(Direct Thermal PRICE LABEL printing is available in BCSS Diamond and Virtual.)

Free Tech Support for Labels and Printers Please contact Barcode Warehouse at 888-422-9249 or, email Margie Benton for free help with labels and thermal label printers (purchased from them), or Josef for free TSC printer help at 909-525-9779, extension 101, or service@tscprinters.com

Use the Diagnostic Tool to recalibrate settings and restore default settings. If labels aren't centered, set the Gap Offset to zero.

When Changing Labels When loading the labels, the perforation should be just under the lip of the clam shell with the colored border barely showing. Printing one label should position the next label correctly using the vertical 1.19 x 3.38 label. Horizontal adjustment may be necessary to align print across the horizontal labels. Watch the Calibration Video.

The TSC TDP-225 is the equivalent of the Zebra 2824 printer which is known to work with BCSS. They both have a 2"-wide mouth and limit the labels that can be used with BCSS to horizontal labels 2-2.25" wide. The 244, 245 and 247 are recommended for more choices in label size and style.

Note: It is possible that the CD shipped with the TSC TDP-244, 245 or 247 printer will install the printer for XP only. Please download this file for installing the printer driver for Vista/Win 7/8.

Laptops: Use the same USB port each time. If the port is changed go to Start then Devices and Printers. Right click on the TSC, select printer properties and go to the ports tab. There should be another virtual printer port on the list. Select that one and the printer should print.

Thermal Label Printers

Thermal label printers are more expensive than laser-style printers ($350+ vs. $50+) but there are several advantages to using them:

1. A roll of 2100 labels  (2.25 x 1.25) is about $8.  (Resaleworld/Liberty: ~$36)
2. There are no (expensive) ink cartridges.  (Thermal printers use a thermal print head.)
3. There are no out-of-ink/out-of-paper runs, fewer paper jams...
4. It's easier to print a few or several labels.
5. There are no partially-used sheets to refeed.
6. The printer doesn't waste labels.
7. There is a larger variety of adhesive and non-adhesive labels compared to 3 alternatives with sheet labels.
8. • 2-part tear-off hang tags with stubs
   • Jewelry butterfly label
   • Vertical hang tag with border colors
   • Removable labels
9. Thermal labels are more attractive and professional in appearance.

TSC TDP-244, 245 and 247 Thermal Label Printer

The TSC printer has important advantages over Zebra printers:

1. There are fewer operating problems.
2. The cost of the printer is about $30 less.
3. The equipment manufacturer is more readily available for support. (909-525-9779, extension 101)
4. The warranty is 2 years vs. 1 year.
5. The TSC is reportedly 70% faster.
6. Installation and configuration are easier.
7. Zebra printer drivers are complex and confusing.

TSC Installation and Self Test

The Quick-Start Guide and User's Guide are available online, as well as downloads for manuals, drivers, installation video and Windows dynamic library.

1. If the installation disk is not available, download and save the driver to the Desktop.
2. Click on the saved file to begin the installation (or insert the CD to start the installation).
3. Click on Run.
4. Accept the terms of the license agreement.
5. Accept the default location for the installation (C:\Seagull).
6. Leave both options checked on the Installation-Information screen and click Finish.
7. On the Driver Wizard, leave 'Install printer drivers' selected and click Next.
8. Select TSC TDP-244, 245 or 247 and click Next. (The computer may take several seconds to respond.)
9. Select USB for the port and click Next.
10. Remove the check from 'Use this printer as the default printer'. Leave others settings as they are and click Next.
11. Click Finish then Close.
12. Make sure the printer is connected to the PC, has labels loaded and is turned on.
13. Go to Start, Control Panel, Devices and Printers.
14. Right click on the printer listing and select Printer Properties.
15. Click on Print Test Page. If a label doesn't print, see TSC Troubleshooting or call TSC free support (909-525-9779, extension 101). (Please do not call BCSS Support because this is not a BCSS issue.)

Test the Printer with BCSS

Proceed only if the printer self test was successful:

1. In BCSS, for testing, have at least one inventory item entered (with a quantity of 1).
2. On the Main Menu, select File (then Program Setup):

   

3. Click on the Inventory tab:

   

   These printing options may be selected on the Inventory screen:

   • Show discount price schedules (dates and prices, on labels: 1.19 x 3.38, 2 x 2, 2.75 x 1.5, 3.5 x 1.5, 4 x 2+)
   • Schedule original price only on stub (on these labels: 1.19 x 3.38, 2.75 x 1.5, 3.5 x 1.5)
   • Show 'Date In' on certain labels (the dates items were added to inventory)
   • Pause before printing batch enter pricing labels
   • Show User-Defined Groups on certain labels (See User-Defined Groups)
   • Show shop name on certain labels
   • Show disposal code for unsold items on labels
     • Check the box:
       
     • Enter 'codes' (any string of letters and numbers, like 'de' for Destroy).
       
