Argox X-2000V, X-2300ZE, X-2000V Zip, X-2300E, X-3200 User Manual

I

Argox website: http://www.argox.com

X-1000VL

X-2000V / X-2000V Zip

X-2300E / X-2300ZE

X-3200 / X-3200Z

X-3200E / X-3200ZE

Xellent Series Industrial Barcode Printer

User‟s Manual

II

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started 5

Unpacking 5
Connecting the Power Cord 8
Internal Parts and Features 10
Loading Ribbon 13
Switching Ribbon Wound Ink-side out or Ink-side in 17
Loading Media 19

Standard Mode Loading Media 19
Peel Off Mode Loading Media 23
Cutter Mode Loading Media 27

Adjust Position of Label Sensor 30

2. Printer Operation 31

Front Panel 31

LED Indicators 32
Buttons 33
LCD Display 34
Setting Display Language 36

Changing Settings from the Panel 37
Media Calibration 45
Printing a Configuration Report 46
Resetting to Factory Default Settings 50

3. Computer Connections 51

USB Interface Requirements 51
Centronics Parallel Port 51
Serial (RS-232) Port 52
Ethernet 10/100 Internal Printer Server Option 53
Ethernet Module Status Indicators 53
Communicating with the Printer 55
Installing a Plug and Play printer driver (for USB only) 55

III

Installing a Printer Driver (for other interfaces except USB)
61

4. Troubleshooting 68

LED and LCD Diagnosis 68
Media Problems 68
Ribbon Problems 69
Other Problems 69
Printer Status 70
Transmission Problems 71
Recovery 71
Printer Maintenance 72
Cleaning the Print Head 73

Cleaning Interval 73
Cleaning Material 73
Cleaning Direction 74

Cleaning the Roller 74
Cleaning the Media Compartment 74

5. Advanced Installation and Adjustment 75

Print Head Pressure 75
Print Head Print Line Position 78
Ribbon Tension Adjustment 81
Printing Wrinkle 83
Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Installation 86
Rotary Cutter with Paper Jam 89
Guillotine Cutter with Paper Jam 90
Dispenser Installation 91
RTC Battery Replacement 94
Stand-alone with Keyboard 95
Form Control Functions 96

Example: Making a Keyboard Form 97

Stand-alone with Barcode Reader 101

IV

Example: Making a Barcode Reader Form 102

6. Technical Reference 105

General Specifications 105

Printer Programming Language A, PPLA 109

Printer Programming Language B, PPLB 110

Printer Programming Language Z, PPLZ 112
Interface Specifications 114

USB 114

PS/2 114

Serial Interface 115

Connection with Host: 116

Parallel (Centronics) 118

Ethernet Interface 119
Auto Polling 119
ASCII TABLE 120

5

1. Getting Started

Congratulations on choosing the Argox Xellent Series (X-Series)
industrial barcode printer. This user‟s manual describing the
Xellent Series printer models, will help you get to know your new
printer. The manual includes a guide to operate the printer as well
as related information on troubleshooting, maintenance, and
technical reference. Illustrations are provided to help you quickly
become familiar with the printer.

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of Argox Information
Co., Ltd. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties
operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such
proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed
to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed
written permission of Argox Information Co., Ltd.

CAUTION:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.

Unpacking

After receiving your printer, please check for possible shipping

damage:

1. Inspect the outside of both the box and the printer for

6

possible damage.

2. Open the top cover of the printer to see if the media
compartments are in order.

Note: If damage has occurred, contact your shipping company

immediately to file a claim.

3. Check whether you have received the following
accessories together with the printer. If there are any
items missing, please contact your local dealer.

7

Package Contents

 Printer

 Power Cord

 Quick Guide

 Core for Ribbon

CD Rom (including

software and user‟s

manuals)

 USB Cable

1” ID Core for

Ribbon

Power Cord

Printer

CD ROM

Quick
Guide

USB Cable

8

Connecting the Power Cord

Before setting up and connecting the printer you should consider
the following.

WARNING! Do not operate the printer in an area where it might

get wet.

 Find a solid flat surface with adequate room for the printer

and enough space above for media and ribbon access.

 Place the printer within cable distance of the host and

printer (serial or parallel cable.)

 Isolate the power cord from other electrical cables.

9

Connect the power cord as below.

10

Internal Parts and Features

Ribbon Pick-up Spindle

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Media Supply Spindle

Bracket

Thermal Print Head

Feed Slot

11

Standard Mode

Head Latch

Paper Sensor Guide

Paper Roller

Thermal Print Head

12

Peel Off Mode

Cutter Mode

13

Loading Ribbon

Note: Thermal Transfer printing requires media to print with

appropriate ribbon. This section can be referred to, for X-Series
to use transfer thermal printing. The sample steps below are
based on ribbon wound ink-side in as an example.(X series

printers use ribbon wound ink-side in as default. To change
setting to ribbon would ink-side out, refer to Section - Switching
Ribbon Wound Ink-side out or Ink-side in)

1. Lift the top cover and front access door to expose the
media compartment. (Figure 1)

2. Turn the head latch counter-clockwise and open the
bracket. (Figure 2)

1

14

3. Unwrap the ribbon and separate the ribbon roll from the
bare core. Insert the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply
spindle. (Figure 3)

2

Head
Latch

3

Ribbon Supply

Spindle

15

4. Lead the ribbon through the print head module. (Figure 4)

5. Attach the edge of the ribbon onto the bare core and wind
it a bit onto the core. Make sure the coating side of the
ribbon is face down.

Bare Core

Print
Head
Module

4

16

6. Insert the core onto the ribbon pick-up spindle. (Figure 5)

7. Turn the pick-up spindle to ensure the ribbon is tightly
wound.

Ribbon
Pick-up
Spindle

5

Ribbon
Pick-up
Spindle

17

Switching Ribbon Wound Ink-side in or Ink-side out

The printer is produced to suit flexible applications, no matter with
ribbon wound ink-side in (manufacturing default), or with ribbon
wound ink-side out. The steps to switch for ribbon wound ink-side
out are listed as follows:

1. Pull and move the SHAFT RIBBON ADJ to “Outside”:

18

2. After the adjustment above, ribbon wound ink-side out can be
used. Then install the ribbon:

3. If ribbon wound ink-side in is in use, pull and move the
SHAFT RIBBON ADJ to “Inside”. Then install the ribbon:

19

Loading Media

The X-Series printers offer three different loading modes:
standard, peel-off, or with a cutter.

