Century FALCON 4D User Manual

P/N. MD4206U-01

Edition 1
June 2004

Century Falcon 4D User Manual

Table of Contents

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

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, 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/her own expense.

EMS AND EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR EUROPEAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and passed with the requirements relating to electromagnetic compatibility based
on the standards EN50081-1 (EN55022 CLASS A) and EN61000-4-2/-3/-4/-5/-6/-8/-11 (IEC Teil 2,3,4). The
equipment also tested and passed in accordance with the European Standard EN55022 for the both Radiated and
Conducted emissions limits.

FALCON 4D Serial

TO WHICH THIS DECLARATION RELATES

IS IN CONFORMITY WITH THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS

EN55022 : 1998,CLSPR 22 , Class A / EN55024 : 1998 IEC 61000-4 Serial / EN61000-3-2 : 2000 / EN 61000-3-3 :
1995 / CRF 47, Part 15/CISPR 22 3rd Edition : 1997,Class A / ANSI C63.4 : 2001 / CNS 13438,CISPR 22(Class A) /
IEC60950 3rd Edition (1999) / GB4943 : 2001 / GB9254 : 1998 / GB17625.1 : 2003

CAUTION
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced
Replace only with the equivalent type recommended by the manufacture.
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

i

WARRANTY INFORMATION ..........................................................................................II

HAPTER 1 – BARCODE PRINTER .............................................................................. 1

C

1-1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 1

1-2 Printer Models ..................................................................................................................... 1

1-3 Printer Accessories.............................................................................................................. 1

1-4 General Specifications......................................................................................................... 2

1-5 Communication Interface.....................................................................................................3

1-6 Printer Parts......................................................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER 2 – PRINTER INSTALLATION........................................................................ 5

2-1 Ribbon Installation............................................................................................................... 5

2-2 Label Installation.................................................................................................................. 6

2-3 Label Roll Core Installation Instruction................................................................................ 7

2-4 Card / Hang tags Installation ...............................................................................................8

2-5 USB Installation................................................................................................................... 8

2-6 USB Uninstallation............................................................................................................. 10

2-7 PC Connection .................................................................................................................. 11

CHAPTER 3 – OPTIONS INSTALLATION ..................................................................... 12

3-1 Stripper Parts..................................................................................................................... 12

3-2 Stripper Installation............................................................................................................ 12

3-3 Stripper Installation Diagram ............................................................................................. 14

3-4 Cutter Parts ....................................................................................................................... 15

3-5 Cutter Installation............................................................................................................... 15

3-6 Extended Memory Parts .................................................................................................... 17

3-7 Extended Memory Installation ........................................................................................... 18

3-8 Ethernet Parts.................................................................................................................... 19

3-9 Ethernet Installation........................................................................................................... 19

CHAPTER 4 – LED MESSAGE DESCRIPTION ............................................................. 21

4-1 LED Status ........................................................................................................................ 21

4-2 General Operation............................................................................................................. 21

4-3 Self-Test ............................................................................................................................ 21

4-4 Dump Mode....................................................................................................................... 23

4-5 Auto Sensing ..................................................................................................................... 23

4-6 Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer Mode Switch............................................................... 23

4-7 Error Messages ................................................................................................................. 24

CHAPTER 5 – MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT ....................................................... 25

5-1 Thermal Print Head Cleaning ............................................................................................ 25

5-2 Thermal Print Head Balance Adjustment .......................................................................... 25

5-3 Print Line Adjustment ........................................................................................................ 26

5-4 Adjust the Cutter................................................................................................................ 26

5-5 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................. 27

ii

Chapter 1 - Barcode Printer

1-1. Introduction

The Century Systems FALCON 4D series is a desktop thermal transfer / direct thermal label printer. With plastic
outer casing, the FALCON 4D series is designed to be a lightweight and a low cost printer for large variety of printing
requirement. Its features are as follows:

 Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printing Mode
 Print head density of 8 dots or 12dots per mm (203 or 300 dots per inch)
 Memory for label, graphics, and fonts download (approximately 100KB)
 Optional Real Time Clock for time recording and tracking
 Internal 5” (125mm) label roll capacity and 300M (Max O.D. 64mm) ribbon length (1” core size)
 Standard 2MB RAM for Maximum 68” print length
 Optional stripper module for label
 Optional cutter for ticketing or receipt printing applications
 Free Bundle of label editing software QLabel III

1-2. Printer Models

CFD-4206 (203 DPI) CFD-4306 (300 DPI)

1-3. Printer Accessories

After unpacking, please check the accessories that come with the package, and store them appropriately.

