Datamax E4203, E-4204, E-4304e User Manual

Download

E-4203 / E-4204 / E-4304

w/USB

Operator’s Manual

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 agree s not to, and not to authorize or pe rmit any

other person or party to, duplicate or copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-v olatile 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.

Part Number: 88-2304-01

Revision: A

Agency Compliance and Approvals:

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

C US

Listed

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 Quadratmillimeter Drahtd ur chmess er hat ; so wie e ine 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 manufa cture r dec lare s und er s ole re sponsib ility that this p rod uct co nfo rms 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

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

; 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

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 read 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 service technicians should attempt to repair

your printer.

Printer Overview

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

1.1 About this Printer ................................................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

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

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

4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Button 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 Functions ................... 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 Dump Label ........................................39

Maintenance 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 .................................. 45

5.5 Printhead Replacement....................................... 46

5.6 Darkness Adjustment ..........................................47

5.7 Resetting to the Factory Defaults......................... 47

5.8 Downloading Firmware and Fonts ....................... 47

Troubleshooting

6.0 Introduction......................................................... 49

6.1 Troubleshooting Tips ..........................................49

Specifications

Mechanical ................................................................ 53

Printing...................................................................... 53

Media/Ribbon ............................................................ 54

Communications........................................................54

Fonts......................................................................... 54

Embedded Bar Codes ...............................................54

Approved Media......................................................... 55

Appendix A

ASCII Control Code Chart.......................................... 57

Appendix B

Embedded Fonts and Barcodes.................................59

Appendix C

Warranty Information .................................................69

Glossary................................................................... 73

Index........................................................................... 79

iii

1.0 Introduction

The E-4203, E-4204, and E-4304 (hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’) are user-friendly printing 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 and parallel interfaces allow easy connection to your host system.

Dire ct Thermal Model The rmal Transfe r Model

This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the printer.

To print labels or tags simply refer to the instructions included with the software you have chosen to create the labels. A Windows printer driver can be found on our website (www.datamaxcorp.com) or on the

Datamax Accessories CD-ROM. If you wish to write a custom program, a copy of the E-Class Programmer’s Manual (part number 88-2265-01) can also be found on the Accessories CD-ROM.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 1

1.1 About this Printer

This printer offers the following standard and optional features:

1.1.1 Standard Features

Printing

¾ Direct Thermal Printing ¾ On Demand and Batch Printing ¾ 203 or 300 DPI Printhead (model dependant) ¾ AGFA Scalable Font Engine

Memory

¾ 1 MB FLASH Memory ¾ 2 MB DRAM Memory

Interfaces

¾ RS-232 serial interface ¾ Centronics

parallel interface

¾ USB Port

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-4203/E-4204/E-4304

1.1.2 Optional Features

Adjustable Media Sensor

The Adjustable Media Sensor 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.

Heavy Duty Power Supply

The Heavy Duty Power Supply is available for use in high demand

applications. This power supply will also increase the E-4203’s print speed capability to 4 IPS.

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.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 3

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 been 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 scanability.

4 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

2.0 Before Using the Printer

Removing the Packaging

Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if damage is evident 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 bag.

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

shipping the printer is ever required.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5

Inspecting the Printer

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

¾ Printer ¾ Power supply ¾ Accessories CD-ROM ¾ Any special or additionally

purchased items.

Additional Requirements

The following items are necessary 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 cable ¾ Applicable media ¾ Applicable software

6 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

3.0 Introduction

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

3.1 Connecting the Printer

3.1.1 Power Connection

The printer is powered by an external power supply that connects as

shown below. Several different power supplies are available depending upon the printer model.

Mode l Auto-Ranging Powe r Supply Part Numbe r*

E-4203 No

E-4203 with the 4 IPS option Yes 50-2050-01 E-4204 Yes 50-2050-01 E-4304 Yes 50-2050-01

* An optional Heavy Duty Power Supply (50-2049-01), designed for use in high-demand

applications, is available for use with all models; see Specifications for details.

Ensure that the power supply

shipped with your printer is compatible with your electrical service.

110V: 50-2024-01 220V: 50-2034-01

Powe r Connection

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 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 Ho s t

-OR-

USB

Connection

3.1.3 Interface Cables

Choose one connection method that will best serve 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 ordering information).

Part # 32-2300-01

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

Centronics

parallel cable.

Part # 32-2301-01

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

USB cable.

Note that the printer has a unique feature: When connected via more than

one interface, it will automatically connect to the first port (serial, parallel, or USB) that transmits valid data. After this connection has been made, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change the interface connection.

8 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor

The printer is available with a Fixed-Position Media Sensor or an

Adjustable Media Sensor. To identify the type of sensor in your printer:

1. Open the cover.

2. Push down the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Carrier

Assembly.

The Fixed-Position Media Sensor, shown below, cannot be moved. If your printer has this type of sensor, proceed to ‘Loading Media’ (Section

3.3).

Printhead

Carrier Assembly

Fixed-Position Medi a Sensor

Printhead Latch

The Adjustable Media Sensor (AMS), shown below, may need to be positioned.

Printhead

Carrier Assembly

Printhead Latch

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 9

Adjustable Media Sensor

The position of the AMS is important for the proper detection of media and the label top of form (TOF). The table below indicates suggested sensor positions for various media types.

Adjustable Media Sensor Position

Me dia 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 LENGTH) 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. The following example illustrates the measurement of notched media.

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

Media Movement

Measurement

Notch

To simplify the adjustment, the AMS uses Reference Letter designators

Left-Justified

that correspond to the following TOF mark distances:

10 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Reference

Letter

Distance of the TOF Mark Distance from the Media Edge

(inches) (millimete rs)

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-4203/E-4204/E-4304 11

2. Use a finger to move the Bottom Slide until your selected 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 Assembly raised, remove the Media Hub and insert it through the Roll Media (with the labels spilling 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 tow ard media)

Hub

Printhead

Latch

Standoff

12 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

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

media.

6. Close the Printhead Carrier Assembly and press down until it locks into place.

7. Close the cover and press the Feed button several times to position

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 necessary to perform the Calibration Procedure, Section 4.6.)

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

transfer equipped). When using a different width of media/ribbon, please refer to Chapter 5.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 13

3.3.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration

1. Open the cover.

2. Push 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 shown below.

6. Push the Peel Lever back to the ‘Closed’ position.

7. Close the Printhead Carrier Assembly and press down until it locks into place.

8. Close the cover and press the Feed button several times to advance

the media and ensure proper tracking. The labels will separate 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 necessary to perform the Calibration Procedure, Section

4.6.)

14 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

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

Slide a Ribbon onto a Hub and

an Empty Core onto a Hub

Push in and lift

to remove the Hubs

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

Empty Core

Direct

Media Type Switch

Transfer

Type Switch into the ‘Transfer’ position.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 15

6. Place the Ribbon Hubs back into the printer and route the ribbon

through the Printhead Carrier Assembly, as shown below.

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

printhead.

7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to

‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using a ribbon. See Section 4.4.

16 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

3.5 Flash Memory Expansion

The printer can be equipped with the optional Flash Memory Expansion.

This additional memory can be used to store label formats and fonts (for font downloading instructions, see Section 5.8).

To install the Flash Memory Expansion:

1. Turn 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 Assembly into the Expansion Bay until the assembly 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-4203/E-4204/E-4304 17

18 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

4.0 Introduction

The Front Panel consists of three indicator lights and three dual-function buttons. The functions of these indicators and controls are listed below.

4.1 Lights

¾ Both the POWER and PAUSED Lights will be on during power-up

initialization and a warm reset.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 19

4.2 Buttons

The three buttons (PAUSE, FEED and CANCEL) perform different functions based on the printer’s operational mode. The printer operates in one of the following modes:

Normal: Normal printer functions. See Section 4.3.

Printer Setup: Allows changes to the printer’s operational settings. See

Section 4.4.

Calibration: Allows the ‘calibration’ of the media being used for the

correct sensing of the top of form. See Section 4.6.

4.3 Normal Mode - Button Functions

In ‘Normal’ mode, the printer’s buttons control normal operations such as pause, feed, and cancel, as well as the test and reset functions by using button combinations as detailed below.

Normal Mode

Pauses/Un-pauses the printer.

Feeds one label. Also, clears fault conditions.

Press and hold to perform Label Alignment; see Section 4.5.

Cancels the current batch of labels.

Press the Pause button to pr int the next batch of labels (if any) in the print buffer.

(Normal power-up)

Button Combinations (push buttons simultaneously)

20 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Prints the Test Label, see Section 4.7.2.

Performs a warm reset and returns to the Normal Mode of operation.

Produces Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels.

4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions

In ‘Printer Setup’ mode, the buttons control the setting of the printer’s operational items such as media settings, communications, and options as detailed below.

