IBM SureMark 4610-1NR Printer
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The new 4610 SureMark Printer Model 1NR is a single-station thermal POS receipt printer offering high-speed receipt printing - up to 80 lines per second, superior reliability, serviceability, and usability. Available worldwide, this model replaces models Tx6, and Tx7 and can easily be configured by users to print DBCS (double-byte character set) characters used in some Asia-Pacific countries, or SBCS (single-byte character set) characters, used in most other countries throughout the world. Available RS-232, RS-485 and USB (2.0) communication interfaces enable attachment to IBM's wide range of SurePOS Series point-of-sale systems plus PCs and competitive systems.
Servicing and managing this new POS printer is very simple and easy. Customers who choose to service their own printers will value the simple FRU (field replaceable unit) replacement of the thermal print head, the main card assembly, and the communication interface adapter. Systems management sensors include a paper motion / paper out sensor, cutter-complete sensor, a low-paper sensor, a print head -health- sensor plus several more. The 1NA model includes Advanced Exchange service and the 1ND model includes Depot Repair service. These two models are not available in all geographies.
Extending IBM's commitment to Eco-Friendliness, this new 4610 Printer minimizes landfill waste and carbon emissions by using packaging materials that consist mostly of recycled post-consumer materials. All packaging materials and most of the materials used to manufacture the printer are recyclable. Additionally, this printer is designed to print the very latest in receipt media technology - new polymer receipt media, which offers a very green alternative to paper receipt media.
Several ease-of-use features have been added to this new model. Easy drop-and-load paper loading and a cover open button make paper loading fast and easy. Support for large four-inch diameter paper rolls minimizes labor expenses by reducing roll changes. A -compatibility mode- is offered for customers who wish to retain existing applications while upgrading their printers. This new model is designed to reduce the number of models offered and to accommodate late reconfiguration in the manufacturing and delivery process. Both the covers and interface card are features of the printer. Printer covers are nonfunctional and allow easy removal and replacement to accommodate color change. Submit an RPQ to purchase replacement cover sets. The interface card is designed to be assembled during printer set-up at the customer's site. This reduces the number of models and allows easy connection of cables to the interface card before it is attached to the printer.
New High Speed
- Receipt Station With a burst speed of 80LPS at 8LPI, post printing long receipts is quick and easy!
- New Drop in Paper Loading One Touch, One Hand receipt paper replacements make replacing paper rolls simple and quick.
- Improved Paper Roll Support Larger paper rolls means less paper changes. The SureMark now supports larger 102mm/4" paper rolls.
- New Low Paper Sensor Others printers may have low paper sensors but ours leads the pack in reliability and flexibility with remotely programmable set points.
- Improved Paper Cutter The paper cutter has been improved to cut 50% more receipts than previous generation. It is quieter and has several anti-jam features.
- Improved Thermal Print Head The thermal print head is designed to print 150,000m of receipts. Reliability and availability have been increased with additional sensors to improve diagnostics and ensure limits are not exceeded.
- Improved Serviceability The receipt station print head, logic card and interface adapter can be easily replaced. This simplifies depot and on-site service.
- New configurable SBCS & DBCS Instead of different models with DBCS support, the 1NR can be software configured for different geographies.
- More Memory Memory available to store logos, fonts, bitmaps and information has been increased 6x previous generation.
- More Statistics Statistics are important to increase availability via accurate predictive preventative maintenance. More statistics means more aspects of the printer health can be checked remotely!
- Color The 4610-1NR is available in Iron Gray or Pearl White. If needed, a simple cover swap is all that is needed to switch colors
- Simple Upgrades The 4610-1NR uses the same power supply and cables as the 4610-TF6/TF7. It fits in current integration trays making upgrades simple.
- Firmware Updateable firmware enables easy maintenance either using memory key diagnostics, via OS or via UPOS drivers.
- Maintenance Cost Annual maintenance agreements have not gone up!
- Features with this symbol are available in either Native mode or Compatibility Mode. Maximum benefit is achieved in Native mode but significant improvements are possible in Compatibility mode.
Options
- IBM 4610-1NR SureMark Printer
- This single station model and replaces the 4610-TF6 and 4610-TF7. Does not include interface adapter.
- USB Interface Adapter
- This new interface adapter supports full speed bulk mode USB 2.0 throughput and is the fastest of the four adapters
- RS232 Interface Adapter
- This interface adapter attaches to RS232 systems
- RS485 Interface Adapter
- This interface adapter attaches to systems with RS485/SIO ports
- RS485 24V Interface Adapter
- This interface adapter attaches to systems with 24v RS485/SIO ports in Asia.
