Datamax Allegro 2 User Manual

Allegro2

Operator’s Manual

HP PCB-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.
Allegro2, SEAQ, and PC Batch are trademarks of Datamax Barcode Products

Corporation.

As an Energy Star Partner, Datamax Corporation has determined that this product
meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

Firmware (Software) Agreement: The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident
in the EPROM’s 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 EPROM’s or the information contained in the EPROM’s. 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 Datamax Barcode Products Corporation.
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 of Datamax Corporation.

© Copyright 1997 by Datamax Corporation

7500 Flying Cloud Drive • Suite 655 • Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 •

[phone]

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

Part Number: 88-2183-01

Revision: A3

Agency Compliance and Approvals:

UL: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
CSA: C22.2 No. 950-M93
TUV: EN60950, IEC950
VDE: Class B Vfg. 243/1991

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 Barcode 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.

• 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

♦ Getting Started

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

1.1 Unpacking and Inspection ................................1

1.2 Tear-off Assembly Installation.......................... 4

1.3 Using the Printer Control Panel.........................5

1.4 Media Installation.............................................8

1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions..................9

1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions ..............10

1.5 Using the Printer Options...................................11

1.6.1 Available Modules ..............................11

1.6.2 Options ...............................................12

♦ Setting up the Printer

2.0 Checking Voltage Selection..............................15

2.1 Power Up Self-Test ..........................................15

2.2 Interfacing to the Printer...................................17

2.3 Sample Installations..........................................18

2.4 Switch Settings.................................................20

2.5 Programming Commands.................................23

2.6 Programming Examples....................................28

♦ Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software

3.0 Introduction .....................................................31

3.1 The Printer used with a LINK CRT...................32

3.2 Formatting and Printing Labels.........................35

3.3 Create/Modify Label Screen .............................40

3.4 Print Label Screen ...........................................53

3.5 System Maintenance Screen .............................55

3.6 Quick Reference Listing ..................................57

(Continued)

i

♦ Troubleshooting

4.0 Introduction .....................................................59

4.1 Controlling print quality ...................................60

4.2 Aligning the Printhead......................................61

4.2.1 Printhead Alignment Procedure .........63

4.2.2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure/Support65

4.3 Troubleshooting.................................................66

♦ Maintenance

5.0 Introduction .....................................................69

5.1 Cleaning Schedule............................................70

5.2 Cleaning the Printhead......................................70

♦ Appendix A

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

♦ Appendix B

Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing................B-1

♦ Appendix C

Available Fonts and Barcodes............................C-1

♦ Appendix D

Error Codes .......................................................D-1

♦ Appendix E

Cable Listings ....................................................E-1

♦ Appendix F

Specifications.....................................................F-1

♦ Appendix G

Warranty Information........................................G-1

ii

♦ Getting Started

1.0 Introduction

The Allegro2 Label Printer, hereafter referred to as the "Printer",
incorporates high-performance/low cost direct thermal and optional
thermal transfer label printing capabilities. The combination of
powerful capabilities, easy-to-use features, a contemporary look and
affordable pricing set a new standard for direct-thermal and
thermal-transfer label printers in retail, office and industrial
applications.

1.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Inspect the shipping container(s), if damage is evident, contact the
carrier to specify the nature and extent of the damage.

Remove the contents from the box. The Printer is enclosed in a
plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture damage during
shipment, remove the plastic bag before use.

Along with this manual, the shipping container(s) should include the
following items:

• Label Printer

• Front Tear Bar Assembly

• Special or additional items purchased.

Allegro2 1

Getting Started

Location of Parts on Your Printer

The following illustrations show the major components of your
Printer. Figure 1-2 is a detailed view of the print mechanism from
the side. Figure 1-3 is a back view of the Printer. Figure 1-5 is a
view of Printer’s switches and indicators.

In this manual we will refer to the components and connectors
depicted in these illustrations. If you are not installing the optional
Cutter or Front Rewind, then you should proceed to install the Front
Tear Bar Assembly at this time (see Figure 1.4).