 Standard mode allows you to collect each label freely.
 Peel-off mode peels backing material away from the label

as it prints. After the label is removed, the next label prints.

 Cutter mode automatically cuts the label after it prints.

Standard Mode Loading Media

1. Insert the media roll into the media supply spindle and
move the media guide to the inside. (Figure 1)

1

Media
Guide

Media Supply
Spindle

20

2. Turn the head latch counter-clockwise and open the
bracket. Remove the outside media guide. (Figure 2)

3. Lead the media through the print head module and under
the paper sensor guide. (Figure 3)

Head
Latch

Outside
Media
Guide

2

21

4. Return the outside media guide, close the bracket, and
hook the head latch. (Figure 4)

4

Head
Latch

Outside Media Guide

3

Print Head
Module

Paper Sensor
Guide

Paper Sensor
Position Lever

22

5. Close the top cover and the front access door and turn

on the printer, or press the “FEED” button if the printer is

already on. (Figure 5)

5

23

Peel Off Mode Loading Media

Follow steps 1 to 3 in “Standard Mode Loading Media” above.

1. From the leading end of the media roll remove enough
labels to expose 6-inches of backing paper. (Figure 1)

Backing Paper

1

24

2. Lead the media backing paper through the print head
module. (Figure 2)

3. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever and
lead the media under the peeler module. (Figure 3)

3

Dispenser Module

Peel Lever

2

Print Head
Module

25

4. Close the peeler module using the peel-off mechanism
release lever. (Figure 4)

5. Close the top access door and turn on the printer or
press the FEED button if the printer is already on.
(Figure 5)

5

4

Peel Lever

Dispenser Module

26

Notes:

1. The FEED button does not make the printer peel. To
enable Peeling function, set by the LCD panel.

2. Make sure the peeler sensor is out of the ribbon path
when installed.

27

Cutter Mode Loading Media

Follow steps 1 to 3 in “Standard Mode Loading Media” above.

1. Insert the media into the print head module and under the
paper sensor guide. (Figure 1)

Paper Sensor Guide

Print Head Module

1

28

2. Return the outside media guide, close the bracket, and
hook the head latch. (Figure 2)

2

Outside Media
Guide

Head
Latch

29

3. Close the top access door and turn on the printer or press
the FEED button if the printer is already on. The printer will
then feed the labels through the cutter automatically.
(Figure 3)

Note: The FEED button does not make the printer cut. To

enable Cutter function, set by the LCD panel

3

Cutter

30

Adjust Position of Label Sensor

Function of the label sensor is to detect the gap, notch, or holes of
labels, to help the printer for accurate print positions and label
length. For labels with gaps, label sensor can be positioned
wherever media locates. If labels with notches or holes are in use,
follow the steps below to check position of the label sensor:

- Unlatch the Print head Latch. (as Figure 2 in Section –
Standard Mode Loading Media)

- Pull down Paper Sensor Position Lever (as Figure 3 in
Section – Standard Mode Loading Media), to horizontally
adjust position of label sensor.

- Make sure the Media sensor position mark locates right on
notch or hole of labels.
Check below.

31

2. Printer Operation

The illustrations below describe parts and features of X-Series.

Front Panel

Top Access Door
Front Access Door

X-1000VL

LEDs and
Buttons

LCD Display

X-2000V
X-2000V Zip
X-2300E
X-2300ZE
X-3200
X-3200Z
X-3200E
X-3200ZE

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The front panel includes:

 3 LED indicators (READY, MEDIA and RIBBON)
 3 buttons (FEED, PAUSE and CANCEL)
 LCD display (except X-1000VL)
 Top Access Door
 Front Access Door

LED Indicators

There are three LED indicators on the front panel - READY,
MEDIA and RIBBON. These indicators display operation status of
the printer.

READY

On – Normal operation
Off – Error conditions including ribbon out, media

out, print tasks cancelled, printing errors, printer
paused, printer receiving data

MEDIA

On – Normal operation
Blinking – Media is used out; install new media.

Print head overheat (LCD will indicate “Print Head

Heat”; printer will resume printing automatically

later.)

RIBBON

On – thermal transfer mode with ribbon installed.
Off – direct thermal mode with no ribbon installed.
Blinking – Ribbon is used out; install new ribbon.

For the X-2000V / X-2000V Zip / X-2300E /
X-2300ZE / X-3200 / X-3200Z / X-3200E /
X-3200ZE models, modes of thermal transfer and

33

direct thermal can be set via the printer panel.
For the X-1000VL model, set via Printer Utility,
Windows driver or printer commands.

Buttons

There are three buttons, each with two basic functions.

Button

Function 1

(Press the button)

Function 2

(Press the button and
power switch together)

FEED

Feed a label

Perform self test & print
configuration report

PAUSE

 Pause printing
 Press again to resume

printing

Perform a media
calibration

CANCEL

 Interrupt and delete a print

task

 Force printer to continue

after an error is solved.

Reset FLASH settings

34

LCD Display

The X-2000V / X-2000V Zip / X-2300E / X-2300ZE / X-3200 /
X-3200Z / X-3200E / X-3200ZE models have a LCD that shows:

 printer status
 printer settings
 input data from a keyboard or barcode reader

After power-on, the LCD displays the following message as
examples:

X-2000V / X-2000V Zip / X-2300E / X-2300ZE

X-3200 / X-3200Z / X-3200E / X-3200ZE

The first parameter is either 203 or 300, which stands for the
printer resolution. The second parameter indicates the emulation
(printer language), PPLA, PPLB or PPLZ.

