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Dascom DP-540 - User Manual

Dascom DP-540
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DP-540 Quick Setup Guide
Use this guide to configure your new DP-540 printer prior to use.
* DP-540 printers may be operated directly from an external
power source without a battery present. If no battery is to be
used, battery charging may be skipped.
** Maximum battery capacity is reached only after completing
three complete charge and discharge cycles. Dascom
recommends completing three cycles before deploying your
printer for best results.
*** With media rolls of less than 4” width we recommend
addition of a second paper guide. See reverse for details.
More detailed instructions can be found in the Operator’s Manual, available at dascomamericas.com.
Setup utilities, printer drivers and the USB cable driver may be downloaded from dascomamericas.com
© 2008, 2010 Dascom Americas – 421 West Main Street – Waynesboro, VA – 877-434-1377 5407086-Rev. A
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
all-guides.com
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Summary

Charge the Battery

Install Battery

Procedure for installing the battery into the printer.

Connect Power Source

Connecting the printer to an AC adapter or in-vehicle adapter.

Charge Battery

Charging the battery until the LED indicator turns off.

Load Paper

Insert Paper Roll

How to load a paper roll into the printer.

Perform Printer Test

Initiate Test Sequence

Steps to start the printer test, including button presses and LED behavior.

Install Second Paper Guide

Align Paper Roll

Instructions for installing an additional paper guide for specific roll widths.

Configure Carrying Strap

Belt Loop Conversion

How to convert the carrying strap into a belt loop.

Shoulder Strap Attachment

How to attach the carrying strap to a shoulder strap.

DP-540 On-Board Menu

Menu Navigation Functions

Explanation of buttons used for navigating the printer's on-board menu.

Menu Structure Overview

Description of the printer's menu categories and their related items.

Printer Indicators

Power and Battery Status

Details on Power and Battery LEDs, including their states and causes.

Other Indicator Lights

Explanation of Door Open, Paper Out, I/O Error, and other indicator LEDs.

LED Key and Audible Tones

Reference for LED key definitions and audible tone signals.

Overview

The DP-540 is a portable printer designed for various mobile printing applications. Its compact and robust design makes it suitable for use in diverse environments, offering both wired and wireless connectivity options.

Function Description

The primary function of the DP-540 is to print on paper rolls, supporting different widths. It can be operated directly from an external power source or using a rechargeable battery, providing flexibility for on-the-go use. The printer features an intuitive on-board menu system, allowing users to configure settings, manage print jobs, and perform diagnostic tests without needing a connected computer. It supports various emulations and interface settings, making it compatible with a wide range of software applications. An optional Magnetic Card Reader (MCR) module extends its functionality to include magnetic stripe card data capture, which is particularly useful for payment processing or identification verification in mobile settings.

Usage Features

Paper Loading and Management: The DP-540 is designed for easy paper loading. Users simply drop in a paper roll and guide it through the mechanism. For standard 4-inch paper rolls, no additional setup is required. However, for narrower media, such as 3-inch paper, a second paper guide can be installed to ensure proper alignment and printing. This guide snaps into a numbered slot and helps to left-align the roll, preventing skewed prints and ensuring accurate margin measurements. The printer includes a paper door release lever for convenient access to the paper compartment. The device also features indicators for "Paper Out" or "Paper Not Feeding Properly," alerting the user to potential issues.

Battery and Power Management: The printer can be powered by an AC adapter, an in-vehicle adapter, or its internal rechargeable battery. The battery is installed by loosening the carrying strap if necessary. Charging the battery is straightforward: simply connect the power source, and an LED indicator will illuminate. The LED will turn off once the battery is fully charged, which typically takes 2-3 hours. The DP-540 can operate directly from an external power source even without a battery installed. For optimal battery performance, it is recommended to complete three full charge and discharge cycles before deploying the printer for regular use. Battery status indicators, including "Battery Low" (both in standby and operating modes), provide clear feedback on the remaining charge.

On-Board Menu Navigation: The DP-540 features a comprehensive on-board menu accessible via the printer's control buttons.

  • Enter Setup: Initiates the setup process, guiding the user through printing a test page and then prompting to enter the setup menu.
  • Select/Change: Used to select a menu item or change the value of the most recently printed item.
  • Go To Next: Navigates to the next item within a menu level.
  • Exit Menu: Allows users to exit a menu and either save or discard changes. Holding the button for 1 second exits the current menu, while holding it for 2 seconds turns the printer off in setup mode and discards any unsaved changes. The menu structure includes categories such as "Interface" (for Serial, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi settings), "Image Management" (for print contrast, fonts, character spacing), "Device Settings" (for margins, print speed, form feed control), and "Advanced" (for header/promotion printing, MCR method). The menus are cyclical, returning to the top of the list after the last item.

Printer Test and Configuration: To perform a printer test, the user starts with the printer off, then holds the "Feed" button while pressing the "Power" button. An LED should illuminate, indicating the printer is ready. Continuing to hold the "Feed" button until the printer beeps twice will initiate a test page printout, and an LED will flash. After the test page prints, the printer will prompt the user to press a button to enter the setup menu, providing an opportunity for further configuration.

Carrying and Portability: The DP-540 includes a carrying strap for easy portability. This strap can be converted into a belt loop by detaching it, threading it behind and over a belt, and re-attaching it using the provided Velcro® pads. Alternatively, it can be attached to an optional shoulder strap accessory for hands-free carrying.

MCR Module Usage (Optional): For models equipped with the MCR module, the printer can read magnetic stripe card data. An MCR Status Indicator LED illuminates when the module is ready for a swipe. Users swipe the card through the designated slot in either direction. It's important to note that application software is required to capture and process the magnetic card data transferred from the printer.

Maintenance Features

Battery Charging and Care: The DP-540's battery charging process is indicated by an LED. Once fully charged, the LED turns off. Regular charging and occasional full discharge/recharge cycles are recommended to maintain battery health and maximize its lifespan. The "Battery Low" indicator helps users anticipate when a recharge is needed.

Error Indicators: The printer provides various LED indicators to help diagnose and troubleshoot issues:

  • Power Off / No Power Available: Indicates the printer is off or lacks power.
  • Power On / Normal Operating State: Confirms the printer is active.
  • Printer Standby: Shows the printer is in a low-power state, ready to wake upon receiving data.
  • Printer Busy: Indicates the printer is actively receiving data or in setup mode.
  • Door Open: Alerts the user if the paper door is open, preventing paper feed.
  • Paper Out: Signals that the paper roll is empty or not feeding correctly.
  • I/O Error: Indicates a problem receiving data, suggesting the user turn the printer off and on to reset.

Access to Documentation and Support: More detailed instructions, setup utilities, printer drivers, and USB cable drivers are available online, ensuring users have access to comprehensive support for installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. This accessibility to resources simplifies maintenance and ensures optimal printer performance.

Dascom DP-540 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Print TechnologyDot Matrix
Print Resolution360 x 360 dpi
Print Speed540 characters per second
Number of Pins24 pins
ConnectivityUSB, Parallel
Paper HandlingTractor feed

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