ATB1200 User Guide Page 2 of 15
1
INTRODUCTION
This document is a User Guide, written for the person connecting and using the Able Systems
ATB1200 printer controller PCB. Please read this Guide carefully before making any connection.
The ATB1200 is designed for use with the APS ELM205-ST Easy Load Fixed Head Thermal (FHT)
printer mechanism, which delivers low noise, high speed and high quality print as well as an integral
paper-out/head-open sensor. While this document should provide enough information for most
system integrators, a separate Technical Reference document for the mechanism is available if more
in-depth information is required.
The microcontroller at the heart of the ATB1200 is the same one as found in the Ap1200 Panel
Mounted printer and Ap863 Hand Held printer. The host programming control codes are virtually
identical for these products, and are detailed in a separate Programmers Guide which covers all of
these products.
1.1
FIRMWARE VERSIONS, COMPATIBILITY AND UPGRADES
The ATB1200 is currently supplied with V7.2.02 firmware fitted. Able Systems reserves the right to
continually improve and refine the firmware and to supply units with amended firmware in future.
Whilst every effort is made to assure compatibility and inter-operability, both forwards and backwards
within a product range, as well as across Able Systems’ range of printer products, no guarantee is
given or implied in this respect.
The controller in the ATB1200 is flash based, and the firmware may be upgraded without replacing
hardware. Currently PCBs must be returned to the factory for firmware changes, but field upgrades
will be introduced in due course.
1.2
COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
Copyright subsists in all Able Systems intellectual property, including controller firmware (embedded
software) and circuit diagrams, pin connection lists and application data. No warranty in respect of
patent rights of Able Systems Limited or of third parties is given. Unauthorised reproduction or
amendment of controller firmware may result in prosecution.
APS is a registered mark of its owner Advanced Printing Systems LTD. References to this or other
owners' marks in this document are for illustrative purposes only.
Able Systems do not assume responsibility for interchangeable functionality of other parties'
command sets.