Notes:

The Ethernet models will prompt “ETHERNET CARD
INITIALIZING” on LCD for about 20 seconds after Power-on and

then show the message above.

READY (203,PPLB)

READY (300,PPLB)

35

If a keyboard is plugged in, the LCD display will indicate:
X-2000V / X-2000V Zip / X-2300E / X-2300ZE

X-3200 / X-3200Z / X-3200E / X-3200ZE

If a barcode reader is connected, the LCD display will indicate:
X-2000V / X-2000V Zip / X-2300E / X-2300ZE

X-3200 / X-3200Z / X-3200E / X-3200ZE

If an abnormal condition occurs, the LCD display will indicate.
For example:

READY (203,PPLB)

<ESC> FOR KEYBD

READY (300,PPLB)

<ESC> FOR KEYBD

READY (203,PPLB)

WITH B.C. READER

READY (300,PPLB)

WITH B.C. READER

RIBBON OUT

36

Setting Display Language

The printer‟s LCD display supports six languages: English,

French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Item

Range

Factory Default

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH,
FRENCH,
GERMAN,
ITALIAN,
SPANISH,
PORTUGUESE,
SIMPLIFIED CHINESE

(Optional)

ENGLISH

To select a language:

1. Press the PAUSE and CANCEL buttons at the same time.

2. Hold both buttons for about 3 seconds and release.

3. The language selection screen appears.

4. Press the FEED button for the next language.

5. Press the CANCEL button to select and set the language.

Press PAUSE or the PAUSE+CANCEL buttons to exit the
language selection screen and enter normal standard mode.

LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

37

Changing Settings from the Pane l

You may change settings using the buttons on the front panel of
the X-2000V, X-2000V Zip, X-2300E, X-2300ZE, X-3200,
X-3200Z, X-3200E, and X-3200ZE printer models, in addition to
changing settings via software commands.

Change settings via buttons on panel:

Buttons

Function

PAUSE+CANCEL

Press to enter setting mode. (Don‟t press
over 1 second)

Press again to exit setting mode and return
to normal mode.

FEED

Press to show next parameter.

PAUSE

Press to show next setting item.

CANCEL

Selects and saves a parameter to
permanent FLASH memory. Unless
changed via panel or command the
parameter is saved even if you restart the
printer.

Note: Do not change settings during printing or sending printing
data.

38

LCD Function Setting Procedure

The following procedure is an example of setting procedure
to direct thermal printing mode:

LCD indicating

LCD setting steps

READY (203,PPLB)

After printer power in on, LCD will indicate
as shown at the left.

Step 1

Press both PAUSE + CANCEL buttons.

Then release the buttons to enter settings.

PRINT MODE
THERM. TRANSFER*

LCD will then prompt LCD function

selections; default settings include the “*”

sign. For example, the first option of print
modes is thermal transfer.

Step 2

Keep press FEED button until LCD
prompts the function setting needed.

PRINT MODE
DIRECT THERMAL

For example, the second option of print
modes is direct thermal.

Step 3

Press CANCEL button to store the setting.

PRINT MODE
DIRECT THERMAL *

The option selected will now include the “*”

sign.

Step 4

Press PAUSE button to continue the other
settings.

Back to standard

printing mode

After LCD function settings are completed,
press both PAUSE + CANCEL and then
release them to exit from settings.

READY (203,PPLB)

Now printer is in normal printing mode.

39

Printer LCD function settings and parameters:

Item

Range

Factory

Default

Remarks

PRINT MODE

DIRECT
THERMAL/

THERM.
TRANSFER

THERM.
TRANSFER

AUTO-CAL.
MODE

MODE 1
MODE 2
MODE 3
MODE 4

MODE 1

Mode 1: Printer
performs Auto
Calibration after
printing the first label,
if label height differs
from parameters in
printer's flash.

Mode 2: Printer
performs Auto
calibration when print
head is closed.

Mode 3: Printer finds
the first label gap
when print head is
closed.

Mode 4: Mode 1/2/3
all disabled. Manual
calibration is needed.

Not for X-2000V.

CONTROL
CODE SET

STANDARD
ALTERNATIVE 1

STANDARD

Available only in
PPLA printer
language.

40

ALTERNATIVE 2
ALTERNATIVE 3

CUT PEEL
OFFSET

-15 ~ 50 mm

0 mm

To adjust cut and peel
positions.

PRINT
OFFSET

-8 ~ 15 mm

0 mm

Controls vertical print
positions. Positive
value only.

For X-2000V only.

TPH VER
OFFSET

-9~9 mm
(PPLA/PPLB)

-3~3 mm
(PPLZ)

0 mm

To adjust offset of
vertical print position.

RECOVER
PRINT

ENABLE,
DISABLE

DISABLE

Will not reprint after
recovering from
media-out or
ribbon-out errors.

CUTTER
INSTALLED

NO
YES

NO

If “YES: is selected,

printer will then enter
CUTTER TYPE and
CUT MODE settings.

CUTTER
TYPE

ROTARY­NORMAL
ROTARY­REVERSE
GUILLOTINE­FULL
GUILLOTINE­PART

ROTARY­NORMAL

Available only when
CUTTER INSTALLED
is set to “YES”.

ROTARY-REVERSE
is to recover from
paper jam in cutter
mode.

41

CUT MODE

NORMAL
CUTTER W/O

BACK

NORMAL

Available only when
CUTTER INSTALLED
is set to “YES”.

PEELER
INSTALLED

NO
YES

NO

READER
INSTALLED

NO
YES

NO

Available only in
PPLB printer
language.

WIN. CON.
LEN.

0 ~ 254 mm

0 mm

Available only in
Windows with
bundled printer driver
and for continuous
media.

BASE SPEED
(IPS)

0 ~ 4 IPS

0 IPS

Available only in
PPLA and PPLB
printer languages.

COUNTING

DOWN
UP

DOWN

MEDIASENSE
R TYPE

REFLECTIVE
SEE-THROUGH

SEE­THROUGH

To select for different
media types.

