M-8400RV
Thermal Transfer Printer
®
Operator and Technical
Reference Manual
PN9001041Rev.D
SATO America, Inc.
10350-A Nations Ford Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28273
MainPhone:(704) 644-1650
Fax:(704) 644-1661
Technical SupportHotline:(704) 644-1660
E-Mail:satosupport@satoamerica.com
© Copyright 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999
SATO America, Inc.
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 TV
reception requiring the operator to take whatever steps are 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 America, Inc. The materials in this document is provided for general
information and is subject to change without notice. SATO America, Inc.
assumes no responibilities for any errors that may appear.
SATOM-8400RVPN9001041Rev.D
PREFACE
M-8400RV PRINTER OPERATOR’S MANUAL
The M-8400RV Printer Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the
printer such as setup, installation, cleaning and maintenance. It also contains
complete instructions on how to use the operator panel to configure the printer. The
following is a brief description of each section in this manual.
SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW
This section contains a discussion of the printer specifications and optional
features.
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
This section contains instructions on how to unpack and set up the printer,
load the labels and ribbon, and how to use the operator panel to configure the
printer.
SECTION 3. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
This section contains instructions on how to clean and maintain the printer.
SECTION 4. PROGRAMMING
This section introduces the SATO printer programming language. It contains
the commands that are used with the printer to produce labels with bar codes,
alphanumeric data and graphics.
SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
This section contains the printer’s interface specifications, which include
detailed information on how to properly interface your printer to the host
system.
SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING
This section contains troubleshooting procedures to follow in the event you
have printer problems.
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage-i
Preface
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Command Code Quick Reference
APPENDIX B: Bar Code Specifications
APPENDIX C: Custom Characters and Graphics
APPENDIX D: Optional Features
APPENDIX E: Custom Protocol Command Codes
Page-ii9001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1. PRINTER OVERVIEW
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
General Printer Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Character Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
SECTION 2. INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
Preface
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Unpacking and Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Setting Up the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Loading Labels, Tags and Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Operator Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Switches and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Label Sensor Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Printer DIP Switch Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Printer Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Potentiometer Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-33
Printing Hex Dump Diagnostic Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-35
SECTION 3. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Adjusting the Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Cleaning the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Replacing the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage-iii
Preface
SECTION 4. PROGRAMMING
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
The SATO RISC Programming Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Selecting Protocol Control Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Using Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
The Print Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Rotated Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Command Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8
Command Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Bar Codes, Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Bar Codes, Variable Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17
Base Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19
Characters, Custom Designed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-21
Character Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23
Character, Fixed Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-25
Character Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-26
Character, Proportional Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
Clear Print Job(s) and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Continuous Forms Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30
Copy Image Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Cutter Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33
Fonts, U, S, M, OA, OB, XU, XS and XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Fonts, Vector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Fonts, WB,WL, XB and XL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Form Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Form Overlay Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Form Overlay Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Graphics, Custom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Graphics, PCX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-45
Job ID Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
Journal Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-47
Lines and Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
Line Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
Mirror Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
Off-Line/Pause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
Postnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55
Print Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-56
Print Length, Expanded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Print Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Print Quantity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-61
Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-62
Repeat Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-63
Replace Data (Partial Edit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-64
Reverse Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-66
Rotate, Fixed Base Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
Rotate, Moving Base Reference Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
Sequential Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-72
Start/Stop Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74
Page-iv9001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
Preface
Calendar Option Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-75
Calendar Increment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-76
Calendar Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-78
Calendar Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-80
Memory Card Option Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-81
Clear Card Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-82
Expand Memory Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-83
Fonts, TrueType Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85
Fonts, TrueType Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86
Format/Field Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-87
Format/Field Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-88
Graphics, Custom Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-89
Graphics, Custom Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-90
Graphics, PCX Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-92
Graphics, PCX Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-93
Initialize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94
Slot Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-95
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-96
Custom Protocol Codes Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-97
Two-Dimensional Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-99
Data Matrix, Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-100
Data Matrix, Print Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-102
Data Matrix Sequential Numbering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-103
Maxicode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-105
PDF417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-107
SECTION 5. INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Interface Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
The Receive Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
RS232C Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Ready/Busy Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
X-On/X-Off Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Bi-Directional Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Centronics Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Electrical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Accessory (EXT) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
External Output Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage-v
Preface
SECTION 6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Initial Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Using the Centronics (Parallel) Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Using the RS232C (Serial) Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Error Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Command Code Quick Reference
APPENDIX B: Bar Code Specifications
Bar Code Symbologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Codabar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Code 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
Interleaved Two of Five (I 2/5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
UPC-A/EAN-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-5
EAN-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-6
Industrial Two of Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Matrix Two of Five . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-9
Code 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10
MSI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Code 93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-12
UPC-E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplements) . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
UCC-128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-15
Postnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Data Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
Maxicode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-20
PDF417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Code 128 Character Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
APPENDIX C: Custom Characters and Graphics
Custom Designed Characters Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Custom Graphics Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4
PCX Graphics Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8
APPENDIX D: Optional Accessories
Label Rewinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1
Label Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2
Label Dispense Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3
Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
Page-vi9001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
APPENDIX E: Custom Protocol Command Codes
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Download Command Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Download Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-2
Preface
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage-vii
Preface
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Page-viii9001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
INTRODUCTION
The SATO M-8400RV Thermal Transfer Printer is a complete, high-performance
on-site labeling systems. All printer parameters are user programmable using the
front panel controls and the DIP switches. All popular bar codes and 12
human-readable fonts, including a vector font, are resident in memory providing
literally thousands of type styles and sizes.
The Operator’s Manual will help you understand the basic operations of the printer
such as setup, installation, configuration, cleaning and maintenance.
The M-8400RV has a resolution of 203 dpi and can print labels up to four inches wide.
The M-8400RV uses the standard SATO RISC printer command codes. The only
differences between it and other RISC printers are the allowable values representing
the print positions on the label. These values are specified in “dots” and will vary
depending upon the resolution of the printer and the amount of memory available for
imaging the label. The allowable range for the M-8400RV is specified in a table for
those command codes.
SECTION 1.
PRINTER OVERVIEW
This commonality makes it very easy to convert labels from one RISC printer to
another without having to create an entirely different command stream. There are
some caveats that must be observed though to compensate for the different resolution
print heads. The effect of the different printer resolutions are best illustrated by
taking a label designed for a 203 dpi printer and sending the command stream to the
its 305 dpi counterpart. The label printed will be an exact two-thirds scale, including
the fonts, bar code dimensions and line lengths/widths. The only exception is the
PostNet bar code which has only one legal size and the printer resolution is
automatically compensated for by the printer. Conversely, a label designed for a 305
dpi printer and sent to its 203 dpi cousin will be one-third larger. It probably will be
“truncated” if the label size is larger than the maximum allowable for the printer.
The following general information is presented in this section:
COMPATIBILITY
The M-8400RV was designed to be compatible with the standard M-8400. If all of the
rules for command usage were followed when designing labels for an M-8400, then
the same command stream should create the same label on an M-8400RV. However,
the older M-8400 was more lenient in allowing the user to “bend” the rules,
especially in the area of the allowable sequence of commands. Because the thruput of
• Compatibility Information
• General Printer Specifications
• Optional Accessories
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage1-1
Section 1 . Printer Overview
the M-8400RV is much greater than the older M-8400, it must receive the commands
in the sequence it is anticipating.
There are some other minor differences in how the M-8400RV responds to certain
commands. For example, the M-8400RV can print at speeds up to 10 inches per
second whereas the older M-8400 had a maximum print speed of only 6 inches per
second. Therefore, if you send it a <ESC>CS5 command, it interprets it as a
command to print at 10 ips whereas an M-8400 would interpret it as a command to
print at 6 ips. There is also a difference in how the newer M-8400RV handles graphic
files. When an <ESC>A3 or <ESC>R rotate commands is sent to an M-8400RV, it
rotates all fields, including graphic images. The older M-8400 on the other hand
would only rotate the text and bar code fields and not graphic fields. To compensate
for these differences, a Compatibility setting can be selected using DSW2-8. When it
is placed in the ON position, the M-8400RV will respond to these commands the
same as an M-8400 would.
NOTE: Even when DSW2-8 is in the ON position, the M-8400RV expects the
command sequences to follow the rules specified in the Programming Reference.
When printing labels designed for an M-8400 on the newer M-8400RV, the following
procedure is recommended.
1. First try printing the label with DSW-8 in the OFF position. If it prints all the fields
correctly but the print quality needs improvement, try adjusting the Print Darkness
using the front panel potentiometer.
2. If the print quality is still lacking, try changing the print speed and/or heat setting
using the front panel LCD controls. After each change, reprint the label using the
FEED key (printer must be ON LINE). If you resend the label to the printer,
any old software commands will override the changes you made with the
LCD controls. The M-8400RV uses a new intelligent print head that compensates to
a great degree for print quality variations due to print speed. Therefore, you should
not see as much variation in print quality due to print speed as was present with the
older M-8400.
3. If a new LCD setting solves the problem, then make the appropriate changes in the
command stream.
4. If the field placement is incorrect or if the printer “beeps” indicating it did not accept
the command stream, place DSW2-8 in the ON position, cycle power to make the
printer recognize the new switch setting and resend the label.
5. If the printer still does not accept the command stream, then something in the
command stream is not correct. It must be examined carefully to make sure it
conforms with all of the rules for usage outlined in Section 4: Programming
Reference.
If any problems are encountered with M-8400 compatibility, please contact the SATO
Technical Support department.
Page1-29001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
GENERAL PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATION M-8400RV
PRINT
Method Direct or Thermal Transfer
Speed (User Selectable) 2 to 10 ips
50 to 250 mm/s
Print Module (Dot Size) .0049 in.
.125 mm
Resolution 203 dpi
8dpmm
Maximum Print Width 4.1 in.
104 mm
Section 1. Printer Overview
Maximum Print Length
(Expanded Print Length)
Maximum Print Length
with 2MB Memory Card
MEDIA
Minimum Width .87 in. (22 mm)
Minimum Length .63 in. (16 mm)
Maximum Width 5.0 in. (128 mm)
Type Die Cut Labels, Fan-Fold, Tag Stock or Continuous
Maximum Caliper .010 in. (.25 mm)
Roll OD (max) 8.6 in. (218 mm), Face-In Wind
Core ID (min) 1.5 in. (38 mm)
Core ID (Recommended) 3 in. (76 mm)
SENSING
See-Thru for labels or tags Movable
Reflective Eye-Mark Movable
14 in.
356 mm
49.2 in.
1249 mm
Continuous Form Sensor not used
RIBBON
Maximum Width 4.4 in. (111 mm)
Length 1475 ft. (450 m)
Thickness 4.5 micron, Ink-In Wind
All specifications subject tochange without notice.
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage1-3
Section 1 . Printer Overview
SPECIFICATION M-8400RV
CONTROLS AND SIGNALS
On-Line Green LED
Power Green LED
Label Red LED
Ribbon Red LED
Error Red LED
LCD Panel 2 Line x 16 Character
On/Off-Line Switch Front Panel
Label Feed Switch Front Panel
Power On/Off Switch Front Panel
POTENTIOMETER ADJUSTMENTS
Print Darkness Front Panel
Pitch Front Panel
Offset Front Panel
Display Front Panel
INTERFACE CONNECTIONS
Parallel Centronics Compatible Standard
Serial RS232C (2400 to 19.2K bps) Standard
RS422/485 (2400 to 19.2K bps) Optional
Serial Protocol Hardware Flow Control (Ready/Busy)
Software Flow Control (X-On/X-Off)
Bi-directional (ENQ/Response)
Data Transmission ASCII Format
PROCESSING
CPU 32 Bit RISC
ROM 1M byte (4M bit x 2)
DRAM 2 MByte
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Page1-49001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
Section 1. Printer Overview
CHARACTER FONTS
SPECIFICATION M-8400RV
MATRIX FONTS
U Font (5 dots W x 9 dots H)
S Font (8 dots W x 15 dots H)
M Font (13 dots W x 20 dots H)
XU Font (5 dots W x 9 dots H) Helvetica
XS Font (17 dots Wx 17 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold
XM Font (24 dots W x 24 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold
OAFont (15dotsWx22dotsH)OCR-A
OB Font 20 dots W x 24 dots H) OCR-B
AUTO SMOOTHING FONTS
WB WB Font (18 dots W x 30 dots H)
WL WL Font (28 dot W x 52 dots H)
XB XB Font (48 dots W x 48 dots H) Univers Condensed Bold
XL XL Font (48 dot W x 48 dots H) Sans Serif
VECTOR FONT
Proportional or Fixed Spacing
Font Size 50 x 50 dots to 999 x 999 dots
Helvetica, 10 Font Variations
DOWNLOADABLE FONTS
TrueType Fonts w ith Optional Memory Card
CHARACTER CONTROL
Expansion up to 12X in either the X or Y coordinates
Character Pitch control
Line Space control
Journal Print facility
0°, 90°, 180° and 270° Rotation
All specifications subject to change without notice.
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage1-5
Section 1 . Printer Overview
BAR CODES
SPECIFICATION M-8400RV
SYMBOLOGIES
Bookland (UPC/EAN Supplemental)
EAN-8, EAN-13
CODABAR
Code 39
Code 93
Code 128
Interleaved 2 of 5
Industrial 2 of 5
Matrix 2 of 5
MSI
POSTNET
UCC/EAN-128
UPC-A and UPC-E
Data Matrix
Maxicode
PDF417
Ratios 1:2, 1:3, 2:5 User definable bar widths
Bar Height 4 to 600 dots, User programmable
Rotation 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°
OTHER FEATURES
Sequential Numbering Sequential numbering of both numerics and bar codes
Custom Characters RAM storage for special characters
Graphics Full dot addressable graphics, SATO Hex/Binary or .PCX
formats
Form Overlay Form overlay for high-speed editing of complex formats.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Page1-69001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
PHYSICAL
SPECIFICATION M-8400RV
DIMENSIONS
Wide 10.4 in. (265 mm)
Deep 17.1 in. (435 mm)
High 13.4 in. (341 mm)
WEIGHT 39.6 lbs (18 Kg)
POWER REQUIREMENTS
Section 1. Printer Overview
Voltage
Power Consumption 50W Idle
ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating Temperature 41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C)
Storage Temperature -0° to 104°F (-20° to 40°C)
Operating Humidity 15-85 % RH, non-condensing
Storage Humidity Max 90% RH, non-condensing
Electrostatic Discharge 8KV
REGULATORY APPROVALS
Safety UL, CSA
RFI/EMI FCC Class A
All specifications subject to change without notice.
100-115V,±10 % (Default Setting)
220V , ±10 %
50/60 Hz, ±1%
130W Operating
SATOM-8400RV9001041Rev.DPage1-7
Section 1 . Printer Overview
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
ACCESSORY M-8400RV
MEMORY EXPANSION Two slots for PCMCIA Memory Cards (up to 2MB each). Can be used
for graphic file storage, print buffer expansion, format storage and
downloaded TrueType fonts.
CALENDAR An internally mounted Date/Time clock that can be used to date/time
stamp labels at the time of printing.
LABEL CUTTER An internally mounted attachment allowing labels to be cut at
specified intervals. Controlled through programming.
LABEL DISPENSER Internal attachment allowing labels to be peeled from backing for
immediate (on demand) application. Backing is not rewound.
LABEL REWINDER External option that rewinds labels onto a roll after they are printed.
COAX/TWINAX INTERFACE Coax/Twinax adapter card must be installed. Coax I/F emulates an
IBM 3287-2 printer with a standard Type A BNC connector. Twinax
I/F emulates IBM 5224, 5225, 5226 or 4214 printers with
auto-terminate/cable-thru capabilities. Allows the Centronics interface
to remain operational.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Page1-89001041Rev.DSATOM-8400RV
INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
INTRODUCTION
This section is provided to assist you in taking the M-8400RV from the shipping
container to the application environment.
The following information is provided in this section:
SECTION 2.
• Unpacking and Parts Identification
• Setting Up the Printer
• Loading Labels or Tags
• Loading the Ribbon
• Operator Panel
• Printer Configuration
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-1
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
UNPACKING AND PARTS IDENTIFICATION
Consider the following when unpacking the printer:
• The box should stay right-side up.
• Lift the printer out of the box carefully.
• Remove the plastic covering from the printer.
• Remove the accessory items from their protective containers.
• If the printer has been stored in a cold environment, allow it to reach room
temperature before powering it on.
• Set the printer on a solid, flat surface. Inspect the shipping container and
printer for any signs of damage that may have occurred during shipping.
NOTE: The following illustrations are representative only. Your printer may not be
packed exactly as shown here, but the unpacking steps are similar.
M-8400RV Packing
Page 2-29001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
Verify that you have the following materials when unpacking:
• Printer
• Power Cord
• Extra Ribbon Core
• Operator’s and Technical Reference Manual
Printer
Operator Manual
SETTING UP THE PRINTER
Consider the following when setting up the printer:
• Locate a solid flat surface with adequate room to set the printer. Make sure
there is enough room at the top and right-hand (facing the printer) side to
provide clearance for the label access door to swing open.
Power Cable
Extra Ribbon Core
• The location should be near the host computer or terminal. The maximum
distance for RS232 cables is 50 feet and six feet for Centronics Parallel
cables. Cables can be purchased locally, and their configuration will depend
upon the host system being used.
• For information on interfacing the printer to a host system, see
Section 5: Interface Specifications.
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-3
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
Top Access
Door
LCD
Display
DIP Switch
Cover
Power Switch
Ribbon Rewind
Spindle
Ribbon Supply
Spindle
Side Access
Door
Label Roll Retainer
Label Supply Spindle
Label Guide
Print Head
Head Latch
Platen
Page 2-49001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
LOADING LABELS, TAGS AND RIBBON
LOADING LABELS OR TAGS
1. Open the Top Access Door by
swinging it up and to the left. Open
the Side Access Door by
swinging it to the rear of the
printer.
2. Open the Print Head Assembly by
pushing the Head Latch toward
the rear of the printer. The Print
Head Assembly is spring-loaded
and will automatically open as
soon as the Head Latch is
disengaged.
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
Top Access Door
Side Access
Door
Label Roll
Retainer
Print Head
3. Loosen the Label Edge Guide and
push it to the outside of the printer
to give the maximum label width.
4. Remove the Label Roll Retainer.
Sensor
Assembly
Head Latch
Label Hold Down
Label
Edge
Guide
Label Guide
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-5
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
5. If using roll labels (or tags), load the
roll onto the Label Supply
Spindle so that the printing side
of the labels faces upwards as it
unwinds from the roll. The labels
should be wound face-in. Push the
roll all the way to the inside of the
printer and push the Label Roll
Retainer snugly against the
outside of the label roll.
6. If using fanfold labels (or tags) set
them on a flat surface behind the
printer. Pass the labels (printing
side up) through the slot in the
rear of the printer.
7. Make sure the labels are routed
under the Label Guide and
through the Sensor Assembly.
Label Roll
Label Roll Retainer
8. Open the Label Hold-Down by
squeezing the green tab and the
release tab together. The Label
Hold Down is spring loaded and
will open automatically when the
latch is disengaged. Feed the
labels under the Label Guide,
under the Label Hold Down,
through the Sensor Assembly
and out the front of the printer.
9. Inspect the label routing and verify
that the path matches that
illustrated in the Label Loading
diagram. Set the Adjustable
Label Guide to keep the labels
against the inside of the printer.
10. Close the Label Hold-Down by
pushing downward on the green
tab until it latches closed.
Print
Head
Label
Guide
NOTE: If the Label Dispenser option has been purchased, see Appendix D, for
proper label routing instructions.
Page 2-69001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
Inside Label
Edge Guides
Sensor
Assembly
Label Hold
Down
Sensor Positioning
Adjustment
11. Adjust the outside Label Edge
Guide until it touches the outside
edge of the label and tighten the
thumb screw. Make sure the labels
are also touching the inside edge
guides.
Adjustable Label
Edge Guide
Route under
Label Guide
CAUTION: Using media narrower
than the maximum print width may
cause excess head wear due to the
label edge. See page 2-9 for
precautions.
12. If the ribbon is already loaded,
close the Print Head by rotating
the black Head Latch toward the
front of the printer until it latches
closed.
13. If the ribbon is not loaded, see the
following description for loading
instructions.
14. Close both the Access Doors.
Head Latch
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-7
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
LOADING THE RIBBON
Ribbon Rewind
Spindle
Head Latch
Dispensed
Labels
Label
Backing
Sensor
Assembly
Ribbon Path
Label Hold
Down
Ribbon Roll
Label Path
1. Open the Top Access Door by
swinging it up and to the left and
the Side Access Door by
swinging it toward the rear of the
Top Access Door
Side
Access
Door
printer.
2. Open the Print Head by rotating
the Head Latch toward the rear
of the printer. The Print Head is
spring-loaded and will
automatically open as soon as the
Head Latch is disengaged.
3. Locate the Extra Ribbon Core
supplied with the printer. Place the core on the Ribbon Rewind Spindle,
pushing it all the way to the inside of the spindle. Note that the new empty core of
each subsequent roll becomes the next rewind core.
4. Load the ribbon onto the Ribbon Supply Spindle, also pushing it all the way to
the inside of the spindle. The dull side of the ribbon should be facing down as it
travels through the Print Head Assembly.
5. Feed the leader portion of the ribbon through the Print Head Assembly and up
to the Ribbon Rewind Spindle following the routing shown in the diagram.
Page 2-89001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
6. Load the ribbon behind and over
the top of the Ribbon Rewind
Tape
Spindle and tape it to the Extra
Ribbon Core. Make sure it
matches the ribbon path shown in
the diagram.
Ribbon
Core
7. Manually turn the Rewind
Spindle to wrap the ribbon onto
the core one to two turns to
secure it.
Ribbon
Rewind
Spindle
8. If the labels or tags are already loaded, close the Print Head Assembly by
pushing downward on the green tab until it latches closed.
NOTE: Run a test print to ensure that the labels and ribbons were loaded correctly.
See the “User Test Print” section of this chapter on page 2-30 for instructions on
how to run test prints.
CAUTION: If your labels are less than the full width of the print head, the outside
edge will eventually wear out a small portion of the print head, resulting in an area
that will not print. Special care must be taken if you plan to use multiple widths of
labels, since the damaged portion of the print head caused from edge wear on a
more narrow label may affect the printing on a wider label. We suggest you plan
your print formats carefully to avoid using the area of possible damage on the print
head when using a wider label. The small area of damage will have no effect on
printing with the undamaged part of the print head.
Damage from a label edge is physical damage and is unavoidable. It is not covered
by warranty. It is possible to delay such damage by always ensuring that the ribbon
used is wider than the label stock. This will help to protect the print head from label
edge damage.
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-9
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
OPERATOR PANEL
LCD
DISPLAY PANEL
LINE
POWER
LABEL
RIBBON
ERROR
ON LINE
DSW2DSW1 DSW3
FEED
PRINT
OFFSET
PITCH
DISPLAY
The M-8400RV Operator Panel consists of five LED indicators, two momentary
contact switches, three DIP switches, four adjustment potentiometers and one LCD
Display. All of these are accessible from the front of the printer. They are used to set
the printer operating parameters and to indicate the status of the printer to the
operator. After you power on the printer, familiarize yourself with the keys and
indicators as it will help you understand the configuration process.
PRINT: Potentiometer to adjust print darkness (fine tuning).
OFFSET: Potentiometer to adjust amount of back/forward feed
for dispenser/cutter/tear-off bar position (+/-3.75 mm)
PITCH: Potentiometer to adjust home position of the label
(+/- 3.75 mm). Affects stop position of label feed, print
position and dispense position.
DISPLAY: Potentiometer to adjust the contrast of the LCD.
POWER: LED, illuminated when the power is on.
LABEL: LED, illuminated when label supply is out.
Page 2-109001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
RIBBON: LED, illuminated when ribbon motion sensor does not
detect any ribbon motion (ribbon out).
ERROR: LED, illuminated when there is a system fault such as
an open print head.
ON LINE: LED, illuminated when printer is ready to receive data.
It is turned on and off by toggling the LINE key.
LINE: Momentary switch. Pressing this key toggles the
printer between the on-line and off-line mode. When
the printer is on-line, it is ready to receive data from
the host. This key acts as a pause during a print job by
taking the printer off-line. It can also be used as a
Pause
function key to stop the printer during the
printing process.
FEED: Momentary switch. Pressing this key feeds one blank
label through the printer when it is off-line. When the
printer is on-line, another copy of the last label will be
printed.
DSW: DIP switch array to set operational parameters of the
printer.
LCD: 2 Line x 16 Character LCD display. Used for setting
operational parameters of the printer and displaying
error conditions.
SATOM-8400RV9001041 Rev. DPage 2-11
Section 2. Installation and Configuration
REAR PANEL
AC Input: Input 115V 50/60 Hz connector. Use the cable
AC Fuse: Input power protection. Type 3A/250V.
Serial Interface: RS232C serial port connector, DB-25P.
Parallel Interface: Centronics parallel port connector, AMP 57-40360.
Memory Card Slot: Two connectors for optional PCMCIA Memory Cards.
EXT: External signal connector, AMP 57-60140.
DC 5V: Power for accessory items.
provided.
(Inside Side Cover)
Fan-Fold
Access
Panel
AC Connector
+5V
Connector
EXT Port
Connector
Parallel Port
Connector
Serial Port Connector
Fuse
Page 2-129001041 Rev. DSATOM-8400RV
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