Onwers manual alps printer - Alps MD 1300 Thermal Printer

Try this site:

http://www.systems-consulting.com/alps.htm

I don't have an Alps printer, nor have I ever used one, but have you checked the ink to make sure that the colour hasn't run out?

Also, check your word processing program to make sure that the settings aren't set to print in grey only. Every word processing program allows you to change that, and to set the defaults to either grey or colour.

If none of those things work, check your Alps manual. You may have to change the default by hand on the printer.

If you haven't used your printer, especially some tubes of ink for some time, they could be clogged and you might have to run some test files to unclog them. Your printer manual should also tell you how to do that.

The 1300 prints spot colors the same way as the other ALPS printers. To print spot colors, create a mask or layer using only black with your artwork. Select the spot color you want and the black areas on the mask will be printed in the spot color. Make sure that you check the overlay box so the printer retains the printer. You also need to make sure you are using the ALPS printer driver supplied with the printer and NOT the default Windows plug and play driver.

It sounds like the print head is failing.

Go to the ALPS Yahoo Group. They have an extensive file section with drivers. Windows will use the default plug and play driver for the printer. The MS version is very limited. You should rename the MS driver to something else like "MS Alps Driver" and then install the ALPS driver you find at the Yahoo Group. These will give you full functionality.

good luck

Joint the ALPS Yahoo Group. They have manuals their. You can buy a used manual on ebay too.

www.opendrivers.com/driver/.../alps-printer-md-2300-driver-6.40-win98-95-me-free-download.html

www.updrivers.com/drivers/.../Alps/MD_2300.../16562.html

www.howtodrivers.com/model34028.html

It sounds like the head has been damaged. Unfortunately, there is no fix for this, as Alps stopped production of these printers years ago, and now do not offer repairs for these printers.

If you still want a dye-sub capable Alps printer, the only model available is the MD-5500, which you can find here: http://www.alps-supplies.com

It sounds like the head has been damaged. Unfortunately, there is no fix for this, as Alps stopped production of these printers years ago, and now do not offer repairs for these printers.

If you still want a dye-sub capable Alps printer, the only model available is the MD-5500, which you can find here: http://www.alps-supplies.com

Several things about these printers.......

1. Do NOT use the MS XP driver for these - it has limited functionality. Download the Alps driver, which you can find in the files section at the Alps YahooGroup (http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Alps/files/)
2. The printer requires bi-directional comms in order to feed back the printer status to the computer. While this is not an absolute requirement, it means that without bi-dir comms, the error light will flash, and you won't know what the problem is.
3. The driver is hardcoded to only communicate bi-directionaly with Alps virtual LPT ports - run this with a non-Alps cable (And all of the cables on FleaBay are non-Alps), and you will not be able to monitor the printer status.

Now, how to install.....

1. Plug in the USB cable to the computer (But not the printer), and let it install. Reboot if required (Unlikely)
2. Install the Alps driver you downloaded fron the Alps YahooGroup. Reboot if required. If you now look at Printers in Control Panel, you will see a nice Alps printer there, waiting to be used. Make a note of what it named.
3. Plug in the printer and turn it on. XP will now tell you it has found new hardware, and install the MS driver. Reboot if required
4. Go back to Printers in Control Panel. You will now see you have TWO Alps printers! The MS driver will be called something like "Alps MD-1000 (MS)". Rename (DON'T delete!) this driver to something like "Alps MD-1000 (DO NOT USE)". If you delete it, it will come back to haunt you every time you switch on the printer, and screw up your settings.
5. Open the properties page of the driver you made a note of in step 2 (Control Panel -> Printers and Faxes -> right click on printer, and select "Properties"), and click on the "Ports" tab.
6. Check the checkbox next to the port created for your USB-// cable, and uncheck the other box that will be checked.
7. Uncheck "Enable bidirectional support"
8. Click on the "Advanced" tab
9. Select the "Print directly to the printer" radio button
10. Click on the "Print Processor" button
11. Select ALMD224S as the Print processor and select RAW(FF AUTO) as the Default data type
12. Click Apply.