Capa

MP-2100 TH User´s Manual

P/N: 5686 . Rev.1.1

November 2005
(First edition: July 2004)

Copyright© by Bematech S.A. Curitiba-PR, Brazil.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, adapted or translated without the prior written permission
of Bematech S.A., except when allowed by patent rights.

Information in this publication is purely informative, subjected to change without notice and no liability is assumed
with respect to the use of this. However, as product improvements become available, Bematech S.A. will make every
effort to provide updated information for the products described in this publication. The latest version of this
manual can be obtained through Bematech website:

www.bematech.com

Notwithstanding the other exceptions contained in this Manual, the consequences and responsibility are assumed
by the Purchaser of this product or third parties as a result of: (a) intentional use for any improper, unintended or
unauthorized applications of this product, including any particular purpose; (b) unauthorized modifications,
repairs, or alterations to this product; (c) use of the product without complying with Bematech S.A. Corporation’s
operating and maintenance instructions; (d) use of the product as component in systems or other applications in
which the failure of this could create a situation where personal injury or material damages may occur. In the events
described above, Bematech S.A. and its officers, administrators, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and dealers shall
not be held responsible or respond by any claim, costs, damages, losses, expenses and any other direct or indirect
injury, as well as claims which alleges that Bematech S.A. was negligent regarding the design or manufacture of the
product.

Bematech S.A. shall not be liable against any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any
consumable products other than those designated as original Bematech products or approved products by
Bematech S.A.

Any product names or its logotypes mentioned in this publication may be trademarks of its respective owners and
shall be here recognized.

Product warranties are only the ones expressly mentioned in the User’s Manual. Bematech S.A. disclaims any and
all implied warranties for the product, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose. In addition, Bematech S.A. shall not be responsible or liable for any special, incidental or
consequential damages or lost profits or savings arising from the use of the product by the Purchaser, the User or
third parties.
MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

EMC and Safety Standards Applied

Product Name: MP-2100 TH

Model Name: All
*EMC is tested using an EPSON PS180 power supply

Europe:
CE marking
Safety: EN60950

North America:
EMI: FCC Class A

WARNING
Unauthorized changes or modifications on the equipment could void the certifications described in this page.
Please contact your dealer for further information.

CE Marking

The printer conforms to the following Directives and Norms:

Directive 89/336/EEC
EN 55022 Class B (Conducted and Radiated emission)
EN 55024
IEC 61000-4-2 ESD
IEC 61000-4-3 Radiated immunity
IEC 61000-4-4 EFTB
IEC 61000-4-5 Surge
IEC 61000-4-6 Conducted immunity
IEC 61000-4-11 Voltage Dips

FCC CLASS A
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital service,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, use and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to the radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

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 User’s Manual

Safety Precautions
This section presents important information intended to ensure safe and effective use of this product. Please read
this section carefully and store it in an accessible location.

English
WARNING:
Immediately unplug the equipment if it produces smoke, a strange odor, unusual noise or if foreign matter including
water or other liquid falls into the equipment. Continued use may damage it or lead to fire *. Please contact your
dealer or a BEMATECH service center for advice.
Never attempt to repair this product yourself. Improper repair work can be dangerous.
Never disassemble or modify this product. Tampering with this product may result in injury or fire *.
Be sure to use the specified power source. Connection to an improper power source may cause malfunction or fire *.

CAUTION:
Do not connect cables in ways other than those mentioned in this manual. Different connections may cause
equipment damage and burning *.
Be sure to set this equipment on a firm, stable surface. The product may break or cause injury if it falls.
Do not install this equipment in locations that do not comply with the environmental requirements specified in this
manual.
Do not place heavy objects on top of this product. Never stand or lean on this product. Equipment may fall or
collapse, causing breakage and possible injury.
To ensure safety, unplug this product before leaving it unused for an extended period. In this case, please be sure
to place a piece of paper between the platen and the paper roll, in the thermal mechanism, to avoid damage when
restarting the printer.

* Note that this equipment was developed complying with international safety standards and therefore contains
only limited flammability components.

