AVR-Chat

Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to 
attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data. 
  Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel 
spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I 
need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n 
LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product 
so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear 
in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)

If anybody knows:

[1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
[2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to 
graphics for display).

I would appreciate it.


erikc
--
GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If
you want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the
truth."

erikc wrote:
> Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to 
> attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data. 
>   Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel 
> spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I 
> need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n 
> LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product 
> so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear 
> in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)
> 
> If anybody knows:
> 
> [1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
> [2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to 
> graphics for display).

Erik,

I cannot help with the data sheet, but in one of my former lives I did a
lot of embedded programming (using PIC and AVR) for a firm which uses
tons of thermal printers in their product.  This included producing the
fonts and pushing the bits out at the right time to a thermal printhead
as it went back and forth across the paper.  I might be able to help you
in that area.  That, by the way, was my first introduction to the AVR
back around early 1999 where Atmel-Norway converted my PIC assembly code
to C code for the AVR (for free) to gain a foothold.

Regards,
Don

-- 
I Haven't Lost My Mind - It's Backed Up On Disk Somewhere

Is it HPL compatible? Or what about Postscript compatible. 
If HPL you do escape code commands for drawing. If postscript you set a
starting point and moveto commands.

The other thing is the aspect is different than the screen. If the
printer does 150 X 150 or 300 X 300 you can graph X and Y straight where
as the screen has a different number of pixels for X from y.

SO you bot is going to carry a printer around?

-----Original Message-----
From: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of erikc
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:16 PM
To: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AVR-Chat] Thermal printer questions


Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to 
attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data. 
  Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel 
spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I 
need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n 
LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product 
so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear 
in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)

If anybody knows:

[1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
[2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to 
graphics for display).

I would appreciate it.


erikc
--
GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If you
want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the truth."



 
Yahoo! Groups Links

This is a raw printer mechanism that prints on a 2" roll of paper.  It 
has a motor to advance the paper, the thermal print head which 
contains an array of dots across the width of the paper, and a couple 
of microswitches.  My system uses a character mode LCD for setup but 
nothing else.

wbounce wrote:
> Is it HPL compatible? Or what about Postscript compatible. 
> If HPL you do escape code commands for drawing. If postscript you set a
> starting point and moveto commands.
> 
> The other thing is the aspect is different than the screen. If the
> printer does 150 X 150 or 300 X 300 you can graph X and Y straight where
> as the screen has a different number of pixels for X from y.
> 
> SO you bot is going to carry a printer around?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of erikc
> Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 2:16 PM
> To: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [AVR-Chat] Thermal printer questions
> 
> 
> Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to 
> attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data. 
>   Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel 
> spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I 
> need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n 
> LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product 
> so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear 
> in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)
> 
> If anybody knows:
> 
> [1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
> [2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to 
> graphics for display).
> 
> I would appreciate it.
> 
> 
> erikc
> --
> GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If you
> want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the truth."




-- 
erikc
--
GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If
you want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the
truth."

At 01:16 PM 3/26/2006 -0600, erikc wrote:
>If anybody knows:
>
>[1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.

Not much help there.

>[2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to
>graphics for display).

It's unlikely you will have any sort of upper level graphics support 
available on the printer.  If you are lucky you will have access to dot 
level output rather than having to build up out of character output.

If you are familiar with low level bitmap graphics (not higher level 
support such as MS Windows) then it's fairly straightforward.  If your 
graphics are reasonably complex the usual method is banding where the 
graphics is regenerated for each band of memory/print output.
To determine the size of the bands you make a time space tradeoff.

For simple data plot graphs some shortcuts are possible but hey are 
basically variations on the above.

I've done this before for impact dot matrix printers.

Robert

" 'Freedom' has no meaning of itself.  There are always restrictions,   be 
they legal, genetic, or physical.  If you don't believe me, try to chew a 
radio signal. "  -- Kelvin Throop, III
http://www.aeolusdevelopment.com/

At 07:12 PM 27/03/2006, you wrote:
>Anyone played with these clones?


I have a home made jtagice (on veroboard) based on one of those
links I think. Seems to work well :-) I'll buy the MK2 one of these
days I guess but for now all is well.