Figure 1-2 Mechanism Detail

2 Allegro2

Getting Started

Figure 1-3 Rear View

Allegro2 3

Getting Started

1.2 Tear- off Assembly Installation

To install the Tear-off Assembly complete the following steps:

1. Open the Printer's Side Cover.

2. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.

3. Fit the Tear Bar Assembly to the slots below the drive roller
and push it down until it snaps into place.

4. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
clockwise to the ‘down’ position.

Figure 1-4 Tear Bar Assembly Installation

4 Allegro2

Getting Started

1.3 Using the Printer Control Panel

The Printer has three operator-accessible buttons, three indicators
lights (LEDs), one switch and one POT, (see Figure 1-5). A brief
description of the buttons, lights, switch and POT are listed in this
section.

Figure 1-5 Buttons, Lights and Switches

Power Light: The power light is turned on after the power switch

on the rear of the Printer is turned on.

Allegro2 5

Getting Started

Pause Button: This button allows the operator to stop printing a

run of labels and then restart the job by pressing
the button again. Activation of the button will:

• Stop the print mechanism when the label

printing is complete.

• Turn on the pause light.

• Stop the label counter, but maintain the

count balance.

• Hold all data in memory.

Pressing the button a second time will:

• Restart the Printer.

• Print the balance of labels on the counter

unless interrupted.

• Turn ‘off’ the pause light.

Pause Light: The pause light will turn on if any of the

following occurs:

• The pause button is pressed.

• A print job is canceled with the stop/cancel

button.

• A fault occurs with the cutter or rewind

option.

Stop/Cancel Button:This button allows the operator to stop and cancel

a run of labels in the process of being printed and
continue on to the next run in the Printer’s buffer.

Feed Button: Pressing this button causes the paper to

automatically advance to the first print position of
the next label. On a new size label, 0 - 2 labels
may feed before registration occurs.

6 Allegro2

Getting Started

Paper/Ribbon This light is activated when:
Light: • No label and/or ribbon is detected.

• The Internal Rewinder (if installed) is not

rotating, (i.e., maximum rewind capacity has
been reached).

Ribbon For direct-thermal printing, (no ribbon), slide the
Switch: switch to the ‘off’ position. For thermal-transfer

printing, (ribbon installed), slide the switch to the
‘on’ position.

Darkness POT: This POT is used to fine adjust the print darkness

due to variations in different media’s and
printheads.

Note: Do not use this control for adjusting individual label printing

jobs, rather, use the software control with the ALT-P Print
Parameters Screen in the Internal Batch Mode (see Section 4),
or the proper command in RS-232 mode to vary darkness of
printing on a per-label-format basis.

Allegro2 7

Getting Started

1.4 Media Installation

Installation

The Printer is designed for easy label stock and ribbon installation.
A diagram located under the cover of the Printer shows the feed
path for print media. Simply lift the cover of the Printer from the
right-hand side to locate the installation instructions.

Figure 1-6 Label Loading Diagram

Labels

The Printer uses labels up to 4.65" (118mm) wide. The maximum
diameter of a roll of labels used in the Printer is 8" (203mm). If a
label is narrower than 3.5" (89mm) then the Printhead must be
adjusted off the roller. Please refer to Section 4.2.2, “Adjusting
Printhead Pressure and Support,” for more information.

8 Allegro2

Getting Started

1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions

To load labels complete the following steps:

1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever

counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.

2. Slide the Media Guide to the outer edge of the guide and

rotate it to the ‘down’ position.

3. Slide the Retainer to the outer edge of the Supply

Mount.

4. Place the label roll on the Supply Mount and slide the

Retainer firmly against it.

5. Insert the label stock as shown in Figure 1-6.

6. Route the Media Guide ‘up’ and slide it to the edge of

the Media.

7. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever

clockwise to the ‘down’ position.

If the Media is not sensing, try adjusting the sensor position by
turning the adjustment knob for the movable sensor. The gauge
behind and below the Printhead can be viewed for making this
adjustment. If the label’s edge is not detected within 12" (305mm) of
feeding, the Printer will stop and the ‘Paper Out’ Indicator will
remain illuminated. In this case, check the threading of the Media
around the bottom of the upper and lower Media Guides.

