Intermec Corporation
6001 36th Avenue West
P.O. Box 4280
Everett, WA 98203-9280
U.S. technical and service support: 1-800-755-5505
U.S. media supplies ordering information: 1-800-227-9947
Canadian technical and service support: 1-800-688-7043
Canadian media supplies ordering information: 1-800-268-6936
Outside U.S. and Canada: Contact your local Intermec service supplier.
The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing
customers to operate and/or service Intermec manufactured equipment and is not to be released,
reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec.
Information and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
1997 by Intermec Corporation
All Rights Reserved
The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, JANUS, IRL, TRAKKER, Antares, Duratherm, Precision
Print, PrintSet, Virtual Wedge, and CrossBar are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intermec Corporation.
Novell is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc.
Kimdura is a registered trademark of Kimberly Clark.
Kapton is a registered trademark of Dupont.
Speedo, Dutch, and Swiss are registered trademarks of Bitstream Inc.
The name Centronics is wholly owned by GENICOM Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names may be used. Rather than put a trademark ( or ®)
symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state that we are using the names only in an
editorial fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.
Manual Change Record
This page records the changes to this manual, which was originally released as version 001.
VersionDateDescriptionofChange
00210/96These two addenda were added:
• Self-strip addendum Part No. 064196-001
• Top of form addendum Part No. 064522-001
Other minor corrections and changes were made throughout the
manual.
00311/97Removed Chapters 5 and 6, which pertained to IPL commands. This
information is now contained in the IPL Programming Reference Manual.
This section introduces you to standard warranty provisions, safety
precautions, warnings and cautions, document formatting conventions, and
sources of additional product information. A documentation roadmap is also
provided to guide you in finding the appropriate information.
Warranty Information
To receive a copy of the standard warranty provision for this product, contact
your local Intermec sales organization. In the U.S. call 1-800-755-5505, and in
Canada call 1-800-688-7043. Otherwise, refer to the Worldwide Sales & Service
list that came with this manual for the address and telephone number of your
Intermec sales organization.
Safety Summary
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions
in this book before handling and operating Intermec equipment. You can be
seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not follow
the safety warnings and cautions.
BeforeYouBegin
Donotrepairoradjustalone
under any circumstances. Someone capable of providing first aid must always
be present for your safety.
Firstaid
injury. Never neglect an injury, no matter how slight it seems.
Resuscitation
breathing. Any delay could result in death. To work on or near high voltage,
you should be familiar with approved industrial first aid methods.
Energizedequipment
by a responsible authority. Energized electrical equipment is dangerous.
Electrical shock from energized equipment can cause death. If you must
perform authorized emergency work on energized equipment, be sure that you
comply strictly with approved safety regulations.
Always obtain first aid or medical attention immediately after an
Begin resuscitation immediately if someone is injured and stops
Never work on energized equipment unless authorized
Do not repair or adjust energized equipment alone
xi
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Warnings and Cautions
The warnings and cautions in this manual use the following format.
Warning
A warning alerts you of an operating procedure, practice, condition, or
statement that must be strictly observed to avoid death or serious injury to the
persons working on the equipment.
Avertissement
Un avertissement vous avertit d’une procédure de fonctionnement, d’une
méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit être strictement respecté pour
éviter l’occurrence de mort ou de blessures graves aux personnes manupulant
l’équipement.
Caution
A caution alerts you to an operating procedure, practice, condition, or
statement that must be strictly observed to prevent equipment damage or
destruction, or corruption or loss of data.
Conseil
Une précaution vous avertit d’une procédure de fonctionnement, d’une
méthode, d’un état ou d’un rapport qui doit être strictement respecté pour
empêcher l’endommagement ou la destruction de l’équipement, ou l’altération
ou la perte de données.
xii
BeforeYouBegin
About This Manual
This manual contains all of the information necessary to install, operate,
configure, design labels, troubleshoot, and maintain the printer.
This manual was written for analysts and programmers who operate, program,
and connect the printer to a network or system. A basic understanding of DOS,
programming, and data communications is necessary.
What You Will Find in This Manual
This table summarizes the information in each chapter of this manual:
ForinformationonReferto
Installing the printerChapter 1, “Getting Started.” Tells you how to plug in the
printer, load a small roll of media, configure the printer,
and print a configuration test label.
Operating the printerChapter 2, “Operating the Printer.” Explains the printer
front panel, tells you how to load media for fanfold and
self-strip applications, how to load ribbon, and how to test
for communications.
Routine maintenanceChapter 3, “Maintaining the Printer.” Tells you how to
maintain the printer.
TroubleshootingChapter 4, “Troubleshooting.” Instructs you on how to
clear error messages and troubleshoot programming or
configuration problems. It also tells you how to control
print quality.
Advanced proceduresChapter 5, “Performing Advanced Procedures.” Tells you
how to perform advanced procedures on the 3240 printer
such as decreasing processing time.
Printer specificationsAppendix A, “Printer Reference.” Contains operating
specifications, extended character sets, and reference
tables.
Cabling and
communication
protocols
Appendix B, “Cabling and Communications.” Provides
information on correct cables and communication
protocols for your system.
xiii
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Terms and Conventions
The following special terms and conventions occur throughout the manual.
Refer to the glossary for a complete list of terms.
Terms
“Printer” or “3240” refer to the 3240 bar code label printer.
“Media” is the label stock on which the printer prints labels.
“Host” refers to a personal computer or other computer that communicates
with the printer.
Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this manual for operating
procedures and descriptions of the printer.
• Feed/Pause refers to the Feed/Pause button on the printer front panel.
• Downloaded commands appear in the order that you enter them into the
printer with the following conventions:
ConventionDescription
< >Angle brackets < > enclose mnemonic representations of ASCII control
characters. For example, <ETX> represents the ASCII “End of Text”
control character.
[
]Italic text within brackets represents optional data.
data
CtrlBold text represents a key on your keypad. For example, Ctrl
represents the Ctrl key.
Ctrl-CWhen two keys are joined with a dash, press them simultaneously. For
example, if you see the command Ctrl-C, press the two keys at the
same time.
E3;F3
Type all characters that appear in the Courier font by pressing an
individual key on the keypad.
xiv
BeforeYouBegin
Other Intermec Manuals
The following manuals provide additional information about printing labels
with your bar code printer.
ManualIntermecPartNo.
Data Communications Reference Manual
IPL Programming Reference Manual066396
The Bar Code Book
3240 Bar Code Label Printer Getting Started Guide
9154 Multi-Drop Line Controller System Manual
9161B Installation Manual
9180 Network Controller User’s Manual
RF System User’s Manual
Remove the accessories, packing material, and the printer from the shipping
container. Set the printer on a clean, stable, flat surface and remove the packing
material. Save the shipping container and packing materials in case you need to
move or ship your printer.
Contentsofthe3240PrinterPackage
GettingStarted
1
3240 Printer
AC power
cord
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
Intermec
3240
Ribbon core
Intermec
Media Roll
Getting
Started
Guide
3240 Bar Code Label Printer
3240U.001
1-3
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Checking the Order for Completeness
Verify the contents of the shipping container against the list below and the
figure on the previous page. If any parts are missing, please contact your local
Intermec representative.
•
3240 printer
•
AC power cord
•
Ribbon core
•3240 Label Printer Getting Started Guide
•
Media roll (a 50-foot direct thermal media roll)
Reporting Damage or Defects
Intermec thoroughly tests and inspects your 3240 before shipping it from the
factory. If you receive any items damaged, please take the following steps to
correct the problem.
•
Take photographs if necessary.
•
Contact the transport carrier.
Note: The customer is responsible for all damage claims against the carrier. See the
“Intermec Terms of Sale” printed on your sales invoice.
1-4
Getting to Know Your 3240 Printer
Features of the 3240 printer include:
•Support for direct thermal and thermal transfer printing applications.
Chapters 1 and 2 instruct you on how to load both types of media.
•An internal self-strip with integral liner takeup. See Chapter 2, “Operating
the Printer,” for more information.
•Precision Print technology that produces high registration labels. See
Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting,” for more information.
•Minimal supervision and maintenance.
Use the following figures to familiarize yourself with the 3240 printer.
FrontView
GettingStarted
Media
window
1
Power on LED
Alert LED
Empty/Pause
LED
Feed/Pause
button
3240 Printer
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
Intermec
3240
Media access
door
Media
cover
3240U.002
1-5
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
BackView
Darkness adjust
control
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
I
O
Fanfold media
access slot
DIP switches
Optional I/O
board port
Serial
communications
port
ON/OFF
switch
AC power cord
receptacle
3240U.003
Several options are available for use with the 3240 printer. See Appendix A,
“Printer Reference,” for complete descriptions of these options.
1-6
Preparing the Printer for Installation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
I
Serial
communications
port
ON/OFF
switch
AC power cord
receptacle
DIP
switches
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
OFF
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ON
OFF
ON
Factory
Default Settings
3240U.004
Before connecting your 3240 to your data collection system, you need to:
•plug in your printer.
•open the printer and load media.
•print a configuration test label.
Plugging In the Printer
The back of the 3240 printer contains the AC power cord receptacle, the serial
communications port, the (I/O) switch, and two banks of DIP switches.
Toplugintheprinter
1.Turn the switch to the off (O) position.
2.Make sure you set the DIP switches to their factory default settings.
TopBankBottomBank
For a description of the DIP switch settings, see “Configuring the Serial
Port” later in this chapter.
Set switch 1 on. Set switches 2 through 8 off.
Set switches 1 through 8 off.
GettingStarted
1
3.Plug the AC power cord into the receptacle at the back of the printer.
1-7
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
4.Plug the other end of the power cord into a grounded wall outlet or surge
protector.