Note: Although you can order the printer by itself without an interface adapter, it requires one to function.
All options are replaceable or reconfigurable by the customer
See Pictorial Feature Guide for feature codes and part numbers
.
To get maximum speed, the printer must run in Native Mode. Driver updates supporting Native Mode are available. We plan to add an off-line sample receipt demo that is independent of software later this month.
Q:Where can I find out more about Polymer Film Media?
A: Please check the polyfilm paper FAQ
Q: I am attempting to configure a 4610-1NR with a cash drawer in eConfig and the option does not pop up. How do I order a SureMark with cash drawer?
A:You have to use 4611 to get the cash drawer and till and lock.
The 1NR did not release the cash drawer family since they are available as system devices.
Q:Do the 1NR printers support the loading of a user defined font/cpOn the TI3/TG3s, I load Greek cps I have designed using the font edit utility.
A:Yes, in compatibility mode, the fonts you have should function and look exactly as they would in a TF6/7. The print head has the same dot pitch 203 DPI so it should look the same.
Q:If this is possible, the loading of the font is done using the same
4610 utility for loading fonts on previous 4610 models ?
A: Yes, in compatibility mode the same TF6/7 utilities should work.
Q: User defined fonts are available in both compatibility & native mode ?
A: Yes, user defined fonts are available. With updated drivers operating in native mode, you'll have access to the full 3M of user memory (Vs 256K on TF6) for storing more fonts if needed.
Q: Can you tell me what the off-line print head tests reports mean?
A: The thermal print head test has two parts, the first is a general measurement with all dots off to see if there are shorts between pins. The more shorts, the lower the reported number. A typical value for a new print head would be above 200. The relative dot resistance table is of each dot tested individually. Typically they would be around 190-210 when new. When a dot fails open, the value would be higher. The exact value varies depending on the failure mode.
The results of this test should not be the sole determining factor for replacing a print head. The results of this test should be confirmed with a visual inspection of test documents.
Q: Is a spill cover available for the 1NR?
A: Yes.
FC 3445, P/N 60Y3156 FRU 60Y3153 (Pearl White),
P/N 60Y3157 FRU 60Y3155 (Iron Gray)
See Pictorial Feature Guide for feature codes and part numbers
Q: What operating mode is set in the factory?
A: The 1NR/2CR/2NR Factory Default is Compatibility Mode
Q: My printer switched into Native mode after using Diagnostics.
A: This Diagnostic issue is being worked on. Please try the latest Diagnostics.
Cables
Uses the SAME cables as 4610-TI3/TI4/TI5
Uses the SAME power brick as 4610-TI3/TI4/TI5
In practice, the USB specification limits the length of a cable for full speed devices to 5 meters (a little under 16 feet 5 inches).
The following ID drawings and table provides a summary of the dimensions and weight. The 4610-1NR will fit into current integration trays. Note that although the base of the printer is the same width and depth as the 4610-TI3/TI4 it's projected dimensions as illustrated by the blue arrows below is larger to accommodate the larger 4" paper roll. The 1NR is also taller than the TF6/7.
Width 144 mm ( 5.67 in)
Depth (at base) 183.4 mm ( 7,22 in)
Height
(front/rear/cover open) 106 mm ( 4.17 in) / 159 mm ( 6.26 in) /
256mm ( 10.08 in)
Weight 1.4 Kg ( 3.09 lb)
Power
Voltage 24 VDC or 38VDC +/- 10%
Current 3.125 A (Varies with interface card)
Wall Mounting Bracket
Supported OSs, Drivers and Languages
Compatibility Mode Native Mode Epson Emulation
4690 OS 4690 OS V5R1 - 09F0
4690 OS V5R2 - 0900
4690 OS V6R1 - 09B0 IBM 4690 OS V6R1
(Future 2009 Release)
Microsoft Windows WEPOS
Windows 2000, XP
UPOS 1.94B
NWD 2.4
USB Interface is recommended WEPOS, XP & Vista
UPOS 1.12.0
NWD 2.5
USB Interface is recommended Direct API Only
RS232 Only
IRES (Linux) NLPOS 9 SSP3, IRES 2.1.5
JavaPOS for IRES 1.9.6B
USB Interface is recommended Direct API Only
RS232 Only
DOS PC DOS 2000
No support for USB or RS485
RS232 Interface only PC DOS 2000
No support for USB or RS485
RS232 Interface only Direct API Only
RS232 Only
Older configurations may work in compatibility mode. For untested/unsupported configurations, a thorough compatibility test is strongly recommended before purchasing in large numbers. No POSS for DOS support.
