Printronix T4204 User Manual

User’s Manual

T4204 Label Printer

Software License Agreemen t

CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRINTER. USING THIS PRINTER INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRINTER AND ALL ACCOMPANYING HARDWARE AND WRI TTEN MATERIALS TO THE PLACE YOU OBTAINED THEM, AND YOUR MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED.

Definitions.

"Software" shall mean the digitally encoded, machine-readable data and program. The term "Software Product" includes the Software resident in the printer and its documentation. The Software Product is licensed (not sold) to you, and Printronix, Inc. either owns or licenses from other vendors who own, all copyright, trade secret, patent and other proprietary rights in the Software Product.

License.

1. Authorized Use. You agree to accept a non-exclusive license to use the Software resident in the printer solely for your own customary business or personal purposes.

2. Restrictions. a. To protect the proprietary rights of Printronix, Inc., you agree to

maintain the Software Product and other proprietary information

concerning the typefaces in strict confidence. b. You agree not to duplicate or copy the Software Product. c. You shall not sublicense, sell, lease, or otherwise transfer all or any

portion of the Software Product separate from the printer, without the

prior written consent of Printronix, Inc. d. You may not modify or prepare derivative works of the Software

Product. e. You may not transmit the Software Product over a network, by

telephone, or electronically using any means; or reverse engineer,

decompile or disassemble the Software. f. You agree to keep confidential and use your best efforts to prevent

and protect the contents of the Software Product from unauthorized

disclosure or use.

3. Transfer. You may transfer the Software Product with the printer, but only if the recipient agrees to accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Your license is automatically terminated if you transfer the Software Product and printer.

Limited Software Product War ranty

Printronix, Inc. warrants that for ninety (90) days after delivery, the Software will perform in accordance with specifications published by Printronix, Inc. Printronix, Inc. does not warrant that the Software is free from all bugs, errors and omissions.

Remedy

Your exclusive remedy and the sole liability of Printronix, Inc. in connection with the Software is replacement of defective software with a copy of the same version and revision level.

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Remedies

1. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY ARE EXCLUDED. Printronix, Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in the Software will meet your requirements or that the operation of the Software will be uninterrupted or error free. Printronix, Inc. reserves the right to make changes and/or improvements in the Software without notice at any time.

2. IN NO EVENT WILL PRINTRONIX, IN C. BE LIABLE FOR LO ST PROFITS, LOST DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, OR ANY OTHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INAB IL ITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF PRINTRONIX, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE ABUSE OR MANIPULATION OF THE SOFTWARE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

3. Printronix, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by delay in furnishing a Software Product or any other performance under this Agreement.

4. Our entire liability and your exclusive remedies for our liability of any kind (including liability for negligence except liability for personal injury caused solely by our negligence) for the Software Product covered by this Agreement and all other performance or nonperformance by us under or related to this Agreement are limited to the remedies specified by this Agreement.

5. California law governs this Agreement.

Termination of License Agreement

This License shall continue until terminated. This license may be terminated by agreement between you and Printronix, Inc. or by Printronix, Inc. If you fail to comply with the terms of this License and such failure is not corrected within thirty (30) days after notice. When this License is terminated, you shall return to the place you obtained them, the printer and all copies of the Software and documentation.

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at FAR 242.227-7013, subdivision (b) (3) (ii) or subparagraph (c) (1) (ii), as appropriate. Further use, duplication or disclosure is subject to restrictions applicable to restricted rights software as set forth in FAR 52.227-19 (c) (2).

Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE TH AT YOU HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, UNDERSTAND IT, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE BOUND BY ANY STATEMENT OR REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT. NO CHANGE IN THIS AGREEMENT IS EFFECTIVE UNLESS WRITTEN AND SIGNED BY PROPERLY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES OF EACH PARTY. BY USING THIS PRINTER, YOU AGR EE TO ACCEPT THE TER MS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

Communication Notices

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement: This equipment

has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provided reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in order to meet FCC emission limits. Printronix is not responsible for any radio or television interference caused by using other than recommended cables and connectors or by any unauthorized changes or modifications to this

equipment. Unauthorized changes or modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interferenc e that may cause unde si r ed operation.

Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement: This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Avis de conformite aux normes du ministere des Communcations du Canada: Cet appareil numerique de la classe A est conform á norme NMB-

003 du Canada.

European Community (EC) Conformity Statement:

This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility. Printronix cannot accept responsibility for any failure to satisfy the protection requirements resulting from a non-recommended modification of the product, including the fitting of non-Printronix option cards.

German Conformity Statement:

Zulassungsbescheinigung Gesetz über die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit von Geraten (EMVG) vom 30. August 1995

Dieses Gerät ist berechtigt in Übereinstimmung mit dem deutschen das EGKonformitätszelchen - CE - zu führen.

Der Außteller der Konformitätserklärung ist die Printronix......(1)

Informationen in Hinsicht EMVG Paragraph 3 Abs. (2) 2:

Das Gerät erfüllt die Schutzanforderungen nach EN 50082-1 und EN 55022 Klasse A.

EN 55022 Klasse A Geräte bedürfen folgender Hinweise: Nach dem EMVG: “Geräte dürfen an Orten, für die sie nicht asreichend entstört sind,

nur mit besonderer Genehmigung des Bundesminesters für Post und Telekommunikation oder des Bundesamtes für Post und Telekommunikation betrieben werden. Die Genehmigung wird erteilt, wenn keine elektromagnetischen Störungen zu erwarten sind.” (Auszug aus dem EMVG, Paragraph 3, Abs. 4) Dieses Genehmigungsverfahren ist nach Paragraph 9 EMVG in Verbindung mit der entsprechenden Kostenverordnung (Amtsblatt 14/93) kostenpflichtig.

Nach der EN 55022: “Dies ist eine Einrichtung der Klasse A. Diese Einrichtung kann im Wohnbereich Funkstörungen verursachen; in diesem Fall kann vom Betreiber verlangt werden, angemessene Maßnahmen durchzuführen und dafür aufzkommen.”

Anmerkung: Um die Ein hal tung des EMVG sicher zus tellen sind die Ge räte, w ie in den Handbüchern angegeben, zu installieren und zu betreiben.

This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A Information Technology Equipment according to European Standard EN

55022. The limits for Class A equipment were derived for commercial and

industrial environments to provide reasonable protection against interference with licensed communication equipment.

Warning

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

T rade mark Ack nowledgemen ts

Printronix, IGP, IGP/Auto Label Mapping, LinePrinter Plus, PGL, ThermaLine, 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. Code V is a trademark of QMS , Inc. QMS is a registered trademark of Quality Micro Systems, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Centronics is a registered tradem ark of Genicom Corporat ion. Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox 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.

Valeron is a registered trademark of Van Leer’s Vatenfabrieken N.V. Mylar and Tyvek are registered trademarks of E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Co. UL is a registered certification mark of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. CSA is a registered certification mark of the Canadian Standards Association. TUV is a registered certification mark of the TUV Rheinland of Noarth America, Inc.

IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMA TION

PRINTER WARRANTY

Printronix printer (excluding the thermal printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of shipment from Printronix.

Consumable items such as media and ribbons are not covered under this warranty. This warranty does not cover equipment or parts that have been misused, altered, or used for purposes other than those for which they were manufactured. This warranty also does not cover loss, shipping damage, damage resulting from accident or damages resulting from unauthorized service.

THERMAL PRINTHEAD

Printronix warrants the printhead for a period of ninety (90) days, or 1,000,000 linear inches (Thermal Transfer/Direct Thermal) of use, whichever comes first. The warranty does not cover printheads that have been misused, damaged due to improper cleaning, or damaged due to use of improper ribbons or media.

SUPPLIES

warrants to purchaser that under normal use and service, this

For the number of the nearest Printronix full-service distributor that carries Printronix genuine supplies, please call 1-800-733-1900 or fax 714-368-2354. Supplies design, specification, and selection are critical and integral to the development of any computer imaging system. Printronix’s extensive manufacturing and research capabilities, along with years of experience in the design of printers and their applications, assures that you will receive the exact materials that you require to maximize the performance of your Printronix printer. Further information can be obtained by calling the Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk at 714-368-2488 or from the Printronix Web Page at www.printronix.com.

ON-SITE MAINTENANCE SERVICE

Printronix offers on-site support services in the United States. Please contact the Printronix Maintenance Contracts Group at (714) 368-2798, for detailed service agreement information.

This document contains propriety 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

Table of Contents

1 Introduction........................................................ 13

Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk........................................................ 13

Warnings And Special Information ...................................................... 13

The T4204 Label Printer......................................................................14

Thermal Printer Technology ................................................................ 15

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

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

Emulations........................................................................................... 16

Unpacking The Printer......................................................................... 18

Printer Installation................................................................................ 21

2 Operation............................................................ 25

Controls & Indicators ........................................................................... 25

The POWER Switch ............................................................................ 26

Powering On The Printer ..................................................................... 26

Operating Modes .................................................................................27

Primary Control Panel Keys................................................................. 27

Secondary Control Panel Keys............................................................27

Loading Media ..................................................................................... 28

Loading Roll Media.............................................................................. 29

Loading Fanfold Media ........................................................................ 34

Loading Ribbon.................................................................................... 38

Label Rewinding ..................................................................................41

Label Peel Off...................................................................................... 44

Label Variations And The Label Sensor .............................................. 47

Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment............................................. 47

Calibrating The Transmissive And Reflective Sensors........................ 48

Run Calibrate Procedure ..................................................................... 49

Cleaning The Printhead............................... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... . 50

3 Configuring The Printer ...................................... 51

Overview.............................................................................................. 51

Menu Navigation..................................................................................51

Using The Secondary Control Panel............................................. 53

Moving Within The Configuration Menu ........................................53

Selecting A Menu Option .............................................................. 55

Table of Contents

Changing Printer Settings ............................................................. 56

Saving A Configuration ...... ....... ...... ...... ....... ...... ....... .................... 57

Modifying A Saved Configuration.................................................. 59

Printing A Configuration ................................................................ 60

Menu Options ...................................................................................... 65

CONFIG. CONTROL Menu........................................................... 65

Active IGP EMUL Menu ................................................................ 67

Emulation Menu ............................................................................ 68

MAINT / MISC Menu .................................................................... 69

HOST INTERFACE Menu............................................................. 77

ETHERNET PARAMETERS Menu ...............................................90

Printer Control Menu..................................................................... 91

Font Memory Menu............................... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... . 97

DIAGNOSTICS Menu ................................................................. 100

IGP/PGL Emulation ........................................................................... 102

IGP/PGL Features....................................................................... 102

Configuring The Emulation With The Control Panel ................... 103

IGP/PGL Submenu ..................................................................... 104

IGP/VGL Emulation ........................................................................... 112

IGP/VGL Features....................................................................... 112

Configuring The VGL With The Control Panel ............................ 113

IGP/VGL Submenu ..................................................................... 114

LinePrinter Plus Emulation ................................................................ 124

LinePrinter Plus Submenus

LinePrinter Plus P-Series Emulation........................................... 132

LinePrinter Plus P-Series XQ Emulation..................................... 136

LinePrinter Plus Serial Matrix Emulation .................................... 139

LinePrinter Plus Proprinter XL Emulation.................................... 142

Proprinter XL Character Set Menu.. ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ............ 144

LinePrinter Plus Epson FX Emulation ......................................... 145

LinePrinter Plus Epson FX Character Set Menu......................... 147

Coax/Twinax Emulation..................................................................... 148

Standard C/T Interface................................................................ 148

Simple Protocol Converter ................................. ......................... 148

Coax Emulation Menu................................................................. 150

Twinax Emulation Menu.............................................................. 158

SPC Coax Params...................................................................... 163

SPC Twx Params........................................................................ 165

Loading Flash Memory ...................................................................... 167

Downloading Software To Flash Memory ................................... 167

Downloading Optional Font Files To Flash Memory ................... 170

....................................................125

Table of Contents

4 Interfaces.......................................................... 177

Overview............................................................................................ 177

Centronics Parallel Interface.............................................................. 178

Centronics Parallel Interface Signals .......................................... 179

IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface.............................................................. 180

Compatibility Mode...................................................................... 180

Nibble Mode................................................................................ 180

Byte Mode.......................... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ..... 180

Signals ............ ...... ....... ...... ...... ....... ....................................... ..... 181

Terminating Resistor Configurations........................................... 183

RS-232 And RS-422 Serial Interfaces............................................... 185

RS-232........................................................................................ 185

RS-422........................................................................................ 186

5 Diagnostics And Troubleshooting..................... 187

Printer Self-Test................................................................................. 187

Troubleshooting Common Situations................................................. 188

Improving Processing Time................... ....... ...... ......................... 188

Data Exchange............................................................................ 188

Controlling Print Quality............................................................... 190

Other Printer Problems................................................................ 191

Printer Alarms ............................................................................. 194

Fault Messages........................................................................... 194

A Specifications................................................... 201

B Printer Options ................................................. 207

Hardware Options.............................................................................. 207

Interface Options......................................................................... 208

Supplies And Accessories................................................................. 209

Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons............................ 209

Genuine Printronix Media............................................................ 210

Accessories................................................................................. 212

C Setting The Page Length................................. 213

D ASCII Control Codes........................................ 215

E Glossary........................................................... 219

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk

The Printronix ThermaLine® Help Desk offers technical support with:

• Installation

• Configuration and Setup

• Operation and Supplies Loading

• Specifying the proper media and ribbon

• Post sales service support questions

Call the Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk at (714) 368-2488 or visit the Printronix Web Page at www.printronix.com.

W arnings And Special Information

WARNING

W A RNUNG

AVISO

AVERTISSEMENT

AVVERTENZA

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

For your safety and to protect valuable equipment, it is very important that you read and comply with all information highlighted under special headings:

Conditions that could harm you as well as damage the equipment. Achten Sie auf folgendes, um keine Personen in Gefahr zu bringen bzw.

das Gerät zu beschädigen. Condiciones que pueden causar daños a personas y equipos.

Conditions à respecter pour éviter tout danger corporel et dommage matériel.

Condizioni che possono arrecare danni alle persone e alle apparecchiature.

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.

Chapter 1 The T4204 Label Printer

Conventions

Throughout this manual, keys and possible key settings or positions are printed in UPPERCASE typ e.

In most cases, messages displayed in the liquid crystal display (LCD) are shown in the following format:

PRINTER CONTROL Print Speed

The T4204 Label Printer

The T4204 is a high quality, direct thermal and thermal transfer printer specifically designed for printing labels and tags, from any MS-DOS Windows

, or ASCII based compatible computer.

Features

• Thermal transfer and direct thermal printing.

• Supports over 20 types of bar codes.

• Download forms, fonts and graphics to printer memory.

• High resolution print head for sharp graphics and text.

• Built-in label rewinder for batch processing or label Peel-Off operation.

• Label Taken Sensor for detecting removal of labels in Peel-Off or Tear-

Off modes.

• Peel-Off mode for peeling off labels one at a time, before printing the next

label.

• Tear-Off mode for positioning the label at the tear off position and

detecting its removal before printing the next label.

• Tear-Off Strip mode for automatically positioning the last label of the print

job at the tear off position when the print buffer is empty.

• 4MB DRAM memory.

• 4MB Flash memory.

Printronix Dynamic Print Control provides exceptional print quality. A circuit monitors the data to be printed and automatically adjusts the energy applied to the thermal printhead for maximum performance.

The printer can be connected to communicate with the host via RS-232 and RS-422 serial, Centronics parallel, and, optionally, coax/twinax host connections or Ethernet 10Base-T, or 10/100 Base-T. The interface cable needed to connect the printer to the host device must be supplied by the user.

-compatible parallel, IEEE® 1284 compliant

Thermal Printer T echnology

Quiet and fast, with excellent print quality, the T4204 multifunction label printer uses an inline thermal printhead. The operation of a thermal printer is different from that of a line-matrix or laser printer. 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 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

thermal

dots. When these contact the coated thermal

During thermal 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.

transfer

printing, the heated thermal dots contact a

Dynamic Print Control

Print quality largely depends on how the thermal paper or the thermal ribbon and thermal transfer paper responds to the heat of the thermal printhead. During printing, the thermal printhead must reach a set temperature in the shortest possible time. Then it must cool down to the original temperature in the shortest possible time after printing. Thus print quality is dependent on the precise control of the energy supplied to the thermal dots.

The thermal printer has a unique feature that provides excellent print quality by preventing unevenness of print density. Unevenness is usually caused by the stored heat from previous dots. The Dynamic Print Control is a history control whose output is based on the results of the previous printing. The printer predicts the quantity of heat required to print dots and regulates the electrical energy applied to the printhead. This prevents unevenness of print density and results in the printing of narrow-ladder bar codes or vertical grid lines that are straight from the microscopic viewpoint.

Chapter 1 Media Selection

Media Selection

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

and Thermal transfer media.

Ribbons

Direct thermal media accelerator, acceptor dye and binder. During direct thermal mode, the heat from the thermal printhead contacts the paper and causes a chemical reaction to take place.

NOTE: Do not attempt to use direct thermal media with ribbon. The printable

surface of direct thermal media is very slick and will fail to advance ribbon at the proper speed resulting in poor print quality.

Thermal Transfer Media Once your specific label requirements are identified, you will need to select the ribbon and media combination that will satisfy you needs.

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

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

You should use a Genuine Printronix Thermal Ribbon in your printer. Printronix offers a wide range of thermal transfer media, such as film or synthetic paper substitutes that are excellent in their ability to transfer an image (print quality) and in scratch resistance (long storage). 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 or contact the factory. Further information can be obtained by calling the Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk at (714) 368-2488 or from the Printronix Web Page at www.printronix.com.

is paper coated with special chemicals that act as an

is paper designed to be used with a transfer ribbon.

Emulations

The T4204 has the standard Printronix LinePrinter Plus® (LP+) emulation

which provides direct compatibility with Printronix P-series printers. In addition, the printer has co-resident Printronix IGP emulations which provide printer system commands for text, barcodes, graphics, lines, and boxes.

/PGL® and IGP/VGL

Hardware Options

Ask your Printronix representative about the following options, which can enhance the versatility of your printer.

• Fonts

A selection of fonts is available to extend the capabilities of the standard resident fonts.

• Media

Cutter

The cutter is used to automatically cut printed media when the media exits the printer.

• Label/Tag Catcher Tray

Used with the Media Cutter option to catch the cut media and collect it away from the Media Cutter Assembly.

• Twinax/Coax Host Interface

Provides connection to an IBM host computer system using a coax or twinax interface.

• PrintNet

Servers

Allows the user to attach the T4204 to a LAN (Local Area Network) rather than attaching it directly to a host system. PrintNet servers support Ethernet only.

PrintNet servers are available as an internally installed factory option, mounted inside the printer with the 10Base-T (UTP) connection only.

PrintNet servers are also available as an externally mounted factory or field option with either a 10Base-T (UTP) or 10/100 BaseT connection. The external PrintNet field option is user installable and connects to the Centronics parallel port at the back of the T4204 printer.

NOTE: When the Twinax/Coax Interface option is installed and a PrintNet

option is also required, an External PrintNet option must be used. The Internal PrintNet option is not supported with the Twinax/Coax Interface option installed.

Labels can be designed and printed using the following:

• Printronix LP+

• Printronix IGP/PGL or IGP/VGL graphics languages

Chapter 1 Unpacking The Printer

Bar Code Verification

The most important consideration when printing a bar code is to ensure the bar code will be scanned properly. Incorporating a bar code quality procedure in the printing process is the best way to ensure that bar codes are being printed correctly. A properly implemented verification procedure will increase overall bar code quality, reduce waste from misprinted bar codes, and achieve high first time read rates, which is an increasingly important factor in newer, more efficient systems, where manually entered data is not acceptable as a back up function. Verification also minimizes the costs of returned products due to poor reading or unaccountable bar codes.

RJS designs and manufactures the world’s most complete line of bar code verification products, including their portable Inspector and Laser Inspector models, On-Line Inspector and AutoScan II series. For more information on RJS bar code verifiers, contact their corporate headquarters at 562-994-0930, or visit their web site at www.rjs1.com.

Unpacking The Printer

CAUTION

The printer is shipped in a carton and protective bag. Keep all packing material in case you need to move or ship the printer again. Avoid touching the electrical connectors to prevent electrostatic discharge damage while setting up the printer.

The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or electronic components used in this device.

Damage to the printer interface connector may result from placing the T4204 printer on its backside during unpacking or handling.

Open the top (and right side) cover by lifting the lip on the lower right side of the cover.

Legend:

1) Lip on lower right side of cover

2. Remove the tape securing the label rewind clip to the label rewind

spindle.

3. Place the Media Roll Guide in the down position.

4. Remove the sample roll of Printronix ribbon and media from the support assembly and set them to one side.

Legend:

1) Tape securing label rewind clip

2) Media Roll Guide

3) Ribbon and Media Sample Rolls

Chapter 1 Unpacking The Printer

Check List

Your T4204 kit contains the items listed below.

• The T4204 printer.

• AC Powercord (not illustrated)

• Programmer’s Manual Order Card (not illustrated).

• Printer User’s Manual (not illustrated).

• Printhead Cleaning Pen (not illustrated)

• Terminating Resistor Packs (not ill ustrated)

• Ribbon Take-Up Core (cardboard) mounted in printer.

• Label Rewind Bracket mounted in printer

• Sample Roll of Printronix Prime Wax Ribbon 4.33” x 164’

• Starter Kit Roll of Printronix 110 Media (100 4.0” x 6.0” labels)

NOTE: If any items are missing, contact your dealer for replacement parts.

Legend:

1) Ribbon Take-Up Core (cardboard)

2) Label Rewind Bracket in stored position

3) Sample Roll of Prime Wax Ribbon

4) Sample Roll of 110 Media

Printer Installation

The following sections will guide you through the installation of the T4204.

WARNING

W A RNUNG

AVISO

AVERTISSEMENT

AVVERTENZA

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

Der Drucker sollte grundsätzlich nicht an einem Ort aufgestellt und betrieben werden, an denen der Benutzer oder der Drucker naß werden könnten, da dies zu Schäden führen könnte.

La impresora nunca deberá utilizarse en un lugar en el que el operador y la impresora puedan sufrir los efectos de la humedad. De lo contrario, podrían producirse daños a personas.

Ne faites jamais fonctionner l'imprimante dans un endroit où l'opérateur et l'imprimante peuvent être mouillés. Il y a risque de préjudice physique.

Onde evitare il rischio di lesioni personali, non utilizzare mai la stampante in luoghi in cui l'operatore e la stampante possano venire a contatto con liquidi.

1. Place the printer in a suitable location that allows easy access to all sides of the printer. The printer should never be operated while resting on its side or upside down.

2. Check that the printer power switch is in the OFF (0) position.

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

Chapter 1 Printer Installation

WARNING

W ARNUNG

AVISO

Legend:

1) AC Power Cord

2) Power Switch Off (0) Position

3) Power Switch On (l) Position

Verify the required voltage on the printer’s model number label on the rear of the printer.

Überprüfen Sie die erforderliche Spannung an dem Modellschild auf der Druckerrückseite.

Compruebe el voltaje requerido que figura en la etiqueta del número de modelo de la impresora que figura en su parte posterior.

AVERTISSEMENT

AVVERTENZA

Vérifiez la tension requise sur l'étiquette du numéro de série de l'imprimante, qui est accolée sur la partie arrière de l'imprimante.

Verificare la tensione richiesta sulla targhetta del numero di serie posta sul retro della stampante.

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

5. Attach The Interface Cable a. Parallel Interface

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

Legend:

1) Centronics parallel interface cable

2) Bail lock

Chapter 1 Printer Installation

b. Serial Interface

Attach a suitable serial printer cable from the computer to the DB-25 RS-232 Serial interface connector at the back of the printer. For additional information on serial cable wiring, refer to Chapter 4, page

185.

NOTE: The printer supports simultaneous connection of the Parallel and

Serial interfaces using the Auto Switching feature. See Auto Switching described on page 78.

2 Operation

Controls & Indicators

All of the T4204 printer controls and indicators, except for the power switch, are located on the front panel of the printer, on either the Primary Control Panel (upper keys), or the Secondary Control Panel (lower keys).

9 8

Legend:

1) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

2) ONLINE Status Indicator

3) CLEAR Key

4) PRT CONFIG Key

5) JOB SELECT Key

6) ENTER Key

7) Directional “Arrow” keys (4)

8) TEST Key

9) CANCEL Key

10) FEED Key

11) PAUSE Key

The Primary Control Panel is located at the top left of the printer, on the front panel. It is accessible with the printer front door either opened or closed. The panel has a back-lighted Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD), ONLINE status indicator, and PAUSE, FEED, CANCEL, and TEST keys.

Chapter 2 The POWER Switch

The Secondary Control Panel is behind the front door assembly below the Primary Control Panel. It consists of UP, DOWN, PREV, and NEXT arrow keys to navigate through the printer configuration menus, and CLEAR, PRT CONFIG, JOB SELECT, and ENTER keys for performing specific functions in the offline mode or within the printer configuration menu.

The POWER Switch

The POWER SWITCH is located on the back panel of the printer, in the bottom left corner. Placing this switch in the ON (1) position applies power to the printer. An illuminated LCD Message Display indicates the printer power is ON.

Legend:

1) Printer Power Switch

Powering On The Printer

When you power on the printer, the T4204 executes a self-test. The default power-up state is online. Once the printer has successfully initialized, the ONLINE status indicator light will go on, and the LCD indicates the communication interface selected and the type of emulation installed. The interface is indicated by PARL for parallel and SERL for serial.

If there is a fault during the self-test, the ONLINE status indicator flashes, and a fault message appears on the display. The alarm may also sound, if it is configured to do so.

Operating Modes

Online - In online mode, the printer can receive and print data sent from the host. Pressing the PAUSE key toggles the printer between the online and offline mode. The ONLINE status indicator is lit in online mode.

Offline - In offline mode, you may perform operator functions, such as loading media, or navigating through the printer configuration menu to make changes or verify option settings. Pressing the PAUSE key toggles the printer from offline to online mode. The ONLINE status indicator is not illuminated in offline mode.

Fault - In fault mode, a fault condition exists that must be cleared before printing can continue. The ONLINE status indicator flashes, the alarm beeps (if configured to do so) and a descriptive fault message displays.

The current operating mode can be selected through the control panel keys, or may result from routine operations such as powering on the printer.

Primary Control Panel Keys

PAUSE - Toggles the printer between online [twinax only] and offline modes. FEED - Advances the media one forms length (active in online or offline

modes). CANCEL - Cancels all data in the printer (active in online or offline modes).

This key is set to disable from the factory. CANCEL can be enabled in the MAINT/MISC menu.

TEST - Selects the self-test menu (offline mode only). Pressing the ENTER key with a Diagnostic Test displayed initiates the test. Pressing the ENTER key again terminates the test. Press FEED to advance media and clear test data from the print buffer before returning the printer to the online mode.

Secondary Control Panel Keys

CLEAR - If a fault condition exists, pressing the CLEAR key clears the fault message and returns the printer to offline mode.

NOTE: If the fault condition has not been corrected before pressing CLEAR,

the fault message appears again when attempting to place the printer

to online status. PRT CONFIG - Prints the current printer configuration menu settings. JOB SELECT - Selects a specific printer configuration menu (offline mode

only). ENTER - Selects the current value within the printer configuration menu

(offline mode only) and displays an asterisk (*) next to the value. If the ENTER

key is locked, the value will not be selected and an “ENTER SWITCH LOCKED” message displays for one second, followed by a display of the previously selected value. Pressing the UP and DOWN keys at the same time unlocks the ENTER key and permits value selection.

Chapter 2 Loading Media

5) - Navigates the printer menu one level up (offline mode only).

UP ( DOWN ( PREV (

menu (offline mode only). NEXT (

menu (offline mode only). UP+DOWN (

the printer menu (offline mode only). NEXT+PREV (

soft reset (offline only).

Loading Media

The term “media” as used 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 T4204 can print on continuous paper, adhesive backed labels or nonadhesive tags packaged in roll or fanfold form.

See Appendix B for a list of supplies available from Printronix.

CAUTION

DO NOT TOUCH the Printhead or the electronic components under the Printhead Assembly. 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.

6) - Navigates the printer menu one level down (offline mode only).

3) - Navigates between options on the current level of the printer

4) - Navigates between options on the current level of the printer

5+6) - Simultaneously pressing these keys unlocks or locks

4+3) - Simultaneously pressing these keys enables a printer

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Adhesive backed labels that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner may jam the printer. This can cause the label to peel off the liner. The exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer. Genuine Printronix Supplies can be ordered from the Printronix Distributor where you purchased this printer. Please refer to Appendix B for sizes and part numbers.

If you run out of labels while printing, do not turn the power switch to the OFF position while reloading labels. Lost data may result. Prior to printing labels, it is also recommended you enable the Error Recovery sub-menu of the PRINTER CONTROL menu, and save it as the power-on default. Error Recovery forces t he printer to automatical ly reprin t a label that may have been partially printed prior to the LOAD PAPER fault message, after additional labels are properly loaded.

Loading Roll Media

1. Open the top (and right side) cover.

2. Open the front door.

3. Slide the media roll guide down to the end of the media support

assembly.

4. Open the printhead assembly by pushing the release lever towards the

back of the printer. The Printhead assembly will swing upwards.

Legend:

1) Top Cover

2) Front Door

3) Printhead Assembly Release Lever

4) Media Roll Guide

5) Media Support Assembly

Chapter 2 Loading Roll Media

5. Slide the media width adjustment tab to the outside stop of the media sensor assembly and rotate the tab up.

Legend:

1) Media Width Adjustment Tab

6. Slide a roll of media over the media roll guide and onto the support assembly. Media feeds from the top of the roll and towards the front of the printer. Push the roll to the back of the support and slide the roll guide against the outer edge of the media.

7. Thread the label stock through the label sensor assembly and then between the platen (drive roller) and the printhead. You can also refer to the Loading A New Roll or Ribbon illustration label on the inside rear panel of the printer.

Legend:

1) Roll Guide

2) Media Roll

8. Rotate the media width adjustment tab down and slide it inward until it is flush with the media. Check the location of the media sensor, and refer to Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment on page 47.

Legend:

1) Media Width Adjustment Tab

Chapter 2 Loading Roll Media

9. Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides of the fron t of the printhead assembly.

10. Adjust the media pressure control knob to match the width of the label stock in use.

Media Wi dth

Pressure Control

2 inches or Less 2 inches Greater Than 2 inches 4 inches

Knob Settings

CAUTION

Legend:

1) Printhead Assembly

2) Media Pressure Control Knob

Ensure the printhead is down and latched before attempting to print. Failure to do so may cause a premature failure of the printhead.

11. Press the FEED key once to verify that the media advances. Verify that Print Mode in the Printer Configuration Menu is set for the

media type installed (Direct or Transfer). If Thermal Transfer media is

installed, see “Loading Ribbon” on page 38. The Print Mode submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu. See “Printer Control Menu” on page 91 for more information. Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover if the rewind or thermal transfer options are not needed.

12.

Press the PAUSE key to place the printer online.

The printer is now ready for printing.

IMPORTANT

The printer will not automatically detect a fault condition when the printhead is open. When using Transmissive or Reflective media, if the printhead assembly is opened and media is moved, repositioned, or replaced, you must press the FEED key after the printhead is locked for media to advance to the Top-of-Form position.

Chapter 2 Loading Fanfold Media

Loading Fanfold Media

1. Open the top (and right side) cover on the printer and the front door.

2. Remove the roll media from the media support assembly, if installed.

3. Place the fanfold media behind the printer and insert the first few labels through the rear panel opening.

4. Open the printhead assembly by pushing the release lever towards the back of the printer. The Printhead assembly will swing upward.

Legend:

1) Printhead Assembly Release Lever

5. Slide the media width adjustment tab to the outside stop of the media sensor assembly and rotate the tab up.

Legend:

1) Media Width Adjustment Tab

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

Legend:

1) Media Sensor Assembly

2) Platen

3) Printhead

4) Fanfold Media

Chapter 2 Loading Fanfold Media

7. Rotate the media width adjustment tab down and slide it over until it is flush with the fanfold media. Check the location of the media sensor, and

refer to “Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment” on page 47.

Legend:

1) Media Width Adjustment Tab

Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides of the front of the printhead assembly.

Adjust the label pressure control knob to match the width of the label stock in use.

Label Width

Pressure Control

Knob Settings

2 inches or Less 2 inches Greater Than 2 inches 4 inches

Legend:

1) Printhead Assembly

2) Label Pressure Control Knob

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Ensure the printhead is down and latched before attempting to print. Failure to do so may cause a premature failure of the printhead.

10. Press the FEED key once to verify that the labels advance. Verify that Print Mode in the Printer Configuration Menu is set for the

media type installed (Direct or Transfer). If Thermal Transfer media is

11.

Press the PAUSE key to place the printer online.

The printer is now ready for printing.

The printer will not automatically detect a fault condition when the printhead is open. When using Transmissive or Reflective media, if the printhead assembly is opened and media is moved, repositioned, or replaced, the FEED key must be pressed after the printhead is locked for media to advance to the Top-of-Form position.

Chapter 2 Loading Ribbon

Loading Ribbon

Skip this section when using Direct Thermal Media.

1. Slide the appropriate thermal transfer ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle and open the Printhead assembly by pushing the release lever towards the back of the printer.

Legend:

1) Ribbon Supply Spindle

2) Printhead Assembly Release Lever

2. Thread the transfer ribbon between the label sensor assembly and the printhead bracket. Continue threading the ribbon between the platen (and label stock, if loaded) and the printhead.

For easy ribbon threading, slide half of the ribbon between the side of the label sensor assembly and the printhead bracket. Guide it from the side of the printer through the ribbon path.

Legend:

1) Ribbon Take-up Spindle

2) Ribbon Supply Roll

3) Printhead Bracket

4) Label Sensor Assembly

Chapter 2 Loading Ribbon

3. Wrap the transfer ribbon from the front of the printhead assembly to the backside of the ribbon take-up spindle. Attach the ribbon to the take-up core (fiberboard tube) with tape.

When installing a new roll of Printronix ribbon, fold the ribbon just behind the adhesive strip and attach the strip to the ribbon take-up core. Manually rotate the spindle counterclockwise to feed the unusable portion of the ribbon leader around the take-up spindle.

Legend:

1) Label and Ribbon Loading Diagram

4. Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides of the fron t of the printhead assembly.

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover if the label rewinder is not needed.

Verify that Print Mode is set for Transfer in the Printer Configuration Menu. The Print Mode submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu. See “Printer Control Menu” on page 91 for more information.

The printer is now ready for Thermal Transfer Printing.

Label Rewinding

The printer can be set up to automatically rewind labels into a roll by using the label rewinder.

1. Remove the front door insert cover from the front door by sliding the insert cover up to unlock it, then pushing it out of the front of the door assembly.

Legend:

1) Front Door Insert Cover

2) Label Taken Sensor Gate

2. Remove the label rewinder bracket from inside the printer. Turn the thumb screw holding the bracket to the printer chassis counter-clockwise to loosen. The screw is used for mounting and storing the bracket.

Legend:

1) Label Rewinder Bracket

2) Thumbscrew

Chapter 2 Label Rewinding

3. Hook the two stepped tabs of the label rewind bracket onto the two

notches on the top edge of the platen roller assembly’s tear-bar plate. Swing the bracket down. Align the bracket’s tabs with the platen’s bracket reference holes and insert them.

Secure the bracket with the thumb screw.

Remove the label rewind clip from the label rewinder spindle.

Legend:

1) Label Rewind Bracket

2) Platen Roller Tear Bar Plate

3) Label Rewinder Spindle

4) Label Rewind Clip

With the label stock already loaded and the front door open (To load

labels see “Loading Roll Media” on page 29), thread the label stock around and below the platen roller assembly.

Press the FEED key with the printhead closed, as needed, to supply more label stock or liner.

Legend:

1) Label Stock/Liner

8. If a label is on the end of the label liner, remove it. a. Thread the liner around the label rewinder spindle counter-clockwise,

as shown.

b. Slide the label rewind clip over the label liner end and onto the label

rewinder spindle.

c. Fold the label liner over the clip to the back of the printer. This helps

lock in the liner.

d. Press the FEED key until the label liner is taut.

Legend:

1) Label Rewinder Spindle

2) Label Rewind Clip

9. To rewind labels, set Media Handling to Continuous in the configuration menu. The Media Handling submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu. See Chapter 3 for more information on configuring the printer.

10.

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover.

Chapter 2 Label Peel Off

Label Peel Off

The printer can be set to automatically peel off labels from the backing liner and dispense them one at a time while rewinding the liner. This configuration

requires use of the printer’s label rewinder.

Remove the front door insert cover from the front door of the printer. Slide the insert cover up to unlock it, then push it out of the front of the door assembly.

For Peel-Off mode, flip the label taken sensor gate down.

If the label rewinder bracket is mounted on the platen tear bar assembly at the front of the printer, remove it and secure it in the stored position as shown.

Legend:

1) Front Door Insert Cover

2) Label Taken Sensor Gate

3) Label Rewind Bracket

With the label stock already loaded and the front door open (To load labels, see “Loading Roll Media” on page 29) thread the label liner around and below the platen roller assembly.

5. Press the FEED key with the printhead closed, as needed, to supply more label stock or liner.

6. If a label is on the end of the label liner, remove it.

7. Thread the liner around the label rewinder spindle counter-clockwise, as shown. Slide the label rewind clip over the label liner end and onto the label rewinder spindle.

Legend:

1) Label Rewinder Spindle

2) Label Liner

8. Fold the label liner over the clip to the back of the printer. This helps lock in the liner.

Legend:

1) Label Rewind Clip

Chapter 2 Label Peel Off

9. Press the FEED key until the label liner is taut.

10. For automatic label peel-off mode, set Media Handling to Peel-Off in the configuration menu. The Media Handling submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu. See Chapter 3 for more information on configuring the printer.

Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover.

Legend:

1) Peeled Label Area

Peel-Off Mode

11.

Press the PAUSE key to place the printer Online.

12.

Press the FEED key. A label should advance to the peel-off position

under the label taken sensor gate and “LABEL PRESENT Remove Label” should be displayed.

NOTE: While printing a print job, do not press the FEED key with the ‘LABEL

PRESENT Remove Label’ message displayed or the message will be removed until the PAUSE key is pressed. Also, each pressing of the FEED key will cause a blank label to be added at the end of the print job.

13.

Remove the label. “ONLINE” should then be displayed.

NOTE: A problem where labels drop back down onto the liner before they

can be manually removed can occur, causing the label taken sensor to falsely sense the label was removed. Labels of 1.0 to 1.5 inches long are more likely to demonstrate this condition.

This problem can be resolved by decreasing Print Speed or Setting Paper Feed Shift (under the PRINTER CONTROL menu) from 0.00 inches to a negative (-) 0.07 to 0.10 inch value to retract the label back slightly keeping it in the horizontal position under the sensor.

Label V ariations And The Label Sensor

Your T4204 is equipped with a transmissive sensor that detects the gap between labels while they are being printed. The trailing edge of the gap establishes the Top-of-Form position. This feature depends on the ability of

the sensor to “see through” the label liner, index hole or notch in the media. In order to support this type of media, select the Transmissive option under the PRINTER CONTROL Media Sensor menu. The Transmission Media Sensor Assembly must be partitioned correctly. (See Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment, below.)

A reflective sensor located on the lower portion of the same sensor assembly detects a black horizontal stripe on media with reflective label backing. The trailing edge of the black stripe establishes the Top-of-Form position. This feature depends on the ability of the sensor to detect the difference in the amount of light reflected off the back of the label material and the black stripe. Select the Reflective option under the PRINTER CONTROL Media Sensor menu in order to support this type of media. Additionally, the Reflector Sensor must be in the correct horizontal position.

Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment

In order to accurately detect the gap, hole, notch, or narrow black stripe, the transmissive sensor assembly can be moved 1.4 inches along the width of the media by squeezing together the two blue locking tabs, located under the label guide, and sliding the sensor to the desired position. The actual location of the transmissive sensor is indicated by the sensor crystal visible at the front of the label guide when the printhead assembly is open.

Position the transmissive sensor directly under the hole or notch. If it extends the full width of the media, position it in the middle of the transmission liner gap.

The reflective sensor is located directly below R2, the resistor farthest to the right on the sensor PCBA. The resistor is visible when the printhead is open. The reflective sensor should be positioned as close as possible in the middle of the width of the label black stripe.

When you use either Transmissive or Reflective Media sensing, adhere to the media specifications described in Appendix A and ensure that the Page Length value set in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Menu of the Configuration Menu (or Page Length value sent via software command) matches the physical length of the label or tag stock installed in the printer. In addition, do the sensor calibration procedure described below whenever a different type of media sensing will be required (Transmissive or Reflective), when installing untried media, or when the printer is losing Top-of-Form position. Loss of Topof-Form is usually followed by an error message on the LCD, such as “GAP NOT DETECTED Check Media” or “LOAD PAPER”.

Chapter 2 Calibrating The Transmissive And Reflective Sensors

Calibrating The T ransmissive And Reflective Sensors

Due to manufacturing differences in transmissive and reflective label stock, the sensors may have difficulty distinguishing between the label and the liner (gap) or the label and the black mark. When this occurs, the printer will

display an error message on the LCD such as “GAP NOT DETECTED Check Media” or “LOAD PAPER”. The printer’s sensitivity for detecting the TOF (Top-Of-Form) position of the media installed can be optimized by using the Calibrate features in the PRINTER CONTROL menu.

Sensor sensitivity can be improved by changing the Refl Value for reflective media or by changing the Trans Value for transmissive media. These values can be changed manually within the PRINTER CONTROL menu or can be determined automatically by using the Run Calibrate procedure. The change in values (derived automatically or manually) takes effect immediately within the current configuration menu, but is not automatically saved. If Run Calibrate is performed again the new values will overwrite the previous values for the current menu.

The new values can be saved into non-volatile memory (menus 1-8 only) by using the Save Configuration procedure. If the current menu in use is the Factory menu, the values will take effect but cannot be saved into memory and will be lost when the printer is powered off.

Use the Run Calibrate procedure to automatically determine the Trans or Refl Values before attempting to change the values manually. When Run Calibrate has completed successfully, the Sensed Distance option in the Calibrate menu will display a distance in inches based on the media type in use:

• transmissive media = the label length plus one gap length

• reflective media = the distance from the trailing edge of one black

stripe to the trailing edge of the next black stripe.

The Sensed Distance value cannot be manually changed and is updated only as a result of the Run Calibrate procedure. The factory default value of Sensed Distance is 0.00 inches.

If Run Calibrate fails to determine the proper values and ends with a fault message displayed (GAP NOT DETECTED or LOAD PAPER), you can try it again by going back to Run Calibrate under the PRINTER CONTROL main menu and then press the ENTER key. Or, you can manually change the Trans Value or the Refl Value. Trans Value and Refl Value have a range of 0

- 20 (factory default = 10).

Once the correct values are determined and the Page Length setting in the PRINTER CONTROL menu is equal to (or slightly less) than the physical page length, depress the FEED key to advance media and determine if it consistently stops at the correct TOF position each time.

Run Calibrate Procedure

NOTE: Verify that the media installed in the printer matches the PRINTER

CONTROL menu Media Sensor option (Transmissive or Reflective). Verify that the transmissive sensor is horizontally positioned to permit

sensing of the notch, gap, or black stripe. (See “Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment” on page 47.)

Press and release the PAUSE key to place the printer offline.

Open the printer front door to allow access to the Secondary Control Panel.

Press and release the UP and DOWN (

unlock the printer menu. “ENTER SWITCH UNLOCKED” appears on the LCD.

Press the NEXT ( LCD.

5 and 6) keys simultaneously to

4) key until “PRINTER CONTROL” appears on the

Press the DOWN (

Press the NEXT (

Press the DOWN (

Press the ENTER key. The media will advance a minimum of 11 inches plus the distance required to detect three additional Top-of-Form positions.

The procedure is completed successfully if no fault is displayed and the

Sensed Distance value is correct. See “Sensed Distance” on page 95 for a detailed description of Sensed Distance.

NOTE: If a fault message such as “GAP NOT DETECTED” or “LOAD

PAPER” appears while performing the Run Calibrate procedure, press the CLEAR key and perform the Run Calibrate procedure again, by going back to Run Calibrate under the PRINTER CONTROL main menu and then press the ENTER key.

Press the UP ( the LCD.

10.

Press the FEED key. The media should advance one forms length.

NOTE: If the Page Length value is longer than the physical page length of the

media in use, the printer will continue to advance media to achieve that Page Length value and then stop at the next TOF position.

11. Press the PAUSE key to place the printer Online.

6) key. “Page Width” appears on the LCD.

4) key until “Calibrate” appears.

6) key. “Run Calibrate” appears.

5) key until “OFFLINE PRINTER CONTROL” appears on

Chapter 2 Cleaning The Printhead

NOTE: The amount of media advancement is also based on which Media

Handling selection is enabled under the PRINTER CONTROL Main

menu of the Configuration Menu. ‘Tear-Off’ and ‘Tear-Off Strip’ (after Tear-Strip Time) will advance the media until the Top-of-Form of the next form is positioned over the Tear bar. When ‘Continuous’ Media Handling is selected the media will advance only until the Top-ofForm of the next form is positioned under the printhead.

12.

Press the PAUSE key to place the printer Online.

Cleaning The Printhead

One cause of poor print quality is a dirty printhead. You should clean the printhead whenever you replace the ribbon (thermal transfer mode) or install new media (direct thermal mode).Clean the printhead with the printhead Cleaning Pen supplied with the printer, or with Isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.

Open the printhead assembly.

Pull back any rolled or fanfold media located directly under the printhead.

Legend:

1) Printhead Assembly

3. Gently rub the felt tip of the Cleaning Pen or a cotton swab with Isopropyl

alcohol across the amber area of the printhead.

4. Allow the printhead to dry for one minute before reloading the labels.

3 Configuring The Printer

Overview

Changing printer settings, such as print speed or emulation, is referred to as configuration. The configuration process is done using the secondary control panel and includes the following:

• Configuring the printer for different host interface options

• Customizing label formats

• Checking printer status

• Running various maintenance tests

NOTE: Control codes sent by the host system will override the control panel

Menu Navigation

settings.

The secondary control panel consists of four function keys and four arrow keys. Figure 1 shows the keypad section of the panel. An explanation of each key is in Table 1.

This section explains how to use the secondary control panel to change individual settings and save them as a customized configuration.

Legend:

1) UP Key

2) PREV Key

3) DOWN Key

4) CLEAR Key

5) PRT CONFIG Key

6) NEXT Key

7) JOB SELECT Key

8) ENTER Key 1

Figure 1. Secondary Control Panel

4 5

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

Table 1: Key Function Summary - Secondary Control Panel

Key Function

CLEAR If a fault condition exists, pressing this key clears the fault message

and returns the printer to offline mode. NOTE: If the fault condition is not corrected before pressing CLEAR,

the message reappears when attempting to place the printer online.

PRT CONFIG Prints the current printer configuration menu settings (offline mode

only). JOB SELECT Selects a specific printer configuration menu (offline mode only). ENTER Selects the current value within the printer configuration menu (offline

mode only) and displays an asterisk (*) next to the value. If the ENTER

key is locked, the value will not be selected and an “ENTER SWITCH

LOCKED” message displays for one second, followed by a display of

the previously selected value. Pressing the UP and DOWN keys at the

same time unlocks the ENTER key and permits value selection. UP (

DOWN (

PREV (

NEXT (

UP+DOWN (

5+6)

NEXT+PREV (

4+3)

This key causes the printer to go up one level in the menu structure

(offline mode only).

This key causes the printer to go down one level in the menu structure

(offline mode only).

If the menu selection is a value, pressing this key causes the value to

be decremented. If the menu selection is an option, pressing this key

allows selection among options on the current menu level. Holding the

key down causes the key to repeat at about seven times a second

(offline mode only).

If the menu selection is a value, pressing this key causes the value to

be incremented. If the menu selection is an option, pressing this key

allows selection among options on the current menu level. Holding the

key down causes the key to repeat at about seven times a second

(offline mode only).

Simultaneously pressing these keys unlocks or locks the printer menu

(offline mode only). This is the default key combination for locking/

unlocking the secondary control panel. You can change the key

combination. See page 72.

Simultaneously pressing these keys enables a printer soft reset (offline

mode only).

Using The Secondary Control Panel

Using The Secondary Cont rol Panel

Configuration parameters are set from the secondary control panel or are

retrieved from the printer’s memory. The parameters define how the printer will respond to command and interface signals from the host computer.

The configuration menu structure consists of the main configuration menus and the corresponding submenus, where applicable.

NOTE: Many of the selectable configurations refer to printer options or

features that may or may not be present in your printer. Selecting an option or feature that is not present will result in no action being performed by the printer, or an ‘OPTION NOT INSTALLED’ message displayed.

Moving Within The Configuration Menu

To configure the printer, it must be offline. If the ONLINE indicator is lit, press and release the PAUSE key to place the printer offline. When the printer is offline, OFFLINE appears on the top line of the LCD and CONFIG. CONTROL appears on the next line.

Figure 2 shows the configuration main menu options. For details on the parameters that pertain to those options, refer to the specified pages.

Movement within the configuration menus is controlled by using the appropriate arrow keys. (See Table 1, for more details on the function of the operator panel keys.)

Figure 3 shows how to change a configuration menu option and the messages that appear in the display after you press each key.

If you follow the example shown in Figure 3, you will configure the printer for Direct Thermal Print Mode.

In this manual the factory default settings for all available options are indicated by an asterisk (*) located to the right of the option.

You can select different options and save them as the power on default; however, they can only be saved to configurations menus 1-8. Changes made to the factory configuration menu cannot be saved.

When the printer is online, the first line of the LCD indicates ONLINE and the second line lists the active interface port and type of emulation.

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

OFFLINE

CONFIG.

CONTROL

page 65

Load Config. Save Config. Print Config. Delete Config. Power-Up Config. Protect Configs Name Configs. Reset Cfg Names

ETHERNET

PARAMS

IP Address Gateway Address Subnet Mask MAC Address Novell Protocol NetBIOS Protocol Novell Frame PPM Port Number PPM Port Timeout

page 90

ACTIVE IGP

EMUL

page 67

IGP/PGL IGP/VGL

PRINTER

CONTROL

page 91

Page Width Page Length Print Speed Print Intensity Print Mode Media Sensor Media Handling Paper Feed Shift Hor Image Shift Ver Image Shift Calibrate Tear-Strip Time Clip Page Error Recover

EMULATION

page 68

LinePrinter+ IGP/PGL IGP/VGL

CTHI

FONT

MEMORY

page 97

Max Char Memory Max Cache Memory Max Cache Size Max Cached Char Max Fonts Loaded Font Weight Installed Fonts

MAINT/MISC

page 69

Alarm Power-Up State Hex Dump Mode Ptx Setup Opti on Display Language Downloaded Fonts File System Cancel Key Auto Locking Set Lock Key Auto Label Map Compatibility Power Saver Time

DIAGNOSTICS

page 100

Printer Tests System Memory Print Statistics

HOST

INTERFACE

page 77

Twinax

Coax Auto Switching Centronics* Serial IEEE 1284 Ethernet

if installed

Figure 2. Configuration Main Menu

Selecting A Menu Option

Step Press LCD Notes

1. OFFLINE

2. ENTER SWITCH

3. OFFLINE

4. PRINTER CONTROL

5. PRINTER CONTROL

6. Print Mode

7. Print Mode

8. Print Mode

PAUSE

ENTER

UNTIL

CONFIG. CONTROL

UNLOCKED

PRINTER CONTROL

Page Width

Print Mode

Transfer*

Direct

Direct*

Allows you to make configuration changes.

Cycle through the choices.

Figure 3. Moving within the Configuration Menu

Selecting A Menu Option

By default, the ENTER key is “locked” when the printer is turned on. This prevents accidental changes to the configuration menu. If you press the ENTER key when the key is locked, the message “ENTER SWITCH LOCKED” is displayed on the LCD for one second, and the value will not be selected.

To unlock the ENTER key, press the UP and DOWN arrow keys simultaneously. This toggles the enter lock function.

If this function is performed while the ENTER key is locked, the message “ENTER SWITCH UNLOCKED” will be displayed for one second, and the ENTER key will be unlocked.

If this function is performed while the ENTER key is unlocked, the message “ENTER SWITCH LOCKED” will be displayed for one second, and the ENTER key will be locked.

When the ENTER key is pressed (with the ENTER key unlocked), the value displayed is entered and the configuration is changed immediately.

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

NOTE: The lock and unlock function can be configured to be other than the

UP and DOWN keys. (See “Set Lock Key” on page 72.)

IMPORTANT

This change takes effect for all subsequent data and operations for the printer only after the printer is placed in the Online mode. The configuration change(s) stay in effect only while the printer is powered on. When the power is turned off, all current configuration data are lost unless you save the configuration.

To save configuration information permanently or to select it as the power-up default, see page 57.

Changing Printer Set tings

Make sure the printer is offline. If the ONLINE indicator is lit, press the PAUSE key. The following message will display:

OFFLINE CONFIG CONTROL

3or 4 key for the following display.

Press

OFFLINE PRINTER CONTROL

Press the

6 key for the following display:

PRINTER CONTROL Page Width

3or 4 to cycle through these options:

Press Page Width Page Length Print Speed Print Intensity Print Mode Media Sensor Media Handling Paper Feed Shift Hor Image Shift Ver Image Shift Calibrate Tear-Strip Time Clip Page Error Recover

Saving A Configuration

5. When the desired menu displays, press the6 key to access the available options or submenus.

IMPORTANT

6. Press the

7. Press the ENTER key to select a value. An asterisk (*) displays next to the selected value.

8. If there are more values you want to change, use the RIGHT, UP, or DOWN) keys to access the value and the ENTER key to select it. At any time, you may press the one level higher.

9. At any time, you may press the PAUSE key to exit the configuration menu and place the printer online. Once you have finished selecting all your options, save your configuration.

The printer must be placed in the Online mode before the new menu selections or changes take effect.

If you do not save your configuration, all your new values will be lost when you turn off the printer.

3or 4 key and hold to scroll through the values.

3456 (LEFT,

5 key to return to the options

Saving A Configuration

You can save up to eight different configurations to meet eight unique print job requirements. For example:

Factory: Factory Default (This cannot be altered.) Config. 1: Selects RS-232 Serial Interface

Selects Page Width of 4 inches Selects Page Length of 24 inches Selects image Horizontal Shift of 0.20 inches, etc.

Config. 2: Selects Parallel Interface

Selects Page Width of 2.2 inches Selects Page Length of 25.0 mm Selects image Vertical Shift of 0.10 inches, etc.

The configurations are saved and stored in non-volatile memory for later use. These configurations, including the factory default configuration, will not be erased from memory when the printer power is turned off.

If you do not save your configuration (to the non-volatile memory) before you turn off the printer, any changes made to that current configuration will be lost.

NOTE: If the Protect Configs. option is enabled, the new configuration will not

be saved unless the existing configuration has been deleted.

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

Follow these steps to save a new configuration:

1. Press the PAUSE key to take the printer offline. The following message displays:

OFFLINE CONFIG. CONTROL

2. Press the

CONFIG CONTROL Load Config.

3. Press the

CONFIG CONTROL Save Config.

4. Press the

Save Config. 1*

5. Press the factory default configuration is not listed.

6. When the desired number displays, press ENTER to select it. The following message displays briefly:

Saving Configuration

6 key until:

3 or 4 key until the following displays:

6 key until:

3 or 4 key to cycle through the options (1-8). Note that the

When processing is completed, the display shows:

Save Config.

NOTE: If the configuration number has been previously saved and the

Protect Configs. option is enabled under CONFIG CONTROL, the following error message displays:

CONFIG. EXISTS Delete First

If the above occurs, see page 59, step 4.

It is recommended that you print your configuration and store it in a safe place for future reference. Refer to page 60.

Modifying A Saved Configuration

Modifying A Saved Configu rat ion

You can change a saved configuration by rewriting over it. For example, you can modify Config. 1, shown below. Suppose you want to keep all the settings but you want to select the parallel interface instead of the serial interface.

Config. 1: Selects RS-232 Serial Interface

Selects Page Width of 4 inches Selects Page Length of 24 inches Selects Image Horizontal Shift of 0.20 inches, etc.

1. Load the configuration to be changed (for example, Config. 1). a. Press the PAUSE key to take the printer offline.

OFFLINE CONFIG. CONTROL

b. Press the

CONFIG. CONTROL Load Config.

c. Press the6 key.

Load Config. 1*

d. Press the e. When the desired number displays, press the ENTER key to select it.

The following message is displayed while loading. Loading Saved

Configuration

Then, the following message displays when it is loaded:

Load Config.

2. Move through the menu and change all the desired values. (In this example, under Host Interface, you would change the value from Serial to Centronics.)

6 key.

3 or 4 key to cycle through the options: Factory 1-8.

3. Press the ENTER key to save each new value. An asterisk (*) displays.

4. Before saving the modified configuration, you must delete the original configuration if the Protect Configs . opti on is enable d.

a. Press the

5 key.

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

b. Press the

CONFIG. CONTROL Delete Config.

c. Press the d. Press the

desired number displays, press the ENTER key to select it. The following message is displayed.

Deleting Configuration

Then, the following displays when it is deleted:

Delete Config.

5. Save the new configuration as described in the page 57. Make sure you select the same number (e.g., Config. 1) when saving the modified configuration. The new configuration writes over the existing one.

3or 4 key until the following displays:

6 key. 3or 4 key to cycle through the options (1-8). When the

6. Print a copy of this newest configuration (see below) and store it in a safe place.

Printing A Configuration

Print and store your configurations for future reference. The printout provides a list of the parameters that were set when you configured the printer. A sample configuration printout is shown in Figure 4.

To print a configuration:

1. Press the PAUSE key to take the printer offline.

OFFLINE CONFIG. CONTROL

2. Press the

3. Press the

6 key for the following display:

CONFIG. CONTROL Load Config.

3 or 4 key until the following displays:

CONFIG. CONTROL Print Config.

4. Press the

6 key.

Printing A Configuration

5. Press the3 or 4 key to cycle through the following printout options: Current*

Factory Power-Up All 1-8 customized configurations

6. When the desired option displays, press the ENTER key. The printer prints the specified configuration. Refer to Figure 4, for a sample configuration printout.

NOTE: If the configuration you want to print has not been saved, the

following message will display momentarily: CONFIG. DOES NOT

EXIST/Save Fi rst

This message indicates that no configuration menu has been saved under the configuration value you have selected and therefore cannot be printed. You must either select another configuration to print or load and then save a configuration to that configuration value first.

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 1 of 3)

Printing A Configuration

Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 2 of 3)

Chapter 3 Menu Navigation

Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 3 of 3)

Menu Options

The rest of this chapter shows each menu along with its possible choices, and explains what each of the choices mean.

CONFIG. CONTROL Menu

The CONFIG. CONTROL menu allows you to control your printer’s configurations according to the specifications necessary for your print jobs.

CONFIG.

CONTROL

(from page 54)

CONFIG. CONTROL Menu

* = Factory Default

Load Config.

Factory* 1-8

Name

Configs

1* (1-8)

Save Config. Print Config.

1* (1-8)

Reset Cfg

Names

1* (1-8) All

Current* Factory Power-up All 1-8

Delete Config.

1* (1-8)

Power-up

Config.

Factory* 1-8

Protect

Configs.

Disable* Enable

Load Config.

The printer can store up to eight configurations in memory. This parameter allows you to select and load a specific configuration.

Save Config.

This option allows you to save up to eight unique configurations to meet different print job requirements. This eliminates the need to change the parameter settings for each new job. The configurations are stored in memory, and will not be lost if you turn off the printer. If the Protect Configs. parameter is enabled, the new configuration will not be saved unless the existing configuration has been deleted first. The factory default configuration cannot be changed. See page 57 for details.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Print Config.

This option is used to print a listing of various stored printer configurations. It is recommended you store printouts of your configurations in a safe place for quick referral.

Delete Config.

You can delete one or all of your eight customized configurations. The factory default configuration cannot be deleted.

Power-Up Config.

You can specify which of the nine configurations (Factory or 1-8) will be the power-up configuration.

Protect Configs.

You can specify whether or not a new configuration should overwrite an existing configuration when you activate the Save Configs. parameter. When disabled (default), the new configuration will overwrite the existing configuration. When enabled, the new configuration will

existing configuration, and the message “CONFIG. EXISTS / Delete First” displays.

not

overwrite the

Name Configs

You may specify a 15 character name which can be used to refer to a configuration. The name you enter for a configuration will be used in the Load Config., Save Config., Print Config., Delete Config., and Power-Up Config. menus. The names can only be cleared by using the Reset Cfg Names menu.

When you move into the Name Configs menu, the top line of the display shows the current configuration name. The second line of the display is initially the same as the top line. You can modify the second line of the display without affecting the top line until the ENTER key is pressed, which sets the modified name as the current selection.

Press the UP or DOWN ( for that character at the cursor location. Press the NEXT ( the next character to be modified. Press the PREV ( character you have already modified. Continue until you have entered the name you want to give to this configuration, then press ENTER to save. The name you entered will now represent this configuration on the printer's front panel. To exit this menu without saving, press any key other than the ENTER key. The configuration name will revert to the last saved value.

5 or 6) keys to cycle through the values available

4) key to move to

3) key to go back to a

Reset Cfg Names

You can reset specific configuration names back to the default value of the configuration number.

Active IGP EMUL Menu

* = Factory Default

ACTIVE IGP

EMUL

(from page 54)

IGP/PGL* IGP/VGL

This ACTIVE IGP EMUL function allows the user to activate an installed IGP VGL or PGL emulation. There are two methods for selecting the desired emulation. The first is by selecting the emulation directly from the printer menu. The second is by sending a host command which will switch the emulation automatically (see the appropriate

Manual

for details

Programmer’s Reference

IMPORTANT

When changing from one IGP emulation to the other, the printer will load the Power-up configuration. Thus, any setting performed before selecting those emulations and not saved in NVRAM will be lost.

When the ACTIVE IGP EMUL is switched from one IGP emulation to another, the printer will load the settings saved under the Power-Up Config. menu. These settings may not be the current settings in use prior to switching the Active IGP emulation. The Print Mode, Media Sensor, Media Handling, Calibration (Trans or Refl Values), Page Length and Width and numerous other settings in use will change to the settings saved under the Power-Up Config. menu. Users should therefore insure that all desired settings are saved as the printer PowerUp Config. menu settings prior to switching the Active IGP emulation.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Emulation Menu

The LinePrinter+ emulation is the standard emulation on the printer, along with a choice of IGP/PGL, or IGP/VGL. The CTHI emulation is available when the Coax/Twinax option is installed.

The contents of the emulation menu structure will be created by the printer at run-time, and, when powered up, the printer will automatically load the default configuration values. The default set of parameters is the factory setting until a new setting is saved to non-volatile memory.

NOTE: Each emulation may have a unique set of configuration options in

addition to those that are in the printer system list. See the appropriate section at the end of this chapter for those settings.

EMULATION

from page 54

LinePrinter+

page 124

IGP/PGL

page 102

CTHI

page 148

IGP/VGL page 112

MAINT / MISC Menu

MAINT/MISC

(from page 54)

MAINT / MISC Menu

* = Factory Default

If you have the CT option, Enable is the default value, otherwise it is Disable.

If installed

Alarm Power-up

On* Cont. Beep Off

File System

Overwrite Files

Enable* Disable

View File List

File 1 File 2 etc.

Delete Files

File 1 File 2

etc. Optimize&Reboot Print File List

State

Online* Offline

File System

Char.

Operations

Delete frm Flash Load from Flash Save to Flash Delete from RAM

Hex Dump

Mode

Disable* Enable

Ld Char at

PwrUp

Disable* Enable

Ptx SETUP

Option

Setup Parse

Enable* Disable

Setup SFCC

21h* (1h-FFh)

Set

Operations

Delete frm Flash Load from Flash Save to Flash Delete from RAM

Display

Language

English* German French Italian Spanish

Ld Set at

PwrUp

Disable* Enable

Cancel Key

Disable* Enable

Auto Locking

Disable* Enable

Set Lock Key

Auto Label

Map

Auto Map Select

Disable* Enable

Auto Label Width

02.0 inches* (00.1-04.1 inches)

Num Auto Labels

2 labels* (1-40 labels)

Compatibility

Default* Laser P5000 T3000 T1006

Power Saver

Time

Disable 1 minute 5 minutes 10 minutes 15 minutes* 30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Alarm

•On. An audible alarm sounds (3 beeps) when a fault occurs, such as a paper jam.

• Continuous. A continuous audible alarm sounds when a fault occurs, which can be stopped by pressing CLEAR.

•Off. No audible alarm will sound.

Power-Up St ate

• Online. The printer powers up in the online state.

• Offline. The printer powers up in the offline state.

Hex Dump Mode

A hex code printout (or hex dump) translates all incoming data to hexadecimal equivalents. A hex dump lists each ASCII data character received from the host computer, together with its corresponding two-digit hexadecimal code. Hex dumps can be used to troubleshoot some types of printer data reception problems. Hex Dump Mode is supported with a minimum media width of 4.10 inches.

NOTE: Narrower media will result in characters missing or truncated in the

printout.

PTX SETUP Option

Selects the Special Function Control Code for the PTX SETUP command and functions.

• Setup Parse. Disables or enables the PTX SETUP command.

• Setup SFCC. Allows you to choose the hex value of the ASCII character

you wish to use as the SFCC for the PTX SETUP command. Valid hex values are 01-FF. The default value is hex 21, which corresponds to the

“!” character.

Display Language

This parameter chooses the language that will appear on the LCD: English, Spanish, French, Italian, or German.

Reset Cmd CFG Ld

When the printer receives a host data stream reset command (ESC @ or ESC[K) in addition to resetting printer variables, the selected configuration will be loaded.

• Disable. The active emulation parameters are loaded when the reset

command is executed.

• Power-Up Config. The power-up configuration is loaded when the reset

command is executed.

MAINT / MISC Menu

• Current Config. The currently selected configuration is loaded when the

reset command is executed.

• Factory Config. The factory installed configuration is loaded when the

reset command is executed.

Downloaded Fonts

• Char Operations. Allows you to delete a character from flash, load a

character from flash, save a character to flash, and delete a character from RAM.

• Ld Char at PwrUp. Allows you to disable or enable loading a character at

power up.

• Set Operations. Allows you to delete a character set from flash, load a

character from flash, save a character set to flash, and delete a character set from RAM.

• Ld Set at PwrUp. Allows you to disable or enable loading a character at

power up.

IMPORTANT

File System

• Overwrite Files. Allows you to prevent files from being overwritten by

disabling the overwrite function.

• View File List. Displays the list of files in the file system. Pressing the

DOWN key displays the file size.

• Delete Files. Displays the list of files in the file system. Pressing the

ENTER key deletes the file displayed on the front panel.

• Optimize & Reboot. Reclaims flash space from deleted flash files. After

pressing ENTER, wait for the printer to reboot.

• Print File List. Prints a summary of the files stored in flash memory and

several statistics on File System usage.

Do not turn the printer off until it has completely rebooted and is either back online or offline.

Cancel Key

When enabled, the CANCEL key may be used to clear all data in the print buffer without printing any of the data.

Auto Locking

• Disable. The ENTER key must be locked manually.

•Enable. The printer automatically locks the ENTER key five minutes after

the last front panel key press.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Set Lock Key

Normally, to lock or unlock the printer menu, the UP and DOWN keys are pressed at the same time. The Set Lock Key parameter lets you choose different keys to lock or unlock the printer menu. Y ou may choose almost any group of keys as the new lock and unlock keys. You cannot use the ENTER key or any key combinations which are already used for another function. There is no limit to how many keys can be selected.

To set the new lock key:

1. Go to the configuration menu and select “Set Lock Key” (follow the menu

structure on page 69).

Press ENTER. The display reads, “Select a new lock key.”

Press the combination of keys that you want to be the new lock key. Make sure you press all keys selected at the same time.

If the selection is valid, the display will read, “Enter the new lock key again.” Press the same combination of keys a second time. If the selection is invalid, the display will read, “Invalid key selection.” Return to step 2 and start over.

If the new lock key combination is entered again correctly, the display will read, “Lock key has been changed.” If it was entered incorrectly, the display will read “Verification failed.” Start over at step 1.

After entering the new lock combination successfully, press the PAUSE key to put the printer back online.

NOTE: The new lock combination will remain even if the printer is powered

off and back on.

Auto Label Map

MAINT / MISC Menu

This option specifies the maximum print width to be used by the application. The IGP/Auto Label Mapping programs written for Printronix Wide Web line-matrix printers using Printronix IGP graphics languages. It allows the printer to print two-up (or other multi-up) labels. Instead of printing multiple labels across the printer, it prints the leftmost label and the rightmost label, so the printout will be twice as long but half as wide.

feature allows backward compatibility of

Auto Map Select

• Disable. When a program is sent with horizontally adjacent labels that exceed the physical page width of the printer, the excess data will be clipped or wrapped based on the Autowrap menu option setting.

•Enable. The printer will automatically reposition the horizontally adjacent labels to a vertical adjacent position or combination of horizontal and vertical position based on the values selected under the Auto Label Width and Num Auto Labels options (described below).

• Auto Label Width. The width of a single label to be printed or the maximum width of the media that will be used for the print file. The value is selectable in 00.1 inch increments with a range of 00.1 inch through

04.1 inches. (See Note below).

NOTE: The maximum Auto Label Width value will be limited to the current

PRINTER CONTROL/Page Width value selected in the configuration menu.

• Num Auto Labels. The desired number of labels to be printed vertically adjacent on the form. The value is selectable with a range of 1 through 40 labels.

NOTE: Thr maximum number of labels is determined by the amount of

memory in the printer and the width of the label. The maximum length is 47 inches using the maximum 4.09 inch print width. Reducing the print width extends the maximum print length.

Examples

All of the examples below assume that the logical form length is set to the label length.

Example 1: Simple Case

Problem: A file has been constructed with two horizontally adjacent 4 inch

labels for a printer with a physical width of 8 inches. The user now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width.

Solution: The user sets Auto Label Width to 4 inches (the width of the label), configures the Num Auto Labels to 2, and enables the Auto Label Mapping feature.

Printer Operation: The printer will print the first (leftmost) 4 inch label first. Once the first label has been completed, the printer will print the second 4 inch label. These labels will appear vertically adjacent on the form.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Line-Matrix Printer Output

Label 1 Label 2

Thermal Printer Output

Label 1

Label 2

Wide Web Width

Narrow

Web

Width

Example 2: Uneven Number Case

Problem: A file has been constructed with three horizontally adjacent 2 inch

labels. The user now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width.

Solution #1: The user sets labels), configures the Mapping feature.

Printer Operation for Solution #1: The printer will print the first two labels at the same time. These first two labels will be horizontally adjacent. Once these labels have been completed, the printer will print the remaining 2 inch label along with a blank 2 inch label.

File Contents:

Label

Label2Label

Auto Label Width

Num Auto Labels

to 4 inches (the width of two

to 2, and enables the Auto Label

Print Output:

Label

Blank Label

MAINT / MISC Menu

Solution #2: The user sets

Auto Labels

Printer Operation for Solution #2: The printer will print the first 2 inch label by itself, the second 2 inch label by itself, and finally, the last 2 inch label by itself.

to 3, and enables the Auto Label Mapping feature.

Label

Label2Label

Auto Label Width

to 2 inches, configures the

Label

Num

Example 3: Blank Label Case

Problem: A file exists with two horizontally adjacent 4 inch labels. The user

now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width. The user decides to set the despite the fact that these values are not optimum.

Printer Operation: The maximum

11. The selected value of 3 is legal. After the file is sent, the printer will begin

by printing the first 4 inch width label. Once that label is complete, it will print the second 4 inch width label. Finally, once both of those labels have been printed, the printer will print a blank 4 inch label.

File Contents:

Label

Num Labels

Label

to 3 and the

Label Width

Num Auto Labels =

to 4 inches

(47 inches/4 inches) =

Print Output:

Label

Blank Label

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Compatibility

This parameter allows you to make the T4204 thermal printer compatible with other printers.

When trying to preserve compatibility with respect to barcodes, you may not always be able to make them equal in size. This is due to the various Dot-PerInch differences between printer types. In the case where an exact match cannot be made, the barcode is reduced in size so that the form bounds will not be compromised and the barcode will be readabl e.

• Default. The default. Use for optimum performance.

• Laser. Forces the output to correspond with the laser line of printers.

• P5000. Forces the output to correspond with the P5000 line of line matrix

printers.

• T3000. Forces the output to correspond with the T3000 line of thermal

printers.

• T1006. Forces the output to correspond with the T1006 line of thermal

printers.

Power Saver T i m e

The time interval you specify for this parameter sets the amount of idle time before the printer goes into Power Saver mode.

Idle time begins counting down once media motion ends.

• Disable. When Disable is chosen, the printer will not enter the Power

Saver mode.

• 1 - 45 minutes. You may set the Power Saver Time from as little as 1

minute to as long as 45 minutes.

HOST

INTERFACE

(from page 54)

HOST INTERFACE Menu

* = Factory Default

Available when an Ethernet

Adapter is present.

Twinax

(Available with CT Option)

Parallel Hotport

Port Type

Centronics* Dataproducts IEEE 1284 Ethernet Disable

Trickle Time

1/4 sec.* 1/2 sec. 1 sec. 2 sec. 4 sec. 8 sec. 16 sec. Off

Timeout

10 sec.* (1-60)

Report Status

Disable* Enable

Coax Auto Switching

(Available with CT Option)

Serial Hotport

Port Type

RS-232* RS-422 Disable

Trickle Time

1/4 sec.* 1/2 sec. 1 sec. 2 sec. 4 sec. 8 sec. 16 sec. Off

Timeout

10 sec.* (1-60)

Report Status

Disable* Enable

Centronics*

Serial

(see page 80) (see page 82)

C/T Hotport

Port Type

Twinax* Coax Disable

Timeout

10 sec.* (1-60)

Report Status

Disable* Enable

IEEE 1284

(see page 88)

Ethernet

(see page 89)

Chapter 3 Menu Options

The Host Interface Menu enables you to select and configure one of many types of interfaces between the printer and your host computer. The currently selected interface is indicated with an asterisk on the control panel message display. Each interface has its own submenu with a set of interface parameters which can be configured.

IMPORTANT

When switching between Twinax, Coax, or Auto Switching, the printer will load the power-up configuration. Any settings made and not saved before selecting these interfaces are lost.

Auto Switch ing

Gives the printer the ability to handle multiple data streams sequentially. With Auto Switching, the printer can service hosts attached to the serial, parallel, coax and twinax ports as if they were the only interface connected.

For example, if the host computer sends one print job to the RS-232 serial port and a separate print job to the IEEE 1284 parallel port, the printer’s Auto Switching is able to handle both jobs, in the order they were received, without the user having to reconfigure the selected interface between jobs.

Port Type

Select the types of parallel, serial and/or C/T interfaces which are connected to the printer. For example, if your printer is attached to one host with a Centronics connection and a second host with an RS-422 serial connection, you would select Centronics under the Parallel Hotport menu, RS-422 under the Serial Hotport menu, and Disable under the C/T Hotport menu.

Tr ickle Time

When the printer is printing data from a host and a second job is received by the printer from a different host, Trickle Time prevents the second host from timing out while it is waiting for its data to be printed. In order to support this feature, the port has to be able to accept data from the host and store it for future use.

For example, if the printer is printing a job from the serial port, and then receives a second print job from the parallel port, the data from the parallel

port will “trickle” bit by bit into the printer buffer to prevent a timeout error from being sent back to the host connected to the parallel port.

The selected value is the time that the printer waits before getting the next byte of data from the host. The Trickle Time value should be less than the host time out value, but not too much shorter or else the printer fills up its buffer too fast. This function is not applicable for C/T hotport.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

Timeout

This is the value used by the printer to time out from the current port and check the other selected Port Types for data to print. When the printer has not received data from the host after certain period of time, it needs to Timeout in order to service the other ports.

Report Status

• Disable. When a fault occurs on the printer, only the active port reports

the fault to the host.

• Enable. The port will report any fault even when it is not the current active

port.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Centronics (Parallel)

CENTRONICS

(from page 54)

* = Factory Default

Data Bit 8

Enable* Disable

Prime

Signal

Enable* Disable

PI Ignored Data Polarity

Enable* Disable

TOF Action Buffer Size

Reset* Do Nothing

Standard* Inverted

In K

8* 1-16

Resp.

Polarity

Standard* Inverted

Busy On

Strobe

Enable* Disable

Latch

Data On Leading*

Trailing

Data Bit 8

• Enable. Allows access to the extended ASCII character set.

• Disable. The printer interprets bit 8 of each incoming data charac ter as a

zero, regardless of its actual setting.

PI Ignored

The PI (Paper Instruction) signal is used to control vertical paper motion.

• Enable. Ignores the PI signal and treats the data as characters or control

codes.

• Disable. Causes the printer to interpret the eight data lines as VFU

commands when the PI signal is true.

Data Polarity

The Data Polarity parameter must be set to match the data polarity of your host computer.

• Standard. Does not expect the host computer to invert the data.

• Inverted. Expects the data received on the data lines from the host

computer to be inverted. Ones become zeros, and vice versa.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

Response Polarity

The Response Polarity parameter must be set to match the response polarity of your host computer.

• Standard. Does not invert the response signal.

• Inverted. Inverts the response signal sent to the host computer.

Busy On Strobe

• Enable. Asserts a busy signal after each character is received.

• Disable. Asserts a busy signal only when the print buffers are full.

Latch Data On

Specifies whether the data is read on the leading or trailing edge of the data strobe signal.

Prime Signal

• Enable. The parallel port will perform a warm start (reboot) if the host

asserts the Prime Signal.

• Disable. The parallel port will not perform a warm start (reboot) if the host

asserts the Prime Signal.

TOF Action

• Reset. A form feed is performed before a warm start when the prime

signal is asserted from the host. This setting is used only if the Prime Signal parameter is enabled.

• Do Nothing. Nothing occurs before a warm start when the prime signal is

asserted from the host.

Buffer Size In K

Configures the amount of memory allocated for the Centronics parallel port buffer. You can specify between 1 and 16 Kbytes, in 1-Kbyte increments.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Serial

SERIAL

(from page 54)

* = Factory Default

Interface

Type

RS-232* RS-422

Data Terminal

Ready

True* On-Line and BNF Off-Line or BF On-Line False

Idle

Response

Disable* Enable

Data Protocol Baud Rate

XON/XOFF* ETX/ACK ACK/NAK Series 1 Char Series 2 Char DTR

Request To Send

On-Line and BNF* Off-Line or BF On-Line False True

One Char

Enquiry

Disable* Enable

600 1200 2400 4800 9600* 38400 57600 115200

Printer Status

Word Length

Buffer Size

In K

1* (1-16)

Disable* ENQ/STX ENQ

8 bits* 7 bits

Stop Bits

1 stop bit* 2 stop bits

Poll

Character

00 Hex* (00-FF hex)

Parity

None* Odd Even Mark Sense

Poll

Response

0 ms* (0-30)

Interface Type

This parameter allows you to select either the RS-232 or RS-422 serial port interface.

Data Protocol

You can select one of the following serial interface protocols to meet the host interface requirements.

• XON / XOFF. The printer controls the flow of communication from the host by turning the transmission on and off. In some situations, such as when the buffer is full or the timing of signals is too slow or too fast, the printer will tell the host to stop transmission by sending an XOFF character. An XOFF character is sent when the number of empty bytes in the buffer is less than or equal to 25 percent of the buffer size.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

If the host keeps sending data after an XOFF is sent, the printer firmware will continue to send an XOFF for every 16 characters received. When cleared, the printer will resume receiving data (XON). The data does not have any End of Text codes; XON / XOFF is a non-block protocol.

• ETX / ACK. End of Text / Acknowledge. The host controls the flow of communication to the printer by sending a block of data and ending the block with an End of Text (ETX) signal. When the printer receives the ETX signal, it will acknowledge the ETX, thereby acknowledging it has received the entire block of data.

• ACK / NAK. ACK means acknowledge; the device acknowledges it has accepted a transmission. NAK means negative acknowledge; the device did not receive the transmission.

• SERIES1 1 CHAR. The printer controls the flow of communication from the host by turning the transmission on and off using response characters sent to the host. If the number of valid bytes in the buffer reaches 75 percent of the buffer size, the online or offline and buffer full response character is sent. If the buffer is completely full, an online or offline buffer full response is sent every time a character is sent from the host. Whenever the printer state changes to online or offline, the appropriate response character is sent. If the idle response option is enabled, the printer will send a response character every two seconds while the number of valid bytes in the buffer is less than 75 percent of the buffer size. If a poll character is received (configurable from the Poll Character

Hex option on the front panel from 00 through FF hex), the printer will

send a response character

Character milliseconds is called the poll delay. The poll character will be removed from the input data stream and will not be processed. This may cause problems with the transmission of binary data (e.g. control codes, bit image, etc.). If a poll delay is started due to the receipt of a poll character and another poll character is received, the second poll character has no effect, and is removed from the input data stream. If a transition (from buffer full to empty or online to offline) occurs during a poll delay, the new printer state will be sent at the end of the poll delay. The response characters are described in Table 2.

MS on the front panel from 0 through 30). This n

milliseconds later (configurable from the Poll

Table 2. Series1 1 Char Response Characters

Printer State Response

Online and Buffer Empty CR Online and Buffer Full 3 Offline and Buffer Empty 0 Offline and Buffer Full 2

• SERIES1 2 CHAR. This protocol behaves exactly the same as the Series1 Char except there is a two-character response to the host. The response characters are described in Table 3.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

•DTR. The printer controls the data flow by sending this hardware signal to the host. If there is enough room in the printer buffer, the printer will send a high signal; if the buffer is full the printer will send a low signal. DTR tells the host if it is safe to send more data. (If the host sends data during an unsafe condition, data will be lost.) DTR is not available when RS-422 is selected.

Table 3. Series1 2 Char Response Characters

Printer State Response

Online and Buffer Empty 1 CR Online and Buffer Full 3 CR Offline and Buffer Empty 0 CR Offline and Buffer Full 2 CR

Baud Rate

Sets the baud rate of the serial interface in the printer. Baud rate is the speed at which serial data is transferred between the host computer and the printer. The choices for the RS-232 and RS-422 interfaces are 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200 Baud.

NOTE: If you select a baud rate that is greater than 19200, you may need to

use RS-422 to prevent data loss. You also may need to increase the Buffer Size in K parameter from the default (1 Kbyte) to improve performance.

Word Length

Sets the length of the serial data word. The length of the data word can be set to 7 or 8 bits, and must match the corresponding data bits setting in the host computer.

Stop Bits

Sets the number of stop bits in the serial data word. Either one or two stop bits can be selected. The setting must match the corresponding stop bit setting in the host computer.

Parity

Set for odd parity, even parity, mark, sense, or no parity. The setting must match the corresponding parity setting in the host computer.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

Data Terminal Ready

This configuration is part of hardware flow control and determines when the Data Terminal Ready (DTR) signal is generated. This signal indicates if the printer is ready to receive data.

• True. Continuously asserts the DTR signal.

• On-Line and BNF (buffer not full). Asserts the DTR signal when the

printer is online and the internal serial buffer is not full.

• Off-Line or BF (buffer full). Asserts the DTR signal when the printer is

offline or the internal serial buffer is full.

• On-Line. Asserts the DTR signal when the printer is online.

• False. Never asserts the DTR signal.

Request to Send

This configuration is part of hardware flow control and determines when the Request to Send (RTS) signal is generated. This signal indicates whether or not the printer is ready to receive data.

• On-Line and BNF. Asserts the RTS signal when the printer is online and

the internal serial buffer is not full.

• Off-Line or BF. Asserts the RTS signal when the printer is offline or the

internal serial buffer is full.

• On-Line. Asserts the RTS signal when the printer is online.

• False. Never asserts the RTS signal.

• True. Continuously asserts the RTS signal.

Buffer Size In K

This option configures the amount of memory allocated for the serial port buffer. You may specify between 1 and 16 Kbytes, in 1-Kbyte increments.

NOTE: If you select a baud rate that is 19200 or greater, you may need to

increase the Buffer Size In K parameter from the default to 16 Kbytes to improve performance.

Poll Character

This option is for the Series1 protocol. Whenever the printer receives this character, it sends a response to the host indicating the current state of the printer (see Series1 protocol). It may be configured from 0 through FF hexadecimal.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Poll Response

This option is for the Series1 protocol. After receiving a poll character, the printer will wait the poll response time in milliseconds before sending the response. It may be configured from 0 through 30.

Idle Response

This option is for the Series1 protocol. When enabled, the printer will send a response character every two seconds while the number of valid bytes in the buffer is less than 75 percent of the buffer size.

One Char Enquiry

The One Char Enquiry mode uses the Poll Character to detect a request from the host and sends a response back to the host. This option also allows you to turn on and off this feature.

Table 4. One Char Enquiry Response Characters

Printer State Response (hex)

Online and Buffer Not Full 20 Online and Buffer Full 21 Offline and Buffer Not Full 22 Offline and Buffer Full 23

The Poll Character is removed from the data stream. If the Data Protocol is set to ETX/ACK, ACK/NAK, or Series 1, One Char Enquiry is automatically disabled.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

Printer Status

Disabled - Printer status ignored.

ENQ and ENQ/STX

When enabled, the printer responds to an ENQ signal by sending a status byte to the host. The type of status byte is determined by a Front Panel menu selection. The selections allowed are ENQ and ENQ/STX. The ENQ is removed from the data stream. The menu selection for enabling the ENQ option may only be seen when using a feature file.

Bit

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

The ENQ/STX status byte is shown below:

Bit

0 1

Printer Status

Set when the label has printed Set when the label i s presente d Set while printer is online. Always set. Set printing in the batch mode. Set during a ribbon fault. Set during a paper out fault. Always set.

Printer Status

Set when the printer is not online or the buffer is full. Set when the printer is offline.

2 3 4 5 6 7

Clear during a paper out fault. Always set. Always set. Set during a buffer overflow fault. Set during a parity or framing error fault. Always clear.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

IEEE 1284 Parallel (Bidirectional)

* = Factory Default

HOST

INTERFACE

IEEE 1284

(from page 77)

Prime Signal

Enable* Disable

TOF Action Buffer Size In

Reset* Do Nothing

1* (1-16)

The IEEE 1284 interface is faster and more versatile than Centronics and supports bidirectional communication. Chapter 5 discusses the available modes (Compatibility, Nibble, and Byte) in more detail. Configuration of this interface is controlled from the host.

Prime Signal

•Enable. The parallel port will perform a warm start (reboot) if the host asserts the Prime Signal.

• Disable. The parallel port will not perform a warm start (reboot) if the host

asserts the Prime Signal.

TOF Action

• Reset. A form feed is performed before a warm start when the prime signal is asserted from the host. This setting is used only if the Prime Signal parameter is enabled.

• Do Nothing. Nothing occurs before a warm start when the prime signal is asserted from the host.

Buffer Size In K

This option configures the amount of memory allocated for the IEEE 1284 parallel port buffer. You can specify between 1 and 16 Kbytes, in 1-Kbyte increments.

HOST INTERFACE Menu

Ethernet

* = Factory Default

HOST

INTERFACE

Ethernet

(from page 77)

Buffer Size In

1* (1-16)

The Ethernet interface allows you to locate the printer on a LAN rather than attach the host directly into the printer. The detailed configuration of this option is given in the

PrintNet User’s Manual

Buffer Size In K

This option configures the amount of memory allocated for the Ethernet buffer. You can specify between 1 and 16 Kbytes, in 1-Kbyte increments.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

ETHERNET P ARAMETERS Menu

ETHERNET

PARAMS

(from page 54)

* = Factory Default

IP Address

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

Novell Frame

Auto Sensing* Ethernet II Ethernet 802.2 Ethernet 802.3

802.2 Snap

Gateway

Address

xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx hhh hhhhhhhhh Enable*

PPM Port

Number

3001* (0-65535)

Subnet Mask

PPM Port

Timeout

100 secs.* (1-255)

MAC Address

Novell

Protocol

Disable

NetBIOS

Protocol

Enable* Disable

The ETHERNET PARAMS menu is available only when the Printronix PrintNet option is installed. This menu is for configuring your printer for network operation.

For information on assigning the IP Address, Gateway Address, Subnet Mask and MAC Address, refer to the

PrintNet User’s Manual

You may also enable or disable the Novell or NetBIOS Protocols within this menu, as well as selecting which Novell Frame scheme is used in processing Novell signals. See the Novell chapter in the

PrintNet User’s Manual

for more

details.

If the printer is connected to a Printer Manager utility, the PPM Port number and PPM Port Timeout settings must match the settings in the Printer Manager program. See the appropriate

Printer Manager

manual for details.

PRINTER

CONTROL

from page 54

Printer Control Menu

Page Width Page Length

Width In

Inches

00.1 inches

00.2 inches :

04.1 inches*

Print Mode Media Sensor

Transfer*

Direct

Width in MM Length in MM

2.5 mm

2.6 mm :

104.1 mm*

None*

Reflective

Transmissive

Length in

Inches

00.1 inches :

06.0 inches* :

99.0 inches

Continuous*

Tear-Off Strip

Media

Handling

Tear-Off Peel-Off

Cut

2.5 mm :

152.4 mm* :

2514.6 mm*

Print Speed

2 inches 3 inches 4 inches 5 inches

6 inches*

Paper Feed

Shift

-0.50 inches :

0.00 inches* :

2.00 inches

Print Intensity

10*

Hor Image

Shift

-1.00 inches :

0.00 inches* :

1.00 inches

Ver Image

Shift

-1.00 inches :

0.00 inches* :

6.00 inches

Calibrate

Run Calibrate Refl Value

10* (0-20)

Trans Value

10* (0-20)

Sensed Distance

0.00 inches*

Tear Strip

Time

1 second*

60 seconds

Clip Page

Enable* Disable

Error

Recovery

Disable*

Enable

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Page Width

This option specifies the physical width of the image to be printed. The value can be specified in inches or millimeters. The allowable range in inches is

00.1 to the maximum print width of the printer 4.1 inches, in 00.1 inch increments. The allowable range in millimeters is 2.5 to 104.1 in 1-millimeter increments. The factory default value is 4.1 inches, or 104.1 millimeters.

Page Length

This option specifies the user-selected Page Length in inches or millimeters. In most applications this user-selected Page Length will match the page length. Physical page length is the actual label length of the media installed.

Physical page length for transmissive media represents the leading edge to trailing edge distance of the die-cut label. It does not include the distance of the transmissive gap.

Physical page length for reflective media is the distance from the trailing edge of one black mark to the trailing edge of the next black mark.

NOTE: When using reflective media it is recommended that the user-

selected Page Length be set approximately 0.10 inches less than the physical page length distance or intermittent shifting of TOF (Top-ofForm) position or page skip may result.

Physical

When continuous media with no transmissive gap, or black stripe is installed (no predetermined length) and the Media Sensor option = None, the userselected Page Length under the PRINTER CONTROL menu will determine the length of the physical page.

When transmissive or reflective media is installed (media with a predetermined physical page hole or black mark) the user should set the predetermined physical length of the media.

When the user-selected Page Length value is shorter than the physical page length of the transmissive or reflective media, the printer will leave a blank space the remaining distance of the physical page and advance the media to the next TOF position. When user-selected Page Length is longer than the physical page length, the printer will print the remaining part of the label on the next page and then advance to the next TOF position. However, if the Clip Page menu option = Enabled, the printer will cl ip the page to fit the physic al page and the data not printed will be lost. See Appendix C for details regarding user-selected page length vs. physical page length.

The PRINTER CONTROL menu Page Length value will override and change the LinePrinter+ menu Absolute Form Length value.

If the LinePrinter +, PGL or VGL Host Form Length = Enabled in the configuration menu, then Host Form Length software commands will override and change the PRINTER CONTROL Page Length value. The sent Host Form Length value can be viewed under the Page Length option in the configuration menu.

If the Lineprinter +, PGL or VGL Host Form Length = Disable, then Host Form Length software commands will have no effect on the PRINTER CONTROL menu Page Length value.

length established by a transmissive gap, notch,

Page Length value to match the

Printer Control Menu

The allowable Page Length range is 00.1 to 99.0 inches in 00.1 inch increments (2.5 - 2514.6mm) The factory default is 06.0 inches (152.4 mm).

Page Length range is limited to a maximum value of 47.0 inches (1193.8 mm) when Page Width is set to 4.1 inches. Decreasing (narrowing) the Page Width to 1.7 inches will extend the range limits of the Page Length and permit a longer Page Length selection (99.0 inches maximum).

Print Speed

This option specifies the speed at which the media passes through the printer. This parameter has a significant effect on print quality (see Print Intensity below).

Print Intensity

This option specifies the level of thermal energy from the printhead to be used for the type of media and ribbon installed.

Large numbers imply more heat (thermal energy) to be applied for each dot. This has a significant effect on print quality. The print intensity and speed must match the media and ribbon type to obtain the best possible print quality and barcode grades.

Print Mode

This option specifies the type of printing to be done. Direct - indicates the Direct Thermal type of printing (no ribbon) and requires

special heat sensitive media. Transfer - indicates the Thermal Transfer type of printing (ribbon installed).

Media Sensor

This option specifies whether either of the label sensors (Reflective or Transmissive) are enabl ed.

None - Indicates that continuous media with no black strip and no transmissive gap is being used. Forms length is based on the Page Length value, located under the Printer Control Menu.

Reflective - Indicates media with a horizontal black mark on the back side of the liner is being used. The trailing edge of the black mark establishes the topof-form position.

Transmissive - Indicates media with a space or “gap” between die cut labels is being used, where the media backing or liner is present between labels. Transmissive sensing is also used to detect pre-punched notches or holes in butt-cut or tag stock media. The trailing edge of the “gap” or notch establishes the top-of-form position.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Media Handling

This option specifies how the printer will handle the media (paper or tag stock).

• Continuous. Printer prints on the media and sends it out the front or rewinds the printed media onto the internal rewinder. The label taken sensor gate should be in the up (disabled) position to support continuous.

• Tear-Off Strip. Prints until the print buffer is empty, then positions the last label over the tear-off bar for removal. The label taken sensor gate should be in the up (disabled) position to support tear-off strip.

• Tear-Off. After each label is printed, the printer positions the label over the tear off bar and waits for you to tear off the label before printing the next one (on-demand printing). A LABEL PRESENT/Remove Label message will display to remind you to remove the label before the next one can be printed. The label taken sensor gate must be in the down (enabled) position to support tear-off.

•Peel-Off. Prints and peels die-cut labels from the liner without assistance. The printer waits for you to take away the label before printing the next one (on-demand printing). The label backing is rewound on the internal rewinder. A LABEL PRESENT/Remove Label message will display to remind you to remove the label before the next one can be printed. The label taken sensor gate must be in the down (enabled) position to support peel-off.

•Cut. When the optional media cutter is installed, it automatically cuts media after each label is printed or can cut after a specified number of labels have been printed using a software cut command. It cuts continuous roll paper, labels, or tag stock. The label taken sensor gate must be in the up (disabled) position to support cut.

Paper Feed Shift

This option represents the distance to advance a label when the Tear-Off Strip, Tear-Off, Peel-Off, or Cut media handling option is enabled.

Hor Image Shift

This option specifies the amount to shift an image horizontally left (-) or right (+) for precise positioning on the page. The actual width of the image is not affected by this parameter. The allowable range is -1.00 through +1.00 inches

in .01 inch increments, displayed as inches is 0.

/100. The factory default value in

V er Image Shift

This option specifies the amount to shift an image vertically up (-) or down (+) for precise positioning on the page. The actual height of the image is not affected by this parameter. The allowable range is -1.00 through +6.00 inches in .01 inch increments, displayed as xx/100. The factory default value in inches is 0.

Printer Control Menu

Calibrate

This feature is used to optimize the sensitivity of the Transmissive or Reflective sensors (whichever is selected in the Media Sensor sub-menu) in being able to detect the TOF (Top-of-Form) position of the current media installed. The sensitivity can be adjusted manually by changing the Refl Value or Trans Value menu settings or can be determined automatically by using the Run Calibrate procedure.

The change in values (derived automatically or manually entered) take affect immediately within the current configuration menu. They can be saved into

non-volatile memory (menu’s 1-8 only) by using the Save Configuration procedure. We highly recommend that you take advantage of the Trans or Refl Values automatically determined by the Run Calibrate procedure before attempting to make any manual changes to the Values. If the Run Calibrate procedure fails to determine the proper values and ends with a fault message displayed (“GAP NOT DETECTED” or “LOAD PAPER”), you can manually enter the Refl Value or Trans Value and press the FEED key to determine if the gap or black stripe can be consistently detected.

• Run Calibrate. Pressing the ENTER key with Run Calibrate displayed initializes the automatic calibration procedure. This advances the media a minimum of 11 inches plus the distance required to detect 3 additional TOF positions. The procedure is successfully completed if no fault message is displayed and the Sensed Distance value is correct. The result is that the Refl Value or Trans Value (depending on which media type is installed) and the Sensed Distance value will be determined automatically.

• Refl Value. Value representing the sensitivity for distinguishing the difference between the black mark and label liner or tag stock for Reflective media. The value range is (0-20) and the default value is 10. This value can be determined automatically by using the Run Calibrate

procedure or can be entered manually. Too high a value causes a “GAP NOT DETECTED” error message displayed, too low a value causes a “LOAD PAPER” error message.

• Trans Value. Value representing the sensitivity for distinguishing the difference between the label and the transmissive gap (hole, notch or label liner) for Transmissive media. The value range is (0-20) with a default of 10. This value can be determined automatically by using the Run Calibrate procedure or can be entered manually. Too high a value

causes a “LOAD PAPER” error message displayed, too low a value causes a “GAP NOT DETECTED” message.

• Sensed Distance. This value (in inches) represents the distance that was sensed between the TOF of one label to the TOF of the next label. With Transmissive media installed the distance equals the physical label length + one transmissive gap, notch or hole. With Reflective media installed the distance equals the trailing edge of one black mark to the trailing edge of the next. The factory default for Sensed Distance is 0.00 inches. This value is automatically determined only after successful completion of the Run Calibrate procedure and cannot be changed manually.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Tear-Strip T ime

When using Tear-Off Strip media handling, the Tear-Strip Time option specifies the number of seconds after the buffer is empty that the printer will wait before it advances media to the tear off position.

Clip P a ge

This option determines how the printer handles images that are too large for one physical page length.

• Disabled. When the user selected page length is greater than the physical page length, the printer continues to print the remaining excess data onto the next physical page. The media sensor looks for the gap notch, hole, or black mark only after the label has advanced the distance specified by the Page Length value in the Printer Control menu, or by the host forms Length value sent via host software. Any gaps, holes, notches, or black marks that exist prior to reaching the Page Length or Host Forms Length value will be ignored.

•Enable. When the user selected page length is greater than the physical page length, the printer clips the excess data to fit the physical page. The excess data is lost. The media sensor will constantly look for the gap, notch, hole, or black mark, and when detected will use it as the Top-OfForm Position for the next page and clip any excess data for the previous page.

Error Recovery

This option determines how the printer handles data that was printing when an error occurred.

• Disabled. The printer will not reprint the label that was printing when the error condition occurred.

•Enable. The printer reprints the label that was printing when the error condition occurred.

Font Memory

from page 54

Font Memory Menu

This option allows the user to set the amount of memory reserved for scalable font caching. The maximum amount of memory which can be selected is determined by the total amount of memory installed in the printer.

Max Char

Memory

50 KBytes 100 KBytes 150 KBytes 200 KBytes 250 KBytes 300 KBytes*

. . .

900 KBytes

Font

Weight

Standard

Chars.

205*

10 11 12

. .

290

Max Cache

Memory

50 KBytes 100 KBytes 150 KBytes 200 KBytes* 250 KBytes 300 KBytes

. . .

900 KBytes

Bold

Chars

10 11 12

. .

260*

. .

290

Max

Cache Size

50 Characters 100 Characters 150 Characters 200 Characters 250 Characters 300 Characters

. . .

900 Characters*

Extra Bold

Char.

10 11 12

. .

275*

. .

290

Max

Cached Char

1 Kbytes* 2 Kbytes 3 Kbytes 4 Kbytes 5 Kbytes 6 Kbytes

. . .

20 Kbytes

Installed

Fonts

Lists installed fonts

Max Fonts

Loaded

1 Font 2 Fonts 3 Fonts 4 Fonts 5 Fonts* 6 Fonts

. . .

20 Fonts

Figure 5. Font Memory Menu

Figure 5 shows the Font Memory menu options. These options are further described in the sections that follow.

NOTE: For most applications, the default settings for font memory are

acceptable. Therefore, do not change the defaults unless your application requires an uncommon font memory configuration.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

Activating Font Memory Options

After selecting any of the “Font Memory” options, perform the following steps to activate the new value:

Save your configuration changes. See the Config. Control menu option “Save Configuration” on page 57.

Change the power-up configuration to match the configuration you just saved. See the Config. Control menu option “Power-Up Config.” on page

66.

Turn the printer power off and then on again.

Max Char Memory

The Maximum Character Memory option specifies the size of the largest character that can be printed. To calculate the memory requirement, use this equation:

horizontal resolution X

vertical resolution X

character height (inches) X

character width (inches)

For example, if an application requires a character that is 4 inches high by 2 inches wide, calculate the Maximum Character Memory value as follows:

203 X 203 X 4 X 2

= 41,209

Therefore, select a value that is equal to or greater than 41,209. The closest available value is 50 KBytes.

The allowable range is 50 KBytes through 900 KBytes, in 50 - KByte increments. The default value for this parameter is 300 KBytes.

Max Cache Memory

The Maximum Cache Memory option specifies the size of the memory block that can b e alloca ted t o the f ont c ache. The fo nt ca che stor es bi tmap s that a re created on demand from the font outlines stored on the printer flash. The cache allows the printer to print scalable fonts at optimum speed.

To calculate the memory requirement, use this equation:

horizontal resolution X

vertical resolution X

average character height (inches) X

average character width (inches) X

# of characters to be cached

The allowable range is 50 KBytes through 900 KBytes, in 50-KByte increments. The default value for this parameter is 200 KBytes.

Font Memory Menu

Max Cache Size

The Maximum Cache Size option specifies the maximum number of characters that can be stored in the font cache.

The allowable range is 50 through 900 characters, in 50-character increments. The default value for this parameter is 900 characters.

Max Cached Char

The Maximum Cached Characters option specifies the size of the largest character that can be stored in the font cache. To calculate the memory requirement, use this equation:

horizontal resolution X

For example, if an application requires the use of a character that is 1 inch high by 1 inch wide, calculate the Maximum Cached Characters value as follows:

Therefore, select a value that is equal to or greater than 5,151. The closest available value is 6 KBytes.

The allowable range is 1 KByte through 20 KBytes, in 1-KByte increments. The default value for this parameter is 1 KByte.

vertical resolution X

character height (inches) X

203 X 203 X 1 X 1

character width (inches)

= 5,151

Max Fonts Loaded

The Maximum Fonts Loaded option specifies the number of scalable font outlines that can be concurrently loaded into DRAM in the printer.

The allowable range is 1 through 20 fonts, in 1-font increments. The default value for this parameter is 5 fonts.

NOTE: The above calculations for Maximum Character Memory, Maximum

Cache Memory, and Maximum Cached Characters assume the standard 203 dpi resolution.

Font Weight

The Font Weight option specifies the thickness or stroke weight of the text fonts. The allowable range is 10 to 290, in increments of 1. The default values define the stroke weight for Standard, Bold, and Extra Bold printing.

Installed Font s

The Installed Fonts option provides a list of all fonts currently loaded into DRAM.

Chapter 3 Menu Options

DIAGNOST ICS Men u

DIAGNOSTICS

(from page 54)

* = Factory Default

If Ethernet adapter is present.

Printer Tests

Checkerboard* Grey Grid Current Config Left Test Right Test E-net Test Page

System

Memory

X Megabytes On: X.X hrs.

Print Statistics

Print: X.X hrs. Print Inches

Printer Tests

These tests are used to check the print quality and operation of the printer. NOTE: Your authorized se rvice representative will typically run the tests.

They are described in more detail in the

• Checkerboard. This pattern helps identify marginal printhead elements, quality of edge sharpness, and uneven print quality.

Maintenance Manual

100

•Grey. This pattern helps identify burned out printhead elements and uneven print quality.

•Grid. This pattern helps identify edge sharpness and uneven print quality.

• Current Config. Prints the current printer configuration and helps identify

the text print quality.

• Left Test. This pattern contains a series of ladder-type bar code symbols. The first prints four ladder symbols and the last prints a single ladder symbol. This pattern helps to identify ribbon wrinkle problems.

• Right Test. This pattern contains a series of ladder-type bar code symbols, starting with four, and decrementing by one symbol on each print until a single symbol prints. This pattern helps to identify ribbon wrinkle problems.

• E-Net Test Page. Prints the Ethernet statistics stored on the Ethernet adapter (if present).

Printronix T4204 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Software License Agreemen t

Definitions.

License.

Limited Software Product War ranty

Remedy

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Remedies

Termination of License Agreement

U.S. Government Restricted Rights

Acknowledgement of Terms and Conditions

Communication Notices

T rade mark Ack nowledgemen ts

IMPORTANT WARRANTY INFORMA TION

1 Introduction

Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk

W arnings And Special Information

Conventions

The T4204 Label Printer

Features

Thermal Printer T echnology

The Printing Process

Dynamic Print Control

Media Selection

Ribbons

Emulations

Hardware Options

Bar Code Verification

Unpacking The Printer

Check List

Printer Installation

2 Operation

Controls & Indicators

The POWER Switch

Powering On The Printer

Operating Modes

Primary Control Panel Keys

Secondary Control Panel Keys

Loading Media

Loading Roll Media

Loading Fanfold Media

Loading Ribbon

Label Rewinding

Label Peel Off

Label V ariations And The Label Sensor

Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment

Calibrating The T ransmissive And Reflective Sensors

Run Calibrate Procedure

Cleaning The Printhead

3 Configuring The Printer

Overview

Menu Navigation

Using The Secondary Control Panel

Moving Within The Configuration Menu

Selecting A Menu Option

Changing Printer Set tings

Saving A Configuration

Modifying A Saved Configuration

Printing A Configuration

Menu Options

CONFIG. CONTROL Menu

Load Config.

Save Config.

Print Config.

Delete Config.

Power-Up Config.

Protect Configs.

Name Configs

Reset Cfg Names

Active IGP EMUL Menu

Emulation Menu

MAINT / MISC Menu

Alarm

Power-Up St ate

Hex Dump Mode

PTX SETUP Option

Display Language

Reset Cmd CFG Ld