After changing sensor
setting, make sure to
calibrate before
printing.

BACK FEED

DISABLE
ENABLE

DISABLE

Available only in
PPLA and PPLB
printer languages.

Once “ENABLE” is

selected, printer

42

enters BACK
DISTANCE setting.

BACK
DISTANCE

10~40 mm

21 mm

Available only when
BACK FEED is
enabled.

BASE
DARKNESS

0~99 (PPLA)

-28~28 (PPLB)

0

Available only in
PPLA and PPLB
printer languages.

ABS.
DARKNESS

0~30

0

To select darkness.
Available only in
PPLZ printer
language.

TRIM.
DARKNESS

-30~30

0

To fine-tune
darkness. Available
only in PPLZ printer
language.

BAUD RATE
(RS232)

600 / 1200 / 2400/
4800 / 9600 /
19200 / 38400 /
57600 / 115200

9600

Should be as same as
setting of host.

PARITY
(RS232)

NONE
EVEN
ODD

NONE

Should be as same as
setting of host.

LENGTH
(RS232)

8 DATA BITS
7 DATA BITS

8 DATA BITS

Should be as same as
setting of host.

CLEAR FLASH

NO
YES

NO

When “YES” is

selected, all the label
forms, soft fonts, and
graphics stored will be
deleted.

43

Ethernet settings and parameters

(X-2300E. X-2300ZE. X-3200E. X-3200ZE):

Item

Range

Factory

Default

Remarks

DHCP

DISABLE
ENABLE

If printer has been connected to a
router, IP address will be assigned
automatically by DHCP server after
power on.

If printer is not connected to a
router, with DHCP disabled,
settings of IP ADDRESS, SUBNET
MASK, and DEFAULT GATEWAY
settings will be available on LCD.

Every time when DISABLE is
changed to be ENABLE, LCD will

prompt “ETHERNET CARD
UPDATE FINISH…”

Then please reboot the printer.

IP ADDRESS

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

xxx range:0~255
When DHCP is disabled, default IP

address is 192.168.1.100.

If “_” sign appears, that means that

DHCP setting is disabled. On the
contrary, DHCP setting is enabled.

1. FEED/CONFIG. :

change contents.

(ex. from 000.000.000.000 to

SUBNET
MASK

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

DEFAULT
GATEWAY

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

44

255.255.255.255)

2. PAUSE/CALIBR. :

shift “_”sign position.

(ex. from 255.255.255.255 to

255.255.255.255)

3. CANCEL/RESET.:

Select next function setting. (“_”

sign must at the third digit of each
parameter, for example, xxx).

4. To change IP ADDRESS or

SUBNET MASK, enter DEFAULT
GATEWAY setting, press CANCEL
button once; LCD will prompt

“ETHERNET CARD UPDATE
FINISH…”

Then reboot the printer.

MAC
ADDRESS

yyyy-yyyy-yyyy

(yyyy = 0000~FFFF)

To have more information on Ethernet settings, please refer to
Ethernet User‟s Guide.

45

Media Calibration

After the media is loaded, please perform media calibration to
calibrate the label sensor in advance.

1. Turn off the printer

2. Press and hold the PAUSE button and turn on the power.

3. When “CALIBRATION …” is displayed on the LCD, and
both READY and MEDIA indicators blink, release the
PAUSE button.
(The Ethernet models will first prompt “ETHERNET CARD

INITIALIZING” on LCD after Power-on and then show the
“CALIBRATION …” message as described above.)

4. The printer feeds 12-inches of blank labels.

5. When “READY” is displayed, the READY and MEDIA
indicators stop blinking but remain illuminated.

Note: For X-1000VL, the steps about LCD can be ignored.

Important!

1. It‟s suggested to perform media calibration after changing
media types.

2. Before calibration, be sure media and ribbon (for thermal
transfer printing) have been loaded correctly. The label sensor
needs to locate properly to index labels‟ gaps/ notches/ holes.

3. After media calibration is finished, printer stores settings into its
flash. Without media calibration, printer may detect labels with
less accuracy, especially for small labels less than 1.5” high.

46

Printing a Configuration Report

To perform a self-test and print a configuration report, helping to
check printer‟s print quality and internal settings. Steps as below:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Load media and ribbon.

3. Press and hold the FEED button while turning on the
power.

4. When “SELF-TEST …” is displayed on the LCD, release
the FEED button.
(The Ethernet models will first prompt “ETHERNET CARD

INITIALIZING” on LCD after Power-on and then show the
“SELF-TEST …” message as described above.)

5. The printer now prints out a configuration report.(as the
sample in next page)

6. Printer will enter Dump mode after printing configuration.
In Dump mode, all characters will be printed in 2 columns:
the right shows characters received from your system, and
the left are the corresponding hexadecimal values of the
characters. It allows users or engineers to verify and
debug the program.
To return to normal operation mode from Dump mode,
press the CANCEL button. Another way is to turn off
printer power, and then restart printer.

Note: For X-1000VL, the steps about LCD can be ignored.

47

Sample of Configuration Report – based on X-2300E:

48

1. Firmware Version Information

2. Standard RAM Size

3. Available RAM Size

4. Flash Type

5. Available Flash Size

6. Font Symbol Set

7. Print Mode (Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal)

8. Sensor type (See-Through or Reflective)

9. Label-less Calibration Value

10. No. of downloaded Soft Fonts

11. RTC Time

12. No. of downloaded Argox Format Fonts

13. Cut Count

14. Label Length Meter

15. RS232 Protocols

16. Check Sum

17. Speed/Darkness

18. Media Type

19. Print Width

20. Label Length

21. Backfeed Disable/Enable

22. Cutter Disable/Enable

23. Peeler Disable/Enable

24. Cutter/Peeler Offset value

25. R(X,Y)

26. H. position adjust

27. Calibration Type Mode

28. Ethernet Module Version

29. IP Address

30. Subnet Mask

31. Gateway

49

32. Mac Address

33. SNMP

34. DIP switch

Switch

ON

OFF

2

Direct

Thermal

Default

35. Font Image

Remark：
What continue after the parameters are test patterns of print head.