5.Set the ON/OFF switch to the on (|) position. The Power On LED lights,
the Empty/Pause LED flashes, and the printer (platen roller) advances.
The Empty/Pause LED stays lit because you have not loaded media yet.
Opening the Printer
You need to open the printer every time you load media or perform
maintenance procedures.
Toopentheprinter
1.Place the fingers of your right hand between the two notches on the lower
edge of the media cover (the media cover release) and pull the bottom of
the media cover away from the base of the printer.
2.Grasp the front of the media cover with your left hand and lift the front of
the media cover upward to release it from the printer frame.
3.Lift the media cover away from the top of the printer.
3
2
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
IntermecIntermec
3240
Media cover
release
(between the two
notches)
Media
cover
1
3240U.005
1-8
GettingStarted
1
Loading a Roll of Media
In straight-through printing, you load a roll of media on the supply roll post
and feed it straight through the printer mechanism and out the front of the
printer. As the 3240 prints individual labels, you can remove them from the roll
by pulling them down across the tear bar. Use the small roll of media that came
with the printer to perform this procedure.
Note: This procedure covers how to load media for straight-through print mode using a
roll of direct thermal or thermal transfer label media. The default setting for the printer
is direct thermal mode.
Note: Attached to the media bag is a small label with a three-digit sensitivity number
printed on it. Make sure you save this label. You need this information to set the
correct media sensitivity number. See “Setting the Media Sensitivity Number” in
Chapter 2 for more information.
Toloadthemedia
1.Open the printer.
2.Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise to release it.
3.Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it and slide it to
the outer end of the supply roll post. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Note: You do not need to perform this step when replenishing media of the same
width.
4.Lift the media brake up and slide it towards the front of the printer until it
reaches its resting position.
5.Place the media roll on the supply roll post and position it firmly against
the inside wall of the printer.
6.Lift up on the media brake, slide it toward the back of the printer, and
lower it onto the media roll.
7.Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it up to the edge of
the media roll. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise to secure.
Note: If you are using a narrow roll of media (less than 1 inch), insert the media
support between the roll of media and the supply roll retainer before you secure it
in place.
1-9
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
LoadingMediaIntothe3240Printer
Media
Media
backing
Tear
bar
Printhead
Label
gap
sensor
Head lift
lever
Edge
guide
Lateral
printhead
adjust
Lower
media guide
Upper
media guide
➤
➤
Media
brake
3240U.006
8.Unscrew the edge guide and slide it all the way to the outer edge of the
lower media guide. Screw it in place.
Media
support
Media roll
Supply roll
post
Supply roll
retainer
Note: If you are replacing the empty media roll with a new roll of the same width,
you do not need to adjust the edge guide or the supply roll retainer.
9.Pull down on the lower media guide to allow access to the media path.
10. Unroll several inches of media and insert it between the two media guides
and out the front of the printer. Release the lower media guide.
11. If you are using thermal transfer media, you need to load ribbon now. For
help, see “Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon” in Chapter 2.
12. Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks in place.
13. Press the Feed/Pause button until the printer feeds out approximately
6 inches of media.
14. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it touches the edge of the
media. Screw it in place.
Note: Adjust the label gap sensor if you are using narrow media (less than
1 inch wide). For help, see “Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label” in
Chapter 4.
1-10
GettingStarted
15. If you are loading continuous media or mark label stock, use PrintSet, your
third-party software or the printer command set to tell the printer what
kind of media you are using.
16. Press Feed/Pause to advance several inches of media through the printer
and out the label opening in the front cover. Your printer is now ready to
print labels.
Note: Refer to the label located on the inside of the media cover for directions on
loading media. For your convenience, you may want to refer to it when loading media
in the future.
Note: If you are loading narrow media (1 inch or less) you need to adjust the bias
adjust screw to achieve the highest print quality. For help, see “Correcting Uneven
Print Quality,” in Chapter 4.
1
1-11
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Printing the Hardware Configuration Test Label
Now that you have loaded media in the printer, you are ready to print the
hardware configuration test label. Use this label for reference when installing
your 3240 printer and for verifying proper printer operation.
Toprintthehardwareconfigurationtestlabel
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.
2.Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while turning the printer power on.
The Alert and Empty/Pause LEDs blink during the printer self-test.
3.Release the Feed/Pause button when the media starts moving. The printer
feeds out one or two blank labels (to verify the label length) and then prints
the hardware configuration test label.
4.Turn the printer power off and then on to enter Print mode.
Note: For the entire hardware configuration label to print out, you must use media
that is at least 2.6 inches wide.
3240HardwareConfigurationTestLabel
3240 Hardware Configuration
Memory Installed
Storage RAM
Image RAM
Flash RAM
Mileage
Inches Processed
Inches Burned
Printhead
Width
Dot Size
Burn Pot Setting
Hardware Options
I/O Option
Internal Option
External Option
Firmware Checksum
ROM0 (U9) : CDE3 ROM1 (U8): 0A1E
Program : 063103 VERSION: 0.9
: 128 kilobytes
: 375 kilobytes
: none
: 36
: 12
: 1024 dots
: 2.5 mil
: 231
: none
: none
: Self Strip
3240U.007
1-12
What the Hardware Configuration Test Label Tells You
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
I
Serial
communications
port
3240U.011
Optional I/O
board port
The hardware test label provides statistics on:
•the amount of installed memory.
•the amount of media printed.
•the printhead configuration.
•the program and version numbers.
If the Hardware Configuration Test Label Does Not Print
If you are unable to print a hardware configuration test label, please refer to
Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting,” for help.
Connecting the Printer to Your System
You can connect your 3240 printer to a PC, a local area network, an AS/400
(or other midrange), or a mainframe. This section tells you how to connect
your printer to any of these systems.
GettingStarted
1
This illustration shows you where to connect your system to the printer. You
can use either of these two ports on the back of the printer:
•Serial communications port
•Optional I/O board port (if you have an adapter card installed)
1-13
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Connecting the 3240 to a PC
You can connect the 3240 to either a serial port or parallel port (if you have the
option installed) on your PC. You must provide the correct cables for
connecting the printer. Refer to the following instructions for cable information.
Contact your Intermec representative for ordering assistance if you do not have
the appropriate cables.
Connecting the Printer to a PC Serial Port
To connect the 3240 to your PC serial port, you need a shielded EIA RS-232, RS422, or RS-485 electrical interface with a 25-pin D-style subminiature connector.
It must have pins on the printer end and an appropriate serial port connector
on the other end.
Use the following table to determine the correct Intermec cable for your
application.
ForConnectingToUseIntermecCablePartNumber
IBM PC AT048693 (25-pin printer to 9-pin serial port straight-through)
IBM PC XT048668 (25-pin printer to 25-pin serial port null modem)
ToconnectyourprintertoaPCserialport
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.
2.Plug the 25-pin connector into the serial communications port on the back
of the 3240 printer.
3.Plug the other end of the cable into a serial COM port on the PC.
4.If necessary, change the PC serial port configuration to match your printer.
The default configuration settings for the 3240 printer are:
•9600 baud
•even parity
•7 bit word length
•XON/XOFF no status response protocol
•device address A
•direct thermal media
See “Configuring the Serial Port” later in this chapter for more information.
1-14
GettingStarted
1
Connecting the Printer to a PC Parallel Port
If you are using a parallel port to communicate with the printer, you need:
• a Centronics interface adapter installed in the printer.
• a parallel cable to run between the printer and the PC.
If you did not have the parallel interface installed at the factory, you can install
the field installable option (Intermec Part No. 056830) in the optional I/O board
port of your printer. You can purchase a parallel cable from Intermec (Part No.
051211) or from your local computer store.
ToconnectyourprintertoaPCparallelport
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.
2.Plug the Centronics cable connector into the interface adapter port on the
back of the 3240 printer.
3.Plug the other end of the cable into a parallel port on the PC.
Connecting the 3240 to a Network
You can connect the 3240 printer to Novell NetWare networks, Token Ring
networks, or TCP/IP networks. To connect the 3240 printer to a network, you
must have:
•a Centronics parallel interface installed in your printer.
•a network interface adapter (for example, Ethernet).
If you did not have the interface installed at the factory, you can install the field
installable option (Intermec Part No. 056830) in the optional I/O board port of
your printer.
The network interface adapter (for example, Ethernet) connects to the
Centronics parallel interface on the back of the printer. Your network must be
able to use XON/XOFF (hardware handshake) protocol. Refer to your network
documentation for more information.
1-15
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Connecting the 3240 to an AS/400
To connect a 3240 printer directly to an AS/400 or midrange system, you need:
•a twinax adapter card.
•a twinaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 7362267 or 7362062.
The maximum cable length for the twinax interface is 5000 feet
(1525 meters).
If you did not have the twinax card installed at the factory, you can install the
field installable option (Intermec Part No. 056835) in the optional I/O board
port of your printer.
For help on cabling and communications, see the manual that comes with the
twinax adapter card.
Note: If you are using a midrange computer other than the AS/400, refer to your
system documentation for information on cabling and setting up communications.
Connecting the 3240 to a Mainframe
To connect a 3240 printer directly to an IBM mainframe, you need:
• a coax adapter card.
• a coaxial cable equivalent to IBM part number 2577672 or 1833108.
The maximum cable length allowed is 4920 feet (1500 meters). See the IBM
specification Installation and Assembly of Coaxial Cable and Accessories, part
number GA27-2805-4, for further information.
If you did not have the coax card installed at the factory, you can install the
field installable option (Intermec Part No. 056836) in the optional I/O board
port of your printer.
For help on cabling and communications, see the manual that comes with your
coax adapter card.
