Datamax H-4212X, H-4212, H-4408, H-4606, H-4310 Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

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.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox 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 2007 by Datamax Corporation

Part Number: 88-2329-01

Revision: E

Agency Compliance and Approvals

C US
Listed

UL60950-1: 2003 1st Edition Information Technology Equipment
CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03 1st Edition; April 2003

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
Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land
geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.

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

The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms to the
following standards or other normative documents:

EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B
EN 50024 (1998)

Safety: This product complies with EN 60950-1, 1st Edition

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 their own expense.

Important Safety Instructions

The exclamation point within an equilateral t r iangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions.

This unit has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable performance. As with
all electrical equipment, however, there are some basic precautions that you should follow
to avoid personal injury or printer damage:

y Before using the printer, carefully read all the installation and operating instructions.
y Observe all warning instruction labels on the printer.
y Install the printer on a flat, firm surface.
y Do not place the printer upon or near a heat source.
y Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the printer.
y Do not use the printer near water or spill liquid into it.
y Ensure that the AC power source matches the ratings listed for the printer. (If unsure,

check with your dealer or local utility provider.)

y Do not step on the AC power cord. If the AC power cord becomes damaged or frayed,

replace it immediately.

y If the printer ever needs repair, consult only qualified, trained service personnel. No

user-serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.

Special Instructions

The green check box is intended to alert the user to conventions used within this

;

text or to notable operating details of the printer.

Contents

Overview ...........................................................................................1

1.1 About the Printer ................................................................................... 1

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

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

Getting Started..................................................................................7

2.1 Unpacking............................................................................................. 7

2.1.1 Additional Requirements ..............................................................8

2.2 Installation ........................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 Connecting the Power Cord .......................................................... 8

2.2.2 Connecting the Interface Cable(s) .................................................9

2.2.3 Connecting to the SDIO Slot and USB Host Ports........................... 11

Setting up the Printer......................................................................13

3.1 Media Loading ...................................................................................... 13

3.1.1 Internal Media Sources.............................................................. 15

3.1.2 External Media Sources ............................................................. 17

3.1.3 Rewinding Media....................................................................... 19

3.2 Media Sensor Adjustment...................................................................... 25

3.3 Ribbon Loading.................................................................................... 26

3.4 Quick Calibration ................................................................................. 29

Using the Control Panel ...................................................................31

4.1 Layout................................................................................................ 31

4.1.1 The Display, Icons and Indicators, and Keys and Buttons ............... 32

i

4.2 The Menu System ................................................................................ 33

4.2.1 Media Settings ......................................................................... 35

4.2.2 Print Control ............................................................................ 38

4.2.3 Printer Options ......................................................................... 40

4.2.4 System Settings ....................................................................... 51

4.2.5 Communications....................................................................... 60

4.2.6 Diagnostics.............................................................................. 67

4.2.7 MCL Options ............................................................................ 70

4.3 The Test Menu..................................................................................... 71

4.3.1 Print Quality Label .................................................................... 71

4.3.2 Ribbon Test Label ..................................................................... 72

4.3.3 Test Label................................................................................ 72

4.3.4 Validation Label........................................................................ 72

4.3.5 Print Configuration.................................................................... 73

4.3.6 Print Last Label ........................................................................ 73

4.3.7 User-Defined Label ................................................................... 73

Operating, Adjusting and Maintaining the Printer............................75

5.1 Display Messages................................................................................. 75

5.1.1 Prompts and Condition Messages ................................................ 75

5.2 Calibration .......................................................................................... 78

5.2.1 Standard Calibration ................................................................. 78

5.2.2 Advanced Entry Calibration ........................................................ 80

5.3 Reset Methods..................................................................................... 88

5.3.1 Soft Reset ............................................................................... 88

ii

5.3.2 Level One Reset ....................................................................... 88

5.3.3 Level Two Reset ....................................................................... 88

5.4 Printhead Assembly Adjustments............................................................ 88

5.4.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment .......................................................... 88

