Datamax-O'Neil RL3-DP-00100100 User Manual
User Guide
RL3/3e & RL4/4e
110259-004
Copyright Information
This manual and any examples contained herein are provided “as is” and are subject to change without
notice. Datamax-O’Neil makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Datamax-O’Neil
shall not be liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance or use of this manual, or the examples herein. This guide is copyrighted. All rights
are reserved. This guide may not, in whole or in part, be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise,
without the prior written consent of Datamax-O’Neil.
Windows
®
7, Windows® 8, Windows® Mobile and Windows® CE are registered trademark of the Microsoft
Corporation. Wavelink
®
Avalanche™ is a registered trademark of Wavelink Corporation.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and
any use of such marks by Datamax-O’Neil is under license.
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, and for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the
expressed written permission of Datamax-O’Neil Corporation.
All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2015, Datamax-O’Neil Corporation
Part Number: 110259-004
Important Safety Instructions
This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all
types of electrical equipment, however, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting
yourself or damaging the equipment:
• Carefully read the provided installation and operating instructions
• Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer
• Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface
• Make sure all openings on the printer remain unblocked; never insert anything into the openings or
ventilation slots
• Do not place the printer near a heat source
• Do not use your printer near water or spill liquid into it
• Be certain that your power source matches a listed voltage rating for the printer (if unsure, check with
your dealer or local utility company)
• Do not place the power cord where it can be stepped on and, if the power cord becomes damaged,
immediately replace it
• If service is required, use only qualified trained technicians to repair your printer
Agency Compliance and Approvals
UL60950-1; 2nd Edition
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:
Applicable Directive
! 2004/108/EC, 73/23/EEC
Applicable Standards
RL3 Printers: EN55022 Class A; RL4 Printers: EN55022 Class B
! EN55024 (1998), A1 (2001), A2 (2003)
! IEC60950-1 (2005) 2nd Edition
RLe Printers: FCC 15 Class B, EN55022 Class B
! EN55024
! IEC 60950-1 2nd edition
! EAC – Customs Union
! CCC, SRC
! C-tick, A-tick
The RL3e and RL4e printers with the 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
®
wireless technology options has been found
compliant to the SAR requirements. The maximum SAR measured value was 0.572 W/kg averaged over 1 gram.
FCC Notice:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
! Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
! Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
! Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
! Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
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1 Getting Started
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Unpacking ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Carry Accessories ..................................................................................................... 2
2 Printer Setup
2.1 Charging Your Battery ............................................................................................... 4
2.2 Interface Connections ................................................................................................ 6
2.3 Loading Media (Labels or Paper) ................................................................................. 7
2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode .............................................................................. 9
2.3.2 External Media Loading .................................................................................. 10
2.3
Real-Time Clock (RTC) ............................................................................................. 12
3 Printer Operation
3.1 Front Panel ............................................................................................................ 13
3.1.1 LCD Icons .................................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 Audible Alerts ............................................................................................... 13
3.1.3 Buttons ....................................................................................................... 14
3.1.4 Menu .......................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Configuration Label ................................................................................................. 15
3.3
Establishing Printer Connection ................................................................................. 15
3.4
NETira
™
CT Printer Configuration Utility ...................................................................... 17
3.5 Media and Calibration .............................................................................................. 19
3.5.1 Selecting Media Type .................................................................................... 19
3.5.2 Quick Media Calibration ................................................................................. 21
3.5.3 Manual Media Calibration ............................................................................... 22
3.6 Presenter Mode ...................................................................................................... 26
3.7 Printer Input Mode (Emulation) ................................................................................. 28
3.8 Saving & Loading Configuration Files ......................................................................... 29
3.9 Printer Demo .......................................................................................................... 30
3.10 Firmware Update .................................................................................................... 31
