Brady 2024, 2034 User Manual

Bradyprinter THT Model

2024 and 2034

Thermal Transfer Printer

_______________________________________________________________________________

User’s Guide

LOGO W.H. Brady Co.

Automatic Indentification Products

HP PCL-4, and HP Laser Jet II are Trademarks of Hewlett packard Corporation
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times, based upon Times New Roman under license from The Monotype
Corporation
plc, is a product of Agfa Corporation.
Futura is a registered trademark of Fundición Tipográfica Neufville, S.A.
Bradyprinter THT Model 2024 and 2034 is a Trademark of Brady USA Inc.
SEAQ PC and Batch are trademarks of Datamax Bar Code Products Corporation.

As an Energy Star Partner, Brady USA Inc. has determined that this product meets the
Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent
a commitment on the part of Brady USA Inc. No part of this manual may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's
personal use, without the express written permission of Brady USA Inc.

© Copyright 1996 by Brady USA Inc.

6555 W. Good Hope Road • Milwaukee, WI 53223 • [phone]

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

Part Number: 88-2149-01

Revision: D

AGENCY COMPLIANCE AND APPROVALS:

UL: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
CSA: C22.2 No. 950-M93
TUV: EN60950, IEC950

1. Nur für Gebrauch innerhalb eines Gebäudes geeignet.

2. Bei Gefahr, Kabel aus der Steckdose herausziehen

3. Falls kein Kabel mitgeliefert wurde, bitte Folgendes bei der Anschaffung eines Kabels beachten:

Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR" markiert ist, bestehend mindestens aus
einem H05VV-F Kabel, das mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine
IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.

1. This unit is intended for indoor use only.

2. Disconnect power supply cord in case of emergency.

3. When power supply cord is not provided; for proper power supply cord selection please see below:

For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of a min H05VV-F cord
which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a
male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V

FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Your Bar Code Printer has been designed to give you many years of safe,
reliable service. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic
precautions you should take to avoid getting hurt or damaging the Printer.

• Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided

with your Printer.

• Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the Printer itself.

• Place the Printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.

• To protect your Printer from overheating, make sure all openings on

the Printer are not blocked.

• Do not place the Printer on or near a heat source, (i.e., a radiator or

heat register).

• Do not use your Printer near water, or spill liquid of any kind into it.

• Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on the back

of the Printer. If you are unsure, check with your dealer or with your
local power company.

• As a safety device, your Printer has a grounded, 3-prong plug that will

only fit into a grounded outlet. If you cannot plug it in, chances are
you have an older, non-grounded outlet. Contact an electrician to have
the outlet replaced. Do not use an adapter to defeat the grounding.

• Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the power

cord becomes damaged or frayed replace it immediately.

• Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the

Printer.

• Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair

your Printer.

