Datamax E-4204 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

4501 Parkway Commerce Blvd.

Asia-Pacific

19 Loyang Way

#01-01 CILC Building

Singapore 508724

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Corporate Headquarters

Orlando, Fl 328 08

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

12 Elizabeth Way, Pinnacles

Harlow, Esse x CM19 5FE UK

Datamax International

Herbert House

Phone : [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Copyright Information:

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype

Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered

trademarks, or registered service marks of their respective companies.

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 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.

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

© Copyright 2008 by Datamax Corporation

Part Number: 88-2304-01

Revision: D

Agency Compliance and Approvals:

C US

Listed

FCC: This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Cl ass A.

; Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A

UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
C22.2 No. 950-M93

EN60950

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
Q u a d r at millime t er D r a h t d u r c h me s s er h a t ; s ow ie eine I E C 320 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 A
EN 50024 (1998)

Safety: This product complies with the requirements of EN 60950 /A11:1997

Gost-R

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
inter f er ence at his own expen se.

Important Safety Instructions

This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe,
reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few
basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging
the printer:

• Carefully rea d the installation and operating instructions provided

with your printer.

• Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer.

• 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.

• Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it.

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

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 s ervic e tec hnicians should attempt to repair

your printer.

Printer Overview

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

1.1 About this Prin te r.............................................................2

1.1.1 Standard Features................................................2

1.1.2 Optional Features.................................................3

Getting Started

2.0 Before using the Printer..................................................5

Setting Up the Printer

3.0 Introduction .....................................................................7

3.1 Connecting the Printer.....................................................7

3.1.1 Power Connection................................................7

3.1.2 Interface Connection ............................................8

3.1.3 Interface Cables ...................................................8

3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor............................................9

3.3 Loading Media ................................................................12

3.3.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration..................14

3.4 Loading Ribbon...............................................................15

3.5 Flash Memory Expansion................................................17

Using the Front Panel

4.0 Introduction .....................................................................19

4.1 Lights...............................................................................19

i

4.2 Buttons............................................................................20

4.3 Normal Mode - Button Functions....................................20

4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Bu tton Functions...........................21

4.4.1 Printer Setup Menu List........................................22

4.4.2 Menu Items and Values........................................23

4.4.3 Step by Step Modification....................................26

4.5 Label Alignment...............................................................28

4.5.1 Label Alignment = YES.........................................28

4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO......................................29

4.5.3 Label Alignment = NO...........................................29

4.5.4 Label Alignment Troubleshooting.........................30

4.6 Calibration Mode – Button Fun ctions..............................34

4.6.1 Auto Media Sensor Calibration............................35

4.6.2 Manual Media Sensor Calibration ........................36

4.7 Internal Labels.................................................................37

4.7.1 Database Configuration/Dot Check Labels..........37

4.7.2 Test Label.............................................................39

4.7.3 Hex Dum p Label...................................................39

Mai ntenance and Adjustments

5.0 Introduction .....................................................................41

5.1 Cleaning the Printhead....................................................42

5.2 Media Width Adjustment.................................................43

5.3 Ribbon Width Adjustment................................................44

5.4 Fine Printhead Adjustment ..............................................46

5.5 Printhead Replacement...................................................47

5.6 Darkness Adjustment......................................................48

ii

5.7 Resetting to the Factory Defaults....................................48

5.8 Downloading Firmw are and Fonts...................................48

Troubleshooting

6.0 In troduction......................................................................51

6.1 Troubleshooting Tips.......................................................51

Specifications

Mechanical..............................................................................55

Printing....................................................................................55

Media/Ribbon.........................................................................56

Communications.....................................................................56

Fonts.......................................................................................56

Embedded Bar Codes............................................................56

Approved Media.....................................................................57

Appendix A

ASCII Control Code Chart......................................................59

Appendix B

Embedded Fonts and Barcodes.............................................61

Appendix C

Warranty Information..............................................................71

Glossary.......................................................................................75

iii

iv

1.0 Introduction

The E-4204 and E-4304 (hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’) are use r­friendly devices that blend quality and durability into an affordable
package. The printer, available in direct and optional thermal transfer
configurations, uses a unique front panel design to simplify operation,
while its RS232 serial, USB, and parallel interfaces allow easy
connection to your host system.

Direct Thermal Model Thermal Transfer Model

This manual provides all the information nece s s a ry to ope rate the printer.

To print labels or ta gs simply refer to the instructions included with the
software you have chosen to create the labels. A Windows™ printer
dr i ve r ca n be f ou nd on our websi t e (ht tp:// www.data maxcorp .com/
the Datamax Accessories CD-ROM.

If you wish to write a custom program, a copy of the Class Series
Programmer ’s Manual (part number 88-2316-01) can also be found on
our website.

) or on

E-Class 1

1.1 About this Printer

This printer offers the following sta ndard and optional features:

1.1.1 Standard Features

Printing

¾ Direct T hermal Printing
¾ On De mand and B at ch Printing
¾ 203 or 300 DPI Printhead (model dependent)
¾ AGFA S ca la ble F ont E ngine

Memory

¾ 1 MB FLASH Me mory
¾ 2 MB DRAM Memory

Interfaces

¾ RS-232 serial interface
¾ Centronics

®

parallel interface

¾ USB P ort

Operational

¾ Simple Media Loading
¾ Media Tearbar
¾ Fan-fold media compatible from rear of printer
¾ 1inch (25mm) internal media supply core

2 E-Class

1.1.2 Optional Features

Adjustable Media Sensor

The Adjusta ble Media Se nsor allows the printer to detect the position
of the gap, notch, or reflective mark at many locations across the
media.

External Media Supply Stand

The External Media Supply Stand allows the printer to use large
media supply rolls, up to 8-inches in diameter and wound on one to
three inch cores. (Not available for the E-4304.)

FLASH Memory Expansion

The FLASH Expansion cartridges are used for permanent storage of
custom fonts, formats and graphics. The FLASH memory cartridges
cannot be used in conjunction with the ILPC option.

ILPC

The International Language Print Capability consisting of one of the
following:

¾ CG-Times (western European) Scalable font
¾ Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
¾ Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font

Media Cutter

The Media Cutter automatically cuts your tag or label media after
printing. This device mounts easily onto the front of the printer and
cuts material with a maximum thickness of .007” (.177 mm).

E-Class 3

Light Duty Media Cutter

This rotary-type dev ice a utomatically cuts material with a maximum
thickness of .005” (.127 mm).

Present Sensor

The Present Sensor allows the printer to be configured for “one up”
printing. With the sensor installed, the printer will not print the next
label until the previously printed label has be e n removed from the
printer.

Thermal Transfer

The Thermal Transfer option allows the printer to use ribbon. The
ink/wax from the ribbon transfers to the media to create an image
with exceptional clarity and sca nability.

4 E-Class

2.0 Before Usi ng th e P rinter

Removi ng the Packaging

Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if damage is e vide nt notify
the shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.

The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In
order to operate the printer you will need to remove the packaging
materials (i.e., tape and foam) that were placed in the printer for
shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or
attempting to load media.

¾ Ensure that the arrow on the box is

pointing up, and then open the box.

¾ Remove the packing foam, cardboard

divider, and power supply box.

¾ Lift the printer from the box and remove

the packing foam.

¾ Remove the printer from the plastic ba g.

;

Note: It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that

shipping the printer is ever required.

E-Class 5

In specting the Printer

After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the
contents. T he following items should be included:

¾ Printer
¾ Power supply
¾ Accessories CD-ROM
¾ Any special or a dditionally

purchased items

Additional Requirements

The following items are neces s ary for generating labels from your printer.
Contact your customer support representative for advice on which media
and software may best be suited for your application.

¾ USB, Serial, or parallel ca ble
¾ Applicable media
¾ Applicable s oftware

6 E-Class

3.0 Introduction

This section explains how to connect your printer, load media (and
ribbon, if equipped for thermal transfer), and print a configuration label.

3.1 Connecting t he Prin t er

3.1.1 Power Connection

The printer is powered by an external auto-ranging power supply, which
connects between the printer and wall outlet as shown below.

Before connecting, ensure that
the range of the printer’s power
supply is compatible with your
electrical service (see
Specifications for deta ils ).

Power
Connection

E-Class 7

3.1.2 Interface Connection

The printer can be connected to
the host via a USB, serial or
parallel cable.

Serial

Connection

Parallel

Connection

To H os t

-OR-

-OR-

USB

Connection

3.1.3 Interface Cables

Choose a connection method that will best s e rve your purpose:
y To connect the printer to the host’s serial (RS-232C) interface use an

acceptable cable configuration, as shown below (contact your reseller
for orde ring information).

Part # 32-2483-01

Part # 32-2301-01

y To connect the printer to the host’s parallel interface use a

Centronics

®

parallel ca ble .

y To connect the printer to the host’s USB interface use a standard

USB cable.

Note that the printer has a ve rsa tile c ommunications feature: When
connected to more than one interface, the printer will automatically
connect to the first port (se rial, para llel, or USB) from which valid data is
received. After this connection has been made, the printer’s power must
be c yc l e d ‘O ff’ a nd ‘On’ to c hange the interface connection.

8 E-Class

3.2 Adjusting t he Medi a S ensor

The printer is available with a Fixed-Positio n Media Sensor or an
Adjustable Media Sensor. To identify the type of sensor in your printer,
proceed as follows:

1. Ope n the cover.

2. Pus h down the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Carrier

Assembly.

The Fixe d-Posi tion Medi a Se nsor, shown below, is immoveable. If your
printer has this sensor, proceed to ‘Loading Media’ (Section 3.3).

Printhead

Carrier Assembly

Fixed-Position Media Sensor

Printhead Latch

The Adjustable Media Sensor (AMS), shown below, may need to be
positioned as described belo w:

Printhead

Carrier Assembly

Printhead Latch

Adjustable Media Sensor

E-Class 9

For the proper detection of media and the label top of form (TOF), the
table belo w indicates s uggested AMS positions for various media type s .

Adjustable Media Sensor Position

Media Type Suggested Sensor Placement TOF Sensing Used

Continuous* Near the center of the media Continuous

Die-cut Near the center of the label Gap

Notched Near the center of the notch Gap

Reflective Near the center of the black mark Reflective

*Label TOF for continuous media is set via the Front Panel (CONT FORM LENGT H) or

software; see Section 4.4.2.

To properly position the AMS, you will need to know where the TOF
mark is located on your media. (For more information on media, see
Specifications.)

Depending of your media type, take a measurement from the left-justified
media edge across to the center of the TOF mark as suggested in the
table above. T he following example illustrates the measurement of
notched media.

;

Note: Reflective marks are placed on the underside of the media.

Media
Movement

Measurement

Notch

Left-Justified

To s implify the adjustment, the AMS uses Reference Letter designators
that correspond to the following TOF mark distances:

10 E-Class

Reference

Letter

Distance of the TOF Mark from the Media Edge

(inches) (millimeters)

A .180 4.6
B .500 12.7
C .750 19.1
D 1.00 25.4
E 1.25 31.8

F 1.50 38.1
G 1.75 44.5
H 2.00 50.8

I 2.25 57.2

J 2.50 63.5
K 2.75 69.9

L 3.00 76.2

Position the Adjustable Media Sensor as follows:

1. Based on the measurement made earlier, choose the Reference Letter
that best corresponds to the location of your TOF mark.

Reference Letters

Setting Window

Top Slide

Bottom Slide

Setting Window
Reference Letters

E-Class 11

2. Use a finger to move the Bottom Slide until your sele cte d Reference
Letter appears in the Setting Window of the slide .

3. Use a finger to move the Top Slide until your selected Reference
Letter appears in the Setting Window of the slide .

;

Note: The Top and Bottom Slides must be positioned over the same

Reference Letter for proper media sensor function.

4. Proceed to ‘Loading Media’ (Section 3.3).

3.3 Loading Media

Load media into the printer as follows:

1. With the Cover open and
the Printhead Carrier
Asse mbly raise d, remove
the Media Hub and insert it
through the Roll Media
(with the labels s pilling
forward).

2. Place the Media Hub Flange
(with its smooth side toward
the media) onto the Media
Hub.

3. Place the Media Hub,
flange, and media onto the
Standoffs in the printer.

4. Route the media through the
printer, as shown below.

Roll

Media

Printhead

Carrier Media

Media Hub Flange

(smooth side toward media)

Hub

Printhead

Latch

Standoff

12 E-Class

5. Slide the Media Guide and Media Hub Flange to the edge of the
media.

6. C los e the Printhead C arrier As s e mbly and press d own until it locks
into place.

7. C lo s e the cove r and press the Feed button several times to p os ition
the media and ensure proper tracking.

(If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, as

denoted by the FAULT Light, it may be necess ary to perform the
Calibration Procedure, Sectio n 4.6. )

;

Note: The printer is factory set to use 4-inch media (and ribbon, if thermal

transfer equipped). When using a different media width, refer to
Section 5 for additional printing adjustments.

E-Class 13

3.3.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration

1. Ope n the cover.

2. Pus h the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier
Assembly.

3. Place a roll of media (labels facing up) on the Media Hub and insert
them into the printer. Slide the Media Hub Flange with its smooth
side towards media onto the Media Hub.

4. Pull the Peel Lever forward to the ‘Open’ position.

5. Remove 6″ (152 mm) of labels from the backing. Route the Media
Backing over the Platen and Peel Bar and behind the Peel Roller and
Fascia as s hown below.

6. Pus h the Peel Lever back to the ‘Close d’ pos ition.

7. C los e the Printhead C arrier As s e mbly and press d own until it locks
into place.

8. Close the cover and press the Feed button several times to advance
the media a nd ensure proper tracking. The labels will sep ara te
automatically as it is fed through the printer. (If the printer does not
correctly sense the top of each label, as denoted by the FAULT Light,
it may be necessa ry to pe rform the Ca libratio n Procedure, Section

4.6.)

14 E-Class

3.4 Loading Ribbon

Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. If your printer is
equipped with the thermal transfer option and if you will be using thermal
transfer media, load ribbon as follows:

1. Open the cover.

2. Remove both
Ribbon Hubs.

3. Slide a roll of
Ribbon onto one
of the Ribbon
Hubs and an
Empty Core onto
the other hub.

4. Push the
Printhead Latch
down and raise
the Printhead
Carrier
Assembly.

5. Slide the Media
Type Switch into
the ‘Tra nsfe r’
position.

Sli de a Ribbon onto a H ub an d

an Em pty Co re onto a Hub

Empty Core

Push in and lift

to remov e the Hub s

Ribbon

Direct

Me di a Type Switch

Transfer

E-Class 15

6. Place the Ribbon Hubs back into the printer and route the ribbon
through the Printhead C a rrier As s embly, as s hown below.

;

Note: Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the

printhead.

7. The ‘Media Type’ s etting within the printer’s setup must be s et to
‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using a ribbon. See Section 4.4.

16 E-Class

3.5 Flash Memory Expansion

The printer can be equipped with the optional Flash Memory Expansion.
This additional memory can be us e d to s to re la bel formats and fonts (for
fo nt downl oa ding instr uc tions, se e S ec tion 5 .8 ).

To install the Flash Memory Expansion, proceed as follows:

1. T urn the power off and
unplug the printer. Remove
any installed media from
the printer.

2. Using a coin, flathead
screwdriver, or similar
object, insert it into the
Slot on the underside of the
printer and gently pry the
Expansion Cover from the
printer.

3. With its connector facing
down, as shown, gently
insert the Flash Memory
Expansion Asse mbly into
the Expansion Bay until the
ass embly is firmly seated .

4. Plug in and turn on the
printer.

;

Note: When using a blank expansion module for the first time, the printer

will automatically format it upon power-up; this initial format can
take up to one minute to perform.

E-Class 17