Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information Co., Ltd. It is

intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the
equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced,
or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written
permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.

OS Series Product Improvements

Desktop Barcode Printer
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Argox Information Co., Ltd. All
specifications and signs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
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 the interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If 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 to correct the interference by the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into a different outlet on a different circuit.
• Consult the dealer or an experience Radio/TV technician for help.
This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables
must be used with the unit to insure compliance. The user is cautioned that any changes
User’s Manual or modifications not expressly approved by Argox Information Co., Ltd. could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Liability Disclaimer
Argox Information Co., Ltd. takes steps to assure that the company’s published
engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Argox
Information Co., Ltd. reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any
resulting liability. In no event shall Argox Information Co., Ltd. or anyone else
involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product
(including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of
business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of
use of or inability to use such product, even if Argox Information Co., Ltd. has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.

II
A Letter to Our Customers Table of Contents
Dear Customers, Getting Started .............................................................................1
Unpacking ..................................................................................1
Congratulation on selecting an Argox OS series printer! Package Contents ...................................................................2
We believe soon you will find that you have made a
Connecting the Power Supply....................................................3
cleverest choice!
Getting to Know Your Printer ....................................................5
This booklet is a small gift from us. It is intended for Parts and Features (OS-214, OS-214Zip, OS-314)....................5
helping you to know your printer better, then further to Parts and Features (OS-203, OS-204)........................................8
optimize it. Basically, this booklet contains two parts: Controls and Indicators ............................................................11
operation guidance and related valuable information. Loading Ribbon and Media ......................................................13
Loading a Ribbon (OS-214, OS-214Zip, OS-314) ..................13
In the part of the operation guidance, we will furnish you Loading Media .........................................................................18
with a lot of complementary illustrations, so you may pick Standard Mode .....................................................................18
up those operation guides more quickly. Peel Off Mode......................................................................23
Cutting Mode .......................................................................27
In the latter chapters of Trouble Shooting, Maintenance as
well as Reference Technical information, which we think,
Configuration .............................................................................29
you may need them just in case. Therefore, for your quick Performing Calibration ............................................................29
reference, we try to table them as much as possible. Printing a Configuration Report...............................................29
Resetting to Factory Default Settings ......................................30
Enjoy your reading and have a good time with your printer! Computer Connections ..............................................................31
Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements ..................................31
Parallel Interface Requirements ...............................................33
Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements. ..............................33
Best wishes, Communicating with the Printer..............................................34
Argox Information Co., Ltd. Before Installation....................................................................34
Installing the Driver (auto install driver) .................................34
Setting Parameters ...................................................................38
Parameters for Win 98 .........................................................39
Parameters for Win 2000 .....................................................42
For NT 4.0............................................................................46
For Win XP ..........................................................................48

III IV
Troubleshooting..........................................................................52 Getting Started
LED Diagnosis.........................................................................52
Miscellaneous ..........................................................................54
Recovery ..................................................................................55 Congratulations on choosing the Argox OS Series desktop
Caring for Your Printer.............................................................56 barcode printer. This manual will help you get to know your new
Cleaning ...................................................................................56 printer. There are two parts to this manual, an operation guide
Thermal Print Head..............................................................56 and related information. The operation guide is illustrated to help
Paper Sensor ........................................................................56 you quickly become familiar with the printer. The related
Technical Reference ...................................................................59 information includes troubleshooting, maintenance and technical
General Specifications .............................................................59 information for your reference.
Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification .........................62
Printer Programming Language A, PPLA ...........................62
Printer Programming Language B, PPLB............................63 Unpacking
Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ (OS-214Zip) ......64
Interface Specifications............................................................65 After receiving your printer, please check for possible shipping
Serial ....................................................................................65 damage:
Connection with host: ..........................................................66
Parallel (Centronics) ............................................................68 1. Inspect the outside of both the box and the printer for
Auto Polling.........................................................................68 possible damage.
ASCII TABLE .........................................................................69 2. Open the top cover of the printer to see if the media
Appendix I - Installing Dispenser Kit ......................................70
compartments are in order.
Top Cover ................................................................................70
Middle Cover ...........................................................................71
Base Housing ...........................................................................72 Note: If damage has occurred, contact your shipping company
Appendix II - Installing the Cutter ..........................................75 immediately to file a claim.

3. Check whether you have received the following

accessories together with the printer. If there are any
items missing, please contact your local dealer.

V 1
 Connecting the Power Supply
Printer
Power Adapter Connect the power supply as below.