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Summar y

Chapter 1 - Presentation .......................................................................... 6

Chapter 2 - Technical Specifications MP-2100 TH ................................ 10

Chapter 3 - Communication Interfaces .................................................... 11

Serial Interface ........................................................................................................................ 11
Parallel Interface ...................................................................................................................... 12
USB Interface .......................................................................................................................... 13

Chapter 4 - Character Tables ................................................................... 14

ASCII Table ............................................................................................................................ 14
Code Page 850 ...................................................................................................................... 14
Code Page 437 ...................................................................................................................... 15
Code Page 858 ...................................................................................................................... 15
Code Page 860 ...................................................................................................................... 16

Chapter 7 - MP-2100 TH Commands ...................................................... 17

Direct Command ..................................................................................................................... 17
Control Sequence .................................................................................................................... 17
Using The Command Summary ............................................................................................... 17

Chapter 8 - Command tables ................................................................... 18

Operation ............................................................................................................................... 18
Vertical Positioning .................................................................................................................. 18
Horizontal Positioning .............................................................................................................. 19
Character Types ...................................................................................................................... 19
Print Width, Character Width and Height ............................................................................... 20
Barcodes ................................................................................................................................ 20
Bit Images and Graphics ........................................................................................................ 22
Graphic Commands Examples .................................................................................................. 22
Data Control .......................................................................................................................... 23
Communication ........................................................................................................................ 23

Appendix I - Troubleshooting ................................................................... 25

Appendix II - Automatic Line Advance ..................................................... 26

Appendix III - Cutter (Optional) ............................................................... 27

Appendix IV - Special Care ....................................................................... 28

Appendix V - Drawer Activation ............................................................... 30

Appendix VI - Error Signaling Table ......................................................... 31

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 User’s Manual

Chapter 1

Presentation

Printer Description
Explanations about how each MP-2100 TH part operates are described in this manual.

Whenever some note refers to one of the parts, the corresponding number of such part will be in brackets,
next to the note.

Led PAPER

Led ON LINE

Led POWER

PAPER key
ON LINE key

Back Cover

Figure 1
Front Cover

Front Cover opening knob

Base

Figure 2

DC Power Supply Connector

Drawer
Parallel Interface or USB (optional)
Figure 3 Serial Interface

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Unpacking

Take the printer out of its box and verify that the following items are included:

• Printer
• User´s Manual

Keep the box and packing materials for future use if necessary.

The appropriate thermal paper should be used. Refer to the Technical Specifications section in this
manual for paper details.

Powering GROUND

Make sure that the printer is turned off.

Connect the power cord to the power supply‘s
AC connector and to an electrical outlet. This
outlet must have its ground pin connected as
Figure 4
shown on the right:

Connect the DC cable of the power supply in the printer as shown below – note that the arrow in the connector
must be facing down:

DC Connector
Figure 5

Turn on the printer using the on / off switch located on the printer. Check, also in the panel, if the Power LED is lit.
If no paper is present, the Paper LED will also be lit.

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 User’s Manual

Inserting the Paper

To insert the paper roll, open the back cover and the front cover according to Figures 6 and 7. Release the roll
from the rollers.

Figure 6 Figure 7

The MP-2100 TH offers easy automatic paper placement . Just position it in the gutter entrance
pushing it inwards (Figures 6 and 7). That makes the mini-printer to activate the automatic paper
advance mechanism, thus making the paper replacing easier.

To make the paper insertion

easier, cut the paper end
according to the illustration .
The paper will slip easier into
the mechanism.

Figure 8

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Operation Modes

The printer can be operated in the following modes:

Normal (Remote mode)

In this state, the printer is being controlled by the host through the serial, parallel or USB interfaces.

Dump mode

In this mode advanced users and programmers can identify communication problems between the host and the
printer or check if a certain programmed data is correctly being sent to the printer, thus being a debugging tool. To
start the hexadecimal dumping, turn on the printer while pressing the paper feed switch. A message will be
printed on the paper asking you to press once more the paper feed switch if Dump mode is desired, as shown:

- Press PAPER switch once for DUMP MODE

Self-testing

To run a self-test press and hold the Paper Feed switch and turn it on. When the printer starts printing, the paper
feed button can be released. A message will be printed asking you waiting for the self-test. In the self-test you will
find the printer firmware version.

Printer head cleaning procedure

Please releve to Appendix IV “Special Care” (page 28).

