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Discusses firmware updates and backward compatibility for the Ap1400V printer.
Details copyright information and disclaims warranties for Able Systems intellectual property.
Outlines essential precautions for handling, installing, and connecting the printer to prevent damage.
Details the RS-232 interface, including default parameters, baud rates, and signal conventions.
Explains the USB 2.0 interface, covering spool printing and API interface for programming.
Covers input voltage range, shutdown input, and supply current requirements for the printer.
Details the connection procedure for the USB data interface using a Mini USB-B port.
Explains the RS-232 data connection, including pin assignments and available cable types.
Describes the J3 power connector, including pin assignments for power input and shutdown.
Explains the purpose and connection of the chassis earth strap for electrostatic discharge protection.
Details how to enable the shutdown feature using the J3, pin 5, and jumper configuration.
Provides instructions for fitting the printer using the mounting bracket and securing it.
Details the procedure for front fixing the printer, including panel preparation and screw types.
Specifies the ideal fixing orientations for the printer to allow paper roll rotation and retention.
Advises on locating the printer to avoid extreme conditions and ensuring enclosure protection.
Describes the printer's 'Idle Mode', where it is ready to accept data but not printing.
Explains 'Spool Mode', where data is stored for later printing due to various conditions.
Provides a step-by-step guide for loading paper rolls into the printer mechanism.
Explains the function of paper out and head up sensors and their effect on spool mode.
Describes the printer's 10k byte data buffer and how printing is initiated.
Details the conditions and commands for entering and exiting spool mode.
Explains character set, dot matrix, and custom font capabilities for printing.
Covers dot-addressable graphics modes and advanced programming features.
The Able Systems Ap1400V is a thermal printer designed for integration into various systems, offering a compact solution for small-scale printing needs. It functions by utilizing a Fujitsu FTP-628MCL103 printer mechanism, which features a fixed (parallel) print head with 384 horizontally-arranged thermal elements. The paper is advanced by a stepper motor, and printing occurs in a single dot row for each step of the paper. The printing speed and dot density are dynamically controlled based on the power supply voltage and the head temperature, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.
The printer supports multiple printing modes, including graphics, which are invoked through 'Escape' sequences. Detailed control codes and status report protocols are available in a separate Programmer's Guide for system integrators.
For data handling, the Ap1400V is equipped with a nominal 10k byte buffer. This buffer is designed to optimize throughput by allowing data to be received while previous lines are still being printed. Printing is initiated upon receipt of a valid logical line of data or a complete graphics pattern. The buffer can be cleared either by a data command or by a hardware reset. If a line is partially full, it will be printed upon receiving an appropriate control code or after a programmable timeout delay.
The Ap1400V offers two primary operating modes when not actively printing: "Idle Mode" and "Spool Mode." In Idle Mode, the printer is ready to accept data, but no data is awaiting printing in the buffer, and the printer motor is not running. In Spool Mode, data is received and stored but not immediately printed. This mode is particularly useful when printing needs to be temporarily suppressed, such as during data transfer in mobile radio systems, or when the printer is unable to print due to conditions like being out of paper or having the lid open.
The printer automatically enters Spool Mode under several conditions: if a command is received from the host, if a "Paper Out" or "Head Up" condition is sensed, or if an error condition occurs (e.g., head over temperature, power supply over voltage). Spool Mode can be exited by a host command, automatically when the causing condition is cleared (e.g., new paper loaded), or by "double-clicking" the paper feed button.
The Ap1400V features a paper feed button that, when pressed in Idle or Spool Mode, advances paper at up to 80 mm per second. This button also has additional functions: "double-clicking" it in Idle Mode will print a demo/test message, including the firmware version, encoded calibration data, and the full character set. In Spool Mode, or after being out of paper, "double-clicking" the button will print any stored data and return the printer to Idle Mode. Some of these paper feed button functions can be enabled or disabled via host control.
The printer's default 32-column character set is based on a 24x10 dot matrix, derived from the industry-standard IBM® character set Code Page 437. This character set has been modified to include the Euro symbol ('€') at position 80H (128 Decimal), replacing the usual capital C with cedilla ('Ç'). Various combinations of character attributes, such as single or double width, single or double height, inverted, and underlined, can be mixed within a line. Customised fonts can be created using the Able Systems Font Editor Utility and downloaded to the Ap1400V.
The Ap1400V supports various dot-addressable graphics modes, up to 384 dots per line. The Windows driver operates in graphics mode, providing flexibility for different printing applications.
The Ap1400V is designed to be hot-swappable and includes three user connectors and a chassis earth strap. Only one data connector can be used concurrently; to swap data connections, the power must be cycled.
For connectivity, the Ap1400V offers an industry-standard RS-232 serial interface with default parameters of 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. Other baud rates (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 baud) can be programmed via control codes or a setup utility. The serial data is in standard RS-232C format, with -12V representing 'mark' or '1' and +12V representing a logical '0', relative to the common ground. The serial data output line (TxD) transmits XON/XOFF and status information to the host at the same baud rate and format as the serial data input. A hardware busy line indicates when the printer is busy. Both serial output lines relax to approximately 0V when the Ap1400V is off, and a short period after switching on is required before relying on these signal values. The Ap1400V can be configured to ignore constant space conditions (+12V) from host equipment, which might otherwise cause spurious characters to be received and printed.
Additionally, the Ap1400V features a full-speed USB 2.0 client interface, allowing connection to a Windows-based host. Printing via USB can be done in two ways: Spool printing, which functions like a standard desktop printer and requires Windows drivers, enabling printing from applications like Word or Excel; and API interface printing, which offers exclusive control of the printer for programmers to add USB printing to their programs, allowing for highly tailored text or graphical output and access to the full command set.
The printer is powered directly via the J3 connector, designed for connection to a +12V or +24V vehicle battery. The Ap1400V can accept DC input voltages ranging from 9V to 36V. The printer automatically accommodates any DC input voltage within this range. Power supplies with lower current capacities may be accommodated by varying an internal PowerSave parameter.
The Ap1400V includes a shutdown input (J3, pin 5), designed for use with an Active Low input, such as an ignition connection in a vehicle. By default, the user shutdown function is disabled, and the printer remains awake at power-on. To enable this feature, a jumper at site JP4 must be moved. Once enabled, applying a voltage of +2V to +36V on the shutdown pin keeps the printer awake; otherwise, it enters a sleep state, drawing approximately 600uA (at 12V) from the V+ rail.
An LED indicator on the front panel provides status information through various colour combinations, repeating in a 4-phase pattern. A constant green LED indicates normal operation. Fast flashing green signifies Spool Mode is active. Long green - short red indicates low voltage in Normal Mode, while short green - short red indicates low voltage in Spool Mode. Fast flashing red signals an error condition, prohibiting printing. No light means the unit is off. Other LED patterns can be programmed on request.
The Ap1400V is supplied with a chassis earth strap for electrostatic discharge protection, which should be connected to ground in earthed equipment. If fitted into host equipment without an earth, the strap should be carefully removed to prevent short circuits.
For paper loading, the lid is pressed in towards the panel, a small amount of paper is unwound from the roll and inserted, and the lid is closed. After loading, the paper should be straight and advance properly. Excess paper can be torn off using the serrated tear bar. If a jam occurs, the lid should be released, the paper straightened, and the lid closed again. The printer uses thermal paper rolls, 57.5 ± 0.5 mm wide, with a maximum diameter of 36 mm, and the thermally sensitive coating on the outside. It can accept coreless or core-wound rolls.
The Ap1400V incorporates a reflective optical Paper Out sensor within the mechanism, which detects out-of-paper conditions and can sense black marks for pre-printed forms. A mechanical Head Up sensor detects when the lid is open. By default, the printer enters Spool Mode automatically if either sensor is active. It will automatically exit Spool Mode and print any stored data once new paper is loaded and the lid is closed. This behaviour can be modified.
The Ap1400V is an open-framed printer, and the installer is responsible for ensuring that the enclosure into which it is fitted provides adequate protection from environmental factors, electrical and physical interference, and prevents user access behind the panel. Standard ESD precautions must be observed during handling, installation, and servicing to maintain warranty validity. The unit should remain in its anti-static bag until installation, and an earthed wrist-strap should be used when handling. Correct wiring to host equipment is crucial to prevent damage to both the printer and the host.
Able Systems reserves the right to modify and improve the printer's firmware at any time, with efforts made to ensure backward compatibility. The Ap1400V includes a flash-reprogrammable microcontroller, allowing firmware upgrades and customised fonts under customer control.
General| Resolution | 203 dpi |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Direct Thermal |
| Max. Print Width | 104 mm (4.09") |
| Memory | 8MB Flash, 8MB SDRAM |
| Connectivity | USB, Serial, Ethernet |
| Label Width | 25.4 mm - 118 mm |
| Label Thickness | 0.06 mm - 0.25 mm |
| Power Supply | Input: AC 100-240V, Output: DC 24V/2.5A |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | 60°C |
| Humidity | 25% to 85% non-condensing |
| Max. Print Speed | 4 ips (101.6 mm/s) |
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