Kroy Europe Ltd K4350, K4350C User Manual

KROY

USER'S

MANUAL

KROY – K4350 / K4350C Thermal Transfer Printer Series

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CONTENTS

1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION................................................................ 1

1.1 Compliances.....................................................................................................1

1.2 Warranty Information........................................................................................1

1.2.1 Thermal Print Head...................................................................................2

1.2.2 Warranty Service Procedures...................................................................2

1.2.3 General Warranty Provisions....................................................................2

1.2.4 Limitation of Liability .................................................................................. 3

2. GETTING STARTED............................................................................. 4

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................4

2.2 Equipment Checklist.........................................................................................4

2.3 Printer Parts......................................................................................................5

2.4 External Label Roll Mount ................................................................................8

2.5 Buttons and Indicators......................................................................................9

3. SET UP................................................................................................ 10

3.1 Setting Up the Printer.....................................................................................10

3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock ......................................................................... 10

3.3 Self-Peeling Function.....................................................................................13

3.4 Ribbon Loading Instructions...........................................................................15

3.5 Install External Label Roll Mount....................................................................18

3.6 Install Memory Module....................................................................................19

3.7 Self Test .........................................................................................................20

3.8 Dump Mode....................................................................................................21

4. USING K4350/4350C.......................................................................... 22

4.1 Power-on Utilities............................................................................................22

4.1.1 Self Test Utility........................................................................................22

4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility.................................................................22

4.1.3 Printer Initialization..................................................................................23

4.2 Error Messages..............................................................................................24

4.3 Troubleshooting Guide...................................................................................25

5. SPECIFICATIONS, OPTIONS, & SUPPLIES .................................... 26

5.1 Specifications .................................................................................................26

5.1.1 Printer ..................................................................................................... 26

5.1.2 Indicators and Buttons.............................................................................26

5.1.3 Communication Interface.........................................................................26

5.1.4 Power Requirements...............................................................................26

5.1.5 Environment ............................................................................................27

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5.1.6 Printer Body.............................................................................................27

5.2 Options...........................................................................................................27

5.3 Supplies .......................................................................................................... 28

5.3.1 Label Stock..............................................................................................28

5.3.2 Ribbon.....................................................................................................28

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1. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Thank you very much for purchasing Kroy K4350/4350C printer. The attractive
desktop printer delivers superior performance at an economical price. Both
powerful and easy-to-use, K4350/4350C printer is your best choice among
desktop direct thermal and thermal transfer label printers.

K4350/4350C printer offers both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing at
selectable speeds of 1.5 and 2.0 inches per second. It can accept a wide range
of media, including roll feed, die-cut, and fan-fold labels or tags for both thermal
transfer and direct thermal printing. All of the most frequently used bar code
formats are available. Fonts and bar codes can be printed in any one of four
directions. K4350/4350C printer provides a choice of five different sizes of
alphanumeric fonts. By using font multiplication, an even greater range of sizes
is possible. Smooth fonts can be downloaded from provided user friendly label
design software. In addition, K4350/4350C is capable of independently
executing BASIC programming functions, including arithmetic, logical operation,
loop, flow-control and file management, among others. This programming
capability provides the greatest efficiency in label printing. The status of printer
and error messages may either be printed out or viewed on a monitor by means
of the RS-232 connection.

1.1 Compliances

CE, FCC, UL, CUL, TÜV-GS, CNS

1.2 Warranty Information

Kroy warrants to the customer that under normal use and service the printer
(with the exception of the print head) purchased hereunder shall be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year, from the date of
shipment by Kroy.

Expendable items or parts such as labels, ribbons are not covered by this
warranty. This warranty does not cover equipment or parts which has been
misused, altered, neglected, carelessly handled, or used for purposes other than
those for which the printer was manufactured. This warranty also does not cover
loss, damages resulting from accident, or damages resulting from unauthorized
service.

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1.2.1 Thermal Print Head

The warranty of the thermal print head is limited to ninety days (90) from the
date of shipment to buyer. The warranty does not cover thermal print head which
have been misused, altered, neglected, handled carelessly, or damaged due to
improper cleaning or unauthorized repairs.