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 User’s Manual

Chapter 2

Technical Specifications

Characteristics Specifications
Method: lines of thermal dots
Dot Density: 8 dots per mm
Printing Width: 72 mm
Speed: 80 mm/s
Paper forward unit: 0.125 mm
Characters supported: CODE PAGE850, CODE PAGE 858,
Features CODE PAGE 860 and CODE PAGE 437
Code of bars supported: UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN13, EAN8, CODE
39, ITF, CODABAR, CODE 93, CODE
128, ISBN, MSI, PLESSEY, PDF0417.
Paper max width: 78 mm to 80 mm
Thickness: 50 to 120 g/mm2
Printing Paper Max. Coil diameter: 65 mm
Type: KPH756 thermo script, manufactured
by VCP or equivalent
Polling force: 2N minimum

Entry Buffer 8 Kbytes

Serial: RS-232C
•Transmission rate: 9600 bauds
Communication Interfaces •Protocol: RTS/CTS
•Format: 8 bits without parity / 1 stop bit
Parallel (optional): Centronics
USB (optional): compatible 1.1 version
Voltage: 24 VDC
Power Supply Consumption: Switched-off, 15 W
In operation: 35 W

Detection Functions Print head temperature (termistor), paper presence (phototransistor),

print head lifted (optical key).

Environmental Conditions Environmental storage conditions:

Temperature: 0ºC to 50ºC
Relative humidity: 10% to 95%.

Environmental storage conditions:

Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
Relative humidity: 10% to 95%
Height: 132 mm
Size Width: 152 mm
Depth: 196 mm
Head: Abrasion: 80 km exclusively for certified paper
Life Expectation - MCBF (printing 20% of the line)
Cutter: 1.5 millions cuts (for certified paper of
56g/mm2)
Power Activation Drawer
Mass: 1,2 kg
Mass
With Cutter: 1,3 kg
Cutter Cutting Options: Total or partial cut (option per way of activation ).

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Chapter 3

Communication Interfaces

Communication between a host and the printer can be performed in three communication interface: USB, Parallel
or Serial RS-232, according to the printer model.

Communication cables are not supplied with the printer

Serial Interface

The RS232 serial interface uses a female DB-9 connector. The serial port can operate using the RTS/CTS mode, with
8 data bits, without parity, one start bit and one stop bit. In the RS232 standard, the logic low level corresponds
to a +12V voltage level and a logic high level corresponds to a –12V voltage level.

RTS/CTS mode

In this mode, the printer’s RTS line controls the flow of data sent from the host’s TX line and received by the printer’s
RX pin. In this case, when the printer’s RTS signal is low (+12V) the printer requests the host to send data. When
the RTS signal is high (-12V) the printer tells the host to stop sending data.

DB-9 Serial connector

DB - 9 DB - 9
2 - RxD 2 - RxD
3 - TxD 3 - TxD
7 - RTS 7 - RTS
Figura 9 8 - CTS 8 - CTS
6 - DTR
4 6
4 - xNC
Logic Level Voltage 4 - DSR
6 4 - xNC
6
0 + 12 V 1 - DCD 1 - xNC
1 - 12 V 5 - GND 5 - GND
PC Printer

Pin Sign Direction Description

2 Rx IN Through this pin the data are received by the printer.
Through this pin the data are transmitted from the printer to the
3 Tx OUT device to her connected.
When in low level the printer requests the sending of data. When in
7 RTS OUT
high level the printer is without document.
When in low level, the printer sends data (if there is). When in high
8 CTS IN level, the printer for of sending data, if she is sending.
5 GND Logic ground.

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 User’s Manual

Parallel Interface

The unidirectional parallel interface has the following specifications:

• Synchronization: Externally supplied Strobe signal

• Handshaking: Ack and Busy signal

• Signal levels: TTL compatible

• Data transmission: 8-bit parallel

Parallel Interface Pin Assignments

................. 17
................. 16

................. 13
................. 12
................. 11
................. 10
................. 09
................. 08
................. 07
................. 06
................. 05
................. 04
................. 03
................. 02
................. 01
36 .............
35 .............

.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
.............
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19

Figura 10

Associated
Signal pin return pin Signal Direction Description

1 19 /STROBE IN Strobe pulse for data reading. The pulse’s width

must be larger than 0.5 us.

2 20 Data 1
3 21 Data 2
4 22 Data 3 Data in signals (LSB is Data 1). The signal high
5 23 Data 4 IN level corresponds to bit 1 and the low level
6 24 Data 5 corresponds to 0.
7 25 Data 6
8 26 Data 7
9 27 Data 8

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Associated
Signal pin return pin Signal Direction Description

This pulse is active low and indicates that data

10 28 /ACK OUT sent to the printer has been received. The pulse
width must be larger that 10us.

When high, indicates that the printer cannot

11 29 BUSY OUT receive data.

12 30 PE OUT 1 – Paper end.

On line Out. When high, indicates operation in

13 OL OUT OUT remote mode. When low, indicates operation in
local mode.

14,15,18,36 NC Not connected.