Sample Media WARNING! Do not operate the printer and power supply in an
area where they can get wet.

Make sure the power switch is in the "O" position, and be careful
not to touch the 36-pin parallel connector.
1. Insert the barrel connector of the Power Adapter into the
power jack on the back of the printer. Note the location of the
Ribbon power jack for different models in the diagrams below.
2. Plug the other end of the cord into an AC electrical outlet.

AC Electrical Outlet

User’s Manual
CD Rom Disk

Package Contents Power Jack

• Printer
• Power Adapter
• User’s Manual Power Switch
• CD Rom Disk
• Ribbon (not included with OS-203 or OS-204)
Cord
• Sample Media (not included with OS-203 or OS-204) Barrel Connector
Power Adapter
Note: The ribbon and sample media are not included with the OS-204 / 214 / 214Zip / 314
OS-203 or OS-204 models.

2 3
 Getting to Know Your Printer
There are five models in the OS Series. The OS-214, OS-214Zip
and OS-314 share the same parts and features, as do the
AC Electrical Outlet OS-203 and OS-204. Parts and features of the OS series are
illustrated below.

Parts and Features (OS-214, OS-214Zip,

OS-314)

Top Cover
Power Switch Cord

Power Jack H Cover

Barrel Connector
Power Switch
Power Adapter

OS-203 Model Power Indicator

Feed Button
Ready Indicator

OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

4 5
 Peel-Off Option Cutter Option

Ribbon Pick-up Holder

Media Hanger

White Plastic Roller Cutter

Release Levers

OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

Ribbon Supply Holder
Thermal Print head

Platen Roller

Power Switch

OS-214 / OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models

6 7
Parts and Features (OS-203, OS-204)

Media Hanger

Top Cover Release Levers

H Cover Platen Roller

Power Switch

Power Indicator Thermal Print head

Feed Button
Ready indicator

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

8 9
 Controls and Indicators
Peel-Off Option Cutter Option The printer’s controls and indicators are shown in the diagram
below. The following table explains control and indicator
functions.

White Plastic Roller Cutter

OS-203 / OS-204 Models

Power Indicator Power Switch

Ready Indicator
Feed Button

10 11
 Loading Ribbon and Media
Control /
Function
Indicator This section describes how to load ribbon and media into the OS
Series printers.
• On: power on
Power Switch
• Off: shut down
Note: Turn power off before connecting or
Loading a Ribbon (OS-214, OS-214Zip,
disconnecting cables OS-314)
• Green light shows the power-on status Note: This section does not apply to direct thermal printing.
Power Indicator
• Light off shows the power-off status
1. Lift the top cover to expose the media compartment.
• Blinking light indicates error has occurred
2. Unlatch the print head module by pushing the two white
Ready Indicator • Green shows printer is ready to operate release levers on the sides toward the rear.
3. Turn over the print head module to expose the ribbon
• Blinking light indicates printer is paused
supply holder.
• Press to advance labels to the first printing
position
• Press to leave "pause" status
Feed Button
• Press to back feed if a label is not properly
aligned (for OS-203 Peel-Off mode only)
• Press and hold while turning on the power
to print out a configuration profile

12 13
 Media Compartment 4. Unwrap the ribbon roll pack and separate the ribbon roll
and the bare core.
5. Attach the edge of the ribbon on the bare core and wind it
Print Head Module a little bit onto the core.
6. Insert the ribbon roll into the supply holder. (First snap in
Release Lever the left side and then the right side.)
Release Lever

Ribbon Supply Holder

Ribbon Supply Holder

Ribbon Roll

Bare Core

14 15
7. Put the print head module down and insert the bare core
into the pick-up holder. (First snap in the left side, and
then the right side.)

Wheel

Ribbon Pick-up Holder

Bare Core

Print Head Module

8. Turn the wheel of the print head module to ensure the

ribbon is tightly wound.
9. Press down the print head module firmly until you hear a
snap.

16 17
Loading Media 2. Remove the media hanger.

The OS Series printers offer three different loading modes:

standard, peel-off, or cutting.

• Standard mode allows you to collect each label freely.

Media Compartment Media Hanger
• Peel-off mode peels backing material away from the label
as it prints. After a label is removed, the next label prints.
• Cutting mode automatically cuts the label after it prints.