1.2.2 Warranty Service Procedures

If defect should occur during the warranty period, the defective unit shall be
returned, freight and insurance prepaid, in the original shipping container to your
purchased reseller or distributor. Include a contact name, action desired, and a
detailed description of the problem and examples when possible. We shall not
be responsible for any loss or damages incurred during shipping. Any warranty
repairs to be performed by your purchased reseller or distributor shall be subject
to said company’ s confirmation that such product meets warranty guidelines. In
the event of a defect covered by its warranty.

1.2.3 General Warranty Provisions

Kroy makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity, or suitability of
any of its hardware, supplies or software. Software is licensed on an “as is”
basis without warranty.

Except and to the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all
other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to any
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular product.

Purchaser shall be solely responsible for the selection, use, efficiency and
suitability of Kroy products.

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1.2.4 Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Kroy be liable to purchaser for any indirect, special, or
consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Kroy products,
or if the performance or a breach thereof, even if Kroy has been advised of the
possibility thereof. Kroy liability, if any, to the purchaser or to the customers of
purchaser hereunder shall in no event exceed the total amounts paid to Kroy
hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product.

In no event shall Kroy be liable to purchaser for any damages resulting from or
related to any failure or delay of Kroy in the delivery or installation of the
computer hardware, supplies, or software in the performance of any services.

The remedies set forth here are the sole and exclusive remedies available to any
person for any damages of any kind and nature including incidental,
consequential, or special, whether arising from warranty (including implied
warranties), contract, negligence, tort or otherwise. In the event that any implied
warranties (including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose) are found to exist, such warranties are
limited in duration to the period of the warranties.

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2. GETTING STARTED

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

The printer has been specially packaged to withstand damage in the shipping
process. However, for fear that unexpected damage might occur, upon receiving
the printer, carefully inspect the package and the device. In case of evident
damage, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of the
damage. Please retain the packaging materials in case you need to reship the
printer.

2.2 Equipment Checklist

l K4350/4350C printer unit
l Ribbon paper core
l Ribbon supply/rewind spindle (2 pcs.)
l Label supply roll spindle
l External label roll mount
l Power supply
l Power cord
l Centronics interface cable
l Compact disk with label design software and driver

Separately purchased items may also be included. These additional items may
include:

l Additional labels
l Additional ribbons
l Memory module
l Cutter (available as standard with the K4350C)
l Portable LCD keyboard

If any parts are missing, please contact the Customer Service Department of
your purchased reseller or distributor.

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2.3 Printer Parts

Figure 1. Top front view

1. Cover Release Button

2. PWR., ON-LINE and ERR. Indicators

3. PAUSE Button

4. FEED Button

5. Label Dispense Opening

6. Backing Paper Opening (for use with self-peeling function)

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Figure 2. Interior view

1. Printer Cover (in open position)

2. Label Supply Roll Spindle

3. Fixing Tabs

4. Ribbon Mechanism

5. Ribbon Supply Spindle

6. Ribbon Rewind Spindle

7. Printer Carriage Release Lever

8. Backing Paper Opening

9. Detachable Front Panel

10. PAUSE Button

11. PWR., ON-LINE, ERR. Indicators

12. FEED Button

13. Peel-Off Sensor

14. Memory Module Slot (with cover on)

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Figure 3. Rear view

1. Power On/Off Switch

2. Power Supply Connector

3. RS-232 DB-9 Interface Connector

4. Centronics Interface Connector

5. Label Insert Opening (for use with external labels)

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2.4 External Label Roll Mount

Figure 4. External label roll mount

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2.5 Buttons and Indicators

PWR. (POWER) Indicator

The green PWR. indicator illuminates when the POWER switch is turned on.

ON-LINE Indicator

The green ON-LINE indicator illuminates when the printer is ready to print.
When PAUSE button is pressed, the ON-LINE indicator flashes.

ERR. Indicator (Error/Paper Empty)

The red ERR. indicator illuminates in the event of a printer error, such as
memory error, syntax error, and so forth. For a full list of error messages, please
refer to section 4.2, Error Messages.