If the paper feeds forward only about 2.5" (64mm) each time you
press the Feed Button, and does not seem to be stopping on a label
edge, the Ribbon on/off Switch, (shown in Figure 1-5) was
probably turned on without Thermal-Transfer Ribbon being
installed. Slide this switch toward the front of the Printer for Direct­Thermal Printing.

Allegro2 9

Getting Started

1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions

Load ribbon as shown below in Figure 1-7. The ribbon can be
wound directly on to the hub and held with a clasp, or a used ribbon
core can be placed on the hub. To load the ribbon complete the
following steps:

1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever

counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.

2. Slide the Ribbon on to the Ribbon Supply Hub. Route

the ribbon, (see Figure 1-7), and attach the ribbon to the
Ribbon Take-up Hub.

3. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever

clockwise to the ‘down’ position.

Figure 1-7 Ribbon Loading

10 Allegro2

Getting Started

1.5 Using the Printer Options

1.5.1 Available Modules

The Printer uses memory modules to expand its built-in capabilities,
primarily for the use of storing graphic images and bitmaps of
smooth fonts, and for storing label formats that can be recalled by
host computers. The Label Printer has one module slot located on
the left side for use with Memory Module Cartridges.

To install a Memory Module:

Figure 1-8 Inserting a Memory Module

Allegro2 11

Getting Started

1.6.2 Options

Font ROM Modules

Font ROM Modules contain additional fonts that extend the
capabilities of the Internal Fonts. Each Font ROM Module comes
with documentation detailing the type and sizes available on the
module and the font number of each size used in label formatting.
Font ROM Modules are programmed at the factory and cannot be
modified later for any other purpose.

256K and 512K RAM Modules

RAM Modules are the most flexible module option for the Printer.
They provide temporary storage of data used in label-format
printing. Each module contains 256K of data storage for fonts,
graphic images or label formats.

An additional feature of the 512K RAM Module is that the Printer
will use a part of its memory to extend the Printer’s bit-mapped
label length from 8.25" (210mm) to 20.25" (514mm).

256K Flash EEPROM Module

Flash EEPROM Modules provide the same features of RAM
Modules with the added benefit of virtually permanent storage. A
Write Protect Switch on the Flash EEPROM Module can protect data
stored on the cartridge from being overwritten or erased.

Cutter

The Printer can be ordered with an Optional Cutter and tray for
cutting tags and labels, or the option can be installed at a later date.
This option can be easily attached to the Printer and once installed
can be enabled by turning ‘on’ switch 8 located on the back of your
Printer.

12 Allegro2

Getting Started

Peel and Present

The Printer can be ordered with an optional Peel and Present
Mechanism Kit, or the option can be purchased and installed at a
later date. The Peel and Present Option automatically separates the
label from the backing, the label then sets on the Printer until it is
removed while the backing material is sent to the Internal Rewind.
This mechanism can be used with or without the Present Sensor, but
must be used in conjunction with the Internal Rewind.

Present Sensor

The Printer can be ordered with the optional Present Sensor Kit or
the option can be purchased and installed at a later date. The Present
Sensor allows the Printer to be configured for “one up” printing.
With the sensor installed and enabled, the Printer will not print the
next label in its internal buffer until the last label printed has been
removed from the Printer.

Media Rewinder

The Media Rewinder is a factory-installed option that has a couple
of functions: it rewinds the backing from labels that have been
printed in conjunction with the Peel and Present Option; in addition,
it will rewind batches of labels that have been printed for use at a
later time.

Note: The Present Sensor and Cutter can not be installed and available

at the same time.
Batch Rewind Mode is not recommended for labels less than 2".

Allegro2 13

Getting Started

14 Allegro2

♦ Setting Up Your Printer

2.0 Checking Voltage Selection

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 indicates the power requirements.

For international markets, there is a 230 VAC version available. If
you are uncertain about the configuration of your Printer, or the
outlet you are connecting to, check with a qualified service
technician to verify the installation before connecting power.

