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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The DataPlot model PM1224 Print Mechanism incorporates a
fixed-array thermal printhead with 224 heat element dots
arrayed in a single line across the width of the paper. The
mechanism holds a supply roll of 2.6" wide thermal paper and
moves the paper past the printhead in steps of approximately
.005 inch. When driven by the DataPlot CB1224 Control
Board, the print mechanism steps the paper forward, pausing
after each step to heat selected dots. In this manner, a dot
matrix representation of alphanumeric and/or graphic data can
be printed. Two versions of this print mechanism are available,
the PM1224V for mounting behind a vertical panel, and the
PM1224H for horizontal mounting, as in a desktop calculator.
RESOLUTION
The 224 thermal dot elements are uniformly spaced at 100
dots per inch, with centers 0.010 inches apart. The mark made
by each element is slightly larger than this spacing, so that the
printer can produce solid lines and solidly filled areas on the
paper. The standard mechanism advances the paper
approximately 0.005 inches between steps, providing a dot
matrix pitch of .010" across the paper by .005" along its
length. The CB1224 Control Board and software use this dot
matrix to produce a variety of character fonts and sizes and
graphic images.
MOUNTING
The DataPlot model PM1224H Print
Mechanism is designed to mount, as
shown at the top right, to a horizontal
surface using two 6-32 screws. The
DataPlot model PM122 4V mounts to the
rear of a vertical panel with printed paper
exiting forward and down through a slot
in that panel. Many cabinet designers
provide a transparent tear-off bar in the
paper exit area to aid in tearing the paper.
If you prefer to use mounting studs,
instead of screws, let us know and we will
eliminate the mating PEM nuts from your
print mechanisms. The mounting and
cutout dimensions are shown on the
reverse side of this sheet.
CONTROL BOARD CONNECTION
This print mechanism is designed to operate properly and
reliably when driven by the B-G Instruments' DataPlot model
CB1224 control board or another board specifically approved
by B-G Instruments for that purpose. Attempting to operate it
in any other way may cause permanent damage that would not
be covered by warranty. With all system power off, attach the
supplied ribbon cable between the 26-pin printhead connector
and connector J3 on the control board, being sure to observe
correct polarity by aligning the red dots on the connectors with
those on the cable ends. Also connect the 8-pin stepper motor
connect or cable to connector J1 on the control board. This
connector is keyed to facilitate correct polarity assembly. Refer
to the CB1224 data sheet for instructions for applying power
and operating the printer. The standard length of these cables is
18 inches. Contact us if you need shorter or longer cables in
your application.
PRINT SPEED
When driven by a CB1224 Control Board, the PM1224 Print
Mechanism can print approximately 125 dot rows per second
(somewhat slower for rows containing more than 64 printing
dots). At .005" per step, the maximum paper speed is about .6
inches per second. Rows of 5x7 characters can be printed
about 5 lines/second.
DataPlot Print Mechanism
Models PM1224V and PM1224H
Technical Data and Instructions
Release B, March 15, 2000
