1.1 LASER PRINTING

Before you begin learning about your new Star LS-5 Series Laser Printer, you may find it helpful to know something about laser printing itself.

A laser is actually abeam of light ofjust one wavelength (Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). This “highly coherent” beam of light can be focused very sharply. Lasers, generated by gases, liquids or semiconductors, are widely used in applications ranging from surgery to the visual arts.

Laser printing is a process that uses a laser beam — in this case, generated by a semiconductor — to activate portions of an electrically charged surface. These activated parts represents the words, numbers, or graphics being sent from the computer for printing. Other parts of the printer transfer this image to paper, then clean the surface and prepare it to receive more information to be printed.

In other words, this process is a type of laser-activated temporary engraving.

The Star LS-5 Series Laser Printer consists of two interconnected assemblies

— the toner cartridge and the printer body.

The toner cartridge contains the drum, which is the rotating surface. In the darkness of the toner cartridge, the drum holds a negative charge placed on it by the primary corona wire in the printer. Shutters on the bottom of the toner cartridge assure that no unwanted light penetrates its interior.

When text or graphics are sent by the computer to the printer, a laser beam is generated by a semiconductor laser diode. This beam is focused by special scanning mirrors that turn the light beam into a tool that “writes” or “paints” on the surface of the drum. The area of the drum touched by the laser beam loses its negative charge and contains a reverse image of the information sent from the computer. As the drum rotates, it passes a developer unit that is also rotating, but in the opposite direction. The surface of the developer unit is covered with toner (“ink”) which has a negative charge. The neutralized portions of the drum, containing the information to be printed, picks up negatively charged toner from the developer unit.

At this point, paper fed from the paper cassette moves through the transfer unit, there it receives a positive charge. As the drum rotates, the negatively charged particles of toner are attached to the positively charged surface of the paper.

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Star Micronics LS-5 EX, LS-5 TT operation manual Laser Printing

LS-5 TT, LS-5 EX specifications

Star Micronics, a leader in the development of innovative printing solutions, has introduced its LS-5 TT and LS-5 EX models, revolutionizing the world of receipt and ticket printing. These printers are designed with versatility and efficiency in mind, making them ideal for various applications in retail, hospitality, and entertainment environments.

The LS-5 TT and LS-5 EX both share a sleek, compact design that ensures they fit seamlessly into any workspace, whether it's a bustling restaurant or a busy retail counter. Their lightweight construction allows for easy portability, catering to businesses that require on-the-go printing solutions. With a modern aesthetic, these printers not only perform efficiently but also complement any business environment.

One of the standout features of the LS-5 series is its high-speed printing capability. The LS-5 TT boasts a remarkable print speed of up to 250 mm per second, while the LS-5 EX offers an impressive 300 mm per second. This ensures that businesses can handle high volumes of transactions smoothly without frustrating customers with long wait times.

The LS-5 TT and LS-5 EX are equipped with advanced thermal printing technology, eliminating the need for ink cartridges. This cost-effective solution significantly reduces operational expenses and minimizes maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the printers support 80mm and 58mm paper rolls, providing flexibility in printing formats.

In terms of connectivity, the LS-5 series offers a range of options, including USB and Ethernet interfaces, which make them compatible with various POS systems. The models also support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options, allowing for seamless integration into mobile and wireless environments.

Another impressive feature of these printers is their ability to handle multiple character sets, including ASCII and international character sets, which makes them ideal for global applications. The LS-5 series also supports graphic printing, enabling businesses to include custom logos and promotional content on their receipts and tickets.

In conclusion, Star Micronics' LS-5 TT and LS-5 EX models offer state-of-the-art features, speed, and versatility that make them indispensable tools for modern businesses. Their commitment to high-quality performance combined with user-friendly design ensures that they meet and exceed the demands of today’s fast-paced commercial environments. Businesses seeking efficient and reliable printing solutions will find the LS-5 series to be an exceptional choice that enhances their operational efficiency.