Fujitsu Kiosk Printer FTP-642MCL

Last edited: December 15, 2003 08:08 AM

The Fujitsu FTP-642 is a thermal printer designed to run inside a kiosk. It uses an external power supply equipped with power switch and fan. The FTP-642 can be serial or parallel, and comes with autocutter.
Styling

The standard print size will print 68 characters per line. However, the print size is very small and TouchPro only supports 40 characters. For this reason it is best to use the largest print size for normal characters, and to use the smaller size for effect. This gives you 34 characters per line. Avoid using the right 6 columns in your print templates, or you will have wraparound problems. Templates should be set up as follows:

    * Normal Characters – 27,33,3
      Start each template with a Normal Characters instruction in case the printer has just been reset.
    * Large Characters – not applicable
    * Small Characters – 27,33,2
      Set using ‘ASCII:27,33,2’ in the text. Terminate with the Normal Characters instruction.
    * Partial Cut Code – 29,86,1
      Form Feed 10 lines, then issue a Paper Cut to make the header and footer even.

Paper

The 642 uses 4½” width thermal paper. Paper sits in a tray and is fed through a slot in the top of the print mechanism, then through the autocutter before exiting the printer. The paper mechanism can swing up for easy access to the autocutter. There is also a paper release lever located on the right side of the print mechanism. It is in the open/release position when pointed toward the autocutter and in the closed position when facing away.
Troubleshooting

There are no lights or buttons on the printer. There is also no self test, however when power is first turned on, the paper will feed one line. This is a good way to verify the printer is alive. Testing can be performed from the workstation by copying files to the port. If the printer is at fault, check the following:

  1. The power switch is on. This can be verified by feeling the fan and detecting the air flow.
  2. Paper is fed through both the print mechanism and the autocutter.
  3. There is nothing jamming the autocutter or binding the platen.
  4. The paper feed lever is in the closed position (pointing away from the autocutter).
  5. The printer cable is plugged in.

Cabling

Both serial and parallel cables are standard. Use Star printer cable documentation for the particular CPU type being connected to.