♦♦ CONTENTS

♦♦ Introduction

1.0 Introduction.................................................................1

1.1 Technical Specifications.............................................. 3

1.2 Standard Ribbon Sizes................................................5

1.3 Label/Tag Specifications ............................................. 6

♦♦ Getting Started

2.0 Introduction.................................................................7

2.1 Unpacking...................................................................7

2.2 Checking the AC Power Requirements ........................8

2.2.1 Selecting 230 VAC Operation...........................9

2.3 Connecting the Printer............................................... 10

2.3.1 Interfacing to the Printer.................................11

2.3.2 Dip Switch Settings ........................................13

2.4 Memory Cartridges....................................................14

2.5 Media Loading ..........................................................15

2.5.1 Using the Optional Internal Rewind.................18

2.5.2 Using the Peel and Present Option................. 20

2.6 Ribbon Installation and Removal...............................22

♦♦ Using Your Printer

3.0 Introduction...............................................................25

3.1 Front Control Panel...................................................25

3.1.1 Optional LCD/Keypad Front Panel ..................27

3.2 Using the Optional LCD/Keypad Front Panel.............28

3.3 Self-Test ...................................................................33

3.3.1 Test Label Examples..........................................34

3.3.2 Configuration Test Label...................................36

3.3.3 Character Dump Mode..................................... 38

3.4 Factory Default Setup ...............................................39

3.5 Fuse Replacement....................................................39

i

♦♦ Printing Labels

4.0 Introduction...............................................................41

4.1 Programming Commands .........................................42

4.2 Programming Example .............................................48

4.3 Printing Bar Codes....................................................48

4.4 Printing Lines and Boxes ...........................................50

♦♦ Maintenance and Adjustments

5.0 Introduction...............................................................51

5.1 Printer Maintenance Schedules................................. 51

5.1.1 Cleaning the Printhead...................................52

5.2 Troubleshooting ........................................................54

5.2.1 Optional LCD/Keypad Front Panel Alarms......56

5.3 Mechanical Adjustments ...........................................57

5.3.1 Media Width Adjustment ................................58

5.3.2 Media Sensor Adjustment...............................59

5.3.3 Printhead Replacement..................................60

Appendix A

ASCII Control Code Chart .....................................................A-1

Appendix B

Available Fonts and Bar Codes .............................................B-1

B.1 Human-Readable Fonts ..........................................B-2

B.2 Bar Code Fonts....................................................... B-5

Appendix C

C.1 Error Codes.............................................................C-1

Appendix D

D.1 Support Services.....................................................D-1

Appendix E

E.1 Warranty Information ............................................. E-1

ii

♦♦ Introduction

Figure 1-1 Overall View

1.0 Introduction

The Bradyprinter™ THT Model 2024 & 2034, hereafter referred to as 'the
Printer', is a high performance, low cost, direct thermal or thermal transfer
label printer that uses Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) technology.
With its standard 203 DPI (Dots Per Inch) printhead, the Printer can print
labels at speeds of up to 10" per second. The thermal transfer model allows for
the use of thermal transfer ribbons.

An innovative dot history control circuit called SEAQ, (Sequential Energy
Adjustment for Quality), provides exceptional print quality by monitoring the
printhead data and automatically adjusting the printhead element temperatures
to provide maximum printhead quality and performance.

_______________________________________________________________________
Introduction 1

The Printer can be connected to almost any computer through its
RS-232C/RS422 serial interfaces, IEEE parallel option, or to an IBM
or IBM compatible mainframe through its optional twinax/coax interface.

The Printer can be equipped with operator and field-installed options such as a
Cutter, Peel and Present (requires factory installed Internal Rewind), On-line
Verification, DRAM, Internal Batch Cartridge, and Memory Cartridges. In
addition, the Printer can be purchased with factory installed options, (i.e.,
Internal Rewind, 300 DPI printhead, and LCD\Keypad front panel), that
expand the Printer's capabilities.

Figures 1-1 and 1-2 depict the Printer's parts placement.

Figure 1-2 Mechanism Detail

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2 Introduction

1.1 Technical Specifications

Print Technology: Thermal Transfer − standard
Resolution: 203 DPI (8 dots/mm) − standard

Optional 300 DPI − factory installed

Print Speed: 203 DPI 2 to 10 IPS

300 DPI 2 to 8 IPS

Bar Code Modules: 5 mil to 110 mil "X" dimension in picket or ladder

orientations @ 203 DPI.

3.3 mil to 80 mil "X" dimension in picket or ladder
orientations @ 300 DPI.

Print Width: 4.1" (104mm) maximum
Media Width: .75" (19mm) − 4.65" (118mm)
Label Length: 12" @ 203 DPI w/512KB (standard)

.25" minimum in batch mode
.75" minimum in tear off or peel mode

12" @ 300 DPI w/1MB (standard)
.25" minimum in batch mode
.75" minimum in tear off or peel mode

Media Type: Roll-Fed, Die-Cut Continuous, Fan Fold, Tags or

Tickets

Media Thickness: .0025 - 0.010" (.0635mm to .254mm), standard widths

(.0050 - .0080 for .75" −1" label widths)

Media Supply: 8" (203mm) maximum diameter on 3"(76mm) cores
Bar Codes: Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128 (Subsets A, B,

and C) Codabar, UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC 2 and 5 digit
addendums, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN 2 and 5 digit
addendums, Code 93, UPC random weight, Universal
Shipping Container Symbology Plessy, Postnet,
UCC/EAN 128, PDF 417 and Maxicode

Internal Fonts: CG Triumvirate Bold/Condensed (scalable)

CG Triumvirate (smooth bit mapped font 6 - 48 pt)