1-16
Configuring the Serial Port
You need to configure the serial port of the 3240 printer to match the
configuration of your PC or network controlling device. If the printer’s default
settings do not match, use the DIP switch settings table to configure the serial
port.
In addition to the familiar parameters that you need to configure (such as baud
rate and parity), you also need to set the protocol and device address. The
protocol is the type of network you use to connect the printer, the host, and the
rest of the data collection system. Intermec protocol includes Standard, Polling
Mode D, and Multi-Drop protocol. You need to assign a unique device address
for each device connected to the Multi-Drop protocol.
Toconfiguretheprinterserialport
1.Use the DIP Switch Settings table to locate the DIP switches you need to
change to correctly configure the serial port.
2.Use a small straight-slot screwdriver to set the appropriate DIP switches on
or off.
GettingStarted
1
For example, if you want to change the media type to thermal transfer, set
DIP switch 8 on the bottom bank of switches to the ON position.
3.Turn the printer power off and then on for the configuration changes to
take effect.
Note: Ignore Multi-Drop switches if you are not using a Multi-Drop network.
1-17
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
DIPSwitchSettings
O = OFF
1 = ON
Baud Rate Selection
Number of Data Bits
19,200
9,600
4,800
2,400
1,200
reserved
reserved
reserved
Parity Selection
Even
Odd
None
None
7 Bit
8 Bit
Reserved
*
*
Default settings are noted with an
Top Bank Switch Number
OFF
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
1
1
O
O
O
1
1
O
1
O
1
1
1
1
1
*
Bottom Bank Switch Number
OFF
O = OFF
1 = ON
Multi-Drop Address Selection
O
O
1
O
O
1
1
1
O
1
OO
Protocol Selection
XON/XOFF
Intermec Protocols
XON/XOFF Selection
No Status Response
With Status Response
DT/TTR
Direct Thermal
Thermal Transfer
Default settings are noted with an
ON
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
O
A
*
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
0
1
2
3
4
5
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
*
*
*
*
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
O
1
O
O
O
1
O
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
1
1
O
O
1
1
O
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
O
1
1
1
O
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
O
1
O
1
O
1
3240U.008
1-18
GettingStarted
Verifying Printer Communications With Your System
After connecting the printer to your system, you need to test communications.
The easiest way to test communications is to set the printer to Data Line Print
mode, which is part of Test and Service mode, and send a character string
down from your system.
If you have just printed a configuration test label, you are already in Data Line
Print mode. Start the following procedure with Step 4.
Note: Make sure that your cabling is correct. See Appendix B, “Cabling and
Communications,” for more information. If your cabling is not correct, you may receive
a write fault error.
Toverifycommunicationswithyoursystem
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.
2.Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while you turn the ON/OFF switch
to the on position. The printer prints out the hardware configuration test
label.
1
3.Release the Feed/Pause button. You are now in Data Line Print mode.
4.Transmit at least four characters from your system.
At this point the printer does not attempt to interpret any printer
commands, but simply prints each character with its hexadecimal
equivalent underneath.
5. To enter normal Print mode, turn the printer power off and then on again.
If this procedure does not work, make sure that the DIP switches match the
serial port configuration of the system. Make sure you have the printer cable
securely plugged into the correct port of your system.
information from the host to the printer and from the printer to the host.
LEDs help you monitor the status of the printer. The Feed/Pause
Explains how to load fanfold media, thermal transfer
Optimizes print quality and print speed.
Understanding the Front Panel
On the front panel of the 3240 printer, you will find one button and three light
emitting diodes (LEDs).
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Explains different methods for transferring
Feed/Pause
3240U.015
2-3
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Using the Front Panel LEDs
You use the front panel LEDs to monitor the status of the printer:
Green LED
code39code39
Power
LEDStateIndication
Power
Off
On
Power off
Power on
Orange LED
Yellow LED
Using the Front Panel LEDs for Troubleshooting
Over-temperature
stops. Do not try to troubleshoot or adjust the printer−just allow it enough time
to cool down and it will resume operation on its own.
Mediaorsystemfaults
printer is experiencing a media or system fault. See Chapter 4,
“Troubleshooting,” for information on correcting the problem.
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
3240U.016
Alert
Empty/Pause
Off
Flashing
On
Off
Flashing
On
Printing or idle
Over-temperature
System fault
Printing or idle
Paused
Media fault
If the printer overheats, the Alert LED flashes and the printer
If the Empty/Pause or the Alert LED remains on, your
2-4
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OperatingthePrinter
2
Using the Feed/Pause Button
The Feed/Pause button, located on the front panel of the 3240 printer, performs
several functions depending on the mode of the printer.
ThePrinterIsYouWantToWhattoDo
IdleFeed out one label or a
minimum specified
amount of media.
Continuously feed
media.
Take the printer offline.Press the Feed/Pause button
PrintingPause the printer.Press and release the Feed/Pause
Cancel the current print
job.
Powered on
for the first
time
Print the hardware
configuration label.
Press and release the Feed/Pause
button.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause
button. When you release the
button, the media stops feeding.
twice. Press the button again to
bring the printer online.
button. Press and release the
button again to resume printing.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause
button until the printer stops
printing.
Press and hold the Feed/Pause
button. See “Printing the
Hardware Configuration Test
Label” in Chapter 1 for more
information.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
code39code39
Loading Media Into the Printer
You can load media into the 3240 printer in three different ways:
•
Fanfold printing
•
Self-strip printing with roll media
•
Straight-through printing with roll media (see Chapter 1)
You can load media with the printer power turned on or off. The following
procedures for loading media assume that the ON/OFF switch is turned on.
Loading Media for Fanfold Printing
For fanfold printing, you place a stack of fanfold media at the rear of the printer
and feed it into the printer through the fanfold media access slot.
Note:
The top of the stack of media has a three-digit sensitivity number printed on it.
You need this information to set the correct media sensitivity number. Refer to
“Setting the Media Sensitivity Number” later in this chapter for more information.
Toloadmediaforfanfoldprinting
1.Open the printer.
2.Rotate the head lift lever clockwise to release the printhead.
3.Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it to the outer end
of the supply roll post. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
4.Lift the media brake up and slide it toward the front of the printer until it
reaches its resting position.
5.Place the box of fanfold media slightly lower than the slot in the printer
back cover and line it up with the label path through the printer.
6.Unscrew the edge guide and slide it to the outer edge of the lower media
guide and screw it in place.
7.Pull down on the lower media guide to allow access to the media path.
8.Insert the fanfold media through the printer mechanism as shown in the
illustration. Release the lower media guide.
9.Lift up on the media brake, slide it toward the back of the printer, and
lower it onto the media.
2-6
LoadingFanfoldMediaforStraightThroughPrinting
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OperatingthePrinter
2
Media
brake
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
➤
I
O
Media access
slot
Fanfold
media
3240U.017
Head lift
lever
Edge
guide
Lateral
printhead
knob
➤
Lower
media
guide
Guide
plate
Supply roll
post
➤
Supply roll
retainer
➤
➤
10. Slide the supply roll retainer up to the edge of the fanfold media and turn
the supply roll retainer clockwise until it locks firmly in place.
11. Rotate the head lift lever counterclockwise until it locks.
12. Press the Feed/Pause button until the printer feeds out approximately 6
inches of media.
13. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it just touches the edge of
the media. Screw it in place.
14. Replace the media cover. The printer is now ready to print the
configuration test label.
Note:
If the yellow Empty/Pause LED does not go out, reload the media and try
again.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Loading Media for Self-Strip Printing
Use self-strip printing in applications where you want to apply labels to a
surface immediately. After printing a label, the printer prints out the label with
the backing removed. The rewinder hub collects the backing after passing over
the self-strip assist roller. The rewinder hub can hold the backing from an
entire roll of media.
Note:
Attached to the media roll is a small label with a three-digit sensitivity number
printed on it. Make sure you save this label. You need this information to set the
correct media sensitivity number. Refer to “Setting the Media Sensitivity Number”
later in this chapter for more information.
Note:
If you lift the printhead while printing with self-strip, you may not receive the
best performance from the Precision Print technology. If you must lift the printhead,
remove accumulated liner from the takeup hub before resuming print.
Toloadself-stripmedia
code39code39
1.Open the printer.
2.Raise the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise to release it.
3.Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise to release it and slide it to
the outer end of the supply roll post. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
4.Lift the media brake up and slide it toward the front of the printer until it
reaches its resting position.
5.Place the media roll on the supply roll post and position it firmly against
the inside wall of the printer.
6.Lift up on the media brake, slide it toward the back of the printer, and
lower it onto the media roll.
7.Turn the supply roll retainer counterclockwise and slide it up to the edge of
the media roll. Turn the supply roll retainer clockwise to secure.
Note:
If you are using a narrow roll of media (less than 1 inch), insert the media
support between the roll of media and the supply roll retainer before securing it.
8.Unscrew the edge guide and slide it to the outer edge of the lower media
guide. Screw it in place.
9. Pull down on the lower media guide to allow access to the media path.
2-8
Note:
If you are replacing the empty media roll with a new roll of the same width,
you do not need to adjust the edge guide.
10. Unroll several inches of media and insert it between the media guides and
out the front of the printer. Release the lower media guide.
LoadingMediaforSelf-StripPrinting
Head lift
lever
Lateral
printhead
knob
code39code39
Media
Brake
➤
OperatingthePrinter
2
Media
support
Supply roll
retainer
Media roll
Supply roll
post
3240U.018
Media
liner
Media
access door
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
Intermec
Intermec
3240
3
Self-strip
assist roller
➤
➤
Tear
bar
➤
➤
Rewinder
hub
Printhead
➤
Upper media
guide
Lower media
guide
Rewinder
clasp
11. Pull out 10 to 12 inches of media and remove the exposed labels from the
media liner.
