SATO GT424 User Manual

GT Series

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

SATO ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.

438A ALEXANDRA ROAD

#05-01/02 ALEXANDRA TECHNOPARK

SINGAPORE 119967

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Sales Hotline: [phone]

Service Hotline: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.satoworldwide.com

Copyright 2003

SATO Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.

Warning : This equipment complies with the requirements in Part 15 of FCC rules for a
Class A computing device. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause
unacceptable interference to radio and television reception requiring the operator to take
whatever steps necessary to correct the interference. All rights reserved. No part of this
document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in any form whatsoever without
the express permission of SATO Asia PacificPte. Ltd. The materials in this document are
provided for general information andare subjected to change without prior notice. SATO
Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. assumes no responsibilities for any errors that may appear.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1OVERVIEW

1.1 General Specifications.................................................................................1-2

2 INSTALLATION

Safety Precautions..................................................................................................... 2 -2

2.1 Unpacking......................................................................................................2-4

2.1.1 Included Accessories......................................................................................2-5

2.1.2 Parts Identification ..........................................................................................2-6

2.2 Loading the Carbon Ribbon.........................................................................2-10

2.2.1 Removing the Carbon Ribbon ........................................................................2-11

2.2.2 OPTION: Using A Paper Tube to Wind Used Ribbon ....................................2 -12

2.3 Loading Labels And Tags............................................................................2-13

2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper ......................................................................................2-14

2.3.2 Loading Fanfold Paper ...................................................................................2-17

2.3.3 Loading Fanfold Paper under the printer .......................................................2-19

2.3.4 Adjusting the paper sensor ............................................................................ 2 -21

2.4 Replacing the Print Head..............................................................................2-22

2.5 Turning the printer ON/OFF .........................................................................2-23

3 CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION

3.1 Operating Modes...........................................................................................3-1

3.2 The Operation Panel.....................................................................................3-2

3.3 Screen Icons And Their Meaning ................. ............................................ ...3-3

3.4 ONLINE And OFFLINE Modes......................................................................3-5

3.4.1 Online Mode ...................................................................................................3-5

3.4.2 Offline Mode ...................................................................................................3-5

