Datamax-O'Neil LA2-00-460C0000 User Manual

Operator’s Manual

Copyright Information

CG Times (based upon Times New Roman) and CG Triumvirate are trademarks of the AGFA
Monotype Corporation.
Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
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.

Limitation of Liability

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

In no event shall Datamax-O’Neil be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from or
related to any failure or delay of Datamax-O’Neil 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.

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-O’Neil 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-O’Neil Corporation.

All rights reserved

Copyright © 2012, Datamax-O’Neil

Part Number 88-2349-01

Revision C

Agency Compliance and Approvals:

UL60950-1 2nd Edition, Information Technology Equipment

C US

Listed

CSA C22.2 No.60950-1-07, 2nd Edition

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

EMC: EN 55022 (2006,A1:2007) Class B
EN 50024 (1998,A1:2001,A2:2003)

Safety: This product complies with the requirements of IEC 60950-1, 2nd Edition,

2005-12

ROHS: 2002/95/EC
LVD: 2006/95/EC

Gost-R

GB4943-2001, GB9254-2008 and GB17625.1-2003

DMX-A-4212 model:
The foregoing equipment has been registered under the Clause 3, Article 58-2 of Radio

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

Waves Act

Note: This equipm ent 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 accordan ce with the instruction s 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

Throughout the literature accompanying this unit, the exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating and
maintenance instructions.

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

• Before using the print engine, carefully read all the installation and operating instructions.

• Moving parts are present during operation – keep body parts, loose clothing, etc. away from

the mechanism.

• Observe all warning instruction labels on the print engine.

• Mount the print engine securely in the applicator system.

• Do not place the print engine on or near a heat source.

• To protect from overheating, make sure no openings on the print engine are blocked.

• Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the print engine.

• Do not use the print engine near water or spill liquid into it.

• Ensure that the AC power source complies with the ratings listed for the print engine.

• Do not place the AC power cord where it can be stepped on, and if the power cord becomes

damaged replace it immediately.

• Consult only qualified, trained personnel to perform service on this device: no user-

serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.

Special Text Instructions

The green check box is intended to alert you to conventions used within this text or to



notable operating details and suggestions.

Applicability

The procedures, functions, and parameters described in this document are written according to an
Application Version of printer firmware. To identify the Application Version that corresponds to this
text, see Print Configuration in Section 4.3.5. To update the Application Version of your printer,
visit our website at www.datamax-oneil.com

to download firmware.

Contents

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

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

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

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

Getting Started........................................................................................... 5

2.1 Unpacking.........................................................................................5

2.1.1 Contents..................................................................................6

2.1.2 Additional Requirements ............................................................6

2.2 Mounting Requirements ......................................................................7

2.3 Connecting to a Host ........................................................................ 11

2.3.1 Parallel Port Connections.......................................................... 12

2.3.2 Serial Port Connections............................................................ 12

2.3.3 RS-422/485 Communications ................................................... 13

2.3.4 USB Port Connections ..............................................................15

2.3.5 SDIO and USB Host Port Connections ........................................ 15

2.4 Connecting an Applicator .................................................................. 16

2.5 Connecting Power ............................................................................17

Setting up the Printer............................................................................... 19

3.1 Loading Media .................................................................................. 19

3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor ............................................................... 23

3.3 Loading Ribbon................................................................................ 24

3.3.1 Right Hand Models .................................................................. 24

3.3.2 Left Hand Models ....................................................................26

3.3.3 Removing Ribbon ....................................................................27

3.4 Quick Calibration ............................................................................. 28

3.5 Print Quality Controls ....................................................................... 28

Using the Control Panel ............................................................................ 29

4.1 Layout............................................................................................ 29

4.1.1 The Display ............................................................................29

4.1.2 Keypad Functions.................................................................... 31

i

4.2 The System Menu ............................................................................32

4.2.1 Media Settings........................................................................ 33

4.2.2 Print Control........................................................................... 36

4.2.3 Printer Options ....................................................................... 38

4.2.4 System Settings ..................................................................... 46

4.2.5 Communications ..................................................................... 56

4.2.6 Diagnostics ............................................................................64

4.2.7 MCL Options........................................................................... 67

4.3 The Test Menu................................................................................. 68

4.3.1 Print Quality Label................................................................... 68

4.3.2 Ribbon Test Label ...................................................................68

4.3.3 Test Label ..............................................................................69

4.3.4 Validation Label ...................................................................... 69

4.3.5 Print Configuration .................................................................. 69

4.3.6 Print Last Label....................................................................... 70

4.3.7 User-Defined Label.................................................................. 70

Operating, Adjusting and Maintaining the Printer..................................... 71

5.1 Displayed Messages ......................................................................... 71

5.1.1 Prompts and Condition Messages ..............................................71

5.2 Calibration ...................................................................................... 74

5.2.1 Standard Method .................................................................... 74

5.2.2 Advanced Entry ...................................................................... 76

5.3 Printhead Adjustments...................................................................... 83

5.3.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment......................................................... 83

5.3.2 Burn Line Adjustment .............................................................. 85

5.4 Printhead Replacement ..................................................................... 86

5.5 Platen Roller Replacement................................................................. 89

5.6 Maintenance Schedule ...................................................................... 90

5.6.1 Cleaning the Printhead............................................................. 91

5.6.2 Cleaning the Rollers ................................................................93

5.6.3 Cleaning the Peel Assembly ......................................................94

5.6.4 Cleaning the Media Sensor, Media Path, and Peel Bar................... 96

5.6.5 Cleaning Exterior Surfaces ....................................................... 97

5.7 Reset Methods................................................................................. 97

ii

5.7.1 Soft Reset.............................................................................. 97

5.7.2 Level One Reset...................................................................... 97

5.7.3 Level Two Reset...................................................................... 97

5.8 Updating the Firmware .....................................................................98

5.9 Updating the Boot Loader................................................................ 100

5.10 Fonts ........................................................................................... 101

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................... 103

6.1 Problem Resolution ........................................................................ 103

6.1.1 General Resolutions............................................................... 103

6.1.2 Warning and Fault Messages................................................... 106

6.2 Hex Dump Mode ............................................................................ 113

Specifications ......................................................................................... 115

7.1 Printer Specifications ...................................................................... 115

7.2 Approved Media and Ribbon ............................................................ 120

Appendix A ............................................................................................. 123

Module Assignments ............................................................................. 123

File Handling Messages.......................................................................... 124

Cut Behind Setup.................................................................................. 125

Appendix B ............................................................................................. 127

Print Resolutions and Widths .................................................................. 127

Speed Ranges ...................................................................................... 127

Column & Row Emulation Ranges............................................................ 128

Custom Adjustments: Column, Present, & Row Adjust Ranges..................... 128

Appendix C ............................................................................................. 129

PE Peel Bar Location.............................................................................. 129

Media Tension Settings.......................................................................... 129

PE to A-Class GPIO Adapter Cable ........................................................... 130

Appendix D............................................................................................. 131

Applicator Interface Overview................................................................. 131

Appendix E ............................................................................................. 139

Multi-Language Menu ............................................................................ 139

iii

Appendix F ............................................................................................. 143

Saving a Configuration File..................................................................... 143

Appendix G ............................................................................................. 145

Ribbon Saver Overview ......................................................................... 145

Glossary ................................................................................................. 147

iv

1

Overview

1.1 About the Printer

Congratulations on your purchase of an A-Class Mark II printer. This print engine (hereafter

referred to as “the printer” and, when necessary, by model) is designed for professional integration
into an industrial applicator system.

This manual provides all the information necessary for installation, setup and operation of the
printer. To begin printing, refer to the instructions provided with your label-creation software; or,

to write custom label programs, reference the Class Series 2 Programmer’s Manual on the

Accessories CD-ROM, also available at http://www.datamax-oneil.com

The printer’s model number, located on the Serial Tag affixed to the inside of the front cover,
should be used when referencing specific information within this manual.

A-Class Mark II 1

1.1.1 Standard Features

This printer offers the following standard features:

• Right-handed or left-handed configurations

• Electronics card cage

• 8 MB Flash downloadable program memory

• 16 MB DRAM memory

• User accessible memory for graphics, fonts, and label format storage

• Two RS-232 serial interfaces (one of which is also RS-422/RS-485 capable)

• One IEEE 1284 compliant parallel interface

• One Ethernet 10/00 interface

• One USB v1.1 interface

• A programmable GPIO Port

• Backlit graphics display

• EFIGS (English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish) display languages

• Industry standard bar code symbologies

• Time stamp at print capability with time and date battery back-up

• Static brushes

• Printhead resistance verification

• Configurable fault-handling capability with reprint and void selections

• Parse error-tolerant command language interpretation

• Internal test labels for verification, validation, and configuration

• Multiple setup restore capability

• Paper retract control after print

• Ribbon low detection and warning

• Power-up, mode, and resident option hardware diagnostics

• Option hardware auto-detection

• Media peel bar

• Media inch counters

• Line mode (ASCII text input) capability with USB Host

• Firmware upgrades downloadable

• AGFA Scaleable Font Engine featuring dynamic font attributes

2 A-Class Mark II

1.1.2 Optional Features

The following optional features are available:

• DMXrfNetII

A wireless Network Interface Controller with multiple operating system and protocol support,
including trap functions.

• International Language Printing Capability (ILPC)

An alternate font set, available for standard or expanded memory:

CG-Times (European) Scaleable font (and Enhanced Language Code Pages)
Kanji Gothic B Scaleable font

Simplified Chinese GB Scaleable font
Korean Hangul Scaleable font

• Cutter

A mechanism specifically designed to cut media after printing.

• MCL

A software tool suite for information collection applications, allowing input data from peripheral
devices (scanners, weigh scales, keyboards, etc.) without the need of a host computer.

• Remote Display

A factory installed port located on the rear of the printer assembly allowing a 6 foot (1.8 meter)
remote display to be attached.

• RFID

A Radio Frequency Identification method that encodes data onto smart labels and tags;
available completely installed and ready for use.

• Thermal Transfer

A printing method that uses ribbon to produce exceptional image clarity (as compared to most
direct thermal media types).

• Rear Pinch Roller

An additional roller assembly that assists media movement during long backfeed distances.

• SDIO and USB Host Ports

Interface ports that allow the printer to accept external SDIO and USB memory devices for
storing graphics, label formats, fonts, and firmware; and that allow USB keyboard connections
(and USB scanning device connections for MCL users) for direct data input applications.

A-Class Mark II 3

Installing Printer Options

The table below lists competency level recommendations for the installation of the various options.
For detailed information regarding an option, contact a dealer or Datamax-O’Neil Technical
Support.

Experience Level

Option Installer

DMXrfNetII DMX Certified Technician

SDIO and USB Host Ports Factory Only

Cutter DMX Certified Technician

MCL DMX Certified Technician

Remote Display Port Factory Only

RFID Factory Only

Ribbon Saver Factory Only

Thermal Transfer DMX Certified Technician

Rear Pinch Roller Factory Only

4 A-Class Mark II

Getting Started

2

2.1 Unpacking

The printer is carefully packaged for transit. Upon arrival, inspect the shipping carton(s) for
damage; if evident, immediately report the damage to the freight company.

In order to operate the printer, remove all packaging material:

1. With the Shipping Carton arrows pointing upward, open the Shipping Carton and remove the
Accessories Box and the Top Foams.

2. Carefully lift the wrapped Printer from the carton and place it on a solid level surface.

Accessories Box

Top Foam

Bottom Foam

Printer

Bottom Foam

Shipping Carton

3. Remove the Printer from the plastic bag and then remove all remaining packing materials.

Top Foam

Save the carton and packing material for future use.



A-Class Mark II 5

2.1.1 Contents

Check the contents of the carton for the following items:

• Printer

• Power cord

• Accessories CD-ROM

• Any additionally purchased items or options.

2.1.2 Additional Requirements

Other items can also be needed for operation:

• Media (and ribbon, if necessary); see Section 7.2.

• Interface cables; see Section 2.3 (Host Connections) and

Appendix D (Applicator).

• Software; see the Accessories CD-ROM for Windows

Drivers and basic labeling software.

6 A-Class Mark II

2.2 Mounting Requirements

Before installing the printer, ensure that the environmental conditions of the site fall within the
range specified in Section 7, and always avoid the following environments:

• Do not place the printer in direct sunlight or near a heat source; and,

• Do not place the printer where it will be exposed to liquids, or excessive dust or dirt.

Consider the dimensions of the printer before attaching it to the applicator station. The template
below details the opening size and hole locations required for the support structure:

Attach the printer to the support structure using
a #10 screw inserted at each Mounting Hole
position (see note below).