PAUSE Button

The PAUSE button allows the user to stop a print job and then continue the
printing with a second depression of the button. By pressing the PAUSE button:
(1) the printer stops printing after the printing label, (2) the PAUSE LED flashes,
and (3) the printer will hold all data in memory. This allows for trouble-free
replacement of label stock and thermal transfer ribbon. A second depression of
the PAUSE button will restart the printer.

Note: If the PAUSE button is held down for more than 3 seconds, the
printer will be reset and all data of the previous printing job will be lost.

FEED Button

Press the FEED button to feed the label to the beginning of the next label.

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3. SET UP

3.1 Setting Up the Printer

1. Place the printer on a flat, secure surface.

2. Make sure the POWER switch is off.

3. Connect the printer to the computer mainframe with the provided RS-232C or
Centronics cable.

4. Plug the power cord into the power supply connector at the rear of the printer,
and then plug the power cord into a properly grounded receptable.

3.2 Loading Label and Tag Stock

1. Open the printer cover

2. Disengage the printer carriage by pulling the printer carriage release lever on
the left side of the platen.

3. Slide the label supply roll spindle through the core of a label roll and attach
the fixing tabs onto the spindle.

4. Place the label roll into the label roll mount. Feed the label under the carriage
and over the platen.

5. Adjust the label guide to fit the width of the media.

6. Engage the printer carriage.

7. Wind the label roll until it becomes adequately taut.

8. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button three or four times until the
green ON-LINE indicator illuminates.

9. When the printer is out of ribbon or media, the ON-LINE LED will not
illuminate and the ERR. LED will flash. Reload the ribbon or media without
turning off the printer power. Press the FEED button three or four times until
the ON-LINE LED illuminates. The printing job will be resumed without data
loss.

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Figure 5. Inserting label supply roll into label roll mount

1. Label Supply Roll Spindle

2. Label Roll Mount

3. Label Roll

4. Fixing Tabs

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Figure 6. Feed labels through adjustable label guide

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Platen

3. Label Media

4. Adjustable Label Guide

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3.3 Self-Peeling Function

To employ the self-peeling function, load the label stock according to the
following steps.

1. Remove the front panel.

2. Tear off the foremost one or two labels of the label stock, as befits the case.
Feed the backing paper between the platen and the white “self-peeling” roller,
as shown in Figure 7.

3. Feed the backing paper through the backing paper opening in the front panel,
as shown in Figure 8.

4 Put back the front panel.

Figure 7. Setting up printer for self-peeling function

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Platen

3. Self-Peeling Roller

4. Backing Paper

Note: It is recommended that the print speed be set at 2 inches (1.5 inches
for K4350/4350C) per second when using the self peeling function of the
printer.

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Figure 8. Printer ready for self-peeling function

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Printer Front Panel

3. Backing Paper Opening

4. Backing Paper

5. Label

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3.4 Ribbon Loading Instructions

1. Place an empty paper core on the ribbon rewind spindle.

2. Install the ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle.

3. Disengage the printer carriage.

4. Pull the ribbon leader to the front from beneath the printer carriage. Attach the
ribbon leader to the ribbon rewind paper core.

5. Rotate the ribbon rewind roller until the ribbon leader is thoroughly, firmly
encompassed by the black section of the ribbon.

6. Engage the printer carriage.

7. Close the printer cover and press the FEED button until the green ON-LINE
LED illuminates.

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Figure 9. Placement of ribbon supply roll

1. Printer Carriage Release Lever

2. Ribbon Supply Spindle

3. Ribbon Rewind Spindle

4. Thermal Transfer Ribbon

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Figure 10. Installation of label stock and thermal transfer ribbon

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3.5 Install External Label Roll Mount

Figure 11. Installation of external label roll mount

1. External Label Roll Mount

2. Label Supply Roll Spindle

3. External Label Feed Opening

4. Fixing Tabs

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3.6 Install Memory Module

1. Power off the printer.

2. Remove the cover.

3. Insert the memory module.

4. Put the cover back.

5. Turn on the power

Figure 12. Installation of memory module (Option)

1. Memory Module.

2. Cover.

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3.7 Self Test

To initiate the self test mode, depress the FEED button while turning on the
printer power. The printer will calibrate the label length. If the label gap is not
detected within 7", the printer stops feeding labels and the media is treated as
continuous paper. In self test, a check pattern is used to check the performance
of the thermal print head. Following the check pattern, the printer prints internal
settings as listed below:

1. Printer model and firmware version

2. Mileage

3. Flash times

4. Check sum

5. Serial port setting

6. Code page setting

7. Country code setting

8. Print speed setting

9. Print density setting

10. Label size setting

11. Gap (Bline) width and offset setting

12. Backing paper transparence

13. File list

14. Memory information (Total, Available)

When the self test is completed, the printer enters the dump mode. Please turn
the printer's power off and then on to resume normal printing.

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3.8 Dump Mode

After the self test, the printer enters the dump mode. In this mode, any
characters sent from the host computer will be printed in two columns, as shown.
The characters received will be shown in the first column, and their
corresponding hexadecimal values, in the second. This is often helpful to users
for the verification of programming commands or debugging of printer programs.
Reset the printer by turning the POWER switch off and on.

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4. USING K4350/4350C

4.1 Power-on Utilities

There are three power-on utilities to set up and test K4350/4350C hardware.
These utilities are activated by pressing the FEED or PAUSE button and turning
on the printer power simultaneously. The utilities are listed as below:

1. Self-test

2. Gap sensor calibration

3. Printer initialization

4.1.1 Self Test Utility

Install the label first. Press the FEED button and then turn on the printer power.
Do not release the FEED button until the printer feeds labels. The printer
performs the following items:

1. Calibrate label pitch

2. Print out thermal print head check pattern

3. Print the internal settings

4. Enter dump mode

Regarding the self-test and dump mode, please refer to section 3.7 "Self Test"
and section 3.8 "Dump Mode" for more information.

4.1.2 Gap Sensor Calibration Utility

This utility is used to calibrate the sensitivity of gap sensor. Users may have to
calibrate the gap sensor for two reasons:

1. The media is being changed to a new type.

2. Initialize the printer.

Note: The ERR. LED may flash if gap sensor is not calibrated properly.

Please follow the steps below to calibrate gap sensor:

1. Turn off the printer power and install blank labels (without any logo or
character) on printer.

2. Hold down the PAUSE button then turn on printer power.

3. Release PAUSE button when the printer feeds labels. Do not turn off
printer power until the printer stops and two green LEDs light on.

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4.1.3 Printer Initialization

Printer initialization clears all downloaded files resident in flash memory, and
sets printer parameters to default values.

Parameter Default Value Cleared by Initialization

MILEAGE N/A No
FLASH TIMES N/A No
CHECK SUM N/A No
SERIAL PORT 96,N,8,1 Yes
CODE PAGE 437 (8 bit), USA (7 bit) Yes
COUNTRY CODE 001 Yes
SPEED 2.0”/sec Yes
DENSITY 09 Yes
SIZE N/A Yes
GAP(BLINE) N/A Yes
TRANSPARANCY 05,05,05 Yes

Please follow the steps below to initialize the printer:

1. Turn off the printer power.

2. Hold down the PAUSE and FEED buttons and turn on the printer power.

3. Do not release the buttons until the three LEDs flash in turn.

Note: Printing method (thermal transfer or thermal direct printing ) will be
set automatically at the activation of printer power.

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4.2 Error Messages

Syntax Error

The command format is incorrect.
The serial port setting is incorrect.

Out of Range

Numeric input is too large to be processed.
The input string is too long to be stored.
The size of the text or bar code exceeds that of the label.

Download Error

The download file format is incorrect.
There is not enough memory to store the file.

Stack Overflow

A mathematical expression is too complicated. Divide it into several expressions.
The nested routine is too deep.

Memory Error

Too many variables defined.

RS-232 Error

The serial port setting is incorrect.

File not Found

Cannot open the file specified. Download the file again.

Type Mismatch

Variable type mismatch.

Gap not Found

Cannot detect label gap. Calibrate the label again.

Clock Access Error

Can not read from / write to the real time clock.

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4.3 Troubleshooting Guide

The following guide lists some of the most common problems that may be
encountered when operating the K4350/4350C printer. If the printer still does not
function after all suggested solutions have been invoked, please contact the
Customer Service Department of your purchased reseller or distributor for
assistance

Problem Solution

Ribbon does not advance or rewind Check the setting of print method.

