Datamax-O'Neil RL4-DP-00100210 User Manual

User Guide

any use of such marks by Datamax-O’Neil is under license.

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

All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered
service marks of their respective companies.



is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and

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 shal l 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 © 2013, Datamax-O’Neil Corporation

Part Number 110259-003

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.

UL60950
CSA C22.2 No. 60950

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

Applicable Directive

Applicable Standards

 IEC60950-1 (2005) 2nd Edition

Agency Compliance and Approvals

-1; 2nd Edition

 2004/108/EC, 73/23/EEC

 RL3 Printers: EN55022 (2006) Class A; RL4 Printers: EN55022 (2006) Class B
 EN55024 (1998), A1 (2001), A2 (2003)

-1-07 2nd Edition

The RL3 and RL4 printers with the 802.11 a/b/g and Bluetooth
compliant to the SAR requirements. The maximum SAR measured value was 0.572 W/kg averaged over 1 gram.



wireless technology options has been found

FCC Notice: (RL3 Printers)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, 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.

FCC Notice: (RL4 Printers)

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 ..................................................................................................... 3

2 Printer Setup

2.1 Charging ................................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Interface Connections ............................................................................................... 7

2.3 Loading Media (Labels or Paper) ................................................................................. 8

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2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode ........................................................................... 10

2.3.2 External Media Loading ................................................................................. 11

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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 NETira CT Printer Configuration Utility ....................................................................... 16

3.4 Media and Calibration ............................................................................................. 18

3.4.1 Selecting Media Type .................................................................................... 18

3.4.2 Quick Media Calibrat ion ................................................................................. 20

3.4.3 Manual Media Calibration ............................................................................... 21

3.5 Presenter Mode ...................................................................................................... 25

3.6 Printer Input Mode (Emulation) ................................................................................ 27

3.7 Saving & Loading Configuration Files ......................................................................... 28

3.8 Printer Demo ......................................................................................................... 29

3.9 Firmware Update .................................................................................................... 30

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4 Maintenance and Adjustments

4.1 Cleaning Intervals .................................................................................................. 31

4.2 Cleaning the Printhead ............................................................................................ 32

5 Troubleshooting

5.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 35

5.2 Troubleshooting Tips ............................................................................................... 35

Appendix A: Specifications

Appendix B: Wireless LAN and Bluetooth Setup

B.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1

B.2 Static IP/DHCP Setting .............................................................................................. 2

B.3 Infrastructure/Ad-hoc Setting .................................................................................... 3

B.4 Wireless LAN Security Settings ................................................................................... 4

B.4.1 WEP 64 & 128 Bit ........................................................................................... 4

B.4.2 WPA2-PSK w/CCMP ........................................................................................ 5

B.4.3 WPA2-PSK w/TKIP .......................................................................................... 5

B.4.4 WPA2-Enterprise ............................................................................................ 6

B.4.5 WPA-PSK TKIP w/TKI P .................................................................................... 7

B.5 Resetting the Printer ................................................................................................. 8

B.6 Bluetooth Setup ....................................................................................................... 8

Appendix C: USB Setup

C.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1

C.2 Printer Configuration ................................................................................................. 2

C.3 Composite Class Installation ...................................................................................... 3

C.4 CDC Only Installation ................................................................................................ 8

C.5 Printer Class Only Installation .................................................................................. 10

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Congratulations on your RL3/4 printer purchase. The RL3/4 printer
family, hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the ru gged
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 create the labels. A
Windows
custom program, a copy of the Programmer’s Manual can also be found on our website.

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®

printer driver can be found on our website (www.datamax-oneil.com). If you wish to write a

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

 Printer
 Belt Clip
 Documentation
 Any special or additionally purchased items

Additional Requirements:

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

 NETira CT Configuration Software, version 1.0.0.35 or greater. Available for download at

www.datamax-oneil.com

 Serial Cable (210164-100 or 210191-101)
 Applicable label media or receipt paper; Datamax-O’Neil offers a full line of printing supplies at

www.datamax-oneil.com

It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that shipping the printer is ever
required.

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MODEL NUMBER

STANDARD FEATURE(S)

OPTIONAL FEATURE(S)

RL3-DP-00000000

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial)

RL3-DP-00000100

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1

RL3-DP-00000200

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a

RL3-DP-00100000

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial), Liner-less Media Capability

RL3-DP-00100100

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1, Liner-less Media Capability

RL3-DP-00100200

SERIAL/USB

RL3 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a, Liner-less Media Capability

MODEL NUMBER

STANDARD FEATURE(S)

OPTIONAL FEATURE(S)

RL4-DP-00000000

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial)

RL4-DP-00000100

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1

RL4-DP-00000200

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a

RL4-DP-00100000

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial), Liner-less Media Capability

RL4-DP-00100100

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1, Liner-less Media Capability

RL4-DP-00100200

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a, Liner-less Media Capability

RL4-DP-00000010

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial), Ext. charging contacts

RL4-DP-00000110

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1, Ext. charging contacts

RL4-DP-00000210

SERIAL/USB

RL4 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a, Ext. charging contacts

RL4 - RS-232 and USB only (Serial), Liner-less Media Capability, Ext.
charging contacts

RL4 - Serial and Bluetooth v2.1, Liner-less Media Capability, Ext.
charging contacts

RL4 - Serial and 802.11 b/g/a, Liner-less Media Capability, Ext.
charging contacts

The table below identifies the P/N and printer features of the RL3 and RL4 printers. The model number can
be found on the label located on the back of the printer.