50

Resetting to Factory Default Settings

To reset the printer to factory default settings:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the CANCEL button and turn on the
printer.

3. When “RESET …” is displayed on the LCD and the
READY indicator blinks, release the CANCEL button.
(The Ethernet models will first prompt “ETHERNET CARD

INITIALIZING” on LCD after Power-on and then show the
“RESET …” message as described above.)

4. When “READY” is displayed on the LCD, the READY
indicator stops blinking but remains illuminated.

5. The following information is now back to defaults:

 Label parameters
 Heat (Darkness)
 Speed
 Symbol set (language)
 Others for specific emulation

Notes:

1. For X-1000VL, the steps about LCD can be ignored.

2. Be cautioned that this will reset all printer settings back to
defaults; if possible, print the configuration label in
advance before reset.

3. All settings stored in FLASH memory are retained even
after turning off the printer.

4. You must perform the calibration after resetting the printer.

51

3. Computer Connections

This printer comes with USB interface, a standard Centronics
parallel interface, and a nine-pin Electronics Industries
Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface.

USB Interface Requirements

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is version 2.0 and 1.1
compliant and provides a full-speed (12Mb/s) interface that is

compatible with your existing PC hardware. The USB‟s “plug and

play” design makes installation easy. Multiple printers can share a

single USB port/hub.

Centronics Parallel Port

You can connect the printer to the host computer‟s parallel port

using any standard Centronics cable. The required cable must
have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is
plugged into the parallel port located on the back of the printer.
The other end of the parallel interface cable connects to the
printer connector at the host computer. For pin-out information,
please refer to the Technical Reference in this manual.

52

Serial (RS-232) Port

The required cable must have a nine-pin "D" type male connector
on one end, which is plugged into serial port located on the back
of the printer. The other end of the cable connects to a serial port
on the host computer. For technical and pin-out information,
please refer to the Technical Reference in this manual.

Note:

1. Centronics allows a much higher communication speed than
serial.

2. The pin assignment of serial cable is different from PC. Please
contact your local Argox reseller if you need this cable.

Parallel
Port

USB

PS/2

Serial Port

Power Switch

AC plug

53

Ethernet 10/100 Internal Printer Server Option

X-2300E / X-2300ZE / X-3200E / X-3200ZE models provide
Ethernet interface (RJ45), which allows host in a local area
network to conveniently use several printers by Ethernet
connectivity at the same time.

Ethernet Module Status Indicators

The indicators with two different colors help users
understand status of Ethernet:

LED

Status

Description

Both Off

No Ethernet link detected.

Blinking

The printer waits for printer ready.
It will take about 20~30 seconds to be ready.

Green

Speed LED

On: 100 Mbps link
Off: 10 Mbps link

Amber

Link/Activity LED

On: link up
Off: link down
Flash: activity

Note:

When using Ethernet model printer, please wait till the Ready
Indicator to stop blinking, before starting printer operations.

54

Ethernet indication:

Amber LED

Green LED

Centronics
Parallel

USB

PS/2

RS232 Serial

Power Switch

AC Power Jack

Ethernet

55

Communicating with the Printer

The bundled printer driver can be applied to all applications under
Windows XP/ Vista/ Windows 7, supporting 32-bit/ 64-bit
operation systems. With this driver you can operate any popular
Windows software applications including Argox Bartender UL
label editing software or MS Word, etc., to print to this printer.

The following installation steps are based on X-3200 as an
example. The screens included for these steps are taken from
Windows XP; steps in other versions of operation systems are
similar. Drivers can be installed via the CD-Rom included in
printer package; or it can be downloaded from Argox website >>
Technical Support >> Download Center >> select product model
to access: http://www.argox.com/content.php?sno=0000033

Installing a Plug and Play printer driver (for USB
only)

Note:

We strongly recommend that you use the Seagull Driver Wizard
instead of the Microsoft Windows Add Printer Wizard when
installing and updating your Drivers by Seagull.
(Even though the "Add Printer Wizard" is from Microsoft, it too
easily performs a number of tasks incorrectly when updating
existing drivers. It also badly handles the situation where a printer
driver is already in use by a Windows application.)

56

1. Turn off the printer. Plug the power cable into the power
socket on the wall, and then connect the other end of the
cable to printer's power socket. Connect the USB cable to the
USB port on the printer and on the PC.

2. Turn on the printer. If the printer supports Plug-and-Play, and
you have successfully connected it using a USB cable, then
the Windows Add Hardware Wizard will automatically detect
the printer and display a dialog that allows you to install a
driver. Click Cancel and do not install the driver using this
wizard.

3. Prepare the documentation and software CD-Rom from
printer package and then install to CD-Rom drive of your
computer. The CD-Rom will bring out the following prompt.
Click “Go”:

57

4. Choose Industrial Barcode Printers on the screen, go to
X-3200 product page, click on version of Seagull driver and
then start installation:

58

Instead of the flash prompt above, another way to install
Seagull driver is to run the DriverWizard utility from the
Installation Directory where the Seagull driver files locates.

5. On the Seagull Driver Wizard prompt, select the first radio
button to “Install a driver for a Plug and Play printer”:

Then click “Next.”

Argox X-3200 PPLB USB002

59

6. Enter Printer name (i.e. Argox X-3200 PPLB) and select "do
not share this printer”, and click "Next"

7. Check all the data on the showing screen, if it is correct, click
"Finish".

Argox X-3200 PPLB

Argox X-3200 PPLB

Argox X-3200 PPLB

USB002

60

8. After the related files have been copied to your system, click
"Finish".

9. After driver installation is complete, click "Close".

The driver should now be installed.

Installing printer „Argox X-3200 PPLB‟…

Installed printer Argox X-3200 PPLB

61

Installing a Printer Driver (for other interfaces
except USB)

1. Turn off the printer. Plug the power cable into the power
socket on the wall, and then connect the other end of the
cable to printer's power socket. Connect the Parallel cable,
Serial cable, or Ethernet cable to the proper port on the printer
and on your computer.

