SATO S8400 Operator's Manual

S8400

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

SATO Internatio n a l P te L td

438A Alexandra Road

#05-01/02

Alexandra Technopark

Singapore 119967

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Be sure to ask your dealer about our maintenance contracts

to ensure peace of mind during your usage of SATO products

Version: SI-S84xxe-01rA-10-06-OM

© Copyright 1994 – 2006

SATO International

Warning: This equipment compli es with the req uir ement s 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 inter fer ence.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or issued to third par ti es in
any form whatsoever without the express permissi on of SATO. The materials in this
document are provided for general information and are subj ect to change without notice.
SATO assumes no responsibiliti es for any errors that may appear.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW

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

CHAPTER 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 Loading the Carbon Ribbon on a cartridge-based S8400...................... ..................2-11

2.3 Loading Labels.................. ................................................................. ......................2-12

2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper ......................................................................................2-13

2.3.1 Loading Paper (Ribbon Cassette installed)........... .. ......................................2-14

2.3.2 Using the Dispenser......................................................................................2-15

2.3.3 Adjusting the Pitch Sensor............................................................................2-16

2.4 Changing o r R e p la c in g th e P ri n t H e ad ............. ... .. ..................................................2-17

CHAPTER 3: OPERATION AND CONFIGURATION

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

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

3.3 Screen Icons And Their Meaning........................ .....................................................3-4

3.4 ONLINE And OFFLINE Modes ................................................................................3-6

3.4.1 Online Mode..................................................................................................3-6

3.4.2 Offline Mode..................................................................................................3-6

3.4.3 SEMBL Operation .........................................................................................3-6

3.5 User Mode .. ... .. .......................................................................................................3-7

3.5.1 Enterin g U s e r Mo d e ............ ..........................................................................3-7

3.5.2 Settin g P rint Speed ............. .. ........................................................................3-8

3.5.3 Settin g P rint Darkness .............. .. ..................................................................3-9

3.5.4 Settin g P itch Offset .......................................................................................3-9

3.6 Interface Mode.........................................................................................................3-10

3.6.1 Enteri n g In t e rface Mode................................................................................3-10

3.6.2 Enabling Interface Card Configuration ..........................................................3-10

3.6.3 Data Port Assignment ...................................................................................3-11

3.6.4 Handling CR/LF CODES...............................................................................3-11

3.6.5 Handling CAN/DLE .......................................................................................3-11

3.6.6 Other In t e rf ac e S e tting Options...... .. .. ...........................................................3-11

3.7 CF CARD Mode.......................................................................................................3-12

3.7.1 Entering CF CARD Mode..............................................................................3-12

Table of Contents (cont’d)

3.7.1 CF CARD Format option...............................................................................3-12

3.8 Advanced Mode.......................................................................................................3-13

3.8.1 Entering Advanced Mode..............................................................................3-13

3.8.2 Selecting The Print Density...........................................................................3-13

3.8.3 Choosing Continuous or Dispenser Operation............... .. .............................3-13

3.8.4 Backfeed Operation Settings ........................................................................3-13

3.8.5 Settin g th e P rint Mode........... .. ......................................................................3-1 4

3.8.6 Configuring the Pitch Sensor ........................................................................3-14

3.8.7 Configuring the Pitch Sensor Type ...............................................................3-15

3.8.8 Turning Head Check Function ON/OFF......................... ...............................3-15

3.8.9 Choosing the Type of Head Check ...........................................................3-15

3.8.10 Enabling/Disabling External Signal Output........................ .........................3-16

3.8.11 Selecting the Type of External Signal Output .............................................3-17

3.8.12 Selecting Reprint via External Signal Output............... .. .............................3-17

3.8.13 Setting Zero Slash Changeover.......................................... .......................3-17

3.8.14 Using the Auto Online Feature....................................................................3-18

3.8.15 Setting P ri n t O ff se t ..... .................................................................................3-1 8

3.8.16 Setting the Calendar ..................................................................................3-19

3.8.17 Setting Proportional Pitch............................................................................3-19

3.8.18 Specifying the Protocol Code Format ..................................... .. ..................3-19

3.8.19 Specifying SEMBL AUTO START...............................................................3-20

3.8.20 Setting the Ribbon Saver feature................................................................3-20

3.9 HEX Dump Mode.....................................................................................................3-21

3.9.1 Enterin g H EX D u mp Mod e............. ...............................................................3-21

3.9.2 Selecting Data To Dump...............................................................................3-21

3.9.3 Controlling the Hex Dump Mode...................................................................3-21

3.10 Test Print Mo d e..... ... ..............................................................................................3-22