The following drawings detail additional mounting considerations:



Mounting Holes

A-Class Mark II 7

A-4xxx models

9.67”

(246mm)

Front View, Peel Assembly lowered:

Side View:

10.45”

(266mm)

11.81”

(300mm)

15.35”

(390mm)

2.25”

(57mm)

7.68”

(195mm)

7.66”

(195mm)

12.51”

(318mm)

Side View, Cover raised:

20.17”

(512mm)

8 A-Class Mark II

A-6xxx models

9.67”

(246mm)

Front View, Peel Assembly lowered:

Side View:

10.45”

(266mm)

11.81”

(300mm)

17.35”

(441mm)

2.25”

(57mm)

9.68”

(246mm)

7.66”

(195mm)

14.51”

(369mm)

Side View, Cover raised:

22.17”

(563mm)

A-Class Mark II 9

Peel Point Dimension

Peel Bar



See Appendix C for the PE-Series printer’s dimension.

10 A-Class Mark II

2.3 Connecting to a Host

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

The printer can be interfaced to a host via the parallel, serial, Ethernet and USB ports. (Ethernet
users, consult the documentation that accompanied the option.) Following power-up (or after a
period of inactivity), interface port selection occurs automatically upon detection of valid data. If
the incoming data flow stops and the Host Timeout period (see Section 4.2.5) is achieved, partially
received formats will be ignored and the port detection process repeated.

The location of the following connections can vary by printer model and host hardware

•

configuration.



• To change an active port immediately, cycle the power OFF and ON.

• For alternate data processing options, see INPUT MODE, Section 4.2.4.

Remote Display

(Optional)

Serial Port A

Serial Port C

USB Port

Ethernet Port

Parallel Port

Serial Port D

SDIO Host

USB Host
(Optional)

A-Class Mark II 11

(Optional)

2.3.1 Parallel Port Connections

The parallel interface requires a Centronics
directional mode is IEEE 1284 compliant, allowing data to be returned to the host.

IEEE 1284 cable with a 36 pin male connector. Bi-

2.3.2 Serial Port Connections

Serial Port A supports RS-232C and RS-422/RS-485 communications; COM C and COM D support
RS-232 (see Appendix D for exceptions). Pin-outs are given below. The port baud rate, word
length, parity, stop bits, and protocol must be configured to match the host’s settings; see Section

4.2.5.

Pin

Number

1 +5V (@ .5 amps)

2 RX

3 TX

4 DTR

5 Ground

6 ---

7 RTS

8 CTS

9 ---

For proper data exchange, the serial interface requires specific cable pin-outs. Serial cable

part numbers and wiring diagrams are shown below.

Port A, and COM C (J4) Port A, only COM D (J3)

RS-232 Function RS-422 & RS-485 Function RS-232 Function

---

RX-

TX+

---

GND

---

TX-

RX+

---

+5V (@ .5 amps)

RTS

Ground

TX

RX

Ground

CTS

DTR

---

RS-232 Cables*

Part # 32-2300-01

Part # 32-2301-01

*Printer serial ports A & C require a DB9 male connector (e.g., Startech C9PSM).

12 A-Class Mark II

COM D Port Connections

COM D RS-232 Cable

Host DB-9S Printer RJ45P

+5 VDC

GROUND

RXD
TXD

DTR

DSR

CTS

1
2
3
5
4
6

8
9
7

Part # 32-2603-00

NC
NC

NC

1
4
5
3

2

7
8

6

+5 VDC

TXD
RXD
GROUND

RTS
CTS
DTR

2.3.3 RS-422/485 Communications

To use RS-422/485 communications (Port A, only), the main logic card must be reconfigured:

Always wear a wrist strap and follow standard ESD prevention measures when
handling the Main Logic Card.

1. Turn OFF the power switch, unplug the AC Power Cord from the printer, and remove any

interface cable(s) already attached to the Main Logic Card.

2. Remove the two Screws securing the Main Logic Card to the printer. Slide the card out of

the printer and place it on a static free work area.

Main Logic Card

Screws

The Main Logic Card location varies depending upon the model of printer.



A-Class Mark II 13

3. Slide the Main Board out of the printer then move the jumpers according application:

• For RS-422/485 operation, place the jumper across pins E4 and E5;

• For +5VDC on Pin 1, place the jumper across pins E1 and E2; or,

• For RS-232 operation (default), place the jumper across pins E5 and E6;

• For no voltage on Pin 1 (default), place the jumper across pins E2 and E3.

Communications Jumpers

+5 Volt Jumper

4. Slide the Main Board into the printer and secure it with the
two previously removed Screws.

5. Connect communication cables to the Main Board and plug in
the power cord

For RS-422/485 communications, ensure that your cable meets
the requirements (per the table, right) for proper data transfer.

Serial Port

Pin Number

1 ---

2 RX­3 TX+

4 ---

5 GND
6 ---

7 TX-

8 RX+

9 ---

RS-422 & RS-485

Function

14 A-Class Mark II

2.3.4 USB Port Connections

The Universal Serial Bus port requires a standard USB cable.

This USB Port is a device-end only connection. Never attach a keyboard, mouse,
modem, etc. to this port; damage can result.

2.3.5 SDIO and USB Host Port Connections

If equipped with the Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) and USB Host Ports, the printer can accept
external storage devices for fonts, graphics, label formats, and firmware files. The USB Host Port
also accepts a USB keyboard for standalone, direct data (Line mode) input applications; see the

Class Series 2 Programmer’s Manual for examples.

SDIO Connections - When installing an SDIO Card, turn OFF the printer then slide the card

into the slot. Module “F” will be recognized by the printer. When removing a card, turn OFF the
printer then press inward on the card to release it.

USB Host Port Connections - The USB Host Ports support plug and play device installation

and removal. Module “H” and Module “I” will be recognized by the printer.

• Memory device sizes up to 16 GB are supported.



Using Memory Functions

Download your files to the device using Windows Explorer or DMX Config; see FILE HANDLING
DEFINITIONS in Appendix A. The following examples highlight several ways to use memory
devices; unless otherwise noted, see MODULES in Section 4.2.3 for details about function

selections.





• If equipped on the memory device, ensure that the Write Protect Switch is OFF.

• Before initial use, format the external memory device; see Section 4.2.3.

• Always allow process completion before removing modules.

• Files that reside in Module “X” cannot be copied; see Appendix A for module details.

• For access to all functions, ensure that the Advanced Menu is selected: Press System

Settings select Menu Mode and then Advanced Menu.

To copy files stored on a module to or from the printer:

1. Press the MENU button then select Printer Options.

2. Select Modules and then Copy File.

3. Select the file to copy and then the destination module ID.

When sharing configuration files between printers, use Restore As Current (see



A-Class Mark II 15

CONFIGURATION FILE, Section 4.2.4) and perform calibration (see Section 5.2).

 To copy firmware stored on a module to the printer:

1. Press the TEST button then select User Defined Label.

2. Select the module ID and the firmware file.

 To print files stored on a module:

1. Press the TEST button and then select User Defined Label.

2. Select the module ID then the file to print.

To print directly from stored files at power-up, see User Label mode in Section



 To print a previous label format that is stored in memory:

1. Press the MENU button then select Printer Options.

2. Select Modules and then Print File.

4.2.4.

2.4 Connecting an Applicator

Setup the GPIO Port using the information in Appendix D and then connect the applicator cable to
port(s) on the Applicator Interface Card.

Failure to properly configure the GPIO Port(s) may result in damage to the printer
and / or the applicator.

If upgrading, a PE to A-Class GPIO conversion cable is available; see Appendix C.



16 A-Class Mark II

2.5 Connecting Power

The power cord connects to the AC receptacle on back of the printer. Make the connection and
power-up the printer as follows:

1. Ensure that AC power to the host computer and applicator system are OFF.

2. Ensure that the printer’s Power Switch is OFF.

Power Switch

3. Connect the AC Power Cord to the printer and then to a properly grounded outlet.

4. Turn ON (in the following order) the host computer, the applicator system, and then the
printer.

A-Class Mark II 17

18 A-Class Mark II

Setting up the Printer

3

3.1 Loading Media

Load media according to its type and desired output:

1. Open the Access Cover and raise the Head
Lift Lever.

If your printer is equipped with Rear Pinch

Roller option open the Pinch Roller by pulling
outward on the Release Knob.

Rear Pinch

Roller Option

Release Knob

2. Route the Media between the Media Posts, through the Media Sensor, over the Peel Bar, and
out of the printer, as shown below.

Access Cover

Head Lift Lever

Media

Media Sensor

Media Posts

A-Class Mark II 19

3. To peel die-cut labels after printing, press down on the Peel Assembly Release Lever to lower
the Peel Assembly; otherwise, proceed directly to Step 6.

Peel Assembly
Release Lever

Media

Peel Assembly

4. Remove the labels from 12 inches (30 cm) of the Media Liner. Route the Media Liner down to
the Peel Assembly, over the Latch Roller, and through the Slot as shown below.

Media

Slot

Media Liner

Latch Roller

Peel Assembly

Peel Assembly

20 A-Class Mark II

5. Pull the Media Liner through the Slot in the Peel Assembly until all slack is removed. Lifting
from the center, raise the Peel Assembly until it locks into place.

Head Lift Lever

Media Guide

Peel Assembly

A-Class Mark II 21

6. Position the Media Guide lightly against the side of the media.

Media Guide

Head Lift Lever

Locking Post

7. Adjust the Media Sensor over the labels (see Section 3.2).

8. If printing on thermal transfer media, load ribbon (see Section 3.3); otherwise go to Step 9.

9. Lower the Head Lift Lever until it is completely and securely engaged onto the Locking Post.

10. If loading media for the first time or if changing to a different media type or size, press and
hold the FEED Key until at least two labels have been output (see Section 3.4).

11. Adjust the Leveling Cam (see Section 5.3.1).

22 A-Class Mark II

3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor

Position the Media Sensor to detect labels as follows:

Ensure that media is routed through the Media Sensor; see Section 3.1.

1.

Media

Media Sensor

Eye Mark

Media

Media Sensor

Adjustment Knob

2. Depending on the type of media being used, rotate the Media Sensor Adjustment Knob until the

Eye Mark on the Media Sensor is positioned according to the table below.

Media Sensor Adjustment and Type Required

Media Type Eye Mark Position Sensor Type Required

Die-cut Centered over the label

Notched Centered over the notch

Reflective Centered over the black mark Reflective

Continuous Near the middle of the media Continuous

* Default setting; see Section 4.2.1.

Gap*

A-Class Mark II 23

3.3 Loading Ribbon

Load ribbon (for thermal transfer media) according to its coated side and the printer model.

Using a ribbon slightly wider than the media ( and liner) is recommended for added protection against abrasive wear.



3.3.1 Right Hand Models

Load ribbon as follows:

1. Orient the unwind position of the Ribbon according to the coated side (CSI or CSO) and then slide the Ribbon Roll completely onto
the Ribbon Supply Hub, as shown below:

Ribbon

Supply Hub

CSO Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

Ribbon

Supply Hub

CSI Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

CSO Ribbon CSI Ribbon

24 A-Class Mark II

2. With the Head Lift Lever raised, route the Ribbon under the Lower Idler, over the Ribbon Shield and Upper Idler, and then
clockwise around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub.

3. Rotate the Ribbon Take-Up Hub clockwise several times to secure the Ribbon.

4. Lower and lock the Head Lift Lever then close the access cover.

CSO Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

Lower Idler

Ribbon

Take-Up Hub

Head

Lift Lever

Upper Idler

CSI Ribbon

Ribbon Shield

Roll

Ribbon

Lower Idler

CSO Ribbon CSI Ribbon

Ribbon

Take-Up Hub

Head

Lift Lever

Upper Idler

Ribbon Shield

A-Class Mark II 25

3.3.2 Left Hand Models

Load ribbon as follows:

1. Orient the unwind position of the Ribbon according to the coated side (CSI or CSO) and then slide the Ribbon Roll completely onto
the Ribbon Supply Hub, as shown below:

Ribbon

Supply Hub

CSO Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

Ribbon

Supply Hub

CSI Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

CSO Ribbon CSI Ribbon

2. With the Head Lift Lever raised, route the Ribbon under the Lower Idler, over the Ribbon Shield and Upper Idler, and then
counterclockwise around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub.