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4 Maintenance and Adjustments
4.1 Cleaning Intervals ................................................................................................... 32
4.2 Cleaning the Printhead ............................................................................................ 33
5 Troubleshooting
5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 35
5.2 Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................... 35
Appendix A: Specifications .................................................................................. A-1
Appendix B: Media and Supplies
B.1 Supplies ...................................................................................................................................... B-1
B.2 Peripherals and Accessories ..................................................................................... B-3
Appendix C: Wireless LAN and Bluetooth
®
Setup
C.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... C-1
C.2 Static IP/DHCP Setting ........................................................................................... C-2
C.3 Infrastructure/Ad-hoc Setting .................................................................................. C-3
C.4 Wireless LAN Security Settings ................................................................................ C-4
C.4.1 WEP 64 & 128 Bit ........................................................................................ C-4
C.4.2 WPA2-PSK w/CCMP ...................................................................................... C-5
C.4.3 WPA2-PSK w/TKIP ....................................................................................... C-5
C.4.4 WPA2-Enterprise ......................................................................................... C-6
C.4.5 WPA-PSK TKIP w/TKIP ................................................................................. C-7
C.5 Resetting the Printer .............................................................................................. C-8
C.6 Bluetooth® Setup ................................................................................................... C-8
Appendix D: USB Setup
D.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... D-1
D.2 Printer Configuration .............................................................................................. D-2
D.3 Composite Class Installation .................................................................................... D-3
D.4 CDC Class (optional) .............................................................................................. D-7
D.5 Printer Class (optional) ........................................................................................... D-8
Appendix E: Error Codes
E.1 Conditions ............................................................................................................. E-1
E.2 Warnings .............................................................................................................. E-2
E.3 Faults ................................................................................................................... E-3
Appendix F: Reflective Media-Calibration Label…………………………………………….F-1
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Congratulations on your RL3e/RL4e printer purchase. The RL Series
printer family, hereafter referred to as “the printer,” blends the
rugged durability with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly
features to redefine the standard in portable thermal printers. The
printer’s RS-232 serial, USB, or optional wireless LAN or Bluetooth
®
wireless technology allows easy interfacing to any host system.
This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the
printer.
To print labels or receipts, simply refer to the instructions included
with the software you have chosen to use to create the labels.
A Windows
®
printer driver can be found on our website (www.datamax-oneil.com). If you wish to write a
custom program, a copy of the Programmer’s Manual can also be found on our website.
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents. The following items should be
included:
! Printer
! Belt Clip
! Documentation
Additional Requirements:
In order to print from your RL Series printer, the following items are required. If you do not have these
items, contact your customer-support or sales representative for advice on where to purchase them or
download the required software items.
! Power Supply (sold separately) – The appropriate power supply for your region is required and is
not included as part of the printer purchase. If you do not have an applicable power supply for your
printer, you will need to order one before getting started.
! NETira
™
CT Configuration Software, version 1.0.0 or greater. Available for download at
www.datamax-oneil.com
! Connection Cable – If the printer you are setting up does not have a Bluetooth® wireless
connection feature, or if you are seeking to connect your printer over a wired connection, you will
need a cable. Available options: Serial Cable – Coiled
(Part No. 210191-101); Serial Cable – Straight
(Part No. 210191-101); or USB (Part No. 210304-100).
! Print Media – Datamax-O’Neil offers a full line of applicable printing labels, receipt media and
supplies. It is recommended that Datamax-O’Neil-approved media be used to ensure the quality of
your printing and maintain the integrity of your warranty. Go to www.datamax-oneil.com for more
details on available supplies.
NOTE: This manual contains instructions and information regarding RL Series printers with various
options. Not all features listed in this guide may be applicable to your RL Series printer model. If you are
unsure of whether your printer contains these features, contact Datamax-O’Neil or visit our website at
www.datamax-oneil.com for further details.
!
It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that shipping the printer is ever
required.
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Several accessories are available for the printer to allow for ease of use and portability.
Belt Clip
Included with printer, the Belt Clip allows easy attachment to
a belt or similar object.
