Eltron Strata Thermal Printers, Strata User Manual

Strata

Thermal Printers

User’s Manual

©1999 Zebra Technologies Corporation

User’s Manual No. 980181-001 Rev. C

FOREWORD

This manual provides installation and operation information for the Eltron Strata LP (LP2684) and
Strata TLP (TLP2684) printers, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo,
California.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This docu
ment and the information contained within iscopyrightedbyZebraTechnologiesCorporationand
may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approval from Zebra. While
every effort has been made to keeptheinformationcontainedwithincurrentandaccurate as of the
date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is ac­curate with regard to any specification. Zebra reserves the righttomakechanges,forthepurposeof
product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS

Strata, Strata LP , Strata TLP,LP2684andTLP2684areservicemarksandEltron is atrademark of
Zebra Technologies Corporation. Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

FCC NOTICE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of aClass A digital device, pur
suant 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 andcan radiateradio frequency energyand, ifnot installed andused in
accordance with theinstructions, maycause harmfulinterference to radio communications. How
ever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area islikely to cause harmful interference inwhich case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

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-

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INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:

This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class A requirements.

Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICS-003 classe A de la norm Industrielle Canadian

980181-001 Rev.C

iii

WARRANTY INFORMATION

We Need To Hear From You!

To Establish Your Warranty Period And Provide Access To Technical Support,

Send Us Your Product Registration Card Today!

Zebra warrants the mechanism, control electronics and power supply, under normal use and ser
vice, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from
the date of purchaseby theend user.Zebra warrants theprint head,under normaluse andservice,
to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days or 30KM of
printing (whichever occurs first) from the date of purchase by the end user. Proof of purchase or
product registration is required. If proof of purchase or product registration cannot be established,
shipment date to the original buyer (dealeror distributor) will be used to establish the warranty pe
riod.

Failure to exercise caution to protect the equipment from electrostatic discharge damage, adverse
temperature and humidityconditions or physical abuse may void the warranty.Failure to use only
Zebra approved media mayvoid thewarranty. Zebrawill, atits option,repair orreplace theequip
ment or any parts which are determinedto be defective within this warranty period, and which are
returned to Zebra F.O.B. factory of origin.

The warranty set forth above is exclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is ex­pressed or implied. Zebra specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fit­ness for a particular purpose.

RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION

Before returning any equipment to Zebra for in warranty or out of warranty repair, contact Repair
Administration for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the
original packing material and mark the RMA number clearly on the outside. Ship the equipment,
freight prepaid, to the address listed below:

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-

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Zebra Repair Administration, USA

Label Printers: Card Printers:

Zebra International, Europe Zebra International, Europe

Eltron House Zone Indutrielle, Rue d'Amsterdam

Molly Millars Lane 44370 Varades, France

Wokingham RG41 2QZ England Phone: [phone]

Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

iv 980181-001 Rev.C

1001 Flynn Road

Camarillo, CA. 93012

Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

Table of Contents

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Unpacking Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The FEED Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The STATUS Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Loading Labels

or Tags. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Loading Transfer Ribbons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Removing A Partially Used Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . 31

Top Of Form Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Using AutoSense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Cleaning Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Cleaning Under the Sensor Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Using the Label Dispenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Where to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Other Support Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Serial Interface Communication Configuration. . . . . . . . . 45

Serial Interface Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Tag Media Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Printer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Supplies and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Using the Media Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

980181-001 Rev.C v

General Cautions and Warnings

These pages describe general safety and maintenance warnings and cautions for the printer.
They are referenced throughout the manual. The manual may also include other warnings and
cautions not displayed here.

Warning - Shock Hazard

The printer should never be operated in a location where it can
get wet. Personal injury could result.

Warnung - Stromschlaggefahr - Der Drucker sollte nie an
feuchten Standorten in Betrieb genommen werden. Es besteht
erhöhte Verletzungs und Unfallgefahr.

Warning - Static Discharge

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the
surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or
destroy the print head or electronic components used in this
device. DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components under the print head assembly.

Caution - Printer Setup & Handling

1)When installing or modifying the printer setup or
configuration, ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF Before:

A) Connecting any cables.
B) Performing any cleaning or maintenance operations.
C) Moving the printer.

2) Damage to the printer interface connector, accessories or
enclosure may result from placing the printer on it’s front bezel
or backside during unpacking or handling.

vi 980181-001 Rev.C

Media Cautions & Tips

1) Always use high quality Eltron approved labels and tags.
Eltron approved supplies can be ordered from your ELTRON
dealer. For the name of a dealer in your area, call Eltron
Customer Service at one ofthe numbers listed onthe back page
of this manual.

2) If poor quality, adhesive backed labels are used, that DO
NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick
to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the
label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer.

3) DO NOT use non-Eltron transfer ribbon. Permanent damage
to the print head may result if a non-Eltron ribbon is used.
Non-Eltron ribbons maybe wound incorrectly for the printer or
contain chemicals that may damage the print head.

4) IMPORTANT - If a transfer ribbon is installed incorrectly by
the operator, damage to the print head may result.

5) DO NOT use a ribbon when printing with direct thermal
media.

Media Reload Tip

If you should run outof labels or ribbonwhile printing, DO NOT
turn the power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may
occur. The printer will automatically resume printing when a
new label or ribbon roll is loaded.

Print Mode Control (TLP2684)

The printer is reconfigured for direct thermal (or thermal
transfer) printing with the “O” command for the Strata TLP
thermal transfer printer. See the EPL2 programmer's manual
for details.

Print Quality Tip

Print density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy (density
setting) applied and by the print speed. Changing both Print
Speed and Density may be required to achieve the desired
results.

980181-001 Rev.C

vii

viii 980181-001 Rev.C

Installation

1

Installation

This section provides information on the
installation of the printer and software.

Introduction The Strata printer models are low cost, manu-

facturing oriented, thermal desktop printers.
The Strata LP is a direct thermal printer. The
Strata TLP is a thermal transfer and direct ther­mal printer. The printers have been specifically
designed for printing large labels, hazardous
material labels, small signs, fan-fold media, and
shipping and receiving labels while operating in
office to industrial environments.

The printer features sturdy construction, a small
footprint, a heavy-duty motor, and sharp, reli
able printing up to 8.5 inches (216 mm) wide.
The print head resolution of a Strata printer is
203 dpi (8 dots/mm).

The printer can print letter (8.5”x 11”) and A4
(210mm x 297mm) sizes. Print forms up to 8.5
inches (216 mm) wide and 22 inches (558.8
mm) long or two times A4 (210mm x 594mm)
size with optional memory added.

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980181-001 Rev.C 1

Installation

User Documentation

&Software

Unpacking Your

Printer

Open the shipping carton and remove the
printer and its accessories.

Check List

2

Printer

1

Power Cord

2

Media Holder and Retainers

3

Cleaning Pen (for print head)

4

Sample Label Roll

5

Sample Transfer Ribbon Roll (TLP only)

6

Ribbon Core (TLP only)

7

Software and Documentation CD

8

980181-001 Rev.C

Installation

Part No.: 120XXX-XXX

Serial No.:XXXXXXXX

Input Power:115VAC 6.3A 50/60Hz

Installation The following steps will guide you through the

installation of the printer and software.

Step ➊

Attach Power

Check Voltage

Pa

S

rtN

eri

a

o

lNo.

.:120
In
pu

tP

:X

X

o

X

XX-

we

X

X

X

r:

XX

XX

11

XX
5
V
AC6

.
3A50

/

60

H
z

O

O

O = Off

See Warnings - Page vi

980181-001 Rev.C 3

Installation

Step ➋ Attach

Interface Cable

Parallel Interface

Serial Interface

For additional information on serial cable wir

-

ing, refer to Appendix A.

4

980181-001 Rev.C

Step ➌ Apply

Power

Installation

O

O

I = On

980181-001 Rev.C 5

On

If the indicator fails to light, refer to
Appendix A - Troubleshooting.

Installation

Step ➍ Install

Software

Start your computer. Follow the installation
instructions on the disk label to install the
software.

Refer to Section 2 - Operation, for information
on loading labels and using your printer.

6

980181-001 Rev.C

2

Operation

This section provides information on the opera­tion of the printers.

All user control (and adjustment) printer
features are identified by green parts.

980181-001 Rev.C 7

Operation

Your Printer

Cover Release Buttons 8 Carriage Lock/Release Lever

1

Feed Button

2
3 Status Indicator : Transmissive (Gap) Sensor

4 Media Roll Holder Adjustment Gear
5 Media Roll Retainers ; Transmissive (Gap) Sensor
6 Lower Media Stand Position Indicator

(Printing Position) < Reflective (Black Mark) Sensor

7 Upper Media Stand = Platen Roller

(Loading Position) > Media Guides

8 980181-001 Rev.C

Media Guide Adjustment Gear

9

Operation

1 Batch/Dispense Select Switch 8 Ribbon Supply Spindle
2 Serial Interface 9 Ribbon Sensor
3 Parallel Interface : Label-Taken Sensor
4 Power Cord Receptacle ; Dispenser Bar
5 On/Off Switch < Label Liner Exit
6 Fan-Fold Media Entry = Release for Transmissive (Gap)
7 Ribbon Take-up Spindle Sensor Guide Bar Bracket

980181-001 Rev.C 9

Operation

The FEED Control The FEED button controls specific printer

functions: feeding media (labels, tags or
continuous media), loading media, pausing
printing, and initiating AutoSense (Dump
Mode).

10

Use the FEED control button in normal opera
tion by tapping or holding the button.

•

Tapping the FEED Button with labels
loaded will cause the paper to advance to the
top of the next label. This action is referred to
as a “Form Feed”.

•

While Printing, Tapping the FEED Button
will pause batch printing (at the next label
gap) with indicator green flashing red. Press
ing the FEED Button again will resume print
ing with the next label in the batch process.

980181-001 Rev.C

-

-

-

Operation

Holding the FEED button down will cause

•

the printer to continuously Form Feed until
the button is released. The printer will feed
the media until the next top of form is
reached.

Holding the FEED button without media

•

loaded will cause the printer to continuously
(line) feed until the button is released or me
dia is detected. This is useful when reloading
media in the printer and is also known as
“Power Media Loading”.

Holding the FEED button down while pow

•

ering up the printer with media loaded will
cause the printer to enter the AutoSense
mode. See AutoSense on page 33 for impor­tant details.

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-

Always run the AutoSense procedure when
loading new batch or type of media. Media from
the same manufacturing lot and having
identical dimensions do not need to have the
AutoSense procedure run every time new
media is loaded.

The Form Feed length is set by printer
programming (Q) command in EPL2
programming language or the AutoSense
feature, an automatic label and gap length
sensing operation. See AutoSense, page 33.

Continuous media with no label gaps,
containing black marks or notch holes, require
programming to set the form length and feed
distance.

980181-001 Rev.C 11

Operation

The STATUS

Indicator

The STATUS indicator is a power and status in
dicator. When the printer power is first switched
ON (1), the STATUS indicator will glow
GREEN, indicating that the printer is ready for
operation.

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Indicator Color Meaning

GREEN

GREEN Blinking

GREEN with RED

Blinking Twice

AMBER

RED

RED

Flashing

DARK

1) Power ON, ready for use.

2) Printing, operation normal.
Interface Activity
Printer PAUSED

(during a batch print operation)

1) Command Error condition

2) Command Syntax Error

1) Media Out (printing)

2) Ribbon Out (printing)

3) Power-up failure
Print Carriage Open

Power OFF.

Refer to Appendix A for additional information
on troubleshooting error conditions.

12

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Loading Labels

or Tags

Step 1 Open the printer. Press the two green release

Your printer can print on adhesive backed la
bels, non-adhesive tags or continuous media
(typically paper). The printer is capable of using
media on a roll or fan fold media.

buttons on the sides of the printer to open the
cover.

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980181-001 Rev.C 13

Operation

Step 2 Place the roll of media on the media holder

tube. The media holder tube is directional and
will not work properly if installed incorrectly.
The media holder is keyed with a hex to be
mounted on the right side of the printer when
installed.

14

CORRECT INCORRECT

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 3 Center the media roll on the holder. If the media

roll is narrow, then the media roll holders can be
added to prevent loose (uneven) pack of the
media on the roll.

Media Retainers (optional)

980181-001 Rev.C 15

90°

90°

Operation

Step 4 Set the media and roll holder on the upper me

dia stand for loading.

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16

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 5 Turn the media guide adjustment wheel to

wards the rear of the printer to open the media
guides.

-

Open the media guides until they are widerthan
the media.

Media

Guides

980181-001 Rev.C 17

Operation

Step 6 Open the print head carriage with the release

lever. Pull forward and then up.

Release Lever

18

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 7 Insert the loose end of the media roll between

the media guides and under the guide bar
bracket that holds the transmissive (gap) sensor.

Continue feeding the media under the print
head carriage until it exits out the front of the
printer.

980181-001 Rev.C 19

Operation

Step 8 Turn the green media guide adjustment wheel

towards the front of the printer until the label
guides match the width of the media.

20

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 9 Move the media roll to the lower media stand

for printing.

980181-001 Rev.C 21

Operation

Sensor

Position

Step 10 When using the transmissive (gap) sensor for

top of form (label) sensing, verify that the sen
sor is positioned at minimum
centered over a tag hole. See Top of Form
Sensing, page 32, for more details on sensor
operation.

Adjustment

Wheel

label gap point or

-

Sensor

Position

Marker

Turn the sensor’s adjustment wheel towards the
rear of the printer to move it into the middle.
Turn it towards the front of the printer to move it
out to the media edge. Do not position the sen
sor at the edge of media.

Center the transmissive (gap) sensor for most
labels and always center it for continuous
media.

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22

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 11 Close and lock the print head carriage. Push the

print head carriage down to close and then push
the lever back to lock.

Turn on the printer power. Tap the FEED con­trol until the STATUS indicator glows GREEN.

980181-001 Rev.C 23

Operation

Step 12 Set label detection parameters for media:

Use the AutoSense procedure for first time

•

use of new media to set the transmissive
(gap) sensor.

Use the AutoSense procedure for detection

•

of label and gap lengths.
Use EPL2 programming (Q) command to

•

set form length (and gap) as well as media de
tection and control method for sensing label
gap, black mark or continuous (unmarked)
media.

Windows Users!

Use Settings / Printers on the Start Menu of
Windows 95 or Windows NT versions 3.51 &

4.0 to select the label size that matches the labels
loaded in the printer.

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24

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Loading Transfer

Ribbons

Transfer ribbons are used when printing on
thermal transfer media such as adhesive labels
or non-adhesive tags. Thermal transfer ribbons
are available in general purpose wax (blue
leader), general purpose wax-resin (silver
leader) and polyester resin (gold leader).

Take-Up

Spindles

Supply

Spindles

Tracking

Bar

The print head carriage in a thermal transfer
printer includes these functional features:

•

Ribbon Take-Up Spindles (forward pair)
Pulls ribbon over the print head.

•

Ribbon Supply Spindles (back pair)
Provides back tension to stop wrinkles.

•

Ribbon Tracking Bar (in back of print head
carriage). Automatically tracks ribbon ten
sion (equalizes) across the ribbon’s width.

-

980181-001 Rev.C 25

Operation

Step ➊ Install an empty ribbon core onto the front rib

bon (take-up) spindle pair. Push the core onto
the left side ribbon (takeup) spindle. Rotate the
core on thespindle until thenotches on theright
side of the core match-up with the long spokes
on the right side ribbon (take-up) spindle.

-

26

Notch

Long Spoke

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step ➋ Loosen the ribbon leader that secures the lead

ing end of the transfer ribbon roll. Fold the rib
bon leader over and attach it to the under side
of the ribbon leader.

-

-

980181-001 Rev.C 27

Notch

Operation

Step ➌ Install the ribbon roll onto the rear ribbon

(supply) spindle pair so that the ribbon feeds
from the top of the roll toward the back of the
printer. The ribbon roll installs the same as the
ribbon (take-up) core.

Wrap the ribbon around the print carriage,
aound the ribbon tracking bar and above the
media guide bracket.

Caution:

The ribbon doesnot follow the same path as the
labels. The ribbon threads above the brackets
that hold the media guides and transmissive
(gap) sensor guide bar.

28

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step ➍ Hold open the print carriage to pull the ribbon

through towards the front of the print carriage
and up to the empty take-up core. Center the
ribbon on ribbon core. Attach the ribbon to the
core with the adhesive strip on the leader or
with tape.

980181-001 Rev.C 29

Operation

Step ➎ Rotate the ribbon take-up core a minimum one

full revolution (from the top to the back of the
printer) to remove most of the slack from the rib
bon. Verify that the ribbon is wrapping straight
on the ribbon core.

After the media is loaded, hold the ribbon snug
and close theprint head. See label and tag (me
dia) loading, page 13.

Press the FEED button (with the printer power
on) to condition the ribbon. This is to remove
the slack and wrinkles in the ribbon. Repeat un
til the slack is removed. Verify that the ribbon is
wrapping straight on the ribbon core.

-

-

-

30

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Removing A

Partially Used

Transfer Ribbon

Step ➊ Open the print carriage to release ribbon ten

A partially used transfer ribbon can be removed
by following the steps below.

The unused portion of partially used transfer
ribbons can be reloaded using the normal rib
bon loading procedure.

sion. Using scissors, cut the transfer ribbon just
below the take-up roll.

-

-

Step ➋ Remove the supply roll and tape the end to

Step ➌ Remove the take-up roll.

980181-001 Rev.C 31

prevent it from unwrapping.

Discard used ribbon off the take-up core. Save
the empty take-up core for when you load
ribbon again.

Operation

Top Of Form

Sensing

To accommodate different media and media
dimensions, your printer is equipped with sen
sors capable of detecting the top of form for la
bels or tags. Two methods are used by the
printer for top of form sensing: gap sensing and
black mark sensing.

Gap Sensing The gap sensing feature depends on the ability

of the movable transmissive (gap) sensor to
“see through” the label liner between labels.
Label and label backing liner opacity vary due
to manufacturing differences in label stock. The
sensor may have difficulty distinguishing the
difference between labels and the liner and may
require the user to AutoSense the media. Gap
sensing is standard on all printers and the sensi­tivity is set with the AutoSense feature.

-

-

Black Mark

Sensing

The black mark sensing feature depends on the
printer’s fixed position, reflective (black mark)
sensor. The sensor is in the middle of the media
path. The black mark sensor is used with special
labels that have a black mark printed on the back
of the label liner or tag between each label ortag.
Black mark sensing is standard on all printers.

Continuous Media If the media is continuous (fax or plain paper)

with no marks notches or gaps, then the top of
form and form length must be set by program
ming. The transmissive sensor senses media
out. For proper operation, the printer needs to
measure the length of the form.

See the Q command in the EPL2 programming
manual for setting the form length of continuous
media with no label gaps, black line mark or
notch hole.

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32

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Using AutoSense The AutoSense feature sets sensitivity of the

transmissive sensor and measures and stores
the form (label) andgap lengths. To activate the
AutoSense feature:

Step 1 Set the power switch to the OFF (0) position.

Step 2 Load labels into the printer (do not use the dis

Step 3 Press and hold the FEED Control button while

Dump Mode

-

penser).

placing the power switch in the ON (1) position.
The STATUS Indicator light will blink. Release
the FEED Control when the printer starts feed­ing labels and the indicator turns solid green. Do
not hold the FEED Control button more than 5
seconds.

The printer will advance 3-4 labels while per­forming the adjustment. When the adjustment
is complete, a status summary label will be
printed and the printer will be placed in Diag-
nostic Dump mode.

Sample Printout

980181-001 Rev.C 33

Operation

Step 4 Tap the FEED Control once to switch the printer

back to normal operation.

If the indicator light turns AMBER or RED, refer
to Appendix A for troubleshooting information.

34

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Cleaning Your

Printer

You have easy access to all of the printer’s me
dia path areas to allow for cleaning and clearing
of media jams. You can clean the sensor areas,
print head, platen roller and areas adjacent to
the media path surfaces.

Warning -Shock Hazard - See page vi.
Always turn the printer off before cleaning.

Warnung - Elektrische Gefahr - Zuerst
abschalten dur Drucker. Säubern Sie jetzt den
Drucker.

Use a brush or vacuum to clean the media path
(except the print head). If necessary, use a
lint-free cloth very lightly

moistened with water
to clean the platen. Let the platen dry before
loading labels.

-

Warning - Static Discharge - See page vi.
Never touch the print head. Always clean the
print head with a cleaning pen (to protect the
print head from static discharge and fibers).

If a label has become jammed in the printer,
remove the label and any adhesive residue,
immediately. Adhesive may spread through out
the printer’s media path if not completely
removed. Many adhesives are permanent and
have short “set” times.

980181-001 Rev.C 35

Operation

Cleaning the

Print Head

Step 1 Open the printer and the print head carriage.

Step 2 Gently rub the cleaning pen across the dark

As you use your printer, the print head may be
come contaminated resulting in poor print qual
ity. Whenever new labels are loaded into the
printer, the print head should be cleaned with a
cleaning pen.

area of the print head.

-

-

Clean Print Head

Allow the print head to dry for 1 minute before
loading labels.

Do not touch the cleaning pen to the platen
roller. If necessary, gently wipe the platen roller
with a dry, lint-free cloth.

36

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Cleaning Under

the Sensor Bracket

Step 1 Open the print head carriage.

Step 2 Open the sensor bracket. Pull the slide lock to

The transmissive (gap) sensor guide bar bracket
can pivot up for easy cleaning.

the left and lift the front of the bracket up.

Transmissive (Gap)

Sensor Bracket

Step 3 Clean the metal part of the bracket, only. The

Step 4 Swing the sensor bracket down to close. The

Slide Lock

sensor is recessed to protect it from labels and
adhesive.

Clean the clear sensor window below the sensor
bracket. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials.
Only use water on a lint free, clean, damp cloth

lightly moistened. Let dry. Verify that the

very
window is clear of streaks and clouding.

slide lock will automatically lock when in posi
tion.

Close the print carriage.

-

980181-001 Rev.C 37

Operation

Using the Label

Dispenser

Step 1 Push the switch to the peel position.

Printers with the label dispenser function (indi
cated by a T after the model number) can dis
pense a single label that is already peeled away
from the liner. Before performing these steps,
load a media roll (refer to page 12 ifnecessary).

-

-

38

Step 2 Open the print head and lift the dispenser bar.

980181-001 Rev.C

Operation

Step 3 Remove a few labels. Push a corner of the liner

behind the gray roller and through the slot.

Step 4 Remove slack by pulling the liner.

980181-001 Rev.C 39

Operation

Step 5 Close the dispenser bar and print head. Tighten

the liner against the dispenser bar.

Adjust the media guides (refer to page 19).

Step 6 Send your print job. The printer dispenses one

label and waits for you to take it before printing
the next label. You must remove each printed
label before the next label prints.

40

980181-001 Rev.C

Troubleshooting

Appendix A

Troubleshooting

This section addresses the most common issues
you may face with operation and configuration
of the printer.

Where to Start The first troubleshooting reference source is the

Common Problems Troubleshooting table on
the following page.

980181-001 Rev.C 41

Troubleshooting

Common Printing Problems
Troubleshooting Guide

Problem Solution or Reason

STATUS indicator
does not light GREEN
when power switch is
turned to the ON (1)
position.

1. Check power connections from the printer to
the outlet.

With the STATUS
indicator light GREEN,
the printer appears to
be working, but
nothing is printed.

Printing is faded or
poor quality.

Printing stops and the
STATUS indicator
lights RED.

1. Verify that the labels are the correct type.

2. Check the roll and verify that the print surface
faces up for (direct thermal) printing.

3. Check that the transfer ribbon is correctly
routed and has the ink side out (TLP only).

1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.

2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software or
with programming.

3. Check the roll and verify that the media print
surface is facing up.

4. Verify that the correct combination thermal
transfer ribbon and media are in use.

1. Possible problem sensing labels with transmis­sive (gap) sensor. Perform AutoSense adjust­ment. Align the transmissive (gap) sensor
position, see page 22.

2. Possible problem with label media.
a) Gap between the bottom of a label and the
top of the next label should be at least 1/16".
b) For tags, see Tag Media Sensing, page 46.
c) Use only Eltron approved labels and tags.

3. Possible label jam.

4. Check that the media is correctly routed.

5. Possible software/programming problem.
a) Check the printer memory configuration.
b) Refer to the EPL2 Programming manual
for the correct data syntax.

6. Transmissive sensor is dirty. Clean media
path.

42 980181-001 Rev.C

Problem Solution or Reason

1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or missing
labels in the middle of a roll.

2. Check for Out-of-Ribbon condition or dam
age or previous use of ribbon in middle of the
roll.

3. Check that the ribbon and label media are
correctly routed.

Status Indicator is RED

4. When direct thermal printing, verify that the
programmed mode (or printer driver) is set for
direct thermal printing. See the programmer’s
manual for details.

5. Transmissive sensor is dirty. Clean media
path.

6. Verify that the print head carriage is closed
and latched.

Troubleshooting

-

980181-001 Rev.C 43

Troubleshooting

Other Support

Resources

The first troubleshooting reference source is the
table on the previous page. Next, contact the
dealer where you purchased your printer.

Zebra Technologies also provides a variety of
information and user support services:

Internet:

•

Web Address: http://www.eltron.com
ftp: //ftp.eltron.com

e-mail:

Label Printers: [e-mail]
Card Printers: [e-mail]
Europe: [e-mail]
Singapore: [e-mail]
Latin America: [e-mail]

• CompuServe e-mail: 102251,1164

• Customer Service: [phone]

For the name of a dealer in your area.

• Technical Support FAX:

USA: [phone]
Asia: [phone]
Northern Europe: [phone]
Southern Europe: [phone]
Latin America: [phone]
For your assistance and support with Eltron
printers and software.

44

980181-001 Rev.C

Troubleshooting

Serial Interface

Communication

Configuration

Serial Interface

Cable Wiring

The printer’s serial port is configured with the
Y command for the printer. See the EPL2 pro
grammer's manual for details.

The printer’s serial port default configuration is:

9600 baud
8 bit data
1 stop bit
No parity

The figure below displays the cable wiring re
quired to use the printer’s serial interface

DB-9
Pin #

N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR

GND

DSR
RTS
CTS

RI

DB-9
Pin #

11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
99

PrinterHost

+5 Volts*

TxD
RxD
N/C

GND

RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C

-

-

Female DB-9 to Male DB-9

DB-25

Pin #

N/C
RxD
TxD

DTR

GND

DSR
RTS
CTS

RI

Female DB-25 to Male DB-9

*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)

980181-001 Rev.C 45

DB-9

Pin #

18
23
32
420
57
66
74
85
922

PrinterHost

+5 Volts*

TxD
RxD
N/C

GND

RDY

N/C

RDY

N/C

Troubleshooting

Tag Media Sensing The printer uses a moveable sensor to detect in

dex holes/notches in tag stock. The sensor can
move from a center tag notch to a notch on the
out side edge of tag stock as wide as 8.5 inches
(216mm) wide.

D

C

Print

Direction

B

A

Left Side

Edge of Tag

Stock Media

The dimensions show the position acceptable
position range of the “Notch” (hole) on tag
stock for the printer and the gap sensor’s adjust­ment range.

Tag

Tear-away

C

L

-

46 980181-001 Rev.C

Dimension Min. Max. Nominal

A

B

C

D

Maximum Media Width

With Roll Holders - 8.5” (216mm)
Without Roll Holders - 8.75” (222mm)

.236”

(6mm)

.079”

(2mm)

Sensor Adjustment Range (Left Side):

From Center of Media to 4.3”(109mm)

.250”

(6.35mm)

—

.512”

(13mm)

——

.512”

(13mm)

.118”

(3mm)

Printer Features

Appendix B

Printer Features

Features The printer has many time saving, user friendly,

design features. Some of these printer features
are listed below:

• Anti-jam, straight through media path

• Sturdy, clam shell case with force balanced

lid and locking latch for safer handling

• Internal label roll holder

• 5 printer resident fonts

•

Over 20 bar codes, including 2 dimensional
bar codes PDF-417 and MaxiCode

•

Batch or on-demand printer operation

•

Double buffered label formatting for “on­the-fly” label printing

•

Power media loading

•

Flip-up print head carriage and label sensor
assemblies for fast, easy cleaning.

•

Center aligned label printing and adjustment.

980181-001 Rev.C 47

•

RS232C serial and Centronics parallel ports

Printer Features

Flash memory makes firmware updates easy

•

and seamless

Firmware Options

Hardware Options

Create-A-Label Tools for Windows

•

®

Software
Windows Drivers (Windows

•

Windows® 95, and Windows

®

®

3.1X,

NT 3.51 &

4.0)
Snap’N’Lock front bezel for easy access

•

Flash memory expandable to 1 megabyte.

•

SRAM memory expandable to 1 megabyte.

•

• Real Time and Date Clock

• Asian character sets

(Chinese, Japanese or Korean).

• Factory installed Dispenser with label presen-

tation sensor.

Accessories

General

Specifications

• Factory installed label and tag Cutter.

• Keyboard Display Unit (KDU) for a

stand alone printing solution.

•

TwinAX Converter

•

Create-A-Label 3 for Windows

•

512KB Flash and 512KB SRAM standard

•

Downloadable firmware capability

•

Moveable see-through and center justified
black mark sensor for die-cut labels and tags

•

AutoSense automatic label sensor adjust
ment

•

Internal label roll holder

•

Rear-feed slot for fan-fold or roll label stock

-

48

980181-001 Rev.C

Printer Features

Easy-to-load label and ribbon path

•

Easy-to-use EPL2 command language

•

Prints text, graphics and bar codes in four di

•

rections: 0°, 90°, 80° and 270°
Graphics, line and box drawing features,

•

PCX bit map supported
Label back feed for maximum label usage

•

printing
Diagnostics and configuration print out and

•

ASCII dump
Double buffering for faster throughput

•

-

Software and

Drivers

Printing

Bar Codes

• Create-A-Label Tools for Windows™

• Drivers available for Windows 3.xx™, Win-

dows 95™, NT 3.51 and NT 4.0

• Direct thermal (LP) and thermal transfer

(TLP) printing

• Maximum print speed 4" (102mm) per

second

•

203 dpi (8 dots/mm) print resolution

•

Maximum print width 8.5" (216mm)

•

Maximum print length 11" (A4) standard, 22"
(2 x A4) optional

•

Minimum print length .5" (12.7mm)
With optional cutter 1.25” (31.75mm)

•

Code 39

980181-001 Rev.C 49

•

Code 93

•

Code 128 UCC (Serial Shipping Container
Code)

Printer Features

Code 128 Autoselect

•

CodaBar

•

UCC/EAN-128

•

Interleaved 2 of 5

•

UPC-A, UPC-E, 2 & 5 digit add on

•

EAN-8, EAN-13, 2 & 5 digit add on

•

POSTNET

•

MaxiCode

•

PDF-417

•

• German Postal Code

• Bar codes with or without human readable

text

Standard Fonts

Media Sensing

• Bar codes can be printed in four directions 0°,

90°, 180° and 270°

• International character sets standard

• Five alpha-numeric fonts from .049"

(1.25mm) to .23" (5.84mm) high

•

All fonts expandable vertically and horizon
tally up to 8x

•

Fonts can be printed in four directions 0°,
90°, 180° and 270°

•

Smooth soft fonts can be downloaded from
Create-A-Label Tools for Windows™ and
Create-A-Label 3 for Windows™

•

Moveable see-through sensor for die-cut la
bels and tags

-

-

50

•

Reflective sensor for use with black stripe
marks

980181-001 Rev.C

Printer Features

Media

Type: roll-fed, die-cut, continuous or fan-

•

fold labels, tags or tickets
Materials: thermal transfer or thermal sensi

•

tive papers
Maximum media width: 8.75" (222.3mm)

•

Minimum media width: 4" (102mm)

•

Maximum media length: 11" (279mm) stan

•

dard, 22" (559mm) optional with maximum
print width set. Note: The actual print length

is dependent upon the programmed print
(image) width and the maximum length will
increase as the print area is narrowed.

• Minimum media length: .5" (12.7mm)

With optional cutter: 1.25” (31.75mm)

• Media thickness (w/ liner): .003" (.08mm) to

.0075" (.19mm)

-

-

Ribbons

Communications

Interface

• Internal supply roll capacity: 5" (127mm)

O.D.

• Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin

•

Standard widths: 4.33" (110mm), 5"
(127mm), 6" (152mm), 6.5" (165mm), 7"
(178mm) and 8.66" (220mm)

•

Standard length: 6.142" (156m), on a 1"
(25mm) I.D. Core

•

RS232C

•

Centronics parallel

•

Xon/Xoff, hardware handshaking

•

Programmable 7 or 8 bit data length, 1 or 2
stop bits, selectable parity

•

4,800 to 38,400 baud rates

980181-001 Rev.C 51

Printer Features

Mechanical

Electrical

Environmental

Width: 13.6" (344mm)

•

Depth: 11.9" (305mm)

•

Height: 8.1" (204mm)

•

Weight: 21.0lbs. (9.5kg)

•

Voltage: 115V/60 Hz, 230V/50 Hz

•

Complies with FCC Class B and CE require

•

ments; Built to UL, CUL and TUV require
ments.

Operating temperature: 40°F to 104°F (5°C

•

to 40°C)

• Storage Temperature: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C

to 60°C)

• Operating Humidity: 10% to 80% non-

condensing

-

-

• Storage Humidity: 10% to 90% non-

condensing

• Ventilation: Free air

52

980181-001 Rev.C

Supplies and Accessories

Appendix C

Supplies and Accessories

Accessories available for theStrata™ printer are
listed below. Always refer to the ELTRON part
number when placing an order. For the name
of an Eltron brand dealer in your area, call:
1(800) 344-4003 or the nearest Zebra Technol­ogies office (located on the back of this
manual).

Description Part Number

Parallel Interface Cable, 6’
Parallel Interface Cable, 10’
Serial Interface Cable, 6’ (DB-9 to DB-9)
Serial Interface Cable, 10’ (DB-9 to DB-9)
Serial Interface Cable, 6’ (DB-25 to DB-9)

KDU (Keyboard Display Unit)
Windows Printer Driver

Create-A-Label 3 for Windows
User’s Manual (this Manual)

Programmer’s Manual

300016-006
300016-010
300017-006
300017-010
300018-006

120180-001
105501-003

105524-001
980181-001

980009-001

980181-001 Rev.C 53

Supplies and Accessories

Typical Applications

Features

Ribbon

Shipping

Inventory Tracking

Low cost

Ease of use

Low Environmental Durability

Not Used

Limited Label Life

Shipping

Inventory Tracking

Product Labeling

Compliance Labeling

Will fade and/or discolor when

exposed to heat, sunlight, and

chemicals.

Lowest cost thermal transfer

combination

Most commonly used

Low environmental durability

Wax

Low abrasion resistance

Longer life than direct thermal

Media (Stock)

Paper Label

Ta g

Synthetic Label

54 980181-001 Rev.C

Paper Label

Ta g

Direct Thermal

Thermal Transfer

Supplies and Accessories

Typical Applications

Features

Ribbon

Retail applications where labels are

handled

Excellent for most applications

Compliance Labeling

Better environmental durability.

Better abrasion resistance than

wax

More expensive than wax

General

Purpose Resin

High temperature environments

Medical applications

Outdoor environments

Environments with chemicals

Good aesthetic appearance

High environmental durability

High physical durability

Excellent aesthetic appearance

Most expensive label/tag

Hard Resin

Compliance labeling

combination

Media (Stock)

980181-001 Rev.C 55

Paper Label

Ta g

Synthetic Label

Synthetic Label

Thermal Transfer

Supplies and Accessories

56 980181-001 Rev.C

Appendix D

Using the Media Cutter

Printers with the cutter option have a bezel with
a motorized blade. Printers with cutterscan dis­pense a single form that is automatically cut
from the media roll.

980181-001 Rev.C 57

Using the Media Cutter

Guidelines Use the cutter to cut through continuous paper

Specifications Cutter warranty 90 days

from rolls and liner between labels.

You can switch between cutting and feeding by
using the OC command. You can set form
length and gap distances by using the Q com
mand. Refer to the EPL2 programmer’s man
ual for complete programming information.

Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or
solvents to clean the blade. If there is a jam, fol
low the steps for Clearing the Cutter.

Blade life 500,000 cuts

-

-

-

Media types Direct thermal paper

Paper label liner
Tag stock

MaximumThickness 0.0075 in. (0.191mm)

Density 150 g/m

2

Width 4.00 - 8.75 in.

(101.6 - 222.25 mm)

Minimum length
using cutter 1.25 in. (31.8 mm)

58

980181-001 Rev.C

Using the Media Cutter

Clearing the

Cutter

Step 1—Prepare

the Printer

If the media is crooked, a jam can occur. The
only tool required to clear a jam is a pair of small
tweezers.

Turn the printer off.

Unplug the power cord and interface cable.

980181-001 Rev.C 59

Step 2—Clear

the Jam

Use tweezers to removemedia from the internal
blade areas.

If the jam is inside the cutter, detach the cutter
assembly from the printer. Press both bezel re­leases and pull the cutter up and forward.

60

Lay the cutter flat. Leave cables, retainers and
wires connected. Do not pull or strain any con
nections.

If you cannot remove the jammed media, call
for service.

980181-001 Rev.C

-

Using the Media Cutter

Step 3—Replace

the Cutter

Align the left edges of the bezel and printer.
Connect the bezel by snapping down into place.

Step 4—Check

the Cutter

Connect the power cord and interface cable.
Turn the printer on. Tap the Feed button. The
printer should feed one label then cut the liner.

980181-001 Rev.C 61

World Wide Offices:

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Eltron Products

1001 Flynn Road
Camarillo, CA 93012-8706 USA
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies, Europe
Eltron House

Molly Millars Lane
Wokingham, RG41 2QZ England
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies, France
50 rue Marcel Dassault

92100 Boulogne-Billancourt
France
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies, Latin America
836 Arlington Heights Rd. #357

Elk Grove, IL 60007
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies, Asia Pacific Headquarters

1 Sims Lane #06-11
Singapore 387355
Phone: [phone]

FAX: [phone]

e-mail: [e-mail]

980181- 001C

Products