CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporation.
Firmware (Software) Agreement
The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its
suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business.
The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to
duplicate, or copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-volatile or
programmable memory. The firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright
laws and Licensor retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its
suppliers be liable for any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic,
special, or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware
(Software).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Brady Worldwide, 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 expressed written permission Brady Worldwide Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
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
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.
As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this
product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product
conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B
EN 50024 (1998)
Safety: This product complies with the requirements of
EN 60950/All:1997
Gost-R
Resolution S.I.C. & M., No. 799/99
FCC: This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.
þ 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:
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This unit has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable
performance. However, as with all electrical equipment, there are some basic
precautions that you follow to avoid personal injury or damage to the printer:
Ø Before using the printer, carefully read all the installation and operating
instructions.
Ø Observe all warning instruction labels on the printer.
Ø Install the printer on a flat, firm surface.
Ø Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
Ø To protect your printer from overheating, make sure no openings on the
printer are blocked.
Ø Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the printer.
Ø Do not use the printer near water or spill liquid into it.
Ø Ensure that the AC power source matches the ratings listed for the printer.
(If unsure, check with your dealer or local utility provider.)
Ø Do not place the AC power cord where it can be stepped on. If the AC
power cord becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
Ø If the printer ever needs repair, consult only qualified, trained service
personnel. No user-serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.
PrinterOverview
1.0About the Printer ...........................................................1
1.0.1 Standard Features...........................................2
1.0.2 Optional Features ...........................................2
Index ...............................................................................129
iv
1.0About the Printer
Congratulations on your purchase of a Bradyprinter Model 2461, 3481, and
6441 hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the rugged durability of diecast construction with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to
redefine the standard in industrial thermal printers.
This manual provides all the information necessary for everyday printer
operation. To begin printing labels, refer to the instructions provided with the
label-creation software you have chosen. If you wish to write custom label
programs, a copy of the Programmer’s Manual is included on the enclosed
Accessories CD.
To grow with all of your printing needs, the design of the printer allows most
upgrades to be performed easily by an operator; see Section 1.1. The following
subsections detail the standard features, available options and a hardware
overview.
1
1.0.1Standard Features
This printer offers the following standard features:
Bradyprinter Standard Features Listing
Feature
Printhead Density (Dots Per Inch)203300600
Direct Thermal PrintingXXX
On-Demand and Batch PrintingXXX
Rotating Media HubXXX
Media Tear BarXXX
Fan-fold media capabilityXXX
Flash memory1MB2MB2MB
SDRAM8MB16MB16MB
RS-232 interface portXXX
IEEE 1284 Compliant parallel
interface port
Liquid Crystal DisplayXXX
EFIGS (multi-language display
and configuration label support)XXX
AGFA Scalable font engineXXX
246134816441
XXX
Model
1.0.2Optional Features (available except as noted)
The printer offers the following optional features:
Light-Duty (Backing-Only) Cutter
A rotary-type mechanism to automatically cut material with a maximum
thickness of .005” (.127mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25 inches (31.8 mm).
Standard Cutter
A rotary-type mechanism to automatically cut material with a maximum
thickness of .010” (.254mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25 inches (31.8 mm).
Cutter Tray
An adjustable tray that will collect and hold up to 200 cut labels or tags.
2
External Keyboard Support
An interface for the connection of the Passport™ keyboard.
External Media Rewinder
Separate device with and 8” roll capacity to rewind labels and backing material.
Font Expansion Card (cannot be used with the I/O Expansion card)
A slide-in circuit card assembly with 8MB Flash memory expansion for
International Language Printing Capability (ILPC) and/or additional fonts and
graphics. ILPC consists of one of the following:
Ø CG-Times (Western European) Scalable font
Ø Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
Ø Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font
Ø Korean Hangul Scalable font
Internal Media Rewinder
An internal hub with a six-inch outer diameter capacity to wind printed labels, or
only backing material when a Peel and Present Mechanism is attached.
ILPC – CG Times Firmware
The printer’s firmware can be upgraded to include the ILPC CG Times font.
This supports the Enhanced Language Code Pages.
I/O Expansion Card (specify features at time of order)
Standard features* of this slide-in circuit card assembly include:
Ø General purpose (GPIO) interface for external printer and device control.
Ø Time and date calendar (Real Time Clock) function for label time stamping.
including International Language Printing Capability (ILPC).
LAN Interface
A slide-in circuit card assembly that provides for network connectivity, allowing
multiple users on various platforms to share the same printer.
*Item unavailable for the 2461 model
3
Peel and Present Mechanism (requires the Internal Rewind option)
An output control device that automatically separates printed labels from the
backing material and allows subsequent printing to occur only after the removal
of a previously printed label. Minimum label length for peeling is 1.5 inches (38
mm).
Present Sensor
An output control device that allows subsequent printing to occur only after the
removal of a previously printed label.
RS-422 Serial Interface*
Single-drop interface hardware to support greater distances from the host at
communication rates of up to 38,400 baud.
Thermal Transfer (specify configuration at time of order)
A printing method that uses ribbon to produce exceptional image clarity, as
compared to most direct thermal media types. This option must be specified for
use with either ‘coated side in’ ribbon or ‘coated side out’ ribbon.
Twinax/Coax Interface
A slide-in circuit card assembly that provides connectivity to AS/400 and
System/3X Twinax host system or 3270-type host system. Cable included.
*Item unavailable for the 2461 model.
4
1.1Option Installation
The following table lists the available options and the recommended
qualification level of the installer. For detailed information concerning a specific
option, contact your dealer or Technical Support.
Suggested Experience Level for Option Installation
OptionQualified Installer
Cutter TrayOperator
Cutters: Light and Standard DutyOperator
Passport External KeyboardOperator
Font Expansion CardCertified Technician
Internal RewindOperator
I/O Expansion CardCertified Technician
LAN InterfaceCertified Technician
Peel and Present MechanismOperator
Present SensorOperator
RS-422 Serial InterfaceCertified Technician
Thermal Transfer AssemblyOperator
Twinax/Coax InterfaceCertified Technician
5
1.2Hardware Components
The following drawing highlights the user-assessable components of the printer.
Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are optional equipment.
6
2.0Unpacking the Printer
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if evident, immediately notify the
shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.
The printer has been carefully packaged to avoid damage during transit. In order
to operate the printer, you will need to remove the tape and foam placed there
for shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or
attempting to load media.
Œ With the arrow on the box pointing up,
open the box.
• Remove Accessories Box.
Ž Tilt the printer on its side and slide the
printer out of its box.
• Place the printer in an upright position
and remove the packing foam, plastic
bag, and tape.
þ Note: It is a good idea to save the carton and packaging materials in the
event that future shipment is required.
7
2.0.1Inspection
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents of
the package. In addition to this manual, the following items should be included:
Ø Printer
Ø Power Cord
Ø Accessories CD
Ø Any special or additionally
purchased items.
2.0.2Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary to produce labels. Contact your dealer or a
customer support representative for advice on which media and software may
best suit your needs.
Ø A serial or parallel interface cable; see Section 3.0.1
Ø Applicable media; see Section 2.1 for suggestions and Section 7.1 for
requirements.
Ø Applicable software
8
2.1Media and Ribbon Selection
The following is a limited overview of media characteristics. For complete
information and advice regarding your specific application needs, always
consult a qualified media specialist or a Media Representative.
Media Selection – Direct ThermalConsider three important factors when selecting direct thermal stock:
•The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer
of the paper.
•The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when
the image is “burned”.
•The amount of heat required to create an image on the paper.
Media Selection – Thermal TransferConsider three important factors when selecting thermal transfer media
combinations:
• The label top coating and ribbon combinations affect image quality.
• Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended. It provides protection for the
printhead, and may also provide an anti-static coating.
•For additional printhead protection, use ribbon with a slightly greater width
than the overall width of the label and backing material.
2.1.1Print Quality Controls
The printer provides flexibility with a comprehensive set of print controls. Of
these, the amount of heat applied by the printhead and the rate of media
movement will have the most effect on the barcodes, text, and graphics being
printed. Low cost direct thermal stocks, for example, have raised reaction
temperatures and therefore require higher heat values and slower print speeds to
make a clear image on the media. In general, there are four methods of
controlling print quality:
•The first is the ‘Media Type’ menu setting, which should be set to match the
media being used. For example, when printing with ribbon use the thermal
transfer setting.
9
• The second method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Heat’ menu
setting (selectable as ‘Heat Setting’ in most software programs). Increasing
this value causes more energy to be transferred to the media, resulting in a
darker image. If the image is too dark, reduce this value or increase the print
speed.
•The next method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Print Speed’ menu
setting (also selectable as ‘Print Speed’ in most software programs).
Changing the print speed changes the amount of time the media is under the
printhead. Slowing the speed allows more time and control for energy to be
transferred. Increasing the speed will increase throughput, but may require a
higher heat setting.
•The final method, providing only subtle contrast changes, would be to
change the ‘Custom Adjustments / Darkness’ menu setting.
You will find that printing barcodes and detailed images on less expensive direct
thermal and thermal transfer media at higher speeds can be tricky. At one heat
setting, the images will fade and at the next higher heat setting, the images will
bleed. This is because the reaction temperature of the media is so high that at
higher rates of speed, it cannot react fast enough. To print fine images at higher
speed, media with lower reaction or release temperatures are required. On the
slower end of the print rate settings, crisper images are possible because the
media is not being stretched beyond its limits.
The following table is intended for reference only (for specific application
information, consult your media specialist or a Media Representative).
Direct Thermal Media TypePrint Speed*Print Energy
Fasson 300 HD Direct Thermal FacesheetFasson 300 MD Direct Thermal Facesheet
Thermal Transfer
Media Type
Ribbon
Type
Great Label TTLGPR Plus
10-12**
Print
Speed*
Print
Energy
10-12**MediumMedium
Medium
Image
Durability
MaxWax
IIMAK Versamark
Coated Paper,
Wax 2 - 10LowLow
Uncoated Paper, Tag
Stock, Some Films,
Some Synthetics
Coated Paper, Glossy
Wax/Resin2 - 8MediumHigh
Paper, Tag Stock,
Some Synthetics, FilmsSynthetics, FilmsResin4 - 6HighHigh
*Values given in inches per second (IPS)
**Highly recommended for optimum print quality at speeds above 10 IPS.
10
+
3.0Installation
This section explains how to connect the printer, and load it with media and
ribbon.
þ Note: When connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the printer,
ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.
Œ Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
• Turn ‘Off’ the Host Computer and ensure that the Power Switch on the
Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.
Ž Depending upon your interfacing requirements, connect the appropriate
interface cable between Host Computer and Printer; see Section 3.0.1.
• Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer,
and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The
power supply in the printer automatically detects, then adjusts to the applied
line voltage; see Section 7.0 for the acceptable voltage ranges.)
If connecting the printer to a network, refer to the additional
documentation supplied with the network option.
11
3.0.1 Communications
Using a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automatically in the
printer. At power-up, the printer begins monitoring the interface ports for
activity. When the host transmits data, the printer port detecting this data is set
‘active’ and remains active as long as data flow continues. Once the incoming
(received) data flow stops and the Host Timeout Value (see Section 4.1.6) is
exceeded, the detection process will be repeated. In addition, should the data
flow stop before a complete label format is received, the format will be ignored
and must be sent to the printer again.
þ Note: To change an active port immediately, cycle the printer power ‘Off’
and ‘On’.
Parallel Port:
The parallel interface has two menu-selectable modes of operation: unidirectional or bi-directional. Uni-directional mode is forward channel
communication and requires a Centronics cable with a 36 pin male connector.
Bi-directional mode is IEEE 1284 Compliant, using forward and reverse channel
communications. In this mode, data can be sent to the host provided it is also
IEEE 1284 Compliant and has supporting software. This mode requires an IEEE
1284 cable with a Centronics 36 pin male connector.