3. Rotate the Ribbon Take-Up Hub counterclockwise several times to secure the Ribbon.

4. Lower and lock the Head Lift Lever then close the access cover.

26 A-Class Mark II

Ribbon

Take-Up Hub

Head

Lift Lever

Upper Idler

CSO Ribbon

Ribbon Shield

Lower Idler

CSO Ribbon CSI Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

Ribbon

Take-Up Hub

Head

Lift Lever

Upper Idler

Ribbon Shield

Lower Idler

CSI Ribbon

Roll

Ribbon

3.3.3 Removing Ribbon

After the ribbon supply has been exhausted, grasp the used ribbon and, while squeezing, pull to collapse the Ribbon Take-Up Hub then
slip off the ribbon. Next, slip off the empty core from the Ribbon Supply Hub.

If using a narrow width ribbon, it may be necessary to use one hand to pull and collapse the Ribbon Take-Up Hub, while using



A-Class Mark II 27

your other hand to slide off the ribbon.

3.4 Quick Calibration

Perform Quick Calibration during initial printer setup or after changing the media, but not if using
continuous media.

Media with long gaps between labels may require a PAPER OUT DISTANCE change; see



• With media loaded and the Media Sensor adjusted, press and hold the FEED Key until at least

Calibration Hints

With some media, the sensor may have trouble differentiating between the label and liner. If
CANNOT CALIBRATE is displayed, try calibrating over a longer distance:

• Press and hold the FEED Key until the printer has output three (or more) labels.

Section 4.2.1. Also, if UNCALIBRATED is displayed, see Section 5.2.1.

two complete labels advance before releasing the key.

Upon successful completion, CALIBRATION COMPLETED will appear then the printer will feed to
the next TOF and READY will be displayed. (A ‘Warning Low Backing’ message may appear if
using notched media or media on a transparent liner; however, the calibration was successful).

If this method also fails (that is, if UNCALIBRATED is displayed), perform the Standard
Calibration; see Section 5.2.1.

3.5 Print Quality Controls

Flexible printing controls are provided. Of these, the amount of heat applied and the rate of media
movement will have the most effect. Four settings are available via PRINT CONTROL; see Section

4.2.2:

• HEAT – adjust this setting to lighten or darken the print contrast;

• PRINT SPEED – adjust this setting to regulate throughput, where slow speeds allow more time

for energy transfer and fast speeds may require more HEAT to achieve the desired contrast;

• CONTRAST – adjust this setting to fine-tune the gray (shaded) areas of the image; and,

• DARKNESS – adjust this setting to fine-tune the solid areas of the image.

Heat and Speed commands from the host software may override the printer’s menu



setting; see HOST SETTINGS, Section 4.2.5.

28 A-Class Mark II

Using the Control Panel

4

4.1 Layout

The Control Panel is an event-driven user interface composed of a graphics display and Soft Keys.

Time and Date

Printer Status Line

Current State Icons

Fault/Error
Stop/Paused

Main Display Area

Receiving Data

Soft Key Labels

4.1.1 The Display

The display provides printer information:

• Current time and date;

• Soft Key Labels to denote Soft Key functions;

• Label counts during batch jobs;

• When in Menu mode, the System Menu;

• When in Test mode, the Test Menu;

• Various messages; and,

• Real-time status notifications (see below).

Soft Keys

A-Class Mark II 29

Icon Description

Initialization, typically brief (but a damaged or invalid printhead

ENU

M

can delay the process).

Display large fonts; see Section 4.1.2.

DPL

LINE

PL Z PL BPL I

RFID

SD

USB

HOST

STOP

Input Mode – DPL; see Section 4.2.4.

Input Mode – LINE; see Section 4.2.4.

Input Mode – Emulation; see Section 4.2.4.

RFID detected.

SD memory card detected.

USB memory (or keyboard) detected.

Wired network detected.

Server inaccessible.

WLAN associated with Access Point.

WLAN not associated with Access Point.

WLAN ADHOC Mode.

Receiving data.

Paused.

!

30 A-Class Mark II

Faulted, see Section 6.1.2.

4.1.2 Keypad Functions

The Soft Keys (see Section 4.1) control printer functions:

• The Soft Keys are mode-dependent, changing functions as needed. Depending upon the

printer’s state, many functions can be accessed by pressing (or pressing and holding for
various durations) the keys and buttons:

Keypad Functions

Function

Printer

State

Pressing Sequence

Related

Section

Calibration, Empty Value Idle Long PAUSE & FEED 5.2

Calibration, RFID Option Idle Long FEED & TEST 4.2.3

Calibration, Quick Idle Long FEED 3.4

Display Contrast Adjustment* Idle Hold MENU 4.1

Display large fonts Idle TEST Key (then ZOOM) 4.1.1

Feed / Clear Fault Idle FEED 4.1

Pause Idle PAUSE 4.1

Print Label, Configuration Idle FEED & CANCEL 4.3.5

Print Label, Network Idle PAUSE, FEED, & CANCEL 4.2.5

Print Label, Quality Idle PAUSE & FEED 4.3.1

Reset, Soft Idle Long CANCEL 5.3.1

System Menu Idle MENU 4.2

Test Menu Idle TEST Key (then TEST) 4.3

Hex Dump Mode Power-Up Hold FEED 6.2

Reset, Level 1 Power-Up PAUSE & FEED 5.7.2

Reset, Level 2 Power-Up Hold PAUSE, FEED, & CANCEL 5.7.3

* When using the remote display option, both the remote display and the display mounted to the printer share the same contrast setting.

A-Class Mark II 31

4.2 The System Menu

The System Menu is composed of seven menu branches:

MEDIA SETTINGS
PRINT CONTROL
PRINTER OPTIONS
SYSTEM SETTINGS
COMMUNICATIONS
DIAGNOSTICS
MCL OPTIONS

To enter the System Menu, press the Menu Soft Key.

(This places the printer in Menu mode, taking it offline, halting the processing of new data.)



 Prompts may appear before menu access is granted or before changes are enacted;

see Section 5.1.1.

 MENU MODE controls the access level; see Section 4.2.4.
 Host software commands may, in some cases, override menu settings; see Section

4.2.5.

 Depending upon the firmware and options, some menu items may not be present or

may indicate NOT INSTALLED.

 In the descriptions below “” denotes a firmware default setting, while “ ” denotes a

setting only modifiable via the menu.

32 A-Class Mark II

4.2.1 Media Settings

The Media Settings menu contains label and ribbon settings, and printhead maintenance selections.

Menu Item Details

MEDIA TYPE

DIRECT THERMAL

THERMAL TRANSFER

SENSOR TYPE

GAP
CONTINUOUS

REFLECTIVE

LABEL LENGTH

(0 – 99.99 in.)
04.00

MAXIMUM LABEL LENGTH

(0 – 99.99 in.)
16.00

PAPER EMPTY DISTANCE

(0 – 99.99 in.)
00.25

LABEL WIDTH

(X.XX – X.XX in.)
X.XX

Selects the printing method, where:

Sets printing for heat reactive media.

Sets printing for media that requires ribbon to produce
an image.

Selects the Top Of Form (TOF) sensing method used
to determine the leading edge of the label, where:

Senses the gaps or notches in the media.
Uses the LABEL LENGTH (see below) to determine the

TOF.

Senses the reflective (black) marks on the underside
of the media.

Determines the length of the label when the SENSOR
TYPE is set to CONTINUOUS, where:

Is the desired length of the format.

Sets the distance that the printer will feed GAP or
REFLECTIVE media before declaring a TOF fault,
where:

Is the length of travel to detect a TOF gap or mark.



This distance should be 2.5 to 3 times the label

length.

Sets the distance the printer will attempt to feed
media before declaring an Out Of Stock fault, where:

Is the length of travel to detect the presence of media.



If using transparent or translucent media, this

setting should be longer than the label length.

Sets the maximum printable width. Objects extending
beyond this limit will NOT print, where:

Is the maximum width; see Appendix B for the model
dependant default and range.

A-Class Mark II 33

Media Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

RIBBON LOW OPTIONS

RIBBON LOW DIAMETER

(1.0 0 – 2.00 in.)

1.38

PAUSE ON RIBBON LOW

ENABLED

DISABLED

SENSOR CALIBRATION

PERFORM CALIBRATION

YES

NO

ADVANCED ENTRY

PAPER SENSOR LEVEL
170 (0 – 255)
REFL PAPER LEVEL
020 (0 – 255)
GAP SENSOR LEVEL
016 (0 – 255)
MARK SENSOR LEVEL
230 (0 – 255)
EMPTY SENSOR LEVEL
009 (0 – 255)
TRAN SENSOR GAIN
31 (0 – 31)
REFL SENSOR GAIN
13 (0 – 31)

Defines the response when THERMAL TRANSFER is
selected and the ribbon supply diminishes, where:

Sets the threshold that will trigger a Low Ribbon
Warning prompt, where:

Is the outer diameter size of the roll.

Sets the printer to pause when the Ribbon Low
Diameter setting is met, where:

Forces you to press the PAUSE Key to proceed with the
print job.

Allows printing to continue until ribbon empty is
declared.

Selects the method that is used to calibrate the media
sensor (see Section 5.2), where:

Allows automatic calibration, where:

Establishes the best values based on sampled
readings.

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

Sets the values via manual entry process, where:

Establishes the threshold value for standard paper.

Establishes the threshold value for reflective paper.

Establishes the threshold value for the gap/notch.

Establishes the threshold value for the reflective mark.

Establishes the threshold value for the empty
condition.

Establishes the sensitivity of the gap/notch sensor.

Establishes the sensitivity of the reflective sensor.

34 A-Class Mark II

Media Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

PRINTHEAD CLEANING

CLEAN HEAD SCHEDULE
0 – 200 in.(* 1000)
000

CLEAN HEAD COUNTER

RESET COUNTER

YES

NO

CLEAN HEAD NOW

YES

NO

Controls printhead cleaning alerts and functions,
where:

Specifies the inch (or centimeter) count (multiplied by
one thousand) at which to clean the printhead. If this
count is exceeded three times, a Head Cleaning Fault
will occur.

 Zero (000) disables this function.

Indicates the number of inches (or centimeters) since
a cleaning was last initiated.

Allows the Clean Head Schedule to restart the count,
where:

Resets the CLEAN HEAD COUNTER.

Exits the menu item without changing the current
setting.

Allows cleaning to begin, where:

Initiates the cleaning process and resets the Clean
Head Counter (see Section 5.6.1).

Exits the menu item without cleaning.

A-Class Mark II 35

4.2.2 Print Control

The Print Control menu contains print quality, throughput and formatting functions:

Menu Item Details

HEAT

(0 – 30)
10

PRINT SPEED

Controls the burn-time of the printhead (selectable as
“Heat” in most labeling programs), where:

Is the number based on duration, corresponding to
print darkness.

Controls the rate of label movement during printing,
where:

XX.X in/sec Is the speed; see Appendix B for the model dependant

default and range.



Slower rates may be needed for detailed images,

while faster rates may require an increased HEAT
setting for sufficient energy transfer.

FEED SPEED

XX.X in/sec

REVERSE SPEED

X.X in/sec

SLEW SPEED

Controls the rate of label movement between printing
areas, where:

Is the speed; see Appendix B for the model dependant
default and range.

Controls the rate of label movement during backup
positioning, where:

Is the speed; see Appendix B for the default and
range.

Controls the rate of label movement between printing
areas when using the optional Applicator Interface
Card’s GPIO function, where:

XX.X in/sec

ROW OFFSET

Is the speed; see Appendix B for the default and
range.

Shifts the vertical SOP position on the label, where:

(0 – 99.99 in.)

Is the offset distance; see Section 7 for label details.

00.00

COLUMN OFFSET

Shifts the horizontal, left-justified SOP position to the
right without shifting the Label Width termination point
to the right, where:

(0 – 99.99 in.)
00.00

Is the offset distance; see Section 7 for label details.

36 A-Class Mark II

Print Control (continued)

Menu Item Details

PRESENT DISTANCE

(0 – 4.00 in.)
AUTO 0.00

TOF PRECEDENCE

DISABLED

ENABLED

CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS

DARKNESS
32 (1 – 64)

CONTRAST
32 (1 – 64)
ROW ADJUST

–

0000 (

XXX – XXXX DOTS)

COLUMN ADJUST

–

000 (

XXX – XXX DOTS)

Sets the label stop position, where:

Is the label output distance. The default setting (Auto)
configures this distance according to the positioning
requirements of the attached device (e.g., tear bar,
cutter, etc).



When set to 0.01 in., NONE is assumed; a zero (0)

positioning value will be used.

Allows an override of label format data when the form
length is exceeded, where:

Prints labels formats without TOF truncating.