2.1 Power Up Self-Test

Once labels are installed in the Printer as described in Section 1.4, a
Self-Test should be performed. The Printer will power up in the
Self-Test Mode when the Feed Button is pressed as the Printer is
being turned on. Initial power up will take approximately 7
seconds. The Printer should be loaded with 4.25" (108mm) wide
stock whenever this test is conducted. The Self-Test prints across
the entire width of the Printhead. Expect a brief hesitation of up to
15 seconds before the Self-Test begins to print.

Allegro2 15

Setting Up Your Printer

If a label edge is not detected within 12" (305mm) of stock, the
Printer will stop feeding labels. If this occurs, refer to Section 1.4
and reload the Media, see Figure 1-6 to find the location of the
Media Sensor. If a label edge is detected, the Printer will begin to
print the Self-Test pattern. An example of a test pattern is shown in
Figure 2-1. After the test pattern has printed successfully, the
Printer’s power switch must be turned ‘off’ and then turned ‘on’
again to reset the Printer.

THR JANUARY 30 , 1997 15:17 030
VER : CA02-01 0111 01/16/97

SYSTEM ROM CHECKSUM : B763 IS GOOD
SYSTEM ROM CHECKS GOOD
SERIAL PORT BAUD RATE IS 96ØØ

TRANSFER SWITCH I S ON
SETUP SWITCH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ANALOG INPUT VALUES:
PAPER: 227 EDGE: 152 VOLT: 121
TEMP; 069 POT: 169

ON ON ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF

Figure 2-1 Test Label

16 Allegro2

Setting Up Your Printer

2.2 Interfacing to the Printer

Depending on your application, the Printer can be set up in different
ways. Table 2-1 lists the interface cables that should be used for
each situation. If your application is not listed below, refer to
Appendix B which contains the communications information
necessary to connect the Printer to virtually any ASCII device.

Part Number Description

556000 Printer to CRT Terminal (DB25P) RS-232
556001 Printer to PC 9 Pin (DB9S) RS-232
556002 Printer to PC 25 Pin (DB25S) RS-232
899516 Printer to PC Parallel Port (DB25P)

Table 2-1 Interface Cables

For most applications, the interface between the Printer and host
device will be RS-232C. The cable necessary to connect the Printer
to the host will be either a straight cable or a null-modem cable. This
cable connects the DB-25 connector labeled ‘Serial Port’ on the back
of the Printer to the serial data connector on the host device.

The pin configuration of the Printer for most descriptions of the RS­232 interface on a DB-25 connector is Data Terminal Equipment,
(DTE). Pin 2 is transmit, pin 3 is receive and pin 7 is ground.

The Printer supports both Xon/Xoff and CTS/DTR handshaking.
Whenever the Printer is interfaced in a mode that does not use the
CTS/DTR pins, a jumper should be placed on the PC side of the
cable between pins 4 and 5 (CTS/RTS) to bypass the operation of
those control lines. A custom cable must be obtained for this
purpose.

For connection to most host systems, Xon/Xoff handshaking
reduces the number of wires necessary in the interface cable. For
interfacing RS-422 devices, the Xon/Xoff handshake is the only
appropriate method.

Allegro2 17

Setting Up Your Printer

2.3 Sample Installations

In this section, four typical installations are reviewed, CRT terminal,
PC, minicomputer, and mainframe computer. Cable connections for
similar installations are listed in Appendix D. This section outlines
the procedures that will enable you to set up the Printer for various
installations.

Connecting to a CRT

A typical application for a CRT-based system is generating and
printing labels that are stored on an optional Flash Module. First,
connect the Printer to the CRT with the cable number 556000 and
turn on switch 7 at the rear of the Printer. Next, plug the module
into the slot on the side of the Printer to store label formats on the
module. For a detailed explanation of the operation of this
configuration, refer to Section 3, “Creating Labels Using Internal
Batch Software.”

Connecting to a PC

A cable should be selected (refer to Table 2-1), and connected to a
PC via a RS-232 port. It is recommended that you use a RS-232 port
to allow for two-way communication with the Printer. The RS-232
communications port can be connected with one of two possible
configurations: a 9 pin cable (part number 556001) or a 25 pin cable
(part number 556002).

Note: DB25S (socket/female) connectors on most PCs are

normally parallel ports; DB25P and DB9P (pin/male)
are normally serial ports.