3.10.1 Entering Test Print Mode ............................................................................3-22

3.10.2 Choosing What The Test Print Contains.....................................................3-22

3.10.3 Setting Test Print Options ...........................................................................3-23

3.10.4 Setting th e Size of the Factory Te s t P ri n t....................................................3-23

3.10.5 Starting the Test Print .................................................................................3-23

3.11 Service Mode.........................................................................................................3-24

3.11.1 Entering Service Mode................................................................................3-24

3.11.2 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Level Offset....................................................3-24

3.11.3 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Slice Level .....................................................3-24

3.11.4 Selecting the Gap Sensor Level Offset.......................................................3-25

3.11.5 Selecting the Gap Sensor Slice Level.........................................................3-25

3.11.6 Setting the Auto Online Feed ......................................................................3-25

3.11.7 Setting the Feed on Error feature................................................................3-26

3.11.8 Setting the Forward/Backward Feed Distance................................ ............3-26

3.11.9 Setting the EXT Port Status Signal.............................................................3-26

3.11.10 Setting the Backfeed Speed..................... .. ...............................................3-27

3.11.11 Setting the Symbol for the Euro currency .................................................3-27

3.11.13 Enabling or Disabling the Display Priority for System Commands............3-27

3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Ribbon Near End Warning.......................... .....3-28

Table of Contents (cont’d)

3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Label Pitch Re-Detection .................................3-28

3.11.15 Assigning the Function Button ..................................................................3-28

3.11.16 Setting the Password Feature..................................................................3-29

3.11.17 Setting the Compatibility Mode .................................................................3-29

3.11.17 Setting the Media Length..................... .....................................................3-29

3.11.18 Copying Firmware Data ............................................................................3-30

3.11.19 Setting the TRACE Mode..........................................................................3-30

3.11.20 Saving the Print Log..................................................................................3-31

3.11.21 Clearing the Print Log ...............................................................................3-31

3.11.22 Setting the Print Log to Output at the Subport.................... ......................3-31

3.12 Boot Download Mode.............................................................................................3-32

3.12.1 Entering Boot Download Mode...................................................................3-32

3.13 Simple STA N DA L O NE M o d e.................................................................................3-33

3.13.1 Entering Simple Standalone Mode................... ..................... .. ....................3-33

3.14 Workshift Mode......................................................................................................3-34

3.14.1 Enteri ng Wo r ks h ift Mode... .. .. ......................................................................3-34

3.15 Overview of All Modes ...........................................................................................3-35

3.15 Overview of Interface Mode Configurations.................................... .......................3-39

3.15 Overview of Interface/SEMBL Mode Configurations..............................................3-44

3.15 Overview of Advanced Mode Configurations.........................................................3-45

3.15 Overview of Hex Dump Mode Configurations.......................................... ..............3-48

3.15 Overview of Test Print Mode Configurations .........................................................3-49

3.15 Overview of Default/Download Mode Configurations............................................3-50

3.15 Overview of Service Mode Configurations...................................... .......................3-51

3.15 Overview of Boot Download Mode Configurations ................................................3-57

3.15 Overview of RFID/Default Mode Configurations................................ .. ..................3-58

3.15 Overview of Hidden and WorkShift Modes............................... .............................3-59

3.16 Restoring Factory DeFault Settings.......................................................................3-60

3.16.1 Entering Default Mode ................................................................................3-60

3.16.2 If You Cho s e to Re s e t P rin t e r S e tti n g s .......................................................3-60

3.16.2 If You Chose Alt Protocol Code ..................................................................3-61

3.16.3 Setting of Print Resolution for New Print Head ..........................................3-61

3.16.4 Comple tion of Default Setting ...... ...............................................................3-61

3.17 Understanding DISPENSER AND Continuous Print Operation.............................3-63

CHAPTER 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 Print Darkness...............................................................................4-4

4.5.2 Adjusting Print Speed....................................................................................4-5

Table of Contents (cont’d)

CHAPTER 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 External Signal Interface..........................................................................................5-4

5.6 Serial Interface Specifi cations (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 ..........................................................................................................5-9

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

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

5.13 Parallel Interface Specifications (Centronics) ........................................................5-12

5.14 Single Job Buffer....................................................................................................5-14

5.15 Multi Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-16

5.16 IEEE 1284 Interface...............................................................................................5-19

5.17 Interface Signals....................................................................................................5-21

5.18 Single Job Buffer....................................................................................................5-22

5.19 Multi Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-24

CHAPTER 6: 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 LED INDICATORS .......................... .. .. .. .. .. ................................6-4

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

6.6 LCD Warning Messages......................... .................................................................6-9

6.7 Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................6-10

CHAPTER 7: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

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

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

7.3 Optional Accessories...............................................................................................7-2

Section 1: Introduction

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 1-1

1

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 Speci fications
Section 6: Troubleshooting
Section 7: Optional Accessories

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 information needed. All page numbers in this manual consist of a section
number followed by the page number within the stated section.