Standard Mode

1. Lift the top cover to expose the media compartment.

3. Load the media roll onto the hanger from left to right.

Media Roll

Media Hanger

18 19
 4. Click the media hanger back into the media
compartment. 7. Unlatch the print head module.
5. Align the media roll to the left end. 8. Hold the print head module upright with one hand to
6. Move the shield from right to left until it leans against the allow the media to pass under it. Lead the media through
media. the media guides with the other hand.
9. Lead the media over the platen roller.

Media Compartment

Print Head Module Media Guides

Media Roll

Shield

20 21
 Peel Off Mode
10. Put the print head module down and press down firmly
until you hear a snap. Note: For Peel-off mode you must first install the dispenser kit.
11. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the Please refer to Appendix I.
"FEED" button if the printer is already on.
Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above.

9. Remove enough labels to expose approximately a 6"

length of backing paper.
Print Head Module

Peeler Sensor

Backing Paper

Feed Button

22 23
10. Trim the front edge of the label backing paper with 12. Press the "FEED" button for the label backing paper to
scissors or a knife. come out from the slot under the H cover.
11. Lead the backing paper over the dispenser bar, then 13. In OS-203 Peel-off mode, if a misaligned loading occurs
thread it back into the slot between the dispenser bar and keep pressing the "FEED" button to back-feed and reload
H cover, ensuring that it is inserted between the white the label stock.
plastic roller and platen roller. 14. To remove any slack, rewind the media onto the roll.
Press down the print head module firmly.

Media Guides
H Cover

Feed Button

H Cover

Dispenser Bar Slot

24 25
 15. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the Cutting Mode
"FEED" button if the printer is already on.
Note: For Cutting mode you must first install the cutter. Please
Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer peel. refer to Appendix II.
Peeling occurs only when the software is properly set.
Follow Steps 1 to 8 listed in Standard Mode above.

9. Thread the media over the platen roller, then route the
media through the slot of the cutter module.
10. Press down the print head module firmly.
Label

Cutter Module

26 27
 11. Close the top cover and turn on the printer or press the
Configuration
"FEED" button if the printer is already on.
This section discusses calibration, printing configuration and
Note: The "FEED" button does not make the printer cut. Cutting
resetting the printer to factory defaults.
occurs only when the software is properly set.

Performing Calibration
1. Press and hold the feed button while turning on the power,
until the printing motor is activated.
2. Calibration is performed while the printer automatically
feeds the label stock for a certain length.

Important! You must always carry out calibration when

changing media. Failure to do so will result in
improper detection by the label sensor.

Printing a Configuration Report

1. Press and hold the "Feed" button while turning on the
power, until the printing motor is activated.
2. After feeding 6-inches of blank media, the printing motor
suspends for one second and then prints out a
configuration profile. The profile includes firmware version,
ROM checksum, RS232, thermal transfer/direct thermal
settings, hardware configuration, and font types.
3. At PPLB emulation, the printer enters character dump
mode. To exit from dump mode, press the feed button
again.

28 29
Resetting to Factory Default Settings Computer Connections
1. Turn on the printer and wait for 5 or more seconds. Note: You must insert the power supply’s barrel connector into
2. Press the "Feed" button for 10 seconds, and the "Ready" the power jack on the back of the printer before
indicator and "Power" indicator will go off in order. connecting communication cables.
3. When the two indicators relight, release the feed button.
4. The printer feeds 8 inches of label stock, and then resets This printer comes with both a nine-pin Electronics Industries
to the factory defaults. Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface (for OS-203, it is
six-pin) and a standard Centronics parallel interface. In either
Note: All settings are stored in non-volatile E2PROM and are case, you must supply the required interface cable for your
retained even after the printer is turned off. application.

Note: This printer complies with FCC Rules and Regulations,

Part 15, for Class B Equipment, for use with fully shielded
six-foot data cables. Use of longer cables or unshielded
cables may increase radiated emissions above Class B
limits.

Serial (RS-232) Interface Requirements

The required cable must have a nine-pin "D" type (for the OS-203,
six-pin) male connector on one end, which is plugged into the
mating serial port located on the back of the printer. The other end
of the signal interface cable connects to a serial port on the host
computer.

For technical and pin-out information, please refer to the

Reference Technical Information, Interface Specification.

30 31
 Parallel Interface Requirements
Power Jack
The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must
have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is
RS232 Serial Port
plugged into the parallel port located on the back of the printer.
The other end of the parallel interface cable connects to the
printer connector at the host computer. For pin-out information,
refer to the Reference Technical Information, Interface
Specification.
Parallel Port

Serial and Parallel Cabling Requirements.