Ends the label at the next TOF, truncating any print
data that extends past this mark.

Allows slight, printer-specific adjustments, where:

Controls the printhead strobe time (see HEAT) to fine­tune the solid areas of an image.

Fine-tunes the gray areas of an image.

Shifts the vertical SOP position to fine-tune ROW
OFFSET; see Appendix B.



If shifting in the negative direction, modify

PRESENT ADJUST (below) by the same amount.

Shifts both the horizontal SOP position and the LABEL
WIDTH termination point to the right to fine-tune
COLUMN OFFSET; see Appendix B.

PRESENT ADJUST

–

000 (

XXX – XXXX DOTS)

Adjusts the label stopping position to fine-tune
PRESENT DISTANCE; see Appendix B.

A-Class Mark II 37

4.2.3 Printer Options

The Printer Options menu contains module, file handling, and option functions:

Menu Item Details

MODULES

DIRECTORY

PRINT FILE

PROCESS FILE

DELETE FILE

COPY FILE

UNPROTECT MODULE

Controls memory handling functions, where:

Allows viewing and printing of available space and file
types (including plug-ins) present on a module. Only
detected modules will be listed, and selecting ALL will
display all results; see Appendix A.

Prints selections from listings of available files,
including .dlb

, .dpl, .prn and .txt formats; see File

Handling Definitions, Appendix A.
Processes a selected file for use by the printer; see File

Handling Definitions, Appendix A.

Formats a selected module; see Appendix A. FORMAT MODULE

FORMAT MODULE will erase all data in the
selected module.

Deletes a file from a list of available files; see File
Handling Messages, Appendix A.



Protected modules will not be displayed, and

space will not be recovered until packed.

Selects from a list of available files and prompts for
the destination module before copying; see File
Handling Messages, Appendix A.

Selects from a list of available modules then prompts
regarding the unprotect attempt; see File Handling
Messages, Appendix A.

38 A-Class Mark II

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

CUTTER

MODE

DISABLED

AUTO

ENABLED

CUT BEHIND

(0 – 2)
0

RIBBON SAVER

DISABLED

AUTO

ENABLED

Controls the Cutter option, where:

Sets the detection method and response of the printer,
where:

Disables the option.

Detects, enables, and sets the label stop location for
the cutter; if not detected, the option will be ignored.

Enables and sets the label stop location for the cutter;
if not detected, a fault will be generated.

Allows a number of small labels to queue before a cut
is performed, increasing throughput, where:



This mode can be used without a cutter to allow

the presentation of an extra label, with retraction
occurring upon the next job or feed operation.

Is the queue number.



After a fault or unknown label position, a leading

edge cut will be performed to ensure against extra
length on the first label; otherwise, cutting will
occur only as specified.

Controls the Ribbon Saver option, where:

Disables the option.

Detects enables the option. If not detected, the option
will be ignored.

Enables the option. If not detected, a fault will be
generated.

A-Class Mark II 39

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

RFID

RFID MODULE

DISABLED

HF

UHF MULTI-PROTOCOL

RFID POSITION

(1.10 - 4.00 in.)
1.10

HF SETTINGS

TAG TYPE

AFI VALUE

AFI LOCK

ISO 15693
TI
PHILIPS
ST LRI512
ST LRI64

(00 – FF)
00

ENABLED

DISABLED

Controls the RFID option, where:



If not detected, this selection will result in a

DISABLED message.

Sets the mode of RFID operation, where:

Disables the option.

Selects the High Frequency (13.56 MHz) option.

Selects the Ultra High Frequency (868-956 MHz)
option.

Sets the RFID encoding position, where:

Is the inlay location (as referenced from the leading
edge of the tag moving forward through the printer),
where 0.00 uses the print position to encode tag and
values greater use the present position (subject to
change).

Sets the HF encoding parameters, where:

Selects the HF tag type, where:

Is the type to be encoded.

Sets the Application Family Identifier value, where:

Is the hex value.

Locks the Application Family Identifier value, where:

Is write-protected.

Is not protected.

40 A-Class Mark II

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

DSFID VALUE

DSFID LOCK

EAS VALUE

AUDIO INDICATOR

ERASE ON FAULT

UHF SETTINGS

TAG TYPE

(00 – FF)
00

ENABLED

DISABLED

(00 – FF)
00

ENABLED

DISABLED

ENABLED

DISABLED

EPC 0
EPC 0+ MATRICS
EPC 0+ IMPINJ
EPC 1
UCODE EPC 1.19
EM 4022/4222
GEN 2

Sets the Data Storage Format Identifier value, where:

Is the hex value.

Locks the Data Storage Format Identifier value,
where:

Is write-protected.

Is not protected.

Selects the Electronic Article Surveillance value,
where:

Is the hex value.

Controls the buzzer, where:

Allows sound.

Inhibits sound.

Controls tag erasure if errors are detected, where:

Erases data.

Retains faulty data.

Sets the UHF encoding parameters, where:

Selects the tag type, where:

Is the type to be encoded.

A-Class Mark II 41

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

TAG DATA SIZE

96-BIT

64-BIT

POWER ADJUST

(-04  04)
000

KILL CODE

00 00 00 00

ACCESS CODE

00 00 00 00

GEN 2 LOCK ACTION

NONE

PERMALOCK

PWD-READ/WRITE

BOTH

PAD/TRUNC. EPC DATA

Sets the tag data size, where:

Selects 96 bits (24 hexadecimal characters or 12
ACSII characters).

Selects 64 bits (16 hexadecimal characters or 8 ACSII
characters).

Adjusts the applied power, where:

Is the power level, in 1.0 dBm increments.

Sets the code to permanently deactivate the tag,
where:

Is the code, in the form B3, B2, B1, B0.

Sets the code to protect tag memory contents, where:

Is the code, in the form B3, B2, B1, B0.

Sets the lock for Gen 2 tags, where:

Does not lock the tag.

Locks data permanently.

Locks data with password-protection for writing data.

Allows both Permalock and PWD-Lock to be used.

Allows padding or truncating of data with nulls
(represented as “00”) in order to fit the selected EPC
Tag Data Size, where:

DISABLED

LEADING

TRAILING

Does not pad or truncate data.

Adds nulls to the front (left) of the data if less than the
size, or cuts the data if greater.

Adds nulls to the end (right) of the data if less than
the size, or cuts the data if greater.

42 A-Class Mark II

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

LOCK AFTER WRITE

ENABLED

DISABLED

RETRY ATTEMPTS

(0 - 9)
3

PERFORM CALIBRATION

YES

NO

SET DEFAULTS

Allows the tag to be locked after programming, where:

Locks the tag.

Does not lock the tag.

Sets the number of retry attempts, where:

Is the retry count before a fault is declared.

Allows the printer to establish the tag to transducer
distance and nominal power setting, where:

Initiates the process; CALIBRATING RFID will be
displayed as media is scanned for the tag location and
power, followed by TOF positioning and the
operational results where, if successful, the database
parameters will be updated.

Exits the menu item without calibration.

Allows the RFID default values to be restored, where:

YES

NO

Restores the default settings.

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

A-Class Mark II 43

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

GPIO PORT

GPIO DEVICE

DISABLED

APPLICATOR

APPLICATOR 2

Controls the optional Applicator Interface Card’s GPIO
function, where:

Sets the option to work with a specific device type,
where:

Disables the option.

Enables parameters for related label applicator
functions:

• Completion upon last SOP, de-asserts Data Ready

(DRDY);

• FEED allowed at any time; and,

• DRDY upon PAUSE.

Enables parameters for alternate label applicator
functions:

• Completion upon 1 msec. overlap of Data Ready

(DRDY) and End of Print (EOP);

• DRDY signal end inhibits FEED; and,

• De-asserts DRDY upon PAUSE or FAULT.

BARCODE VERIFIER

START OF PRINT

LOW PULSE

HIGH PULSE

ACTIVE LOW

ACTIVE HIGH

EDGE

Enables the parameters for bar code verifier functions.

Selects the type of input signal required to initiate
printing, where:

Triggers printing with a low pulse.

Triggers printing with a high pulse.

Triggers printing with a low signal.

Triggers printing with a high signal.

Triggers printing with a signal edge transition.

44 A-Class Mark II

Printer Options (continued)

Menu Item Details

END OF PRINT

LOW PULSE

HIGH PULSE

ACTIVE LOW

ACTIVE HIGH

RIBBON LOW

ACTIVE LOW

ACTIVE HIGH

SLEW ENABLE

STANDARD

LOW PULSE

HIGH PULSE

ACTIVE LOW

ACTIVE HIGH

ERR ON PAUSE (APP2)

ENABLED

DISABLED

Sets the type of output signal generated to indicate
EOP, where:

Outputs a low pulse upon completion.

Outputs a high pulse upon completion.

Outputs a logic low upon completion.

Outputs a logic high upon completion.

Sets the low ribbon signal (as determined by RIBBON
LOW OPTIONS; see Section 4.2.1), where:

Outputs a logic low when the roll size reaches the
setting.

Outputs a logic high when the roll size reaches the
setting.

Selects the type of input signal required to initiate
label slew, where:

Triggers slew with a low signal.

Triggers slew with a low pulse.

Triggers slew with a high pulse.

Triggers slew with a low signal.

Triggers slew with a high signal.

Sets the output when a service required fault occurs
(Applicator Interface Card Type 2 equipped only),
where:

Enables the output signal.

Disables the output signal.

A-Class Mark II 45

4.2.4 System Settings

The System Settings menu contains operating, control, and formatting functions:

Menu Item Details

MENU MODE

USER MENU

ADVANCED MENU

CONFIGURATION FILE

RESTORE AS CURRENT

SAVE SETTING AS

DELETE FILE

FACTORY SETTING FILE

INTERNAL MODULE

(XXX – XXXX KB)
1024

DEFAULT MODULE

Sets the menu access level, where:

Accesses limited basic menu items.

Accesses all menu items.

Controls the creation, storage, and recall of printer
configuration files (see Appendix E), where:

Lists the files available and then, after selection,
reconfigures the printer according to that file.

Saves the effective printer configuration to a named
file of up to nineteen characters.

Lists the files available and then after selection,
removes that file from memory.



An active file cannot be deleted.

Restores the printer operating parameters to the factory
default file (Aft.cfg) settings after a Level One reset;

see Section 5.7.2.

Allocates a number of 1KB memory blocks to the
internal memory module; where:

Is the memory allocation; see Appendix A.

Designates the storage module when no memory
location is specified; where:

G
D

SCALEABLE FONT CACHE

(XXX – XXXX KB)
0511

SINGLE BYTE SYMBOLS

PC▪850 MULTILINGUAL

Is the module; see Appendix A for availability.

Configures the number of 1KB memory blocks for the
scalable font engine; where:

Is the memory allocation; see Appendix A for
availability.

Sets the code page used for single byte fonts, where:

Is the selected code page. (See the Class Series 2
Programmer’s Manual for a complete listing.)

46 A-Class Mark II

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

DOUBLE BYTE SYMBOLS

JIS

SHIFT JIS

EUC

UNICODE

GB

BIG 5

TIME AND DATE

SET HOUR
06:30 AM
01 FEB 2005

MEDIA COUNTERS

ABSOLUTE COUNTER

PRINTHEAD COUNTER

RESETTABLE COUNTER

RESET COUNTER

PRINT CONFIGURATION

CONFIGURATION LEVEL

Selects the code page (see the Class Series 2
Programmer’s Manual) used for the ILPC option

(unless otherwise specified), where:

Selects Japanese Industry Standard.

Selects Shift Japanese Industry Standard.

Selects Extended UNIX Code.

Selects Unicode (including Korean).

Selects Government Bureau Industry Standard,
Chinese (PRC).

Selects Taiwan encoded.

Sets the time and date, where:

Enters the time and date information.

Displays and controls various internal counters,
where:

Are the total inches printed and the set date. (Non­resettable)

Is the total number of inches printed. (Non-resettable)

Are the inches printed and the last reset date.

Returns the RESETTABLE COUNTER to zero.

Prints current database information; see Section 4.3.5.

Displays the hardware and software levels of the
printer, where:



This data is also provided on the Configuration

Label; see Section 4.3.5.

A-Class Mark II 47

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

PRINTER KEY

APPLICATION VERSION

BOOT LOADER

UPGRADE PRINTER CODE
0 0 0 0 0 0

UNLOCK FEATURE
0 0 0 0 0 0

SET FACTORY DEFAULTS

YES

NO

Identifies the unique key number of the printer, in the
form:

vvvv-cwxx-yyyyyy-zzz

Where:

vvvv

cwxx

yyyyyy

Displays the firmware program number, version, and
date.

Displays the Boot Loader version and date.

Upgrades the printer to the corresponding features
level with the correct code entry (where authorization
may be required).

Unlocks a feature with the correct code entry.

Returns the factory-programmed values or the Factory
Setting File values, where:

Restores the default settings, or if selected the Factory
Setting File.



A reset will occur and, if no Factory Setting File is

used, all settings returned except CUSTOM
ADJUSTMENTS and calibrations.

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

– Represents the printer model number.

–

Represents the hardware and software
levels, where:

c – Is the printer class.
w – Is the main board hardware level.
xx – Is the software feature level:

10 = Standard DPL
20 = Internal CG Times Font



Increases beyond the feature level

require authorization.

– Is a manufacturing date code.

zzz

– Is a unique time stamp.

48 A-Class Mark II

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

FORMAT ATTRIBUTES

TRANSPARENT

XOR

OPAQUE

HEAD BIAS

Defines the way overlapping text, bar codes, and
graphics are printed, where:

Prints intersecting areas, for example:

Obliterates intersecting areas, for
example:

Overwrites intersecting areas with
those last formatted, for example:

Allows the dot zero orientation to flip, as viewed from
the label exit, where:

Switching this setting will reverse all media
movement directions.

STANDARD Sets the dot zero origin for left justified printing.

RIGHT HAND Sets the dot zero origin for right justified printing.

LABEL ROTATION

ENABLED

DISABLED

IMAGING MODE

Allows the label format to be flipped 180 degrees,

where:

Prints formats after 180° rotation.

Prints formats without rotation.

Also known as “Batch” mode, determines the process
used to format labels, where:

MULTIPLE LABEL Formats multiple images, as memory permits, for the

fastest throughput.



Time stamps will indicate the moment of imaging

rather than printing.

SINGLE LABEL

Formats an image only after a previous format has
been printed (for the most accurate time stamps).

A-Class Mark II 49

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

PAUSE MODE

ENABLED

DISABLED

PEEL MODE

ENABLED

DISABLED

SECURITY

SELECT SECURITY

DISABLED

SECURE MENU

MENU AND TEST

ADVANCED MENU

MODIFY PASSWORD

YES

NO

Allows interactive print control, where:

Prints only as the PAUSE Key is pressed.

Prints normally, without user intervention.

Allows the SOP signal to initiate (via the optional GPIO
port) the feeding of labels, where:

Feeds labels only after SOP is received.

Feeds labels regardless of SOP.

Allows menu password protection, where:

Enables or disables the security feature, where:



The default password must be changed to activate.

Accesses all areas.

Sets a password requirement for menu access.

Sets a password requirement for menu and test
access.

Sets a password requirement for Advanced Menu
access.



After enabling this selection, return MENU MODE to

the USER MENU setting.

Modifies the security password, where:

Allows entry of a four-digit password (after
confirmation).



The default password is 0000.

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

50 A-Class Mark II

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

UNITS OF MEASURE

IMPERIAL

METRIC

INPUT MODE

DPL

LINE

PL-Z, PL-I, or PL-B

AUTO

Sets the measurement standard of the printer, where:

Uses inches.

Uses millimeters and centimeters.

Defines the type of processing that occurs when data
is received, where:



See the Class Series 2 Programmer’s Manual for

detailed information.

Processes data for standard DPL printing.

Processes data for Line mode (template) printing.

Processes data for various emulation printing.

Identifies then activates the appropriate emulation
parser for the data.



Correct identification can be dependent upon the

HOST SETTINGS / HOST TIMEOUT (see Section

4.2.5). Also, extraneous characters may, in some
cases, render the data unrecognizable, thus
requiring manual selection of the mode.

USER LABEL MODE

ENABLED

DISABLED

DPL EMULATION

STANDARD

ALLEGRO

PRODIGY PLUS

PRODIGY

Sets the printer to power-up as default, where:

Functions in standalone mode for quick access to user
defined formats; see Section 4.3.7.



This mode will remain active until disabled.

Functions in normal mode, awaiting commands from a
host.

Allows legacy printer emulation, where:



Ignores label commands A, M, n & T; see the Class

Series 2 Programmer’s Manual for information.

Uses no legacy emulation, all commands recognized.

Emulates the Allegro®.

Emulates the Prodigy Plus®.

Emulates the Prodigy™.

A-Class Mark II 51

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

COLUMN EMULATION

(XXX – XXX DOTS)
XXX

ROW EMULATION

(XXX – XXX DOTS)
XXX

SOP EMULATION

DISABLED

110 (PRODPLUS)

220 (ALLEGRO)

250 (PRODIGY)

BACK AFTER PRINT

MODE

ENABLED

DISABLED

BACKUP DELAY (1/50s)

(0 – 255)
000

Allows the column dot count to be adjusted, where:

Is the printed number of dots per inch (or mm)
thereby reducing the width of the produced format;
see Appendix B.



No adjustment occurs at the default setting.

Allows the row dot count to be adjusted, where:

Is the printed number of dots per inch (or mm)
thereby reducing or enlarging the length of the
produced format; see Appendix B.



No adjustment occurs at the default setting.

Allows SOP functions with backward compatibility
when printing legacy model label formats, where:



Two labels will automatically feed to establish the

selected position.

Uses the standard print position.

Emulates the Prodigy Plus® print position.

Emulates the Allegro® print position.

Emulates the Prodigy™ print position.

Determines media movement when a cutter, present
sensor, peel and present, or GPIO is enabled, where:

Repositions media, where:

Movement occurs according to BACKUP DELAY timing
after a cut, cleared sensor, or SOP to allow fastest
throughput.

Movement occurs only when the next label is ready to
print, minimizing edge curling.

Determines repositioning timing, where:

Is the specified lapse (in fiftieths of a second) between
new format processing and label retraction.

52 A-Class Mark II

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

FONT EMULATION

STANDARD FONTS

CGTIMES Prints using CG Times font.
USER ID S50 Prints using a downloaded font.

LABEL STORE

STATE & FIELDS

FIELDS ONLY

MENU LANGUAGE

ENGLISH

DISPLAY SETTINGS

GRAPHIC DISPLAY MODE

STANDARD

ENHANCED

DISPLAY UNITS

STANDARD

IMPERIAL

METRIC

Allows font substitution, where:

Prints using standard (internal) fonts.

Determines the data content when retrieving stored
label formats, where:

Recalls the printer state (i.e., heat, speeds, etc.) and
the formatting commands for a stored label.

Recalls the formatting commands for a stored label.

Selects the language for the System Menu and
Configuration Label, where:



Only resident languages will be selectable; see

Appendix D.

Is standard.

Determines the appearance of the items in the Main
Display Area of the LCD, where:

Determines the magnification of the items, where:

Is the normal setting.

Is the enlarged setting.

Determines the displayed type of distance information,
where:

Displays the information according to the UNITS OF
MEASURE setting (see above).

Displays the information in inches.

Displays the information in millimeters and
centimeters.

A-Class Mark II 53

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

FAULT HANDLING

LEVEL

NO REPRINT

STANDARD

VOID AND RETRY

Determines the label disposition and user action if a
fault occurs, where:

Sets the printer response upon declaration of a fault,
where:

Stops printing and declares a fault. Then, following
correction of the problem, the FEED Key must be
pressed to clear the fault.

Stops printing and declares a fault. Then, following
correction of the problem, the FEED Key must be
pressed to clear the fault and reprint the label in
process.

Actions depend upon the RETRY COUNT:

• If the count has not been exceeded, VOID is printed

on the failed label and reprinting automatically
occurs;

• If the count has been exceeded, printing stops and

a fault message is displayed. Then, following
correction of the problem, the FEED Key must be
pressed to clear the fault and reprint the label in
process; or,

• If the CANCEL Key is pressed, reprinting is optional:

press NO to reprint; or, press YES to cancel the

reprint (and press YES again to cancel the batch.)



Linear Scanner or RFID required.

DELAYED SCAN FAULT

Increases throughput when bar codes reside near the
trailing edge of the label (in the direction of FEED).



Linear Scanner or RFID required.

• If unreadable, the fault will occur after the next

label prints;

• The label immediately following a faulted label is

not scanned for errors; and,

• VOID AND RETRY and REPRINT are automatically

disabled; the job can only be cancelled.

VOID RETRY & CONT.

VOID is printed on a faulted label, with reprint
attempts occurring automatically, until the RETRY
COUNT has been exceeded and then that label will be
skipped (discarded) and printing will continue to the
next label in queue.



Linear Scanner or RFID required.

54 A-Class Mark II

System Settings (continued)

Menu Item Details

VOID DISTANCE

(0.10 to 2.00 in.)
0.50

RETRY COUNT

(0 – 3)
1

BACKFEED ON CLEAR

ENABLED

DISABLED

SCL FONT BOLD FACTOR

(1 – 36)
08

Sets the distance to print VOID on a faulted label,
where:

Is the distance, measured from the trailing edge,
which establishes the text size.



VOID will not be printed if insufficient text space

exists or if the fault occurred after printing
completed. Also, the text can be customized; see
the Class Series 2 Programmer’s Manual.

Sets the number of printing attempts before declaring
a fault, where:

Is the count.



Greater than 1 (one) counts are valid only when

Linear Scanner or RFID equipped.

Determines positioning after a fault is cleared, where:

Automatically positions the label.

No label positioning occurs, as the location is assumed
correct.



If reloading, you must place media at the SOP

position.

Sets a scalable font boldfacing amount, where:

Is the setting, based on an incrementing scale where
eight (08) is nominal.

A-Class Mark II 55

4.2.5 Communications

The Communications menu contains interface port and host control functions:

Menu Item Details

SERIAL PORT A

BAUD RATE

1200 BPS
2400 BPS
4800 BPS
9600 BPS
19200 BPS
28800 BPS
38400 BPS
57600 BPS
115000 BPS

PROTOCOL

BOTH

SOFTWARE

HARDWARE

NONE

PARITY

NONE

ODD

EVEN

DATA BITS

(7 – 8)
8

STOP BITS

(1 – 2)
1

Controls the RS-232 communications settings for
Serial Port A, where:

Sets the serial communication rate, where:

Is the serial speed in Bits Per Second.

Sets the data flow control method (handshaking),
where:

Uses XON/XOFF and CTS/DTR.

Uses XON/XOFF.

Uses CTS/DTR.

Disables flow control.

Sets word parity, where:

Uses parity.

Uses Odd parity.

Uses Even parity.

Sets Word length, where:

Is the number of bits in the word.

Sets the stop bit count, where:

Is number of stop bits.

56 A-Class Mark II

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

SERIAL PORT C

SERIAL PORT D

PARALLEL PORT A

PORT DIRECTION

UNI-DIRECTIONAL

BI-DIRECTIONAL

NIC ADAPTER

QUICK SETUP

Controls the settings for the Applicator Interface COM
C (J4) port, where the setting selections are the same
as those given for the SERIAL PORT A.



The maximum baud is 38.4K BPS.

Controls the settings for the Applicator Interface COM
D (J3) port, where the setting selections are the same
as those given for the SERIAL PORT A.



The maximum baud is 38.4K BPS.

Controls the communications settings for Parallel Port
A, where:

Allows printer data to be returned to the host, where:

Returns no data (one-way communication).

Returns data (compliant back-channel operation); see
Section 2.3.1 for cable requirements.

Controls the communications settings for the network

interface, where:

Selects settings to configure basic Wired or WiFi
operations, where:

WIRED DHCP

NO

YES

WLAN UNSECURED

NO

YES

Selects Wired operation, where:

Exits the menu item without changing the current

settings.

Returns the NIC Adapter to defaults then sets Wired
Discovery to “Enable” and Wireless to “Disable.”

Selects WiFi operation, where:

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

Returns the NIC Adapter default values then sets
Discovery to “Enable,” SSID to “Any,” and WLAN
network type to “Infrastructure.”

A-Class Mark II 57

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

WLAN

IP ADDRESS

WLAN ADHOC

NO

YES

SET FACTORY DEFAULTS

NO

YES

MODE

ENABLED

DISABLED

BSS ADDRESS

 000.000.000.000

SIGNAL READINGS

192.168.010.026

Selects the DMXrfNetII default parameters, where:

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

Restores WiFi defaults and initiates infrastructure
mode with an SSID of “Any.” All existing access point
associations will be deleted then established with the
closest available. (Useful when moving the printer to a
geographically distant location.)

Returns the factory-programmed values, where:

Exits the menu item without changing the current
settings.

Restores the default settings.

Controls the communications settings for the
DMXrfNetII Card, where:

Selects between Wired or WiFi operation, where:

Enables the WiFi interface.

Enables the wired interface.

Specifies the static IP address of the WiFi bridge
module.



If DHCP is Enabled, this parameter will be ignored.

Is the address in standard octet format.

Displays the WLAN signal and noise ratios.

Specifies the static IP Address; where:

Is the address in standard octet format.

58 A-Class Mark II

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

SUBNET MASK

255.255.255.000

GATEWAY

192.168.010.026

SNMPTRAP DESTINATION

000.000.000.000

IP DISCOVERY

ENABLED

DISABLED

SNMP

ENABLED

DISABLED

ADVANCED

TELNET

ENABLED

DISABLED

Specifies the static Subnet Mask Address, where:

Is the address in standard octet format.

Specifies the network Gateway Address, where:

Is the address in standard octet format.

Specifies the SNMP Trap Address, where:

Is the address in standard octet format where SNMP
traps will be sent when SNMP service is installed on
your receiver.



When zeroed, no traps are sent.

Controls IP Address discovery, where:

Broadcasts over the network at startup to receive
addresses from the responsible server. Manual
modifications to IP Address, Subnet Mask, or Gateway
are not allowed; and, if no server is found, the
specified static value will be used.

A server assigned IP address takes
precedence over any static address stored
in the interface.

Uses the stored static IP, Subnet Mask, and / or
Gateway Address.

Allows management protocols, where:

Sends messages to SNMP-compliant devices.

Sends no messages.

Sets advanced networking functions and parameters,
where:

Sets Telnet protocol to transfer data, where:

Allows Telnet.

Disables Telnet.

A-Class Mark II 59

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

FTP

Sets File Transfer Protocol to transfer data, where:

ENABLED

DISABLED

Allows FTP.

Disables FTP.

MTU Sets the Maximum Transmission Unit packet size, where:

(512 - 65515)
01500

GRATUITOUS ARP

(0 - 2048)
0000

PORT NUMBER

Is the packet size, in bytes.

Sets the Address Resolution Protocol notification rate,
where:

Is the time, in minutes.

Sets the network communications port, where:

(1 - 65535)
09100

Is the Port Number.

TCP KEEPALIVE Allows monitoring of an open connection to detect any

disconnects not properly closed, including reset access
points and unplugged printers, where:

ENABLED

DISABLED

Keeps monitoring active.

Closes such a disconnection after 2.5 minutes.

DUPLEX CAPABILITY

Sets the communication capability for the Wired
network, where:

AUTO-NEGOTIATE

100BASET HALF

100BASET FULL

10BASET HALF

10BASET FULL

Automatically selects the best type.

Selects 100 Mbit/s half duplex (in both directions, one
way at a time) operation.

Selects 100 Mbit/s full duplex (in both directions,
simultaneously) operation.

Selects 10 Mbit/s half duplex (in both directions, one
way at a time) operation.

Selects 10 Mbit/s full duplex (in both directions,
simultaneously) operation.

ADVERTISE CAPABILITY Transmits the printer’s communication capability for

the Wired network, where:

AUTOMATIC Advertises the DUPLEX CAPABILITY set value.

ALL CAPABILITIES Advertises all possible values for DUPLEX CAPABILITY.

60 A-Class Mark II

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

NETWORK REPORT

VIEW Displays the report.

PRINT

SET FACTORY DEFAULTS

YES

NO

HOST SETTINGS

HOST TIMEOUT

(1 – 60 SEC)
10

CONTROL CODES

STANDARD CODES

ALTERNATE CODES

ALTERNATE CODES 2

CUSTOM CODES

STANDARD CODES
SOH STX CR CNTBY
01 02 0D 5E

Allows viewing or printing of the network status
report, where:

Prints the report:

NETWORK REPORT

WED 03:15PM 23JUL2008

CURRENT PRINTER INFO

MACO: 00:0D:70:0B:8B:B9
IP ADDRESS: 192.168.10.26
SUBNET MASK: 255.255.255.0
GATEWAY: 192.168. 10.26
DHCP: ENABLED
SNMP: ENABLED

PORT NUMBER: 9100

NETBIOS NAME: DMX_038BB9

WLAN MODULE

MODULE FW VERSION: 4.3.0.24
RADIO FW VERSION: 1.1.1.111.8.4.0.145
PORT STATUS: CONNECTED: ESS
SSID: 000B2802D55E
MACR: 00:0B:28:02:D5:5E
BSS ADDRESS: PROVIDED BY DHCP

Returns the factory-programmed values, where:

Restores the default settings.



A reset will occur and all settings will be restored

except CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS and calibrations.

Exits without changing the current settings.

Sets host communication parameters, where:

Sets the period that an interface port can be idle
before timeout occurs, where:

Is the time (in seconds) when downloads timeout, and
that must elapse before alternate port or alternate
parser processing can occur.

Allows changes to the software command
interpretation controls, where:

Sets these interpretation codes: Hex 01 = SOH
command; Hex 02 = STX command; count-by = ^;
Hex 1B = ESC; Hex 0x0D = Carriage Return

Sets these interpretation codes: Hex 5E = SOH
command; Hex 7E = STX command; count-by = @;
Hex 1B = ESC; Hex 0x0D = Carriage Return

Sets these interpretation codes: Hex 5E = SOH
command; Hex 7E = STX command; count-by = @;
Hex 1B = ESC; Hex 0x7C = Carriage Return

Sets interpretation codes, where:

Are the codes according to your definition.



Standard codes serve as default placeholders.

A-Class Mark II 61

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

FEEDBACK CHARACTERS

ENABLED

DISABLED

ESC SEQUENCES

ENABLED

DISABLED

HEAT COMMAND

ENABLED

DISABLED

SPEED COMMANDS

ENABLED

DISABLED

TOF SENSING COMMANDS

ENABLED

DISABLED

SYMBOL SET COMMAND

ENABLED

DISABLED

Allows the return of printer codes, where:

Sends the host a Hex 1E (RS) after each label and a
Hex 1F (US) after each batch successfully prints.

Sends no feedback characters.

Sets handling for data containing invalid ESC
sequences, where:

Processes commands normally.

Ignores ESC control codes during processing (as some
systems send “banners” to the printer).



Bitmapped font downloads will be disabled.

Determines how host Heat commands are handled,
where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls Heat via the menu setting; see Section 4.2.2.

Determines how host Print, Feed, Reverse, and Slew
commands are handled, where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls speeds via the menu setting; see Section

4.2.2.

Determines how host Gap, Continuous, and Reflective
commands are handled, where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls the Sensor Type via the menu setting; see
Section 4.2.2.

Determines how host Single and Double Symbol Set
commands are handled, where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls Symbol Set selection via the menu setting;
see Section 4.2.4.

62 A-Class Mark II

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

CNTRL-CODES (DATA)

ENABLED

DISABLED

STX-V SW SETTINGS

ENABLED

DISABLED

MAX LENGTH COMMAND

ENABLED

DISABLED

OPTION FEEDBACK

DISABLED

SCANNER

RFID HEX

RFID ASCII

Determines how host Control Codes are handled,
where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls the setting via the menu; see CONTROL
CODES, above.

Determines how a host option enable command is
handled, where:

Processes the command normally.

Controls settings via the menu; see Section 4.2.3.

Determines how a host Maximum Label Length
(<STX>M) command is handled, where:

Processes software commands normally.

Controls the setting via the menu; see Section 4.2.1.

Allows feedback characters from an optional device to
be returned to the host device, in the format of
<A;B;C;D;E;F>[CR], where:

A - Is the device type: R = RFID; and, S = Linear

Scanner

B - Is the status: C = entire label complete; F =

faulted (failed) label; and, U = unknown

C - Is the number of expected reads, given in two

characters.

D - Is the number of good reads, given in two

characters.

E - Is the internal Job and Sub Job Identifier, given

in four characters each.

F - Is the data read, delimited with semicolons (;) if

multiple reads.

Reports no data.

Reports Linear Scanner data.

Reports RFID data in hexadecimal format.

Reports RFID data in an ASCII format.

A-Class Mark II 63

Communications (continued)

Menu Item Details

PROCESS SOH (DATA)

DISABLED

ENABLED

Determines the response to an Immediate Command
(e.g., Get Status, Module Storage, etc.), where:

Processes commands normally.

Interrupts operations upon SOH receipt to process the
command.

4.2.6 Diagnostics

The Diagnostics menu contains testing functions:

Menu Item Details

HEX DUMP MODE

DISABLED

ENABLED

OPTIONS TESTING

TEST CUTTER

PERFORM TEST
1 TIME

TEST RIBBON SAVER

PERFORM TEST
1 TIME

Determines how the printer handles host data, where:

Processes data normally.

Prints received ASCII data without interpretation or
processing; see Section 6.2.

Performs option diagnostics, where:

Tests the Cutter, where:

Selects the number of cuts (1, 10, & 100) to perform
then displays the PASS / FAIL results.

Tests the Ribbon Saver, where:

Selects the number of cycles (1, 10, & 100) to
perform then displays the PASS / FAIL results.

64 A-Class Mark II

Diagnostics (continued)

Menu Item Details

TEST GPIO

MONITOR GPIO INPUT

SOP FEED PAUSE REPRT

1 1 1 1

i1 i2 i3 i4 i5 i6
1 1 1 1 1 1

TEST GPIO OUTPUT

EP RL SR MO RO DR OF
1 1 1 1 1 1 1

o1 o2 o3 o4 o5 o6

1 1 1 1 1 1

PRINT SIGNAL INFO

Tests the Applicator Interface CCA’s GPIO function,
where:

Displays input signal logic values for Start of Print
(SOP), Feed, Pause, Reprint (REPRT), and six
unassigned input lines. (The values given here are
examples only.)



Unconnected lines may display a zero or one.

Displays output signal logic values for End of Print
(EP), Ribbon Low (RL), Service Required (SR), Media
Out (MO), Ribbon Out (RO), Data Ready (DR), Option
Fault (OF), and six unassigned output lines. (The
values given here are examples only.)



To change an output signal, cursor over the

displayed state to select and then toggle it using
the keypad, except Data Ready which cannot be
toggled.

Prints a reference label (see Appendix D) containing
GPIO signal names, pin and port assignments,
programmed settings, and current signal states.

TEST RFID

TAG DATA

DEVICE VERSION

TAG ID – HF ONLY

Tests RFID, where:

Reads the data encoded on an RFID tag.

Displays the type and version of the encoding device.

Reads then displays the High Frequency Tag ID
number.

A-Class Mark II 65

Diagnostics (continued)

Menu Item Details

PRINT TEST RATE (min)

000 (0 – 120)

SENSOR READINGS

THR TRAN RIBM 24V

127 159 093 175

PS HD RANK

00 254 125

RIBBON SENSOR LIMITS

RIBBON ADC LOW

039

RIBBON ADC HIGH

250

iPH REPORT

Allows a label-to-label delay when batch printing Test
Labels, where:

Is the selected interval, in minutes.

Displays various sensor values (0 – 255), where:

Are readings for the printhead thermistor sensor
(THR), media “gap” (TRAN) or “reflective” (REFL)
sensor, ribbon sensor (RIBM), 24VDC power supply
sensor (24V), present sensor (PS), printhead assembly
sensor (HD), and printhead ranking resistor (RANK).
(The values given here are examples only.)

Displays ribbon sensor values for thermal transfer
equipped printers, where:

Are the sensor readings. (The values given here are
examples only.)

Displays the IntelliSEAQ™ data (including the
printhead serial number, and installation and
maintenance dates) where:

VIEW

Displays the data.

PRINT

SAVE

FLASH MODULE REPORT

VIEW

Prints the data:

Saves the data to an external storage device; see
Section 2.3.5.

Displays the status and error history of the internal
memory modules.

Displays the data.

PRINT Prints the data.

iPH REPORT

TUE 12:44PM 23MAY2006

4212-HE25-060224-090

PRINTHEAD SERIAL #: 5x-00289

PRINTHEAD MODEL # 163

PRINTER SERIAL # 60430014

PRINTHEAD INCHES 1334900

INSTALLATION DATE - INITIAL 02/02/2006

INSTALLATION DATE - LAST 08/06/2006

PRINTHEAD CLEANING

CLEAN PROCEDURES: 5

CLEAN COUNTER RESET 5

NUMBER OF INCHES LAST- 0

66 A-Class Mark II

Diagnostics (continued)

Menu Item Details

ICON DESCRIPTIONS

SYSTEM ICONS

NETWORK ICONS

INPUT TYPE ICONS

OPTIONS ICONS

Identifies the printer icons (see Section 4.1.1), where:

Displays system indicators.

Displays network indicators.

Displays input mode indicators.

Displays detected option indicators.

4.2.7 MCL Options

The MCL Options menu contains alternate operating selections:

Menu Item Details

MCL OPTIONS

MCL AT POWER-UP

DISABLED

MCL LINK MODE

MCL PROGRAM MODE

START MCL

Allows the printer to use the optional MCL (Macro
Command Language) tool suite to accept peripheral
device input data, where:

Allows MCL operation to begin when the printer is
turned ON, where:

MCL operation does not occur; the printer uses
standard DPL functions.

Starts MCL in Link mode.

Starts MCL in Program mode.

Starts MCL after exiting the menu.

Consult your MCL provider for details regarding operation and support.



A-Class Mark II 67

4.3 The Test Menu

The (Quick) Test Menu contains resident format selections that are printed at selected heat and
speed settings. Use full width media to capture the entire format; otherwise, adjust the printer and
set the Label Width.

To enter the Test Menu, press the TEST Soft Key, then the Enter Soft Key to view the available test
label formats

(In Test mode the printer is offline, halting the processing of new data.)

To print a format, scroll to that item then input a quantity and press ENTER.

•



4.3.1 Print Quality Label

The Print Quality Label serves as an overall quality indicator.
Consisting of compliant fence and ladder bar codes, assorted font
sizes, and fill patterns, this format can be used to ensure
conformance as well as aesthetics.

• To stop printing press CANCEL.

• A printing delay can be set; see Print Test Rate, Section 4.2.6.

4.3.2 Ribbon Test Label

The Ribbon Test Label serves as a transfer function indicator for
printers equipped with the thermal transfer option. Consisting of a
fence-oriented bar code, this format can be used to ensure
component functions and ribbon path alignment.

68 A-Class Mark II

4.3.3 Test Label

The Test Label serves as an indicator of printhead functionality.
The format consists of patterns that exercise all thermal
elements.

4.3.4 Validation Label

The Validation Label serves as an overall quality indicator.
Consisting of compliant fence and ladder bar codes, assorted font
sizes, and black fill patterns, this format can be used to ensure
conformance as well as aesthetics.

4.3.5 Print Configuration

The Configuration Label provides current database information,
including the Application Version, which can be output as a
label or as a file.

Bulleted items indicate host changes not yet saved.



A-Class Mark II 69

4.3.6 Print Last Label

Print Last Label reprints the most recent format output by the printer.

If a job was cancelled prior to completion, or if power was removed since the last print



job and this label request, VOID will be printed.

4.3.7 User-Defined Label

The User-Defined Label allows a template to be populated by variable data (via the printer’s
control panel or a USB QWERTY keyboard). The template is a stored label format, where fields
delimited by an ampersand (&) become variable.

The printer will prompt you to enter the variable field data. For example, the stored label format
could contain the data 19131423443&ENTER NAME&

Afterward, when recalled from memory, the printer’s display will indicate the variable field:
ENTER NAME

Variable data can be any part of the DPL format - font ID, positioning, etc.

•

• No error checking will be performed.



Supports .dlb, .dpl, .prn, and .txt file types.

•

70 A-Class Mark II

Operating, Adjusting and

5

Maintaining the Printer

5.1 Displayed Messages

During operation (when not in Menu or Test mode) the printer displays several types of
information:

• Prompts and Condition Messages (see below); and

• Fault and Warning Messages (see Section 6.1.2).

5.1.1 Prompts and Condition Messages

Prompts appear when an action is required during operation, while Condition Messages indicate an
operational state.

Prompts and Condition Messages

Displayed Message Description Action

ACCESS DENIED

BUSY…

CALIBRATING

SENSOR LEVELS

CALIBRATION COMPLETE Calibration has finished. Normal operation can resume.

CANCEL BATCH

ENTER KEY = YES

The password used to access
the secured menu was incorrect.

The printer is performing
internal operations.

The FEED Key was pressed and
held.

The CANCEL or TEST Key was
pressed during a multiple label
job.

Enter the correct password.

Allow the operations to complete.

Allow the calibration to complete.

Press ENTER to cancel all
remaining labels in the job.

A-Class Mark II 71

Prompts and Condition Messages (continued)

Displayed Message Description Action

CANCEL REPRINT

ENTER KEY = YES

CLEARING FAULTS

DMXNET INITIALIZING

ENTER PASSWORD

0 - - -

INVALID ENTRY

The CANCEL or TEST Key was
pressed during a fault. (See
FAULT HANDLING / VOID AND
RETRY, Section 4.2.4.)

The FEED Key was pressed
following a fault and now the
printer is attempting to clear the
condition.

The network card is initializing,
a normal condition following
power-up or a reset.

This is the menu gateway.

An incorrect value has been
entered.

Press ENTER to cancel the reprint.

No action is required.

No action is required. Depending
upon the settings, it may take a
few minutes.

Enter the four-digit password for
access.

Enter a valid setting or selection.

NOT INSTALLED

OFFLINE

PAUSED

PRINTHEAD CLEANING

READY

The selected option or feature
cannot be found.

The MENU or TEST Key was
pressed.

The PAUSE Key was pressed (or
Pause mode is enabled, see
Section 4.2.4) and now the
printer is in a paused condition.

The TEST Key was pressed and
held, or CLEAN HEAD NOW was
selected, and now printhead
cleaning is in progress.

The printer is waiting to receive
label formats, downloads, etc.

Verify that the option or feature is
correctly installed. If so, call for
service.

Press ESC to return to Ready
mode.

Press PAUSE.

No action is required.

Send a label format, download,
etc.

72 A-Class Mark II

Prompts and Condition Messages (continued)

Displayed Message Description Action

REMOVE RIBBON

PRESS ANY KEY

SAVE CHANGES?

SUCCESSFUL

PRESS ANY KEY

SYSTEM INITIALIZING

SYSTEM RESET

IN PROGRESS

The TEST Key was pressed and
held, or CLEAN HEAD NOW was
selected, but ribbon is installed.

Database changes were made
that require confirmation.

The selected operation was
successfully completed.

The power switch has been
turned ON or a reset has
occurred.

A reset has occurred.

Remove ribbon and press any key
to proceed.

Press YES to accept the changes,
or NO to discard them.



If required, a reset will

automatically occur.

Press any key to continue.

No action is required. Wait briefly
while the process completes.

No action is required. Wait briefly
while the process completes.

UNCALIBRATED

The Media Sensor is not
calibrated.

SOP signal has been received,

WAITING FOR DATA

but the printer awaits label
data.

WAITING FOR SIGNAL The printer awaits a SOP signal.

XXXX OF XXXX

PRINTING

A print job is in process, as
indicated by the batch total and
remaining label count.

Perform calibration; see Section

5.2.

Send a format from the host.

Send the SOP signal from the

applicator to the GPIO port.

No action is required.

A-Class Mark II 73

5.2 Calibration

Calibration ensures correct media detection, and should be performed when Quick Calibration fails
(see Section 3.4).

5.2.1 Standard Method

Three calibration samples are required:

• Empty – with nothing over the sensor;

• Gap (or Mark) – with media liner, a notch, or a mark over the sensor; and,

• Paper – with the label (and liner, if any) over the sensor.

Calibrate the printer as follows:

Ensure that the correct SENSOR TYPE is selected; see Section 4.2.1.



Step

A Turn ON the printer.

Press the MENU Key.
Then, with MEDIA

B

SETTINGS highlighted,
press the ENTER Key.

Using the DOWN Key,
scroll to SENSOR
CALIBRATION then press

C

the ENTER Key. Press the
ENTER Key again to select
PERFORM CALIBRATION.

Action Displayed Message Comment

CANNOT CALIBRATE

-or-

UNCALIBRATED

MEDIA SETTINGS

PERFORM CALIBRATION

Wait briefly for the printer to
initialize.

Press the ESC Key to abort this
procedure.

Press the ESC Key to abort this
procedure.

With no media in the

D

sensor, press the ESC Key.

REMOVE LABEL STOCK

PRESS ESC KEY <yyy>

This sets the empty value,
where ‘yyy’ represents the
current sensor reading.

(Continued)

74 A-Class Mark II

Step

E

Action Displayed Message Comment

Proceed according to the
media type:

• Die-Cut –Remove a label

or two from the liner
then install the media.
Position the Media
Sensor under the liner
area and press the ESC
Key.

• Notched (or Reflective) –

Install media. Position
the Media Sensor under
a notch (or black mark)
and press the ESC Key.

• Continuous – Press the

ESC Key.

For die-cut media:

SCAN BACKING

PRESS ESC KEY <yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

SCAN MARK

PRESS ESC KEY <yyy>

- Or, for continuous
media:

REMOVE LABEL STOCK

PRESS ESC KEY <yyy>

This sets the gap (or mark)
value, where ‘yyy’ represents
the current sensor reading.



(1) See Section 3.2 for sensor

adjustment instructions.

(2) Do not position a perforati on

over the sensor when taking
the sample.

(3) For small notches or

reflective marks, ensure that
the labels exit straight from
the printer.

(4) Unless otherwise noted, do

not move the Media Sensor
after this step.

Proceed according to the
media type:

• All media except

Continuous – Position
label material (and liner,

F

if any) over the sensor
then press the ESC Key.

• Continuous – Install

media. Position the
Media Sensor under the
stock and press the ESC
Key.

(Continued)

SCAN PAPER

PRESS ESC KEY <yyy>

This sets the paper value, where
‘yyy’ represents the current
sensor reading.



(1) If using preprinted media,

ensure that the area placed
over the sensor is free of
text, graphics, or borders.

(2) See Section 3.2 for sensor

adjustment instructions.

A-Class Mark II 75

Step

G

Action Displayed Message Comment

Observe the calibration
result.

CALIBRATION COMPLETE

Calibration was successful.



If ‘Warning Low Backing’ is

displayed, calibration was
successful (for possible
messages see Section 5.1).

When calibrating gap or
reflective media, press and hold
the FEED Key until at least one
label is output.

The printer is now ready for use.

Press the ESC Key

H

repeatedly to exit menu
mode.

CALIBRATION COMPLETE

Followed by...

READY

5.2.2 Advanced Entry

Advanced Entry will override all previous calibration settings and should only be used
when Standard Calibration attempts fail. Ensure that the correct SENSOR TYPE is selected



Advanced Entry is an alternate calibration method for special-case media types, where sensor
readings are taken using different sampling algorithms and from a list of these readings the best
algorithm is selected for manual entry into the database. Follow the steps below to perform an
Advanced Entry Calibration:

Step

(see Section 4.2.1) before staring this procedure.

Action Displayed Message Comment

CANNOT CALIBRATE

A Turn ON the printer.

-or-

Wait briefly for the printer to
initialize.

UNCALIBRATED

(Continued)

76 A-Class Mark II

Step

B

C

Action Displayed Message Comment

Press the MENU Key.
Then, with MEDIA
SETTINGS highlighted,
press the ENTER Key.

Using the DOWN Key,
scroll to SENSOR
CALIBRATION then press
the ENTER Key. Scroll to
ADVANCED ENTRY and
press the ENTER Key.

MEDIA SETTINGS

ADVANCED ENTRY

Press the ESC Key to abort this
procedure.

Press the ESC Key to abort this
procedure.

Scroll to SENSOR GAIN

D

then press the ENTER Key.

Place the label under the
Sensor Eye Mark and latch
the Head Lift Lever. Using

E

the DOWN Key, scroll to
GAIN TRAN 00 and press
the ENTER Key.

SENSOR GAIN

GAIN TRAN

*00 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*00 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Press the ESC Key to abort this
procedure.

• If using preprinted labels,

ensure that the sampling
area is free of text, graphics,
and perforations.

• After ENTER is pressed, an

asterisk (*) appears to
denote selection.

GAIN TRAN

Record the sensor reading
(‘yyy’) as a Label Value in
a table similar to the one

F

shown below, with 32
rows, four columns, and
similar headings.)

*00 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*00 (0 – 31)

The sensor reading, where ‘yyy’
represents the numeric sample,
is useful in locating the best
sensor position over the media.

<yyy>

Sample Calibration Table

Gain Number Label Value TOF Value Difference Value

00 252
01
02

…

31

(Continued)

A-Class Mark II 77

Step

Action Displayed Message Comment

G

Step

Press the UP Key,
incrementing the Gain
Number by one, and then
press the ENTER Key.
Record the sensor reading
as a Label Value in the
table.

Repeat this step for each
of the remaining Gain
Numbers.

Gain Number Label Value TOF Value Difference Value

00 252
01 250
02 248

… …

31 009

Action Displayed Message Comment

Raise the printhead
assembly then proceed
according to the media
type:

• Die-cut Media –

GAIN TRAN

*01 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*01 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Sample Calibration Table

Where ‘yyy’ represents the
current sensor reading.

Remove a label or two
from the liner then
position the Eye Mark
over that area.

H

• Notched Media –

Position the Eye Mark
over the center of a
notch.

• Reflective Media –

Position the Eye Mark
over the center of a
face-down black mark.

(Continued)

GAIN TRAN

*31 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*31 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

See Section 3.2.

78 A-Class Mark II

Step

Action Displayed Message Comment

I

Step

Lower and latch the Head
Lift Lever.

Using the UP or the DOWN
Key, set the Gain Number
to 00 and then press
ENTER.

Record this reading as a
TOF Value for Gain
Number 00 in the table.

Gain Number Label Value TOF Value Difference Value

00 252 248
01 250
02 248

… …

31 09

Action Displayed Message Comment

GAIN TRAN

*00 (0 -

31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*00 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Sample Calibration Table

Where ‘yyy’ represents the
current sensor reading.

After ENTER is pressed, an
asterisk (*) appears to denote
selection.

Use the keys to increment
the Gain Number by one
and then press the ENTER

J

Key. Record the TOF Value.
Repeat this step for each
Gain Number.

(Continued)

GAIN TRAN

*01 (0 -

31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

Where ‘yyy’ represents the
current sensor reading.

GAIN REFL

*01 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Sample Calibration Table

Gain Number Label Value TOF Value Difference Value

00 252 248
01 250 245
02 248 234

… … …

31 09 14

A-Class Mark II 79

Step

K

Step

Action Displayed Message Comment

In the table, where both
the Label Value and TOF
Value are at least 20,
subtract the amounts and
record the result as a
Difference Value (see
below).

Identify the largest
Difference Value and then
the corresponding Gain
Number.

Gain Number Label Value TOF Value Difference Value

00 252 248 4
01 250 245 5
02 248 234 14

… … … …
15 188 63 125
16 184 51 133
17 179 38 141
18 174 25 149
19 170 19 N/A

… … … …
31 132 14 N/A

Action Displayed Message Comment

GAIN TRAN

*31 (0 -

31)

<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*31 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Sample Calibration Table

• In this example, Gain

Number 18 is chosen
because, where both values
are at least twenty, it has
the highest Difference Value.

• This Gain Number will be

used to resample the media.

GAIN TRAN

31)

After ENTER is pressed, an
asterisk (*) appears to denote
selection.

Scroll to the Gain Number
determined in the

L

previous step and then
press the ENTER Key.

*18 (0 ­<yyy>

- Or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*18 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

(Continued)

80 A-Class Mark II

Step

M

Action Displayed Message Comment

Complete a table (see
example below) using
three new measurements,
as follows:

(A) Raise the printhead

assembly. Place the
label (attached to
liner) in the Media
Sensor then lower and
latch the Head Lift
Lever. Record the
sensor reading as P.

(B) Raise the printhead

assembly. Place the
liner, notch, or mark
in the Media Sensor
then lower and latch
the Head Lift Lever.
Record the sensor
reading as G (or M).

(C) Raise the printhead

assembly. Remove all
media from the Media
Sensor then lower and
latch the Head Lift
Lever. Record the
sensor reading as E.

GAIN TRAN

*18 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

- or, for reflective media:

GAIN REFL

*18 (0 – 31)

<yyy>

Where ‘yyy’ represents the current
sensor reading.



The re-sampled values may

differ from those previously
noted. This is normal; do not
readjust the Media Sensor.

Press the ESC Key and

N

then the DOWN Key. Press
the ENTER Key.

SENSOR LEVELS

The sensor readings must now be
entered into the printer.

Selected Gain Table

Gain Number P (Paper) G (Gap) or M (Mark) E (Empty)

18 173 42 9

(Continued)

A-Class Mark II 81

Step

O

Action Displayed Message Comment

Using the DOWN Key set
the ‘Paper’ level to the
value determined in the
previous step and press
the ENTER Key.

Repeat this step for the
‘Gap’ (or ‘Mark’) and the
‘Empty’ value.

PAPER SENSOR LEVEL

P* 198 G*000 E*000



GAP SENSOR LEVEL

P* 198 G*084 E*000



EMPTY SENSOR LEVEL
P* 198 G*084 E*014

-Or, for reflective media:

PAPER SENSOR LEVEL

P* 015 G*000 E*000



GAP SENSOR LEVEL

P* 015 G*181 E*000



EMPTY SENSOR LEVEL
P* 015 G*181 E*213

The selection will change to
indicate the item for entry.

Press the ESC Key
repeatedly to exit the

P

menu and, when
prompted, save the
changes.

(Continued)

SAVE CHANGES?

NO YES

Selecting YES saves the settings,
while NO discards them.

82 A-Class Mark II

Step

Q

Action Displayed Message Comment

Press and hold the FEED
Key until at least one label
has been output.

READY

The printer is ready for use.



If the calibration attempt fails,

try desensitizing the sensor as
follows:

Go to MEDIA SETTINGS /

SENSOR CALIBRATION /
ADVANCED ENTRY / SENSOR
GAIN and lower the
corresponding GAIN SETTING
by one. Exit the menu, saving
the changes. Test the media at
the new setting and if
necessary repeat until a usable
GAIN SETTING is obtained.

5.3 Printhead Adjustments

To ensure consistent print quality over the wide range of media types and sizes, the printer is
equipped with a Leveling Cam and a Burn Line adjustment.

5.3.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment

When using media sizes that are less than full width of the printhead, adjust the Leveling Cam for

even pressure distribution, as follows:

If changing media sizes, readjust the Leveling Cam.



1. With media loaded and the Head Lift Lever locked down, send a label format (or use a Test
format, see Section 4.3). Input a small quantity then begin printing.

A-Class Mark II 83

Head Lift Lever

2. While observing the printed output, rotate the Leveling Cam counterclockwise until the image
fades across the label, as shown in Example 1 (below).

3. While observing the printed output, rotate the Leveling Cam clockwise until the image is
complete, with even contrast, as shown in Example 2 (below).

Leveling Cam



Example 1 – Over adjustment

Example 2 –

Correct adjustment

Under-adjustment of the Leveling Cam can cause problems that include ribbon wrinkling,



84 A-Class Mark II

label tracking, and excessive platen and printhead wear.

5.3.2 Burn Line Adjustment

Adjust the Burn Line only after trying suggestions in Sections 5.3.1 and 3.5 to achieve print
conformance and aesthetic standards. If print quality remains unacceptable, adjust the Burn Line
as follows:

If you have questions regarding this procedure, contact a qualified technician or



Load media (and ribbon, if required), as described in Section 3.1.

1.

2. Loosen the two Locking Screws on the Printhead Assembly approximately ¼ turn

Datamax-O’Neil

counterclockwise.

Technical Support before proceeding.

Printhead Assembly

Locking Screws

Adjustment Screws

3. Turn the Adjustment Screws counterclockwise to bring the printhead burn line (see illustration,
Section 5.6.1) forward (in the FEED direction) of the top of the platen.

4. Print a Validation Label; see Section 4.3.4. (The label should have a light, uneven appearance.)

A-Class Mark II 85

5. Tighten the Locking Screws until ‘snug’ (that is, tight enough to remove any play in the
printhead assembly, yet loose enough to allow the Adjustment Screws to move the printhead).

6. Turn each

Typically, thick media requires a slight forward adjustment, while thin media requires a
backward adjustment. Print another Validation Label and examine the print quality. Repeat Step

6 (see note below) until labels are produced that meet conformance as well as aesthetic
standards.

Adjustment Screw clockwise about a ¼ turn (and 1/8 a turn for finer adjustments).

When the Locking Screws are ‘snug’, turning the Adjustment Screws counterclockwise



will NOT move the printhead outward
restart the entire procedure beginning at Step 2.

. If the printhead is adjusted too far inward,

7. Tighten the Locking Screws. Print a final Validation Label to verify the adjustment.

5.4 Printhead Replacement

• Use extreme care when handling the printhead; wear a wrist strap and follow

standard ESD prevention procedures.

• (2) If 24V OUT OF TOLERANCE is displayed (see Section 6.1.2), contact a

qualified technician or Datamax-O’Neil

Replace the printhead as follows:

Turn OFF the printer. Raise the Access Cover.

1.

Touch a bare metal part of the printer’s frame to discharge any static electricity that may be

2.
present on your body. Unplug the printer.

With the Printhead Assembly in the down position, loosen the Captive Screw(s). The following

3.

drawings highlight the location of Captive Screws according to printer model:

Technical Support before proceeding.

86 A-Class Mark II

A-4xxx models:

Access C over

PrintheadAssem bly

A-6xxx models:

Captive

Screw

Access Cover

Printhead Assem bly

Captive
Screws

A-Class Mark II 87

4. Raise the Head Lift Lever then gently slide the Printhead forward. Carefully disconnect both
Printhead Cables, and then remove the Printhead.

5. While carefully protecting the new Printhead, connect both Printhead Cables.

6. Place the Printhead onto the locating pins (on the underside of the Printhead Assembly). (Use
the Alignment Window in the Printhead Assembly to center the edge of the Printhead, as shown
below, and then move the Printhead forward or backward to locate the pins.)



The drawing illustrates the Alignment

Window of a right hand model printer,
while left hand models are mirrored in
orientation.

Printhead
Assembly

Alignment

Window

Printhead’s

Edge

Printhead

7. Secure the Printhead with the Captive Screw(s), but do not over-tighten.

8. Clean the Printhead using alcohol and allow it to dry; see Section 5.6.1.

9. Reload media, and ribbon (if removed), lower the Head Lift Lever into the locked position. Plug
in and turn ON the printer.

10. Print a Validation Label (see Section 4.3.4) then examine the printed label and, if necessary,
adjust the DARKNESS setting (see PRINT CONTROL / CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS, Section 4.2.2) to
match the previously produced print contrast.

A replacement printhead does not typically require alignment; however, if print quality



has changed, see Section 5.3.2.

88 A-Class Mark II

5.5 Platen Roller Replacement

Replace the Platen Roller as follows:

1. Turn OFF the printer. Raise the Access
Cover.

2. Unlatch and raise the printhead.

3. Remove the Screw, Printhead Latch Post,
and Bearing retainer from the printer.

4. Remove the outer bearing and platen roller
from the printer

5. Re-install the Platen Roller in the reverse
order. Be sure when inserting the Platen
roller that the “flat” on the Platen Roller
shaft is aligned with the pulley inside the
printer.

Printhead
Latch Post

Bearing

Platen Roller

Screw

Bearing
Retainer

A-Class Mark II 89

5.6 Maintenance Schedule

This section details the recommended maintenance supplies, schedules, and methods.

Supplies

The following items will help safely and effectively clean the printer:

Isopropyl alcohol

Cotton swabs

A clean, lint-free cloth

Soft-bristle brush

Soapy water and a mild detergent

Compressed air

Printhead Cleaning Cards or Cleaning Film

Schedule

The following table details the recommended cleaning schedules for various printer parts.

For your safety and to avoid damaging the printer, turn OFF and unplug the printer
before cleaning. Always take proper precautions when using isopropyl alcohol, a
flammable liquid.

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Area / Item(s) Cleaning Interval * Method / Supplies

Exterior

Surfaces

Media Path /

Media Sensor /

Peel Bar

Peel Assembly

As needed, based on a weekly
visual inspection.

As needed, based on a weekly
visual inspection.

After each roll of labels, after
each roll of ribbon, or as needed.

Mild detergent; see Section 5.6.5.

Compressed air or a soft brush and
isopropyl alcohol, as needed; see Section

5.6.4.

Cotton swab dampened with isopropyl
alcohol; see Section 5.6.3.

• Thermal transfer media –

after each roll of ribbon.

Printhead

• Direct thermal media – after

each roll of media, or as
needed.

Rollers

* Whichever interval occurs first.

After each roll of labels, after
each roll of ribbon, or as needed.

Cotton swab dampened with isopropyl
alcohol and, if necessary, Cleaning Cards
or Film; see Section 5.6.1.

Cotton swab dampened with isopropyl
alcohol; see Section 5.6.2.

90 A-Class Mark II