Second Edition

May, 2006
UM-PR900-02

Operation & Installation

Model PR-900
SERIAL NAVTEX PRINTER

sales@japan–marina.co.jp
www.japan–marina.co.jp
 PR-900
IMPORTANT NOTES

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. The paper cutter (steel saw) on the front panel is sharp and could cause injury if
you are careless. Be careful when handling the printer and the paper.

2. The [■ PAPER] indicator will not glow if the paper gets jammed or is forced to stop
for any reason.

Each time a new roll of paper is installed, be sure to check if the paper feeds
properly by repeatedly pressing  .

3. Store spare thermo–sensitive paper rolls in a cool, dry place; liquid chemicals can
damage the paper. Do not install wet paper, as it will tear and cause the printer to
stop. Care must also be taken when handling printed paper.

Refer to paragraph 3.1.2 ( Printer Paper Handling Precautions) for details.

4. The outputting of live NAVTEX messages from the NT–2000/DEBEG 2902 is

initially disabled, so that no printing will occur unless the relevant setting is
changed. See paragraph 4.10.2 of the manual for the NAVTEX receiver and also
paragraph 4.3 ( Software Settings) of this manual for details.

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INDEX

1. Introduction .................................................................................1

2. Control Panel Functions..................................................................1

3. Operating Instructions ..................................................................4

3.1. General .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1.1. Printer Paper ......................................................................................... 4
3.1.2. Printe r Paper Handling Precautions ............................................. 4
3.2. Loading Thermo–Sensitive Paper ........................................................................ 5
3.3. Manual Paper Advance......................................................................................... 8
3.3.1. General.......................................................................................................... 8
3.3.2. User Level Trouble–Shooting .................................................................. 8
3.4. Removing Printed Paper ...................................................................................... 9
3.5. Self-Diagnostic Tests........................................................................................... 10
3.6. Resetting the System .......................................................................................... 11

4. Installation ................................................................................. 12
4.1. Printer Cabinet ................................................................................................... 12
4.2. Connections ......................................................................................................... 13
4.2.1. Connecting Power Supply ................................................................ 13
4.2.2. Connecting NAVTEX Receiver ........................................................ 14
4.2.3. Grounding Printer Cabinet ............................................................. 15
4.2.4. Replacing Fuse .................................................................................... 15
4.3. S o f t w a r e S e t t i n g s........................................................................................... 15
4.3.1. Changing Output Settings .................................................................... 15
4.3.2. Checking Out put Port Settings ............................................................ 16

5. Specifications ............................................................................ 17
5.1. Printer Specifications ......................................................................................... 17
5.2. Interface Specifications ...................................................................................... 17
5.3. Self–Diagnostic Test Function............................................................................ 17
5.4. Environmental Specifications ............................................................................ 17
5.5. Other Specifications............................................................................................ 17

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 PR-900 REF Manual

1. Introduction

The PR–900 is a serial thermal dot–matrix printer designed to directly plug into the
NT–2000 / DEBEG 2902 NAVTEX receiver, and prints out NAVTEX messages received
online or stored in memory.

Loaded with a roll of thermo–sensitive recording paper, 25m long and 112 mm wide,
the PR–900 prints up to 42 alphanumeric characters per line and in excess of 250,000
characters per roll. The same roll of paper that is fitted in the NT–900/ DEBEG 2900
printing–type receiver can be used. Non–alphabetical or two–byte NAVTEX characters
received on the second receiver frequency (490 kHz or 4209.5 kHz ) cannot be printed
correctly.

An audible and visual alarm indications are available to alert the user to paper runout,
incorrect paper installation and printer hardware trouble. A self–diagnostic test facility
is incorporated to check the printing function, alarm function and memory integrity.

The PR–900 is designed to operate from a nominal 24V dc power source with floating
ground. However, an efficient switch–mode type power supply is built in to allow the
unit to operate safely over a wide range of DC voltage from 11 to 40 volts continuously.

2. Control Panel Functions

The figure below shows the control panel of the PR–900. A summary of the functions
available from the keys and indicator lamps on the panel is described in the following
pages.
Figure 2-1 Control Panel

① ②

③ ④

⑤ ⑥

( continued on next page )

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2. Control Panel Functions (continued – 2 / 3 )

① Menu Key 
Pressing this key activates the menu mode of operation.
･ A first keypress prints the following menu option, readying the unit for the
self–diagnostic tests:

– SELF–DIAGNOSTIC TESTS –

To execute the function, press .

･ A second keypress prints the following option, readying the unit for resetting the
system.
– CLEAR MEMORY –

To execute the function, press .