OS-204 / OS-214 /
OS-214Zip / OS-314 Models Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with
metal or metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and
connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of
electrical noise.
RS232 Serial Port
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:
• Keep data cables as short as possible (6 ft or 1.83m
recommended).
• Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.
Parallel Port • Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

Power Jack Notes:

1. Centronics allows a much higher communication speed
than serial.
2. The printer automatically detects parallel or serial port.
OS-203 Model No need to set a switch or send a command.
3. Default settings are included in the configuration report.

32 33
Communicating with the Printer 3. Select a driver for your
printer and click "Next".
For 203 dpi modes with 4
The bundled printer driver can be applied to all applications under
inches print width, you
Windows 98/2000/NT, and Windows XP. With this driver you can
should select Label
run any popular Windows software applications such as MS-Word
Dr.200 (4 inch model).
and print to this printer.

Before Installation
1. Check the contents of the driver to ensure it is complete.
2. Make a backup copy of the driver.

Installing the Driver (auto install driver)

1. Double click the driver file (Label Dr. 200 or Label Dr. 300) 4. Select the port of the
to execute in Windows. printer and click "Next".
2. Click "Next".

34 35
 5. After the related files 3. If you install new bar code application software such as
are copied to your Bartender Ultra Lite, you should activate the seagull driver
system, click “Next”. for Argox printer.

ArgoBar
File → New→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK

LabelView
File→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK

CodeSoft
File→ Printer→ Windows→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK

6. After the installation

LabelMatrix
is complete, click
“Finish”. File→ Printer Setup →Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK
Nicelabel
File→ Printer Setup →Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK
Bartender
File→ Printer Setup →Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK

Note:
1. If you are updating the driver, previous driver files are
overwritten automatically.
2. If you install new bar code application software such as
ArgoBar, LabelView or CodeSoft, you may activate the
Label Dr. 200 (or Label Dr. 300) driver and set it as the
current printer driver:

36 37
Setting Parameters Parameters for Win 98

After installing the driver, follow the path below to set parameters: Ports

Start → Settings→ Printers→ Label Dr.→ Properties In the Properties menu:

→ Click "Details"
Parameters include: → Select the IO port.
→ Click "OK"
Ports Select the IO port to link with the printer. The
port may be parallel (LPT), serial (COM),
network port, or file.
Paper size Select the proper size. If there is no desired
size, select "Custom" to define paper size.
Orientation Set portrait or landscape.
Paper source T/T stands for thermal transfer (ribbon) Paper size
(Media type) mode and D/T for direct thermal mode Orientation
(without ribbon). Paper source
Media choice Set the heat value or darkness from this (Media type)
(Darkness) field. Darkness values range from 0 to 15. Media choice
(Darkness)
Copies This function designates the number of
Copies
printed copies of each page.
More options To use the cutter or peeler function, enter In the Properties menu:
(Accessories) More Options and select one of the items. →Click "Paper"
→Click items to select the
Device options Set print speed. For OS-214 and OS-214Zip,
desired parameters
(Speed) speed ranges from 1~ 3 ips; for OS-314/204,
→Click "OK"
speed ranges from 1~ 2 ips; for OS-203
speed ranges from 1~ 3.5 ips.

38 39
 Create a custom size
Output bin
(Accessory setting) In the Properties menu:
→ Click "Paper"
In the Properties menu: → Select "Custom"
→ Click "Paper" → User-Defined Size
→ Click "More Options" → Set a custom size
→ Select Enable w/o → Click "OK"
cutter, peeler
→ Click "OK"

Print quality
(Speed)

In the Properties menu:

→ Click "Device Options"
→ Select parameters
→ Click "OK"

40 41
Parameters for Win 2000 Orientation
Page order

Ports In Printing Preferences:

→ Click "Layout"
In the Properties menu: → Select "Portrait" or
→ Click "Ports" "Landscape"
→ Select the IO port → Click "Page order”"
→ Click "OK" → Select "Front to Back"
or "Back to Front"
→ Click "OK"

Paper size
Copies
Print quality
Paper source (Speed)
(Media type) Output bin
(Accessory setting)
In the Printers menu:
→ Right click In Printing Preferences:
→ Select "Printing → Click "Layout"
Preferences" → Click "Advanced"
→ Click "Paper/Quality" → Click each item to select
and select media type parameters
→ Click "OK" → Click "OK"

42 43
Paper size setup
Create a custom size
In Printing Preferences:
→ Click tag "Layout" In the Printers menu:
→ Click button "Advanced" → Right click
→ Click "button Customize”" → Select "Server
→ Select "paper size" or Properties"
add new paper size. → Enter a form name for
→ Click "OK" in "Form Description for"
→ Reset paper size in
"Measurements"
→ Click "OK"

