Power Considerations
MLP 3040 printers are designed to provide superior output using as little power as necessary. This provides the longest possible battery life. The printers may also be operated from an external power supply when used in a more permanent installation in a vehicle or office. The following discussions indicate how the printer accomplishes this power conservation using features such as Standby and Auto Power Down. For more information on battery charging, please refer to “Charging the Battery” on page 40.
Standby Operation
When operating on battery power, the printer automatically enters a Standby mode one minute after last receiving data, printing, a front panel button is pressed, or a magnetic card reader swipe operation. When in Standby, the printer will flash the 
Power Indicator.
While in Standby the printer turns off as many power consuming components as possible. However, the printer remains fully capable of receiving data or responding to a control panel button. The printer will automatically “wake up” when it begins to receive data from a host system, or when any front panel Button is pressed.
Auto Power Down
To conserve even more battery power, the printer may also be configured to turn itself off after a specified number of minutes of inactivity. When the printer powers down, this is equivalent to turning the printer off using the 
Power Button and the printer will no longer respond to incoming data.
To enable the Auto Power Down feature, please refer to the Options Menu settings beginning on page 29.
Operation Without A Battery
MLP 3040 printers may be operated with an optional power supply and without a battery installed. Power supplies are available for use with
Caution: Use only Psion Teklogix power supplies designed specifically for your MLP 3040 printer. Using a different power supply may cause damage to the printer and will not be covered by the printer’s warranty.
Note: When the printer is connected to an external power supply, the printer will not enter Standby as described above.
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