICMP, UDP, TCP: Basic communications protocols for various functions (used by higher-level protocols below) Printing communications protocols • LP, LPR: Transfers printing data. • TCP socket port: Transfers printing data and printer status with direct socket communications (bi-directional).
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Internal parameter settings Internal parameter settings can be changed with the following: • ENPC protocol: Epson provides a dedicated utility that makes miscellaneous setting with the ENPC protocol. • HTTP browser: An HTTP browser can make setting when connected to the module.
04b8h Product ID 0202h 0E08h String Descriptor Manufacturer EPSON Product TM-L500A Serial number Character string based on the product serial number Status transmission from printer with USB interface In order to ensure that there is no lack of status data, it is necessary to periodically retrieve status data at the host computer.
Appendix Character Code Tables The character code tables show only character configurations. They do not show the actual print pattern. “SP” in the table shows a space. Common to All Pages When the international character set (See "International Character Sets" on page 113.) is USA:...
Appendix International Character Sets ASCII code (Hex) Country France à ° ç § é ù è ¨ Germany § Ä Ö Ü ä ö ü β U.K. £ Denmark I Æ Ø Å æ ø å Sweden ¤ É Ä Ö...