44 45
For NT 4.0 Paper/Output
(Speed)
Ports Print quality
(Darkness)
In the Properties menu:
→ Click "Ports" In Default Document:
→ Select IO port → Click "Advanced"
→ Click "OK" → Click item to select
desired parameters
→ Click "OK"

Paper size Create a custom size

Orientation
Paper source Please refer to Create a
(Media type) custom size in Win 2000 above.
Copies
Media choice
(Accessory setting)

In the Printer’s menu:

→ Right click
→ Select "Document
Defaults"
→ Click "Advanced"
→ Click items to select
desired parameters

46 47
For Win XP Orientation
Page order
Ports
In Printing Preferences:
In the Properties menu: → Click "Layout"
→ Click "Ports" → Select "Portrait" or
→ Select the IO port "Landscape"
→ Click "OK" → Click "Page order”"
→ Select "Front to Back"
or "Back to Front"
→ Click "OK"

Paper size
Copies
Print quality
(Speed)
Paper source Output bin
(Media type) (Accessory setting)

In the Printers menu: In Printing Preferences:

→ Label Dr → Click "Layout"
→ Right click → Click "Advanced"
→ Select "Printing → Click items to select
Preferences" parameters
→ Click "Paper Quality" → Click "OK"
→ Select media type
→ Click "OK"

48 49
Paper size setup
Create a custom size
In Printing Preferences:
→ Click tag "Layout" In the Printers menu:
→ Click button "Advanced" → Right click
→ Click button "Customize”" → Select "Server
→ Select "paper size" or Properties"
add new paper size. → Enter a “Form name”
→ Click "OK" → Reset paper size
in the "Form description"
→ Click "OK"

50 51
Troubleshooting LED Indicators: Power and Ready LEDs blink alternately

Normally, when the printer is in not working properly, the "Power" Power LED Ready LED
LED blinks continuously; while printing and communication ON OFF
between the host and printer stops. OFF ON

Possible Problems Solutions Remarks

LED Diagnosis
Ribbon out Supply the ribbon roll Not applicable to
Power and Ready LEDs blinking continuously indicates printer Ribbon jam Recover the jam direct thermal
errors. To understand the problem, please observe the Power Ribbon sensor error Replace ribbon sensor type.
and Ready LEDs and refer to the following solutions:
Note: For models OS-203/OS-204 this error will not occur.
LED Indicators: Power and Ready LEDs blink at the same tempo

Power LED Ready LED LED Indicators: Only the Power LED blinks
ON ON
OFF OFF Power LED Ready LED
ON ON
Possible Problems Solutions Remarks OFF ON
Miss-detect gap Check the label path If you use a
Check the label sensor continuous label roll Possible Problems Solutions Remarks
and run under Serial IO error Check the baud rate Not for Centronics
Windows, select Memory full Add the extension RAM
continuous media. Cutter failed, or jam Check the cutter Occurs only when
Label stock out Supply the label roll at cutter Recover the jam installing or setting the
Label stock not Install the label roll cutter
installed Hardware error Call for service
Label jam Recover the jam

52 53
Miscellaneous Clean the print head. If the problem persists, replace the print
head.
If the host shows "Printer Time out"
1. Check if the communication cable (parallel or serial) is Poor printout quality:
connected securely to your parallel or serial port on the • The ribbon may not be qualified.
PC and to the connector on the printer at the other end. • The media may not be qualified.
2. Check if the printer power is turned on. • Adjust the Darkness (heat temperature).
• Slow down the print speed.
If the power cord is connected, the power switch is at position "I" • Refer to the next chapter and clean the related spare
and the power LED is still not illuminated, check the fuse inside parts.
the power adapter case.

If the data has been sent, but there is no output from the printer. Recovery
Check the active printer driver, and see if Label Dr. for your
Windows system and the label printer has been selected. After correcting problems, simply press the panel button or restart
the printer to continue your print jobs. Make sure the LEDs are not
Vertical streaks in the printout usually indicate a dirty or faulty blinking and remember to resend your files.
print head. (Refer to the following examples.)