       (These 'codes' on labels will instruct what is to be done with items that didn't sell.)
   • Click Save.

     Bar Codes can be printed on all labels. Of course some labels are too small for bar codes plus all other information. 'Shop name' and 'discount price schedules' take up a fair amount of room. It is possible to reduce the size of print (the font size) on the Printers tab here in Program Setup.

4. Select the Printers tab:

   

   • Select the TSC (or Zebra) printer from the drop-down menu. (If the printer isn't listed, install the printer.)
     
   • Check the box if the TSC 225 or Zebra 2824 is being used. (Only horizontal labels measuring 2.25" wide can be used.)
   • Note that font size can be changed for the stub and tear-off sections of a 2-part label:
     
   • Select the appropriate label type (sticky (adhesive) or non-sticky (non-adhesive 'Hang Tag')) and size (or select the Jewelry Butterfly label).

     The label choices here must match exactly the type and size of label loaded in the printer.

     
     

     "Be careful when selecting 2.25 x 1.25. Both adhesive and non-adhesive are available in that size.)"

     
     
     
   • Place a check in 'Check this box to include bar codes...' if bar codes are to be printed.
     
   • Click Save/Exit.
5. On the Main Menu click on Labels.
6. Click on Select Labels to Print.

   

7. Check an item and click OK. The label should print. If it does not, refer to BCSS Troubleshooting.

Reset the Printer and BCSS After Changing Labels

1. Change the label in the printer.
2. Change the label selection in BCSS (Printers tab).
3. Click Save/Exit.
4. Close BCSS and reopen it.

It should not be necessary to make changes in printer settings when changing labels but if labels are not printing correctly, use the TSC Diagnostic Tool to reset or 'calibrate' the printer:

1. Use the TSC Diagnostic Tool

1. Download the Diagnostic Tool.
2. Your browser will send the file to the downloads folder, or it may present the downloaded file: (DianTool_V1.54.exe).
3. Click on (DianTool_V1.54.exe) and choose 'Run'
4. There are four tabbed screens: Printer Configuration, File Manager, Bitmap Font Manager and Command Tool:
   
5. Select the PC Interface:
   
   • The default is USB and the Setup Button will be greyed out for USB.
6. Click on Get Status. (Status must be 'Ready'.)
   
7. Click 'Get' to obtain printer settings:
   
8. Set the label size (length x width).
9. Change the media sensor to Gap or Black Mark (if necessary).
10. Send a test label to the printer.
11. Change the label size in BCSS Program setup.
12. Close the program and re-open.
13. Print a couple of sample labels to test for correct print position.

2. Use the Power-on Utilities

There are three power-on utilities to set up and test hardware. These utilities are activated by pressing the FEED or PAUSE button and turning the printer on simultaneously. The utilities are listed as below:

• Self Test
• Gap-Sensor Calibration
• Printer Initialization

Note: Please refer to the Calibration Video.

Self-Test Utility

Install the label first. Press the FEED button and then turn the printer on. Do not release the FEED button until the printer feeds labels. The printer does the following:

• Calibrates label pitch
• Prints thermal print head check pattern
• Prints internal settings
• Enters dump mode

Please refer to the TSC manual, section 3.5 "Self Test" and section 3.6 "Dump Mode" for more information.

Gap-Sensor-Calibration Utility

There is a 'gap' between labels which the printer 'senses' to know where labels start and end.

The gap-sensor utility calibrates the printer's sensitivity for the gap. This may be necessary for two reasons:

• Reset the printer for a new media type
• Initialize the printer

Note: The ERR. LED may flash if the gap sensor is not calibrated.

Follow these steps to calibrate the gap sensor:

1. Turn off the printer power and install blank labels (without any logo or character) on printer.
2. Hold down the PAUSE button then turn on printer power.
3. Release PAUSE button when the printer feeds labels. Do not turn off printer power until the printer stops and two green LEDs light on.

Note: Thermal hang tags are not separated by a gap, but by a black line. The black-mark sensor has fixed sensitivity and doesn't require calibration.

Printer Initialization

Printer initialization sets printer parameters to default values. It will not clear downloaded files resident in flash memory.

Follow the steps below to initialize the printer:

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Hold down the PAUSE and FEED buttons and turn the printer on.
3. Release the buttons when the three LEDs flash (in turn).

• Printing method (thermal transfer or thermal direct printing ) will be set automatically at the activation of printer power.
• When printer initialization is done, sensor sensitivity is reset to default. Sensor calibration is required before printing labels.
• Download files will not be deleted after printer initialization. For more information about deleting files, please refer to TSPL2 programming manual KILL command.

There are 3 programs involved in producing correctly-printed price labels. The 'core' program is Windows. The TSC software and the BCSS software are installed 'on' the Windows Operating System. All 3 programs must 'get it right' for correct labels to be printed. When things go sideways, it is often because the Windows or TSC software have gotten confused. Turn the printer off and back on periodically to refresh.