3.5 User Mode......................................................................................................3-6

3.5.1 Entering User Mode .......................................................................................3-6

3.5.2 Setting Buzzer Volume, Print Pitch, Print Offset, Print Darkness ...................3-7

3.5.2 Setting Print Speed ........................................................................................3-7

3.5.3 Setting Print Darkness ....................................................................................3-8

3.5.4 Setting Print Offset .........................................................................................3-8

3.5.5 Setting Zero Slash Changeover .....................................................................3-9

3.5.6 Setting JIS Kanji Code Changeover* .............................................................3-9

3.5.7 Setting Kanji Font Style* ................................................................................3-9

3.5.7 Setting Proportional Pitch ..............................................................................3-10

3.6 Interface Mode...............................................................................................3-11

3.6.1 Entering Interface Mode .................................................................................3-11

3.6.2 Enabling Interface Card Configuration ...........................................................3-11

3.6.3 Assigning An Interface Card For Printing .......................................................3 -12

3.6.4 Selecting The Data Input Port ........................................................................3-12

3.6.5 Enabling or Disabling The Status Return Port ...............................................3 -12

i

3.7 Cartridge Mode..............................................................................................3-13

3.7.1 Entering Cartridge Mode ................................................. ...............................3-13

3.7.2 Cartridge Formatting Option ...........................................................................3-13

3.7.3 Start Cartridge Formatting ..............................................................................3-13

3.7.4 Cartridge Formatting Progress .......................................................................3-14

3.8 SEMBL Mode .................................................................................................3-15

3.8.1 Entering SEMBL Mode .......................................................................... .........3-15

3.8.2 Selecting The Start Program ..........................................................................3-15

3.8.3 The SEMBL Status Screen ............................................................................3-16

3.9 Advanced Mode.............................................................................................3-17

3.9.1 Entering Advanced Mode ...............................................................................3-17

3.9.2 Selecting The Print Density ............................................................................3-17

3.9.3 Setting the Automatic Detection of Optional Units ........................................3-17

3.9.4 Choosing Continuous or Tear Off Operation ..................................................3-18

3.9.5 Backfeed Operation Settings ..........................................................................3-18

3.9.6 Configuring the Internal Winding Unit .............................................................3-18

3.9.7 Setting the Print Mode ....................................................................................3-19

3.9.8 Configuring the Paper Sensor ........................................................................3-19

3.9.9 Configuring the Paper Sensor Type ...............................................................3-19

3.9.10 Turning Head Check Function ON/OFF .........................................................3-20

3.9.11 Choosing the Type of Head Check ............................................................3-20

3.9.12 Enabling/Disabling External Signal Output .....................................................3-21

3.9.13 Selecting the Type of External Signal Output .................................................3-21

3.9.14 Selecting Reprint via External Signal Output .................. ...............................3-21

3.9.15 Using the Auto Online Feature .......................................................................3-22

3.9.16 Enabling Auto Feed ........................................................................................3-22

3.9.17 Enabling Auto Feed On Error .........................................................................3-22

3.9.18 Specifying the Protocol Code Format .............................................................3-23

3.9.19 Specifying The SEMBL Start Mode ................................................................3-23

3.9.20 Specifying The SEMBL Auto Start Program ................................................... 3-23

3.10 HEX Dump Mode ...........................................................................................3-24

3.10.1 Entering HEX Dump Mode ............................................................................. 3-24

3.10.2 Selecting Data To Dump ................................................................................3-24

3.10.3 Controlling the H ex Dump Mo de ....................................................................3-24

3.11 Test Print Mode .............................................................................................3-25

3.11.1 Entering Test Print Mode ................................................................................3-25

3.11.1 Choosing What The Test Print Contains ........................................................3-25

3.11.2 Setting Test Print Width for Configuration, Barcode and Head Check ..........3-26

3.11.3 Setting the Size of the Factory Test Print .......................................................3-26

3.11.4 Starting the Test Print .....................................................................................3-26

3.12 Overview of All Modes............................................... ...................................3-27

3.13 Restoring Factory DeFault Settings............................................................3-37

3.13.1 Entering Default Mode ....................................................................................3-37

3.13.2 If You Chose to Reset Printer Settings ...........................................................3-38

3.13.2 If You Chose Alt Protocol Code ......... .............................................................3-38

3.13.3 Completion of Default Setting ............................................. ............................3-38

3.14 Understanding Continuous Print and Tear Off Operations.......................3-39

ii

4 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

4.1 Introduction...................................................................................................4-1

4.2 Cleaning The Print Head, Platen and Rollers.............................................4-1

4.3 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SET)..................................................4-2

4.4 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SHEET).............................................4-3

4.5 Adjusting Print Quality.................................................................................4-4

4.5.1 Adjusting Pr int Darkness 4-4

4.5.2 Adjusting Pr int Speed 4-5

5 INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

5.1 Interface types...............................................................................................5-1

5.2 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (RS-232C) ........................................5-2

5.3 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (LAN)................................................5-3

5.4 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (Wireless LAN).............. ..................5-3

5.5 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (Mini LAN)........................................5-4

5.6 Serial Interface SPECIFICATIONS (RS-232C).............................................5-5

5.7 READY/BUSY ................................................................................................5-6

5.8 Single Job Buffer ..........................................................................................5-7

5.9 Multi Job Buffer.............................................................................................5-8

5.10 X-ON/X-OFF ...................................................................................................5-8

5.11 Single Job Buffer ..........................................................................................5-10

5.12 Multi Job Buffer.............................................................................................5-11

5.13 Driver Protocol..............................................................................................5-11

5.14 Status 3..........................................................................................................5-24

5.15 Multi Job Buffer.............................................................................................5-25

5.16 Reference Flowchart.....................................................................................5-32

5.17 Parallel Interface SPECIFICATIONS (Centronics)......................................5 -33

5.18 Single Job Buffer ..........................................................................................5-35

5.19 Multi Job Buffer.............................................................................................5-37

5.20 IEEE 1284 Interface.......................................................................................5-39

5.21 Interface Signals...........................................................................................5-42

5.22 Single Job Buffer ..........................................................................................5-43

5.23 Multi Job Buffer.............................................................................................5-45

5.24 Driver Protocol..............................................................................................5-47

iii

TROUBLESHOOTING

6.1 Initial Checklist..............................................................................................6-1

6.2 Using the Centronics (Parallel) Interface............................ ........................6-1

6.3 Using the RS232C (SERIAL) Interface.........................................................6-3

6.4 Understanding the STATUS INDICATORS..................................................6-4

6.5 Understanding the LCD Error Messages ....................................................6-5

6.6 LCD Warning Messages ...............................................................................6-10

6.7 Troubleshooting Guide.................................................................................6-11

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

7.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................7-1

7.2 Available Interface Boards ...........................................................................7-1

7.3 Label Management Accessories..................................................................7-2

7.3 PCMCIA Memory Cartridge ..........................................................................7-3

7.3.1 Installing the memory card..............................................................................7-3

iv

Section 1: Introduction

OVERVIEW

Thank you for your investment in this SATO printer product.
This Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the installation, setup,

configuration, operation and maintenance of the printer.
A total of seven topics are covered herein, and they are organized as follows:

Section 1: Overview
Section 2: Installation
Section 3: Configuration and Operation
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance
Section 5: Interface Specifications
Section 6: Troubleshooting
Section 7: Optional Accessories

1

It is recommended that you become familiar with each section before installing and main­taining the printer. Refer to the Table Of Contents at the front of this manual to search
for the relevant i nfor mation need ed. Al l p age num bers in this manual co nsist of a secti on
number followed by the page number within the stated section.

For specialized pro gram ming, refer to the sep arate Programming Man ual located on the
utility CD-ROM.

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-1

Section 1: Introduction

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The SATO GT 4xx “e” series of dual use (Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal) printers
are complete, high-performance labeling systems designed for printing tags and labels.