12. Open the media access door and thread the media liner under the self-strip
assist roller and over the rewinder hub in a clockwise direction.
13. Remove the rewinder clasp from the rewinder hub and wind approximately
2 inches of media liner over the rewinder hub.
14. Secure the media by snapping the rewinder clasp onto the rewinder hub.
Turn the rewinder hub clockwise to remove all slack from the media liner
between the tear bar and the rewinder hub.
15. Close the media access door.
16. Use your third-party software or the printer command set to enable selfstrip and the label taken sensor. A DOS example follows this procedure.
Note
: See “Adjusting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing,” in Chapter 4 for
information on how to position the label taken sensor.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
17. Press Feed/Pause to advance a label through the printer. Remove the
exposed label from the front of the printer.
18. Unscrew the edge guide and slide it inward until it just touches the edge of
the media. Screw it in place.
Note:
Adjust the label gap sensor if you are using narrow media (less than 1 inch
wide). See “Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label” in Chapter 4.
19. Replace the printer cover. The printer is now ready to print labels.
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Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon
If you plan to use thermal transfer media, you must install a thermal transfer
ribbon (TTR) to print in thermal transfer mode.
Note:
Save the plastic bag that your ribbon comes in. Attached to the ribbon bag is a
small label with a three-digit sensitivity number printed on it. You need this
information to set the correct media sensitivity number. Refer to “Setting the Media
Sensitivity Number” later in this chapter for more information.
Toloadthermaltransferribbon
1.Make sure the printhead is in the raised position. If not, turn the head lift
lever clockwise until it releases the printhead.
2.Place the empty ribbon core that comes with the printer onto the ribbon
rewind hub.
3.Detach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll and unwind the
end of the ribbon approximately 8 inches. The edge of the ribbon has a
leader (with an adhesive strip on the leader edge) to guide the ribbon
through the printhead mechanism.
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OperatingthePrinter
2
4.Slide the roll of thermal transfer ribbon onto the ribbon supply hub with the
ribbon roll winding clockwise.
5.Route the ribbon leader through the printer mechanism as shown in the
following illustration.
Note:
Make sure that the ribbon goes over the label gap sensor PCB located on the
top of the upper media guide. If the ribbon becomes caught on the PCB, it can cause
the ribbon to wrinkle.
6.Attach the leader from the new thermal transfer ribbon roll to the empty
ribbon core using the adhesive strip on the leader edge.
Note:
Make sure the ribbon runs above the upper media guide. The shiny side of
the ribbon must come in contact with the printhead.
7.Wind the ribbon rewind hub clockwise until the ribbon runs smoothly
through the printhead mechanism.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
LoadingThermalTransferRibbon
Thermal transfer ribbon
(The thermal transfer ribbon
is adhered to the empty
ribbon hub with an adhesive
strip on the leader edge.)
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
code39code39
Empty ribbon
core
Power
IntermecIntermec
IntermecIntermec
3240
3
Ribbon supply
hub
Upper media
guide
Ribbon rewind
hub
Head lift
lever
TTR assist
roller
Printhead
3240U.019
8.Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise until
it locks.
9.To enable thermal transfer printing, set DIP switch 8 on the bottom bank of
switches to the on position. For help, see “Configuring the Serial Port” in
Chapter 1.
10. Press the Feed/Pause button to advance the ribbon through the printer. The
printer is now ready to print.
Note:
When replacing the thermal transfer ribbon roll in the future, use the empty
ribbon supply core as the new rewinder core.
2-12
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number
Media sensitivity is important because you use it to optimize print quality and
print speed. The three-digit sensitivity number specifies the amount of heat
required by the printhead to image a label. The amount of heat that each roll of
media or ribbon requires is unique due to different chemistries and
manufacturing processes.
Intermec has developed heating schedules (the
amount of heat required to image a label) to
produce the highest possible print quality for
Intermec media and ribbon combinations on
Intermec printers. You will find a small label
with a three-digit sensitivity number attached to
the packaging of each Intermec media and
ribbon product. Use this three-digit number to
optimize print quality and print speed on the
3240 printer. You can only achieve the best print quality on the 3240 printer by
using Intermec ribbon and media products.
code39code39
OperatingthePrinter
2
SENSITIVITY NUMBER
420
3240U.020
The 3240 default setting for direct thermal media sensitivity is 420. For thermal
transfer media, the default setting is 567. Use the packaging that you saved,
when loading media and ribbon, to determine the correct sensitivity number.
Use your third-party software or the printer command set to set the media
sensitivity number. For help on how to set the media sensitivity number, see
the DOS example in the next section. If you want to see the current sensitivity
setting of your 3240, print out a software configuration label.
Toprintasoftwareconfigurationlabel
1.Turn off the printer.
2.Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while turning the printer on.
The printer prints out a hardware configuration label and then enters Data
Line Print mode.
3.Set the DIP switches to print out the software test label.
TopBankBottomBank
4.Hold the Feed/Pause button down for 1 second. The printer prints out the
software configuration label.
5.Exit Test and Service mode by turning the printer power off and then on.
Set switches 1 through 6 and 8 off. Set switch 7 on.
Set switches 1 through 8 off.
6.Return the DIP switches to their original settings.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Intermec Media
and Ribbon
The sensitivity number on each roll of thermal transfer media or ribbon has an
asterisk (*) in place of one of the digits. To optimize the sensitivity number for
thermal transfer media, you combine the digits as in this example.
MediaorRibbonSensitivityRatingDescription
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Thermal Transfer
Media
Thermal Transfer
Ribbon
56*The asterisk reserves the third
digit to identify the ribbon’s
sensitivity number.
5*7The asterisk reserves the second
digit to identify the media’s
sensitivity number.
567Optimum Sensitivity Rating
To set the sensitivity rating for direct thermal media, use the three-digit
sensitivity rating located on the roll of media or listed in the Direct Thermal
Media Sensitivity Settings table on the following page.
TochangethemediasensitivitynumberwithPrintSet
1.Start the PrintSet applications
2.Click the Paper type button:
3.In the Print Quality Setup dialog box, enter your three-digit number in the
Media Sensitivity Number field.
2-14
4.Click OK.
Setting the Media Sensitivity Number for Other Media and
Ribbon
If you are not using Intermec media and ribbon, or you misplaced your
packaging with the three-digit sensitivity number label on it, you can set the
approximate sensitivity rating. The first column of the Direct Thermal and
Thermal Transfer Media and ribbon tables list the approximate sensitivity
settings. To achieve acceptable print quality, enter the three-digit media
sensitivity number (for example, 800).
If you are unsure of how to set the media sensitivity rating, start with the
highest setting, which provides the lowest energy (800 for thermal transfer and
700 for direct thermal), and work your way down until you achieve the best
print quality.
You are now ready to print labels by downloading data from the host to the
3240 printer.
information from the host to any connected peripheral device, such as the 3240
printer. When you transfer data from your printer to the host, you are
performing a process called
You can use several methods to download information in your data collection
system. The next sections describe different ways to communicate with the
printer.
Downloading
Using the PrintSet Software
Use the PrintSet application software to easily configure your printer from your
PC. You can upload the current configuration settings, modify them, and then
download them to the 3240 printer. PrintSet also lets you:
•
download graphics and fonts (including TrueType).
is the universal term used to describe the transfer of
uploading
code39code39
.
OperatingthePrinter
2
•
print test labels.
•
allocate memory.
•
download configuration files.
For help using PrintSet, refer to the online help portion of the application
software.
Using Third-Party Software
You can use third-party software to set many of the printer parameters. You
can configure the parameters that your software does not set by using the
printer command set or the configuration DIP switches.
Use your third-party software to create label formats and convert graphics into
a user-defined character (UDC) format that the 3240 printer can interpret. Refer
to your third-party documentation and the
for more information.
IPL Programming Reference Manual
Using the Intermec Printer Language (IPL) Commands
You can also create labels by downloading formats (designs) and data you
create with IPL commands. You can use the printer to perform any function or
activate any feature of the 3240 printer except for those features or functions
that you set with the DIP switches.
Note
: For help using IPL commands, see the
IPL Programming Reference Manual
2-17
.
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
Printing a Test Label
If you would like to test your communications by downloading a label, follow
the example below. Use the PrintSet application software to send a test label to
the printer.
Toprintthetestlabel
1.Start PrintSet on your PC.
2.From the Options menu, click Test Print.
3.Select the Test Label option button.
4.Select either the Test or the Bar Code option button.
If you select to print text, you can choose a font in the Select Printer Font list
box.
If you select to print a bar code, you can choose a symbology in the Select
Symbologies list box.
code39code39
5.Click on the Print button. Your 3240 printer prints out a test label.
For example, if you chose to print a bar code with the Code 39 symbology,
your printer prints out a label similar to the test label below:
*0123456789*
*0123456789*
*0123456789*
•*0123456789*
3240U.021
2-18
code39code39
OperatingthePrinter
2
Using a Different Platform Than a PC
If you are operating your 3240 printer from a platform not discussed in this
manual, it is important to keep several things in mind:
•
The 3240 is an ASCII printer.
•
You must configure the 3240 printer to match the settings of your platform
to ensure proper communications.
•
You must download data correctly structured for the commands. Refer to
the
IPL Programming Reference Manual
•
Ensure that the cable you are using to communicate with the printer has the
correct pin-outs. Use the cable schematics in Appendix B for reference.
Inspect the printer and the rest of your data collection system equipment on a
regular basis. Your inspection should include the following:
•
Make sure you have properly grounded the printer.