5.4.2 Printhead Pressure Adjustment ................................................... 90

5.5 Printhead Removal and Replacement ...................................................... 91

5.6 Maintenance........................................................................................ 92

5.6.1 Cleaning the Exterior Surfaces.................................................... 94

5.6.2 Cleaning the Fan Filter............................................................... 94

5.6.3 Cleaning the Interior Compartment ............................................. 95

5.6.4 Cleaning the Media Sensing Components ..................................... 95

5.6.5 Cleaning the Platen and Assist Rollers.......................................... 96

5.6.6 Cleaning the Printhead .............................................................. 97

5.6.7 Cleaning the Ribbon Path Components......................................... 99

5.7 Updating the Firmware ........................................................................100

5.8 Updating the Boot Loader.....................................................................102

5.9 Downloading Fonts..............................................................................103

Troubleshooting ............................................................................105

6.1 Problem Resolution .............................................................................105

6.1.1 General Resolutions .................................................................105

6.2 Warning and Fault Messages.................................................................109

6.3 Hex Dump Mode .................................................................................116

Specifications ................................................................................117

7.1 General .............................................................................................117

iii

7.2 Model-Specific Specifications ................................................................118

7.3 Approved Media and Ribbon .................................................................128

7.4 Print Quality Controls ..........................................................................130

Appendix A ....................................................................................131

Module Assignments, and File Handling Definitions and Messages.....................131

Appendix B ....................................................................................135

Resolutions, Widths, Speeds, Emulations, and Custom Adjustment Settings.......135

Appendix C ....................................................................................139

RS-422/485 Port Configuration....................................................................139

Appendix D....................................................................................141

Changing the Display Language...................................................................141

Appendix E ....................................................................................145

Saving a Configuration File..........................................................................145

Appendix F ....................................................................................147

Ethernet Setup..........................................................................................147

Appendix G....................................................................................149

Using the HTML Pages................................................................................149

Appendix H....................................................................................157

Printer Driver and Port Setup ......................................................................157

Warranty Information ...................................................................171

Glossary ........................................................................................173

iv

1

Overview

1.1 About the Printer

Congratulations on your purchase of an H-Class printer (hereafter referred to as ‘the
printer’). This manual provides information regarding printer setup, operation, and care. To
print label formats, refer to the instructions provided wit h your labeling software; or if you
wish to write custom programs, a copy of the Class Series Programmer’s Manual can be
found on the Accessories CD-ROM and at our web site at http://www.datamaxcorp.com.

As detailed below, each model offers many standard and optional features that allow the
printer to meet all of your label generation needs.

H-Class 1

1.1.1 Standard Features

Depending upon the model and type, the printer offers the following standard features:

Model and Type

Feature

H-4xxx

(Standard

Models)

H-6xxx

(Standard

Models)

H-xxxxX

(Tall

Models)

Control Panel Security X X X
Default Configuration Restorable X X X
Diagnostic Display and Modes X X X
Die Cast Media Hub N/A N/A X
Direct Thermal Printing X X X
Downloadable Firmware Upgrades X X X
DRAM Memory (MB) 16 16 16
EFIGS Multi-Language Support X X X
Ethernet LAN X X X
Fanfold Media Handling X X X
Fault Handling with Reprint & Void X X X
Flash Memory (MB) 8 8 8
Graphics Display (128 x 64 pixels) X X N/A
Graphics Display (240 X 320 pixels) Optional Optional X
Host-Accessible Memory X X X
IEEE 1284 Compliant Parallel Interface X X X
IntelliSEAQ Printhead X X X
Internal Test & Configuration Labels X X X
Label Retract Control after Print X X X
Line Mode (ASCII Text Input) Printing X X X
Media Counters X X X
Media Tear Bar X X X
Option Hardware Auto-Detection X X X
On-Demand and Batch Printing X X X
Power-up Diagnostics X X X
Resident Multiple Setup and Restore X X X
Resident Option Hardware Diagnostics X X X
RFID Upgrade Availability X X X

2 H-Class

Model Number

Feature

H-4xxx

(Standard

Models)

H-6xxx

(Standard

Models)

H-xxxxX

(Tall

Models)