54 55
Caring for Your Printer Replacing the Thermal Print Head

1. Switch off the power and wait for both LEDs to go off.
After using eight rolls of label stock, clean the following areas of
2. Unlatch the print head module.
the printer.
3. Remove the ribbon.
4. Push the print head firmly into the casing and shift it to the
Note: Always switch off the power before cleaning.
left. It will release from the module.
5. Disconnect the print head cable.
Cleaning 6. Disassemble the print head and the mounting bracket by
releasing screws.
Clean the following components of the printer using a cotton bud 7. Replace with a new print head. Reassemble the print head
dampened with alcohol. Do not soak the cotton bud excessively. module in reverse order. Be careful not to touch the print
head elements.
Thermal Print Head
Thermal paper stock and the ribbon release debris on the print
head, which degrades printing quality. Clean the print head with
methanol or isopropyl alcohol and a cotton bud. Do not touch the
heater element with your fingers. Debris or dirt on the roller
should be cleaned with alcohol.

Paper Sensor
Debris or dirt on the paper sensor can cause a miss-read or
unstable detection of the label gap. Clean with a cotton bud
dampened with alcohol.

56 57
 Technical Reference

General Specifications
Specification Model Model Model Model Model
OS-203 OS-204 OS-214 OS-214Zip OS-314TT
Print method Direct thermal Direct thermal
and thermal transfer
Resolution 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) 300 DPI
(12
dots/mm)
Maximum print 2.83 in. 4.09in. 4.13 in.
width (72mm) (104 mm) (105 mm)
Maximum print 10 in. 8 in. 48 in. 14 in.
length (254mm) (203mm) (1219mm) (356mm)
Maximum print 3.5 inches 2 inches 3 inches 2 inches
speed (88 mm) (51 mm) (76 mm) (51 mm)
per per per second per
second second second
Onboard DRAM 512 K bytes 2 M bytes
Rotation 0, 90, 180 and 270, 4 direction rotations
Media type I. Direct thermal: paper visible light and infrared
scannable labels, tag, stock, butt cut or die cut, with
various adhesives.
II. All above media, plus thermal
transfer paper or vinyl labels
N/A and tags, butt cut or die cut,
with various adhesives.

58 59
Specification Model Model Model Model Model Optional • Serial (RS232) cable
OS-203 OS-204 OS-214 OS-214 Zip OS-314TT Accessories • External media stacker
Maximum 4.3 in.(109mm) outside diameter, 1 in.(25 mm) inside (for media roll with max. 8-inch OD)
label roll diameter • Dispenser Kit
diameter • Cutter
Label Black stripe and gap • 2MB Flash memory card
indexing • Font board (OS-214Zip – Traditional Chinese or
Ribbon types Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin Simplified Chinese only)
Ribbon size N/A OD 1.45 in. (37 mm); ID 0.5 in. • RTC board (with 1MB Flash board) (OS-214Zip
(12.7mm); Length11 does not support RTC card)
W5.3 x • Parallel to USB adapter
Dimensions
D9.0 x W7.3 x D10.9 x H6.0 in • Standalone KDU-ArgoKee
H6.4 in.
Weight 1.2Kg 1.9 kg 2.1 kg
(2.6lbs) (4.2lbs) (4.6 lbs)
Electrical FCC FCC class B
class A
21VAC 19VAC
Or DC24V (min 2.5A), 50/60Hz
CE, UL, CUL and CCC approved. CE and CCC
approved.
Operating 32°F ~ 104°F (0°C ~ 40°C)
temperature
Storage -4°F ~ 122°F (-20°C ~ 50°C)
temperature
Humidity 10~90% RH