If there is no further keystroke during an approximately 1–minute period after the
first or second keypress, the equipment will print the following message and then
exit the menu mode automatically.

■■■ FUNCTION TERMINATED ■■■

② Alarm Stop Key 

Pressing this key silences the audible alarm (repetitive short, quick beeps) that is
triggered by paper runout / incorrect loading or printer hardware trouble. The
alarm indicator ( ⑦ or ⑧ ), however, remains lit until the alarm condition is
cleared.

③ Enter Key 
This key is used to confirm the execution of the self–diagnostic tests or memory
clearing operation selected by pressing  .

④ Dimmer Key 
Repeated pressing of this key adjusts the keypad dimming level in a total of 4
steps including the extinguished state.

⑤ Line Feed Key 

Pressing this key feeds the recording paper by one line at a time. After a roll of
paper is installed or if there is a paper slack, press the key repeatedly until the
audible alarm is turned off and the paper alarm indicator ( ⑧ ) goes off.

( continued on next page )

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2. Control Panel Functions (continued – 3 / 3 )

⑥ Power Key 
This key turns the equipment on/off.

･ To turn it on, lightly press the key. The green ( LED) lamp at the upper left
corner on the keytop comes on, indicating that the equipment is turned on.

･ To turn it off, press and hold down the key for approximately 3 seconds. The
green indicator lamp will blink before the unit is completely switched off. This
delayed key actuation prevents an accidental equipment shutdown.

⑦ Printer Alarm Indicator ■ ALARM

This indicator lamp serves as a visual alarm for the printer, and comes on:

･ if the printing head on the printer fails to return to its home position ( extreme
right position) within a specified time period after completing a line, or

･ if the head is forced to stop due to a mechanical trouble.

< CAUTION >

The printer alarm will not be triggered if the paper feed is forced to
stop or if the paper gets jammed.

⑧ Paper Alarm Indicator ■ PAPER

This indicator lamp serves as a visual alarm for paper loading–related troubles,
and comes on:

･ if no paper roll is installed in the equipment, or

･ * if a paper roll is installed incorrectly, producing a slack in the feed path.

* This problem can be corrected by manually feeding the paper using .

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3. Operating Instructions

3.1. General

3.1.1. Printer Paper

Be sure to use the correct type of paper roll specified below.

TFK50KS–E2 , TP 4482 or equivalent (112 mmX25m/roll)

< WARNINGS >

1. INSTALLING A PAPER ROLL OTHER THAN THE SPECIFIED ONE MAY
CAUSE THE PAPER TO BE JAMMED, DAMAGING THE PRINT HEAD.

2. THE [PAPER] INDICATOR LAMP WILL NOT COME ON OR NO AUDIBLE

OR VISUAL ALARM WILL BE TRIGGERED IF THE PAPER FEED STOPS.
TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM, PRESS 
TO CHECK TO BE SURE
THAT THE PAPER FEEDS CORRECTLY EACH TIME A MENU OPTION IS
PRINTED. AFTER INSTALLING A ROLL OF PAPER OR WHENEVER THE
PAPER GETS JAMMED. CORRECT ANY PROBLEM BEFORE ALLOWING
THE OPERATION TO CONTINUE.

< CAUTION >

The appearance of a red line marking on the right edge of the paper
indicates that there is less than 1 meter of paper remaining.

3.1.2. Printer Paper Handling Precautions

The thermo-sensitive paper has a chemical coating on one side that reacts to the heat
of the print head to mark the paper. Because of this property, the following
precautions should be observed when storing or handling rolls of unused paper or
paper that has been printed:

(1) Do not place it near a direct heat source.

(2) Do not place it near chemical liquids such as alcohol or paint.
(3) Place it in an area where the ambient temperature is below 50ﾟC (122ﾟF ).
(4) Do not expose it to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Unused paper will
become gray; markings on paper will fade.
(5) Exercise care when using adhesive paste or tape containing organic compounds;
they will cause printed areas to fade.
(6) Use a ballpoint pen, pencil, fountain pen or stamp pad to write /mark on paper.
Chemical ink will cause printed letters to fade.
(7) If the equipment is operated with wet paper installed, the print head will tear it,
which will cause the printer to stop. If that happens, do not use  to remove
the paper; draw the paper out by hand.

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3.2. Loading Thermo–Sensitive Paper

An illuminated “ PAPER” indicator signifies that an end–of–paper condition has been
detected or a paper roll has been installed incorrectly. While the “PAPER” lamp is lit,
the equipment will not print messages. If the paper supply is low, replace the paper
via the procedure illustrated below.