_______________________________________________________________________
Introduction 3

Cartridge Slots: One Cartridge Slot (Memory)
Standard DRAM: 512KB w/203DPI, 1 MB w/300DPI
Standard EPROM: 2048KB w/203 DPI, 2048KB w/300DPI
Counters: 2 Linear Inch Counters; one absolute and one

resettable

Interface: RS232, RS422 @ 300 -19,200 baud, XON/XOFF,

CTS/RTS

Dimensions: 11.38" H x 10" W x 18.25" D (289mm H x 254mm W

x 463mm D)

Operating
Temperature: 40° F to 105° F (5° C to 40° C)

Power Source: 115 VAC or 230 VAC 60HZ/50HZ

Additional Options

LCD/Keypad: Front panel with a 2 row x 16 character LCD display

and a 6 key operator's keypad

DRAM: Expandable to 4MB (via a daughter board)
256KB/512KB Permanent Storage of Custom Fonts, Graphics, and

Flash Cartridge: Formats
Cutter with Tray: Maximum Thickness: 0.010" (.254mm)
Internal Rewinder: 5½" maximum O.D. capacity with no core
Twinax/Coax: Supports IBM Mid-range and Mainframe Computers
High Speed Interface: IEEE Parallel Interface plus Serial I/F up to 56K BPS
Present Sensor: On-demand label dispensing
Internal Batch: Cartridge with VT 100 emulation and storage

Cartridge with Link MCII emulation and storage

_______________________________________________________________________

4 Introduction

1.2 Standard Ribbon Sizes

The manufacturer stocks the following standard ribbon sizes: 1.57", 2.36",

3.27", and 4.33". The standard ribbon length is 328 linear yards. It is
recommended that the width of the thermal-transfer ribbon be within 10% of
the label width. Additional sizes other than those listed are available on a
custom-order basis.

_______________________________________________________________________
Introduction 5

1.3 Label/Tag Media Specifications

Figure 1-3 Media Dimensions

Description MAX.

(inches)

MIN.

(inches)

A Label width 4.650 0.750
B Backing width 4.650 0.750
C Gap between labels 99.99 0.100
D Label length 99.99 0.250
E Backing thickness 0.010 0.0023
F Label thickness 0.010 0.0025
G Width of sensor opening 0.500 0.200
H Distance media edge to sensor opening 2.250 0.200
I Reflective sensor mark width. It is

4.00 1.000
recommended that the entire width of
the label is marked.

J Distance between reflective mark 99.99 0.500
K Reflective sensor mark length 99.99 0.100

Table 1-1 Media Specifications

NOTE: The reflective sensor mark must be carbon based. The sensor is

infrared and will reflect off of a plain black mark.
The total thickness of label and backing is .010 inches max.

_______________________________________________________________________

6 Introduction

♦♦ Getting Started

2.0 Introduction

This chapter will assist you in unpacking, configuring the communications,
connecting your Printer, loading media stock, and installing the ribbon.

2.1 Unpacking

Inspect the shipping container(s) for signs of shipment damage. If damage is
evident, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of the
damage.

The printer is packed in molded styrofoam packaging. The Printer is enclosed
in a plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture damage during shipment.
Remove the Printer from the plastic bag.

In addition to this manual, the shipping container(s) should include the
following standard items:

• Label printer

• AC power cord

• Special or additional items purchased.

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 7

2.2 Checking the AC Power Requirements

The standard Printer is configured for 115 VAC +10% single-phase 50/60 Hz
with a properly-grounded outlet. A small sticker next to the power cord
connection states the power requirements.

The Printer is also manufactured for 230 VAC operation, most of these Printers
are shipped to international markets. If you are uncertain as to the power
requirements of the Printer, or the outlet you are connecting to, check with a
qualified service technician to verify the installation before connecting AC
power.

Check the rear AC switch settings before applying power. The
facing arrows must by selected to match the supplied voltage
rating, (115VAC or 230VAC).

CAUTION

_______________________________________________________________________

8 Getting Started

2.2.1 Selecting 230 VAC Operation

If your Printer's AC power requirements do not match your AC power, the rear
AC voltage selection switch can be changed. If you wish to change from 115
VAC to 230 VAC, follow the instructions outlined below.