The key features of the GT series are:

• Faster print speed and better print quality than ever

• Large 3-line LCD screen and icon-rich user interface

• Fully configurable without the need for setting DIP switches

• Easy operation via multiple control buttons and status indicators

• Easy upgrading to higher resolution print heads and additional memory by users

• Richer SBPL command set for better control via software/network

• Supports standalone operation via execution of BASIC programs stored in memory

• Supports two I/O connections

• User friendly label and ribbon path

• Ribbon saving feature

All printer p aram eter s are programmable using the fr ont p ane l control s an d via soft wa re.
All popular bar codes, including 2-D codes, eight human-readable fonts with two Care
Symbol fonts and a fast and efficient vector font, are resident in memory, providing liter­ally thousands of combinations of type styles and sizes.

Page 1-2 GT Series Operator’s Manual

Section 1: Introduction

Features of SATO GT4xxe Series Printers

Feature GT408e GT412e GT424e

Print resolution 203dp i for economical

labeling solution
(user upgradable to higher
resolution print assembly)

Print method Thermal Transfer an d

Direct Thermal

Label sizes supported
(using default internal
memory)

Label sizes supported
(using additional
optional PCMCIA
memory card)

Integral Cutter unit Optional Optional Optional
Stacker option Up to 500 3.9 inch (W) by

Interfaces available Optional RS-232C, LAN,

4 inches (W) by 9.4 inches 4 inches (W) by 9.4 inches 4 inches (W) by 9.4 inches

4 inches (W) by 49.2 inches
at 203 d pi

5.9 inch labels

USB, RFID, IEEE 1284 or
high spe ed RS-232C

305dpi for laser quality
printing and graphic
images

Thermal Transfer and
Direct Thermal

4 inches (W) by 32.8
inches at 305 dpi

Up to 500 3.9 inch (W) by

5.9 inch labels
Optional RS-232C, LAN,

USB, RFID, IEEE 1284 or
high speed RS-232C

608dp i for laser qual ity
printing and gr aphic
images

Thermal Transfer and
Direct Thermal

4 inches (W) by 32.8
inches at 305 dpi

Up to 500 3.9 inch (W) by

5.9 inch labe ls
Optional RS-232C, LAN,

USB, RFID, IEEE 1284 or
high sp eed RS-232C

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-3

Section 1: Introduction

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Specification/

Model Name

Print method Thermal transfer or thermal
Head density 8 dots/ mm (203 dpi)

Print valid range (w idth) 104 mm x pitch 2500 mm

Print speed (Max) 12 inch es/sec

(Approx 300 mm/sec)

Note:

Maximum speed may be further dependent on the type of print layout, paper,
or carbon ribbon in use.

Paper Thickness 0.060 mm to 0.268 mm suppor ted.

Label size
(mounting
and
cardboard
size)

Standard Width: 22 t o 12 8 mm (25 t o 13 1 mm )

Tear off Wi dth : 22 t o 12 8 mm (25 to 131 mm)

Peel Width: 22 t o 12 8 mm (25 t o 13 1 mm )

Cutter Width: 22 to 12 8 mm (25 to 131 mm)

Note:

Be sure to use only print er supplies manufactured or c ertifi ed by SATO.

Pitch: 5 to 397 mm (9 to 400 mm)

Pitch: 17 to 397 mm (20 to 400 mm)

Pitch: 17 to 397 mm (20 to 400 mm)

Pitch: 17 to 397 mm (20 to 400 mm)

GT408 GT412 GT424

12 dots/ mm (305 dpi) 24 dots/ mm (609 dpi)

104 mm x pitch 1500 mm 104 mm x pitch 400 mm

Not printable for 3 mm from the backside.

12 inches/sec
(Approx 300 mm/sec)

6 inches/sec
(Approx 150 mm/sec)

Note:

Supported sizes may be
regulated due to the quan­tity of print jobs or size of
paper.

Other us ag e co nditions
may restrict the range of
label sizes supported.

Non-sepa­rate

Number of
loadable
sheets

Carbon ribbon
Width
Length
Thickness of base material
Color
Winding direction

Label dispen sing mod es Continuous, tear off, peeler, dispenser and non-separate
Dimensions W 271 mm x D 455 mm x H 305 mm x (Standard)
Weight 14 kg (for a st andard configuration)
Power suppl y Input voltage: AC 100 V to 240 V ±10%

Operating Environment Opera tio na l am bient temperature : 0 to 40 ×C

Roll paper Maximum external diameter:

Fanfold
paper

Width: 22 t o 12 8 mm (25 t o 13 1 mm )
Pitch: 17 to 397 mm (20 to 400 mm)

200 mm (Approximately 150 m/roll) 3-inch paper tube used
Back winding (only front winding for no n-separate mode)

Maximum folded height: 20 0 m m
See the section in this manual on Setting Fanfold Paper

Be sure t o use the s pecified carbon ribbon manufactured by SATO.

39.5, 45, 59, 76, 84, 92, 102, 111, and 128 mm
Use a carbon rib bon that is wider than the paper used.
300 m/roll

4.5 µm
Black (standard), also red, blue, purple, and green
Front winding and back winding

Power consumption: Maximum 200 VA 150 W, print rate 30% (89 VA 40 W on standby)

Opera tio na l am bient humi dity: 30 to 80% (without condensation)
Storing ambient temperature: -5 to 60 ×C
Storing amb ient humidity: 30 to 90% (no condensation)
Paper, and ca rbo n r ib bo n ex cl ud ed .