2. Prepare the documentation and software CD-Rom from
printer package and then install to CD-Rom drive of your
computer. The CD-Rom will bring out the following prompt.
Click “Go”:

62

3. Choose Industrial Barcode Printers on the screen, go to
X-3200 product page, click on version of Seagull driver and
then start installation:

63

Instead of the flash prompt above, another way to install
Seagull driver is to run the DriverWizard utility from the
Installation Directory where the Seagull driver files locates.

4. On the prompt, Windows Printer Driver, select “I accept…”
and click "Next".

5. Assign the directory to keep Seagull driver, (for example:

C:\Seagull) and click "Next".

64

6. Click "Finish".

7. Select Install printer drivers and Click "Next"

65

8. Select model & emulation - the following examples are based
on model X-3200 PPLB:

9. Select the port of the printer and click "Next".

Argox X-3200 PPLB

LPT1 Parallel Port40 PPLB

66

10. Enter Printer name (i.e. Argox X-3200 PPLB) and select
"do not share this printer”, and click "Next".

11. Check all the data on the showing screen, if it is correct, click

"Finish".

Argox X-3200 PPLB

LPT1

Argox X-3200 PPLB

Argox X-3200 PPLB

67

12. After the related files have been copied to your system, click
"Finish".

13. After driver installation is complete, click "Close".

The driver should now be installed.

Installing printer „Argox X-3200 PPLB‟…

Installed printer Argox X-3200 PPLB

68

4. Troubleshooting

Normally, if the printer is in not working properly, the "READY" LED
blinks continuously, and printing and communication between the
host and printer stops.

LED and LCD Diagnosis

Blinking LEDs indicate a problem. Check the LEDs and the LCD
display and refer to the following solutions:

Media Problems

LED/LCD

Indication

READY and MEDIA LEDs

Blinking

LCD Display

MEDIA OUT

Possible Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Miss-detected gap

Check the media path
Check the position of

the label sensor

For continuous
media, check
application and
driver, and select
continuous media.

Media out

Supply the media roll

Media not installed

Install the media roll

Media jam

Recover the jam

Note: If problem continues perform a label sensor calibration.

69

Ribbon Problems

LED/LCD

Indication

READY and RIBBON LEDs

Blinking

LCD Display

RIBBON OUT

Possible Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Ribbon out

Supply the ribbon roll

Not applicable to
direct thermal.

Ribbon jam

Recover the jam

Ribbon sensor error

Replace ribbon sensor

Note: If you use direct thermal, set with panel, Windows driver or

command.

Other Problems

LED

Indication

READY LED

Blinking

Problems

Solutions

Remarks

Serial IO error

Check the baud rate, format
or protocol between host
and printer

Not for Centronics

70

Cutter failed

 Check the media.
 Check the connection

between cutter and main
board.

 Call for service.

Memory full

Check graphics and soft
fonts from host. Delete by
application software for
those no longer in use.

Need to reboot the
system.

Note: After problem is solved, press CANCEL to continue printing.

Printer Status

LCD display

Blinking

LED

Description

PAUSE

READY

Printer is paused. Press PAUSE or
CANCEL to return to normal.

MEDIA OUT

MEDIA
READY

Media is uninstalled or used up. Load new
media to the printer.

RIBBON OUT

RIBBON
READY

Ribbon is uninstalled or end-of-ribbon
occurred. Load new ribbon to the printer.

SERIAL IO
ERROR

READY

Format or baud rate of RS232
communication is inconsistent between
printer and host.

CUTTER FAILED

READY

Cutter cannot cut off the media, check
media and cutter.

MEMORY FULL

READY

Printer buffer full due to loaded soft fonts,

71

graphics or forms. Check data format. Call
for service.

SENSOR O.R.

READY

Media calibration is out of range for sensor
detection. Make sure media is loaded and
media sensor locates under media.

PRINT HEAD
HEAT

MEDIA

Printing job will start until the temperature
of TPH goes down.

HEAD OPEN

READY

Print head latch is not closed. To print label
the head latch must be closed.

Transmission Problems

If the host shows "Printer Time out"

1. Check if the communication cable (parallel or serial) is

connected securely to your parallel or serial port on the PC
and to the connector on the printer at the other end.

2. Check if the printer power is turned on.

If the data has been sent, but there is no output from the printer.
Check the active printer driver, and see if Seagull Driver for your
Windows system and the label printer has been selected.

Recovery

After correcting problems, simply press the CANCEL button or
restart the printer. Make sure the LEDs are not blinking and
remember to resend your files.

72

Printer Maintenance

Vertical streaks in the printout usually indicate a dirty or faulty print
head. (Refer to the following examples.) Clean the print head. If the
problem persists, replace the print head.

For unstable ribbon roll rotation, check the label path and make
sure the head latch is securely closed.

Poor printout quality:

 The ribbon may not be qualified.
 The media may not be qualified.
 Adjust the Darkness (heat temperature).
 Slow down the print speed.
 Refer to the following and clean the related spare parts.

73

Cleaning the Print Head

To keep the Print Head remain in the best conditions and efficiency
and to extend duration for use, regular cleaning action is needed.
Note: Turn off the printer before cleaning.

Clean the print head as follows:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Open the top cover to access the print head module

3. Remove the ribbon.

4. Rub the print head with a cotton bud moistened with
“Ethanol” or “IPA”.

5. Check for any traces of black coloring or adhesive on the
cotton after cleaning.

6. Repeat if necessary until the cotton is clean after it is
passed over the head.

Cleaning Interval

It‟s strongly recommended to regularly clean print heads at least

when changing every one label roll (in direct thermal printing mode)
or every one ribbon roll (in thermal transfer printing mode). In
addition, if printers are operated under critical applications and

environments, or if it‟s found that print quality is degraded, please

clean print heads more frequently.

Cleaning Material

Surface of print head‟s heating element is very fragile. To prevent

from any possible damage, please use soft cloth/ cotton buds with
“Ethanol” or “IPA” to clean print head surface.