Barcode Printer Power Cables (110V and 230V) Switching Power Adapter

Parallel Port Cable Serial Port Cable (Optional) USB Cable

Label Roll Core Ribbon Shaft (2pcs) Empty Roll Core

Label Roll Sample Ribbon Roll Sample Quick Start Guide

CD (including Software/Manual/Driver/DLL)

Print Head Cleaning Card 15. Warranty Card / Warranty Information

* If a different power supply is used with the printer which has caused damages to the printer itself, then

this is not covered as part of the product warranty.

1

1-4. General Specifications

Model Name
Resolution 203 dpi (8 dot/mm) 300 dpi (12 dot/mm)
Print Mode Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal
CPU 16 Bit
Sensor Location Moveable, center aligned
Sensor Type Reflective
Sensor
Detection
Print Speed 2~4 IPS Standard

Print Length Min. 12mm (0.47”); Max. 1727mm (68”) Min. 12mm (0.47”); Max. 762mm (30”)
Print Width 104mm (4.10") 104mm (4.10")
Media Label Roll OD: Max. 127mm (5”)

Ribbon Length: 300M (981 ft)

Printer
Language
Software Application: QLabel-III

Resident Fonts 9 resident alphanumeric fonts (included OCR A & B) those are expandable 8 times horizontally

CFD-4206 CFD-4306

Type: Label gap, black mark, and punch hole sensing.
Detection: Label length auto sensing and / or program command setting

2~3 IPS
5~6 IPS can be achieved (media
dependant)

Core Diameter: 1”, 1.5”, 3”
Width: 25mm (1 “) ~ 118mm (4.65”)
Thickness: 0.06~0.3mm (0.0025”~0.012”)

Max. ribbon roll OD: 64mm (2.52 “)
Type: transfer ribbons (wax, hybrid, and resin) in widths of 30mm to 110mm (1.88” to 4.33”)
Core Inner Diameter: 25.4mm (1”)

EZPL; Firmware Downloadable

DLL & Driver: Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000 and XP

and vertically. All fonts in 8 directions rotation. 6,8,10,12,14,18,24,30 points

Fonts Download Windows Bit-map fonts and Asian fonts downloadable. All fonts in 8 directions rotation.
Image Handling PCX, BMP (With QLabel Software Supporting ICO, WMF, JPG, EMF).
Barcode Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 (subset A, B, C), UCC/EAN-128 K-Mart, UCC/EAN-128, UPC A /

E (add on 2 & 5), I 2 of 5, I 2 of 5 with Shipping Bearer Bars, EAN 8 / 13 (add on 2 & 5),
Codabar, Post NET, EAN 128, DUN 14, MaxiCode, HIBC, Plessey, Random Weight, Telepen,
FIM, China Postal Code, RPS 128, PDF417 & Datamatrix code (QR code available)

Interface Serial, Parallel, USB
Interface
Transmission
Memory DRAM: 2MB, FLASH: 1MB
LED Display LED * 2, Bi-Color

Power Auto Switching 100/240VAC, 50/60 Hz
Environment Operation: 40°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)

Humidity Operation: 30-85%, non-condensing. Free air.

Cert. Approval CE, FCC Class A, CCC, CB, CUL, BSMI
Printer
Dimension

Options Rotary Cutter Module

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Baud rate 4800 ~ 38400, XON/XOFF, DSR/DTR

Function Key * 1,FEED

Storage: -40°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)

Storage: 10-90%, non-condensing. Free air.

Length: 285mm (11.2”)
Height: 171mm (6.8”)
Width: 226mm (8.9”)
Weight: 2.72Kg

Stripper Module
1MB Flash Expansion Card + RTC (Real Time Clock)
2 MB Flash Expansion Card + RTC (Real Time Clock)
Internal Ethernet Adapter Card

2

1-5. Communication Interface

Parallel Interface

Interface cable

Pin out

PIN NO. FUNCTION TRANSMITTER
1
2-9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19-30
31
32
33
34-35
36

Serial Interface

Serial Default
Setting

RS232 HOUSING (9-pin to 9-pin)
DB9 SOCKET DB9 PLUG

--- 1 1 +5V,max 500mA
RXD 2 2 TXD
TXD 3 3 RXD
DTR 4 4 DSR
GND 5 5 GND
DSR 6 6 DTR
RTS 7 7 N/C
CTS 8 8 RTS
RI 9 9 N/C

PC

NOTE: The total voltage output from parallel port and serial port altogether can not exceed 500mA.

USB Interface
Connector Type : Type B

PIN NO. 1 2 3 4

Parallel cable compatible with IBM PC

:

See below

:

/Strobe
Data 0-7
/Acknowledge
Busy
/Paper empty
/Select
/Auto-Linefeed
N/C
Signal Gnd
Chassis Gnd
+5V,max 500mA
Signal Gnd
/Initialize
/Error
Signal Ground
N/C
/Select-in

9600 baud rate, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF protocol and RTS/CTS

:

host / printer
host
printer
printer
printer
printer
host / printer

host
host / printer
printer

host / printer

PRINTER

FUNCTION USBVCC D- D+ GND

3

1-6. Printer Parts

Please use the following diagrams to identify each printer part.

1 Cover Open Button 11 LED Light (Ready) 21 Power Socket

2 Top Cover 12 LED Light (Status) 22 USB Port

3 Label Roll Core 13 FEED Key 23 Parallel Port

4 Ribbon Rewind Wheel 14 Print Line Adj. Gear 24 Serial Port

5 Print Mechanism 15 Ribbon Supply Shaft 25 Ethernet Socket (Option)

Ribbon Rewind Shaft + Empty

6

Ribbon Take Up Core

7 Locking Tenon (left/right) 17 Label Sensor

8 Front Cover Piece 18 Platen Roller

9 Memory Card Cover 19 Fan-Fold Label Insert

Print Head Pressure Adj. Screw

10

(left/right)

16 Label Guide

20 Power Switch

4

Chapter 2 - Printer Installation

This printer model has the following print modes:

Thermal Transfer (TT): When printing, ribbon must be installed to transfer the print contents onto the media.

Direct Thermal (DT): When printing, no ribbon is necessary; it only requires direct thermal media.

2-1. Ribbon Installation

1. Place the printer onto a
smooth surface, and open the
top cover.

2. Loosen and then lift the upper
print mechanism by pressing
the locking tenons.

3. Take out the ribbon supply
shaft and rewind shaft.

4. Place the new ribbon roll onto
the ribbon supply shaft.

5. Feed the ribbon from the
Ribbon Supply Shaft under
the Print Head.

6. Wrap the ribbon around the
Ribbon Shaft and stick the
ribbon onto the Empty Ribbon
Roll Core.

7. Firmly close the upper print
mechanism.

5

2-2. Label Installation

1. Open the top cover.

2. Place the label roll onto the Label Roll
Core,

3. Loosen and lift the upper print
mechanism by pressing the locking
tenons.

4. Feed the label through the two Label
Guides to the Tear-off Bar.

5. Align the label guides to the label edge.

6. Close the upper print mechanism from
the top to finish label installation.

6

2-3 Label Roll Core Installation Instruction

(A) 1” roll core installation instruction

(B) 1.5” roll core installation instruction

(C) 3” roll core installation instruction

7

2-4 Card / Hang tags Installation

When installing cord tags, the tag hole must align with the sensor
arrow (as indicated in Photo 1), then use the Label Guide to
secure the tags.

Tag hole position

Sensor Detection Position

(Photo 1)

2-5. USB Installation

1. USB is a Plug & Play facility. Once the USB
cable is connected from PC to the printer, PC
will automatically detect the new device and
begin the installation process.

8

2. Select ” Search for a suitable driver for my
device [recommended]“ and click “Next”

3. Select the location of the driver.

4. When the USB device driver is assigned and
saved, click “Next”

9

5. The USB device is built on the serial port,
therefore make sure the interface setting is
specified to the assigned port.

6. Go to Control Panel\System\Device Manager
and the USB port will be listed under Ports
(COM & LPT). The example from the right
hand side indicates that the USB Serial Port
is COM3.

7. After the USB driver is installed, the USB
device can be used through software (such
as QLabel III or Century Systems drivers) to
print labels.

2-6. USB Uninstallation

To remove the USB driver, open “USB Driver” folder
and execute the “Ftdiunin” program, the message box
on the right hand side will appear. Click “Continue” to
remove the USB driver.

10

2-7. PC Connection

1. Please make sure the printer is powered off.

2. Take the power cable, plug the cable switch to the power socket, and then connect the other end of the cable to
the printer power socket.

3. Connect the cable to the parallel port on the printer and on the PC.

4. Power on the printer. The LED light (Ready) should turn green when power is on.

NOTE: If you wish to connect with an USB interface, please install the USB driver first.

11

Chapter 3 - Options Installation

3-1. Stripper Parts

3-2. Stripper Installation

27 Stripper Module
28 Screw (TAP 3*8) x 2pcs

[NOTE]: Please power off the printer before installing
the stripper module.

1. Open the top cover by pressing
the Cover Open Buttons on both
sides.

2. Push the front cover piece
buttons inward to open.

3. Lift/take off the front cover piece
according to the direction shown
in the photo.

4. Plug in the connector (refer to
the right photo)。

Note: There are 2 sockets on the

converting boards (one is for
stripper installation, another is
for cutter installation), before
plug the connector into socket,
please check the pin first.

5. The label / paper used for
rewinding purposes is
suggested to be at least 30mm
in height.

12

6. Place the right side in first, and
then fit the left side.

7. Hold the stripper module and
tighten the screws (28).

8. Peel off the first label, and feed
the liner through the roller and
the peel off bracket.

9. Flip close the stripper module.

10. Close the print mechanism, then
press the FEED key.

13

3-3. Stripper Installation Diagram

Stripper Installation Diagram

LABEL

LINER

LABEL

LINER

14

3-4. Cutter Parts

29 Cutter Module
30 Screw (TAP 3*8) x 2pcs

[NOTE]: Please power off the printer before installing the
cutter module.
[NOTE]: Do not cut self-adhesive labels! The traces of
adhesive will pollute the rotary knife and impair
safe operation!

3-5. Cutter Installation

1. Open the top cover by

pressing the Cover Open
Buttons on both sides.

2. Push the front cover piece

buttons inward to open.

3. Lift/take off the front cover

piece according to the
direction shown in the photo.

15

4. Open the mechanism by

pressing the Locking Tenon,
plug in the cable connector of
the cutter module (29) onto
the switchboard socket.

Note: There are 2 sockets on the

converting boards (one is for
stripper installation, another is
for cutter installation), before
plug the connector into socket,
please check the pin first.

5. Clip in the right side of the

cutter module (29) first, then
secure the left side.

6. Flip the cutter module (29)

down to open the cutter.

Note: Please refer to photo (A).

(A)

16

7. Hold the cutter module and

lock it with the two side
screws (30).

8. After the screws are locked,

flip close the cutter module.

9. Close the mechanism to
complete the cutter module
installation.

3-6. Extended Memory Parts

31 Extended Memory Card
32 PCB Pillar x 2pcs

[NOTE]: Please power off the printer before installing the

extended memory.

17

3-7. Extended Memory Installation

1. Open the top cover by pressing the
Cover Open Buttons on both sides.

2. Take off the media roll spindle. Open
and remove the plastic cover on the
inner base.

3. Secure the PCB pillar onto the main
board.

4. Check the pins where the memory is
to be connected to, then plug the
memory card onto the main board.

Note: Please make sure the aperture on

the connector and the pins match,
otherwise when too much force is
applied onto the memory card,
there’s a possibility that the pins
may get damaged.

5. Close the plastic memory cover.

18

3-8. Ethernet Parts

3-9. Ethernet Installation

1. Remove screws at the bottom of the
printer (refer to arrows).

33 Ethernet Module
34 Connector Cable
35 Network Board Stand
36 Screws (MACHINE 3x6) x 2
37 Screw (TAP 3x8) x 1

<Note> Please turn power off when assembling Ethernet

module.

2. Facing the printer, exert force on two
sides of the printer and remove the
middle compartment.

3. Remove the spare opening (A) at the
back of the printer (refer

to Figure 1)

(Figure 1)

19

4. Secure Ethernet Module (33) and
Network Board Stand (35) together
as shown in Figure 2

。

5. Screw the secured module and

stand onto the bottom of the
printer.

6. Connect one end of the Connector
Cable (34) to the printer main board
and the other end to Ethernet
Module.

Note: Bend the cable inward

when making the
connection to prevent
interference with the main
board.

(Figure 2)

7. To complete installation, put the

middle compartment back and re­screw it onto the bottom of the
printer.

20

Chapter 4 - LED Message Description

4-1. LED Status

FEED LED Ling Beep Status Description

READY

STATUS

READY Green (Flash)

STATUS Orange

READY

STATUS

READY Orange (Flash)

STATUS Orange

READY Red (Flash)

STATUS Red

READY

STATUS Red

READY

STATUS

Green

Red (Flash)
Orange

Orange (Flash)

Red (Flash)

1 Normal status

3 Dump Mode,

3

3

3

3

Self-Test

Auto Sensing

Mode

Direct Thermal

(DT) Mode

Thermal

Transfer (TT)

Mode

Normal status

Printers currently in Dump Mode, for operation
instructions please refer to 4-4.

Printing Self-Test page, for operation
instructions please refer to 4-3.

Printers currently in Auto Sensing Mode, for
operation instructions please refer to 4-5.

Printer currently in Direct Thermal (DT) Mode,
for operation instructions please refer to 4-6.

Printers currently in Thermal Transfer (TT)
Mode, for operation instructions please refer to

4-6.

Printer is currently downloading F/W。

4-2. General Operation

Feed Key
When pressing the Feed key, printer will send the media (according to media type) to the specified stop position.
When printing with continuous media, when pressing the Feed key, the printer will feed media out to a certain length.
When printing labels, pressing the Feed key, the printer will feed one label at a time; if the label is not sent out in a
correct position, then please proceed with the Auto Sensing (see page 21).

4-3. Self-Test

The Self-Test function in a printer will help the user to troubleshoot whether the printer is operating normally. In the
Self-Test Mode, the printer will print out a test sample each time when the Feed key is pressed. To stop the Self­Test procedure in the middle, simply power off the printer. Below are the Self-Test procedures:

1 Power off the printer, press and hold the Feed key.
2 Press and hold the FEED button while power on the printer, after the printer makes 3 beeps, and the LED

REARY light flashes red and the LED STATUS light turns orange, the printer goes into the Self-Test Mode.
Then release the FEED button, One second later, the printer will automatically print out the following contents.

After about 1 second, printer would automatically print out the following, and this means the printer is operating
normally.

21

g

Model & Version
Serial Port Setup

Test Pattern

Number of DRAM installed
Image buffer size
Number of forms
Number of graphics
Number of fonts
Number of Asian fonts
Free memory size
Speed, Density, Ref. Point
Print Direction

Label width, Form length
Cutter, stripper, Mode
Gap sensor AD

Self-Test includes the internal printer data setting.

CFD-4206: V1.200
Serial port: 96,N, 8,1

1 DRAM installed
Image buffer size: 1472K
000 FORM (S) IN MEMORY
000 GRAPHIC (S) IN MEMORY
000 FONT (S) IN MEMORY
000 ASIAN FONT (S) IN MEMORY
150K BYTES FREE MEMORY
^S6 ^H8 ^R000 ~R200
^W100 ^Q100, 3
Option: ^D0 ^O0 ^AT
Gap Sensor AD: 129 162 195 (3)
Code Pa

Command Language :EZZPL

e : 850

22

4-4. Dump Mode

When label setting and the print result don’t match, it’s recommended to go into the Dump Mode to check whether
there’s a mistake in data transmission between the printer and the PC. For example, when printer receives 8
commands, yet without processing these commands, only print out the contents of the commands, this will confirm
whether the commands were received correctly. Test procedures to enter the Dump Mode are as follows:

1. Power off the printer, press and hold the Feed key.

2. Press and hold the FEED button while power on the printer, after the printer makes 3 beeps, and the LED
READY light flashes green and the LED STATUS light turns orange, the printer goes into the Dump Mode.
Then release the FEED button. The printer will automatically print out “DUMP MODE BEGIN”. This indicates
that the printer is currently in Dump Mode.

3. Printer will automatically print “DUMP MODE BEGIN.” This means the printer is already in Dump Mode.

4. Send commands to the printer, and check to see if the print result matches the commands sent.

5. Press the Feed key to exit the Dump Mode, now the printer will automatically print “OUT OF DUMP MODE.”
This means the printer is back in the normal status.

Note: To cancel (get out of the Dump Mode), press the Feed key, this time printer will automatically print out “OUT

OF DUMP MODE.” This indicates that printer is back in the standby mode. Or power off to exit the Dump
Mode.

4-5. Auto Sensing

Printer can automatically detect label (black mark paper) length and record. This way, without setting the print
length, the printer can accurately detect the label (black mark) positions.

1 Check if the Moveable Sensor Mark is located at the right sensing position.
2 Power off the printer, press and hold the Feed key.

3. Press and hold the FEED button while power on the printer, after the printer makes 3 beeps, and wait until the
LED READY light flashes orange and the LED STATUS light turns orange, the printer will go into the Auto
Sensing Mode. Then release the FEED button. The printer will automatically record the label size.

4-6. Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer Mode Switch

1. Power off the printer, press and hold the Feed key.

2. Press and hold the FEED button while power on the printer, after the printer makes 3 beeps, and wait until the
LED READY light flashes red and the LED STATUS light turns red, the printer will go into Direct Thermal (DT)
Mode. Then release the FEED button. The printers will automatically print “NOW IS DIRECT THERMAL (DT
MODE)”. This indicates that printer is currently in DT Mode.

3. Press and hold the FEED button while power on the printer, after the printer makes 3 beeps, and wait until the
LED READY light flashes orange and the LED STATUS light turns red, the printer will go into the Thermal
Transfer (TT) Mode. Then release the FEED button. The printers will automatically print "NOW IS THERMAL
TRANSFER (TT MODE)". This indicates that printer is currently in TT Mode.

NOW IS THERMAL TRANSFER ( TT MODE)

NOW IS DIRECT THERMAL (DT MODE)

23

4-7. Error Messages

LED
Message

Print head is
opened

Entering the
Cooling Process

Out of ribbon or
check ribbon
sensor

Out of media or
check media gap
sensor

Check paper
setting

Command is not
recognized

Memory is full Red

Filename can not
be found

Filename is
repeated

LED Light
Ready Status

Red

Red None Print head temperature high.

Red

Red

Red

Red

Red

Red

Beep Description Solution

4 beeps
twice

3 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

2 beeps
twice

Print head not firmly in place.

Ribbon not installed, and printer
shows error message.
Ribbon used up or ribbon supply
shaft not moving.

Unable to detect paper.

Paper used up. Replace with new label roll.

Abnormal paper feed.

Wrong command; printer prints
out “Command is not recognized.”

Memory is full; printer prints out
“Memory full.”

Can’t find the file; printer prints
out “Filename can not be found.”

File name is repeated; printer
prints out “Filename is repeated.”

Re-open print head and make
sure it closes tightly.
When print head temperature
drops to the normal
temperature range, printer will
go back to the standby mode.
Make sure the printer is in the
Direct Thermal mode.

Replace with new ribbon roll.

Make sure the movable sensor
mark is at the correct position,
if the sensor is still unable to
detect paper, and then go
through Auto Sensing again.

Possible causes: card tags or
paper fall into the gap behind
the platen roller, can’t find
label gap/black mark, black
mark paper out. Please
adjust according to actual
usage.
Check printer commands,
possible value missing or
errors.
Delete unnecessary data in
the memory or purchase
extended memory (options).
Use “~X4” command to print
out all the files, then check
whether the file exist and the
names are correct.
Change the file name and
download again.

24

Chapter 5 - Maintenance and Adjustment

5-1. Thermal Print Head Cleaning

Unclear printouts (some parts unable to print) may be
caused by dusty print head, ribbon stain, or label liner
glue, therefore when printing, it’s necessary to keep the
top cover closed. Also, check and prevent paper/label
from being stained or dusty to ensure print quality and
to prolong the print head life. Print head cleaning
instructions are as follows:

1. Power-off the printer.

2. Open top cover.

3. Take out the ribbon.

4. Open the print head by pressing the locking tenons.

5. If on the print head (see yellow arrow) there’s label
pieces or other stain, please use a soft cloth with
industrial use alcohol to wipe away the stain.

Note:
(1) Weekly cleaning on the print head is recommended.
(2) Please clean the print head with the cleaning card

that comes with the printer.

5-2. Thermal Print Head Balance Adjustment

When printing with different label materials or using
different ribbon types, unbalanced print quality may
occur due to the media material differences, thus it’s
necessary to adjust the Thermal Print Head pressure.

1. Open top cover.

2. Take out the ribbon.

3. Turning the print head adjustment screws slightly by
Philips screwdriver to increase or decrease print
head pressure.

25

5-3. Print Line Adjustment

Use print head adjusting gear to adjust the contacting
surface between print head and label. To get better
printing balance and quality.

1, When turning print head adjusting gear counter­clockwise (as arrow 1 shows), print head would move
in a direction where arrow A is.

2. When turning print head adjusting gear clockwise
(as arrow 2 shows), print head would move in a
direction where arrow B is.

5-4. Adjust the cutter

1. A cutter-adjusting hole is present on both sides

(where A is pointing to).

2. The cutter will not function properly if there is a

paper jam. Turn the power off and use a #M3
hexagon wrench inserted into hole “A” and open the
cutter from right to left.

3. Power on the printer after clearing the paper jam,

the cutter will return to the correct position
automatically.

Note: The label / paper used for cutting is suggested to

be at least 30mm in height.

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5-5. Troubleshooting

Problem Recommended Solution
Power on the printer, but the LED
does not light up
LED light turns red (power/status)
after printing stops

Printing started, but nothing was
printed on the label

When printing, label is
jammed/tangled up
When printing, only part of the
contents were printed

When printing, part of the label
wasn’t printed completely

Printout not in desired position  Check if sensor is covered by paper or dust

When printing, page skipping
occurs
Unclear printout  Check print darkness setting

When using cutter, label wasn’t cut
straight
When using cutter, label wasn’t cut
successfully
When using cutter, label couldn’t
feed or abnormal cutting occurs
When using stripper, abnormal
function occurs

Note: If further problems occur, please contact your distributor for more information.

 Check the power connector

 Check for software setting or program command errors
 Replace with suitable label or ribbon
 Check if label or ribbon is all out
 Check if label is jammed/tangled up
 Check if mechanism is closed (Thermal Print Head not positioned

correctly)

 Check if sensor is blocked by paper/label
 Check for abnormal cutter function or of no actions (if cutter is

installed)

 Check if label is placed upside down or if label is not suitable for the

application

 Select the correct printer driver
 Select the correct label and print type
 Clean the label jam, and if label is stuck on Thermal Print Head,

please remove it by using soft cloth with alcohol.

 Check if label or ribbon is stuck on the Thermal Print Head
 Check if application software has errors
 Check if start position setting has errors
 Check if ribbon has wrinkles
 Check if ribbon supply shaft is creating friction with the platen roller.

If the platen roller needs to be replaced, please contact your reseller
for more information

 Check if power supply is correct
 Check if Thermal Print Head is stained or dusted
 Use internal command “~T” to check Thermal Print Head can print

completely

 Check the media quality

 Check if liner is suitable for use, please contact reseller for more

information

 Check if label roll edge is aligned with Label Width Guide
 Check if error occurs on label height setting
 Check is sensor is covered by dust

 Check if Thermal Print Head is covered with glue or stain
 Check if label is set up straight

 Check whether label thickness exceeds 0.2mm

 Check if cutter is installed properly
 Check if Paper Feed Rods are sticky
 Check if stripper sensor is covered with dust
 Check if label is installed properly

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