1. Remove the AC power cord (if installed).

2. Insert a flat bladed-screwdriver into the release slot and push out the fuse
holder/voltage selector switch.

3. Flip/rotate the fuse holder/voltage selection switch over and re-insert it.

4. Attach the 230V power cord.

Figure 2-1 Selecting 230 VAC

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 9

2.3 Connecting the Printer

You will need a serial cable to connect your computer to the Printer's
RS232/RS422 serial interface connector. Connect your Printer's cables as
outlined below.

1. Make sure both the Printer and host computer are turned off.

2. Plug the serial cable connector securely into the Printer's serial connector
and then attach it to the connector.

3. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer's serial interface.

NOTE: An optional parallel port is available. See your retailer for details.

Figure 2-2 Rear Printer Connections

_______________________________________________________________________

10 Getting Started

2.3.1 Interfacing to the Printer

For most applications, the interface between the Printer and the host device will
be RS-232C. The interface cable is connected between the Printer and the host
via the DB-25 connector. The DB-25 connector is labeled "serial" and is
located on the back of the Printer. Several typical cable interfaces are listed in
Table 2-1.

The Printer supports both XON/XOFF and CTS/DTR handshaking. For
connection to most host systems, the XON/XOFF handshaking works to reduce
the number of wires needed in the interface cable. For interfacing RS-422
devices, the XON/XOFF handshake is the only appropriate method. Refer to
Table 2-2 for the appropriate communications cable needed for your
configuration.

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 11

When a serial (RS-232C) interface between the Printer and the host will be
used, a serial interface cable is needed to connect the Printer to the host. Cable
configurations for typical interfaces are shown below, (contact your reseller for
part numbers and ordering information).

Null Modem (MXM) “PC” (DB25P) to Printer

“PC” (DB9P) to Printer RS-422 Connection

Table 2-1 Interface Cable Applications

Other applications may require a parallel connection from the Printer to the
host. The Printer can be connected to the host with a standard parallel printer
cable if the Printer is equipped with the optional parallel interface option.

_______________________________________________________________________

12 Getting Started

2.3.2 Dip Switch Settings

For proper operation, you must set the baud rate, parity,
and stop bits of the Printer's interface. On the rear of the
Printer, you will find SWITCH 1 (S1), an eight-position
dip switch used to set the Printer's communications
parameters, (see Table 2-3).

NOTE: SWITCH 1 (S1) is not available with the LCD/Keypad Front Panel

Option, (see Section 3.2 when setting the communications parameters
for this option).

S1-1 S1-2 S1-3 S1-4 S1-5 S1-6 S1-7 S1-8

Baud Rate

9600
4800
2400
1200
600
300
19200
TEST/9600

Word length/Parity

7-Bit /Even
8-Bit /None

Compatibility Mode
(Form Edge Offset)

Offset =1.10" (27.9mm)
Offset =2.20" (55.9mm)

Present Sensor

Enable
Disable

Control Codes

Standard
Alternate

Cutter Enable

Disable
Enable

OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
ON
ON

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

OFF
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
ON

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
ON

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

ON
OFFXX

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

OFFONX

X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

X
X

X

ON
OFFXX

X
X

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

X
X

X
X

OFFONX

X
X

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

X
X

X
X

X
X

X

OFF
ON

Table 2-2 Communications Dip Switch Settings

NOTE: Select the 8-bit word length if you wish to access the foreign

language characters from the ASCII Code chart. These characters
are available in fonts 1–6 and 9.

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Getting Started 13

2.4 Memory Cartridges

The Printer has one standard memory cartridge slot. The primary use of the
memory cartridges is for storing label formats, graphic images, fonts and for
internal batch. Follow the instructions outlined below when installing memory
cartridges.

1. Ensure that all printing has been completed.

2. Open the Side Access Cover.

3. Plug the Memory Cartridge into the Memory Cartridge Slot with the label
face-up.

Figure 2-3 Installation of a Memory Cartridge

NOTE: Use only memory cartridges designed specifically for your Printer,

flash modules have a Write Protect Switch.

_______________________________________________________________________

14 Getting Started

2.5 Media Loading

The Printer supports up to an 8" (203mm) diameter roll of media, (if media less
than 4 inches wide is used, refer to Section 5.3.1 before loading media). Follow
the instructions outlined below when installing the media stock.