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Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification Printer Programming Language B, PPLB
Specification Model Model Model Model
The specifications of fonts, bar codes and graphics depends on OS-203DT OS-204DT OS-214TT OS-314TT
General fonts 5 fonts with different point sizes
printer emulation, which is a printer programming language (PPL)
Symbol sets For 203dpi & 300dpi models:
through which the host communicates with your printer. There are
(Code pages) 8 bits: code page 437, 850, 852, 860, 863 and 865. 7
two PPLs for models OS-203/204/214/314. The factory default is
bits: USA, British, German, French, Danish, Italian,
PPLA, and you can also update firmware to PPLB. Spanish, Swedish and Swiss.
For 203dpi model only:
Note: Improper firmware updating may crash printer firmware. Please 8 bits: code page 857, 861,862, 855, 866, 737, 851, 869,
contact your supplier for assistance. 1252, 1250, 1251, 1253, 1254 and 1255
Soft fonts Downloadable soft fonts
Printer Programming Language A, PPLA Font
Specification Model Model Model Model expandability 1x1 to 24x24
OS-203DT OS-204DT OS-214TT OS-314TT Bar code types Code 39 (checksum), Code 93, Code 128/subset A,B,C,
General fonts 7 alpha-numeric fonts, OCR A and OCR B ASD Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5 (checksum), Matrix 25, UPC
Smooth fonts 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 points A/E 2 and 5 add-on, EAN-8/13, Code 128UCC,
Symbol sets for USASCII, UK, German, French, Italian, Spanish, UCC/EAN, Postnet, German Postcode. MaxiCode and
fonts smooth Swedish, and Danish/Norwegian PDF417 (2D symbologies).
Courier fonts 8 symbol set (PC, PC-A, PC-B EAMA-94, Graphics PCX and binary raster
Roman8, Legal, Greek and Russian) N/A
Soft fonts Downloadable PCL fonts Notes:
Font 1. The bare core for the ribbon must be 11 cm in length. It should
expandability 1x1 to 24x24 have two opposite slits at two ends. If the ribbon itself is less
Bar code types Code 39, Code 93, Code 128/subset A,B,C, than 11 cm, it must be aligned with the bare core at the left end
Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5, UPC A/E/2 and 5 add-on, when you install it.
EAN-8/13, UCC/EAN-128, Postnet, Plessey, HIBC, 2. Since this printer uses band buffer technology. If you just print
Telepen and FIM. MaxiCode , PDF417 and Datamatrix texts or barcodes the maximum length is more than 30 inches.
(2D symbologies). If you print many graphics the maximum length can only be a
Graphics PCX, BMP, IMG and HEX formats few inches with standard onboard RAM. (Extension RAM, font
board and flash modules use the same connector and cannot
function at the same time.)

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Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ (OS-214Zip)
Specification Model
OS-214Zip Interface Specifications
General fonts 10 resident fonts (9 bitmapped fonts and 1 scalable
font)
International 14 international character sets: USA, USA2, UK,
Serial
character sets Holland, Den / Nor, Swe / Fin, German, France1,
For the OS-204/214/214Zip/314, the RS232 connector on the
France2, Italy, Spain, Misc., Japan, page 850.
Soft fonts Downloadable soft fonts printer side is a female, DB-9.
Bitmapped Font 1x1 to 24x24
expandability Pin Direction Definition
Bar code types One-Dimension barcode: 1 In DSR
Code 11, Interleaved 2 or 5 (standard, industrial) , 2 In RxData
Code 39, Code 128 (A, B & C), 3 Out TxData
Codabar, Logmars, MSI, UPC/EAN extension
5 - Ground
EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E and PostNet
6 Out DTR
Two-Dimension barcode: 7 Out RTS
PDF-417, MaxiCode, Data Matrix (ECC200 only) 8 In CTS
and QR Code. 9 Out +5V
Graphics HEX and binary graphics with normal as well as
compressed images For the OS-203, the RS232 connector is a Mini Dim 6P.

Pin Direction Definition

1 Out +5V
2 - Ground
3 Out RTS
4 In CTS
5 In RxData
6 Out TxData

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Note: Pin 9 on the OS-204/214/314 and pin 1 on the OS-203 are The simplest way to connect to other hosts (not PC compatible) or
reserved for a KDU (keyboard device unit). Do not connect terminals is:
these pins if you are using a general host such as a PC.
Printer Terminal/Host
Connection with host: Pin 2- RxData ……… TxData
Pin 3- TxData ……… RxData
Host 25S Printer 9P Host 9S Printer 9P Pin 5- Ground ……… Ground
(PC or compatible) (PC or compatible)
In general, as long as the data quantity is not too large and you
DTR 20 …… 1 DSR DTR 4 …… 1 DSR
use Xon/Xoff as flow control, it will be problem free.
DSR 6 …… 6 DTR DSR 6 …… 6 DTR
TX 2 …… 2 RX TX 3 …… 2 RX
Baud rate: 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400.
RX 3 …… 3 TX RX 2 …… 3 TX
(Programmable by command)
CTS 5 …… 7 RTS CTS 8 …… 7 RTS
RTS 4 …… 8 CTR RTS 7 …… 8 CTS
Data format: always 8 data bits, 1 start bit and 1 stop bit.
GND 7 …… 5 GND GND 5 …… 5 GND
Parity: always non parity
Alternatively you can connect the 3 wires as follows:
Handshaking: XON/XOFF as well as CTS/RTS (hardware
Host 25S Printer 9P Host 9S Printer 9P
flow control).
(PC or compatible) (PC or compatible)
If you run an application with the bundled printer driver under
TX 2 …… 2 RX TX 3 …… 2 RX
Windows and use the serial port, you should check the above
RX 3 …… 3 TX RX 2 …… 3 TX
parameters and set the flow control to "Xon/Xoff "or "hardware".
GND 7 …… 5 GND GND 5 …… 5 GND
pin 4 pin 4
pin 5 pin 6
pin 6 pin 7
pin 20 pin 8