RL3:

RL4:

RL4-DP-00100010 SERIAL/USB

RL4-DP-00100110 SERIAL/USB

RL4-DP-00100210 SERIAL/USB

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Belt Clip

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Shoulder Strap/Hand Strap

shown.

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Several accessories are available for the printer to allow for ease of use and portability.

Included with printer, the Belt Clip allows easy attachment to
a belt or similar object.

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Belt Clip

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
break away 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 otherwise 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

Attachment Points

Belt Loop

Optional, the Velcro® loop fastens comfortably and securely
around the belt; keeps the printer secure yet swivels for
comfort while bending over or getting in and out of
vehicles.

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Optional, proper use of this case will allow the printer to be

printer even if an IP54 case is used.

Never attempt to charge when the printer case or printer is wet, short circuit could occur. Remove

the battery or charging.

IP54 Soft Case

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
dust 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 cost. The printer
warranty can not be honored for excessive water inside the

1. Open the case at the 2 side zippers.

2. Slide the printer into the case.

3. Close the case using the 2 side zippers and Velcro

4. Fold back the paper exit flap for each print job. The paper exit flap can also be rolled up out the
way and secured using the Velcro® strip, doing so decreases the effectiveness of the case for water
protection.

®

closure.



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 several days before installing

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The maximum operating temperature of the printer is 50° C. However, the maximum operating

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The battery is charged by an external auto-ranging power supply, which connects between the printer and
an electrical outlet. If the battery is completely dead, the battery will need to be charged before the
printer can be turned on. The printer will only operate with the battery installed, the printer will not
function on AC power alone. Ensure that the operating ranges of the power supply are compatible with
your electrical service, (see Appendix A for details) then connect power as follows:

1) Remove the Battery from the printer. Then remove the red Battery Isolator.

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temperature when used with a Datamax-O’Neil power supply for charging is limited to 40° C.
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.

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2) Re-install the Battery into the printer.

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Battery Isolator
Battery

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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. For RL3 printers the printer will not turn on

automatically and must be turned on by pressing the

Do not operate the printer while it is connected to the AC Power Supply.

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button..

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, cracked, immediately remove from the printer.

• If the pack becomes extremely hot, or begins to smell DO NOT touch. Place immediately in a empty metal trash can.

• DO NOT use the battery for any product other than the RL3/RL4 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 do have a shelf life of 1 year.

The printer is also designed with external
charging capabilities (RL4 models only) using
Datamax-O’Neil approved charging accessories.
For more information, see the instructions
included with the accessory.

External Charging Contacts

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The printer can be connected to the host via the USB, serial, optional wireless LAN 802.11 A/B/G, or
Bluetooth. The printer will automatically connect to the first port that delivers valid data. Once
established, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change an interface connection. Once the
cable connection has been made see section 3.3 for information on using the configuration software
(NETira CT).

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Serial (RJ11)
USB

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Before connecting Power or interface cables to the printer, be sure the printer is powered off.

Serial Connection

The serial interface supports RS-232C communications via a RJ 11 connector. The following list of serial
port 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 95 and greater. Depending upon the operating system of your
host computer, installation may differ slightly. For setup information, see Appendix C.

Optional Wireless LAN and Bluetooth

For setup information on optional Wireless LAN and Bluetooth connections, see Appendix B.

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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.

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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 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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With some types of media it may be necessary to periodically remove slack in the backing (liner)
on the backing material until the slack is removed and is tight.

2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode

The printer must be configured for use in “Presenter Mode”. See section 3.5 for connecting and
configuring the printer’s settings.

1) Load media as described in Section 2.3, (steps 1-3).

2) Remove about 8 inches (200mm) of labels from the Media Backing.

3) Open the Peeler Door. Route the media as shown below.

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Media Backing
Peeler Door

4) Pull the media backing tight and then close the Peeler Door.

5) Press the
the start of the next label for each press.



material that accumulates before the Peeler Door. To remove: Hold the Peeler Door closed and pull

button a couple of times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the media to

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 disturb the printer. Cut using scissors or tear using 2 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) Then 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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3

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RL3 & RL4 printer displays will turn off and enter during sleep mode after 1 minute of inactivity;

When the printer is chagrining it will not “auto shutoff”.

Icon

Battery Charge Level. The number of bars and the % will change according to
progressing to show charging, unless at 100%

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The Front Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic
display and four buttons. In addition to providing current printer
information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the main
display area and the button function s to change as operational events
require.

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press any button to wake.
RL3 & RL4 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) by modifying
System Settings/System Powerdown setting. See section 3.3 for more information on NETira CT.

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3.1.1 LCD Icons

90%

IP: 192.168.0.1

3.1.2 Audible Alerts

1 beep AC power supply disconnected

2 beeps AC power supply connected

remaining battery charge. During charging the battery level is continuously

Wireless LAN Signal Strength.

The DC power supply is connected and the battery is charging.
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.

Alert Event

Function

5 beeps Opened printer cover or Paper out condition
Constant (10 sec) Failed download (via RS232)
Short interval beep (for length of download) Downloading data (via Wireless LAN)

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