ALPS MD-5000 / MD-5500 Printers
These models handle 7 inks at once (8 slots) and the MD-5500, which was only sold in Japan and is the last of the ALPS line, has native support for USB. The MD-5500 also supports a new colour, Base White (Opaque White, code MDC-OPWH), which other models can handle with requisite cassette re-labeling (see References at bottom of page for detailed printer specifications). Furthermore, the MD-5500 has a rubber debris remover in front of the print head, to reduce the likelihood of head damage.
With the addition of a dye-sublimation key, the MD-5000 (or MD-5000i) is turned into a MD-5000P, and the MD-5500 into a MD-5500P. A separate driver is also required to be installed to support dye-sublimation printing.
The MD-5000i is a pretty iMac-like model, with translucent cover (available in different shades red, blue, green, purple, and yellow), otherwise identical to the MD-5000.
These models are the top of the line, also the most expensive.
Note that for most common operations such as decal printing, the simpler MD-1xxx or MD-2xxx models are more than sufficient, and much cheaper.
Price
- MD-5000: ~95000 JPY (includes tray/stand)
- MD-5000i: ~95000 JPY (includes tray/stand)
- MD-5500: ~150000 JPY
Stock
- MD-5000: 1 in stock
- MD-5000i: out of stock
- MD-5500: out of stock
Purchasing
Shipping
At cost from Japan (see contact, payment, shipping details)
Accessories
- Cables: none, but can be added at nominal price
- Dye-sublimation key: none, but can be added nominal cost
- 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 v2.3.2 driver is required for the MD-5500, but v2.2.4 and v2.2.2 drivers work well for the MD-5000 and MD-5000i models.
- Windows v2.3.2 driver works (with some trouble depending on operating system and service pack) for all models, not only the MD-5500. The driver was hacked from the Japanese by myself, with lots of 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 for the MD-5000 models.
Optional extras
- SCSI adapters. These replace the parallel port with a SCSI port for use on Macintosh systems.
- Dye-sublimation key 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-5000 Models
More advanced model than the MD-1xxx models, with 8 cassette
slots.
Otherwise similar, also with parallel
port.
Optional SCSI port adapter.
Metallic, foil, and
spot white supported, as well as dye-sublimation (with special
dye-sublimation key and separate driver).
1.1 ALPS MD-5000 (Serial "JZ8B0288H")
- Dark Grey case
- 100 V model
- Parallel connector, SCSI connector (when adapter fitted)
- S/N: JZ8B0288H
Printer Condition
Refurbished at Elephant's Rocket, perfect working condition.
Printhead and Test Page
- Head Condition: perfect condition
- Self-Test: 7-page self-test (all print patterns perfect; note test carried out with a used cassette).
- Band Count: 41332
Photos
Click on thumbnails for enlarged photos. Or visit the photo page for full-size views.
2. MD-5000i Models
Same as MD-5000, with an iMac-like coloured
casing.
Optional SCSI port adapter.
ALPS MD-5000i
- Beige case
- 100 V model
- Parallel connector, SCSI connector (when adapter fitted)
- S/N: (TODO)
Printer Condition
Perfect working condition, no cracks or other physical damage. Cleaned platen.
Printhead and Test Page
- Head Condition: perfect condition
- Self-Test: 1-page self-test (all print patterns perfect)
- Band Count: (TODO)
3. MD-5500 Models
Last and most advanced model sold by ALPS, based on the
MD-5000.
Also with 8 cassette slots.
Only model to use
USB connector instead of parallel port.
Optional SCSI port
adapter.
Natively supports Opaque (base) white ink.
This
model has a rubber debris protector in front of the print head
to reduce the chance of print head damage.
For operation with
Microsoft Windows, requires the v.2.3.2 driver
(see driver page for
further information.
3.1 ALPS MD-5500 (Serial "18C0019H")
- Beige case
- 100 V model
- Parallel connector, SCSI connector (when adapter fitted)
- S/N: 18C0019H
Printer Condition
Refurbished at Elephant's Rocket, perfect working condition.
Printhead and Test Page
- Head Condition: perfect condition
- Self-Test: 7-page self-test (all print patterns perfect; note test carried out with a used cassette).
- Band Count: 0x2E05835B (Note the hexadecimal representation. The MD-5500 band count does not represent same band count as previous printers.)
Photos
Click on thumbnails for enlarged photos. Or visit the photo page for full-size views.
References
Useful sources for further information on printer models, specifications, capabilities, inks and other consumables: