Printronix SL4M User Manual

User’s Manual

SL4M™ and T4M™ RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, translated or incorporated in any other material in any form or by any means, whether manual, graphic, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Printronix.

T rade mark Ack nowledgem ent s

SL4M and T4M are trademarks of Printronix, Inc.

Printronix, IGP, IGP/Auto Label Mapping, PGL, and PrintNet are registered trademarks of Printronix, Inc.

HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.

PCL is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.

IBM is registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Centronics is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation.

IEEE is a registered service mark of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc.

ANSI is a registered trademark of American National Standards Institute, Inc.

EIA is a registered service mark of Electronic Industries Association.

ZPL, ZPL II, and Zebra are registered trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

TEC is a registered trademark of the Toshiba TEC Corporation.

Intermec is a registered trademark of the Intermec Technologies Corporation.

SATO is a registered trademark of SATO America, Inc.

DPL is a trademark and Datamax is a registered trademark of Datamax Technologies Corporation.

Monarch is a registered trademark of Paxar Corporation.

IER is a registered trademark of IER Siège

Andalé is a registered trademark of Monotype Corporation.

1 Introduction ......................................................... 11

The SL4M/T4M Thermal Printer .......................................................... 11

Standard Features ........................................................................ 11

Optional Features.......................................................................... 12

Thermal Printer Technology ................................................................ 14

The Printing Process ..................................................................... 14

Manual Conventions ............................................................................ 14

Warnings and Special Information....................................................... 15

Related Documents ............................................................................. 15

Thermal Consumables......................................................................... 16

Media Selection............................................................................. 16

Ribbons ......................................................................................... 16

2 Operation ............................................................ 17

Unpacking the Printer .......................................................................... 17

Installation............................................................................................ 18

Power Cord Requirements ............................................................ 21

Setting Up the Printer .......................................................................... 21

Loading Ribbon ............................................................................. 22

Loading Roll Media ....................................................................... 25

Loading Fanfold Media.................................................................. 30

Operating Modes ................................................................................. 34

Controls and Indicators ........................................................................ 35

Power Switch ................................................................................ 35

Powering On the Printer ................................................................ 35

Control Panel ................................................................................ 36

Media Handling Modes ........................................................................ 40

Printhead Pressure Adjustment ........................................................... 41

Media Thickness Adjustment ........................................................ 41

Media Width Adjustment ............................................................... 42

Printhead Alignment ...................................................................... 43

Positioning the Media Sensors ............................................................ 44

Sensing Different Media Types ..................................................... 46

Running Auto Calibrate........................................................................ 47

Running Media Profile ......................................................................... 48

Running Manual Calibrate ................................................................... 50

Table of Contents

3 Standard Interfaces............................................. 53

Overview.............................................................................................. 53

Auto Switching ..................................................................................... 53

Parallel Interface.................................................................................. 54

Centronics ..................................................................................... 54

IEEE 1284 ..................................................................................... 56

Serial Interface..................................................................................... 59

RS-232 .......................................................................................... 59

4 Configuring the Printer ........................................ 61

Overview.............................................................................................. 61

Setting Printer Configuration Parameters ..................................... 61

Moving within the Configuration Menu .......................................... 61

Selecting a Menu Option............................................................... 63

Changing Printer Settings ............................................................. 64

Hidden Menus...................................................................................... 64

Menu Overview.................................................................................... 65

Main Menu ........................................................................................... 66

MEDIA SETUP Menu .......................................................................... 68

MEDIA SETUP Submenus............................................................ 69

SENSOR SETUP Menu....................................................................... 84

SENSOR SETUP Submenus ........................................................ 85

EMULATION MENU ............................................................................ 91

Overview ....................................................................................... 91

EMULATION Submenus ............................................................... 97

PRINTER SETUP Menu .................................................................... 106

PRINTER SETUP Submenus ..................................................... 108

INTERFACES Menu .......................................................................... 117

INTERFACES Submenus ........................................................... 121

CONFIGURATION MENU ................................................................. 141

CONFIGURATION Submenus .................................................... 142

DIAGNOSTICS Menu ........................................................................ 144

DIAGNOSTICS Submenus ......................................................... 145

Saving a Configuration ...................................................................... 148

Auto Save Configuration.................................................................... 149

Specifying a Power-Up Configuration................................................ 150

Modifying a Saved Configuration....................................................... 152

Printing a Configuration ..................................................................... 154

Loading a Saved Configuration ......................................................... 155

Table of Contents

5 Downloading Software ...................................... 157

Loading Flash Memory ...................................................................... 157

Downloading Software with the Firmware Download Utility............... 158

Downloading Software through the Parallel Port ............................... 159

Downloading Software through the NIC ............................................ 160

Downloading Software through the NIC Using FTP .......................... 162

Downloading Software through the USB Port.................................... 164

Downloading Software through the Printronix Windows Driver ......... 165

Downloading Software If Flash Contains Only Boot or

Corrupt Code ..................................................................................... 166

Using TrueType Fonts ....................................................................... 167

Downloading TrueType Fonts............................................................ 167

Printronix Windows Driver........................................................... 167

PGL Emulation (Online) .............................................................. 168

Download Mode .......................................................................... 168

PTX_SETUP ............................................................................... 171

Labeling Applications .................................................................. 171

Filename Extensions Not Shown in Menus ....................................... 172

Select and Print Downloaded TrueType Fonts .................................. 172

6 Routine Care and Troubleshooting................... 175

Cleaning............................................................................................. 175

Exterior Cleaning......................................................................... 175

Interior Cleaning .......................................................................... 176

Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors, and

Media Damper............................................................................. 176

Printer Tests ...................................................................................... 180

Troubleshooting Common Situations................................................. 180

Improving Processing Time......................................................... 180

Data Exchange............................................................................ 181

Controlling Print Quality............................................................... 182

Determining Printhead Wear ....................................................... 182

Replacing the Printhead .................................................................... 183

Restore the Printer to Operation........................................................ 185

Diagnostics for E0xx, Bad NVM, or ILL NVM Errors.......................... 186

Solving Other Printer Problems................................................... 187

Printer Alarms ............................................................................. 195

Fault Messages ........................................................................... 195

Status Messages......................................................................... 215

Table of Contents

A Specifications .................................................... 219

Print Method ................................................................................ 219

Media .......................................................................................... 220

Ribbon......................................................................................... 222

Indicators and Switches .............................................................. 222

Memory ....................................................................................... 223

Optional Expanded Memory Cartridge........................................ 223

Media Cutter Option .................................................................... 223

Host Interfaces ............................................................................ 224

Power .......................................................................................... 224

Environmental ............................................................................. 225

Physical....................................................................................... 225

Acoustic Noise ............................................................................ 225

B Printer Options .................................................. 227

Hardware Options.............................................................................. 227

Interface Options ............................................................................... 229

Software Options ............................................................................... 229

Installing the QCMC........................................................................... 231

Saving the Printer’s Configuration to the QCMC ............................... 233

Copying the QCMC “Snapshot” Image to a Second Printer .............. 235

Updating the Printer Configuration to the QCMC ........................ 237

Loading New Firmware on the Printer......................................... 237

Installing the EMC.............................................................................. 238

Using the Standard Peel without Liner Rewinder .............................. 240

Configure The Printer Menu........................................................ 240

Load Media ................................................................................. 241

Using the Full Media Rewinder Option .............................................. 243

Configure the Printer Menu ......................................................... 243

Load Media ................................................................................. 243

Rewinder Full Sensor Setup ....................................................... 246

Using the Full Media Rewinder with 3 Inch Diameter

Core Adapters.................................................................................... 247

Configure the Printer Menu ......................................................... 247

Install the Core Adapters and Media Take-Up Core ................... 247

Load Media ................................................................................. 249

Rewinder Full Sensor Setup ....................................................... 251

Using The Standard Peel With Liner Rewinder Option...................... 252

Configure The Printer Menu........................................................ 252

Load Media ................................................................................. 253

Removing Label Liner from the Rewinder ................................... 257

Table of Contents

Supplies ............................................................................................. 258

Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons............................ 258

