SP500 Series
Application Guide
SP500 Series
Application Guide
www.starmicronics.com
SP500 Series
Application Guide
STAR
MICRONICS
The SP500 Application Guide
Complete Solution
To round out any multiple printer installation,
the SP500 is a terrific complement to the
features and performance of Star’s TSP family
of thermal printers. In hospitality applications,
a TSP700 would be ideal on the front end
handling transactions, to take advantage of
not only its speed, but it’s nearly silent operation.
For point of sale, the SP512 is the perfect
complement to the TSP613 tear bar thermal
printer. These same customers will also
employ an SP500 series printer in the back
of house for less time-sensitive print jobs and
those applications requiring archives or journals
to be printed. Simple, easy to use and cost-
effective, the SP500 series offers a perfect
solution to many applications.
Introduction
Star Micronics is widely respected for its
highly reliable dot matrix and thermal POS
and hospitality printers. Building on this
legacy, Star is pleased to announce the
release of the SP500 series. The SP500
sets a new standard for design, features
and performance in dot matrix printers.
The SP500 series features tear bar and auto
cutter models available in putty and charcoal
colors. The printer comes standard with serial
or parallel interfaces and uses a universal
internal power supply that reduces clutter
and maintains a small footprint. In applications
requiring a journal copy, a paper rewind
version is available for both models.
With ultra-fast print speeds of over 4 lines
per second (lps), the SP500 outperforms all
competitors in its class. The SP500 achieves
optimal print speed by utilizing Star’s new
logic-seeking print mechanism and high
speed 9-pin print head making text, graphics,
and modifiers print at amazing speeds.
The intention of the SP500
Application Guide is to
illustrate which features of
the SP500 series printers
make them a fitting solution
for specific applications.
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Point of Sale
• Small Footprint
• Fast Throughput
• Rewinder Option
• High Reliability
• Multiple Copies
• Dual Cash Drawer Driver w/Compulsion
Vertical Markets
5
The SP500 is among the smallest full-featured
printers in its class. Add the optional vertical
stand kit, and it’s footprint instantly shrinks
by nearly half. With the optional wall
mount kit, the SP500 literally has NO foot-
print. These options allow for easy integration
to any Point of Sale application, regardless
of the available counter space.
The outstanding throughput of the SP500
series is made possible by our new faster
print head and our efficient logic-seeking
print mechanism. These features greatly
reduce time wasted waiting for receipts to
finish printing.
The SP500 also offers the ability to print on
carbonless multiple-copy paper (original +
2-copies), allowing for instant printing of
duplicate and triplicate receipts for distribution
to the customer, to record keeping or directly
to the till.
The high reliability of the SP500 is sure to
provide years of trouble-free service in high
demand applications such as point of sale.
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Kitchen
• Fast Throughput
• Autocutter & Tear Bar Models
• Single-Color Highlight
• Splash-Proof Design
• High Reliability
• Recessed Cable Connections
• Star & ESC/POS Emulation
7
The splash-proof design of the SP500’s
outer case protects it from the harsh environ-
ments found in many restaurant kitchens.
The upper cover incorporates a “rain-channel”
molded into its base. The hinged top cover
shelters the vital internal electronics of the
SP500.
The single-color highlight option of the
SP500 series ensures that modifiers are
easily identified by busy cooks. The multiple
copy paper compatibility allows for one
order to be distributed to the many different
work stations of a busy kitchen.
The available autocutter model (SP542) is
well-suited for busy kitchens where receipts
tend to stack up during peak hours. When
the user is ready to remove the receipt, a
simple tug will separate the receipt easily
and cleanly.
Recessed cable connections keep cables
securely connected and free of accidental
disconnection. They also keep these connections
cleared of food and other debris, ensuring
trouble-free operation.
Additionally, dot matrix printed receipts
offer a higher durability and resistance to
liquids and high heat often associated with
kitchen applications. Dot matrix receipts
have proven more reliable in these harsh
environments than those receipts printed by
either thermal or inkjet printers.
Receipts printed on dot matrix printers are
not as susceptible to the heat of a kitchen
as a thermal printer. Also, they are highly
resistant to smudging by wet hands unlike
inkjet printed receipts.
Single - Color Highlight
8
Food Service
• Over 4 LPS
• Multiple Copies (Original + 2 Copies)
• Splash-Proof Design
• Vertical/Wall Mount Kit
• Internal Universal Power Supply
• Single-color Highlight
• 3-inch Paper Roll
• Attached Top Cover
9
In a fast-paced restaurant, there is no time
to waste waiting for guest checks and
orders to print. The advanced technology
employed in Star’s new Logic-Seeking print
mechanism ensures the highest speed printing
while maintaining our legendary reliability.
The SP500 also offers the ability to print on
carbonless multiple-copy paper (original +
2-copies), allowing for instant printing of
duplicate and triplicate receipts for distribution
to different stations within the restaurant.
The optional vertical and wall mount kits
allow for versatile placement of the printer,
eliminating clutter in important service
areas.
The Splash-proof design of the SP500’s
housing is well-suited to the harsh environ-
ments found in most restaurants.