NIC Adapter (optional):
The NIC Adapter has several menu-selectable modes; see Section 4.1.6 for
details. Refer to the information provided with the option for connection
requirements. The following items are accessible from the back of the printer:
•The LED Indicators provide operational
information: A green LINK LED indicates
a good network connection. A green 100
LED indicates a 100BASE-T network
connection. The ACT LED (activity)
flashes green or red when the server is
ready for use.
•The Test Button will cause a NIC
Configuration label to print.
•The Ethernet Reset button will reset the
NIC Adapter .
þ Note: Following initialization, the printer will indicate ‘Ready’; however, the
NIC Adapter will not be ready to receive data until its ‘boot-up’ process
is completed. Depending upon the NIC Adapter configuration, this
process may take up to two minutes to complete.
12
Serial Port:
The serial interface supports RS-232C and, if equipped, RS-422
communications. The following list of serial port settings is menu-selectable and
must match the host computer’s serial port settings; see Section 4.1.6.
• Baud Rate (serial communication speed)
• Word Length
• Word Parity
• Number of Stop Bits
• Handshaking Protocol
In addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must have
specific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the host
and printer. The different serial cable pin-outs, suggested applications, and part
numbers are shown below (contact your reseller for ordering information).
Serial Interface Cable Listing (all models, except as noted)
Null Modem (MXM)“PC” (DB9P) to Printer
Part Number 556000Part Number 556001
For connection to other DCE equipment.
Flow control is only Xon/Xoff.
For connection to a PC compatible with
DB9P communication ports. Flow control
can be either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR.
“PC” (DB25P) to PrinterRS-422 Connection
Part Number 556002Part Number N/A
For connection to a PC compatible with
DB25 communication ports. Flow control
can be either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR.
Diagram provided only as a reference.
*
This optional interface is not available for
the 2461 model.
*
13
3.1Loading Media
Begin loading as follows:
Œ Raise the Access Cover.
• Rotate the Printhead Latch forward and raise the Printhead Assembly.
Ž Slide the Media Guide out away from the frame and then lower it to the
down position.
• If using roll media, the Media Hub can accept 3.0-inch (76mm) and 1.5-
inch (38mm) cores. To use 1.5-inch cores, first slide off the 3 Inch Hub by
grasping and then pulling it firmly outward.
• Proceed according to the type of media you are using: either go to Section
3.1.1 for Roll Media or go to Section 3.1.2 for Fan-Fold Media.
14
+
3.1.1 Roll Media
This loading method is roll type media applications. To load:
Œ Slide the Roll Media
onto the Media Hub
until it rests against the
Backstop.
• Route the media as
shown: under the
Media Idler, through
the Media Sensor, then
out the front of the
printer.
Ž Raise and slide the
Media Guide over until
it rests lightly against the edge of the media.
• Position the Media Sensor; see Section 3.2.
• If your application uses thermal transfer media, load ribbon (see Section
3.3); otherwise continue.
‘ Lower the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely
back into the locked position. Close the Access Cover.
’ Turn ‘On’ the printer. After ‘Ready is displayed, press and hold the FEED
key until at least one label gap or mark is advanced; see Section 3.4.
If using less than full width media, adjust the Leveling Cam; see
Section 5.1.1.
15
+
3.1.2 Fan-Fold Media
This loading method is for tag and fan-fold type media applications. To load:
Œ Bring the media in through the Bottom or the Rear Media Slot. (If using
reflective stock, ensure that the mark is facedown.)
• Depending upon the entry point, route the media as shown: if through the
Rear Media Slot, route the media over the Media Hub; or, if through the
Bottom Media Slot, route the media over the Media Rewind Hub.
Ž Continue routing the media under the Media Idler, through the Media
Sensor and out the front of the printer.
• Raise and slide the Media Guide over until it rests lightly against the edge
of the media.
• Position the Media Sensor; see Section 3.2.
‘ If your application uses thermal transfer media, load ribbon (see Section
3.3); otherwise continue.
’ Lower the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely
back into the locked position. Close the Access Cover.