Genuine Printronix Media............................................................ 259

Ribbon and Media Usage............................................................ 260

C ASCII Control Codes......................................... 261

D PTX_SETUP Commands.................................. 263

Overview............................................................................................ 263

The PTX_SETUP Commands ........................................................... 263

General Commands .................................................................... 264

Thermal Commands.................................................................... 271

E Customer Support............................................. 273

Printronix Customer Support Center.................................................. 273

Printronix Supplies Department................................................... 273

Corporate Offices ........................................................................ 274

F Glossary............................................................ 275

G Communication Notices .................................... 281

Notices............................................................................................... 281

Communication Notices ..................................................................... 283

Software License Agreement............................................................. 286

Limited Software Product Warranty ................................................... 292

Table of Contents

Introduction

The SL4M/T4M Thermal Printer

NOTE: As used in this manual, the terms “SL4M/T4M” and “printer” refer to

all models within the series. “SL” refers to all SmartLine RFID models.

The SL4M/T4M series consists of a family of high quality, direct thermal and

thermal transfer printers specifically designed for printing labels and tags from

any MS-DOS

The SL4M/T4M, Smart Ready, and SmartLine series are comprised of the

products detailed in

NOTE: All models are RFID Ready.

, Windows®, or ASCII based compatible computer.

Table 1.

Table 1. The SL4M/T4M Thermal Printer

Model

SL4M/T4M 10 203 4.1

SL4M/T4M 10 305 4.1

Max Print

Speed ( ips)

Printing

Density (dpi)

St andard Fea tures

•

8MB Flash memory (fixed on controller PCBA)

•

32MB DRAM memory (fixed on controller PCBA)

•

Bar Codes: Supports over 30 types of bar codes.

•

Download: Fonts, forms, and graphics to printer memory.

•

Emulations:

•

Printronix PGL®. Provides printer system commands for text, barcodes, graphics, lines, and boxes.

•

ZGL, TGL, IGL, STGL, DGL, MGL, and IEGL Interpreters: ZGL (Zebra®), TGL (TEC®), IGL (Intermec®), STGL (SATO®), DGL (Datamax®), MGL (Monarch®), and IEGL (IER Siège®)

interpreters are powerful integration tools that allow the SL/T5R to function in virtually all legacy ZPL, TEC, IPL, SATO, DPL™, MPCL

, and IER® application environments without requiring modification

to host data stream.

Max Print

Width (inches)

Chapter 1

The SL4M/T4M Thermal Printer

•

Fanfold media handling

•

High Resolution Printhead: 203 dpi or 305 dpi for sharp graphics and text.

•

Media capacity: Eight inch diameter roll media on three inch core (203mm diameter on 76.2mm diameter core)

•

Media sensing: Horizontal positioning for gap, notch, hole, or black mark sensing.

•

Print speeds: Up to 10 ips (both 203 and 305 dpi)

•

Printheads: Snap-in, interchangeable 203 dpi and 305 dpi

•

Printing: On demand single label and batch label

•

Resident Fonts: Letter Gothic Bold (#93779), Courier Bold (#93952), CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed (#92250), OCR-A (#90993), OCR-B (#91409), CG Triumverate (#92244), CG Triumverate Bold (#92248), and CG Times (#92500).

•

Ribbon capacity: 450m on one inch core (4.5 µm ribbon thickness)

•

Standard Interfaces:

•

Serial: RS-232

•

USB 2.0 Universal Serial Bus

•

Parallel: Centronics®-compatible parallel, IEEE® 1284 compliant

parallel

•

Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Print ing

•

Ventless System: for operation in environments with airborne particulate matter without compromising performance.

Optional Features

•

Expanded Memory Cartridge (EMC): The expanded memory cartridge (EMC) is a user installable option. The EMC can be ordered in any of these configurations as a factory option kit or as a field upgrade kit:

•

Expanded Memory - 32MB Expanded Memory Cartridge that

provides additional Flash memory for forms, logos, and fonts

(see “Optional Expanded Memory Cartridge” on page 223).

•

Asian TrueType® Fonts - Separate cartridges containing fonts for

Simplified Chinese, Korean, or Japanese allows PGL or ZGL to print

complex Double Byte Character Set (DBCS) characters (see

Character Sets and Fonts” on page 229).

“DBCS

•

Andalé TrueType® Fonts - Separate cartridges containing Andalé

TrueType

every language used in the world today, including simplified and

traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. (see

page 229).

fonts allowing PGL or ZGL to print characters for virtually

“Andalé Fonts” on

Optional Features

•

Quick Change Memory Cartridge (QCMC) - This cartridge option provides an easy way to copy a printer’s firmware and configuration settings from one printer to another. A “snapshot image” of the source printer is stored on the QCMC and a simple interface is provided to copy that image to a target printer. Once the image has been copied to the target printer, the two printers will be identically configured. The QCMC has its own resident network MAC address that will be used in place of the printer’s LAN/WLAN MAC address when the cartridge is left installed in a printer (see Memory Cartridge (QCMC)” on page 230).

When left installed in the printer, the QCMC adds approximately 24 MByte of Flash memory.

•

Full Media Rewinder: In batch rewind mode, rewinds printed labels into a removable roll.

•

Label Taken Sensor: Detects presence and removal of labels in Peel-Off mode. Included only with the Standard Peel without Liner Rewinder or Standard Peel with Liner Rewinder options.

•

Media Cutter: Automatically cuts printed media when the media exits the printer.

“Quick Change

•

Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows you to attach the printer to a LAN (Local Area Network) rather than attaching it directly to a host computer. The PrintNet Enterprise Suite (PNE) remote management software is standard with this option.

NIC adapters are available as user installable option, mounted inside the printer with the 10/100Base-T (UTP) connection only.

NOTE: In this manual, the terms Network Interface Card (NIC) and Ethernet

are used interchangeably.

•

NIC, Wireless: Provides wireless 802.11b/g connectivity without expensive cabling and reconfigurations required from a wired network. PNE is standard with this option.

•

Real Time Clock: A clock chip with internal battery that keeps track of the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second values. It continues to operate when the printer is off.

•

RFID MP2 (Standard Pitch) Encoder: The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) UHF encoder reads and writes information to smart labels (with embedded RFID tags) with a pitch typically two and six inches. These labels are used on shipping cartons and pallets.

•

RFID Short Pitch Encoder: The RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) UHF encoder reads and writes information to the smart labels (with embedded RFID tags) with a pitch of one to two inches. The RFID inlay is usually short in length and constructed into an item level label.

•

Standard Peel with Liner Rewinder: In label peel-off mode, peels off labels one at a time before printing the next label and rewinds the liner into a discardable roll.

•

Standard Peel without Liner Rewinder: The Peel-Off mode peels labels while discarding the dispensed liner in front of the printer.

For more information about printer options, see Appendix B on page 227.

Chapter 1

Thermal Printer Technology

Thermal Printer T echnology

Quiet and fast, with excellent print quality, your multifunction thermal printer uses an inline thermal printhead. The thermal printer operates differently from a line matrix or laser printer, because the thermal printer uses a printhead with heating elements and special paper or ribbon.

The Printing Process

The thermal printhead allows two modes of operation:

•

Direct Thermal

During direct thermal printing, the thermal printhead selectively heats small, rectangular thermal dots. When these contact the coated thermal

paper, the dyes and developers in the coating react to the heat and develop an image. This mode of printing is generally used for short-term labeling applications.

•

Thermal Transfer

During thermal transfer printing, the heated thermal dots contact a

thermal ribbon. The heat reacts with the ribbon and bonds the image to the paper. This method is used especially for abrasive, long-storage applications and for specialized applications, such as in extreme environmental conditions or where tamper-proofing is required.

Manual Conventions

•

Operator panel keys are often shown by their symbol or icon (located on the control panel directly below the key).

Example: Press the

•

LCD fault messages display the specific fault in uppercase letters. A corrective action in upper and lowercase letters displays below the fault message.

Example: PAPER OUT

•

Key combinations are indicated by the + (plus) symbol. Example: Press the Up key + Down key at the same time.

↵

Load Paper

key for ENTER.

W arnings and Special Information

For your safety and to protect valuable equipment, read and comply with all

information highlighted under special headings:

WARNING

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Conditions that could harm you and damage the equipment.

Conditions that could damage the printer or related equipment.

Information vital to proper operation of the printer.

NOTE: Information and helpful tips about printer operation.

Thermal Consumables

•

Network Interface Card User's Manual — Information about network

protocols, configuration, and operation.

•

PrintNet Enterprise Suite User’s Manual — Information about the remote

management software utility which allows you to organize all of the printers in your office remotely in a single database, download software and printer settings from a host computer with a single mouse click.

•

XML Direct for Oracle Quick Start Guide — Explains the use of the XML

language with the Printronix® SL4M/T4M XML Direct printer.

•

XML Direct for SAP Quick Setup Guide — Explains the use of the XML

language with the Printronix SL4M/T4M XML Direct printer.

•

RFID Label Reference Manual — Explains the use of the Printronix

SL4M/T4M printer and RFID label application.

Thermal Consumables

Media Selection

Since there are two print modes of operation, there are two kinds of thermal media:

•

Direct thermal media

•

Thermal transfer media

Direct thermal media is paper coated with special chemicals that act as an accelerator, acceptor dye, and binder. During direct thermal mode, the heat from the thermal printhead contacts the paper, causing a chemical reaction which results in a printed image.

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon. A wide range of Printronix thermal transfer media is available, such as film or synthetic paper substitutes. Most of these media options can be die-cut for easy label applications. The wide selection of media sizes and face stocks have been tested with Printronix ribbons for print quality and usage. Consult your Genuine Printronix Supplies Catalog, see the Printronix web page at www.printronix.com.

NOTE: The term “media” used in this manual refers to all the different kinds

See “Genuine Printronix Media” on page 259 for more information.

“Printronix Customer Support Center” on page 273, or access

of label or tag stock that can be used in the printer.

Ribbons

Printronix offers a wide range of ribbons specifically engineered to enhance printing capabilities and to prevent premature printhead wear. Therefore, you should use a Genuine Printronix Thermal Ribbon in your printer.

See “Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons” on page 258 for more information.

Shipping Container

Packing Material (4)

Printer

Accessories

Plastic Bag

Lifting Strap (2)

Operation

Unpacking the Printe r

The printer is shipped in a carton and protective bag. The top lid of the carton

has instructions for removing the internal packing material. Keep all packing

material in case repacking is required.

CAUTION

Avoid touching the electrical connectors to prevent electrostatic

discharge damage while setting up the printer. The discharge of

accumulated electrostatic energy can damage or destroy the printhead

or electronic components used in this device.

Chapter 2

Installation

1. Place the shipping container upright on a flat, level surface.

2. Open the box and remove the first layer of packing material along with any lose items.

3. Remove the accessories box and set it aside.

4. Pull the printer out of the shipping container by using the two plastic straps as handles.

5. Remove the bands and plastic bag.

6. Check that all components on the packing list are included.

The following sections will guide you through the printer installation process.

1. Place the printer on a flat level surface that allows easy access to all sides of the printer.

CAUTION

WARNING

Never operate the printer on its side or upside down.

2. Set the printer power switch to O (Off).

Failure to properly ground the printer may result in electric shock to the operator.

In compliance with international safety standards, this printer has been equipped with a three-pronged power cord. When inserted in a c orrectly wired power outlet, the ground conductor will ensure that the printer chassis is at ground (earth) potential. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the cable plug. If an extension cord is required, ensure that a three-wire cable with a prope rly grounded plug is used.

3. Attach the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle in the back of the printer.

4. Attach the AC power cord to a grounded (three prong) electrical outlet of the proper voltage. See

5. Attach Communication Interface:

a. Parallel Interface

Attach a suitable parallel printer cable from the computer to the Centronics/IEEE 1284 interface connector at the back of the printer. Snap the bail locks to the Centronics connector to secure the interface cable to the printer.

“Power Cord Requirements” on page 21.

b. Serial Interface

Attach a suitable serial printer cable from the computer to the DB-9 RS-232 serial interface connector at the back of the printer. For additional information on serial cable wiring, refer to and Troubleshooting” on page 175.

“Routine Care

c. USB

Parallel Interface

Serial Interface RS-232

Ethernet Interface (optional)

Interface Panel with Ethernet Option

USB Connection

Attach a USB cable with noise suppresion filters on BOTH ends from the computer to the USB connector at the back of the printer.

d. NIC Connection

Insert a suitable NIC cable from your hub or switch to the NIC connector located in the I/O panel in the rear of your printer.

NOTE: The printer supports simultaneous connection of the parallel, serial,

USB, and NIC interfaces using the Auto Switching feature. Auto Switching is described on page 53.

Chapter 2

Wireless Interface Panel

Wireless Antenna

Wireless Interface

Installation

Power Cord Requirements

Power Cord Requirement s

In compliance with international safety standards, this printer is equipped with a three-pronged electrical plug on the power cord. When this power cord is plugged into a correctly wired power outlet, the ground conductor ensures that the printer chassis is at ground (earth) electrical potential.

WARNING

Failure to properly ground the printer can result in electrical shock to the operator.

Never use adapter plugs without grounding prong. Never remove the grounding prong from the power cable plug. If using an extension cord, verify it is a three-wire cable with a properly grounded plug.

Setting Up the Printer

NOTE: This section describes the procedures for loading various types of

ribbon and media. You can also refer to instructions on the printer itself, on a label on the inside of the media cover.

The term “media” in this manual refers to all the different kinds of paper, label, or tag stock material that can be printed on by the printer. Your thermal printer can print on continuous paper, adhesive backed labels, or non-adhesive tags packaged in roll or fanfold form.

IMPORTANT

CAUTION

For best results, use only genuine Printronix supplies. See “Supplies” on page 258.

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

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Do not close the pivoting deck without label stock installed between the printhead and the platen, because debris on the platen may damage the printhead.

Avoid touching the electrical connectors while setting up the printer to prevent electrostatic discharge damage. The discharge of accumulated electrostatic energy can damage or destroy the printhead or electronic components used in this printer.

Adhesive backed labels that DO NOT lay flat on the liner can jam the printer. This can cause the label to peel off the liner. The exposed edges can stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer.

If you run out of labels while printing, do not turn off the printer while reloading labels, because you can lose data.

Chapter 2

Ribbon Roll

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Deck Lock Lever

Pivoting

Deck

Ribbon Take-Up Core

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

Media Cover

Flange

Setting Up the Printer

Loading Ribbon

For direct thermal media (no ribbon required), go to page 25.

IMPORTANT

Clean the printhead, platen roller, and media sensor every time you change the ribbon. See

“Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media

Sensors, and Media Damper” on page 176.

1. Raise the media cover.

2. Install the ribbon take-up core on the ribbon take-up spindle.

NOTE: The first ribbon take-up core comes with the printer. Thereafter, move

the empty core from the ribbon supply spindle to the take-up spindle after the ribbon is used up.

3. Slide the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle until it is flush with the flange.

4. Open the pivoting deck and printhead by rotating the deck lock lever fully counterclockwise until the deck and printhead swing upward.

Loading Ribbon

Printhead

Ribbon Guide Roller (2)

Ribbon

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

Ribbon Take-Up

Core

Alternate Ribbon Path

Platen (not shown)

5. Thread the end of the ribbon under the ribbon guide rollers, between the platen (rubber drive roller) and the printhead, and between the ribbon take-up and supply spindles.

NOTE: Make sure to thread the ribbon behind the ribbon take-up spindle. NOTE: The alternate ribbon path is for inside ink ribbon.

Chapter 2

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

Ribbon Take-Up Core

Deck Lock Lever

Ribbon Leader

Pivoting Deck

Printhead

Setting Up the Printer

IMPORTANT

Never attach the ribbon to the ribbon take-up spindle without a ribbon take-up core installed.