UPOS Drivers (OPOS/JavaPOS) Support
Printer UPOS 1.12.0 has full support
UPOS 1.94/1.96B in Compatibility Mode
Cash Drawer UPOS 1.12.0 has full support
UPOS 1.94/1.96B in Compatibility Mode
If you are using an older release of OPOS/JavaPOS, these devices will operate in Compatibility Mode but were not tested so you should perform a complete certification test before roll out.
Supported languages & code pages
Language (Country) Code
Page Windows
Code Page
English (United Kingdom, Belgian, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Swedish/Finnish, Danish) 858 1250
English (United States) 437 1252
French (Canada) 863 1252
Portuguese (Brazil) 860 1252
Norwegian 865 1252
Greek ** 869 1253
Turkish ** 857 1254
Arabic ** 864 1256
Hebrew (Israel) ** 867 1255
Hungarian, Polish, Czech, Romanian, Slovak,
Slovenian, Croatian ** 852 1250
Ukranian ** 848 1251
Russian (cyrillic) ** 866 1251
Bulgarian, Serbian ** 872 1251
Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonia ** 775 1257
Icelandic ** 861 1252
Japanese ## 932
Chinese - Simplified (PRC) ## 1381
Chinese - Traditional (Taiwan) ## 950
Hanguel (Korea) ## 949
** Requires UPOS 1.12.0 or later ## DBCS Code Page
Off line Configuration
More details on all the available options is in the User Guide. If you need compatibility mode, please set emulation mode using the menus below.
If the printer is powered ON, power OFF the printer and power it ON again using the power button. Immediately close the lid and press the paper feed. When the amber LED goes off, the printer should print out Menu 1 below.
- To select option 2 you would press the paper feed button twice, then press and hold it a third time for 1 second.
- Exit off-line setup, Open the printer cover
Off-line Menu 1
1) Thermal Receipt Test (see below)
2) Choose Emulation Mode (see below)
3) Select Receipt Width
4) Configure RS232 port
5) Menu 2
Off-line Menu 2
1) MCT Listing
2) Low Paper Calibration
3) Menu 3
Off-line Menu 3
1) Hex Dump Mode
2) Print Head Test
3) Reset User Data
4) Motion Sensor Test
5) Print Resident Code Pages
6) Menu 1
Mode Menu
1) Set TF6 Compatibility mode
2) Set Native Mode
3) Set Epson Emulation
Test Print
To the left is a sample test receipt. Note the Microcode EC level is listed along with the printer Serial Number. Also listed is the Interface Adapter type and if it's RS232, the configuration is printed. If the printer is in native mode, nothing is printed related to the mode. If it's in Epson Emulation or Compatibility Mode, it will be indicated.
Firmware Updates
Please use this early release version USB Memory Key Diagnostics to update the firmware. The level should be 7.05 or later. Instructions on updating the USB Memory Key Diagnostics Firmware files
Paper
See the list of recommended papers. Note that not all papers for the TI3/TI4/TF6 have been tested with the 1NR
Zoomit Firmware
The Zoomit firmware package is a beta release of firmware that will ultimately be in both the 4610-2CR/2NR and 4610-1NR. Normally, when the printer is turned on, the firmware will determine what kind of printer it is running in and act appropriately. In order to facilitate testing of the 1NR function, you can use the USB Memory Key diagnostics to change two bits in an NVRAM location to force the firmware to always operate in 1NR mode. This in effect turns a 4610-2CR or 4610-2NR into a Single Station Thermal. You can run the "1NR" in compatibility mode as a TF6 and you also have the option of placing it in Epson Emulation Mode. The Zoomit firmware can be loaded into a 2NR/2CR using the USB Memory Key diagnostics and POS system or laptop.
You can participate in the 4610-1NR EIP by requesting the Zoomit firmware package from TechLine. TechLine is also the first place to go to request any help related to IBM Retail POS systems. We route your questions directly to the subject matter expert who can best answer them and can open support requests as required.
Migration Considerations
In the TF6/7 printer, one sensor combined the function of cover open and paper out. In the 1NR there are many more sensors. Applications can now be enhanced to better guide the operator in how to resolve any printer issues. For instance they could now display prompts to close the cover on the printer, replace the receipt paper, or clear a paper jam Vs previously only being able to display a check printer prompt.
In the receipt station, the distance between the paper cutter and the print head has been reduced to make jams less likely. This reduces the need to service the printer and enables it to handle thinner, more flexible papers. This reduces the distance between the last print line and the paper cut by less than 10mm (.39 in). The paper cut is also straighter. Applications that preprint the header for a receipt with the footer for a receipt may need minor changes to ensure the cut point does not degrade the receipt header.
Compatibility Mode Limitations and Considerations
Firmware updates must be performed using the memory key diagnostics. Updates will be available for 4690 OS to enable older releases to update firmware.
This section will be frequently updated with our EIP experiences.
New Features
Thermal Cover switch can now distinguish between Cover open, Paper out and Paper Jammed.- The printers can now detect the difference between a CR cover open and Paper out earlier versions of the printers had a single states stating there was an error in the CR station. A CR jam status is now new also
Low Paper Sensor (receipt station) -
The printer has the ability to detect when a roll of paper is near the end of the roll and provide a status to the user (LED) and also to the system. A calibration routine is performed to determine a paper roll parameter. From this a distance is selected as to when the low paper warning is to be given. Once the calibration is run on one printer it is possible to set the low paper threshold remotely (via software) for all printers. Note, changing the thickness of the paper and size of the core will require the calibration routine to run again.
Flexible User FLASH Mapping - The memory allocated to logos, user defined messages, User storage and user defined fonts can by modified by the user. This includes the ability to place the printer into SBCS or DBCS mode
Faster Print Speed in the Thermal Print Station - The thermal receipt will print up to 80 lps. (8 lpi) Actual solution throughput is dependent on the speed of the software on the system unit, communication protocol bandwidth, available power supplied by the system unit and dot density of the data being printed.
Thermal Cover switch can now distinguish between Cover open, Paper out and Paper Jammed.- The printers can now detect the difference between a CR cover open and Paper out earlier versions of the printers had a single states stating there was an error in the CR station. A CR jam status is now new also.
Cutter Jam: detect failure (similar to the TI6/7 models) - Possible to detect when a cutter did not return back to it's retracted position
Added print head health for system management - Can detect when elements in the thermal station or wires in the impact station fail
Power button on/off - When power is added (Plugged in or supplied by the system unit) the printer will default to on. This is to ensure the printer comes up when power is supplied to the printer after a system power up or after the system comes out of a suspend mode.
Increased System Management parameters
- Usage Statistics Unexpected Ribbon Cover Open Count; - 4610-2CR/2NR only
- Cover is open when there does not appear to be a paper jam, Home Error, or flip error.
- Slip Feed Error Count - 4610-2CR/2NR only
- Receipt Paper Jam Count - 4610-2CR/2NR only
- Receipt Slip Count - 4610-2CR/2NR only - Low priority
- Number of Failed Flash Writes - 4610-2CR/2NR only
- Unexpected Cover Open Count; an unexpected cover open is a cover open there does not appear to be a reason for the cover open. Reasons would include any error condition; paper out, paper jam, cutter jam.
- Current MICR noise value..
- Number of Impact Head failed coils -
- Thermal Print Head element failure.
- Printers Serial Number
- Manufacturing Week Code
- Number of paper cuts
- Number of characters printed on the CR (thermal) station
- Number of steps performed by the CR paper feed motor (200 steps per inch of paper)
- Number of times the customer receipt cover was opened
- Number of failed paper cuts -
- Number of characters printed at the DI (impact) station -thermal/impact printers only
- Number of steps performed by the DI paper feed motor
- Number of DI transport motor starts
- Number of home errors - thermal/impact printers only
- Number of times the DI cover was opened - thermal/impact printers only
- Number of forms that were inserted into the DI station -
- thermal/impact printers only
- Number of MICR reads
- Number of high-interference MICR reads
- Number of failed MICR reads
- Number of check flips performed
- Number of check flip failures
- Number of Flash Erase commands performed (NVRAM write count)
- ToneSoundedCount - single station printers only
- Cash drawer opened successfully count.
- Cash drawer failed to opened count.
- Number of BarCodes printed
- Number of times the max temperature of either the motors or the printheads.have been reached.
- Number of time the printer reset due to the SOF USB error - see MCT #F1.
Direct API Commands
The Direct API is an extension of the current TF6/7 command set which is documented in the 4610 Users Guide. A document of the extensions is available on request via Techline. We strongly recommend using the UPOS API or the Native Windows Driver.