“ Turn ‘On’ the printer. After ‘Ready is displayed, press and hold the FEED
key until at least one label gap or mark is advanced; see Section 3.4.
If using less than full width media, adjust the Leveling Cam; see
Section 5.1.1.
16
*
3.2Media Sensor Adjustment
The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect the
presence of media and the top-of-form (except for continuous stock, where the
TOF is set through programming; see Label Length, Section 4.1.2). To adjust:
Œ With media loaded, as described in Section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2, grasp the Slide
Tab and move the Sensor Eye Mark into position over media according to
the table below.
• If loading media, return to the media loading instructions.
Media Sensor Selection and Adjustment
Media TypeSensor Eye Mark Position
Die-cutNear the middle of the labelGap
NotchedCentered over the notchGap
ReflectiveCentered over the black markReflective
ContinuousNear the middle of the mediaContinuous
*
See Section 4.1.2 for Sensor Type selection.
Sensing Required
þ Note: Changes to the start of print position can be made using the Print
Control/Row Adjust or Row Offset (see Section 4.1.3).
17
3.3Loading Ribbon
Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. Depending upon the type of
Ribbon Supply Hub (see the next page for examples), the printer must use either
ribbons with the ‘coating side in’ or ribbons with the ‘coating side out’. To load:
þ Note: Using a ribbon that is slightly wider than your media (and liner, if any)
will help protect against printhead wear.
Œ With the access cover raised and the printhead assembly up, position the
ribbon to be dispensed in the direction appropriate for the Ribbon Supply
Hub.
• Slide the ribbon onto the Ribbon Supply Hub until it rests against the hub’s
flange.
Ž Route the ribbon under the Ribbon Idler, out the front of the printer and
then up around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub, winding it several times in a
clockwise direction to secure it in place.
• If loading media, return to the media loading instructions. Otherwise, lower
the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely back into
the locked position. Close the Access Cover.
Removal:
When the supply is exhausted, pull the empty core from the Ribbon Supply
Hub and discard it. To remove used ribbon: grasp the Ribbon Take-Up Hub,
pull outward, then squeeze to collapse the hub and take off the ribbon.
18
þ Note: Directional Arrows near the Ribbon Supply Hub indicate the correct
ribbon route. Ribbon is available with the ink (coating) layer wound ‘in’
or ‘out’. These types are not interchangeable for use with the printer.
Ribbon Routing Diagrams
‘Coating Side In’ Ribbon Supply Hub
‘Coating Side Out’ Ribbon Supply Hub
19
3.4Quick Media Calibration
+
At the factory, the printer is calibrated to sense a wide range of media types.
Quick Media Calibration fine-tunes the media sensor for your gap, notch or
reflective media application (this is not required for continuous media). Perform
this calibration during initial set-up or after changing your media type. To
calibrate:
Œ Ensure that media is loaded (see Section 3.1), that the Media Sensor is
• Press and hold the FEED key. The printer will begin advancing media;
Upon successful completion, the ‘Calibration Completed’ message will flash;
the printer will feed to the next label TOF and ‘Ready’ will be displayed. (A
‘Warning Low Backing’ message may appear if using notched media or media
on a transparent liner; however, the calibration was successful).
þ Note: Media containing large gaps may require a change in the ‘Paper Out
When ‘Uncalibrated’ is displayed, follow the Media Sensor Calibration
procedure in Section 5.0.
adjusted (see Section 3.2), and that the printer is idle.
allow at least one label gap or mark to advance under the sensor during
this process.
Distance’ setting; see Section 4.1.2.
Calibration Hints:
In certain cases, the printer may have trouble differentiating between the label
and liner. If the printer stops feeding in the middle of a label or if ‘Cannot
Calibrate’ is displayed, try calibrating over a longer distance:
•Press and hold the FEED key to allow two gaps or marks to advance under
the sensor.
If the printer continues to stop in the middle of a label, or if ‘Cannot Calibrate’
is displayed again:
•Press and hold the FEED key to allow three or more gaps or marks to
advance under the sensor.
If this method also fails, see Media Sensor Calibration, Section 5.0.
20
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