The internal universal power supply of the
SP500 series ensures a simple installation
without the mess of an external power supply.
Star Authorized Consumables
11
The SP500 is the perfect complement to
any retail Point of Sale system. Combining
low cost of ownership with high-performance
and useful features; the SP500 offers
exceptional reliability and functionality in a
compact and affordable package.
The small footprint of the SP500 series
means it will take up less valuable space at
the retail station. Recessed cable connections
reduce the possibility of tampering, keep
the installation neat and clutter-free, plus
minimize the effort and time required to
install each printer.
Star and ESC/POS emulation ensure easy
integration with existing systems, while
maintaining the performance and reliability
expected from Star printing solutions.
The SP500 contains the build quality for
which Star is known. This translates into
exceptional reliability and a printing solution
that will provide years of trouble-free service.
10
Retail
• Small Footprint
• Exceptional Value/Performance
• Rewinder Option (Journal)
• High Reliability
• Recessed Cable Connections
• Star & ESC/POS Emulation
Protective Power Switch Cover
Recessed Cable Connections
12
Data Terminal
• Multiple Copies
• Rewinder Option
• Small Footprint
• Serial or Parallel Versions
• High-Speed Impact Printing
• Macro Store Capable
13
Data terminal applications such as data
loggers and service reports from simple
machines often require a printer with the
ability to spool the printed results.
The rewinder version for the SP500 series
fits this application perfectly. This version
affords the ability to automatically spool the
printed paper into a conveniently storable
roll. The multiple copy functionality allows
for the distribution of one copy while keeping
the second spooled internally.
This allows for a long history to be stored
on the internal spool while daily summaries
can be removed and reviewed instantly.
Additionally, the small footprint of the
SP500 printer allows for easy mounting
and storage of the unit in these often space-
restricted applications.
The macro store capability of the SP500
series printing solutions allows for larger or
modified characters to be printed without
the need for modification of the data terminal
or its software.
15
Using its black mark sensor to ensure precise
alignment of every ticket, the SP500 can
produce flawless admission tickets, parking
stubs and many other pre-printed documents,
forms and tickets.
The tear bar model of the SP500 series,
(SP512), offers a simple solution for applications
where expensive unnecessary features are
not wanted nor required. The autocutter
model,(SP542), provides the convenience
of more expensive printers while still
maintaining the exceptional value of the
SP500 series.
The high reliability of the SP500 is sure to
provide years of trouble-free service in high
demand applications such as high volume
ticket printing.
The high printing speed of over 4 lines per
second translates to faster printing of tickets,
virtually eliminating time wasted waiting for
tickets to print.
Security can be added to admission tickets
through the use of the graphics printing
ability of the SP500 series. Adding logos
or graphics can make any ticket instantly
recognizable and difficult to reproduce.
14
Ticketing
• Black Mark Sensor
• Autocutter Model
• Over 4 LPS Printing Speed
• High Reliability
• Graphics Printing
• 2.25” Paper Handling
• Vertical/Wall Mount
The SP500 features single color highlighting
which attracts attention to modifiers or special
items on the receipt.
17
Comparative Analysis
16
Speed Comparison
Single-Color Highlight
Star SP500 Feature Comparison
vs Epson TM-U200
Feature: Print Speed
Thanks to efficient logic seeking design, Star out
performs the TM-U200 whether printing a full 42
columns or only a few characters on each line.
Feature: Foot Print
The Star SP500 series has a smaller footprint
than the TM-U200. In addition this small foot-
print includes the internal universal power supply,
eliminating the cable mess typically associated with
an external power supply like the Epson printer
has.
Feature: Tear Bar, Cutter
and Rewinder Combinations
The Star SP500 allows a rewinder to be
installed on both tear bar and auto cutter models.
There is not an option to add a rewinder to a
tear bar equipped TM-U200.
Feature: Single Color Highlight
The SP500 utilizes cost effective single-color
highlight printing. The Epson TM-U200 series utilizes
two-color printing. Two-color printing requires the
use of a more expensive and shorter life ribbon
cassette, and also increases the amount of nec-
essary moving parts in the printer, resulting in
more service calls.
1918
Citizen iDP-3550 series the user must select
either a dedicated text printing model or an
even slower graphics printing model.
Feature: Internal Universal Power Supply
For maximum flexibility the SP500 series features
and internal universal power supply. When
using the Citizen iDP-3550 the customer must
select either a 120 VAC or 230 VAC model.
Feature: Foot Print
The Star SP500 series has an overall footprint
that is nearly 10% smaller than the Citizen
iDP-3550 and has an overall size that is over
20% smaller. In addition, the SP500 series
has recessed cable connectors which protect
the interface connections and maintain the
small footprint.
Feature: Single Color Highlight
The SP500 features single color highlighting
which attracts attention to modifiers or special
items on the receipt. The Citizen iDP-3550
series utilizes two-color printing. Two-color print-
ing requires the use of a more expensive and
shorter life ribbon cassette, and also increases
the amount of necessary moving parts in the
printer, resulting in more service calls.