Page 1-4 GT Series Operator’s Manual

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Section 1: Introduction

Specification/

Model Na m e

External interface

Operation
Panel

Buttons

Switch POWER ON/OFF
LCD Green LCD (with backlight), Vertical 32 dots x horizontal 128 dots, displaying up to five

LEDs POWER, ONLIN E, STATUS, LABEL, RIBBON status indicators
Adjustment

Potentiometer

GT408 GT412 GT424

Interface board
¤ Parallel (IEEE1284)
¤ RS-232 C

• READY/BUSY

• XON/XOFF

• Status 2/3

• Driver specif ic protocol

• Sta tus 5
¤ USB (Ver. 2.0)
¤ LAN (10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX automatic changeover)
¤ Wireless LAN (IEE E802.11b)
¤ Mini LAN (10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX automatic changeover)
External (EXT) signal interface (14-pin)

LINE, FEED
FUNCTION, 4 navigation but tons (up/down/left/right), E N TER, CANCEL

icons at the top of the screen

VOLUME: buzzer loudness adjustme nt
PITCH: print-head pitch adjustment
OFFSET: tear off, peel, and cutter stop position adjustment
DARKNESS: print density adjustment

Sensor Paper sensor : reflection type, penetration type

Memory cartridge

Print Form at Transmitted from host (computer) or recall ed from print for mats stored by user

Stored
Font Types

Standard X20 5 x 9 dots (a lp hanumer i c, sy m bol, and ka na )

Truetype Fonts

Kanji Fonts
(where applica­ble)

16 MB FLASH ROM, 4 MB non-volatile user me mory

on memory card (optional)

X21 17 x 17 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
X22 24 x 24 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
X23 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
X24 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
Outline font (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
OCR-A GT408 15 x 22 dots (alphanumeri c and symbo l)
GT412 22 x 33 dots (alphanumeric and symbol)
GT424 44 x 66 dots (alphanumeric and symbol)
OCR-B GT408 20 x 24 dots (alphanumeri c and symbo l)
GT412 30 x 36 dots (alphanumeric and symbol)
GT424 60 x 72 dots (alphanumeric and symbol)

CG Times (alphanum er i c an d sy mbol)
CG Triumvirate (alphanumeric and symbol)

16 x 16 dots (JIS level-1 and -2 kanj i sets. Selectable either Mincho or Gothic)
24 x 24 dots (JIS level-1 and -2 kanj i sets. Selectable either Mincho or Gothic)
22 x 22 dots (JIS level-1 and -2 kanj i sets. Selectable either Mincho or Gothic)
32 x 32 dots (JIS level-1 and -2 kanj i sets. Selectable either Mincho or Gothic)
40 x 40 dots (JIS level-1 and -2 kanj i sets. Selectable either Mincho or Gothic)
Kanji ou tli ne font

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-5

Section 1: Introduction

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Specification/

Model Name

Barcode

One­dimensional
code

• UPC-A/E, EAN8/13, JAN8/13

• NW-7

• INTERLEAVED 2 of 5 (ITF)

GT408 GT412 GT424

• INDUSTRIAL 2 of 5

• MATRIX 2 of 5

• CODE39, CODE93, CODE128

• UCC/EAN128

• Customer barcode

• RSS-14

Two­dimensional
code

• QR code model 2, Micro QR (Ver 8.1)

• PDF417 (Ver. 2.4, including micro PDF)

• Veri code (Ver. 1.0)

• MAXI code (Ver. 3.0)

• Data matrix ECC200 (Ver. 2.0)

• Synthetic symbol (UPC-A/E, EAN8/13, JAN8/13, CODE39, CODE128 CC-A/B/C

supporte d with RSS -14 )

Magnification Vertical 1 to 12 times

Horizontal 1 to 12 times (characters)
1 to 12 L (barcodes)

Rotation Characters : 0°, 90 °, 18 0°, and 270°

Barcode Ratio 1:2, 1:3, 2:5, arbitrary

Barcode: parallel 1, serial 1, parallel 2, serial 2

User mode 1. Volume set value indication 2. Print speed 3. Print density

4. Print position cor rection 5. Zero s lash changeover 6. Kanji code changeover

7. Kanji font setting 8. Proportional pitch setting

Automat ic dia gno sti cs Head check/ Head open/ Paper end/ Ribbon end/ Winding full/ Kanji ROM

Noise emis­sion

Optional accessories

Radiant nois e VCCI Class B
Static with-

stand pressure
AC line noise 1000 Vp-p or more ( 50 nS to 1 µS pulse)

check/ T est print

IEC Level 3

• Peel unit (with mounting winder)

• Cutt er un it

• Non-separat e unit

• Simplified peel unit

• Internal wind ing unit

• External winding unit

• RFID unit

• Dete c tio n sc an ner unit

• EXT connector (external signal)

• Interface boards (serial R S- 23 2 C or Par all el IEEE128 4)

• USB Interface board

• LAN (10BASE-T/1 00BASE-TX),

• Wirele s s LA N ( IEE E 802.11b),

• Mini LAN (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX)

Memory cartridge 24 MB

Note:

All the GT printers use th e same command codes. The only difference s are the al lowable values repre­senting print posi tions o n the label. These val ues are spec ifie d in “dots” and will vary depending upon the
resolution of the printer and the amount of memory available for imaging the label.