< WARNINGS >

1. BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN LOADING PAPER INTO THE UNIT. THE PAPER
CUTTER IS SHARP AND COULD CAUSE INJURY IF YOU ARE CARELESS.
2. THE PAPER INDICATOR WILL NOT GLOW IF PAPER GETS JAMMED OR IS
FORCED TO STOP FOR ANY REASON.

(1) Pull out the remaining printing paper by hand.

(2) To open the paper compartment cover on the front panel, press down at the
location shown in the figure below, and pull the cover towards you.

Figure 3-1 Open the Paper Compartment Cover

(3) Remove the paper bobbin remaining in the case, and extract the paper roll
mandrel from the bobbin.

(4) Cut a point at the end of the new roll of paper with scissors to ease loading it into
the printer, as in the figure below.

(5) Slip the pointed end of the paper into the slot at the bottom of the printer until the
paper comes out in front of the printer. Make sure that the coated surface is facing
down.

( continued on next page )

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3.2. Loading Thermo–Sensitive Paper (continued – 2 / 3 )

(6) Insert the paper roll mandrel into the center of the paper roll.

(7) Load the roll into the paper holder, placing the ends of the mandrel into the
mandrel holders.

Figure 3-2 Loading a New Roll of Paper

(8) Feed out the paper by pressing .

(9) Check to be sure that the center of paper lines up with the center of the printer.
If not, pull out with both hands until the paper center shifts to the printer center.

(10) Feed the paper with  until the “ PAPER” indicator goes off.

NOTE: The “ PAPER” alarm caused by a low paper supply can only be reset by advancing
the paper using  .

( continued on next page )

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3.2. Loading Thermo–Sensitive Paper (continued – 3 / 3 )

(11) Reinstall the paper compartment cover to the front panel.

Figure 3-3 Roll of Paper Shown Installed

PAPER COMPARTMENT COVER

This completes the paper loading procedure.

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3.3. Manual Paper Advance

3.3.1. General

Each time the  key is depressed, the print head moves over the paper without
printing and the paper advances one line. After installing a new roll of paper, or
whenever a paper feed problem is experienced, press the key to check if the paper
advances correctly. Correct any problem.

3.3.2. User Level Trouble–Shooting

Paper alarm does not reset after print head stoppage caused by paper jam.

(1) Wet or crumpled portion of paper obstructs print head movement.

(2) Paper alarm illuminates when sufficient paper remains on roll. Turn power off and
remove any paper jam that blocks print head.

At power–up, print head does not return to home position, and paper alarm is on again.
YES

When power is off, print head can be easily NO

moved with pencil. ]→ Replace printer assembly.
YES

Motor drive voltage pulses of approx. 5V NO

are fed to 4 terminals of printer motor. ]→ Replace power supply unit.
YES
OK
Try replacing microprocessor board. ]→ Replace microprocessor board.

Replace power supply board.

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3.4. Removing Printed Paper

First, pull out the printed paper until there is at least a 3 cm (1 inch) margin between
the end of the message and the paper cutter (cutting edge). Then, hold the paper at
an angle as shown in the above figure, and pull the paper upward at a steady, moderate
speed. Pulling too fast or too slow may cause an uneven cut line.

Figure 3-4 Removing Printed Paper

Figure 3-5 Removing Printed Paper

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3.5. Self-Diagnostic Tests

A self–diagnostic function is built in to check the hardware and software integrity of

the equipment. In the event a malfunction is suspected, execute the steps below to
determine whether the unit has become defective.

NOTE: The printer assembly is a consumable component, and should be replaced whenever
the printer has started printing partially illegible characters due to missing dots.

① Press  once to invoke the test function. The following menu option should be
printed:
– SELF–DIAGNOSTIC TESTS –

② Press  to execute the function.

NOTE: The above keypress must be done within 1 minute after the printout, or the
execution of the tests will be cancelled with the following message:

■■■ FUNCTION TERMINATED ■■■

③ The results of the tests will be printed as in the example below.

SELF–DIAGNOSTICS REPORT

(1) MEMORY TEST OK

(2) PRINTER TEST

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ1234567890, . ; : /

(3) TESTING PANEL LAMPS

(4) TESTING ALARM LAMP

The following hardware parts will be tested:

(1) Memory ( checking RAM and ROM)
If the result is “ FAIL ,” contact your dealer for assistance.
(2) Printing function and print head ( printing all alphanumerical characters used)
Examine the alphanumerical characters printed and check for the following:
･ The movement of the print head is normal (i.e. not too slow).
･ If one of the thermal elements on the print head is defective, its dot line will not
be printed.
･ If thermal elements are worn, printing will fade.
･ If the printer paper is too humid, or the thermal elements have become worn,
printing will be poor.