Ribbon Low Detection and Warning X X X
Scalable Font Engine, Dynamic Font Attributes,

Bold and Italic

X X X

SDIO Interface (internal remote) Optional X X
Serial RS-232/422 Interface X X X
Text, Bar Code, Graphics, and Image Printing X X X
Three-Inch Media Hub X X X
Time and Date Battery Backup X X X
Time Stamping X X X
USB (device) Interface, Version 2.0 X X X
USB Host Ports (2) (internal remote) Optional X X

1.1.2 Optional Features (available except as noted)

The following optional features are offered for the printer:

40 mm Media Hub (H-4xxx and H-4xxxX models only)

A media hub that accommodates 40-millimeter cores.

Cover Dampener (H-6xxx, H-6xxxX, and H-8308X models only)

A hydraulic mechanism that stalls sudden cover closures.

DMXrfNETII

A WiFi Ethernet card with many features, including:

 802.11b WiFi LAN standards-based technology
 Integrated module with radio, baseband, MAC, and application processors
 Built-in TCP/IP and UDP for flexible LAN connectivity options
 Built-in Web server for drop-in LAN and internet con nectivity
 Built in WEP security protocol
 Integrated command interface that eliminates the need for complicated software

drivers

H-Class 3

External Media Rewinders

Precision-crafted, bi-directional rewinding mechanisms with device-dependant features:

 DMXREW1 - accommodates 1 to 4-inch (25 to 101 mm) diameter cores, accepts a

maximum label width of 4.5 inches (114 mm), and rewinds to an 8-inch (203 mm)
maximum outer diameter at 10 inches per second.

 DMXREW2 - accommodates 3-inch (76 mm) diameter cores, accepts a maximum

label width of 9.5 inches (241 mm), and rewinds to a 12-inch (304 mm) maximum
outer diameter at 30 inches per second.

ILPC Fonts

Font sets that allow International Language Print Capability, consisting of one of the
following:

 CG-Times (western European) Scalable font
 Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
 Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font
 Korean Hangul font

Internal Rewinder, Power-Assisted (Standard models only)
An internal mechanism to wind printed labels, or backing material when using a Peel and

Present option, into a maximum outer diameter roll of five and half inches (139 mm).

Internal Rewinder, Powered "Full Roll" (Tall models only)

A motorized internal mechanism to wind printed labels, or pull the backing mat erial when
using a Peel and Present option, into to a maximum outer diameter roll of eight inches (203
mm).

Linear Scanner (H-4xxx and H-4xxxX models only)

A CCD scanning device with data capture and integrated label voiding features to ensure the
integrity of printed bar codes.

Media Cutter

A rotary-type device that cuts material with a maximum thickness of .01 inch (.254 mm)
into lengths as small as 1.25 inches (31.8 mm).

Peel and Present Mechanism, High Performance

(H-4xxx and H-4xxxX models only, Internal Rewind optional)

An output regulator that automatically separates die-cut labels from the backing material
and inhibits printing when a label is presented. (Minimum label length is 1.5 inches [38
mm]).

4 H-Class

Peel and Present Mechanism, Standard (Internal Rewind required)

A plate-style output regulator that automatically separates die-cut labels from the backing
material and inhibits printing when a label is presented. (Minimum label length is 1.5 inches
[38 mm]).

Present Sensor

An output regulator that inhibits printing when a label is presented.

RFID (All models except H-8308X)

An integrated Ultra High Frequency (UHF) RFID encoding and reading device with data
capture, available in three different configurations:

 Factory Installed - complete, ready to use from the factory.
 Ready - factory installed antenna, requiring the installation of an RFID module and

hardware.

 Full Upgrade - antenna, RFID module, and hardware require installation.

SDIO Interface and USB Host Ports (H-4xxx models only)
An interface that accepts external memory storage devices for fonts, graphics, label

formats, and firmware; as well as a port that can accept a USB keyboard for direct data
input applications (e.g., Line Mode).

Thermal Transfer

A hub assembly that allows printing with ribbon for exceptional image clarity and durability,
as compared to most direct thermal media types.