"
Belt Clip
Shoulder Strap/Hand Strap (Optional Items)
Choose either a hand or longer shoulder strap for
maximum comfort and flexibility. Each strap incorporates
heavy-duty clasps for an easy and secure attachment;
however, these are not OSHA-approved safety straps.
Both the hand strap and shoulder strap have a limited
breakaway strength. If the strap is caught or wrapped and
pulled beyond normal use the strap will come off the
Attachment Points. Do not use the straps for mounting,
hanging or as the means for a permanent installation of
the printer. If the latch appears damaged (white stress
marks in plastic) discontinue use and replace.
Orient and connect the clip(s) to the Attachment Points
shown.
"
Attachment Points
Belt Loop (Optional Available Accessory)
The Velcro® loop fastens comfortably and securely around
the belt and keeps the printer secure, yet swivels for
comfort when the user is bending over or getting in and
out of vehicles.
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IP54 Soft Case (Optional Available Accessory)
Proper use of this case will allow the printer to be used in
harsh, dusty or rainy environments. This case is certified to an
IP54 rating, so when properly used, it will protect your product
against particles as small as dust, and water from any
direction. This case can be used in conjunction with the
hand/shoulder straps, as well the belt-loop and belt-clip
accessories.
The IP54 case has been tested at an accredited lab for use in
dusty and heavy water environments. However, it is not
designed for extensive prolonged use in the rain. During normal
operation, water could enter into the case during media
changing. This ingress of moisture should be avoided at all
costs. The printer warranty cannot be honored for excessive
water inside the printer even if an IP54 case is used.
1. Open the case at the two (2) side zippers.
2. Slide the printer into the case.
3. Close the case using the two (2) side zippers and Velcro
®
closure.
4. Fold back the paper exit flap for each print job. The paper exit flap can also be rolled up out of the
way and secured using the Velcro
®
strip; doing so decreases the effectiveness of the case for water
protection.
!
Never attempt to charge when the printer case or printer is wet as a short circuit could occur.
Remove the printer from the case, allow to completely dry and then charge. In the event water is
believed to have entered the printer, remove the battery and allow the unit to dry for several days
before installing the battery or charging.
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Your printer utilizes an external auto-ranging power supply to charge its battery. Before using your
printer, the battery should be fully charged. The printer cannot be operated through AC power alone and
requires the battery to be installed. Ensure that the operating ranges of the power supply are compatible
with your electrical service (see Appendix A) then follow these instructions:
The maximum operating temperature of the printer is 50°C (122ºF). However, the maximum
operating temperature for charging when used with a Datamax-O’Neil power supply is limited to
40°C (104ºF). Please charge the printer in a suitable location that meets this temperature
requirement.
There is a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries
properly.
1) Remove the Battery from the printer. Then remove the red Battery Isolator.
312
"
Battery Isolator
#
Battery
2) Re-install the Battery into the printer. Align the release tab with the same side as the charge
contacts and lock the battery into position. The latch should click into place when seated properly.
312
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3) Connect the Power Supply to Power Jack of the printer.
4) Connect the AC Power Cord to the Power Supply.
5) Connect the AC Power Cord to an Electrical Outlet.
Do not operate the printer while it is connected to the AC Power Supply.
312
"
Power Supply
#
AC Power Cord
$
Electrical Outlet
%
Power Jack
Battery Guidelines:
• DO NOT store batteries in cold or hot conditions
• DO NOT drop the battery pack. In the event of a drop carefully inspect the battery plastic and contacts for damage. If you
suspect damage, do not use the battery.
• DO NOT use sharp tools to remove the pack. If a pack is punctured or cracked, immediately remove from the printer.
• If the pack becomes extremely hot, or begins to smell, DO NOT touch. Place immediately in an empty metal trash can.