(3) Power lamp indicator ( checking whether the lamp blinks)

(4) Alarm lamp ( checking whether the lamp blinks and audible trigger is triggered)

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3.6. Resetting the S yste m

In the event the PR–900 does not function properly despite the correct connections to,
or correct menu settings on, the NAVTEX receiver, reset the printer via the following
steps:

① Press  twice to invoke the test function. The following menu option should
be printed:
– CLEAR MEMORY –

② Press  to execute the function.

NOTE: The above keypress must be done within 1 minute after the option’s printout, or
the execution of the tests will be cancelled with the following message:

■■■ FUNCTION TERMINATED ■■■

③ The following message should then be printed to indicate the completion of the
resetting procedure.

– ALL DATA HAVE BEEN CLEARED. –

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4. Installation

4.1. Printer Cabinet

The cabinet can be mounted on a tabletop, bulkhead or under a shelf using the bracket
supplied. The cabinet is not waterproof. Avoid sites where it is likely to be exposed to
water splash. Areas where the paper will be exposed to direct sunlight should also be
avoided. If the standard inter–unit interface cable (printer cable), supplied with the
equipment, is to be used to connect to the NT–2000/DEBEG 2902, the proposed site for
installation must be within 3 meters ( = cable length) from the NAVTEX receiver.

To facilitate connecting / disconnecting the cables to / from the cabinet, allow at least 12
centimeters of clearance behind the rear panel before deciding on the installation site.

Figure 4-1 Printer Cabinet Dimensions

Dimensions in millimeters.

Compass Safe Distances ( i n energized condition, with bracket attached ):

･ Standard Compass : 2 m
･ Steering Compass : 1.5m

Weight : approx. 4 kg with a standard roll of paper installed.

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4.2. Connections

4.2.1. Connecting Pow er Suppl y

The equipment is designed to operate on 24 volts d–c ( nominal); it can safely operate
over a 11–to–40 VDC range. Connections to the ship’s power supply are to be made
using the 3–meter 2–conductor shielded cable supplied. The cable is terminated in a
3–prong plug at one end, which mates with the “ POWER” receptacle on the rear panel.

The plug’s pin assignments and conductor color code are listed below.

Plug Pin # Conductor Color Connection

1 White Power ＋ ( 24 VDC)

2 Black Power －
3 Shield ( braid) Ground

The cabinet should always be grounded for safety and EMC compliance purposes.
Connect the rear panel “GND” terminal to the ship’s nearest earth ground, using as
thick and short a wire as possible.

Figure 4-2 Power Supply Receptacle ( Front View)

Pin # 1 ( * 1 24V+) Pin # 3 ( Ground )

Pin # 2 ( – )
・ Mating Female Type Plug: FM14–3P

*1: The equipment will operate safely over 11–40 VDC range.

< CAUTIONS >

1. The DC power cable specified for the F–2000 and F–3000 series Navigation
Sounder cannot be plugged into the above receptacle.

2. Reversing the power cable polarity (black and white connections) causes the
fuse to blow.

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4.2.2. Connecting NAVTEX Receiver

If the standard inter–unit interface cable ( 3m long) is available, connections to the NT–
2000 / DEBEG 2902 NAVTEX receiver can be accomplished by simply plugging the cable
into the RS–232C receptacle. If your installation requires a longer cable, use a suitable
length of two–conductor shielded cable, terminated in a DSUB–9 plug at one end and
an FM214–8P plug at the other end, as illustrated below.

Figure 4-3 Connections Between PR–900 and NT–2000 /DEBEG 2902

3m (standard)

Figure 4-4 I /O Interface Receptacle (Front View)

Pin #3 ( data out +) Pin #2 ( ground)

Pin #4 ( NC) Pin # 1 ( data in +)

Pin #5 ( NC)
Pin #7 ( NC)
Pin #6 ( NC)
Pin #8 ( NC)

NC = No internal connection

・ Mating Female Type Plug: FM214–8P

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4.2.3. Grounding Printer Cabinet

Figure 4-5 Ground Terminal
The printer cabinet can be grounded to the vessel’s earth
ground without grounding the negative line of the ship’s
power source. In an installation where it is required, or
desirable, to ground the cabinet for safety reasons or
*1EMC compliance purposes, connect from this terminal
to an appropriate earth ground in the vessel using a thick
wire. The ground wire should be as short as possible to
reduce the chance of picking up interference from other
onboard electronics.
*1EMC = electromagnetic compatibility

4.2.4. Replacing Fuse

Figure 4-6 Fuse Holder
A 2–ampere (2A) cartridge fuse ( 5.2X20 mm, slow–blow
type) is inserted in the holder on the rear panel.

