2
Printer Mechanism
The printer mechanism comprises a 384 element, thin film head and stepper motor driven transport. Battery voltage
and head temperature compensation is utilised to provide constant print quality across the range of operating
conditions.
Paper out:
The printer will automatically detect when the printer paper has run out. The Status indicator will flash
(0.5 sec on 0.5 sec off) to denote that the paper has run out. Use the paper feed button to feed through the last few
centimetres of paper and fit a new roll as described on page 4.
Head thermal limit:
After extensive printing the print head temperature may rise to an unusable level. If this occurs
the Status indicator will flash (0.25 sec on 0.5 sec off) and printing will be suspended until the head temperature
returns to normal levels.
Power Supply
Power is supplied to the printer from a 4.8V internal NiMHbattery pack or from the external mains adapter. The
mains adapter will trickle charge the batteries when the printer is turned on or off (charge time approx. 16 hours).
The Status indicator will light to show that the battery pack is nearly exhausted.
Power consumption
Battery Pack
Sleep
130
µ
A
Standby
40mA
Capacity
600mAH
Running –
Min
0.4A
Charge current
50mA
Ave
1.3A
Weight
100g
Max
2.8A
Battery life Approx
10000 (30m) of continuous printing
Note: The peak current can reach a maximum of 4A
The MCP9810-112 should only be used in conjunction with an MPS101(UK), MPS102(EURO) or MPS103(US)
power adapter. Users wishing to provide their own power source must contact Martel.
The use of an unapproved source may void the printer’s warranty.
Power On Procedure
Check the batteries are sufficiently charged or that the power supply is correctly fitted and operational. Open the
paper cup lid and ensure that the roll is present and that there are no foreign objects inside the paper cup. Close
the lid, ensuring that the paper passes through the paper exit slot. Switch on the printer using the power switch
located on the left hand side of the printer. The Power indicator will light and the printer mechanism will reset.
Battery Charging
Connect the MCP9810-112 printer to the MPS power adapter and recharge the batteries as soon as the Status
LED lights continuously during printing.
If the batteries in the MCP9810-112 become exhausted, printing will become faint, erratic or not possible at all.
Turn off
the MCP9810–112 and recharge the batteries for at least 1 hour before attempting further printing. The
MPS adapter cannot supply the full power requirements for the MCP9810-112 during printing, so the batteries must
be partially charged before printing is possible.
When the MCP9810-112 is first delivered there may be little or no charge in the printer’s batteries. The MCP9810-
112 should be
turned off,
connected to the MPS adapter and allowed to charge for 16 hours before it is used for
the first time.
It is permissible to leave the MCP9810-112 permanently connected to the MPS power adapter, constantly charging
the printer’s batteries between printouts. Alternatively the printer can be recharged from a 9-17VDC power supply,
ensure –ve centre pin connection.
Power On Self Test
The self test procedure is initiated by turning on the printer
with the Paper Feed button pressed. Release the Paper
Feed button and the self test procedure will start. This will
check most of the printer functions, except for the serial
interface, i.e.
Printer mechanism
Control circuitry
Firmware version
DIP switch settings
Print Quality