74

It‟s strongly recommended to wear hand gloves during cleaning

progress.
Do not touch print head surface by bare hands or with any hard
equipment.
Water or spit should be kept away in case of corrosion on heating
elements.

Cleaning Direction

When cleaning the print head, always wipe in One-Way Direction -

from Left to Right only, or, from Right to Left only, to clean “Heating

Line” of print head gently without excessive stress.

Do not wipe back and forth, to avoid dust or dirt on cleaning cotton
would be attached onto print head again.

Special Caution:

Warranty of print heads will be void if print head serial number is
removed, altered, defected, or made illegible, under every
circumstance.

Cleaning the Roller

Using a cotton bud moistened with alcohol, clean the roll and
remove any attached glue.

Note: Clean the roller after it has been in contact with foreign

materials such as dust or adhesives.

Cleaning the Media Compartment

Clean the media compartment with a cotton bud that has been
moistened with a mild detergent. Every time a media roll is printed,
you should clean this compartment to reduce the incidence dust.

75

5. Advanced Installation and Adjustment

This chapter describes installation and adjustment procedure for X

series industrial printers. It‟s recommended to be carried out by

technicians, in order to keep overall printing performance.

Print Head Pressure

Printing quality can be fine adjusted based on which area on the
label the printing quality discrepancy is located.

A. Right Hand Side Enhancement

If the phenomena as shown in Fig. 1 been observed, please turn
the Fine Adjustment Knob clockwise slightly then try printing again
to justify the printing quality improvement as shown in Fig.2. Repeat
the same process until the printing quality is well balanced on both
ends of the label.

Figure 1

Figure 2

76

B. Left Hand Side Enhancement

If the phenomena as shown in Fig. 3 been observed, please turn
the Fine Adjustment Knob counter-clockwise slightly then try
printing again to justify the printing quality improvement as shown in
Fig.4. Repeat the same process until the printing quality is well
balanced on both ends of the label.

77

Figure 3

Figure 4

Once the desired quality has been reached, please make note on
the new setting of the Fine Adjustment Knob and the type number
of ribbon been used in this printing task for future reference.

[Remark]:

Please note, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the Fine Adjustment
Knob is set to “ 0 “ as default setting when shipped from Argox
factory.

78

Print Head Print Line Position

When the label only exhibits locally inferior printing quality and the
ribbon is not wrinkled, the position of the print head shall be
adjusted, and the adjusting position is shown as Fig. 1. The viewing
direction is facing the machine, and using hex socket screw driver
for the adjustment.

The adjusting portions for two hex socket screw locks marked in Fig.
1 are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. When the right side of the label
exhibits inferior printing quality, as shown in Fig. 2, the screw at the
right side shall be adjusted. When the left side of the label exhibits
inferior printing quality, as shown in Fig. 3, the screw at the left side
shall be adjusted. The adjusting steps are as follows:

1. Clockwise rotate the screw a half circle and test printing;
observe whether the printing quality has been gradually
improved or not; and stop the adjustment if the quality is
improved.

2. Repeat Step 1; if the printing quality has not been gradually
improved after five times, counterclockwise rotate five
circles back to the original position and then proceed Step

3.

3. Counter-clockwise rotate the screw a half circle and test
printing; observe whether the printing quality has been
gradually improved or not; and stop the adjustment if the
quality is improved.

79

Figure 1

80

Figure 2

Figure 3

81

Ribbon Tension Adjustment

Both ribbon supply spindle and ribbon pickup spindle are equipped
with control knobs to adjust ribbon tension. The control knobs can
rotate to both directions. Rotate the control knob clockwise to
increase ribbon tension; rotate it counter-clockwise to reduce ribbon
tension.

If the ribbon is wrinkled at ribbon supply, rotate clockwise control
knob of ribbon supply, to increase ribbon tension at ribbon supply
and further improve ribbon wrinkle. However, please be noted, too
much tension at ribbon supply may result in ribbon not moving
smoothly. Once it happens, rotate counter-clockwise control knob of
ribbon supply, to increase ribbon tension to balance the tension.

If the ribbon is wrinkled at ribbon pickup, rotate counter-clockwise
control knob of ribbon pickup, to decrease ribbon tension at ribbon
pickup and further improve ribbon wrinkle. If the tension is too little
at ribbon pickup, ribbon will not move smoothly, and needs control
knob to rotate clockwise to increase tension.

[Remark]:

The ribbon shaft has its user-friendly feature to allow users to adjust
the tension of ribbon shaft by rotating the knob. User can reset to
factory default tension by adjusting the ribbon shaft while the black
line was aligned to the marked arrows. The default setting when
shipped from Argox factory is shown as Figure 2 – the two arrows
are in line with the black line.

82

Figure 1

Figure 2

83

Printing Wrinkle

During printing, ribbon may wrinkle and cause abnormal printing
quality. The following describes how to solve ribbon wrinkle

accordingly.

Figure A

Figure B

Once the printouts as above appear, the possible cause may be the
unequal positions of Ribbon Bracket, which needs to be adjusted
properly to make its heights equally the same at both sides. Steps to
adjust are as below:

1. Loose the screws at both sides and rotate counter-clockwise:

84

2. Make sure the Ribbon Bracket is at its lowest position first; then
tight up the screws by rotating clockwise.

3. Print a test page to check print quality. If the quality is improved,
stop the adjustment; if not, continue with next step.

85

4. If the test print appears as Figure A, remain the screw at the right

of Ribbon Bracket fixed, then loose the screw at the left, and

gradually fine-tune upward, until the print quality gets improved.

If the test print appears as Figure B, remain the screw at the left of

Ribbon Bracket fixed, and then loose the screw at the right, and

gradually fine-tune upward, until the print quality gets improved.

86

Rotary Cutter and Guillotine Cutter Installation

Refer to the following steps to install the cutter kit onto printers:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Remove the top covers on both left and right sides.

