ALPS MD-2000 / MD-2010 / MD-2300 / MD-4000 Printers

These models have a very robust chassis and are not as prone to breakage as the later MD-1xxx and MD-5xxx models. They handle CMYK and can do white, metallic, and other colours with requisite cassette re-labeling as needed (see References at bottom of page for detailed printer specifications).

These models are definitely recommended for users worried about robustness.

Interestingly, they have far more LEDs for status and error warning than later models. There are LEDs for individual cassette check, media type, and media selection button, so there are definite advantages for users who can use parallel cables or SCSI converters without bi-directional support but still obtain information about the cassette state.

The "S" suffix models (MD-2000S, MD-2010S, MD-2300S, MD-4000S) indicate SCSI interface, and are intended for Macintosh, but they will work fine on linux too, using the linux ALPS driver (which is the same for all the ALPS printers and supports spot color printing).

The driver required is v6.43 (Japanese users can use v6.46 but this is not available in English) for MacOS7, MacOS8, MacOS9.

There is no Windows SCSI driver, and I have not found any information on using SCSI-to-USB adapter cables with the ALPS.

However, it is possible, using SheepShearer or Basilisk, to install PowerPC MacOSX 7, 8, 9 on a Windows or linux machine with a SCSI card, and thereby install the v6.43 (or v6.46) driver and use it from inside the PowerPC virtual machine.

Price

MD-2000: ~28000 JPY
MD-2010: ~28000 JPY
MD-2300: ~28000 JPY
MD-4000: ~38000 JPY

Stock

Currently available ALPS MD printers of the following models (SCSI port "S", parallel-port "J" models):

MD-2000: out of stock
MD-2010: out of stock
MD-2300: out of stock
MD-4000: out of stock

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Purchasing

Shipping

At cost from Japan (see contact, payment, shipping details)

Accessories

Cables: none, but can be added at nominal price
Ink cassettes: none, but 1 set of partially-used CMYK cassettes can be added at nominal price, or new cassettes ordered with purchase.

See Inks and Accessories pages for more details and related products.

Driver Information

Free ALPS drivers are available for all models. Note that these are the official ALPS drivers to give access to the full functionality of these unique printers, not the generic Microsoft printers under Windows which seem to be installed by default on Microsoft systems.

To get the free drivers:

Download from the Groups.io ALPS group Files section (see References).
Windows v2.2.2 or v2.2.4 drivers work well for these models (English versions).
Windows v2.3.2 driver also works (with some trouble depending on operating system and service pack). This was hacked from the Japanese by myself, with much help from the old Yahoo ALPS group (now Groups.io ALPS group) members Peteski and the late Terry Yamada.
For Macintosh systems (SCSI interface), the v6.43 drivers are the latest English ones, earlier ones too will work fine.

Optional extras

SCSI Cables as required at cost from Japan.
Extra inks at cost from Japan.
Decal paper at cost from Japan.

See Accessories page for more details and related products.

1. MD-2000 Models

Earliest ALPS printer model on the market. They do not have a checkbox to use overlay mode in the official drivers, therefore cannot re-feed the paper after printing a single completed artwork.

However, we have released a 64-bit Windows utility for ALPS printers, which can print multiple images at once, thus making it possible to use these under-appreciated models in overlay manner also.

1.1 ALPS MD-2000J (Serial "0000C512")

Beige case
100 V model
Parallel connector
S/N: 0000C512

Printer Condition

Perfect working condition, no cracks or other physical damage. Cleaned inside, including platen.

Printhead and Test Page

Head Condition: perfect condition
Self-Test: 1-page self-test (all print patterns perfect; note test carried out with used cassette)
Band Count: unknown (MD-2xxx models do not output this information on the self-test page)

Photos

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