• DO NOT use the battery for any product other than the RL3e/RL4e or designated printer
• DO NOT tamper with or attempt to disassemble the battery pack
• DO NOT subject the battery pack to water or liquids of any kind
• Be careful when setting the battery pack down on a flat surface; always store the battery pack with the contacts facing up
• DO NOT stack batteries with the contacts facing each other
• Replacement batteries come in individual boxes, store this way
• Batteries have a shelf life of one (1) year
The printer is also designed with externalcharging capabilities (optional) using DatamaxO’Neil-approved charging accessories. For more
information on available optional charging
accessories, or a guide to using the multi-bay
charging accessory, go to www.datamax-
oneil.com and select the RL or RLe printer for a
list of available chargers, or the Install Guide for
information on its use.
"
External Charging Contacts
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Connecting your printer to a host device can be set up using various connection options that are available
for your printer. If your RL model has the available feature, you can connect via Serial, USB, Wireless
802.11 LAN or Wireless via Bluetooth
®
. The printer will automatically connect to the first available port
that provides valid data. If you wish to change that connection once established, you will need to power
the printer off and back on again. Choose from the options below for instructions on using the various
options for establishing a connection to your host device. Once established, you can proceed to Section
3.3 for information on using the configuration software (NETira
™
CT). Wired connections using USB or
serial options require the appropriate cables for use. See Section 1.3 for a list of available cables.
"
Serial (RJ11)
#
USB
$
Charging Port
&
Before connecting Power or interface cables to the printer, be sure the printer is powered off. For
hardware setup instructions, see Section 3.3 – Establishing Printer Connection. Once hardware
connection has been established, go to the corresponding Appendix listed below for instructions on
setting up the printer using Netira
™
CT.
Serial Connection
The serial interface supports RS-232 communications via an RJ-11 connector. The following list of serialport settings is menu-selectable (via host software/driver) and must match the host computer’s serial-port
settings:
> Baud Rate (Default 9600 bps)
> Parity = (Default N)
> Word Length = (Default 8 bits)
> Stop Bits = (Default 1)
USB Connection (USB)
The USB Interface is supported in Windows
®
98 and greater. Depending upon the operating system of
your host computer, installation may differ slightly. For setup information, see Appendix D.
Optional Wireless LAN and Bluetooth
®
For setup information on optional Wireless LAN and Bluetooth
®
connections, see Appendix C.
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Load media into the printer as follows:
1) Slide the Thumb Latch rearward and then lift up on the printer’s Cover.
"
Thumb Latch
#
Cover
2) Slide and hold open the Supply Hubs.
"
Supply Hubs
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3) Orient the Roll of Media (paper or labels) as shown and insert it into the printer.
"
Roll of Media
4) Allow the Supply Hubs to retract onto the Roll of Media. Then close the printer’s Cover and press
downward until latched.
"
Supply Hubs
#
Roll of Media
$
Cover
5) Press the button two or three times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the
media to the start of the next label for each press.
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2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode
&
The printer must be configured for use in “Presenter Mode.” See Section 3.6 for connecting and
configuring the printer’s settings.
1) Load media as described in Section 2.3 (steps 1-3).
2) Remove about eight (8) inches (203 mm) of labels from the Media Backing.
3) Open the Peeler Door. Route the media as shown below.
312
"
Media Backing
#
Peeler Door
4) Pull the media backing tight and then close the Peeler Door.
5) Press the button two or three times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the media to
the start of the next label for each press.
&
With some types of media, it may be necessary to periodically remove slack in the backing (liner)
material that accumulates before the Peeler Door. To remove: Hold the Peeler Door closed and pull
on the backing material until the slack is removed and is tight.
When using the printer in presenter mode a large amount of backing can accumulate. Be sure to
contain the backing as it can become a tripping hazard. When removing backing material from the
printer do not pull the backing as it may disturb the printer. Cut using scissors or tear using two
hands a few feet from the printer.
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2.3.2 External Media Loading
Load media into the printer as follows:
1) Slide the Thumb Latch rearward and then lift up on the printer’s Cover.
"
Thumb Latch
#
Cover
2) Open the External Media Door located in the bottom of the printer.
"
External Media Door
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3) Slide and hold open the Supply Hubs and install the Media Spacer.
"
Supply Hubs
#
Media Spacer
4) Insert the Media through the External Media Door and through the printer as shown:
"
Media
5) Close the printer’s Cover and press downward until latched.
6) Press the button a couple of times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the
media to the start of the next label for each press.
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The Real-Time Clock is powered from a rechargeable coin cell. Once the RTC is set, and as long as the main
battery is in place and has a reasonable charge, the RTC will continue to keep time. If the main battery is
pulled, you have 2+ days or the time will be lost and will need to be reset once power is restored.
Viewing the RTC Setting:!
1) Click on “Printer Information.”
2) View the current RTC date and
time stamp in “Printer Date
Time” section.
Resetting the RTC:
1) Click on “Printer Diagnostics.”
2) Click on “Set Date.”
3) Set the “Date” and “Time” and
click on “OK.”
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The Front Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic
display and four (4) buttons. In addition to providing current printer
information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the main
display area and the button functions to change as operational events
require.
&
The RL Series printer displays will enter sleep mode after one (1) minute of inactivity; press any
button to wake.
RL Series printers will turn off after 120 minutes of inactivity. This “shutdown” period can be
adjusted or disabled using the NETira
™
CT configuration program (Ver. 35 or greater) and by
modifying the System Settings/System Power Down setting. See Section 3.3 for more information on
NETira
™
CT. When the printer is charging it will not “auto shutoff.”
3.1.1 LCD Icons
Icon
Function
90%
Battery Charge Level. The number of bars and the % will change according to
remaining battery charge. During charging, the battery level is continuously
progressing to show charging, unless at 100%
Wireless LAN Signal Strength.
The DC power supply is connected and the battery is charging.
IP: 192.168.0.1
IP address currently assigned to the printer (if equipped). If an IP is not assigned,
it will display as 0.0.0.0. Bluetooth
®
models will display the MAC address.
3.1.2 Audible Alerts
Alert
Event
One (1) beep
AC power supply disconnected
Two (2) beeps
AC power supply connected
Five (5) beeps
Opened printer cover or Paper-out condition
Constant beep (10 seconds in duration)
Failed download (via RS-232)
Short interval beep (for length of download)
Downloading data (via Wireless LAN)
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3.1.3 Buttons
Ready Mode
Button
Function
Short Press: Wakes the printer from sleep or off mode.
Short Press: Puts the printer into sleep mode.
Press and hold (~4 seconds) then release: Turns off the printer.
Press and hold (~10 seconds): Resets the printer.
Short Press: Feeds one label or a preset paper length
Press and hold for four (4) and seven (7) seconds and then release: Prints the Configuration
Label
Press and hold until printing starts [approximately eight (8) seconds]: Prints the Configuration
Label with additional information.
Enters the printer’s menu system.
Long Press (~4 seconds): Toggles the Wireless LAN/Bluetooth® radio on and off
Menu Mode
Button
Menu Icon
Function
!
Returns to the previous menu level, at the top level it will exit the menu system.
"
Scrolls downward to the next available menu item or menu branch.
Exits the menu system and returns to “Ready Mode.”
OK
Selects the current highlighted item or menu branch.
3.1.4 Menu
Pressing the button allows entry into the printer’s menu system. The menu system is informational
only; configuration changes to the printer cannot be made via the menu. The menu consists of three
branches; default values are show next to each item.
Serial
Baud Rate 9600 BPS
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Protocol Hardware
MAC Address xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx (varies for each printer; standard 6-octets of hexadecimal digits)
Calibrate Media The printer is factory-calibrated and should not need further calibration. However,
certain types of aftermarket paper/media will need to be calibrated. Depending on the
media type being used, this function senses the gaps between labels or the black
mark on the back of the media. Once the printer senses these locations, it can
accurately position the media for printing at the start of each label.
Once selected, the printer will feed media, pause ~20 seconds and then complete the
calibration.
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