•
Inspect the work environment. Large electric motors, welders, and
switching equipment can affect printer performance. See Appendix B,
“Cabling and Communications,” for guidelines on appropriate
environments.
•
Keep the printer away from liquids.
•
Check the data collection network regularly for loose wires or poorly
installed connections. Be sure to replace corroded wires.
Cleaning the Printer
To clean the printer safely and effectively, use the following items:
•
Isopropyl alcohol
•
Cotton swabs
•
Clean lint-free cloth
•
Vacuum cleaner
•
Soapy water/mild detergent
The following procedures explain how to access the printer parts and clean
them without causing any harm to the printer or yourself.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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y
g
y
g
y
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FG 9pt Italic
*1233**1233*
Maintenance Schedule
Clean your printer regularly to maintain the quality of your labels and extend
the life of your printer. This table contains suggestions for cleaning the printer.
Use the illustration to locate the parts you need to clean.
PrinterComponentMaintenancePeriod
PrintheadInspect after every roll of media. Clean after
Printer CoverClean as necessary.
Drive Roller
Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR)
Assist Roller
Self-Strip Roller
Supply Roll Roller
Tear Bar
roll (or 6,000 inches) of media or more
ever
often if necessary.
Clean after ever
are usin
after ever
stock or continuous media, you may want to
clean after ever
necessar
that are harsh or dusty.
hi-tack adhesive, you must clean
. Clean more often in environments
five rolls of media. If you
roll of media. If you are using ta
five rolls of media or as
Media Path
Edge Guide
Upper Media Guide
Lower Media Guide
Label Gap Sensor
Label Taken Sensor
Pinch Roller
3-4
MaintainingthePrinter
C
3
FG 9pt Italic
*1233**1233*
LocatingthePrinterPartsYouNeedtoMaintain
TTR assist
roller
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Label
taken
sensor
Feed/Pause
Intermec
Intermec
3240
3
Supply roll
post
Supply roll
retainer
Upper media
guide
Lower media
guide
Label
Pinch
roller
Self-strip
assist roller
Drive
roller
Printhead
Tear bar
gap
sensor
3240U.030
Warning
Switch off the printer power and remove the power cord before cleaning any
part of the printer.
Avertissement
Mettez l’imprimante hors tension et débranchez le câble d’alimentation avant
de nettoyer une parte de l’imprimante.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
FG 9pt Italic
*1233**1233*
Cleaning the Printhead
In order for the printhead to provide good print quality, it must maintain close
contact with the media. Therefore, cleaning media debris from the printhead is
very important. You should clean the printhead after every roll (or 6,000
inches) of media or more often if necessary.
Caution
Do not use sharp objects such as knives or screwdrivers to scrape the printhead
clean. Cleaning with sharp objects will damage the printhead. Clean with only
a cotton swab, or a clean, lint-free cloth or tissue damp with isopropyl
alcohol.
Conseil
N’utilisez pas d’objets pointus tels que couteaux ou tournevis pour nettoyer la
tête d’imprimante. Nettoyer avec des objets pointus endommagera la tête
d’imprimante. Nettoyez-la seulement avec de la ouate ou avec un linge propre
et libre de peluches, humecté avec de l’alcool d’isopropyl.
Tocleantheprinthead
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position and remove the power cord.
2.Remove the media cover.
3.Disengage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise until the
printhead releases. This action raises the printhead so that you can clean it.
4.Remove the media and ribbon if necessary.
5.Use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol to remove any dirt, adhesive, or
debris from the print surface on the bottom of the printhead.
6.Wait 5 to 10 seconds for the print surface to dry. Replace the media and
ribbon.
7.Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counter clockwise until
it locks in place.
8.If you are finished cleaning, replace the media cover.
3-6
MaintainingthePrinter
C
3
FG 9pt Italic
*1233**1233*
CleaningthePrinthead
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
IntermecIntermec
IntermecIntermec
3240
3
Head
lift lever
Printhead
3240U.031
Cleaning the Printer Covers
Clean the 3240 printer covers with a general purpose cleaner (soapy
water/mild detergent). Do not use abrasive cleansers or solvents. Be sure to
clean the transparent panel on the media cover so that the media supply inside
the printer is visible when you close the cover.
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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*1233**1233*
Cleaning the Rollers and the Tear Bar
Cleaning the rollers and the tear bar preserves print quality by ensuring close
contact between the media and the printhead.
Tocleantherollersandtearbar
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position and remove the power cord.
2.Remove the media cover.
3.Rotate the head lift lever clockwise to release the printhead.
4.Remove media and ribbon (if necessary).
5.Clean the rollers by using a cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Move
the cloth over the rollers in a side-to-side motion as shown. Make sure to
rotate the rollers so you can clean all areas.
Note:
surface.
6.Clean both sides of the tear bar with a cloth dampened with isopropyl
alcohol. Remove all traces of dust, paper, and adhesive.
Rotate the TTR assist roller toward you to clean the entire drive roller
7.Replace the media and ribbon.
8.Engage the printhead by turning the head lift lever counterclockwise until
the printhead locks.
9.If you are finished cleaning, replace the media cover.
3-8
MaintainingthePrinter
C
3
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CleaningtheRollersandTearBar
TTR assist
roller
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
IntermecIntermec
IntermecIntermec
3240
3
Supply roll
roller
Tear
bar
Head lift
lever
Drive
roller
3240U.032
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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*1233**1233*
Cleaning the Media Guides and Media Path
You should clean the media guides and media path regularly to keep debris off
the media surface and printhead where irregularities can spoil print quality or
damage the printhead. Cleaning the guides also prevents the media from
skewing or improperly tracking as it travels through the media path, which can
result in smeared images and print off the side of the label. Always clean the
media guides immediately after a label jam in the printer.
Tocleanthemediaguidesandmediapath
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position and remove the power cord.
2.Remove the media cover.
3.Remove the media and ribbon (if necessary).
4.Pull down on the lower media guide to open up the media path.
5.Clean the lower media guide by using a lint-free cloth moistened with
isopropyl alcohol as shown in the following figure.
Note:
The lower media guide is spring loaded and you must hold it open to clean.
6.Use the cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the upper media
guide. Be sure to remove all traces of debris.
7.Remove all traces of dust, paper, and adhesive from the media path with a
soft bristle brush or vacuum.
8.Clean the flat surfaces of the media path (including the edge guide) with a
lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.
9.Release the lower media guide.
10. Replace the media cover.
3-10
MaintainingthePrinter
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CleaningtheMediaPathandMediaGuides
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Feed/Pause
IntermecIntermec
IntermecIntermec
3240
3
Upper media
guide
Lower media
guide
Media
path
3240U.033
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3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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*1233**1233*
Cleaning the Label Sensors
There are two label sensors on the 3240 printer that require regular cleaning:
the label taken sensor and the label gap sensor.
Tocleanthelabelsensors
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position and remove the power cord.
2.Remove the media cover.
3.Disengage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever clockwise until the
printhead releases.
4.Remove the media and ribbon (if necessary).
5.Clean the label taken sensor with a cotton swab moistened with isopropyl
alcohol. Refer to the illustration.
6.Pull down on the lower media guide to expose the label gap sensor. Using a
cleaning brush or vacuum, remove all debris and dust from the label gap
sensor.
Note:
printer for better access. Make sure you return the label gap sensor to its original
position when you finish cleaning.
You may want to slide the label gap sensor toward the outboard edge of the
7.Clean the label gap sensor with a cotton swab and alcohol.
8.Replace the media and ribbon.
9.Engage the printhead by rotating the head lift lever counterclockwise until
it locks in place.
You may have printer operation, print quality, or printer communications
problems at some time during the life of your printer. It is easy to fix most of
the errors and consequently not delay operation of the printer for very long.
Totroubleshootyourprinter
1.First try cleaning the printer components and checking all of the
connections. See Chapter 3, “Maintaining the Printer,” for details.
2.If cleaning the printer and checking the connections does not solve the
problem, use the following tables to locate the symptom. Follow the
solution in the table to fix your problem.
If you receive an error message, refer to the IPL Programming Reference Manual
for a complete list of error messages and their solutions.
Troubleshooting
C
4
If the problem persists, contact your Intermec customer service representative.
In the U.S. call 1-800-755-5505, and in Canada call 1-800-688-7043. If you are an
international customer, contact your local Intermec representative.
Printer Operation Problems
If your printer is not operating correctly, try locating the problem in the table
below:
SymptomPossibleCausesSolution
No power or loss of
power.
Labels stop feedin
through the printer.
You have damaged or
disconnected the AC power
cable.
Printer circuit breaker tripped.Turn the printer off and then back on
Printer is out of media.Load new media. See Chapter 1, “Gettin
You have loaded the label stock
incorrectly.
Make sure you have plugged the power
cable into both the printer and an outlet or
power strip. Replace the cable if damaged.
again.
Started,” or Chapter 2, “Operating the
Printer.”
Check the media path. See Chapter 1,
“Gettin
”Operating the Printer.”
Started,” or Chapter 2,
Media is stickin
path.
to the paper
Clean any extraneous material from the
paper path and clean it thorou
Chapter 3, “Maintaining the Printer.”
. See
4-3
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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g
*1233**1233*
PrinterOperationProblems(continued)
You have set the printer for
continuous label stock.
Printer slows down.You have set the ima
print speed incorrectly.
Printer has aborted and reset the
print speed and image bands.
The Alert LED flashes
and printing stops.
Media fault.The printhead is up.Make sure the printhead is down. The
Labels stick to media
access door or fail to
strip.
Printhead has overheated.Leave printer alone until it has time to cool
Sensor type set incorrectly.Confi
You have incorrectl
media.
The self-strip roller is dirt
the pinch roller is not contactin
the strip roller.
e bands or
loaded the
or
Use PrintSet to check the configuration
s. If the settings are incorrect, use
settin
PrintSet to change the settings.
Use PrintSet to change the image bands or
print speed settings.
Use PrintSet to chan
print speed settings.
down. It will resume printing on its own.
head lift lever should be strai
down. Press the Feed/Pause button to
resume printing.
ure the printer for the correct
sensor. Does this mean that I mi
printer configured for self-strip? What
m
sensor? You can enable self-strip from
PrintSet.
Try reloading the media. For help, see
“Loading a Roll of Media,” in Chapter 1.
Clean the self-strip roller. See Chapter 3,
“Maintaining the Printer.”
e the image bands or
ht up and
ht have
The stepper motor stalls
while printin
that is less than 2.7
inches wide.
Test confi
do not print.
media
uration labels
You did not properl
bias adjust screw.
You have incorrectly loaded
media.
You have confi
for self-strip media.
Media fault.Remove media from under the label taken
adjust the
ured the printer
Adjust the bias adjust screw to the
optimum printin
“Correctin
chapter.
Try reloading the media. For help, see
“Loading a Roll of Media,” in Chapter 1.
Set the printer to the default configuration
the DIP switches. For help, see
usin
“Plugging In the Printer,” in Chapter 1.
sensor.
position. See
Uneven Print Quality” in this
4-4
*1233**1233*
Print Quality Problems
If your labels are not being printed properly, check the following table to locate
the symptom and correct the problem.
SymptomPossibleCausesSolution
Troubleshooting
C
4
Blotches printing on
labels.
Printing is too light
or too dark.
Dirty printhead.Clean the printhead. For help, see “Cleaning
the Printhead,” in Chapter 3.
Dirty media path or rollers.Clean the media path. For help, see “Cleaning
the Media Guides and Media Path,” in Chapter
3.
Poor quality label or ribbon
stock.
You have set the darkness
adjust control incorrectly.
Poor quality label or ribbon
stock.
Dirty printhead.Clean the printhead. For help, see “Cleaning
You set the sensitivity command
incorrectly.
Use only Intermec label and ribbon stock to
ensure superior print quality and product
performance.
Adjust the knob to achieve the best print
quality. See “Adjusting the Print Darkness” in
this chapter.
Use only Intermec label and ribbon stock to
ensure superior print quality and product
performance.
the Printhead,” in Chapter 3.
Change sensitivity setting to match the type of
media you are using (for help, see “Setting the
Media Sensitivity Number,” in Chapter 2). If
you set the sensitivity setting correctly, try
changing the dark adjust command.
Printing not aligned
on label.
Labels are not
stopping at the right
point for removal.
Print speed exceeds the
capability of the media.
Printer is misfeeding media.Make sure you have correctly installed the
Label stock has moved in the
media path.
You have not set the label rest
point command correctly.
Lower your print speed or use Intermec media
recommended for your print speed.
media. For help, see “Loading a Roll of Media,”
in Chapter 1.
Adjust the lateral printhead knob. See
“Correcting the Lateral Position of the Label
Image” later in this chapter.
Adjust the label rest point. For help, see your
PrintSet online help or the
Reference Manual
.
IPL Programming
4-5
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
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*1233**1233*
PrintQualityProblems(continued)
SymptomPossibleCausesSolution
Labels not stoppin
at right point
(continued).
Print qualit
poor.
is
You have set the printer for
continuous label stock.
Incorrect media sensitivity setting.Change sensitivity setting to match the type of
Print speed exceeds the capabilit
of the media.
Printhead, platen roller, or label
path is dirty.
Dirty media.Keep media in a bag until you need it.
The darkness of label print is too
light or too dark.
Uneven print contrast (density).Ad
Set the printer to thermal transfer or direct
thermal label stock. See “Loading a Roll of
Media” in Chapter 1.
media
correctly, try changing the dark adjust
command. For help, see
help, the IPL Programming Reference Manual, or
“Optimizin
in this chapter.
Lower
media recommended for your print speed.
Clean printhead, platen roller, and label path
as described in Chapter 3, “Maintainin
Printer.”
Ad
“Ad
chapter.
Uneven Print Quality” in this chapter.
ou are using. If you set the sensitivit
our PrintSet online
and Maintaining Print Quality”
our print speed or use Intermec
the
ust the darkness adjust control. See
usting the Print Darkness” in this
ust the bias adjust screw. See “Correctin
You are usin
ribbon stock to print labels.
Ribbon wrinkling.Check to make sure that
Ribbon installed upside down.For help, see “Loadin
Direct thermal/thermal transfer
switch set in the wrong position.
You have severel
printhead or platen roller.
Media ma
platen roller, causin
to compress.
incorrect label or
worn the
be slipping against the
the printin
Use only Intermec label and ribbon stock to
ensure superior print qualit
performance.
ribbon correctl
Thermal Transfer Ribbon,” in Chapter 2.
Set the bias ad
Uneven Print Quality” in this chapter.
Ribbon” in Chapter 2.
Set the switch for the t
. For help, see “Loading a Roll of
usin
Media,” in Chapter 1.
Replace the platen roller or printhead.
Switch to approved media or clean the
printhead and platen roller as described in
Chapter 3, “Maintaining the Printer.”
. For help, see “Loadin
ust screw. See “Correctin
Thermal Transfer
and product
ou installed the
pe of media you are
4-6
*1233**1233*
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PrintQualityProblems(continued)
SymptomPossibleCausesSolution
Troubleshooting
C
4
The printer skips labels
randoml
intermittent error.
The printer is not
waitin
remove a label to print
another.
Top of form shifts in
self- strip mode after
you lift the printhead.
Labels stop strippin
while in self-strip
mode.
or sends an
until you
The label
correct position.
The label format extends be
the label length.
You have not correctl
the label taken sensor over the
media path.
The tension has chan
liner.
There is to much liner
accumulated on the rewinder
hub.
ap sensor is not in the
Communications Problems
ond
positioned
ed on the
Properly position the label gap sensor. For
help, see “Accuratel
a Label” in this chapter.
Edit the format to ensure that the text fits on
the label.
Make sure that you position the label taken
sensor over the media path. See “Ad
the Printer for Self-Strip Printing” in this
chapter.
Remove the accumulated liner from the
rewinder hub. For help, see “Loadin
Media for Self-strip Printing” in Chapter 2.
Remove the accumulated liner from
rewinder hub. For help, see “Loadin
Media for Self-strip Printing” in Chapter 2.
Detecting the Start of
ustin
If your printer is not receiving downloaded data, try these solutions.
SymptomPossibleCausesSolution
Printer does not
communicate with the
host.
You have not configured the
serial port correctly.
Dama
ed or incorrect I/O cable.Check the connections at both ends or
Make sure the printer’s serial port settings
match those of the host.
replace the cable. See Appendix B for cable
information.
4-7
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
Preventing Data Loss
Several problems can cause data loss or communication problems on the 3240
printer. Data loss can result in printing errors or missing field data.
The 3240 printer is a serial ASCII device. It communicates with the host
through an ASCII serial communications I/O port. Hardware handshaking
involves the use of a hardware wire. Software handshaking involves a two-way
datalink between the devices. The two devices communicate with each other
without losing data through the use of handshaking. The printer sends both
forms of handshaking simultaneously when the printer’s input buffer is full.
Any loss of data can cause printing errors or missing data.
Hardware handshaking uses pins 11 or 20 of the RS-232 interface to control
data flow. When the printer is using Intermec Standard protocol, it holds pins
11 and 20 high when the printer is ready to receive data. The printer holds the
pins low when the printer is in one of the following conditions:
•
Buffer full
•
Ribbon fault
•
No label stock
•
Label at strip pin
The 3240 printer uses XON/XOFF protocol for software handshaking. When
the input buffer is full, the printer transmits an XOFF character. This character
alerts the host to the fact that the printer buffer is full and cannot receive any
more data. When the printer is ready to receive more data, it sends the XON
character.
Tocheckforcommunicationsproblems
1.Check the cabling from the printer to the host system.
2.Check the communications interfacing of the devices connected to the
printer.
3.Check the printer for proper electrical operation of the I/O port.
4.Ensure that the host system is not overrunning the printer input buffers.
5.Ensure that the data string being sent to the printer contains the correct
information.
4-8
*1233**1233*
Optimizing and Maintaining Print Quality
Intermec designed and configured the 3240 printer to provide the best possible
print quality for both direct thermal and thermal transfer media. However,
there are many factors that you need to take into account before you can
achieve maximum print quality for your own application. The following
sections address these factors:
•Selecting the correct media.
•Setting the print speed.
•Selecting the correct media sensitivity number.
•Selecting the correct bar code orientation.
•Adjusting the print darkness.
•Adjusting the printer for self-strip printing.
•Using Precision Print technology to print high registration labels.
Troubleshooting
C
4
Selecting the Correct Media
Media selection is one of the most important decisions you can make
concerning print quality. The 3240 printer supports a wide selection of both
direct thermal and thermal transfer media. To achieve optimum performance in
your application, you must evaluate requirements such as print speed and
environmental conditions.
It is important that you select the proper media when printing at higher speeds.
Using good quality media reduces the occurrence of images that fade or bleed.
If you want to print quality labels at higher print speeds, you must select media
with low reaction or release imaging temperatures. Printing at lower speeds
produces the highest quality labels. However, it is ultimately up to you and
your Intermec Applications Analyst to decide the proper media for your
application.
Please consult your Intermec Applications Analyst to ensure the selection of the
proper media for your individual application. Refer to “Setting the Media
Sensitivity Number,” in Chapter 2 for a complete list of available media.
4-9
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
Setting the Print Speed
The print speed you select affects the printed image. Therefore, it is important
to select the proper media when printing at higher speeds. You can produce the
highest quality labels at lower speeds. You can achieve optimal print quality for
most direct thermal media at speeds below 3.0 ips.
To print labels as quickly as possible, you must adjust the print speed in
conjunction with the number of image bands. The print speed and image band
settings determine the rate at which the printer processes the images of your
labels. This image processing rate in turn affects the speed of the entire printing
process. See “Maximizing Throughput” in Chapter 5 for more information.
To achieve optimal print quality at speeds greater than 3.0 ips, you may need to
fine-tune the printer (or select thermal transfer media). At higher speeds, it is
important to properly set the sensitivity number and the dark adjust. If
necessary, further adjustment of controls such as the bias adjust screw can
improve print quality.
Selecting the Correct Media Sensitivity Number
Intermec prints a three-digit sensitivity number on each roll or box to specify a
heating schedule optimized for print speed and print history. Each print
element on the 3240 printer heats individually and various types of media
require different temperatures. Therefore, each heating schedule is unique due
to different media chemistries and manufacturing processes. Intermec
developed these heating schedules to produce the highest possible print quality
for bar codes.
Before you load media into the printer, check to see that the sensitivity number
for the media matches the number set in the printer. This improves the print
quality and sets the darkness to an appropriate level. The 3240 default setting
for direct thermal media sensitivity is 420. For thermal transfer media, the
default setting is 567. For information on setting the media sensitivity, see
“Setting the Media Sensitivity Number” in Chapter 2.
Selecting the Correct Bar Code Orientation
You can alter the format to improve print quality and print speed. At high
speeds, you can produce the best quality bar codes by using the drag
orientation (printing parallel to paper motion). For more information on
formats, please see the IPL Programming Reference Manual. See the Glossary for
an explanation of drag and picket bar code orientations.
4-10
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
4
Adjusting the Print Darkness
Use the darkness adjust control in combination with the Print Darkness
adjustment in PrintSet to fine-tune the darkness of print on your labels. The
fine adjustments compensate for variations in the media (“lot to lot”), the
printhead, or the printer. Set the darkness adjust control after you enter the
media sensitivity number.
Toadjusttheprintdarkness
1.Locate the darkness adjust control on the back of the printer.
2.Use a small straight-slot screwdriver to adjust the print darkness.
•To increase the print darkness, turn the darkness adjust control
clockwise.
•To decrease the print darkness, turn the control counterclockwise.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Turn the darkness
adjust control clockwise
for darker print
I
O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Darkness
adjust control
Turn the darkness adjust
control counterclockwise
for lighter print
Screwdriver
3240U.040
4-11
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
Adjusting the Printer for Self-Strip Printing
If your 3240 printer is continuing to print labels even when there is a label
waiting for removal at the tear bar, you may need to adjust the label taken
sensor. The label taken sensor detects whether there is a label present at the tear
bar. The printer uses this sensor to determine when you remove a stripped
label and when it can print the next label. You can only use this sensor with the
self-strip option.
Note: It is only necessary to adjust the label taken sensor when using very narrow
labels (less than 0.5 inch).
Topositionthelabeltakensensor
1.Slide the label taken sensor up to 3/8 inch from the inboard edge of the
media path.
2. Align the label taken sensor over the straight edge of the label at the tear
bar.
For narrow label stock, you may want to position the label taken sensor in the
middle of the label. The following illustration shows how to position the label
taken sensor for narrow label stock.
Label
taken
sensor
Label
Backing
Tear
bar
3240U.034
4-12
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
4
Using Precision Print Technology to Print High Registration
Labels
The 3240 printer uses Precision Print technology to perform high registration
printing. High registration printing means that the printer tracks the movement
of media and automatically adjusts to ensure accurate horizontal (top of form)
placement of an image on the label. Use the Precision Print technology and the
adjustable features of the printer to ensure high registration printing by:
•correcting the lateral position of the label image.
•accurately detecting the start of a label.
•correcting uneven print quality.
• fine-tuning the top of form position.
Correcting the Lateral Position of the Label Image
If your label image is no longer printing in the middle of your label, you may
need to adjust the lateral position of the printhead. Use the lateral printhead
knob to compensate for lateral movement of media in the media path or
variations in a roll of media. You can move the printhead 0.10 inch in either
direction.
Note: Do not raise the printhead before attempting to adjust the lateral position of the
printhead.
Toadjustthelateralprintheadknob
1.Remove the media cover.
2.Gradually turn the lateral printhead knob while printing and observe how
the image is moving on the label.
•Turn the knob clockwise to move the printhead toward the inboard
edge of the media path.
•Turn the knob counterclockwise to move the printhead toward the outer
edge of the media path.
3.Adjust the lateral printhead knob until the image prints exactly where you
want it to on the label.
In the first part of the following illustration, the label image starts out
printing too close to the outside edge of the label. By turning the lateral
printhead knob clockwise, the label image moves closer to the inside edge
of the label. In the lower part of the illustration, the label image prints
exactly where you want it to, in the center of the label.
4.Replace the media cover.
4-13
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*NARR
Lateral
printhead
knob
3240U.036
Printhead
Lateral
printhead
knob
Printhead
*NARR
Front view
Front view
*1233**1233*
AdjustingtheLateralPrintheadKnob
4-14
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
4
Accurately Detecting the Start of a Label
If you experience problems such as the printer skipping labels or the printer
stopping and the yellow LED flashing, you may need to adjust the label gap
sensor. You are most likely to experience any of these problems if you are using
very narrow label stock and the label gap sensor is not in the correct position.
You can adjust the label gap sensor from 0 to 1.0 inch from the inner edge of the
printer.
Note: Intermec sets the label gap sensor to 0.5 inch from the inner edge of the printer
at the factory. You should be able to leave it in this position for most labels wider than
1.0 inch.
Toadjustthelabelgapsensor
1.Remove the media cover.
2.Turn the label gap sensor knob counterclockwise and slide the sensor all of
the way to the inner edge of the lower media guide.
3.Tear off one of the labels from your roll of media and line it up with the
0 (zero) on the lower media guide.
4.Slide the label gap sensor knob to the position where the label gap sensor
indicator is in the middle of the label. The label gap sensor indicator is the
part of the label gap sensor knob that is visible from the top of the lower
media guide.
Here are some guidelines for you to follow:
•If your labels are less than 1.0 inch wide, position the label gap sensor in
the middle of the label.
•If your labels are greater than 1.0 inch wide, position the label gap
sensor over the straight edge of the label.
•If your labels are round, position the label gap sensor over the middle of
the radius edge.
4-15
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
AdjustingtheLabelGapSensor
Label
gap
sensor
Position label gap
sensor indicator
in the middle of
the label
Top view
Label gap
sensor knob
Lower
media
guide
Label
gap
sensor
Lower media
guide
Label
radius
Edge
guide
3240U.035
5.Turn the label gap sensor knob clockwise to secure it in the new position.
6.Try printing a label to see if the printer is detecting the start of the label
(top of form).
4-16
7.If the printer is still not detecting the top of form, slide the label gap sensor
a little further toward the outer edge of the lower media guide.
8.Replace the media cover.
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
4
Correcting Uneven Print Quality
You may experience problems in print quality (ribbon wrinkling or light print
on one side of your label) if the printhead is not making even contact with the
label stock. This condition can happen with any size label stock, but is most
common when using narrow label stock (1 inch or less). You need a straightslot screwdriver to turn the bias adjust screw.
To achieve the best print quality, adjust the bias adjust screw each time you use
media of a different width.
Note: You must properly adjust the bias adjust screw to prevent premature printhead
failure and excessive platen wear.
Toadjustthebiasadjustscrew
1.Remove the media cover and locate the bias adjust screw.
Feed/Pause
Power
Alert
Empty/Pause
Intermec
Intermec
Bias
adjust
screw
3240
3
3240G.041
4-17
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
2.To compensate for uneven print quality, turn the bias adjust screw as
shown.
Adjusting the bias adjust causes the printhead to rest evenly on the drive
roller and results in even print quality.
If printing is light on the
right side of label, turn the
bias adjust screw counterclockwise.
*N
AR
RO
3.Replace the media cover.
If printing is light on
the left side of label, turn
the bias adjust screw clockwise.
AR
RO
E*
3240U.042
4-18
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
4
Fine-Tuning the Top of Form Position
If your label format prints too close to the front or back edge of the label, you
can fine-tune the position with the top of form (TOF) switch. The TOF switch
controls the position of the format forward or backward along the length of the
label.
This feature is especially important if you are printing small labels in self-strip
mode because you can easily adjust for slight shifts in the label format without
stopping the printer or sending down software commands.
Only use the TOF switch to fine-tune your label format position. This is
important because the printer returns to your initial TOP setting when you:
• cycle printer power.
• lift the printhead.
Use the TOF switch to fine-tune the format position after you design the label.
Use PrintSet or the IPL top of form command to control the initial TOF setting.
For help on using the top of form command, see the PrintSet help or the IPLProgramming Reference Manual.
The TOF switch is a small rocker switch located on the lower outboard plate of
the printer.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
I
O
3240M.021
4-19
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233**1233*
TomovealabelformatbackwardwiththeTOFswitch
Note: You will see the new format position on the second label you print after pressing
the TOF switch.
You notice that your format is printing toward the from part of the label.
Labeldirectionfromprinter
Í
#123
1.Remove the media cover.
Note: Do not raise the printhead while adjusting the TOF position.
2.Press on the back part of the TOF switch. Each time you press the TOF
switch, you move the label format backward .005 inch (1.27 mm).
3240A.003
#123
3240M.023
4-20
3.Press the TOF switch repeatedly until your format moves backward to the
correct position on the label.
