SAILOR H1252B/TT-3608A TT-1252B THRANE & THRANE 8012520006 PRINTER 12:42

• SAILOR PRINTER
• TYPE: H1252B/TT-3608A
• THRANE & THRANE A/S, DENMARK
• S/N: 06849220
• CODE: 8012520006
• 0575-06
• MICROLINE 280 ELITE
• MODEL NO: D22300B
• OKI DATA CORPORATION
• SER NO: 65E04052062K
• LOT NO: AE62059183AO
• SUPPLY: 10.8-32 VDC
• 9-0-27804

Product Description: SAILOR H1252BTT-3608A / TT-1252B Thermal Printer

The SAILOR H1252BTT-3608A, also known as the TT-1252B, is a robust and reliable thermal printer manufactured by Thrane & Thrane (now part of Cobham SATCOM). It was a core component of the renowned SAILOR satellite communication systems, primarily used for printing telex and data messages received via the Immarsat-B standard.

This device is a classic example of professional marine-grade hardware, built to withstand the harsh environmental conditions encountered at sea.

Key Features:

• Thermal Printing Technology: Utilizes a direct thermal printing mechanism, meaning it requires no ink, toner, or ribbons. This eliminates consumables, reduces maintenance, and ensures reliable, smudge-free printing.

• Marine-Grade Durability: Built to meet rigorous maritime standards, it is designed to resist corrosion, salt mist, and vibration commonly found in a shipboard environment.

• Integrated Paper Cutter: Features an automatic or manual paper cutter, allowing for neat and clean separation of messages, which is essential for record-keeping and official communications.

• Standard Interface: Connects via a standard parallel or serial interface (typically a Centronics-type parallel port), ensuring straightforward integration with the host SAILOR terminal equipment.

• Compact and Purpose-Built: Designed with a compact form factor to fit neatly into the radio console or communication station on a vessel’s bridge.

• Clear Status Indicators: Equipped with LED indicators to display power, error, and paper-out conditions, allowing for quick status checks by the operator.

Primary Function and Usage:

The primary role of this printer was to provide a hard copy record of maritime communications. This included:

• Telex Messages: The standard for official business and distress communication in the Immarsat-B era.

• Data Reports: Such as weather charts, navigational data, and system logs.

• Distress & Safety Traffic: Printing out crucial information during SafetyNET broadcasts and other GMDSS-related traffic.

Technical Specifications (Representative):

• Manufacturer: Thrane & Thrane

• Part Number: 8012520006

• Model: SAILOR H1252BTT-3608A / TT-1252B

• Print Method: Direct Thermal

• Paper Width: Typically 216 mm (8.5 inches – A4 width roll)

• Interface: Parallel Port (Centronics)

• Power Supply: Designed to be powered by the main SAILOR terminal unit (e.g., SAILOR H1252B Terminal).

Important Note on Modern Context:

• Legacy Product: The SAILOR TT-1252B is a legacy product. The Immarsat-B service, for which it was primarily designed, was officially discontinued in December 2020.

• Current Use: Its use today is very limited. It may still be found on some older vessels that have not yet upgraded their communication systems, but it is no longer supported for modern satellite services like FleetBroadband or VSAT.

• Replacement: Modern vessels use all-in-one terminals with data connectivity, sending messages to standard office printers or directly to email, eliminating the need for dedicated, hardware-specific telex printers.