; Notes: It is recommended that the Printer Setup Mode not be entered while

in Peel Mode or with the optional Present Sensor enabled. Depending on label size this can cause unpredictable results.

Printer and cutter faults are disabled during but can still occur while printing “test” labels.

If at any time you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous values, simply turn off power to the printer.

If you wish to restore Factory Defaults see Section 5.7.

To change Printer Setup:

(Press and hold during power-up until the Paused Light turns off)

Printer Setup Mode

Prints the ‘Printer Setup Menu List’, see section 4.4.1

Press and

(

Release

Press and hold to advance to the desired menu

()

item by counting the number of Fault Light flashes

Feeds one label for “test”

)

Prints the ‘Test Label’ for “test”

Saves the current values

F3+

Printer Setup Procedure

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 21

and resumes

Increments item’s value

Press and

(

Release

Press and

(

Hold

Decrements item’s value

F3+

Selects the next menu item

)

“Direct Select” menu item

)

Accepts the current values for “test”

Normal Mode

(Current Item and Value is printed)

(e.g., 7 Fault Light flashes = Baud Rate, menu item #7; see Section 4.4.3)

4.4.1 Printer Setup Menu List

The Printer Setup Menu List label, shown below, contains the printer’s current values for each menu item that can be modified via the front panel (See Section 4.4.2 for a detailed item description.)

The Menu Item Numbers correspond to the item’s position in the Menu List for selection when pressing the Procedure (see Section 4.4). For example to “Direct Select” the BAUD RATE Menu Item press and hold the FAULT Light or for the TOF GAIN item hold

button during the Printer Setup

button for 7 flashes of the

for 12 flashes, etc.

Menu Item

Numbers

Values

Menu Items

1) DIRECT = MEDIA TYPE

2) EDGE = SENSOR TYPE

3) NO = PRESENT SENSOR

4) NO = CUTTER EQUIPPED

5) 127 = SOP ADJUST, 0.005 in.

6) 127 = PRESENT ADJUST, 0.005 in.

7) 9600 = BAUD RATE, bps

8) 8 = DATA BITS

9) STD = CONTROL CODES

10) 100 = CONT FORM LENGTH, 0.01 in.

11) 3 = OOS MAXVOLT, 0.1 Volts

12) 12 = TOF GAIN

13) 10 = TOF DELTA, 0.1 Volts

14) 0 = TOF LOW, 0.1 Volts

15) 416 = LABEL WIDTH, 0.01 in.

16) 64 = SCALABLE FONT, 4KB

17) 64 = INTERNAL MODULE, 4KB

18) NO = LABEL ALIGNMENT

19) 100 = ALIGNMENT LENGTH, 0.01 in.

20) HOST = STOP LOCATION

21) DPL = INPUT MODE

; Note: When using narrow media, the ‘Menu Items’ column may be truncated.

22 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

4.4.2 Menu Items and Values

The table below details the Printer Setup Menu List items with a brief description of the item’s function, and the possible values.

1) MEDIA TYPE

Sets printing for direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (ribbon) media.

Possible Values:

* DIRECT THERMAL

THERMAL TRANSFER

3) PRESENT SENSOR

Enables/Disables the optional Present Sensor feature.

Possible Values:

*NO

YES

5) SOP ADJUST

Sets the start of print (SOP) location, relative to the top of form.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 255; default = *128 (0 = close to edge; 255 = farthest

from edge)

2) SENSOR TYPE

Selects the sensor type used to detect the media’s Top Of Form (TOF) mark.

Possible Values:

* EDGE: gap / notch TOF marks

REFL (Reflective): black marks

CONT (Continuous): no TOF marks

4) CUTTER EQUIPPED

Enables/Disables the optional Media Cutter feature.

Possible Values:

*NO

YES

6) PRESENT ADJUST

Specifies an additional amount to feed the label after printing.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 255; default = *128 (0 = close to edge; 255 = farthest from

edge)

7) BAUD RATE

Sets the serial port baud rate. (Must match the host setting).

Possible Values:

600 to 38.4k; default = *9600 BPS

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 23

8) DATA BITS

Sets the serial data word length (Must match the host setting).

Possible Values:

9) CONTROL CODES

10) CONT FORM LENGT H

Allows code selection listed in Programmer’s manual.

Possible Values:

* (STD) Standard Codes

(ALT) Alternate Codes

11) OOS MAXVOLT

Sets the media sensor level for the Out Of Stock condition.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 16; default = *2 (Units = .1 volt)

13) TOF DELTA

Sets the mini mum medi a s e nsor change required to signify a label gap or mark.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 50; default = *10 (Units = .1 volt)

Sets the page (label) size when the ‘SENSOR TYPE’ is set to continuous

media.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 9999; default = *100 (Units = .01 inch)

12) TOF GAIN

Sets media sensor Top of Form gain value.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 15; default = *10

14) TOF LOW

Sets the mini mum medi a s e nsor re a di ng for paper (gap/notch) or mark (reflective).

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 50; default = *0 (Units = 0.1 volt)

15) LABEL WIDTH

Sets the label width.

Possible Values:

Range: 75 – 410; default = *410 (Units = .01 inch)

16 ) SCAL ABLE FONT

Sets the number of memory blocks to allocate for scalable fonts.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 128; default = *64 (Units = 4K Bytes)

17) INTERNAL MODULE

Sets the number of memory blocks to allocate for the internal RAM module.

Possible Values:

Range: 0 – 128; default

[1]

= *128

(Units = 4K Bytes)

[1]

The E-4304 has a default value of 64.

24 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

18) LABEL ALIGNMENT

Sets the label alignment method (see

Section 4.5)

Possible Values:

YES (user manually determines

‘ALIGN LENGTH’)

AUTO (printer determines ‘ALIGN

LENGTH’)

* NO (no Label Alignment used)

19) ALIGN LENGTH

20) STOP LOCATION

Leading edge distance of two successive labels. Must be entered if ‘LABEL ALIGNMENT’ is set to Yes (see Section 4.5).

Possible Values:

0 – 999; default =100* (Units = .01 inch)

21) INPUT MODE

Selects between the standard or template interpretation of incoming data.

Possible Values:

Sets label stopping (and in certain cases the starting) location for different printer configurations.

Possible Values:

* HOST (uses host values of ‘SOP’

and ‘PRESENT ADJUST’)

PEEL (sets the stop location just

behind the peel bar of the optional Peel Mechanism)

CUT (sets stop location at the

blade of the optional Media Cutter)

COVER (sets stop location at the tear

plate on the printer’s cover)

NONE (uses normal start location

and ignores the host command)

* DPL (printer constructs the label

using the standard DPL commands)

LINE (printer constructs the label

using a preloaded template form)

* = Default Setting

; Note: All of the menu items listed in the previous section are stored in non-

volatile memory.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 25

4.4.3 Step by Step Modification of the Printer Setup

The following is an example of Printer Setup modification. Although this example will detail how to modify the serial Baud Rate, the same method can be used to change any of the printer’s menu item settings.

; Note: It is recommended that the Printer Setup Mode not be entered while in

Peel Mode or with the optional Present Sensor enabled. Depending on label size this can cause unpredictable results.

1. With printer ‘Off’ and properly loaded with media, press and hold the

button while powering ‘On’ the printer. Continue to hold the

button until the PAUSED Light turns off, then release it.

2. Press and hold the

button and count 7 flashes of the FAULT Light,

then release it. The following printout should be produced:

3. Press the button one time to increment to the 19200 bps value. The following printout should be produced:

4. At this point you will accept the current values for “test” and exit the Printer Setup Procedure by simultaneously and briefly pressing the

buttons. Wait until the PAUSED Light goes off.

; Note: If you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the

previous values simply turn off power to the printer before Step 5.

5. Now you can save your changes and resume by simultaneously and briefly pressing the

buttons. Wait until the

PAUSED Light goes off.

26 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

6. To confirm that your changes have been made press the buttons simultaneously, this will print the Database Configuration Label. The label should show the new Baud Rate value of 19200.

FRI AUGUST 024, 2001 19:29 236 VER: E4204 - 04.06 08/24/01 BOOT 83-2329-04A CODE 83-2325-04F FONT 83-2337-01A CPLD 592157-01C INTERNAL FLASH MODULE PRESENT SYSTEM RAM CHECKS____ GOOD SYSTEM RAM SIZE___ 2015 KBYTES SYSTEM RAM AVAIL__ 1244 KBYTES REG POWER SUPPLY__ YES

INPUT VALUES

PAPER_____________ 255 DARKNESS__________ 131 TRAN______________ 255 REFL______________ 149 RIBN______________ 87 TEMP______________ 48 VOLT______________ 223

CONFIGURATION

DIRECT THERMAL SERIAL PORT SELECTED

19.2; 8BITS EDGE CONT FORM LENGTH__ 0 PRESENT ADJUST____ 127 SOP ADJUST________ 127 TOF LOW___________ 0 0 TOF DELTA_________ 10 10 TOF GAIN__________ 12 10 OOS MAXVOLT_______ 3 3 LABEL ALIGNMENT___ NO ALIGN LENGTH______ 100 STOP LOCATION_____ HOST

COUNTER INFORMATION

ABSOLUTE VALUES 6-18-2001 LENGTH____ 773 INCHES TIME______ 20 HOURS RESETTABLE VALUES 6-22-2001 LENGTH____ 576 INCHES TIME______ 10 HOURS

MEMORY CONFIGURATION

INTERNAL MODULE______ 15 SCALABLE FONTS_______ 32 LABEL SIZE 0416:02157 IN

The new

19200

Baud

Rate

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 27

4.5 Label Alignment

The Label Alignment function is intended for use when the label length is less than the distance between the printhead and the media sensor or where label waste at power-up is a concern. Label Alignment (see table below) is not recommended for label lengths greater than 6.5 inches or for media containing 2 or more form lengths.

Label Stock Labe l Alig nment Se tt ing

Continuous NO

6.5 inches or less YES or AUTO

6.5 inches or more NO

Multiple length labels NO

The Label Alignment function is chosen via the menu system (see Section

4.4) or by host commands. The three possible modes, YES, AUTO, and

NO, are detailed in the following sections.

4.5.1 Label Alignment = YES

In this mode, the operator must supply an ‘ALIGN LENGTH’ value. This value must be physically measured from leading edge to leading edge of two successive labels, as shown. The measurement must be as accurate as possible. For very short labels, errors as small as 0.01” can result in noticeable print variations on the labels between the media sensor and the printhead.

The measured value must be sent to the printer via the host computer or entered using the Printer Setup Mode (see Section 4.4).

Then, in Normal Mode, press and hold the FEED button (about 4 seconds). The printer will align the label to the top of form position.

; Note: If media with a different label length is subsequently loaded, the ‘ALIGN

LENGTH’ must be recalculated and re-entered.

28 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO

In this mode, the printer automatically calculates the ‘ALIGN LENGTH’ thus eliminating the need to physically measure the label. This mode is usually preferred in applications that require frequent media changes to labels of different lengths.

To perform an Auto Alignment, in Normal Mode press and hold the FEED button (about 4 seconds). The printer will feed labels to calculate the label length. Following the calculation, the printer will save the measurement and align to the top of form position. Auto Alignment can result in wasted labels during the measurement process (the longer the label length the greater the waste).

Auto Alignment with the Present Sensor enabled:

If the printer is equipped with the Present Sensor option and that feature is enabled, while the label length is calculated the printer will pause and illuminate the PAUSE Light after each movement. The operator must press the Pause Button for the alignment to continue. This allows the operator to remove any labels as required; however, labels should not be forcibly removed since they may not actually be positioned for removal, but at an interim position required for measurement.

4.5.3 Label Alignment = NO

When Label Alignment is not enabled (i.e., set to NO), printing begins at the current label position without alignment, assuming the label is at the start of print position. Additionally, if the label length is short, labels between the printhead and the media sensor may be unused.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 29

4.5.4 Label Alignment Troubleshooting

If you experience label alignment problems, the following table offers possible causes and solutions.

Problem Possible Caus e Solution

Attempting to

perform Label Alignment results in no paper movement.

With the Present Sensor enabled, Label Alignment cannot be performed without a Label Length.

¾ Set Label Alignment to AUTO,

press and hold FEED until media moves for the automatic length measurement.

~OR~

¾ Re-measure the Label

Alignment Length. Use Printer Setup mode to enter the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.

30 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Problem Possible Caus e Solution

First label is wasted during alignment. All labels thereafter print to the correct start of print position.

Alignment Length is too long.

~OR~

For labels whose length and stop position cause them to stop between labels on the media sensor, the alignment function can result in wasted labels.

¾ Set Label Alignment to AUTO,

press and hold FEED until paper moves for automatic Label Alignment length measurement.

¾ Re-measure Label Alignment

Length, use Menu Setup to set new length, ensure desired length has been set.

¾ Obtain a slightly different label

Alignment Length measurement. Using the Label Alignment AUTO mode, hold the FEED button to force an alignment and label measurement. Ensuring slack in the label stock may result in a slightly different measurement. The Alignment Length may also be set manually via the Setup Menu. Increasing or decreasing the value by 1 or 2 units (in./100) may help to prevent the wasted labels; however, this may result in incorrect print positions for labels that are short in length.

~OR~

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 31

Problem Po ssible Caus e Solution

Label Alignment is incorrect. Pressing FEED successively results in a short label length, oneinch.

Label Alignment Length is not correct. The default Label Alignment Length is

1.00”, and will result in this behavior when any larger label length is used without setting the appropriate length.

¾ Set Label Alignment to

AUTO. Press and hold FEED until paper moves for automatic Label Alignment Length measurement.

¾ Measure the label length and

use the Setup Menu to set the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.

~OR~

Label Alignment is incorrect. Pressing FEED successively results in a label length longer than actual, one-inch.

Label Alignment Length is not correct. The default Label Alignment Length is

1.00”, and will result in this behavior when any larger label length is used without setting the appropriate length

¾ Set Label Alignment to

AUTO. Press and hold FEED until paper moves for automatic Label Alignment length measurement.

~OR~

¾ Measure the label length and

use the Setup Menu to set the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.

32 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Problem Po ssible Caus e Solution

Tear Mode is selected but the label stop position (present position) is not far enough forward.

Another present position has been determined. Enabling the Present Sensor causes the label stop position

¾ Disable the Present Sensor.

¾ Ensure the host computer is

not providing a Present Distance shorter than is

required for the Tear Bar. (present position) to be approximately

0.1” behind the peel bar.

~OR~

Tear Mode is selected but the label stop position (present position) is too far forward.

The FAULT Indicator illuminates during label alignment.

The Present Adjust value is not correct.

Another present position has been determined.

~OR~

The Present Adjust value is not correct.

The label supply is empty

¾ Use the Setup Menu to modify

the Present Adjust value.

¾ Ensure the host computer is

not providing a Present

Distance longer than is

required for the Tear Bar.

¾ Use the Setup Menu to modify

the Present Adjust value.

¾ Load media.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 33

4.6 Calibration Mode – Button Functions

In ‘Calibration’ mode, the buttons allow the printer to adjust to the media being used. Calibration can be performed either automatically or manually, as detailed below.

; Notes: Before calibrating, ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is

latched down, that the cover is closed, and that the media sensor has been set for the appropriate media type, see Section 4.4.2.

Printer and cutter faults are disabled during

If at any time you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous calibration simply turn off power to the printer. Also, Factory Defaults can be restored, see Section 5.7

To perform Calibration:

(Press and hold during power-up until the Paused Light turns off)

Calibration Mode

Auto Media Calibration

Press and

(

Release

Press and hold until the

(

Paus ed Light turns on

Prints the ‘Test Label’ for “test”

Sav es th e current values

F3+

and resumes

, but can still occur while printing “test” labels.

(See Section 4.6.1)

Feeds one label for “test”

)

Normal Mode

and

Media Sensor Calibration

Analyze media

F2 Analyze media backing material or reflective mark

Analyze no media con dition

F1F3+

34 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Acce pts the cur ren t analysis for “test”

(See Sec tion 4.6.2)

(The Fault Indicator flashes during analysis)

4.6.1 Auto Media Sensor Calibration

Auto Media Sensor Calibration automatically establishes the optimum sensing values for the media you are using in the printer.

; Note: Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set for the appropriate

media type, see Section 4.4.2; also, ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is latched down and the cover is closed.

To automatically calibrate the media sensor:

1. With the desired media loaded, hold the

button while powering up the printer. Continue to hold the button until the PAUSED Light turns off then release it.

3. Next press the

button. The printer will feed approximately ten

inches of media to calculate the TOF Delta and Low values to be used.

Upon completion, one of the following Indicators will flash five times

to denote the result of the auto calibration attempt:

PAUSED Light = Successful calibration. Proceed to Step 5. FAULT Light = Unsuccessful calibration. Proceed to Section 4.6.2.

; Note: If you wish to discard the changes and revert back to the

previous calibration simply turn off the printer before Step 5.

5. Now save the changes and resume by pressing the +

buttons simultaneously and briefly. Wait until the PAUSED

Light goes off.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 35

4.6.2 Manual Media Sensor Calibration

The Manual Media Sensor Calibration procedure should be used in cases where the printer continues to suffer from media sensing problems after performing or attempting to perform the Auto Media Sensor Calibration (see Section 4.6.1).

; Note: Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set for the appropriate

media type, see Section 4.4.2; also, ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is latched down and the cover is closed.

To manually calibrate the media sensor:

Hold the button and power-up the printer. Continue to hold the

button until the PAUSED Light turns off; then release the button. Next, press and hold the the PAUSED Light turns on; then release the button.

Place the media with the backing attached (if any) over the media

sensor (see Section 3.2 for the sensor’s location), close the Printhead Carrier Assembly, and then press the

flash the FAULT Light as it analyzes the material.

3. Position the backing material or the black (reflective) mark over the

media sensor, close the Printhead Carrier Assembly, and then press the

button. The printer will flash the FAULT Light as it analyzes

the top of form mark.

button, continue to hold the button until

button. The printer will

4. Remove all the material from the media sensor, close the Printhead

Carrier Assembly, and then press the

button. The printer will

flash the FAULT Light as it analyzes the no media condition.

5. Simultaneously and briefly press the

calibration for “test” and exit the

buttons to accept the

. One of the following Indicators will flash five times to denote the result of the manual calibration attempt:

PAUSED Light = Successful calibration. Proceed to Step 6. FAULT Light = Unsuccessful calibration. Retry the procedure

beginning at Step 1.

6. Use the

button (feeds a label), and the button (prints a test label)

to test the current calibration.

36 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

; Note: If you wish to discard the changes and revert back to the

previous calibration simply turn off the printer before Step 7.

7. Now save the changes and resume by pressing the +

buttons simultaneously and briefly. Wait until the PAUSED

Light goes off.

4.7 Internal Labels

The following section details the printer’s internally generated configuration and test labels.

4.7.1 Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels

The Database Configuration Label provides valuable printer information including the firmware version, memory allocations, enabled options, and label-counter data.

To print the Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels:

With the printer on, loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide) and ribbon

(if printing with thermal transfer media), press the

buttons

simultaneously.

The first label printed will be the Database Configuration Label.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 37

FRI AUGUST 024, 2001 19:29 236

VER: E4204 - 04.06 08/24/01 BOOT 83-2329-04A CODE 83-2325-04F FONT 83-2337-01A CPLD 592157-01C INTERNAL FLASH MODULE PRESENT SYSTEM RAM CHECKS____ GOOD SYSTEM RAM SIZE___ 2015 KBYTES SYSTEM RAM AVAIL__ 1244 KBYTES REG POWER SUPPLY__ YES

INPUT VALUES

PAPER_____________ 255 DARKNESS__________ 131 TRAN______________ 255 REFL______________ 149 RIBN______________ 87 TEMP______________ 48 VOLT______________ 223

The second label printed is the Dot Check Label. This label is used to

CONFIGURATION

DIRECT THERMAL SERIAL PORT SELECTED

COUNTER INFORMATION

ABSOLUTE VALUES 6-18-2001 LENGTH____ 773 INCHES TIME______ 20 HOURS RESETTABLE VALUES 6-22-2001 LENGTH____ 576 INCHES TIME______ 10 HOURS

MEMORY CONFIGURATION

INTERNAL MODULE______ 15 SCALABLE FONTS_______ 32 LABEL SIZE 0416:02157 IN

test the condition of the printhead, as shown below:

Good Dot Check Label:

Even pattern consistency indicates that the printhead is operating normally.

Faulty Dot Check Label:

Streaks in the patterns indicate a dirty or faulty printhead (see Chapter 5).

38 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

4.7.2 Test Label

The Test Label is used to evaluate the current printer setup for print quality, label tracking, and print positioning.

To print the Test Label:

With the printer loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing with thermal transfer media), simultaneously press the buttons.

4.7.3 Hex Dump Label

The Hex Dump Label is a useful tool in the diagnosis of problems including communications handshaking and DPL syntax errors. To generate a Hex Dump Label the printer enters into Hex Dump Mode. In this mode, all data sent to the printer will be immediately output in hexadecimal code, along with the printable ASCII equivalents. To decode this information, the E Class Programmer’s Manual is an essential reference. As a final note, many software programs use bit mapping to construct the label, making diagnosis of this data difficult. Contact Datamax Technical Support with any questions.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 39

To print the Hex Dump Label:

With the printer on, loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide) and ribbon (if printing with thermal transfer media), press and hold the while turning the printer on. Continue holding the

button until the

button

PAUSED Light turns off. Now, all data received by the printer will be output in hexadecimal code, as shown below.

To exit the Hex Dump Mode:

Turn the printer off.

40 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

5.0 Introduction

This chapter details the cleaning, adjusting, and troubleshooting tips for the printer. The following table outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for the various printer parts.

Area Method Interval

Printhead Turn off the printer before cleaning

the printhead. Use solvent* on a

After every roll

of media. cotton swab to clean the printhead from end to end.

Platen Roller Turn the power off. Rotate the

platen roller and clean it thoroughly

After every roll

of media. with solvent* and a cotton swab.

Peel-Off

Roller

Rotate the peel-off roller and clean

it thoroughly with solvent* and a

After every roll

of media. cotton swab.

Media Path Solvent* After every roll

of media.

Peel/Tear Bar Solvent* As needed Media Sensor Air blow Monthly Exterior Mild detergent or desktop cleaner. As needed Interior Brush or vacuum cleaner As needed.

* It is recommended that a solvent containing isopropyl alcohol be used.

Isopropyl alcohol is a flammable solvent, always take the proper

Warning

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 41

precautions when using this substance.

5.1 Cleaning the Printhead

Turn ‘off’ the printer and unplug the unit from the AC outlet before

Warning

1. Turn ‘off’ the printer and open the cover.

2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier

cleaning the printhead.

Assembly. Allow the Printhead to cool.

3. Using a Cotton Swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, rub the Cotton Swab along the Printhead.

42 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

5.2 Media Width Adjustment

A Thumbwheel on the side of the Printhead Carrier Assembly allows the printhead to be adjusted for various sizes of media. When adjusting for narrow media move the Thumbwheel to the left (clockwise); conversely, when adjusting for wide media move it to the right (counterclockwise).

; Note: The numbers on the Thumbwheel are for reference only and do not

correspond to specific media widths.

To perform the media width adjustment:

1. Load media into the printer. Print a label (press the simultaneously) and examine it.

2. If the printing appears too light on the right-hand side of the label (see example below), then move the Thumbwheel to the right (counterclockwise). Print another label and examine it, making additional adjustments as necessary.

buttons

The light print on the right

side of this Dot Check Label indicates that the Thumbwheel

Media

Movement

should be adjusted to the right.

; Note: If the media begins tracking to the right while printing, the

Thumbwheel should be adjusted to the left (clockwise).

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 43

5.3 Ribbon Width Adjustment

The adjustable ribbon handler feature, found on printers equipped with the thermal transfer option, allows the optimum amount tension to be supplied by the ribbon supply hub. To adjust:

1. Turn ‘off’ the printer.

2. Hold the Hub and then rotate the Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob to meet your media/ribbon width based on the table below. Ensure that the Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob is turned fully to the clockwise or counterclockwise position. (The knob will no longer turn once it is in the proper position; do not force or over turn this knob.)

Ribbon Size Ribbon Width Direction of Rotation

Narrow 1 - 2 inches Clockwise

Wide 2 - 4 inches Counterclockwise

44 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

5.4 Fine Printhead Adjustment

The Fine Printhead Adjustment Set Screw, located on top of the printhead carrier assembly, is used for adjusting print quality. This adjustment is set at the factory and should not need further adjustment; however, with the different types and thickness of media some re-adjustment may be necessary if print quality suffers.

To adjust the printhead, turn the Set Screw until optimum print quality is obtained (some trial and error may be necessary). Do not over tighten the Set Screw.

; Note: If thermal transfer equipped, it is not necessary to remove the Ribbon

Handler Assembly; an access hole is provided.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 45

5.5 Printhead Replacement

Removal:

; Notes: Always follow proper Electro Static Discharge procedures when

If thermal transfer equipped, it is not necessary to remove the

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Loosen the Printhead Screw

replacing the printhead.

Ribbon Handler Assembly; an access hole is provided.

until it is free from the printhead. Carefully unlatch the printhead carrier assembly and remove the printhead.

3. Remove the printhead cable

from the back of the printhead.

Replacement:

1. Connect the printhead cable to the new printhead.

2. Position the printhead in the printhead carrier assembly, ensure that the printhead cable is not pinched, and then tighten the Printhead Screw.

3. Clean the Printhead (see Section 5.1) and allow it to dry before use.

4. Use the Darkness Adjustment to match the print contrast of the new printhead to that of the old printhead (see Section 5.6).

46 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

5.6 Darkness Adjustment

The Darkness Adjustment (located on the rear of the printer) allows the operator to match the print contrast following a printhead replacement. Turning the Darkness Adjustment clockwise will darken the print, while turning it counterclockwise will lighten the print. Compare a label printed with the old printhead and make this adjustment so that the new printhead matches the darkest portion of that label.

; Note: Large increases in the ‘Darkness Adjustment’ can shorten printhead life.

If you need to increase the darkness of the printed labels, increase the Heat value and/or slow the Print Speed using your software program or via DPL commands.

5.7 Resetting to the Factory Defaults

With the printer power ‘Off,’ press and hold the F1, F2, and F3 buttons while turning ‘On’ the printer. Continue to hold the buttons down until the PAUSED Light turns off. The printer will now be set to the ‘Factory Defaults.’ See Section 4.4.1 for a listing of the factory default settings.

5.8 Downloading Firmware and Fonts

The operating programs and fonts for the printer are stored in Flash memory on the Main PCB. When program updates and/or new features are added, they can be downloaded to the printer as follows:

Identify the new version for your model of printer from the Datamax

FTP site at ftp://ftp.datamaxcorp.com and download it onto your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk.

Ensure that the printer is connected to the host and that the power is

‘On.’ Using the DOS copy command enter:

copy filename.dlf lpt1/b

; Note: Other programs (e.g., hyper-terminal and certain Windows

Driver programs) may also be used to download this file.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 47

3. The PAUSED Light will flash during the download.

4. Following a successful download, the PAUSED Light will illuminate then the printer will perform a ‘cold reset.’ The previous printer setup will not be affected unless substantial firmware data structure changes have occurred. Print a Database Configuration Label to verify your new firmware version.

¾ Following an unsuccessful download, the FAULT Light will

illuminate then the printer will perform a ‘warm reset’ (both the POWER and PAUSED Light will be on during power-up initialization). The original firmware will remain operational. If the printer fails to reset, toggle the power ‘Off’ and ‘On.’

Try re-sending the file to the printer. If the failure continues, check the following possible causes:

An invalid or corrupted file is being downloaded - Ensure the

file being downloaded is correct and applicable for your printer model.

Possible communications error - Check the cable connection

between the host and printer and ensure that a quality, shielded cable is used.

Possible Flash memory problem - Call for service.

If the printer fails to boot-up after an unsuccessful download, turn ‘Off’ the power. Simultaneously press and hold the F1 and F3 buttons while powering ‘On’ the printer. Now, try downloading the file to the printer.

48 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

6.0 Introduction

Occasionally, situations arise that require troubleshooting. Possible

problem situations and potential solutions are listed in this section. While not every situation is addressed, you may find some of these tips helpful. After the correction action is taken press the FEED button to clear the alarm. Contact a qualified service technician for problems that persist or are not covered in this section.

6.1 Troubleshooting Tips

The following table lists the symptoms and the associated page numbers

of the topics covered in the troubleshooting section.

Problem Situation Page

Unacceptable print quality 50

The printer does not print or prints several labels at once 50

The ribbon does not advance 50 Skips every other label 51 Unable to print in rotation 4 51 Prints light on the right side of the label 51 Printer fails to turn on 51 Label advances 1-2 inches before a fault indication 52 Label advances 16 inches before a fault indication 52 Tracking Problems 52

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 49

Unacceptable print quality

Dirty printhead: Clean the printhead (see Chapter 5). The temperature setting may be incorrect for the media being

used: Use the software program or DPL commands adjust the Heat Setting and Print Speed.

A mismatched incorrect ribbon/media combination is being

used: Check the types being used.

Verify that the Media Type Switch is in the correct position

for the printing method being used (see Section 3.4).

Faulty printhead: Replace it (see Chapter 5) or call for

service.

The printer does not print or prints several labels at once:

The labels are incorrectly loaded: See the loading

instructions on the inside cover of the printer or Chapter 3.

The media is not calibrated: Calibrate it (see Chapter 4). If equipped, the Adjustable Media Sensor may need to be

repositioned (see Chapter 3).

The media sensor or sensor circuitry may be defective: Call

for service.

The ribbon does not advance (The paper advances, but ribbon does not).

The ribbon may be installed incorrectly: Ensure that the

ribbon’s inked side faces the paper. With most ribbons this can be verified by rubbing paper against the ribbon; the ink should smudge the paper. Or, if using label stock, the sticky side of a label will pull off the ink.

A mismatched ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an

insufficient amount of friction between paper and ribbon: Ensure that the correct type of ribbon is being used with the media.

50 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Skips every other label (Print quality is good, but every other label is skipped).

The label is formatted too close to the top edge of the label:

Leave white space equal to 8-dot rows (about .02 inch [.5mm]) at the top of the label.

The media is not calibrated: Calibrate it (see Chapter 4). If equipped, the Adjustable Media Sensor may need to be

repositioned (see Chapter 3).

The media sensor or media sensor circuitry may be

defective: Call for service.

Unable to print in rotation 4

The characters are formatted outside the dimensions of the

label: Check that the row/column values provide enough room for the height of the image being printed.

Prints light on the right side of the label

The media width adjustment is set for a narrower media

width than is actually being used: Adjust for the media width (see Chapter 5).

The printhead is not properly aligned: Call for service. The printhead carrier assembly is not latched down: Latch it.

Printer fails to power on

The AC wall outlet may be faulty: Try another outlet. A fuse may be blown: Call for service. The power supply may be faulty: Replace it. A defective power switch may exist on the printer: Call for

service.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 51

Label advances 1-2 inches before a fault indication

The ribbon may be incorrectly installed. Ensure that the

A mismatched ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an

insufficient amount of friction between paper and ribbon: Ensure that the correct type of ribbon is being used with the media.

Label advances 16 inches before a fault indication

The media may not be properly loaded: Reload it (see

Chapter 5). When loading media ensure that the media hub and media guide are against the media and that gaps or marks in the labels are in line with the media sensor.

If equipped, the Adjustable Media Sensor may need to be

repositioned (see Chapter 3).

The media sensor or media sensor circuitry may be

defective: Call for service.

Tracking Problems

The media may not be properly loaded: Reload it (see

Chapter 5). When loading media ensure that the media hub and media guide are against the media and that gaps or marks in the labels are in line with the media sensor.

The media width adjustment may not be properly set:

Readjust for the label width (see Chapter 5).

52 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Mechanical

Width 8.5” (21.6 cm) Depth 9.5” (24.1 cm) Height 6.25” (15.9 cm) Weight 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) Operating Temperature

40 F to 95 F (4 C to 35 C)

AC Input Voltage 110V Standard (Non Auto-Ranging)

(50-2024-01); 105 to 125, 60 Hz

220V Standard (Non Auto-Ranging)

(50-2034-01); 210 to 250, 50 Hz

Standard (Auto-Ranging)

(50-2050-01); 100 to 240, 50-60 Hz

Heavy Duty (Auto-Ranging)

(50-2049-01); 105 to 250, 50-60 Hz

Printing

Print Method Direct Thermal; Thermal Transfer (optional) Print Speed E-4203:

1 - 4 IPS (25.4 - 101.6 mm/s); 4IPS requires

optional power supply.

E-4204 & E-4304:

1 - 4 IPS (25.4 - 101.6 mm/s)

Resolution E-4203 & E-4204:

203 dpi (8 dots/mm)

E-4304:

300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm) Tear Bar Tear up DRAM Memory 2MB FLASH Memory 1MB

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 53

Media/Ribbon

Media Types Roll-Fed, Die-Cut, Continuous, Fan-Fold Max. Media Width 4.3" (109.2 mm) Min. Media Width 1" (25.4 mm) Max. Print Width 4.09" (104 mm) Print Length Range .375 - 24" (9.52-609.6 mm) Media Thickness

Range Media Supply Roll

Capacity

.0025 - .01" (.064 mm - .254 mm); up to .007”

(.117 mm) with optional Cutter

E-4203:

4" (101.6 mm) O.D. on 1" (25.4 mm) core

E-4204 & E-4304:

5" (127.0 mm) O.D. on 1" (25.4 mm) core

Ribbon Width Range

1.0 - 4.3" (25 - 110 mm)

Ribbon Roll Capacity Matched to media: approx. 361’ (110 m) long

with a 1.5 inch (38 mm) O.D. on a .5 inch core

Communications

Interface USB, RS-232 (DB-9), and Centronics Parallel Baud Speed 600 to 38,400 bits per second (BPS) Handshaking Xon/Xoff, CTS, DTR Parity Even, Odd, or None Stop Bits 1 or 2 Data Bits 7 or 8

Fonts

9 Bit Map Fonts; rotated 0, 90, 180, 270 degrees.

Embedded Bar Codes

Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5,Code 128 A, B & C, Codabar, LOGMARS, UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC 2&5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN 2&5, UPC Random Weight, Code 93, Plessey, USCS, Code 128 MOD 43, Postnet, Uss/EAN-128 Random Weight, Telepen, UPS Maxicode, PDF417, DataMatrix, Aztec, QR Code, MicroPDF417, and TLC39

54 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Approved Media

To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax specifies the use of DATAMAX

brand media and ribbons. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of nonDatamax supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components.

For a current list of approved media and ribbons for use in direct thermal and thermal transfer applications, please contact a Media Representative at (407) 523-5650.

A B

Designator Description Maximum

A Label width 4.09 1.00 B Backing width 4.30 1.00 C Gap between labels .25 .10 D Label length 24 E Total thickness .010 .0025

F Notch opening width .50 .20

Distance from the edge of the media to the media sensor aperture (left justified)

with the Adjustable Media Sensor option 2.94 .125

H Reflective mark width

[2]

I Distance between reflective marks 24

J Reflective mark length .25 .10

[1]

Units of measure are in inches.

[2]

The reflective (black) mark must be carbon based, placed on the backside of the stock, and the reflectance shall be less than 10% at wavelengths of 950 and 640 nm.

[3]

The label length may vary up to 99 inches with printable area not exceeding the maximum label length.

[4]

This distance is inclusive of the minimum gap between labels.

[5]

This distance is inclusive of the minimum reflective mark.

[1]

Minimum

[3]

.175 .125G

4.10 .50

[3]

.375

[4]

[5]

[1]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 55

56 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

ASCII Control Code Chart

Char Dec He x Char Dec He x Char Dec He x Char De c He x

Ctrl @

NUL 0 00 32 20 @ 64 40 ` 96 60

Ctrl A

SOH 1 01 ! 33 21 A 65 41 a 97 61

Ctrl B

STX 2 02 “ 34 22 B 66 42 b 98 62

Ctrl C

EXT 3 03 # 35 23 C 67 43 c 99 63

Ctrl D

EOT 4 04 $ 36 24 D 68 44 d 100 64

Ctrl E

ENQ 5 05 % 37 25 E 69 45 e 101 65

Ctrl F

ACK 6 06 & 38 26 F 70 46 f 102 66

Ctrl G

BEL 7 07 ‘ 39 27 G 71 47 g 103 67

Ctrl H

BS 8 08 ( 40 28 H 72 48 h 104 68

Ctrl I

HT 9 09 ) 41 29 I 73 49 i 105 69

Ctrl J

LF 10 0A * 42 2A J 74 4A j 106 6A

Ctrl K

VT 11 0B + 43 2B K 75 4B k 107 6B

Ctrl L

FF 12 0C , 44 2C L 76 4C l 108 6C

Ctrl M

CR 13 0D - 45 2D M 77 4D m 109 6D

Ctrl N

SO 14 0E . 46 2E N 78 4E n 110 6E

Ctrl O

SI 15 0F / 47 2F O 79 4F o 111 6F

Ctrl P

DLE 16 10 0 48 30 P 80 50 p 112 70

Ctrl Q

DC1 17 11 1 49 31 Q 81 51 q 113 71

Ctrl R

DC2 18 12 2 50 32 R 82 52 r 114 72

Ctrl S

DC3 19 13 3 51 33 S 83 53 s 115 73

Ctrl T

DC4 20 14 4 52 34 T 84 54 t 116 74

Ctrl U

NAK 21 15 5 53 35 U 85 55 u 117 75

Ctrl V

SYN 22 16 6 54 36 V 86 56 v 118 76

Ctrl W

ETB 23 17 7 55 37 W 87 57 w 119 77

Ctrl X

CAN 24 18 8 56 38 X 88 58 x 120 78

Ctrl Y

EM 25 19 9 57 39 Y 89 59 y 121 79

Ctrl Z

SUB 26 1A : 58 3A Z 90 5A z 122 7A

Ctrl [

Esc 27 1B ; 59 3B [ 91 5B { 123 7B

Ctrl \

FS 28 1C < 60 3C \ 92 5C | 124 7C

Ctrl ]

GS 29 1D = 61 3D ] 93 5D } 125 7D

Ctrl ^

RS 30 1E > 62 3E ^ 94 5E ~ 126 7E

Ctrl _

US 31 1F ? 63 3F _ 95 5F 127 7F

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 57

CharDec Hex Char Dec Hex CharDec Hex Char Dec Hex

Ç 128 80 á 160 A0 192 C0 Ó 224 E0 ü 129 81 í 161 A1 193 C1 ß 225 E1 é 130 82 ó 162 A2 194 C2 Ô 226 E2 â 131 83 ú 163 A3 195 C3 Ò 227 E3 ä 132 84 ñ 164 A4 196 C4 õ 228 E4 à 133 85 Ñ 165 A5 197 C5 Õ 229 E5 å 134 86 ç 135 87 ° 167 A7 Ã 199 C7 p 231 E7 ê 136 88 ¿ 168 A8 200 C8 p 232 E8 è 137 89 ® 169 A9 201 C9 Ú 233 E9 è 138 8A 170 AA 202 CA Û 234 EA ï 139 8B 1/2 171 AB 203 CB Ù 235 EB î 140 8C 1/4 172 AC 204 CC ´y 236 EC ì 141 8D ¡ 173 AD 205 CD ´Y 237 ED Ä 142 8E 174 AE 206 CE 238 EE Å 143 8F É 144 90 176 B0 Ò 208 D0 240 F0 Æ 145 91 177 B1 D 209 D1 ± 241 F1 Æ 146 92 ô 147 93 ö 148 94 ´ 180 B4 È 212 D4 244 F4 ò 149 95 Á 181 B5 213 D5 245 F5 û 150 96 Â 182 B6 Í 214 D6 ÷ 246 F6 ù 151 97 À 183 B7 Î 215 D7 ¸ 247 F7 ÿ 152 98 © 184 B8 Ï 216 D8 ° 248 F8 Ö 153 99 Ü 154 9A 186 BA 218 DA · 250 FA Ø 155 9B » 187 BB 219 DB 251 FB £ 156 9C 188 BC 220 DC 252 FC Ø 157 9D ¢ 189 BD 221 DD 253 FD x 158 9E ¥ 190 BE Ì 222 DE 254 FE ƒ 159 9F 191 BF 223 DF 255 FF

–

2 3

166 A6 ã 198 C6 µ 230 E6

175 AF 207 CF 239 EF

178 B2 Ê 210 D2 242 F2 179 B3 Ë 211 D3 3/4 243 F3

185 B9 217 D9 ¨ 249 F9

; Notes: For the hardware handshake XON/XOFF commands:

XON = Ctrl Q (DC1)

XOFF = Ctrl S (DC3)

The Euro character has been added to the table above at 255 (FF) as a Datamax standard for resident bit-mapped fonts 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, and 9 (CG Triumvirate).

58 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Embedded Fonts and Barcodes

All character fonts and barcodes available with the printer are described in this section. Each font and barcode has a name associated with it for use in programming. Human-readable fonts have numeric names while barcode fonts have alpha names.

Fonts

Fonts 0 through 8 use the slash zero (Ø) conventions for distinguishing between the zero and the alphabetic O. The slash can be removed with the label formatting command Z. These fonts are non-proportional (monospaced): all of the characters take up the same amount of space when printed.

The Triumvirate font number 9 is a proportional font; each character will take up a different amount of space when printed.

Font Valid ASCII Characters (decimal) Use with Record

Structure Type

0 32-127,255 1 32-168, 171, 172, 225,255 2 32-168, 171, 172, 225,255 3 32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153,

154, 156, 157, 165, 168, 225,255

4 32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153,

154, 156, 157, 165, 168, 225,255

5 32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153,

154, 156, 157, 165, 168, 225,255

6 32, 35-38, 40-58, 65-90, 128, 142-144, 146, 153,

154, 156, 157, 165, 168, 225,255 7 32-126 8 32, 48-57, 60, 62, 67, 69, 78, 83, 84, 88, 90 9 32-126, 128-169, 171-173, 181-184, 189, 190, 198,

199, 208-216, 222, 224-237, 241, 243, 246-250,255 Smooth Font

Dependent upon selected symbol set; see the

Programmers Manual.

Internal

Bit-Mapped

Fonts

Downloadable

Scalable Font

59 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

The table below lists the font sizes. The numbers indicate the number of dots.

FONT HEIGHT WIDTH SPACING

Font 0 7 5 1 Font 1 13 7 2 Font 2 18 10 2 Font 3 27 14 2 Font 4 36 18 3 Font 5 52 18 3 Font 6 64 32 4 Font 7 32 15 5 Font 8 28 15 5

Font 0 96-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case.

Font 2 138-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case.

Font 1 145-character upper and lower case alphanumeric w/ descenders and ascenders.

Font 3 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.

60 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Font 4 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.

Font 5 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.

Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 61

Font 7 OCR-A, size I. Font 8 OCR-B, size III.

Font 9 Internal Triumvirate font.

Point sizes are selected by the number in the barcode height. Larger point sizes can be obtained by increasing the height and width multipliers, 48pt and 72pt fonts are generated by doubling the 24pt and 36pt fonts respectively (see the E-Class Programmer's Manual for more information).

62 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Barcodes

Bar Code fonts have alpha names (left column in the table below). Uppercase alpha names will print barcodes with human-readable interpretations. Lowercase alpha names will print barcodes only. The table is followed by visual samples.

Bar Code

A / a Code 3 of 9 Varies No 32, 36, 37, 42, 43, 45-57, 65-

B / b UPC-A 11 Yes 48-57 Numeric only

C / c UPC-E 6 Yes 48-57 Numeric only D / d Interleaved 2 of 5 (I

2 of 5) E / e Code 128 Var ies M-103 32-127 F / f EAN-13 12 Yes 48-57 Numeric only.

G / g EAN-8 7 Yes 48-57 Numeric only H / h Health Industry Bar

Code

I / i Codabar Varies No 36, 43, 45-58, 65-68

J / j I 2 of 5 with modulo

10 checksum

K / k Plessey Up to 14 M-10 48-57 Numeric only. Option +

L / l I 2 of 5 with modulo

10 checksum &

bearer bars

M / m 2 digit UPC

addendum

N / n 5 digit UPC

addendum

O / o Code 93 Varies No 35-38, 42-58, 65-90, 97-122

p Postnet Varies Yes 48-57 Numeric only

Q / q UCC/EAN Code 128 19 Yes 48-57 Numeric only

R / r UCC/EAN Code 128

K-Mart NON EDI

bar code S / s UCC/EAN Code 128

Random Weight T / t Telepen Varie s Yes Alphanumeric

U UPS MaxiCode 84 Yes Alphanumeric

Type Length Check-

sum

Varies No 48-57 Numeric only

Varies M-43 32, 36-39, 42, 43, 45-57, 65-

Varies M-10 48-57 Numeric only

13 M-10 48-57 Numeric only

2 Yes 48-57 Numeric only

5 Yes 48-57 Numeric only

18 Yes 48-57 Numeric only

34 + Yes 48-57 Numeric only

Valid ASCII Characters,

decimal value

representation

Option V used in the 6th & 7th position

Option V used in the 7th & 8th position

is Last Character for Second M-11 checksum

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 63

Bar Code

u UPS MaxiCode with

Byte Count

v FIM 1 No A, B, C, D

z PDF417 Varies Yes All

Z PDF417 with Byte

Count W1c DataMatrix Varies Yes All 8-bit values

W1C DataMatrix with Byte

Count

W1d QR Code – Auto

format

W1D QR Code – Manual

format W1f Aztec Varie s Yes All 8-bit values

W1F Aztec with Byte

Count

W1T TCIF Linked

Barcode 3 of 9

(TLC39) W1z MicroPDF417 Varies Yes All 8-bit values

W1Z MicroPDF417 with

Byte Count

Type Length Check-

sum

Specified Yes Alphanumeric

Specified Yes All

Specified Yes All 8-bit values

Varies Yes Alphanumeric

Varies Yes Single-byte or Kanji double-

Specified Yes All 8-bit values

Varies No Alphanumeric

Specified Yes All 8-bit values

Valid ASCII Characters,

byte

decimal value

representation

64 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Barcode A Code 3 of 9 Barcode B UPC-A

Barcode C UPC-E Barcode D Interleaved 2 of 5

Barcode E Code 128 Barcode F EAN-13

Barcode G EAN-8 Barcode H Health Industry

Barcode (HIBC)

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 65

Barcode I Codabar Barcode J Interleaved 2 of 5

w/module 10 checksum

Barcode K Plessey Barcode L Interleaved 2 of 5

w/module 10 checksum and shipping bearer bars

Barcode M 2 Digit UPC addendum

Barcode N 5 Digit UPC addendum

Barcode O Code 93 Barcode p Postnet

66 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Barcode Q UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode R UCC/EAN Code 128

KMART NON EDI

Barcode S UCC/EAN Code 128 Random Weight

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 67

Barcode T Telepen

Barcode v FIM

Barcode u UPS MaxiCode

Barcode z PDF417

Bar Code W1c: DataMatrix

Bar Code W1f: Aztec

Bar Code W1d: QR Code

Bar Code W1z: MicroPDF417

Bar Code W1T: TCIF Linked Barcode 3 of 9 (TLC39)

68 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Datamax Barcode Products

Limited Warranty Statement

E-Class 4203/4204/4304 Printer

Printer

Datamax warrants to Purchaser that under normal use and service, the EClass 4203/4204/4304 Printer, (with the exception of the thermal printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and

workmanship for a period of (365) days from the date of shipment by Datamax.

Expendable and/or consumable items or parts such as lamps, fuses, labels and ribbons are not covered under this warranty. This warranty does not cover equipment or parts which have been misused, altered, neglected, handled carelessly, or used for purposes other than those for which they were manufactured. This warranty also does not cover loss, damages resulting from accident, or damages resulting from unauthorized service.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 69

Thermal Printhead

This warranty is limited to a period of one year, (365 days), or 1,000,000 linear inches of use, whichever comes first, for the E-Class 4203/4204/4304 thermal printhead. This one year (365 days) warranty is

valid only if a Datamax - approved thermal label media is used, as defined in the then current Datamax list of approved thermal/thermal transfer media, a copy of which is available from Datamax. Failure to use Datamax-approved media is justification for invalidation of this thermal printhead warranty. This warranty does not cover printheads which have been misused, altered, neglected, handled carelessly, or damaged due to improper cleaning or unauthorized repairs.

Warranty Service Procedures

If a defect should occur during the warranty period, the defective unit shall be returned, freight and insurance prepaid, in the original shipping containers, to Datamax at: 4501 Parkway Commerce Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32808. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be issued before the product can be returned. To open an RMA please call the Datamax Customer Service Department at (407) 523-5550. Please include your RMA number on the outside of the box and on the shipping document. Include a contact name, action desired, a detailed description of the problem(s), and examples when possible with the defective unit. Datamax shall not be responsible for any loss or damages incurred in shipping. Any warranty work to be performed by Datamax shall be subject to Datamax’s confirmation that such product meets Datamax warranty. In the event of a defect covered by its warranty, Datamax will return the repaired or replaced product to the Purchaser at Datamax’s cost.

With respect to a defect in hardware covered by the warranty, the warranty shall continue in effect until the end of the original warranty period, or for sixty (60) days after the repair or replacement, whichever is later.

70 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

General Warranty Provisions

Datamax makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or suitability of any of its hardware, supplies, or software.

Software is licensed on an “as is” basis without warranty. Except and to the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all other warranties, there are no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the selection, use, efficiency and suitability of Datamax’s products.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any indirect, special or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Datamax’s products, or the performance or a breach thereof, even if Datamax has been advised of the possibility thereof. Datamax’s liability, if any, to the purchaser or to the customer of the purchaser hereunder shall in no event exceed the total amounts paid to Datamax hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product.

In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Datamax in the delivery or installation of the computer hardware, supplies or software or in the performance of any services.

Some states do not permit the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, and in those states the foregoing limitations may not apply. The warranties here give you specific legal rights, and you may have other legal rights which vary from state to state.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 71

72 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Glossary

alphanumeric Consisting of alphabetic, numeric, punctuation

and other symbols.

backing material The silicon-coated paper carrier material to

which labels with adhesive backing are affixed. Also referred to as “liner”.

bar code A representation of alphanumeric information in a

pattern of machine-readable marks. The basic categories are divided into one-dimensional (UPC, Code 39, Postnet, etc.) and two-dimensional barcodes (DataMatrix, MaxiCode, PDF417, etc.).

burn line The row of thermal elements in the printhead that

create the images on the media.

calibration The process through which sensor readings are

entered into the printer for correct sensor function (for example, detection of a given media type) and TOF positioning.

character set The entire complement of alphanumeric symbols

contained in a given font.

checksum An alphanumeric error detection method used in many

bar code symbologies for informational security.

continuous media An uninterrupted roll or box of label or tag

media that contains no gap, notch, or mark to separate individual labels or tags.

core diameter The inside diameter measurement of the

cardboard core at the center of a ribbon or media roll.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 73

cutter A mechanical device with a rotary or guillotine type blade

used to cut labels or tags following printing.

defaults The functional setting values returned following a

factory reset of the printer.

diagnostics Programs used to locate and diagnose hardware

problems.

die-cut media Media that has been cut into a pattern using a

press, where the excess paper is removed leaving individual labels, with gaps between them, attached to a backing material.

direct thermal The printing method that uses a heat sensitive

media and only the heat of the thermal printhead to create an image on the label.

direct thermal media Media coated with special chemicals that

react and darken with the application of heat.

DPI (dots per inch) A measurement of print resolution, rated in

the number of thermal elements contained in one inch of the printhead. Also referred to as “resolution”.

DPL (Datamax Programming Language) programming

commands used specifically for control of and label production in Datamax printers. A complete listing of commands can be found in the E-Class Programmer’s

Manual.

fan-fold Media that is folded and stacked.

feed speed The speed at which the media moves under the

printhead in non-printed areas and between labels.

Flash memory Non-volatile memory (does not require printer

power to maintain data) that can be erased and reprogrammed, used to hold the printer’s operating programs.

74 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

font A set of alphanumeric characters that share a particular

typeface.

gap A space between die-cut or notched labels used to sense the

top of form.

IPS (inches per second) Imperial measurement of printer

speeds.

label A paper or synthetic printing material, typically with a

pressure sensitive adhesive backing.

label length The distance from the top of the label to the bottom

of the label as it exits the printer.

label repeat The distance from the top of one label to the top of

the next label.

label tracking Excessive lateral (side to side) movement of the

media as it travels under the printhead.

label width The left to right measurement of the label as it exits

the printer.

mark Generalized term to indicate the label top of form

indicator.

media Generalized term for all types of printing stocks,

including: roll fed, continuous, die-cut, reflective, and fanfold.

media hub Device in the printer used to support roll media.

media sensor An electronic device equipped with photosensors

to detect media and the top of form on die-cut, notched or reflective media.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 75

notched stock Media, typically tag stock, with holes or notches

in the material that is used to signal the top of form. The printer must be set to ‘gap’ to use this media type.

preprinted media Label stock that contains borders, text, or

graphics, floodcoating, etc.

perforation Small cuts extending through the backing and/or

label material to facilitate their separation. Also referred to as “perf”.

print speed The speed at which the media moves under the

printhead during the printing process.

reflective media Media imprinted with carbon-based black

marks on the underside of the material, which is used to signal the top of form when the ‘reflective’ sensor is enabled.

registration Repeatable top to bottom alignment of printed

labels.

reverse speed The backward rate of media motion into the

printer during tear-off, peel and present and cutting operations for positioning the label at the start of print position.

ribbon An extruded polyester tape with several layers of

material, one of which is ink-like, used to produce an image on the label. Also referred to as “foil”.

ribbon wrinkle An undesirable overlapping of the ribbon during

the printing process that leads to voids on the printed label, typically caused by an improper ribbon width adjustment.

roll media A form of media that is wound upon a cardboard

core.

start of print The position on the label where the printing

actually begins.

76 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

tag stock A heavy paper or synthetic printing material, typically

featuring a notch or black mark for TOF and no adhesive backing.

thermal transfer The printing method that creates an image by

transferring ink from a ribbon onto the media using the heat from the thermal printhead.

TOF (top of form) The start of a new label as indicated by a

label gap, notch, mark or programming.

void An undesirable blank space in a printed image.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 77

78 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Index

accessories CD-ROM, 1, 6 adjustable media sensor, 3, 9 - 11, 50 -

52, 55

alphanumeric, 60, 61, 63, 64, 73, 75 ASCII, 39, 57, 59, 63, 64 auto calibration, 35 Aztec, 54, 64, 68

backing material, 24, 36, 55, 73 -77 bar code, 51, 54, 63 - 68, 73 baud rate, 22, 23, 26, 27, 54 black mark, 55 buttons, 19 - 22, 34

calibration, 13, 14, 20, 34, 73; also see:

auto, 35

manual, 36, 37 character set, 73 checksum, 63, 66, 73 Codabar, 54, 63, 66 Code 128, 54, 63, 65, 67 Code 3 of 9, 54, 63 - 66, 68 Code 93, 54, 63, 66 communications, 21, 39, 48, 54 configuration label (see Database

Configuration Label)

continuous media, 10, 23, 24, 28, 54,

73, 75

control codes, 24 core diameter, 2, 3, 15, 54, 73, 76 cutter, 3, 21, 23, 25, 34, 54, 74

darkness adjustment, 27, 38, 46, 47, 50 data bits, 23, 27, 38, 54 database configuration label, 20, 27, 30,

32, 37, 38

DataMatrix, 54, 64, 68, 73 defaults, 21, 23 - 25, 34, 47, 74 die-cut media, 10, 54, 55, 74, 75 direct thermal, 1, 2, 15, 23, 27, 38, 53,

55, 74

dot check label, 20, 37, 38 downloads, 47, 48 DPI, 53, 74 DPL, 25, 39, 74

EAN-8, 54, 63, 63 EAN-13, 54, 63, 63

factory defaults, 21, 23 - 25, 34, 47, 74 fails to power on, 49, 51 fan-fold, 2, 54, 74 feed speed, 74 FIM, 64, 68 fixed-position media sensor, 9 flash memory, 17, 47, 48, 53, 74 fonts, 2, 3, 17, 24, 27, 38, 47, 54, 58 -

62, 73, 75

front panel, 19, 22

gap, 10, 23, 24, 52, 55, 73 - 77

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 79

hardware handshake, 39, 54, 58 hex dump, 39, 40

memory, 17, 24, 25, 27, 37, 38, 47,

48, 53, 74

menu items, 22 - 25 MicroPDF417, 54, 64, 68

input mode, 25 interfacing, 1, 2, 8, 54 Interleaved 2 of 5, 54, 63, 65, 66 internal labels, 37- 40 internal module, 24, 27, 38 IPS, 53, 75

Kanji, 3, 64

label, 1, 6, 10, 14, 20, 23 - 25, 37, 43,

47, 49 - 52, 55, 73 - 77

label alignment, 24, 25, 27 - 29, 38 label alignment troubleshooting, 30 - 33 label width, 24, 55, 75 lights, 19 loading media, 12 - 14, 52 loading ribbon, 15, 16

manual calibration, 36, 37 media, 10, 12 - 16, 20, 23 - 25, 28 -

30, 34 - 37, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49 - 52, 54, 55, 73 - 77; also see: continuous, 10, 23, 24, 28, 54, 73, 75

die-cut, 10, 54, 55, 74, 75 direct thermal, 23, 27, 38, 55, 74 fan-fold, 2, 54, 74 notched, 10, 75, 76 reflective, 10, 23, 24, 36, 55, 75, 76 roll, 12, 54, 75, 76 thermal transfer, 15, 16, 23, 53, 77

media sensor, 24, 28, 29, 31, 34 - 36,

41, 50 - 52, 55, 75; also see: adjustable, 9 - 11, 50 - 52, 55 fixed-position, 9, 28, 55

media sensor calibration, 13, 14, 20, 34

- 37, 73

media type switch, 15, 50

no printing, 50 notched stock, 10, 75, 76

OOS maxvolt, 24, 27, 38 operating program, 47, 74

pack aging, 5, 6 para llel, 8, 54 PDF417, 54, 64 peel configuration and mode, 14, 21,

25, 26, 33, 41, 76

perforation, 76 Plessey, 54, 63, 66 Postnet, 54, 63, 66 power, 5 - 8, 27, 28, 38, 51, 53 preprint, 76 present adjust, 23, 25, 27, 33, 38 present sensor, 4, 21, 23, 26, 29, 30,

print method, 53 print quality, 39, 45, 49, 50, 55 print speed, 3, 47, 50, 53, 76 printer setup, 21 - 28, 30, 39, 48 printhead, 16, 28, 29, 38, 41 - 43, 45 -

47, 50, 51, 53, 55, 73 - 77

printhead adjustment, 45 printhead carrier assembly, 9, 12 - 16,

35 - 36, 42, 43, 45, 46, 51

printhead replacement, 46, 47

QR Code, 54, 64, 68

reflective media, 10, 23, 24, 36, 55, 75,

registration, 76 resolution, 53, 74

80 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

reverse speed, 76 ribbon, 15, 16, 23, 44, 50, 52, 54, 55,

73, 76, 77

ribbon loading, 15, 16 ribbon width adjustment, 44, 76 ribbon wrinkle, 76 roll media, 12, 54, 75, 76 rotation, 51, 54

scalable font, 2, 3, 24, 27, 38, 59 sensor type, 23, 24 serial, 8, 23, 26, 27, 38 skips labels, 51 standard features, 2 start of print, 23, 29, 31, 76 stop location, 25, 27, 38

tag stock, 1, 3, 73, 74, 76, 77 Telepen, 54, 63, 68

test label, 20, 39 thermal transfer, 15, 16, 23, 53, 77 top of form, 10, 20, 23, 28, 29, 36, 75,

76, 77

TOF delta, 24, 27, 35, 38 TOF gain, 22, 24, 27, 38 TOF low, 24, 27, 38 trac king, 13, 14, 39, 43, 52, 75 troubleshooting, 30 - 33, 49 - 52

UPC-A, 54, 63, 65 UPC-E, 54, 63, 65 UP S MaxiCode, 54, 63, 64, 68

voids, 76, 77

warranty, 69, 70, 71

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 81

82 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304

Datamax E4203, E-4204, E-4304e User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual