Printronix T5000e User Manual

RFID Smart Label

Developer’s Kit

and

Smart Label Pilot Printer

Quick Setup Guide

The Printronix T5000

T M Series of Thermal Printers

This Quick Setup Guide contains a CD-ROM with

the following materials:

• The User’s Manual

• Programmer’s Reference Manuals

• Useful utility programs

The CD-ROM is located in a plastic pocket in the back cover.

Do not discard this guide. If you move or pack the printer in the future, you will need to follow the instructions in this guide.

For technical assistance, contact your

Distributor/VAR/Reseller for service.

For further assistance, contact the Printronix Customer Support Center.

The Customer Support Center offers technical support with:

• Installation

• Configuration and Setup

• Operation and Supplies Loading

• Specifications of Proper Print Media and Ribbons

• Answers to Post-Sales Service Support Questions

Printronix Customer Support Center contact information:

Americas 1-714-368-2686 Europe, Middle East, and Africa (31) 24 6489 410 Asia Pacific (65) 65484114 Web site: http://www.printronix.com/public/servicessupport/default.aspx

Genuine Printronix Supplies:

Americas 1-800-733-1900 Europe, Middle East, and Africa 33.1.46.25.1900 Asia Pacific (65) 65484116 or (65) 65484182 Web site: http://www.printronix.com/public/supplies/default.aspx

Or visit the Printronix web site at www.printronix.com

The Printronix T5000 e Series of Thermal Printers

RFID Smart Label Developer’s Kit and Smart Label Pilot Printer Quick Setup Guide

Software License Agreement

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 WRITTEN 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 Warranty

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, INC. BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, OR ANY OTHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY 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 THAT 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 AGREE TO ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

Communication Notices

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 provide 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 interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any change or modification to this product voids the user’s authority to operate it per FCC Part 15 Subpart A Section 15.21 regulations.

CAUTION: This product should be positioned so that personnel in the area for prolonged periods may safely remain at least 23 cm (9 in) from the readers antenna surface in an uncontrolled environment. See FCC OET Bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio frequency and electromagnetic fields” and Bulletin 65 “Human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields.”

This product contains an intentional radiator with the following parameters: Operating Frequency: 902-928 MHz Typical RF Power: 25-100 miliwatts Maximum RF Power: 1 Watt under abnormal conditions

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 EG-Konformitätszelchen - 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 55024 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 Einhaltung des EMVG sicherzustellen sind die Geräte, wie 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.

Printronix makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Printronix shall not be held responsible for errors contained herein or any omissions from this material or for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, in connection with the furnishing, distribution, performance or use of this material. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

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

Trademark Acknowledgements

Alien Technology is a trademark of Alien Technology Corporation. Manhattan Associates is a registered trademark of Manhattan Associates, Inc. Printronix, PGL, and PrintNet are registered trademarks of Printronix, Inc. T5000e is a trademark of Printronix, Inc. Uniform Code Council is a registered trademark of Uniform Code Council, Inc. Zebra and ZPL are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

1 RFID Smart Label Application

And Reference Notes.............................. 11

Overview............................................................................. 11

What To Expect When Running Your RFID Application..... 12

Factors Affecting Smart Label Performance ................ 12

Overstruck Smart Labels.............................................. 13

Smart Label Characteristics ......................................... 13

Transitioning From UCC/GTIN Applications Using

Printronix Software Migration Tools (SMT)......................... 14

How Printronix Makes It Easy ...................................... 14

How It Works................................................................ 14

How To Order More Smart Labels...................................... 15

Printronix Professional Services......................................... 15

What We Can Do ......................................................... 15

Contact Information ...................................................... 15

Hardware/Infrastructure Considerations............................. 16

Useful Industry Web Links.................................................. 17

Reference Material ....................................................... 17

2 Printer Setup ........................................... 19

Unpacking And Installing The Printer ................................. 19

Unpacking The Printer ................................................. 19

Removing The Internal Packing Material ..................... 20

Installation .................................................................... 21

Controls And Indicators ...................................................... 22

Power Switch ............................................................... 22

Control Panel ............................................................... 22

Loading Media And Ribbon ................................................ 26

Loading Roll Media ...................................................... 26

Loading Ribbon ............................................................ 31

Table of Contents

Printing Adjustments............................................................34

Printhead Pressure Adjustment ....................................34

Printhead Pressure Block Adjustments.........................34

Positioning The Media Sensors ....................................35

Running Auto Calibrate .......................................................36

Saving The Configuration ....................................................37

Run A Barcode Demo Test..................................................37

QUICK SETUP Menu ..........................................................38

QUICK SETUP Submenus............................................39

For More Information ...........................................................47

3 Smart Label Development.......................49

Overview..............................................................................49

RFID CONTROL Menu........................................................50

RFID CONTROL Submenus .........................................51

Admin User Menu Items................................................54

RFID PGL Commands.........................................................56

Write Tag ......................................................................56

Read Tag ......................................................................57

EPC Programming Example .........................................58

ASCII Programming Example .......................................59

RFID PPI1 Commands ........................................................60

Get Tag Unique ID ........................................................60

Set Tag Type ................................................................60

Read Tag ......................................................................61

Write Tag ......................................................................62

Host Verification ............................................................63

EPC Programming Example .........................................64

Software Migration Tools (SMT)..........................................65

Tools List.......................................................................65

Selecting The Tools ......................................................67

Error Messages ...................................................................68

Troubleshooting...................................................................69

1 RFID Smart Label

Overview

Application And Reference Notes

Congratulations on your purchase of the industry’s first Smart Label Developer’s Kit or Smart Label Pilot Printer. The intent of the kit is to provide a complete environment for the printing and encoding of RFID smart labels right out of the box. Printronix has specifically designed this kit to help you fast track your RFID pilot printer application through the use of a suite of Software Migration Tools (SMT).

The Printronix Smart Label Developer’s Kit and the Smart Label Pilot Printer contain:

• T5000e thermal printer: a web-enabled, industrial-grade

thermal bar code printer designed for exacting label applications

• Integrated RFID UHF encoder

• Software Migration Tools that permit the seamless encoding of

smart labels

• Media starter kit (100 4 inch x 6 inch standard labels, 50 m

8500 thermal premium wax resin ribbon, and a printhead cleaning pen)

• Programming manuals (CD)

Chapter 1 What To Expect When Running Your RFID Application

• Smart Label Developer’s Quick Setup Guide (this manual)

• Application and reference notes (this chapter)

• Technical support

The Printronix Smart Label Developer’s Kit also contains:

• Two rolls of 500 smart labels with Alien Technology™ Class 1

64 data bits, 915MHz inlays

• One 625 m thermal premium wax ribbon

• Network interface card, which includes Printronix’s PrintNet

Enterprise, a remote network printer management software application.

What To Expect When Running Your RFID Application

Factors Affecting Smart Label Performance

Smart labels are based on an EEPROM technology that requires some time to be programmed. You may notice this minor pause between labels. This time is necessary to better ensure consistent quality and improved reliability.

When dealing with smart labels, it is possible that an occasional RFID tag may need to be written and verified more than once (retry) before being considered acceptable. In this event each retry time will be added to the inter-label pause.

Static electricity can damage the smart labels. Open the media cover of the printer and touch an unpainted metal part of the printer before you handle smart labels. This will discharge any static electricity that may have built up on your hands.

Overstruck Smart Labels

If an RFID tag within a smart label is deemed unacceptable after execution of the defined number of retries, the following actions are performed:

• If Error Handling is set to Overstrike (the default), the

unacceptable smart label will print with a grid or error message over the label. If the Label Retry Count is greater than zero (the default is 10), the next smart label will be tried until the label retry count is exhausted.

• If Error Handling is set to Stop, the printer will stop, give an

error message, and discard the failing label data.

• If Error Handling is set to None, the printer will continue to the

next smart label with the next form and discard the failing label data.

Smart Label Characteristics

The smart labels currently supported have the following characteristics:

• UHF 915MHz radio frequency identification tag

• EPC Class 1 tags – 64 data bits Write Few / Read Many

• 4 x 6 inch label stock

• Nominal roll size is 500 smart labels. An additional number of

smart labels may be added to the Printronix smart label rolls to compensate for tags that are deemed unacceptable. This is so you can have 500 good labels.

NOTE: It is highly recommended that additional smart labels are

purchased directly from Printronix to assure the highest level of performance and reliability. See “How To Order More Smart Labels” on page 15.

Chapter 1 Transitioning From UCC/GTIN Applications Using Printronix Soft-

Transitioning From UCC/GTIN Applications Using Printronix Software Migration Tools (SMT)

It is likely that your software is already set up to create bar codes. You may have also spent a lot of time creating compliance label templates & integrating them into your system. The Smart Label Developer’s Kit Software Migration Tools will allow you to effortlessly transition from printing compliance labels to smart labels.

How Printronix Makes It Easy

If you are printing bar codes now, you can print smart labels — no change to your host data stream or existing compliance templates is required.

How It Works

A set of Software Migration Tools has been created to intercept the bar code data in the host data stream and copy the data to a smart label RFID tag according to a set of rules. Each tool has been designed for a specific end-use application. By simply selecting the desired Software Migration Tool from the printer’s operator panel, you automatically enable the printer to create an RFID smart label from your existing software application even if it does not have the functionality to program RFID tags. The tools include:

• GTIN: Copies the Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN)

bar code data for case and pallet labels onto the smart label’s RFID tag.

• EAN-8, EAN13, UPCA, and UCC128: These tools copy the

data from their respective bar code symbologies to a smart label’s RFID tag. This enables the achievement of supply-chain efficiencies with RFID-ready trading partners while at the same time remaining compatible with those who are not.

• EPC: This tool allows EPC data to be directly encoded into the

smart label’s RFID tag. Simply have your existing software application write the desired EPC number to a Code 3 of 9 barcode. The printer will then write the EPC data to the RFID tag without printing the bar code.

The existing toolset will meet the needs of many RFID early adopters. If you have a requirement for a Software Migration Tool not included in this kit, feel free to contact Printronix.

To select and use the tools, see “Software Migration Tools (SMT)” on page 65.

How To Order More Smart Labels

To order more RFID smart labels, contact Printronix: 1-800-733-1900 www.printronix.com

Part Number

Roll of 500 4 x 6 inch EPC Class 1 smart labels with squiggle antenna inlay: 204932-001

What We Can Do

Printronix Professional Services

What We Can Do

Printronix can partner with you on your RFID pilot project to make your existing software applications RFID/smart label capable. We specialize in AutoID Consulting, compliance labeling, third party software integration, and label generation.

Contact Information

Printronix Customer Support Center

1-714-368-2686 Ask for Professional Services Support

Chapter 1 Hardware/Infrastructure Considerations

Hardware/Infrastructure Considerations

Once your smart labels have been applied to their target container or pallet you will need external readers to track them through your supply chain. Such readers are typically networked devices that are deployed at key points in the warehouse or distribution center to track incoming and outgoing packages. The readers are managed through a server for gathering and filtering all the RFID information. Readers may have multiple antennas to maximize read range and reliability.

The readers you purchase must be compatible with the smart labels programmed by the printer. Specifically, they should be EPC Class 1 compliant. Fixed position readers and their antennas can be purchased from Alien Technology (www.alientechnology.com). Handheld readers with integrated antennas can be purchased from AWID (www.awid.com).

The data that are gathered by the reader servers must be managed for tracking and archiving purposes. Software applications that perform these tasks are available from companies such as Manhattan Associates

(www.manh.com).

Useful Industry Web Links

Reference Material

EPCglobal, Inc.

www.epcglobalinc.org

Auto-ID Labs

www.autoidlabs.org

Uniform Code Council, Inc.

www.uc-council.org

RFID Journal

www.rfidjournal.com

Alien Technology

www.alientechnology.com

Applied Wireless Identifications Group, Inc.

www.awid.com

Reference Material

Corporation

Chapter 1 Useful Industry Web Links

2 Printer Setup

Unpacking And Installing The Printer

Unpacking The Printer

The printer is shipped in a carton and protective bag. Keep all packing material in case shipping is required.

CAUTION

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

Do not place the printer on its backside during unpacking or handling, because damage to the printer interface connector may occur.

Chapter 2 Unpacking And Installing The Printer

Removing The Internal Packing Material

Remove the tape strips and foam pads from the printer as indicated below. (The top lid of the shipping carton also displays these instructions.)

Tape Strips (2)

Foam Pads (2)

Foam Pad

Unlock

Installation

AC Power

Receptacle

Power Switch

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

CAUTION

WARNING

CAUTION

Never operate the printer on its side or upside down.

2. Make sure the printer power switch is in the Off (O) position.

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

In compliance with international safety standards, this printer has been equipped with a three-pronged power cord. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from the cable plug. If an extension cord is required, ensure that a three-wire cable with a properly grounded plug is used.

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

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

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

Chapter 2 Controls And Indicators

Controls And Indicators

Power Switch

The power switch is located on the bottom back panel of the printer. To apply power, place the switch in the | (On) position. When you first power on the printer, a series of initialization messages appears on the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on the control panel.

To remove power, place the power switch in the O (Off) position.

Control Panel

The control panel is located on the front of the printer and includes an LCD, indicators, and control keys (buttons). These are described in the following tables.

Online Status

Indicator

Liquid Crystal

Display (LCD)

Job In Process

Indicator

Status And Display Indicators

Function in

Menu Mode

Control Panel

Function in

Offline Mode

Function in

Online Mode

Off.

Off when the printer is

Stays lit when the

offline.

printer is online, ready

to print, and accept

printer is online,

offline, or when

Flashes during a fault

condition.

Displays “OFFLINE”

and a main menu,

submenu, or option.

During a fault condition,

displays the specific

fault message and the

corrective action.

None

Flashes during a fault

condition.

Displays “OFFLINE.”

data from the host.

Flashes during a fault

condition.

Displays “ONLINE,” the

interface type, and

there is a fault

condition.

A backlighted

liquid crystal

During a fault condition,

displays the specific

fault message and the

corrective action.

Flashes when receiving

data.

Stays lit when data has

been processed and is

waiting to be printed.

Off when no data is

being received or when

no data remains in the

buffer.

emulation in use.

During a fault condition,

displays the specific

fault message and the

corrective action.

Flashes when receiving

data.

Stays lit when data has

been processed and is

waiting to be printed.

Off when no data is

being received or when

no data remains in the

buffer.

display with two

rows of 16

characters each.

Indicates when the

printer is receiving

or processing

data.

Indicator Description

Online Status Indicates when the

Liquid Crystal

Display (LCD)

Job In

Process

+ 53 hidden pages