For specialized pro gr am m i ng , re fer to the separate Programming Ma nu al l ocated on the
utility CD-ROM.

Section 1: Introduction

Page 1-2 S8400 Serie s Oper ator ’s Man ual

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The SATO S8400 series OEM print engine (Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal) is a
complete, high-performance labeling system designed for integration into in-line produc­tion facilities.

The key features of the S8400 series are:

• High-end, high resolution print engine with industry-leading functionality

• Large 128 dot by 64 dot LCD panel with graphical icon display

• Super crisp printing at resolutions of 203 dpi, 305 dpi or 609 dpi

• Tool-less changing of print heads for easier maintenance

• Optional cassette tray ribbon loading for reduced turnaround time

• Support for a wid e range of legacy as well as modern I/O interfaces

• Enhanced print position accuracy even in high volume print jobs

• Support for SATO Barcode Programming Language for enhanced customizab ility

• Support for SEMBL programming for standalone operation customizability

• Supports for Radio Frequency IDentification technology for enhanced productivity

• Built-in calendar function for time and date data labeling

• Lightweight and easy-to-mount chassis

• All three models are available in Left-hand and Right-hand orientations

• User friendly label and ribbon path management

• Support for a wide range of accessories and peripherals for custom-applications

All printer par ameter s are pr ogra mmabl e usin g the fro nt p anel controls an d via software.
All popular bar codes, including 2- D codes, seven human-readable fonts and two fast
and efficient vector fonts, are resident in memory, providing literally thousands of combi­nations of type styles and sizes.

Section 1: Introduction

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 1-3

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specification Model S8408 Model S8412 Model S8424

Electrical Characteristics
Print method Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Head density 8 dots/ mm (203 dpi) 12 dots/ mm (305 dpi) 24 dots/ mm (609 dpi)
Printable Area W104 mm x pitch 2500 mm W104 mm x pitch 1500 mm W104 mm x pitch 400 mm

Not printable for 3 mm from the inner edge

Print speed (Max) 4 to 16 inches/sec @203dpi 4 to 14 inches/sec @305dpi 2 to 6 inches/sec @609dpi

Note:

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

CPU 32-bit RISC
Onboard Memory 4 MB FLASH ROM, 16 MB SDRAM main memory (2.95 MB allocated for Receive Buffer),

32 KB FRAM, 8 KB SRAM for built-in calendar

Memory cartridge

Built-in CF card reader for optional factory-installed CF card

Print Characteristics
Print/Dispensing Modes Continuous, Dispenser, Linerless (when selecting linerless media)
Print Formats Transmitted from host (computer)
Paper Thickness 0.05 mm to 0.31 mm supported

Note: Be sure to use only printer supplies manufactured or certified by SATO.

Paper Size
*in continuo us mode

Width: 22 mm to 128 mm (25 mm to 131 mm including liner)
Pitch: 6 mm to 356 mm (9 mm to 359 mm including liner)

Paper Supply Method Via external unwinder
Pitch (paper) Sensor Reflective type (I-mark) and Transmissive type (Gap)

Optional I-mark sensor for detecting I-marks located on the top (printable) side of labels

Carbon ribbon
Dimensions
Thickness of base material
Color
Winding direction

(Be sure to use the specified carbon ribbons manufactured or specified by SATO)
W25mm to 128m by up to 1000 m/roll (max outer diameter should be within 108 mm)

4.5 µm
Black (standard) with other colors available as optional consumables
Face-In and Face-out winding (see table below)

Labels and Ribbons available for the S8400 series

Ribbons

Type

Wax T102C, T101A, T104C
Wax/Resin T110A, T112D, T123A, T122B, T123B
Resin

T222A, R335A, R236A, R333A

Labels

Type
(0.05 mm to

0.31 mm)

Paper Fasson: Vellum extra, MC Primecoat, Premium TT1C

Raflatac: TOP E, ECO, Mactac KL370 (thermal), Raflagloss

Film Fasson: 2mil Gloss White, PE transparent

Raflatac: PE Gloss White

Section 1: Introduction

Page 1-4 S8400 Serie s Oper ator ’s Man ual

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Specification/

Model Name

S8400

Interface Characteristics

External connectivity
(Slot 1)

Interface boards available:
¤ Parallel (IEEE1284)
¤ RS-232C

• READY/BUSY

• XON/XOFF

• Status 2/3

• Driver specific protocol

• Status 5
¤ USB (Ver. 1.1)
¤ LAN (10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX automatic changeover)
¤ Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b)
¤ Centronics
¤ RS-422/485

External connectivity
(Slot 3)

Standard 14-pin Amphenol External (EXT) signal interface
Optional D-Sub 25-pin External (EXT) signal interface

Configuration and Funct ions
User settings (via LCD) 1. Settings indications

2. Print speed

3. Print darkness

4. Print position adjustments

5. Zero slash changeover

6. Proportional pitch adjustments

Operation
Panel

Buttons

LINE, FEED, ENTER, CANCEL, FUNCTION, 4 navigation buttons (up/down/
left/right)

Switch POWER ON/OFF
LCD Green LCD (with backlight), Vertical 64 dots x horizontal 128 dots
LEDs POWER (Green), ONLINE (Green), LABEL (Red), RIBBON (Red) indicators
Adjustment

Potentiometers

VOLUME: buzzer loudness adjustment
PITCH: print position adjustment
OFFSET: dispense adjustment
DARKNESS: print darkness adjustment

Other
Functions

Status Monitor
Commands for drawing of graphics
Sequential numbering
Form overlay support
Storage of Customized Font Characters in memory
Reverse printing function (White text on a black background)
Function for printing of lines and boxes
Label format storage function
Zero-slash character switching, HEX Dump Print function, Calendar function.

DIP Switches One 8-bit DIP switch
Programming Language SATO Barcode Printer Language Ver 4.2
Automatic diagnostics Head check (for detection of failed heating elements in the print head)

Head resolution diagnostic
“Paper-End” detection
“Cover Open” detection
Test Print
Ribbon End detection
Ribbon Near End detection
Calendar Check

Section 1: Introduction

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 1-5

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Specification/

Model Name

S8400

Barcoding Functions

Barcodes
Supported

One­dimensional
code

• UPC-A/E, EAN8/13

• NW-7

• INTERLEAVED 2 of 5 (ITF)

• INDUSTRIAL 2 of 5

• MATRICES 2 of 5

• CODE39, CODE93, CODE128

• UCC/EAN128

• RSS-14

• MSI

• POSTNET

• BOOKLAND

• Customer barcode

Two­dimensional
code

• QR code model 2, Micro QR (Ver 8.1)

• PDF417 (Ver. 2.4, including micro PDF)

• MAXI code (Ver. 3.0)

• Data matrices code ECC200 (Ver. 2.0)

• Composite Symbols Ver 1.0 (UPC-A/E, EAN8/13, JAN8/13, CODE39, CODE128 CC-A/

B/C supported with RSS-14)

Stored
Font Types

Standard XU 5 x 9 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)

XS 17 x 17 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XM 24 x 24 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XB 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XL 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)

Outline font
(alphanu­meric, symbol,
and kana)

OCR-A for 203/305/609 dpi (15x22, 22x33 and 44x66 dots respectively)
OCR-B for 203/305/609 dpi (20x24, 30x36 and 60x72 dots respectively)

Raster Fonts CG Times, CG Triumvarite

Print Magnification Vertical 1 to 12 times

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

Print Rotation Characters: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°

Barcode: Parallel 1 (0°), Serial 1 (90°), Parallel 2 (180°), Serial 2 (270°)

Barcode Ratio 1:2, 1:3, 2:5; Arbitrary user settings allowed
Accessories
Options

For PCI-bus mini slot

•

Mini-sized USB I/F card

• Mini-sized LAN I/F card

• Mini-sized RS-232C I/F

card

For Standard slot

•

High Speed RS-232C

(25-pin) I/F card

• IEEE 1284 I/F card

• USB I/F card

• Wireless LAN (802.11b)

I/F card

• RS-422/485 I/F card

• 10/100 Mbps LAN I/F

card

• Centronics I/F card

For EXT slot

• EXT connector (Amphe-

nol 14-pin or D-Sub 25­pin for connection to
peripherals)

Other options

•

Linerless option kit

• I-mark sensor kit for

detecting top-side I­marks

• Ribbon Loading Cas-

sette (factory option)

• Ribbon Saver option

• Compact Flash memory

card

• RFID Kit

• LVDS Kit (a cable for

allowing the operational
panel to be accessed
from a few meters away

Section 1: Introduction

Page 1-6 S8400 Serie s Oper ator ’s Man ual

1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)