Page 1-6 GT Series Operator’s Manual

Section 2: Installation

2

INSTALLATION

This section assists yo u in unpacking and instal ling the printer from the shi pping container.
You will als o be guided through a familiarization to ur of t he main parts and controls.
The following information is provided:

• Safety Precautions

• Unpackin g and Parts Identification

• Loading the Carbon Ribbon

• Loading Labels and Ta gs

• Adjusting the Sensors

• Replacing the Print Head

• Tur n i ng the Printer O N/OFF

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-1

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read the following information carefully before

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

THE CAUTION SYMBOL

Whenever the triangular Caution logo appears in this manual, pay special attention to the warning(s) cited
below it. Failure to abide by the warnings may result in injury or damage to property.

PRINTER PLACEMENT TIPS

• Place the printer on a solid, stable,
horizontal surface that is not sub­ject to strong vibrations from adja­cent mechanical devices.

• Avoid shaky or slanting tables, or
platforms that are liable to collapse under a heavy
weight. If the printer is dropped or damaged, immedi­ately turn off the power, pull out the power plug and
contact a service center. In this case, continued use
of the printer may cause a fire or electric shocks.

• Avoid installing the printer in direct sunlight, or in
dusty, very hot or slippery areas. Also avoid place­ment in damp, unventilated or humid areas. If con­densation forms, immediately turn off the power, and
do not use the printer until the condensation disap­pears. Otherwise the moisture may cause electric
shocks.

• Avoid placing the printer near large high-current
equipment, as such equipment can cause sp ikes or
undervoltages in the power supply.

installing and using the printer

• Do not leave containers of
water or chemicals around the
printer. If any liquid is spilled
onto the printer, immediately
turn off the power, pull out the
power cable from the AC outlet, and contact a
sales outlet, dealer, or service center. In this
case, continued use of the printer may cause
fires or electric shocks.

• Do not move the printer with any paper loaded.
The stack of paper may fall off, causing trips
and accidents.

• When laying the printer down, be careful not to
catch your foot or fingers under it.

• When moving the printer, be sure to pull out the
power cable from the AC outlet, and check that
any other external interface cables have been
disconnected. Otherwise, the connected cables
may be damaged, or may cause trips and falls,
in addition to or a fire or electric shocks.

ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS

• Do not damag e, break, or process the power cable.
Hanging heavy objects on it, heating or pulling it may
damage the power cable and cause fires or electric
shocks.

• When the power cable is damaged (cable conductors
are exposed or cut, etc.), contact a sales outlet,
dealer, or service center. In this case, continued use
of the printer may cause fires or electric shocks.

• Do not process, forcibly bend, twist, or pull the power
cable. Continued use of such a cable may cause
fires or electric shocks.

• If the printer emits any smoke or peculiar odors at
any time, turn it OFF and prevent further usage until
you have contacted a qualified service personnel.

• Do not use any other voltage except the specified
power voltage for the printer that matches your
domestic power supply. Otherwise, it may cause
fires or electric shocks.

• Do not operate the power switch or handle the
power cable with a wet hand.

• Do not inse rt or drop anything metallic or flam­mable into the openings of the printer (the cable
outlet or mounting hole of the memory car­tridge). Otherwise, immediately turn off the
power, pull out the power cable, and contact a
sales outlet, dealer, or service center. In this
case, continued use of the printer may cause
fires or electric shocks.

• To reduce electrical risks, be
sure to connect the printer to
ground before use. Also, try
not to share the printer’s AC
outlet with other electrical
equipment, especially those that draw high
amounts of current or cause electrical interfer­ence.

Page 2-2 GT Series Operator’s Manual

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• The supplied head cleaning liquid is flammable.
Never heat it or throw it into a fire. Keep it out of chil­dren’s reach to avoid accidental consumption.
Should this occur, consult a doctor immediately.

• When opening/closing the cover, beware of getting
your fingers caught. Also, hold the opening/closing
cover well so that it will s lip and f all.

• After printing, the print head remains hot. When
replacing paper or cleaning the printer immediately
after printing, be careful not to burn yourself.

• Touching even the edge of the printer head may
cause injuries. When replacing paper or cleaning the
printer, be careful not to hurt yourself.

Section 2: Installation

• Do not disassemble or perform modifications to
the printer, as this renders the product unsafe.
For maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs,
consult a sales outlet, dealer, or service center
for help, instead of attempting to perform this
yourself. Renewable annual service contracts
are available.

• When maintaining or cleaning the printer,
always disconnect the power cable for safety.

• Do not insert your hand or other objects into the
cutter.

• When loading roll paper, be careful not to catch
your fingers between the paper and the feed.

• If the printer will not be used for extended periods of
time, disconnect the power cable for safety.

• When releasing and locking down the printer head,
be careful not to catch any other foreign in it except
label paper.

This equipment is a piece of Class B information technology equipment based on the standards of the
Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). Although this
equipment is for use in home environment, if it is used close to a radio or television set, it may cause poor
reception. Handle it properly in accordance with the content from the instruction manual.

• B e careful not to hurt yourself when detaching
the back cover of the fanfold through the hole
and attaching it.

• The simplified cutter is structured as a blade.
Be careful not to cut yourself .

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-3

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

1

2

2.1 UNPACKING

When unpacking the printer, ta k e note of the foll ow ing:

The box sh ould stay right-s ide up.
Lift the print er out of the box ca ref ully.

If the printer was been stored in the

4

cold, allow it to reach room
temperature before turning it on.

Remove the plastic covering from the
printer.

Set the printer on a solid , flat su rface.

5

Inspect the shipping container and
printer fo r any s ign of damage that

Remove the accessory items from their

3

may have occurred during shipping.

protective contai ners.

Note

The following illustratio ns are representative only. Your printer may not be packed exactly as shown, but
the unpacking steps are similar.

Page 2-4 GT Series Operator’s Manual

Section 2: Installation

2.1.1 INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

After unp ac k ing the printer , verify that th e fo llowing materials are in the accessor ies or packaging:

Global Warranty

document

Information

leaflet*

Items m arked w ith a n asterisk m ay be different from what you see here, or m ay be ex c luded.

Cleaning

Set

Sample paper*

Head cleaning sheet

(wrapping sheet)

Power cable*

Two-pole adaptor*Accesso r y C D -R OMOperator’s Manual

Important!

Please f ill out the Globa l W arranty car d and submit it
to us in order that we can provide fast and efficient
after-sales service . For malfunc ti ons under normal
use, this product will be repaired free of charge
according to the warranty terms applicable for the
country of us e.

Please do not discard t he original packaging b ox and
cushion ing material after installing the printer. T hey
may be needed in future, if the printer needs to be
shipped for repairs.

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-5

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Operation Panel

Consists of an liqui d crystal dis­play screen, five status indica­tors and the LINE and FEED
buttons.

Power switch

Pushing the I side turns t he
printer ON. Pushing the O side
turns the printer OFF.

Front View

Lift this cove r
upwards to access
ribbon and label

Pull down this panel
to access controls

Fixed front plate

Front Cover

(lifted up)

Ribbon take-up shaft

Head pressure
adjustment knob

Angled Front View

Ribbon feeder

Label supply arm

Roll Guide lever
Roll Guide

Head lock lever

Head open lever

Front cover plate

Page 2-6 GT Series Operator’s Manual

2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D)

IDENTIFY ING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Rear View

Section 2: Installation

Release screw

Rear access cover

When us ing fanfold media,
remove the release screw
of the rear cover and lift up
the front cover. The hinged
rear cover will drop do wn­wards to a vertical position.

How to
remove the
cable co ver

Positi on your bod y
to face the rear of
the printer. Press
down on the
release catch with
your thum b, and
slide the cable
cover to your right.

Cable cover

Cable cover
release catch

Positio n your
body to face the
rear of the printer.
Press down on
the release catch
with your thumb,
and slid e the
cable cover to
your right.

Mini LAN interface
board (optional)

Interface board

Available interfaces include
RS-232C, high speed RS­232C, USB, IEEE 1284,
LAN and wireless LAN.

EXT connector
(optional)

Allows co nnection to external
devices

Power cable hook

Provide s a neat an d sa fe w ay
to hang the power cable.

AC power connector

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-7

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

C
o

r

IDENTIFY ING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Side View

(Media assembly)

onnector for

ptional memory card

Ribbon take-up shaft
Ribbon feeder

Head lock lever
Print head*
Head pressure knob

Head release lever
Platen roller*

(under the print head)
Maintenance screw

Stopper screw

Label Guide

Stopper for

AA

label damper

(push down­wards to
release the
label damper)

Paper sensor

B

AA
B

Label Guide

C

handle

C
D

Fanfold cover

* Clean and maintain this part regularly

Label Guide

D

damper

Angled Front View

Print head

This component generates
heat to the ribbon or media f or
printing. Clean and maintain

this part regularly.

Platen roller

The rubber roller feeds or
retracts the media as ne eded.

Clean and maintain this
part regularly.

Page 2-8 GT Series Operator’s Manual

Head lock leve

Head release
lever

Label Gu id e
handle

2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D)

P

s

O

n
m

S

i

C

d
a
o

F
i

U
t

IDENTIFY ING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

View of Front Panel

Section 2: Installation

LCD screen

Icons , prompts and system messag es
are displayed here.

FEED button

Feeds the label forward. When it is pressed once,
the equivalent of a sheet of paper or label is ejected.
*There are times when the paper is not aligned prop­erly whe n po w er is tur ne d on or when the paper wa s
set. In this case, always press the FEED button to
align the paper properly.

Operation buttons

FUNCTION button: Selects the various setting modes.

CURSOR buttons: Each button moves the cursor up,

down, left or right on the LCD screen.

ENTER button: Confirms the choice of a selection or value.

Light Emitting Diodes

OWER LED: Ligh ts up whe n power is

upplie d to the pr in te r.

NLINE LED: Lights up when commu-

ication is available. Flashes with com-

unication fails.

TATUS LED: Lig hts up and flashes to

ndicate exchange of data.

ANCEL button: Cancels pr inting
ata. In each setting mode, the button
lso retur n s yo u to t he previous me nu
r menu item.

or details of each indicator’ s behav -

or, see Page 6-4 of Section 6,

nderstanding the STATUS Indica-

ors.