Option Installation

The table below lists the experience needed to install the options described above. For more
information, contact your dealer or Datamax.

Option Installation

Option Recommended Installer

40 mm Media Hub Factory only

Cover Dampener DMX Certified Technician

External Media Rewinder Operator

Graphics Display DMX Certified Technician

ILPC Fonts DMX Certified Technician

Internal Rewinder Operator

Linear Scanner DMX Certified Technician

Media Cutter Operator

H-Class 5

Option Installation (continued)

Option Recommended Installer

Peel and Present Mechanism Operator

Present Sensor Operator

RFID (Ready and Full Upgrade) DMX Certified Technician

SDIO Interface and USB Host Ports DMX Certified Technician

Thermal Transfer Operator

6 H-Class

Getting Started

2

2.1 Unpacking

The printer has been carefully packaged to prevent transit damage. (Inspect the container
for damage and, if evident, notify the shipping company before acceptance.)

After removing the packaging, check the contents of the shipment.

The following items are included:

 Printer
 Power Cord
 Qu ick Start Guide
 Accessories CD-ROM
 Warranty Card
 An y special or additionally purchased items.

Save the carton and packing material for future use.

;

H-Class 7

2.1.1 Additional Requirements

Other items can also be needed for operation:

 An interface cable (see Section 2.2.2);
 Applicable media (see Section 7.3); and,
 Applicable software (consult the Accessories CD-ROM, your dealer, or Datamax).

2.2 Installation

The printer features an auto-ranging power supply and several different interface types for
easy installation.

Ensure that the Power Switch is OFF when making printer connections.

2.2.1 Connecting the Power Cord

With printer placed upon a firm and level surface, connect the Power Cord as follows:
A. Ensure that the Power Switch is turned OFF.
B. Connect the Power Cord to the AC receptacle on the printer, and then to a properly

rated and grounded AC outlet.

8 H-Class

2.2.2 Connecting the Interface Cable(s)

The printer can be interfaced to your host system via the Ethernet, Parallel, Serial, and USB
ports. Following power-up (or after a period of inactivity) communications will aut omatically
be established through the first port that receives valid host data.

Once established, communication through another port will only occu r after the selectable
Host Time-out period is reached or if printer power is cycled OFF and ON.

Unless otherwise noted, refer to Section 4.2.5 for communication setup options.

;

Ethernet Connection

The Ethernet interface supports several menu-selectable modes. D epending on the length,
the cable should be Category / Type 3 or better. Refer to Appendix F for setup information.

Parallel Connection

The parallel interface supports directional communications. Choose and connect cabling as
follows:

 For unidirectional communication, use a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36-pin

male connector; or,

 For bi-directional communication, use an IEEE 1284 Compliant cable with a 36-pin

male connector (and supporting host software).

Serial Connection

The serial interface supports RS-232C, RS-422, and RS-485 communications (see Appendix
C for RS-422/485 details). RS-232C cabling configurations and part numbers are shown
below (contact your reseller for ordering information).

H-Class 9

;

"Off the shelf" serial cables can be used with Xon/Xoff handshaking.

USB Connection

The USB interface connection may differ slightly depending upon the operating system and
hardware configuration of the host computer. Basic connections are shown below.

10 H-Class

2.2.3 Connecting to the SDIO Slot and USB Host Ports

If equipped, the Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) Slot and the USB Host Ports accept
external storage devices for fonts, graphics, label formats, and firmware upgrades.
Additionally, USB Host Ports accept a USB keyboard for stand alone direct data (template)
applications; see the Class Series Programmer’s Manual.

•

External memory devices must be formatted before initial use (see MODULES,
Section 4.2.3); afterward, to be recognized all files must be placed into the
resulting folder.

;

• Use Windows Explorer or DMX Config (see the Accessories CD-ROM) to

download files to an external memory device for conversion; see FILE
HANDLING DEFINITIONS, Appendix A.

• SDIO Slot Connections:
When installing an SDIO Card, turn OFF t he printer then slide the card into the SDIO

Slot. After turning ON the printer, Module F will be recognized.
When removing an SDIO Card, turn OFF the printer then press the SDIO Card inward

to release.