16 GND Circuit ground.

17 Frame Frame ground.

19-30 GND Circuit ground.

31 /INIT IN When low initializes the printer. It may be larger

than 50us.

32 /ERROR OUT Paper absence.

33 GND Circuit ground.

34 NC Not connected.

35 PULLUP OUT “Pulled Up” to +5V

USB Interface

The USB interface is compatible with the Universal Serial Bus Specification 1.1. It is a 12 Mbps serial channel using
the Bulk mode with a “B” receptacle as show below. The USB cable must have in one side an “A” plug to connect
in the host, and in the other side an “B” plug to connect in the printer. The printer is self-powered and does not draw
power from the standard type B USB interface cable.

Type “B” Receptacle

2 1
Signal pin Signal
1 NC
2 DATA+
3 DATA -
3 4
4 GND
Figure 11

Using the USB interface, the printer can be connected in the host even if both parts are powered. The first time
you connect the printer in the host, the operational system will ask for the printer driver. Please download the
printer driver from our website (www.bematech.com). For more details please contact your dealer.

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 User’s Manual

Chapter 4

Character TTables
ables

ASCII Table

The codes from 00h up to 7Fh are shown below:

Characters from 00h to 1Fh are “command characters” and therefore are not represented in the following tables

Code Page 850

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Code Page 437

Code Page 858

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 User’s Manual

Tabela de Caracteres Code Page 860

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Chapter 5

MP-2100 TH Commands
MP-2100

This section contains general information regarding the MP-2100 TH commands.

The MP-2100 TH printer has a series of programming commands that may be used in the remote mode. Two types
of commands can be sent:

Direct Command

In this mode, a simple ASCII code is enough to command the printer. For example:

ASCII Code: LF

Decimal: 10

Hexadecimal: 0A

This command causes the printer to perform a line feed.

Control Sequence

In this mode, more than one code may be sent to command or program the printer. This “control sequence”
always starts with the ASCII code “ESC” or “GS”. For example:

ASCII Code: ESC W 1

Decimal: 27 87 01

Hexadecimal: 1B 57 01

This command switches the printing mode to “expanded”.

Following is a summary of commands accepted by the MP-2100 TH printer.

Using The Command Summary

The following section lists and describes all resident MP-2100 TH commands including command parameters. The
command syntax is as follows:

• ESC P is a command without parameters;

• ESC Q n is a command with one parameter only;

• ESC K n1 n2 is a command with two parameters;

• ESC D *! n1n2 b1...bn is a command with a variable number of parameters.

Some commands may be redundant. This is done to maintain compatibility with old command settings
or different types of customized command settings.

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 User’s Manual

Chapter 6

Command TTables
ables

Operation

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ESC @ 64 40 Initializes the printer

ESC b n 98 62 Enable (1): Status drawer sensor

Disable (0): Status paper sensor

ESC v n 118 76 Activate drawer (n miliseconds)

-50ms < n < 200ms

ESC w 119 77 Performs a paper cut

ESC x 120 78 Enable Dump Mode

ESC y n 121 79 Enable (1) or Disable (0). Keyboard default (1)

ESC z 1/0 122 7A Enable automatic line feed (n=1). Disable automatic line feeed (n=0)

ESC m 109 6D Performs a parcial paper cut

Vertical Positioning

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ESC C n 67 43 Programs the page size in lines where n is the number of lines
(single height). The standard is 12 lines (of single height).

ESC c n1 n2 99 63 Programs the page size in millimeters where Size=0,125mm*n1*n2.

ESC J n 74 4A Performs the feeding of n*0,125mm of paper.

FF 12 0C Feeds one page.

LF 10 0A Feeds one line.

ESC 2 50 32 Line feed of 1/6” – default line feed

ESC 3 n 51 33 Line feed of n/144 of an inch, where n goes from 18(d) up to 255(d).

ESC f 1 n 102 66 Vertical skipping of n characters.

ESC A n 65 41 Performs the feeding of n*0,375mm of paper.

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Horizontal Positioning

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ESC f 0 n 102 66 Horizontal skipping of n characters.

ESC Q n 81 51 Program right margin to column n

ESC I n 108 6c Program left margin to column n

ESC a n 97 61 Aligning the characters. Centering if n=1 or left end alignment if

n=0.

Character Types

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ESC - n 45 2D Underlined mode on (n=1) or off (n=0).

ESC 4 52 34 Italic mode on.

ESC 5 53 35 Italic mode off.

ESC E 69 45 Emphasized mode on.

ESC F 70 46 Emphasized mode off.

ESC t n 116 74 Selects code page:

n=2 (CODEPAGE 850 - Default)
n=3 (CODEPAGE 437)
n=4 (CODEPAGE 860)
n=5 (CODEPAGE 858)

ESC S n 83 53 n=0 (enable superscript characters)

n=1 (enable subscript characters)

ESC T 84 54 Disable superscript and subscript modes

ESC N n 78 4E n=0 (density very weak) n=1 (density weak)

n=2 (density normal) n=3 (density strong)
n=4 (density very strong)

ESC } n 125 7D n=1 (inverted mode enable)

n=0 (inverted mode disable)

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 User’s Manual

Print Width, Character Width And Height

ASCII Dec Hex Description

DC2 18 12 Condensed mode (42 columns) off.

DC4 20 14 One-line expanded mode off.

ESC d n 100 64 Double height on (n=1) or off (n=0).

ESC H 72 48 48-column mode on (default).

ESC P 80 50 48-column mode on (default).

ESC SI 15 0F Condensed mode (64 columns) on.

ESC SO 14 0E One-line expanded mode on.

ESC V 86 56 One-line double height on.

ESC W n 87 57 Expanded mode on (n=1) or off (n=0).

SI 15 0F Condensed mode (64 columns) on.

SO 14 0E One-line expanded mode on.

Barcodes
Barcodes are obtained using the GS command sequences show below. Please note that all parameters and
numbers are in decimal format, unless noted.

Hexadecimal
Comand Description
Decimal

GS h n 1D 68 n Sets the height n of the barcode generated – each height unit corresponds
29 104 n t a dot of 0.125 mm, so the final height is n x 0.125 mm where 1 - n
- 255. The default is n=162.

GS w n 1D 77 n Determines the width of the barcode, where n=2 corresponds to nor-

29 119 n mal width, n=3 is double width and n=4 is quadruple width. The
default is n=3.

Choose the position of the human readable information (HRI) of the

barcode.
GS H n 1D 48 n n=0: No HRI
29 72 n n=1: On top of the barcode (default)
n=2: On the bottom of the barcode
n=3: Both on top and on the bottom of the barcode.

Sets the font used to print the human readable information (HRI). The
GS f n 1D 66 n default is n=0.
29 102 n n=0 or n=48 – normal
n=1 or n=49 – condensed

GS k 0 d1...d11 NUL 1D 6B 00 d1...d11 00

29 107 0 d1...d11 0 Prints an UPC-A barcode where d1...d11 is a sequence of 11 bytes
containing the barcode information with 48 -d -57.
GS k 0 65 11d1...d11 1D 6B 41 0B d1...d11
29 107 55 11 d1...d11

GS k 1 d1...d6 NUL 1D 6B 01 d1...d6 00

29 107 1 d1...d6 0 Prints an UPC-E barcode where d1...d6 is a sequence of 6 bytes containing
the barcode information with 48 -d -57.
GS k 66 6 d1...d6 1D 6B 42 06 d1...d6
29 107 66 6 d1...d6

GS k 2 d1...d12 NUL 1D 6B 02 d1...d12 00 Prints an EAN-13 barcode where d1...d12 is a sequence of 12 bytes
29 107 2 d1...d12 0 containing the barcode information with 48 -d -57.

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MP-2100 TH · Revision 1.1

Hexadecimal
Comand
Decimal
Description

GS k 67 12 d1...d12 1D 6B 43 0C d1...d12
Prints an EAN-13 barcode where d1...d12 is a sequence of 12 bytes
29 107 67 12 d1...d12
containing the barcode information with 48 -d -57.
GS k 3 d1...d7 NUL 1D 6B 03 d1...d7 00
29 107 3 d1...d7 0 Prints an EAN-13 barcode where d1...d7 is a sequence of 7 bytes
containing the barcode information with 48 -d -57.
GS k 68 7 d1...d7 1D 6B 44 07 d1...d7
29 107 68 7 d1...d7

GS k 4 d1...dn NUL 1D 6B 04 d1...dn 00 Prints a CODE 39 barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that
29 107 4 d1...dn 0 will be sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
information. The bytes that can be used in d are 32, 36, 37, 43, 45 to
GS k 69 n d1...dn 1D 6B 45 n d1...dn 57 and 65 to 90 (upper case letters) or 97 to 122 (lower case letters).
29 107 69 d1...dn Lower case and upper case letters can’t be conbined in the same barcode.

GS k 5 d1...dn NUL 1D 6B 05 d1...dn 00

29 107 5 d1...dn 0 Prints an ITF barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that will be
sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n containing the barcode information
GS k 70 n d1...dn 1D 6B 46 n d1...dn with 48 < d < 57.
29 107 70 d1...dn

GS k 5 d1...dn NUL 1D 6B 06 d1...dn 00 Prints a CODABAR barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that
29 107 6 d1...dn 0 will be sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
information. The bytes that can be used in d are 36, 43, 45 to 57 and
GS k 71 n d1...dn 1D 6B 47 n d1...dn 65 to 68 (upper case letters) or 97 to 100 (lower case letters). Lower
29 107 71 d1...dn case and upper case letters can’t be conbined in the same barcode.

GS k 72 n d1...dn 1D 6B 48 n d1...dn Prints a CODE 93 barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that
29 107 72 d1...dn will be sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
information. This code can use all bytes from 0 to 127.

Prints a CODE 128 barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that
GS k 73 n d1...dn 1D 6B 49 n d1...dn will be sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
29 107 73 d1...dn information. This code can use all bytes from 0 to 127. The subset is
automatically chosen by the printer based on the data received.

Prints a PDF-417 barcode where:

n1 is the ECC level (from 0 to 8)
1D 6B 80 n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n2 is the pitch height (from 1 to 8) where height=n2 x 0.125 mm.
GS k 128 n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6 d1...dn n3 is the pitch height (from 1 to 4) where height=n3 x 0.125 mm.
n6 d1...dn n4 is the number of codewords per row – if n4 is 0, the maximum number
29 107 128 n1 n2 n3 n4 of columns allowed for the pitch width informed will be used. If the
n5 n6 d1...dn barcode can’t fit the print width the printer automatically adjusts it for
the maximum permitted width within the line field.
n5 and n6 indicate the number of bytes that will be coded, where
total=n5+n6 x 256.
d1...dn is the actual sequence of bytes that will be coded.

GS k 21 d1...d9 NUL 1D 6B 15 d1...d9 00 Prints an ISBN barcode where d1...d9 is the sequence of 9 bytes
29 107 21 d1...d9 0 containing the barcode information. The bytes that can be used in d are
45, 48 to 57 and 88 – note that the hyphens are not computed in the
GS k 129 9 d1...d9 1D 6B 81 9 d1...dn 9 bytes received.
29 107 129 9 d1...dn

GS k 22 d1...dn NUL 1D 6B 16 d1...dn 00 Prints a MSI barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that will be
29 107 22 d1...dn 0 sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
information. The bytes that can be used in d are 48 to 57. The limitation
GS k 130 n d1...dn 1D 6B 82 n d1...dn of size for this barcode is given by the print field as well as the configured
29 107 130 n d1...dn bar width.

Prints a PLESSEY barcode where n indicates the number of bytes that

GS k 23 d1...dn NUL 1D 6B 17 d1...dn 00 will be sent and d1...dn is the sequence of n bytes containing the barcode
29 107 23 d1...dn 0 information. The bytes that can be used in d are 46 to 57 plus 65 to 70
(upper case letters) or 97 to 102 (lower case letters). Lower case and
GS k 131 n d1...dn 1D 6B 83 n d1...dn upper case letters can’t be combined in the same barcode. The limitation
29 107 131 n d1...dn of size for this barcode is given by the print field as well as the configured
bar width.

GS k 132 n1 n2 1D 6B 84 n1 n2 Programs the position of the bardode’s left margin position given by
29 107 132 n1 n2 n1+n2 x 256.

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 User’s Manual

Bit Images And Graphics

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ESC $ n1 n2 36 24 Fill in blank bit columns, from the actual column until column number
(n1+n2*256), where n1+n2*256<=576.

ESC * ! n1 42 33 2A 21 24-bit graphics. Programs bit image for 24 bits, in double density
n2 b1...bn where n1+n2*256 is the number of bit-columns that will be sent
(see below) and b1...bn are the bytes that compose the bit image.
For each column one may need 3 bytes to complete. So, if you need
to send an image with an 8-column width you may send 24 bytes to
fill those columns. A full line has 576 bit columns so a full line will
need 576*3 = 1728 bytes.

ESC K n1 75 4B 8-bit graphics. Selects the “8 pin” bit image (compatible with
n2 b1...bn matrix printers) where you use n1+n2*256 columns, with 1 byte
per column thus using a lower resolution and up to 576 columns.