Var iable Resistors

VOLUME: Adjusts the loudness of the built-

in speaker (buzzer).

PITCH: Adjusts the vertical print position
with reference to the top edge of a label.

OFFSET: Adjusts the stop position offset
values for the cutter, peeler and tear off
modes (cutter, peeler must be inst alled).

DARKNESS: Adjusts the print darkness
(print de ns it y) .

CANCEL button: Cancels printing data. In each setting
mode, the button also returns you to the previous menu or
menu item.

Adjustment screwdrive r

Fits into the VOLUME, PITCH, OFFSET and DARKNESS
variable resistors to allow adjustments.

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-9

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Ribbon feeder

2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON

1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover
rests firmly o n the top of the pr inter so that it will not
fall forward and injure your hands.

2. Release the purple head release lever by pushing
it downwards. The print head assem bly will be
lifted up to allow label loading.

3. Insert th e c arbon ribbon in t he ribbon fee der.

Push it inwards all the way, with the ribbon winding

in a clockwise direction around the print head, as
shown. Note: Use only genuine SATO carbon

ribbons for maximum print quality and printer
durability.

Front Cover

Print h ead
Head

release lever
(purple)

4. Check t hat t he purple knob of the ribbon take-up
shaft is pushed inwards, toward the back. If not,
push it in.

Caution

• Failure to ensure that the knob is pushed fully inwards before

winding the new ribbon onto the shaft, will result in difficulties
later when you wish to removing the used ribbon.

5. Pass t he car bon ribbon under the print head to the
ribbon tak e-up shaft. Aff ix th e c arbon ribbon
directly to the grip sheet o n the take-up shaft. Wind
the ribbon s ev eral times in th e direction of th e
arrow in the picture. Check from sideways that the
carbon ribbon is installed according to Step 3
above.

6. Now remount the print head by pushing down on
the head lock lever. The print head should lock into
place firmly . You can now pr oceed to ins ta ll th e
label media as described in the follow ing sections .

Knob
Carbon

ribbon

Grip s hee t
on take-up
shaft

Carbon
ribbon

Print head

Page 2-10 GT Series Operator’s Manual

2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON (CONT’D)

2.2.1 Removing the Carbon Ribbon

Pull the purple knob on th e ribbon take-up shaft
outward s . Hold the carbo n ribbon reel an d pull it
outward s . S om e carbon pow der may adhere to your
hand during this process—if so, wash your hands to
remove the powder.

Note:

Do not insta ll a new c arbon ribbon an d th en wind it over
any used ribbon in the ribbon take-up shaft. That is,
always remove all used ribbon from the ribb on t ak e­up shaft (us ing the purple k nob to relea s e t he used
ribbon) before changing to a new ribbon.

Section 2: Installation

Knob

Carbon

ribbon

Caution

• When replacing the carbon ribbon, bear in mind that the print
head and its surrounding area remain hot. Keep your fingers
away from these areas to prevent injury.

• Avoid touching even the edge of the print head with your bare hands.

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-11

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Replacement

2.2.2 OPTION: Using A Paper Tube to Wind Used Ribbon

Under certain circumstances, instead of using the GT printer’s ribbon take-up shaft to collect
used ri bb on, us ers ma y pr efer to us e p aper tu be s to fo rm a cor e for wi ndi ng th e us ed r i bbon . T his
is a possible option that requires replacing the ribbon winding shaft with a different shaft (optional
access ory). Once th e optional shaft is installed, y ou can follow th e s t eps below to us e paper
tubes for winding used ribbon.

1. Lift up t he m ain cover an d push the purple head
release lever downwards. The print head assembly
will be lifted up.

2. Insert th e c arbon ribbon in t he ribbon fee der and
push it inwards all the way . In se rt th e paper tube
into the new ribbon take -up shaft by pushing it
inwards a ll th e w ay .

3. Pass t he c arbon ribbo n f rom t he ribbon fe eder
under the print head to the paper tub e on the
ribbon tak e-up shaft. Aff ix th e ribbon to the p aper
tube with ta pe. Wind the ribbon several times
around the tube.

take-up shaft

Paper tube

Ribbon feeder

Paper tube

Print head

4. Check from sideways that the carbon ribbon is set

5. Now remount the print head by pushing down on

• When replacing ribbons, bear in mind that the print head and its

surrounding area remain hot. Keep your fingers away from these areas to prevent injury.

• Avoid touching even the edge of the print head with your bare hands.

Page 2-12 GT Series Operator’s Manual

as shown in t he following pic t ure.

the head lock lever. The print head should lock into
place firmly. You can now proceed to load labels or
other me dia as described in the follow ing sections .

Caution

Paper tube

Print head

Label loaded

Section 2: Installation

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS

This printer can print on roll paper and fanfold paper.
The method of setting paper is different with roll pa per and fanfo ld paper.
This printer can be set to detect the I-mark on the paper to feed each label correctly.

Note:
For optimal print performance and durability, please use SATO-certified label and ribbon
supplies on this printer. Using suppl ies not tested an d approved for us e by SATO can re s ult in

unneces s ary w ear and damage to vital part s of th e printer, and ma y vo id t he warranty .