(SET RIBBON ON)

Poor print quality Clean the thermal print head.

Adjust the print density setting.
Ribbon and media are not compatible.

Power indicator does not illuminate Check the power cord, see whether it

is properly connected.

ON-LINE indicator is off

Out of paper or out of ribbon
Calibrate the sensitivity of gap sensor.

ERR. indicator is on

Command syntax is not correct.
Rewind ribbon paper core is not
installed.
Serial port baud rate setting is not
correct.

Continuous feeding when printing

labels

Calibrate the gap sensor.

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5. SPECIFICATIONS, OPTIONS, & SUPPLIES

5.1 Specifications

5.1.1 Printer

l Type: Direct thermal or thermal transfer
l Print speed: Selectable speeds of 1.5 or 2.0 inches per second
l Resolution: 300 DPI, or 12 dots per mm
l Font styles: Five alphanumeric fonts from 0.059"H (1.5 mm) to 0.23" (6.0

mm), expandable vertically and horizontally up to 8x.

l Bar codes: Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 UCC, Code 128 (Subsets A, B and

C), Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E,
EAN and UPC with 2 or 5 digit add-on, Postnet

l 2D bar codes: Maxicode, PDF-417, DataMatrix
l Graphics: Mono PCX format

5.1.2 Indicators and Buttons

l Indicators: PWR., ON-LINE, ERR.
l Buttons: POWER, PAUSE, FEED,

Note:The functions of buttons and LEDs can be redefined by commands.

5.1.3 Communication Interface

l Communications: RS-232C(DB-9) at 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200 baud and

standard Centronics interface.

l Character set: ANSI ASCII character set
l Word length: 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, even, odd or none parity.
l Handshaking: Xon/Xoff (on receive mode only) and DSR/DTR
l Input buffer: 60KB

5.1.4 Power Requirements

l Input voltage: Switching power, 110-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
l Output voltage: 24 VDC
l Circuit protection: 2A maximum

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5.1.5 Environment

l Operating temperature: 40oF to 104oF (5oC to 40oC)
l Storage temperature: 40oF to 140 oF(5oC to 60oC)
l Humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensing
l Ventilation: Free air movement

5.1.6 Printer Body

l Dimensions:

6.14"H x 9.13"W x 11.34"D (15.6 cm H x 23.2 cm W x 28.8 cm D); with
external roll mount 17.95" D (45.6 cm D)

l Weight:

K4350/4350C: 6.0 lbs. (2.7 kg), or 6.5 lbs. (2.9 kg) with external roll mount
K4350/4350C: 5.2 lbs. (2.4 kg), or 5.8 lbs. (2.6 kg) with external roll mount

5.2 Options

A number of different options may be added to the K4350/4350C printer for even
greater convenience and versatility. The available options include:

l Foreign character fonts, including Chinese, Japanese and others
l Expandable FLASH memory module
l Cutter
l Portable LCD keyboard

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5.3 Supplies

5.3.1 Label Stock

K4350/4350C is capable of both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.
Many different direct thermal or thermal transfer stocks can be used. Refer to the
following list for specifications of compatible label media.

Media

Specification

Label Tag

Min. 0.22” (5.6 mm)

Paper Width

Max. 3.97” (100.8 mm)

Paper Weight Less than 240 g/m

2

Length (Pitch) 0.4” (10 mm) ~ 40” (1016 mm)

Thickness 0.002” (0.05 mm) ~ 0.008” (0.20 mm)

Inner roll diameter. Max. 4.3” (110 mm)

Max. Roll Diameter.

(1” core)

External roll diameter. Max. 8.4” (214 mm)

Roll Up Method Print surface is wound outside as standard

Paper Core ID.

φ25.7 ± 0.3 mm

5.3.2 Ribbon

Standard 300m by 60 or 110mm thermal transfer ribbons with wax, wax-resin, or
resin coating (wound outside) are available from Kroy. Of ribbon selection, it is
recommended that the ribbon be at least as wide as the print media. Also, the
ribbon end should be transparent.

KROY

TEL: (UK) [phone] (USA) [phone]
Web site: www.kroy.com

P/N: 39-0000086-00
REV. : A