Graphic Commands Examples

24-bit graphics 1 st bit-

column For this 24-bit graphic pattern we have eight bit-
8 th bit- columns, each with a height of 3 bytes (24 bits). The
column
printer must, after the command is stated, receive the
1st byte 1st , 2nd and 3rd bytes of the first bit-column, than
the 1st , 2nd and 3rd bytes of the second bit-column
and so on, until the last bit-column is filled.
2nd byte MSB (bit 7)

LSB (bit 0)
3rd byte

Figure 12

The command sequence to print this graphic pattern would be (numbers in decimal):
ESC * ! 8 0 1 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 8 8 8 16 16 16 32 32 32 64 64 64 128 128 128
Where you have 8 + 0 * 256 = 8 bit-columns to be filled, each with 3 bytes that will give us a total of 24 bytes
to be sent (excluding the command sequence).

8-bit graphics 1st bit-column

For this 8-bit graphic pattern we have eight bit-columns,
8th bit-column each with a height of 1 byte (8 bits). The printer must,
after the command is stated, receive the byte for the
1 byte MSB (bit 7)
first bit-column, than the byte for the second bit-column
and so on, until the last bit-column is filled. The
resolution is lower but needs less bytes to be sent to
the printer.

LSB (bit 0)

Figure 13

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Data Control

ASCII Dec Hex Description

CAN 24 18 Cancel last line

DEL 127 7F Cancel last character

Communication

ASCII Dec Hex Description

ENQ 05 05 Serial communication status inquiry. After this command is issued,

the printer returns a status, defined below.

ETX 03 03 Ends buffer – the printer will be BUSY while the printing is performed,
changing status only when the buffer is empty. On serial interfaces
DTR (RTS) will be high while the printing is performed.

STX 02 02 Clears the buffer.

Parallel interface status byte

The table below shows the printer statuses obtained through the parallel interface, with the PC BIOS function “Get
status printer” (Int 17h – Printer I/O):

Parallel Interface Status Byte Description

/BUSY /ACK PE SEL ERROR X X X HEX

1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 90h On Line (Remote mode)

1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 A8h Paper end

1 0 x 1 1 0 0 0 98h/B8h Head Up

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Serial interface status byte

The serial interface status byte is composed of 8 bits – 7 through 0 – the most significant bit is Bit 7 and the least
significant bit is Bit 0.

Status bit number Logic “0” Logic “1”

0 Printer Off Line Printer On Line

1 Printer has paper Printer without paper

2 (After ESC b 1) Drawer sensor level low Drawer sensor level high

3 Print head down Print head raised

4–7 Not used (will always be logic “0”)

USB interface status bytes

Byte 1. Printer Status 2. OFF-LINE 3. Error Status 4. Continuous Paper 5. Firmware

Bit Status Sensor Status Version

0 0 1 0 1

1 0 0 0 0 Minor Firmware
version digit
2 Reserved Reserved Cutter Installed Head Temp.

3 ON/OFF LINE Head-up Paper Cut Error Reserved

4 0 Reserved 1 1

5 Status No paper Non Recov Error Int. Paper Jam Major Firmware
buffer version digit
6 Error Recov Error Reserved

7 1 1 1 1 0

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Appendix I

Tr oubleshooting

The following table described some of the problems that might occur while using the printer. For every problem
there is a possible cause described here and a suggested procedure to solve the problem.

Problem Possible Cause Possible Cause

There is no power in the electric Check if there is a central switch for

outlet. the room / outlets. Connect some
other equipment to the outlet to
check its operation.
The printer does not turn on.
A problem with the power cord – it Turn off the printer, check the power
may be broken or not well cord’s continuity and a perfect
connected to the printer and / or connection between the printer and
outlet. the electric outlet.

The parallel / serial / USB cable has Check for a good connection
one or more lines with faulty between the printer and the host or
connections / broken wires. change the cable.

Wrong programming sequences. The programming sequences can be

The printer does not respond checked in the dump mode. Put the
to the commands sent. printer in dump mode and run your
application again. The printer will
show the hexadecimal and ASCII
codes of all bytes being received
from the host.

The parallel cable has one or more Check for a good connection
lines with faulty connections / between the printer and the host or
Parallel communication is broken wires. change the parallel cable.
faulty.
The pin layout does not follow the Check the correct pin layout in this
Centronics standard. manual.