Roll Paper Characteristics

Label

Fanfold Paper Characteristics

Label

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-13

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

R

R
L

R
L
t
i

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper

1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover
rest s firm ly on the top of the pr inte r so tha t it wi ll not
fall forward and injure your hands.

2. Release the purple head release lever by pushing
it downwards. The print head assem bly will be
lifted up to allow label loading.

3. Push th e s pring-loade d purple Roll Guide lever
sideways (t o t he right) to relea s e t he Roll Guid e.
Pull the Roll Guide outwards to the edge. Once the
Roll Guide is m ov ed to the edg e, it will tilt
backwards to allow a label roll to be inserted easily.

Front Cover

Print h ead
Head

release lever
(purple)

oll Guide

ever

oll Guide

4. Insert th e label roll and p us h t he Roll Guide back
into place. Make sure that the Roll Guide pushes
snugly against the label roll to prevent label drift
during prin t ing.

Lift up the
Roll Guide.
Push the
purple lever to
the right and
move th e R o l l
Guide toward
the label roll.

elease th e

ever to loc k

he Roll Guide

n place.

Page 2-14 GT Series Operator’s Manual

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

5. Pull out the purple label damper to release the label guide
assembly. The label guide will drop downwards.

6. Insert the paper into th e label guide from a sidew ay s
angle, so that the paper passes under the label guide and
paper sensor.

Section 2: Installation

Pull the
purple
label
damper.

Label
sensor

7. Adjust th e label guide knob so that it lig ht ly to uc hes the
edge of th e label. Faste n t he k nob tightly .

8. Now rem ount the print head by push ing down on the
Head loc k lev er. The print head should loc k int o place
firmly.

9. If desire d, cl os e t he main cover and do a test print to
check th at th e label roll has been loaded properly. B e
careful not to get your fingers caught at the bottom ledge
when yo u are closing the main cove r.

Caution

• When replacing paper, bear in mind that the print head and its surrounding

area remain hot. Keep your fingers away from these areas to prevent injury.

• Avoid touching even the edge of the print head with your bare hands.

Adjust
the label
guide
knob

Print
Head

Head lock

lever

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-15

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

Adjusting for the paper width

This pri nt er is adjusted so th at quality print ing can be obta ined without any adjustm ents.
However, in certain s it uations, be tter results can be obtained if you adjust the “head pres s ure
balance” to compensate for di fferent widths of label paper used.

The head pressure balance knob adjusts the amount of pressure being applied along different
sections along the length of the print head. For suggested settings of the pressure knob (1 to 5),
see the table below:

SETTING PAPER WIDTH

125~42 mm
242~59 mm
359~78 mm
478~95 mm
5 95~131mm

Note:

Adjustments are only necessary if print quality is not satisfactory. Otherwise, you do not need to
vary the head pressu re balance.

Head pressure
balance
adjustment
knob

Page 2-16 GT Series Operator’s Manual

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

Section 2: Installation

2.3.2 Lo ad in g Fa nfo ld Pap er

1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that th e cover r est s
firmly on th e t op of the printer s o that it will not fa ll
forwa rd and injure yo ur hands.

2. Remove the release screw that holds the rear cover in
place. K eep the screw in a safe place f or easy
retrieva l lat er.

3. Tilt the re ar c ov er until it rests on the table s urf ace.

On the surfac e of the cover yo u w ill see a factory ­imprinted line that guide s y ou in aligning th e f anf old
paper so th at it feeds at the correct angle int o t he
printer.

Front Cover

Rear cover
rele ase screw

Rear cover

Rear cover

4. Load fanfold paper on top of the cover, up to 20 cm in
height. A lign the stack of fa nf old paper to th e fa c t ory ­imprinte d line.

5. Pass the paper from th e t ray ov er the Roll Pa per

Feeder. Adjust the Ro ll Guide so that it is in contact
with the side of the paper. This will ensure that the
paper m ov es forw ard at a consistent angle. (To m ove
the Roll Guide forward or backward, first push the
purple le v er at the top of the guide sidew ay s . )

Roll Guide

Roll Paper

Feeder

GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-17

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

6. Pull out the purple label da mper to release th e label
guide ass em bly. The label guide will drop downwa rds .

7. Insert the paper so that i t passes under t he la bel guide
and pape r s ensor.

8. Adjust the label guide knob so that it lightly touches the
edge of th e label. Fasten th e k nob tightly.

Pull the
purple
label
damper

Label
sensor

Adjust
the label
guide
knob

9. Now rem ount the pri nt head by pushing down on t he
Head lock lever. The print head should lock into place
firmly.

10. If desired, close the main cover and do a test print to

check t hat the label roll has been l oaded properly. Be
careful not to get your fingers caught at the bottom
ledge when you are cl os ing the main c ov er.

Note:

The proc edure described above is recommended for
loadin g a s t ac k of fa nf old paper tha t is 2 0 c m in height or
higher.

For loading smaller reams of fanfold paper, use the rear
cover as described in the previous section. Avoid loading
stacks of paper from the rear if the height is greater than
20 cm.

Print
Head

Head lo ck

lever

Caution

• When replacing paper, bear in mind that the print head and its surrounding area remain hot. Keep your fingers away from

these areas to prevent injury.

• Avoid touching even the edge of the print head with your bare hands.

Page 2-18 GT Series Operator’s Manual