Reversing the power cable polarity causes the fuse

to blow the instant the cable is connected to the
ship’s power supply.

< WARNING >

AN INCORRECTLY RATED FUSE OR INCORRECT TYPE FUSE WILL BLOW
AT POWER–UP OR WILL NOT PROTECT THE PRINTER IN THE REMOTE
EVENT OF A TROUBLE OVERLOADING ITS POWER SUPPLY.

4.3. S o ftw a r e S e t t i n g s

No user settings are required on the PR–900. In order to print live ( currently
receiving) messages, however, it is necessary to change one initial setting on the
NAVTEX receiver via the procedure given in paragraph 4.10.2 (Outputting Live
NAVTEX Messages ) of the manual for the receiver. It is also recommended that the
output port settings be checked to confirm whether they are appropriate for printing
operation before bringing the printer into service.

4.3.1. Changing Output Settings

(1) Press  to open the SYSTEM MENU.

(2) Highlight menu option “ 6:SELECT OUTPUT MESSAGES,” and press .
(3) Highlight menu option “ 1:RECEIVING MESSAGES,” and press .
(4) Change the setting ( initially iO F F i) to iO N i . Do not press  , unless you wish to
print second receiver messages.

(5) Press  to return to the SYSTEM MENU.

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(6) Proceed to the next paragraph to confirm the other required settings.
4.3.2. Checking Output Port Settings

It is assumed that the SYSTEM MENU is still showing on the NAVTEX screen.

Check the RS–232C port settings via the following steps.

(1) Highlight menu option “ 7:SET OUTPUT PORT,” and press .

(2) Highlight menu option “ 1:SET PORTS ON/OFF,” and press  .

(3) Check to be sure that option “1:RS–232C” is set to iO N i.

Correct the setting if it is set to iO F F i.

(4) Return to the previous menu by pressing .

(5) Highlight menu option “ 3:SET BIT FORMAT & RATE,” and press .
(6) Highlight menu option “ 1:RS–232C,” and press .
(7) Check to be sure that the current settings are as follows:

1: DATA BIT: I8I

2: STOP BIT: I1I
3: PARITY: INONEI
4: BIT RATE: I0.11I

Settings other than the above should be corrected.

(8) Press  to close all menus, returning to the message display.

Detailed instructions are described in paragraph 4.11 ( Setting Output Ports) of the
manual for the receiver.

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5. Specifications
5.1. Printer Specifications
Printer Type: Thermal moving head, EPT–1025LW4
Maximum No. of Printable Characters: *1 42 characters/line
Character Font Size: 7×5 dot–matrix, 2.4mm (H), 1.4mm(W)
Printing Speed: Approximately 0.7 lines/second
Recording Paper: Thermo–sensitive, 112 mm×25 m /roll
TF50KS–E2, TP 4482 or equivalent
More than 250,000 characters printable / roll
*1: When connected to the NT–2000 / DEBEG 2902, the printer prints up to 40 characters /
line to match the message text display format.

5 .2. Interface Specifications

Input Interface: RS–232C
Control Protocol: None ( asynchronous ASCII )
Baud Rate: 110
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None

5 .3. Self–Diagnostic Test Function

CPU Board: Memory integrity ( RAM and ROM)
Printer: Test printing of all embedded characters
Other Tests: Indicator lamp test and audible alarm test

5 .4. Environmental Specifications

Product Category: Protected equipment under IEC 60945 ( 2002)
Ambient Temperature Range: –15 to 55 C /operating, *295% RH
ﾟ
–25 to 70 C /storage
Vibration:
ﾟ
IEC 60945 ( 2002)
EMC Compliance: IEC 60945 ( 2002)
Compass Safe Distances: *32m ( standard ), *31.5m ( steering)

*2: Humidity at 40 C
ﾟ
*3: Energized condition with mounting bracket attached

5 .5. Other Specifications

Power Requirements: *424 VDC ( nominal), floating ground
150 mA / idling, 500 mA max./ printing at 24V
Weight: Approx. 3.0 kg with mounting bracket attached
Approx. 170g ( standard roll of 25m paper)

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*4 : The printer operates safely over 11–40 VDC range.

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