Feature: Top of Form Sensor
The SP500 from Star features a Top of Form
Sensor that can be adjusted to any of three
different positions. This enables printing tickets
and pre-printed forms. The Citizen iDP-3550
series does not have a top of form sensor.
Feature: Splash Proof Design
The SP500 is designed with a splash proof
cover and integrated rain channels to enable
installation in tough environments. The Epson
TM-U200 series is not designed for this type of
environment, and Epson recommends using the
TM-U230 product instead.
Feature: Top of Form Sensor
The SP500 from Star features a Top of Form
Sensor that can be adjusted to any of three
different positions. This enables printing tickets
and pre-printed forms. The Epson TM-U200
does not have a top of form sensor.
Feature: Emulation
Thanks to both ESC/POS and Star emulations,
the SP500 is sure to work in virtually any appli-
cation. The Epson TM-U200 series only supports
ESC/POS emulation.
Star SP500 Feature Comparison
vs Citizen iDP3550
Feature: Print Speed
The SP500 uses the latest technology in high-
speed impact printing mechanisms. The SP500
logic seeking design outperforms the Citizen
iDP-3550 series when printing text or graphics.
Feature: Graphics Printing
The Star SP500 is capable of printing both
high speed text and graphics however with the
Parts & Options
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Product Description
SP512MC42
Part Number
39320010
Tear Bar Model
Putty Case
Parallel Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP512MC42-R
Part Number
37995520
Tear Bar Model
Putty Case
Parallel Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP512MD42
Part Number
39320110
Tear Bar Model
Putty Case
Serial Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP512MD42-R
Part Number
37995530
Tear Bar Model
Putty Case
Serial Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP512MC42 GRY
Part Number
39320310
Tear Bar Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Parallel Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP512MC42 GRY-R
Part Number
37995540
Tear Bar Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Parallel Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP512MD42 GRY
Part Number
39320410
Tear Bar Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Serial interface
Internal Power Supply
SP512MD42 GRY-R
Part Number
37995550
Tear Bar Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Serial interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
Part Numbers/Model Numbers
Product Description
SP542MC42
Part Number
39323010
Autocutter Model
Putty Case
Parallel Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP542MC42-R
Part Number
37995560
Autocutter Model
Putty Case
Parallel Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP542MD42
Part Number
39323110
Autocutter Model
Putty Case
Serial Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP542MD42-R
Part Number
37995570
Autocutter Model
Putty Case
Serial Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP542MC42 GRY
Part Number
39323310
Autocutter Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Parallel Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP542MC42 GRY-R
Part Number
37995580
Autocutter Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Parallel Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
SP542MD42 GRY
Part Number
39323410
Autocutter Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Serial Interface
Internal Power Supply
SP542MD42 GRY-R
Part Number
37995590
Autocutter Model
Charcoal Gray Case
Serial Interface
Rewinder/Journal
Internal Power Supply
Part Numbers/Model Numbers
Options
Accessories
Model Description
RC200P
Part Number
30980012
Purple Ribbon
RC200B
Part Number
30980112
Black Ribbon
RF3.0
Part Number
87993850
3-inch Paper Roll
RF3.0-2P
Part Number
87992590
3-inch Paper Roll 2-Ply
RF3.0-3P
Part Number
87993940
3-inch Paper Roll 3-Ply
Consumables
22
Specifications
Star SP500
Print Method
Dot Matrix
Resolution
9-Pin
Character Size
7 x 9, 5 x 9
Character Set
95 Alphanumeric
46 International
128 x 40 Graphic
Code Pages
40 Code Pages
Emulation
Star, ESC/POS
®
Graphics Capable
Yes
Print Speed
40 Columns
28 Columns
16 Columns
4 lps
5 lps
7.5 lps
Paper Feed Speed
5.5”/sec.
# of Columns
42
Paper Width
2.25”/3”
Paper Thickness
0.07-0.10mm
Multi-Ply
Original + 2 Copies
Supply Voltage
100-240VAC
50/60Hz
Current Consumption
24W
Data Buffer
2KB/256B
Interface
Serial/Parallel
Black Mark Sensor
Yes
Safety Standards
UL, C-UL, CE, TUV
Overall Dimensions
140mm (W)
225mm (D)
163mm (H)
Reliability
MCBF (lines)
22 million
23
Head Life
(Characters)
100 million
Autocutter (Cuts)
600,000
* ESC/POS is a registered trademark of Epson Seiko LTD.
VS-S500
Part Number
39590600
SP500 Vertical Stand Kit
WB-S500
Part Number
39590200
SP500 Wall Mount
Bracket Kit
Model Description
Splash-proof Cover
Single Color Highlight
Power Switch Cover
Internal Universal Power Supply
Dual Cash Drawer Driver
Star & ESC/POS Emulation®
Black Mark Sensor
Over 4 lps Print Speed
Wall & Vertical Mount Kits
Auto Cutter and Tear Bar Versions
Multiple Copies (orig.+2 copies)
High Reliability
Graphics Printing
58/76 mm Paper
Recessed Cables
Features:
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Tear Bar Model
Autocutter Model
Overall Dimensions (mm)
STAR MICRONICS AMERICA, INC.
1•800•782•7636
www.starmicronics.com
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