Epson Emulation
The SureMark single-station printers in single-byte character set (SBCS) mode can emulate the ESC POS - command set used in Epson single-station printers. Emulation mode provides full support for most Epson commands. However, some commands are supported partially and a few commands are not supported at all. This section describes the commands that have each of the three levels of support and also lists the connectivity differences between an Epson single-station printer and the SureMark. Be aware that because we can't predict what commands are being used by third party UPOS, OPOS, JavaPOS, Windows or other drivers, this mode only supports direct application control where the program opens a COM port and sends commands and data directly to the printer without intermediary drivers.
Note: Ensure that the printer is set configured via the off-line menu to Epson Emulation Mode. (see above)
Commands supported in emulation mode
The commands listed below are supported in Epson emulation mode. However, there will be some differences in the printed output, because of different dot pitches in the print heads and the minimum distance that the paper feed motors can move the paper. These differences will appear when there are a number of printed lines, and the method of aligning the data is different.
Examples of the printed differences that might occur:
- Logos will appear smaller in emulation mode. The logo will still contain the same number of dots in the width and height. However, because the SureMark print head has a finer dot pitch, the logo will appear smaller. If text is aligned around the logo, the text on receipts that are printed in emulation mode might not line up the same as receipts that are printed on the Epson printer.
- If one line is aligned using spaces and another line is aligned using the relative position commands, the data might appear misaligned. The commands, such as the relative position and margin commands, that use the minimum unit of motion values are based on a fraction of an inch, which eliminates the differences in the dot pitch. Tabs and spaces are subject to pitch differences.
In Epson emulation mode, the SureMark printer supports all Epson commands except the page mode commands and smoothing.
The connectivity differences between an Epson single-station printer and the SureMark printers are:
- The Epson printer offers a parallel interface that the SureMark printer does not support.
- The following EIA-232 modes of communication, which are supported by the Epson single-station printer, are not supported by the SureMark printer:
- 2400 kbps and 4800 kbps baud
- 7 bits of data
- Parity
- More than one stop bit
- 25-pin D shell
To attach the printer to a standard PC serial port:
- The Epson single-station printer requires a Null Modem cable.
- The SureMark requires a standard 9-pin D-shell EIA-232 cable.
The following limitations must be considered when using a single-station SureMark printer to emulate an Epson single-station printer:
- When applications switch from Epson printers to IBM printers, there is sometimes a difference in the receipt line spacing. The receipt appears double spaced because, by default, the SureMark printer treats carriage returns (CRs) the same as line feeds (LFs). To change this behavior see -Mode Option- MCT #30 (1E hex).
- To provide a more seamless transition between OPOS-driven Epson and IBM printers, IBM now supports an OEM Printer Emulation setting in the OPOS printer device configuration dialog. Enable this setting to produce behavior that is more consistent with that of an Epson printer.
Troubleshooting
Please use the USB Memory Key Diagnostics package to troubleshoot your printer. They also can update the logos, fonts, messages and firmware in addition to setting it's configuration.
1 Do receipts print OK? Yes - Go to 2
If not -
If the ready light is not on, go to A
Check that the data cable is plugged in at both ends and restart the system
If the ready light is not on, Go to B
Go to 9
2 If attached, does the Cash Drawer work Yes - Go to 3
If not -
Check that the cable is plugged in at both ends
Check that the cash drawer is not locked
Check that the cash drawer is not jammed
Check in the User Guide for more troubleshooting tips
Submit a question to Techline
3 Are you using UPOS? No - Go to A
if yes -
Are you using the release of the OPOS common control objects included with the UPOS package? We do not support the 1.11 CCOs at this time.
Uninstall UPOS
Reinstall UPOS
Submit a question to Techline
A Check that the receipt paper is loaded properly
Check for and clear any paper jams
Make sure the cover is properly closed
Use the USB Memory key diagnostic utility to verify that the printer is OK
Check for firmware updates
Check in the User Guide for more troubleshooting tips
Submit a question to Techline
B Check for and clear any paper jams
Make sure the cover is properly closed
Check for firmware updates
Use the USB Memory key diagnostic utility to verify that the printer is OK
If the diagnostics fail, call IBM Service (800-IBM-SERV)
If the diagnostics pass, Go to 3
C Check for firmware updates
Use the USB Memory key diagnostic utility to verify that the printer is OK
If the diagnostics fail, call IBM Service (800-IBM-SERV)
Go to 3
D Press and hold both paper feed buttons until the amber led flashes
Press and release the receipt feed button
If a test receipt does not print, go to A