The serial cable has one or more Check for a good connection
lines with faulty connections / between the printer and the host or
broken wires. change the serial cable.

The pin layout does not follow the Check if the pin layout used
correct protocol. complies with the protocol being
used for data transmission.
Serial communication is faulty. Remember that the printer uses the
RTS/CTS protocol.

The baud rate is incorrectly set. If the baud rate set on the printer is
different from the baud rate of the
host, the printer will print random
characters or not print at all. Check
carefully the host’s serial baud rate
configuration.

Overheating of the print head Wait until the temperature of the

print head goes below 140°F. The
The printer stops printing printer will continue to print from
where it stopped. Open the covers
to help the printer to cool down
faster.

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Appendix II
Automatic Line Advance

When the automatic line forward (Automatic LF) is turned on, it makes the MP-2100 TH to automatically go
ahead one line, after receiving a CR command (Carriage Return).

When it starts, the MP-2100 TH's automatic line forward is turned off.

In order to turn it on, just use the ESC z 1 command, as described in Chapter 5.

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Appendix III
Cutter (Optional)

The following considerations will be valid only if your printer contains a cutter.

Head Handle

Cutter Latch

Figure 17

About the Cutter

The cutter is a shearing blade that cuts the paper totally or partially, doing away with the use of a cutting edge
.

For a perfect operation of the equipment, do not insert any object that should obstruct this shearing blade
course. It will cause a permanent damage to the printer.

In order to assure the cutter operation, do not pull the paper before it has concluded the cutting.

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Appendix IV
Special Care

MP-2100 TH Cleanup

In order to maintain your printer in good shape, you should clean it regularly according to the following
procedure:

1. Turn the MP-2100 TH off;

2. Open the front cover;
3. Unlock and open the cutter activating the green lock (in case your printer has a cutter);
4. If the paper is inserted, lift up the thermal head handle by activating the green handle;
5. Open the back cover and remove the paper coil;
6. Use a soft flannel or cloth and remove carefully the accumulated dust;
7. If the machine cabinet is dirty, clean it with a soft cloth wetted with water or natural detergent. Never use
a chemically treated tow or chemical materials of any kind. The use of such products may cause the
cabinet to change the color or become deformed.

Never introduce objects or tools into the printer.

Cleanup of the Thermal Printing Head

When your printer presents degradation of printing quality, probably a dirt accumulation in the thermal
printing head has occurred. It usually takes place after printing more than 100 paper coils. In order to clean
it up do as follows:

1. Be sure that the printer is turned off;

2. Open the two printer covers;
3. Open the cutter by activating the green lock (for models with cutter);
4. Lift up the thermal head by activating the green handle;
5. Remove the paper from the printer;
6. Use a swab wetted with alcohol and passes it softly over the black line of the thermal head in order to remove
the accumulated dirt. Be sure to avoid the alcohol from flowing to other parts of the printer and be sure not to
scratch or damage the thermal printer head.
7. Be sure that the thermal head is clean and dry;
8. Close the head and the cutter;
9. Turn the printer on;
10. Insert the paper, according to item "INSERTING THE PAPER".

Tests revealed that this procedure becomes necessary more often as the printer head gets used.

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Use Location

The MP-2100 TH should operate placed on a plain surface where its air inlets are kept unobstructed.

Avoid placing the printer in humid places, subject to dust or to heat action, such as sun light and
heaters.

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Appendix V
Drawer Activation

A connector is located in your MP-2100 TH's rear for the drawer activation. Its pinning is described below:

Figure 18

• Pin 1 = GND
• Pin 2 = Solenoid activation for drawer opening
• Pin 3 = Sensor of open/close drawer (the Printer comes back 1 for sensor open and 0 for sensor closed).
• Pin 4 = +24V
• Pin 5 = NC
• Pin 6 = GND

IMPORTANT

Watch the drawer's mark before connecting it to the MP-2100 TH, since inverting the drawer may
damage the printer.

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Appendix VI
Errors Signaling Table

In case an error occurs, it may be indicated through the LED PAPER. The quantity of LED blinks will indicate
a possible error. After the corresponding quantity of blinks to the possible error, a pause will occur. The blinks
and the pause are cyclical, according to the following table:

Error Quantity of blinks Possible Cause

Mechanism 3 Thermal head damaged or connection problem
of the mechanism with the controlling board.
Cutter 4 Cutter not operating.
Power supply 5 Power supply voltage below 20 V
Temperature 6 Thermal head temperature above safe conditions

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Annotations

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Annotations

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