3. Install the Cutter Baby Board to the main board JP17 socket of

X-1000VL, X-2000V, X-2000V Zip / JP15 socket of X-3200,
X-3200Z, X-3200E, X-3200ZE, X-2300E, X-2300ZE.

4. Loose the three screws from Tear-off Bracket and then remove
Tear Bracket.

screw

Tear Bracket

87

5. Insert the left side of cutter bracket (7) and secure the two
screws (6) to the print module.

Rotary Cutter

Guillotine Cutter

88

6. Thread the cutter cable through hole (8) and route it to the
JP16 connector (CUTTER) on the X-1000VL/ X-2000V/
X-2000V Zip main boards, or to the JP14 connector
(CUTTER) on the main board of X-3200/ X-3200Z/
X-3200E/ X-3200ZE/ X-2300E/ X-2300ZE.

7. Turn on the printer.

8. For the X-2000V/ X-2000V Zip/ X-3200/ X-3200Z/ X-3200E/
X-3200ZE/ X-2300E/ X-2300ZE models with LCD, set the

parameter of “CUTTER INSTALLED” on the LCD to the ON

position. For the X-1000VL model, ignore this step.

After the cutter is installed, install media and ribbon.

1. Put the media end on the roller.

2. Close the print head latch.

3. Hold the PAUSE button and turn on the printer.

4. Release the button when the cutter starts cutting.

5. After cutting, the printer will feed the label for 8 inches.

Note: The procedure above is for first time installation or after

cutter jam. Normally the procedure for loading the media
through the cutter is:

1. Put the media end on the roller.

2. Close the print head latch.

3. Turn on the printer.

4. Press the FEED button to feed the media end through

the cutter.

89

Rotary Cutter with Paper Jam

If there is paper jam inside rotary cutter, refer to Rotary Cutter
Installation section to remove the rotary cutter. Check the Cam as

marked in Figure 1, find a slotted screwdriver to turn
counter-clockwise as Figure 2. During turning the Cam of cutter,
release the blade from paper and them remove the paper from the
cutter.

Figure 1

Figure 2

90

Guillotine Cutter with Paper Jam

If there is paper jam inside guillotine cutter, check in Figure 1 and
find where the screw under guillotine cutter. It is to control cut
actions of guillotine cutter. Find a Phillips screwdriver to lay down
the blade by turning the screw counter-clockwise. Then paper can
be removed from the cutter as Figure 2.

Figure 1

Figure 2

91

Dispenser Installation

Install a dispenser into the printer as follows:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Remove the top cover on both left and right sides.

3. Assemble the related components for both left and right
sides. Check below:

92

4. Connect the Peeler sensor to main board JP15 socket of

X-1000VL, X-2000V, X-2000V Zip / JP12 socket of
X-3200, X-3200Z, X-3200E, X-3200ZE, X-2300E, and
X-2300ZE. Secure the dispenser board onto printer case.

5. Insert the left side of dispenser bracket and secure the three
screws to the TPH module.

93

6. Install the ribbon and media.

7. Turn on the printer.

8. For the X-2000V/ X-2000V Zip/ X-3200/ X-3200Z/ X-3200E/
X-3200ZE/ X-2300E/ X-2300ZE models, set the parameter of
“DISPENSER INSTALLED” on the LCD to the ON position.
For the X-1000VL, ignore this step.

94

RTC Battery Replacement

1. Turn off the printer; disconnect the AC power cable.

2. Open the left cover of printer.

3. Loose the lock for RTC Battery on main board and then replace
with a known good RTC battery.

95

Stand-alone with Keyboard

This section covers stand-alone operation with keyboard. It is
applicable with printer models:

Argokee

PS/2

Keyboard

Printer
Language

PPLA

PPLB

Basic

PPLB only

Model

X-1000VL
X-2000V
X-3200
X-2300E
X-3200E

X-1000VL
X-2000V
X-3200
X-2300E
X-3200E

All
models

X-2000V
X-3200
X-2300E
X-3200E

To use the printer in stand-alone operation with a keyboard follow
the procedure described below:

1. Make a form for the keyboard. (The form should include

“ZS” command to store to flash memory. Refer to the

following command sample.)

2. Turn on the printer; download the form from PC to printer.

3. Turn off the printer.

4. Connect the keyboard to the keyboard interface.

5. Turn on the printer.

6. Check LCD for instructions of each data string/ label count/
copies; type to input data accordingly.

96

Form Control Functions

Key

Function

Esc

Enter or exit from keyboard mode

Backspace

Delete the last typed character

F1

Next form if more than one form exists

Enter

- Select the form

- End of typed data

97

Example: Making a Keyboard Form

1. Make a command file for the form, KBD.FRM.

Command

Description

ZS
FK"KBDFORM"
FS"KBDFORM"

V00,15,N,"Product Name ?"
C0,10,N,+1,"Product No. ?"
Q50,24
q816
S2
D8
ZT
A550,20,0,4,1,1,R,"ABC

COMPANY"
B550,60,0,2,2,4,40,B,C0
A540,150,0,3,1,1,N,V00
FE
ZN

Enable store to flash
Delete previous one
Start of form

Variable and display message
Counter and display message
Label dimension
Label width
Speed
Darkness
Print from top
Fixed data

Barcode I25 for counter
Print the input product
End of form
Disable store to flash

2. Send the file, KBD.FRM to printer under MS-DOS
>COPY/B KBD.FRM LPT1:

98

3. Turn off the printer, connect the keyboard and then turn on
the printer. The LCD displays this message:

READY (203,PPLB)

<ESC> FOR KEYBD

4. Press <ESC> to enter the keyboard mode and the form
name appears. Press <ENTER> to select the form.

5. Key-in the product name and number.

6. Input the label count and copy count.

KBDFORM



Product Name ?

Barcode Printer

Product No. ?

0123456789

LABEL SET NO. ?

2

COPIES PER LAB ?

3

99

7. Press <ENTER> to continue to the next label and repeat
steps 5 ~ 7, or <ESC> to exit.

8. Output:

ENTER to go on,

Or ESC to return

100