TSC Troubleshooting

The Diagnostic Tool

TSC’s Diagnostic Tool is an integrated tool incorporating features that enable you to explore a printer’s settings/status; change a printer’s settings; download graphics, fonts and firmware; create a printer bitmap font; and send additional commands to a printer. With the aid of this powerful tool, you can review printer status and settings in an instant, which makes it much easier to troubleshoot problems and other issues.

Laptops: Use the same USB port each time. If the port is changed go to Start then Devices and Printers. Right click on the TSC, select printer properties and go to the ports tab. There should be another virtual printer port on the list. Select that one and the printer will print.

Printer Doesn't Work - Labels Won't Print

If the printer doesn't print after it has been plugged in, connected to the computer, and has paper loaded -

1. Go to Start, Control Panel, Devices and Printers.
2. If TSC 244, 245 or 247 (or Zebra) is not listed, install the TSC printer driver or Zebra driver.
3. Double click on the printer listing. If there a print jobs listed, right click in the box in a white area and select 'Cancel All Documents'. Leave the window open. (It may be necessary to turn the printer off and back on to dump the printer queue.)
4. Right click on the listing for TSC printer. (The window just opened will minimize. It's icon will be in the taskbar at the bottom of the computer screen. The window can be displayed again by clicking on the icon.)
5. Select 'Printer properties'.
6. Click on the Ports Tab and verify that the USB port is selected. If not, select a USB option and click Apply at the bottom.
7. Click on the General tab.
8. Press 'Print Test Page'. A label should print.
9. If the test page does not print, call TSC at 909-525-9779, extension 101 for free support. Let them know that the self test failed. Also refer to page 35 of the User's Guide for troubleshooting suggestions.

BCSS Troubleshooting

Labels Don't Appear in the Print Preview

There is no print preview for thermal labels. When printing thermal price labels, Print Preview in Program Setup (on the General tab) can be turned off (but other print previews for things like invoices and reports won't show either).

Labels Aren't Printing Correctly

The most common cause is that the label type (adhesive, non-adhesive) and size selected in Program Setup doesn't match the label loaded in the printer. Watch videos for Calibrating the Printer and Loading Labels.

Labels Won't Print

The are numerous causes. The most common is that print jobs are 'stuck' in the printer queue. (Not a BCSS issue)

1. The most common solution is to turn the printer off and back on. Try a printer self test.
2. View the print queue to see if print jobs are 'stuck': Go to Control Panel then Device and Printers then right click on the TSC TDP-244 or 247. Click 'See What's Printing'. Right click in the box in the white area and select Cancel All Documents. (Sometimes the printer is locked up and this won't work. If not, turn the printer off/on.) Try a printer self test.
3. In BCSS on the Labels Screen, labels won't print for items with quantity of zero if 'Quantity Greater Than 0' is checked (at the top).
4. On the Labels Screen, labels won't print for items that are excluded by any filters that are set.
5. Multiple labels for the same item won't print if 'Label Quantity = Item Quantity' is not checked. (lower left on the Labels Screen)
6. Labels won't print if 'Thermal Labels' is not selected as Style (lower right on the Labels Screen)
7. Bar codes won't print if 'Check this box to include bar codes on price labels' is not check (Program Setup, Printers tab)
8. Complete Discount Dates and Prices can only be printed on labels that are large enough. They cannot be printed on jewelry labels or 2 x 1 or 3 x 1.25 labels.
9. If the Discount Schedule is being printed on the price label, it is because 'Show discount price schedule on pricing labels' is selected in Program Setup, Inventory. The first price in the Discount Schedule is the Current Price.

Print is Cropped

In Program Setup on the Printers tab, choose smaller font sizes for tear-off and/or stub settings.

Only One Label Prints

In BCSS click on Labels on the Main Menu. On the Labels Screen, check 'Quantity Greater than 0" (at the top) to print labels only for items in inventory, and check 'Label Quantity = Item Quantity' (lower left) to print multiple labels for items with quantity greater than 1.

Label Skip

Watch the Calibration Video.

The TSC TDP-244, 245, 247 Direct Thermal Label Printer

TSC TDP-244/245/247 Thermal Printer

Standard 4 MB Flash Memory - 8 MB SDRAM - 200 MHz processor for fast printing in a 203 dpi resolution. Speeds up to 7 IPS (75% faster than the Zebra LP2844). Supports TSC, EPL (Eltron) and ZPL (Zebra) programming languages. Holds up to a 5” roll on a 1” core. Adjustable media sensor for use with gap, black mark and notch media. Bartender Ultralite labeling software. 2 year limited warranty (twice that of Zebra). USB 2.0/Parallel/Serial  Features and Specs | Quick-Start Guide | Manual | Driver | TSC Website

For free email support, send us an email. For fee-based phone and remote-PC support please contact Russ Cox, Cox Technology Associates, 203-421-6471, email, or Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921, email