6. Attach the ribbon to the ribbon take-up core on the ribbon take-up spindle with tape.

7. Manually rotate the take-up spindle counterclockwise until the ribbon leader has passed the printhead.

8. Rotate the deck lock lever fully clockwise to close the pivoting deck, and attached printhead.

Loading Roll Media

Media Hanger Guide

Deck Lock Lever

Pivoting Deck

Media Cover

Media Hanger

Loading Roll Media

IMPORTANT

If you are using direct thermal mode, clean the printhead, platen roller, and lower media sensor every time you change the media. See “Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors, and Media Damper” on page 176.

1. Slide the media hanger guide outward to the end of the media hanger as shown.

2. Remove and dispose of any empty media core.

3. Open the pivoting deck by rotating the deck lock lever fully counterclockwise.

Chapter 2

Media Roll

Media Hanger Guide

Media Hanger

Side Wall

Setting Up the Printer

4. Place the media roll onto the media hanger and slide the media roll until it is flush with the printer’s side wall.

NOTE: For information regarding smart labels, refer to the RFID Labeling

Reference Manual.

5. Slide the media hanger guide against the media roll to prevent horizontal travel, but make sure the media roll can rotate freely.

Loading Roll Media

Media

Printhead

Platen

(not shown)

Media Damper

Media

Width Guide

Media Sensor

Assembly

Blue Locking

Knob

Alternate

Media Path

CAUTION

6. Thread the media under the media damper, through the media sensor assembly, and then between the platen (rubber drive roller) and the printhead.

NOTE: The alternate media path is for inside wound label media. If the blue media width guide locking knob is too loose or is removed,

the media width guide will fall off the printer.

7. Turn the blue media width guide locking knob counterclockwise just enough to slide the media width guide, and no more.

8. Position the media width guide lightly against the outside edge of the installed media and tighten the blue locking knob by turning it clockwise.

Chapter 2

Media Sensor Assembly

Inside Media Edge Guide

Media (left edge)

Setting Up the Printer

9. Check the horizontal position of the media sensor assembly

10. Align the left (inside) edge of the media with the inside media edge guide. NOTE: If you have the standard peel option, batch label rewinder (with or

(see “Positioning the Media Sensors” on page 44).

without the optional 3 inch core adapters), or peel-liner rewinder, see “Using the Standard Peel without Liner Rewinder” on page 240, “Using the Full Media Rewinder Option” on page 243, “Using the Full Media Rewinder with 3 Inch Diameter Core Adapters” on page 247, or “Using The Standard Peel With Liner Rewinder Option” on page 252 to complete the threading.

Loading Roll Media

Deck Lock Lever

Pivoting Deck

IMPORTANT

11. Rotate the deck lock lever fully clockwise to close the pivoting deck. This locks the pivoting deck and printhead into print position.

Ensure the printhead is down and locked before attempting to advance media or print. Failure to do so will cause the “PRINT HEAD UP Close Print Head” fault message to display.

12. Verify that Print Mode in the printer configuration menu is set for the media type installed (Direct or Transfer). The Print Mode submenu is located in the MEDIA SETUP menu. See page 68 for details.

13. Verify the Gap/Mark Sensor selection matches the type of media installed. See

•

If you have not run an Auto Calibrate, do so now. See “Running Auto Calibrate” on page 47.

•

If you have already run an Auto Calibrate, complete the following steps:

a. Close the media cover.

b. Press the (Feed) key once to verify that the media

c. Press the (Pause) key to place the printer online.

“Sensing Different Media Types” on page 46.

advances.

“MEDIA SETUP Menu” on

Chapter 2

Media Hanger Guide

Fanfold Media

Media Hanger

Deck Lock Lever

Pivoting Deck

Media Cover

Bottom Panel Opening

Media Damper

Setting Up the Printer

Loading Fanfold Media

1. Open the media cover.

2. Slide the media hanger guide outward to the end of the media hanger.

3. Place the fanfold media either behind or beneath the printer, depending on the desired fanfold supply location. Insert the first few labels through either the rear or bottom panel opening.

4. Place the media over the media hanger, flush against the back of the printer.

5. Slide the media hanger guide against the outer edge of the fanfold media to prevent horizontal travel.

6. Open the pivoting deck by rotating the deck lock lever fully counterclockwise until the deck and printhead swing upward.

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