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Parallel (Centronics) ASCII TABLE
The parallel port is a standard 36-pin Centronics. Pin NUL 0 @ P ' P
assignments are as follows: SOH XON ! 1 A Q a q
STX " 2 B R b r
Pin Direction Definition Pin Direction Definition XOFF # 3 C S c s
1 In /STROBE 13 Out SELECT $ 4 D T d t
2 In Data1 14,15 NC NAK % 5 E U e u
3 In Data 2 16 - Ground ACK & 6 F V f v
4 In Data3 17 - Ground BEL ‛ 7 G W g w
5 In Data4 18NC BS ( 8 H X h x
6 In Data5 19~30 - Ground ) 9 I Y i y
7 In Data6 31 NC LF * : J Z j z
8 In Data7 32 Out /Fault ESC + ; K [ k {
9 In Data8 33~36 - NC FF , < L \ l I
10 Out /ACK CR - = M ] m }
11t Out BUSY SO RS . > N ^ n ~
12 Out PE SI US / ? O _ o DEL

Auto Polling

Both the serial port and parallel port of this printer can be
activated at the same time, i.e the printer can simultaneously
communicate with two PCs via different ports. However as no port
contention is made for this printer, if both PCs transmit data at the
same time the data may become damaged in the receiving buffer.

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Appendix I - Installing Dispenser Kit Sensor Cable

1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer.

2. Unwrap the dispenser kit and take out screws, the shaft,
the plastic roller, the dispenser bar, the direction label, and
the peeler sensor cable.

Top Cover
3. Take off the top cover of the printer.
4. The peeler sensor cable has a sensor board at one end
and a connector at the other end.
5. Mount the two little holes of the sensor board on the two
spines at left upper corner inside the top cover, keeping
the cable at the left. Middle Cover
6. Route the peeler sensor cable through the guides along
8. Release the two screws at the bottom of the base housing.
the left side of the top cover.
9. Remove the middle cover.
7. Fix the sensor cable and sensor board with Loctite-444
10. Take off the H. Cover.
instant adhesive or equivalent.
11. Tape the direction label on the top of the H. cover with the
arrow sign heading opposite you.
H. Cover

Middle Cover

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 13. Unlatch the print head module. Hook the white roller on
the brackets of the chassis, ensuring the long thinner end
Base Housing is on the left side.
14. Guide the shaft through the respective holes on the left
bracket, the white roller and then the right bracket in order.
(To smooth this procedure, hold the white roller with one
hand.)
15. Secure the attached screw to the right bracket of the
chassis to fix the shaft.
16. Hook the dispenser bar on the brackets of the chassis,
positioning it above the white roller. Ensure that the
dispenser bar is parallel with the black platen roller and its
long thinner end is on the left.
Base Housing 17. Secure the screw on the left bracket of the chassis.
18. Guide the sensor cable connector through the hole on the
12. Release the screw on the left bracket of the chassis. upper left corner of the middle cover.

Screw

Dispenser Bar

Screw

Shaft
White Plastic Roller

72 73
 19. Click the top cover back onto the middle cover.
Appendix II - Installing the Cutter
20. Insert the sensor connector into its receptacle on the main
logic board of the base housing.
1. Turn off the printer power and unplug the power cable and
21. Click the middle cover back into the base housing. First
Centronics / Serial cable.
click in the front then the rear.
2. Remove the top cover.
22. Secure the two screws at the bottom of the base housing.
3. Remove the two screws under the base housing.
H. Cover

Middle Cover

4 mm Gap

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4. Remove the whole print head assembly by releasing the 4 6. Secure the four screws attaching the cutter.
screws at its feet.

Print Head Assembly

Cutter

7. Plug the cutter's connector into the PCB's header

connector (JP13).
8. Reattach the print head assembly by securing the 4
screws.
9. Click back the middle cover.
5. a. Mount the cutter IC (3717) to U19 on the main board 10. Secure the two screws for the base housing.
(OS-204/214). 11. Click the top cover into place.
b. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board
(OS-214ZIP).
c. Mount the cutter baby board to JP17 on the main board
(OS-203).
d. Mount the cutter baby board to JP29 on the main board
(OS-314).

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