SanDisk© SDIO Memory Cards up to 1 GB are supported.

•

;

• Multi Media Cards SDIO cannot be used; also, unsupported or defective

cards may prevent printer operation.

H-Class 11

• USB Host Port Connections:
The USB Host Ports support "plug and play" USB Memory Drives. After installing the

drive in the printer, Module H will be recognized.

Only one USB Memory Drive at a time will be recognized.

•

;

• Before upgrading firmware via USB Memory Drive, disconnect any USB

keyboard from the port.

12 H-Class

Setting up the Printer

3

3.1 Media Loading

Load media according to its type and source, after performing these prerequisites:
A. Raise the cover.
B. Rotate the Printhead Latch counterclockwise then raise the Printhead Assembly.

H-Class 13

C. Slide the Media Guide outward.

D. Rotate the Media Guide upward.

E. Proceed according to the source of the media being installed:

• If using internally supplied (roll media) sources, see Section 3.1.1; or,

• If using externally supplied sources (e.g., boxed fanfold stock), see Section 3.1.2.

14 H-Class

3.1.1 Internal Media Sources

A. Slide Roll Media completely onto the Media Hub.

B. Route the media under the Media Guide Extrusion then out the front of the printer, as

shown.

C. Rotate the Media Guide into the DOWN position and then slide the guide inward until it

rests lightly against the edge of the media.

H-Class 15

D. If loading media for the first time, or if switching media types, widths, or configurations,

position the Media Sensor as detailed in Section 3.2; otherwise, go to Step E.

If loading thermal transfer media, also load ribbon; see Section 3.3.

;

E. Lower the Printhead Assembly then rotate the Printhead Latch completely clockwise.

F. Close the cover. With READY displayed, press and hold the FEED Key until at least one

gap (or mark) advances; see Section 3.4.

If your media is less than the full width of the platen, adjust the Leveling Cam;

;

see Section 5.4.1.

16 H-Class

3.1.2 External Media Sources

A. Place the media supply (box or roll) parallel to and in-lin e with the Rear Media Loading

Slot or Bottom Media Loading Slot, in a position that will not cause the media to twist or
turn as it feeds from the source.

If loading reflective media, be sure that the material enters the printer with the

;

black marks facing down.

B. Route the media into the printer through the Rear Media Loading Slot or Bottom Media

Loading Slot, and if equipped over the Rewind Hub.

C. Route the media under the Media Guide Extrusion then out of the printer, as shown in

the previous section.

D. Rotate the Media Guide into the DOWN position and then slide the guide inw a rd until it

rests lightly against the edge of the media, as shown in the previous section.

H-Class 17

E. If loading media for the first time, or when switching media types, widths, or

configurations, position the Media Sensor as detailed in Section 3.2; otherwise, go to
Step F.

If loading thermal transfer media, also load ribbon; see Section 3.3.

;

F. Lower the Printhead Assembly then rotate the Printhead Latch completely clockwise.

G. Close the cover. With READY displayed, press and hold the FEED Key until at least one

gap (or mark) advances; see Section 3.4.

If your media is less than the full width of the platen, adjust the Leveling Cam;

;

see Section 5.4.1.

18 H-Class

3.1.3 Rewinding Media

When equipped with the Internal Rewind option, outputs can be rewound or, with the
addition of a Peel and Present option, dispensed automatically for application. If equipped,
follow the instructions below to begin using the Intern al Rewinder:

A. Press down on the Tab then pull outward to remove the Front Fascia.

B. Remove Thumbscrew and Tear Plate.

H-Class 19

C. Place the Arcplate on the front of the printer (as shown below) and tighten the Phillips

Head Screw to secure it; or, to use the Peel and Present option attach that device.

D. Proceed according to your application:

• To rewind labels onto an empty media core (tall models only), go to Step E.

• To dispense labels using a Peel and Present option, refer to the instructions included

with that option.

E. H-8308X users (all others go to Step F), rotate the latch 1/4 turn counterclockwise to

release the Rewind Support from the Rewind Hub then swing the Rewind Support
outward.

20 H-Class