#123
#123
3240M.025
*1233**1233*
Troubleshooting
C
TomovealabelformatforwardwiththeTOFswitch
You notice that your format is printing toward the back part of the label.
Í
Labeldirectionfromprinter
4
#123
1.Remove the media cover.
Note: Do not raise the printhead while adjusting the TOF Position.
2.Press on the front part of the TOF switch. Each time you press the TOF
switch, you move the label format forward .005 inch (.127 mm).
3240M.024
3.Press the TOF switch repeatedly until your format moves forward to the
correct position on the label:
#123
3240M.026
#123
#123
3240M.025
4-21
*1233**1233*
QXJJHW
code39
helconital
Performing Advanced Procedures
5
QXJJHW
code39
helconital
PerformingAdvancedProcedures
Thischapterexplainshowto:
Usetheprintermemorymoreefficiently.
••
Maximizethroughput.
••
UseTestandServicemode.
••
ChangeconfigurationcommandsinTestandServicemode.
••
Using the Printer Memory Efficiently
To receive the best performance from your 3240 printer, you must understand
how to use the printer RAM. The following sections help you determine the
most efficient way to use your printer memory. It is important to remember
that using a lot of available memory for storage reduces the amount of memory
you can use for imaging. The end result is a decrease in printer performance.
How Is the 3240 RAM Used?
There is enough RAM in the printer to store several different label formats and
still retain enough memory to store downloaded fonts, graphics, and data. Be
careful of how you use your printer memory.
5
The 3240 printer uses static RAM for storing tables, pages, formats, fonts, and
user-defined characters (UDCs). For a printer with 128K of static RAM
installed, the default amount allocated for storage RAM is 60K. You can use
any RAM not allocated for storage for imaging. Use PrintSet to adjust the
amount of RAM allocated for storage purposes from 10K to 120K. If you require
additional RAM, a 512K memory expansion option is available.
The printer supports the following parameters independent of the amount of
static RAM installed or allocated by the printer:
•
Maximum number of formats: 20 (You can edit formats 1 to 99. You cannot
edit default format 0.)
•
Fields per format: 200
•
Maximum data buffer size for a field: 3000
•
Maximum number of UDCs: 100
•
Maximum number of user-defined fonts: 16
5-3
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233*
FG 8pt Italic
Making the Most of Your RAM
There are limits to the number of formats, fonts, graphics, or pages that you can
store in the printer. You can define up to 16 fonts, but there may not be enough
room depending on the amount of memory being used for other purposes. The
more formats, graphics, and fonts you store, the less memory
is available.
When you run into a memory usage problem, use PrintSet to see how much
memory remains available. The printer uploads information on the amount of
storage RAM allocated and the amount of allocated RAM that you are not
using. The printer uses a comma to separate the two numbers. For example, the
printer may send back the following: 120,10 (indicating that you have 120K
allocated for storage and that you are not using 10K). If you find that it is
necessary to increase your available memory, you can do one of the following:
•
Adjust the amount of RAM allocated for storage purposes using the
PrintSet software.
A printer with 128K of static RAM installed can adjust the amount of RAM
allocated for storage from 10K to 120K. For printers with expanded RAM
(512K) installed, you can adjust the amount of storage RAM from 10K to
504K. If you set the amount of RAM to an amount too small to hold the
existing formats, pages, fonts, and UDCs, the printer erases them.
•
Increase the amount of available memory by using the Memory Reset
portion of the Test and Service menu. See “Using Memory Reset” later in
this chapter for more information.
•
Delete any unneeded user-defined fonts, graphics, pages, or formats. For
help, see the PrintSet software or the IPL Programming Reference Manual.
•
Purchase additional memory. Please contact your Intermec representative
for information on purchasing additional memory for the 3240 printer.
5-4
Maximizing Throughput
To print labels as quickly as possible, you must adjust the print speed in
conjunction with the number of image bands (one image band equals 1 inch of
label). The print speed and image band settings determine the rate at which the
printer processes the images of your labels. This rate in turn affects the
throughput of the entire printing process.
The 3240 printer begins imaging the label when it receives the command to
select a format. Since the 3240 printer starts imaging the label so early, the
chance that the imaging process will be unable to keep up with the print speed
decreases and throughput improves. However, if the number of image bands is
too low, the imaging process is unable to keep up with the print speed. In this
case, the printer stops printing and starts again at the lowest print speed with
the maximum number of image bands. If you have set the image band
command too high, the printer spends more time than necessary imaging and
slows down label production.
PerformingAdvancedProcedures
5
What Is an Image Band?
Image bands are a section of memory where the printer draws a picture of a
label format. We call this process imaging. Once the printer images the picture,
the printer loads the picture from the image bands to the printhead for printing.
Each image band is equal to 1 inch of length of the label format. The number of
image bands you use may be less than the length of the label you are printing.
The number of image bands (in inches) does not have to equal the length of the
label since the printer recycles the image bands. Once the printer prints the
contents of an image band, it can reuse the band to image the next section of the
label.
Keep in mind that the more complex the label, the longer it will take to image
each section, thus requiring a slower print speed. To use a higher print speed,
use more image bands to allow more of the imaging process to complete before
printing begins.
5-5
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233*
FG 8pt Italic
How the Image Bands Command Works
The image bands command controls the amount of memory allotted to the
imaging process. When you increase the image band adjustment to a higher
number, you add more buffers to the imaging memory. By doing this, the
printer images more of the label format before printing begins.
The minimum number of required image bands is dependent upon the print
speed and the complexity of the label. Labels that contain numerous fields with
different rotations, graphics, or combinations of any number of these
formatting options may require a higher number of image bands.
To set the number of image bands, use PrintSet or the IPL command. For help,
see the PrintSet online help or the IPL Programming Reference Manual.
Optimizing Print Speed and Image Band Setting
The maximum number of image bands available for use is 5 bands with 128K of
static RAM or 7 bands with expanded RAM. The minimum number of image
bands available is 2.
Tooptimizethenumberofimagebandsforyourprintspeed
1.Set the image band setting to the lowest number (2).
2.Print a label at the desired speed.
If the label prints, the image band setting is optimal. You do not need to
perform any more adjustments.
If the number of image bands is too low, the printer aborts the label before
it completes printing and attempts to reprint the label at the slowest speed
(2 ips) with the highest number of image bands (5). You need to continue
with Step 3.
3.Return to the original print speed and increase the original number of
image bands one at a time.
Continue to increase the number of image bands until the printer prints a
label correctly.
If the printer still aborts and reprints at the highest image band setting, you
may be trying to optimize at a print speed that is too high for your label format.
Try optimizing the number of image bands at a lower print speed or add
expansion RAM.
To print very complex labels at high speeds, you must allocate enough image
bands to completely image the label before printing. Allocate one band for each
inch of label length. By doing this, you can print at any speed. However, there
may be a considerable delay between labels.
5-6
PerformingAdvancedProcedures
5
Reimaging Modified Fields
You can now choose to reimage only the fields in a label format that you
modify instead of reimaging the entire label format. If you are updating data in
only a few simple fields, it may be faster to use the modified field reimaging
command. However, you need to take into account the type of fields you will
be reimaging. If you choose to reimage a field that takes longer to erase and
reimage than it takes an entire label format to erase and reimage, you will not
be increasing throughput. Erasing a field requires reimaging it with zeros, and
erasing a label requires only clearing the RAM. When you use it correctly, this
command parameter can greatly increase the throughput of your printer.
Tousethemodifiedfieldreimagingcommand
1.Make sure that you select enough image bands to allow the printer to retain
the entire label image.
One image band is equal to 1 inch of label length and 50K of RAM.
2.Select the fields to reimage by using PrintSet. For more information on how
to reimage modified fields, see the IPL Programming Reference Manual.
Optimizing Image Bands for Batch Printing
If you frequently print batches of identical labels (using the <US> command) or
print a quantity of identical labels, you may want to optimize the number of
image bands for batch printing. This optimization is especially helpful if you
experience delays between the printing of each label.
To optimize the number of image bands for batch printing, you must select
enough image memory to allow the printer to retain the entire label image. To
optimize batch printing, select the number of image bands (1 band = 1 inch) to
equal the label size. Therefore, if the printed image stops at a distance of 2
inches from the beginning of the label, you must select two image bands to
prevent reimaging if the label is 3 inches long.
5-7
3240BarCodeLabelPrinterUsersManual
*1233*
FG 8pt Italic
Using Test and Service Mode
Use Test and Service mode on the 3240 printer to print test labels and provide
printer hardware diagnostic information to the host.
Note: For all Test and Service tests, pressing the Feed/Pause button pauses the current
test. Holding the Feed/Pause button aborts the current test and starts a new test.
ToenterTestandServicemode
1.Turn the ON/OFF switch to the off position.
2.Press and hold the Feed/Pause button while turning the printer power on.
The printer prints out a hardware configuration label and then enters Data
Line Print mode.
3.Set the DIP switches to the test or service function you wish to perform. See
the following table for a list of the DIP switch settings.
4.Hold the Feed/Pause button down for 1 second. The test begins
immediately.
5.If you wish to perform another function, change the DIP switch settings and
press the Feed/Pause button.
The function the printer is currently executing terminates, and the printer
performs the new function.
6.To exit Test and Service mode, turn the printer power off and then on again.
Note: Be sure to return all DIP switches to their original settings after completing the
configuration tests and before powering the printer back on.
The printer remains in Test and Service mode until you turn the power off
again and reset the DIP switches. The printer executes all functions as soon as
you select them.
Use the information in the following table to set the DIP switches for the
appropriate Test and Service mode function you want to perform.
5-8
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