1. Open the Printer's Side Access Cover.

2. Rotate the Printhead Latch (1) counterclockwise to unlatch and raise the
Printhead to an upright position.

3. Lower the Hinge Plate (2).

4. Slide the Media Edge Guide (3) to the outer edge and rotate it to the down
position.

Figure 2-4 Media Access

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 15

NOTE: If using fanfold media, skip steps 5 and 6. Install fanfold media as

shown in figure 2-5b.

5. Place the 3" Media Core Adapters on the Media Hub Assembly, (if using
media with 3" media cores).

Figure 2-5a Media Installation (3" core)

6. Place the Media Supply Roll on the Media Hub Assembly. Slide the media
retainer against the supply roll and tighten the thumb screw.

NOTE: Do not use the media retainer if the Media Supply Roll is wider than

4 inches (102mm).

_______________________________________________________________________

16 Getting Started

7. Route the media over the Guide Plate, between the Media Sensor, and over
the Platen Roller, (located beneath the Printhead), as shown in Figure 2-5b.

8. Rotate the Media Edge Guide up and slide it to the media's edge.

9. Close the Hinge Plate and lower the Printhead by rotating the Printhead
Latch clockwise to the latched position.

Figure 2-5b Media Installation

NOTE: If the media is not sensing, try adjusting the Media Edge Sensor by

turning the Media Edge Sensor Adjustment knob (see Section

5.3.2).

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 17

2.5.1 Using the Optional Internal Rewind

If the Internal Rewind Option is installed in your Printer, then the media and
Arc Plate should be installed as described below.

NOTE: The Arc Plate is supplied only with the Internal Rewind Option.

1. Turn off the Printer and open the Side Access Cover.

2. Follow steps 2, 3, and 4 of Section 2.5 before installing media.

3. Open the Lower Right Front Panel.

4. Remove the Arc Plate from its stored position and install it on the front of
the Printer as shown in Figure 2-6.

Figure 2-6 Installing the Arc Plate for Internal rewind

5. Place the media core adapters on the Media Hub Assembly if using 3"
cores, (see Figure 2-5a).

_______________________________________________________________________

18 Getting Started

6. Place the Media Supply Roll on the Media Hub Assembly. Slide the media
retainer against the Media Supply Roll and tighten the thumb screw.

NOTE: Do not use the media retainer if the media is wider than 4" (102

mm).

7. Route the media over the Guide Plate, between the Media Sensor, and over
the Platen Roller, (located beneath the Printhead), around the Arc Plate
and to the Media Rewinder as shown Figure 2-7.

8. Place the Clasp over the end of the media and rotate the Media Rewinder a
few turns.

9. Rotate the Media Edge Guide up and slide it to the media's edge.

10. Close the Hinge Plate and latch the Printhead by rotating the Printhead
Latch upward to the latched position. Close the side cover.

Figure 2-7 Installing Media with Internal Rewind Option

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 19

2.5.2 Using the Peel and Present Option

The Peel and Present Option allows for on-demand label dispensing and
requires the Internal Rewind Option. To use this option follow the instructions
outlined below.

1. Turn off the Printer and open the Side Access Cover.

2. Follow steps 2, 3, and 4 of Section 2.5 before installing media.

3. Open the Lower Front Panel.

4. Using a phillips screw driver, remove the Tear Bar, invert it (flip it over),
and re-install it as shown in Figure 2-8.

Figure 2-8 Using the Peel and Present Option

NOTE: If media narrower than 4 inches is used, refer to Section 5.3.1 before

loading media.

_______________________________________________________________________

20 Getting Started

5. Place the Media Supply Roll on the Media Hub Assembly. Slide the media
retainer against the supply roll and tighten the thumb screw.

6. Route the media over the Guide Plate, between the Media Sensor, and over
the Platen Roller (located beneath the Printhead).

7. Route the media liner (backing) around the Tear Bar to the Media
Rewinder as shown in Figure 2-9.

8. Place the Clasp over the end of the media and rotate the Media Rewinder a
few turns.

9. Rotate the Media Edge Guide up and slide it to the media's edge.

10. Lift and snap the Lower Right Front Panel closed.

11. Close the Hinge Plate and latch the Printhead by rotating the Printhead
Latch clockwise to the latched position. Close the side cover.

Figure 2-9 Installing Media using Peel and Present Option

_______________________________________________________________________
Getting Started 21