18 Allegro2

Setting Up Your Printer

If your Printer is controlled by a third-party software package,
please refer to the operator’s manual supplied with the software
package for operating instructions. For detailed explanations of the
Printer’s commands and label format structure, refer to the
Programmer's Manual.

A typical application for a PC-based system is printing labels for
manufacturing production in a Batch Mode. In these applications, a
data-base of part numbers, descriptions, warehouse locations, and
shipping weight information may be obtained through the PC.
Through an entry screen, the operator selects the type and quantity
of labels to be printed. The PC sends the data serially to the Printer
and the operator receives the labels requested.

Connecting to Your Minicomputer

Connecting the Printer to most minicomputers is similar to
connecting to a PC. Most minicomputers made by Digital
Equipment, Hewlett Packard, Unisys, etc., have ASCII RS-232C
serial ports similar to PCs. Interfacing to IBM systems sometimes
requires a protocol converter. The cable you select for connecting
the Printer to a minicomputer will vary depending on the type of
computer system you have. Diagrams in Appendix D describe a
straight serial cable and a null modem cable, one of these two cables
should work on your system.

Connecting to Your Non-ASCII Device

The Printer uses the standard ASCII for conversion of byte patterns
to characters. The standard port for receiving data expects
asynchronous ASCII serial data. If your host system uses an
interface other than ASCII character-based RS-232C, you will need
an interface converter.

Some hosts, such as IBM mainframe equipment, do not use the
ASCII standard for data encoding, rather many IBM machines use
EBCDIC.

Allegro2 19

Setting Up Your Printer

To connect the Printer to EBCDIC devices, or devices with any
other data encoding standard, a protocol converter must be used. A
protocol converter translates the bit patterns of one standard to the
bit patterns of another standard. Some protocol converters are also
interface converters, combining two functions into one box. Many
of these products are available from the manufacturer of your
computer equipment or your local reseller. Please note that
additional commands may be necessary to control the protocol
converter you select for your data interface.

2.4 Switch Settings

There are eight switches located on the back of the Printer as shown
in Figure 2-2. The function of the switches are to control
communications and are explained on the following pages.

Figure 2-2 Switch Settings

20 Allegro2

Setting Up Your Printer

Setting the Baud Rate

For all modes of operation, you must set the baud rate of the
interface. On the back of the Printer, you will find a single eight­position Dip Switch, positions 1, 2, and 3 control the setting of the
baud rate.

The following table provides the position of the three switches and
the corresponding baud rate that can be obtained by each setting:

Baud 9600 4800 2400 1200 600 300 9600

Test

SW-1 off off off off on on on
SW-2 off off on on off off on
SW-3 off on off on off on on

Table 2-2 Baud Rate

The Printer can accept 7- or 8-bit data, while ignoring parity. It also
requires at least one stop bit. This configuration assures the highest
degree of compatibility with most serial devices, even if the data
format arrangement of the host cannot be modified. Switch SW-4,
located on the back of the Printer, selects the word length.

SW-4 Data Bits Parity Stop Bits

on 7 none 2

off 8 none 1

Table 2-3 Word Length

Note: It will be necessary to select the 8-bit mode if you want

to access the foreign language characters. These
characters are available in fonts 1 through 6 and 9.

Allegro2 21

Setting Up Your Printer

Other Switches

Switch SW-5: Controls the label edge offset, when the switch is on,

the label edge offset will default to 0250. When the
switch is off, the label edge offset will default to 0220.

Switch SW-6: Present Sensor Option

Switch SW-7: Enables the Internal Batch Software Program. This

program is explained in Chapter 3. There is a software
command that will perform the same option as this
switch; it is the STX g Command.

Switch SW-8: Controls the optional Cutter.

SW-5 Prodigy Compatibility
On Prodigy
Off Allegro
SW-6 Present Sensor Option
On Present Sensor Enabled
Off Present Sensor Disabled
SW-7 Internal Batch Software
On Internal Batch Enabled
Off Internal Batch Disabled
SW-8 Cutter
On Cutter Enabled
Off Cutter Disabled

Table 2-4 Switch Settings and Functions

22 Allegro2