Regards

John Samperi

********************************************************
Ampertronics Pty. Ltd.
11 Brokenwood Place Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 AUSTRALIA
Tel. (02) 9674-6495       Fax (02) 9674-8745
Email: john@ampertronics.com.au
Website  http://www.ampertronics.com.au
*Electronic Design * Custom Products * Contract Assembly
********************************************************

Anyone played with these clones?

http://www.case2000.com/JtagIce/bootice.html
http://web.archive.org/web/20041125044048/http://avr.openchip.org/bootice/old_index.html

Peter





.

Hi Erik,
I dont know about your printer but I used LT-286 previously with a PLC ,
It is easy to use, i think there is no graphics available ,
By the way The only problem i had, it was not working without a high 
current supplying power supply,
during startup it drew large current and reset everytime. I used a high 
current power supply  to operate it.

erikc wrote:

> Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to 
> attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data. 
>   Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel 
> spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I 
> need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n 
> LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product 
> so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear 
> in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)
>
> If anybody knows:
>
> [1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
> [2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to 
> graphics for display).
>
> I would appreciate it.
>
>
> erikc
> --
> GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If
> you want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the
> truth."
>
>
>
>  
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>  
>
>
>
>
>
>

At 03:12 AM 3/27/2006, you wrote:
>Anyone played with these clones?
>
>http://www.case2000.com/JtagIce/bootice.html
>http://web.archive.org/web/20041125044048/http://avr.openchip.org/bootice/old_index.html
>
>Peter

  Been there, built that, got the t-shirt.
  Just joking.
  But did build one, works fine.
  Just be aware of the limitations. Some are implied.
  No debug wire, no protection network on the i/o pins. 5 volt only operation.

Artwork for a simple bootice PCB on my projects page.
http://users.rcn.com/carlott/projects.html

Also,
Keep in mind, quite a few people make clones you can buy for under 50  USD, 
if you don't want to 'roll' your own.
But if you have a spare m16/163 laying around, you can get jtag debugging 
functionality for just a few bucks.




carl
--------------------------------------------------------
Henry Carl Ott   N2RVQ    carlott@si.rr.com
http://users.rcn.com/carlott/
--------------------------------------------------------
May the bridges you burn light your way.

Hello,

Maybe it is too obvious or you have tried it but...

How about calling the local Seiko representative and ask for some help
getting a data sheet? Most reps are pretty good about helping you out.

We have used Seiko displays and their datasheets are buried sometimes in
strange web sites. Try to get some help from them.

Jim

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "erikc" <firewevr@airmail.net>
To: <AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 11:16 AM
Subject: [AVR-Chat] Thermal printer questions


> Hi all.  I'm working on a datalogger using an ATmega8535 and want to
> attach a thermal printer to it so I can get a nice graph of the data.
>   Right now, I'm sending the data to a PC for import into an Excel
> spreadsheet.  (This is a pain because tethers me to the computer and I
> need portability.)  The printer I have in mind is a Seiko p/n
> LTP251B-192. (I've got three of them.)  This is a discontinued product
> so it does not appear anywhere on Seiko's website, nor does it appear
> in Google.  (Lots of hits on where I can buy paper, though.)
>
> If anybody knows:
>
> [1] Where can I find a datasheet for this part.
> [2] Something about creating graphics for print (as opposed to
> graphics for display).
>
> I would appreciate it.
>
>
> erikc
> --
> GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If
> you want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the
> truth."
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

James Hatley wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> Maybe it is too obvious or you have tried it but...
> 
> How about calling the local Seiko representative and ask for some help
> getting a data sheet? Most reps are pretty good about helping you out.
> 
> We have used Seiko displays and their datasheets are buried sometimes in
> strange web sites. Try to get some help from them.
> 
> Jim

That is probably the route I will have to go.


erikc
--
GILLETTE'S PRINCIPLE: "If you want to make people angry, lie. If
you want to make them absolutely livid with rage, tell the
truth."

Henry Carl Ott wrote:
> Artwork for a simple bootice PCB on my projects page.
> http://users.rcn.com/carlott/projects.html
>   

   Great page!   Thanks!   A tip for those interested in the toner 
transfer PCB technique:

Apparently, it is not necessary to pay for expensive made to purpose 
"toner transfer papers."  This is alluded to in Henry's article, wherein 
he notes that Epson Photo Paper also works. I am told, and have seen 
truly impressive results from people using this technique, that simply 
using glossy magazine paper works very well.  It is, of course, somewhat 
more difficult to inspect your printed pattern for pinholes and voids as 
a result of the existing print, but it is free. (use of a magnifying 
glass for inspection has been advised by several practitioners)  I have 
seen any number of PCBs using fine pitched SMD devices fabricated using 
this techniquem and the boards look VERY good.  Clean, crisp pattern 
edges, no blurring, no patteern tearing.

I have not, as yet, used this technique, though I am planning to next 
week.  I have used Eagle (www.cadsoft.com) Schematic Capture and PCB 
Layout [check out their free demo versoin, for up to 3" X 4" (79.2mm X 
101.6mm) single sided PCB work] software to lay out several TQFP to DIL 
adapter boards,so I can mount SMD AVRs to my solderless breadboarding 
station.,  I'll let you know how it goes, and perhaps post some pictures.

tom
Happy PCB etching!

On Mar 27, 2006, at 3:12 PM, Thomas Keller wrote:

> Henry Carl Ott wrote:
>> Artwork for a simple bootice PCB on my projects page.
>> http://users.rcn.com/carlott/projects.html
>>
>
>    Great page!   Thanks!   A tip for those interested in the toner
> transfer PCB technique:
>
> Apparently, it is not necessary to pay for expensive made to purpose
> "toner transfer papers."  This is alluded to in Henry's article,  
> wherein
> he notes that Epson Photo Paper also works. I am told, and have seen
> truly impressive results from people using this technique, that simply
> using glossy magazine paper works very well.  It is, of course,  
> somewhat
> more difficult to inspect your printed pattern for pinholes and  
> voids as
> a result of the existing print, but it is free. (use of a magnifying
> glass for inspection has been advised by several practitioners)  I  
> have
> seen any number of PCBs using fine pitched SMD devices fabricated  
> using
> this techniquem and the boards look VERY good.  Clean, crisp pattern
> edges, no blurring, no patteern tearing.
>

I've used various glossy papers before, and found that I get much  
better results from the TTS paper and green film (over the toner to  
seal).

http://www.pulsar.gs/

I can do a consistent 8mil layout with no problems; I should be able  
to do somewhat better than that.

Here's a page on my Wiki about my process:
http://ned.bike-nomad.com:8080/Ned/56

> I have not, as yet, used this technique, though I am planning to next
> week.  I have used Eagle (www.cadsoft.com) Schematic Capture and PCB
> Layout [check out their free demo versoin, for up to 3" X 4" (79.2mm X
> 101.6mm) single sided PCB work] software to lay out several TQFP to  
> DIL
> adapter boards,so I can mount SMD AVRs to my solderless breadboarding
> station.,  I'll let you know how it goes, and perhaps post some  
> pictures.

Some more tips:
- use a sponge for quick (no heating, no bubbling) etching
- consider using a laminator instead of an iron for tranferring the  
toner.
- use Contact paper to do double-sided work (to mask one side while  
etching the other)

Look at:

http://www.pulsar.gs/PCB/a_Pages/5_Support/5b_Tips_Tricks/ 
Tips_Tricks.html

I've found that using Toner Transfer and sticking exclusively to  
surface mount components (and maybe some top-side jumpers) means that  
I can have very fast turn around from idea to finished board (no  
drilling, for one thing!) with just a single-sided etch. Using double- 
sided board then gives you a back-side ground plane for free.

-- 
Ned Konz
ned@bike-nomad.com

Not a trivial project.

I've done thermal printers on M128 and M8.
You'll also need some interface hardware.
Seiko's website has docs, but you may have to dig a bit.

I have installed and re-installed AVR Studio 4.12, and still I cannot 
get it rto run.  It keeps tossing an error about some file: MFC71.DLL 
not being found in the path.  ???????

(sounds like Microsoft C Foundation Class 7.1 to me)

How O I resolve this issue, anyone?

tom

--- Thomas Keller <tkeller1@neb.rr.com> wrote:

>   I have installed and re-installed AVR Studio 4.12,
> and still I cannot 
> get it rto run.  It keeps tossing an error about
> some file: MFC71.DLL 
> not being found in the path.  ???????
> 
> (sounds like Microsoft C Foundation Class 7.1 to me)
> 
> How O I resolve this issue, anyone?
> 
> tom

Hi,

I noticed they have AVR Studio 4.12, Service Pack 2,
Build 473 up on their beta site.  Did you try
installing it?  I don't know if it will fix your
problem, but it might be worth a shot.

The beta area is here:

<http://www.atmel.no/beta_ware/>

Rick