Specification/

Model Name

Model S8408 Model S8412 Model S8424

Physical Characteristics
Dimensions W 245 mm x D 408 mm x H 300 mm (Basic Chassis without handles and interfaces)

W 245 mm x D 478 mm x H 300 mm (Chassis with handles and interfaces installed)
W 245 mm x D 417 mm x H 300 mm (Ribbon direct and interfaces installed)

Weight 15.5 kg for a standard configuration; 16.0kg for configuration with ribbon cassette
Power Supply Input voltage: AC 100 V to 240 V ±10%, 2.7 A to 1.1 A
Power Consumption 220 W (peak)
Standards Compliance Noise emission: VCCI Class B, FCC Class B, ENN55022 Class B

Safety Standards: MET, NEMKO-GS, CCC
Energy Saving: International Energy Star Program
Environmental Conservation: Manufactured according to environment friendly processes
In-house equipment level: Class B conformance
Package Fall: ISTA-2A

Operating Environment Operational ambient temperature: -5 to 40 degrees Celsius

Operational ambient humidity: 15 to 85% (no condensation)

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-1

2

INSTALLATION

This section assists you in unpacking and installing the printer from the shipping container .
You will also be guided through a familiarization tour of the main parts and controls.
The following information is provided:

• Safety Precautions

• Unpacking and Parts Identification

• Loading the Carbon Ribbon (with and without the optional Ribbon Cassette)

• Loading Labels and Tags (with and without the optional Ribbon Cassette)

• Adjusting the Sensors

• Replacing the Print Head

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-2 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

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 , st ab le,
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 caus e spike s or
undervoltages in the power supply.

• 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 damage, 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 elec tric 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 insert 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.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Please read the following information carefully before

installing and using the printer

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-3

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.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• Head cleaning liquid (if supplied) 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 not slip and fall on your hand.

• 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.

• 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 matter in it
except label paper.

• 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 feeder.

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

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

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-4 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.1 UNPACKING

When unpacking the printer, take note of the following:

Note

The following illu strations are repr esentative only. Your pri nter may not be packed e xactly as shown, but
the unpacking steps are similar.

The box should stay right-side up.
Lift the printer out of the box carefully.

If the printer was been stored in the
cold, allow it to reach room
temperature before turning it on.

Remove the plastic covering from the
printer.

Set the printer on a so lid, flat surface.
Inspect the shipping container and
printer for any sign of damage that
may have occurred during shipping.

Remove the accessory items from their
protective containers.

1

4

2

5

3

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-5

2.1.1 Included Accessories

After unpacking the printer, verify that the following materials are in the accessories or packaging:

Global Warranty

document

Cleaning

Set*

Information

leaflet*

Head cleaning sheet

(wrapping sheet)*

Power cable*

T w o-pole adaptor*Accessory CD-ROM*Operator’s Manual

Items marked with an asterisk may be different fr om what you see here, or may be excluded.

Please fill out the Global Warranty card and submit it
to us in order that we can provide fast and efficient
after-sales service. For malfunctions under normal
usage, this product will be repaired free of charge
according to the warranty terms applicable for the
country of use.

Please do not discard the original packaging box and
cushioning material after installing the printer. They
may be needed in future, if the printer needs to be
shipped for repairs.

Important!

Sample paper*

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-6 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.1.2 Parts Identification

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Power switch

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

Operation Panel
and LCD

Remove the panel
by unscrewing the
two nuts at the sides

Front Cover

Operation
panel and LCD

Label Roll

Angled Front View (Left Hand model)

Front View (Left Hand model)

Printer and label
roll mounting
stand
(not supplied)

Print Head

Clear
Window

Front View (Left Hand model with optional Ribbon Cassette frame)

Ribbon
Cassette
handle

Power Switch

Ribbon Roller

Ribbon
Cassette for
preloading
ribbon rolls

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-7

2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D)

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Rear View

Slot for Main
Interface card

Internal mechanism of S8400 with Ribbon Cassette

Built-in
14-pin
EXT port

Front View, Cover open
(Left-hand model)

Instructions for
correct label
Ribbon and
label loading

Head Lock Lever
(turn counter­clockwise to
release paper)

Label Guide

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Ribbon Take-Up Spindl

e

Pich (paper)
sensor adjustment

Nip Roller
Release Latch

Ribbon Roller

Print Head
Pressure
Balance
Knob

Print Head
Release Latch

Slot for
optional
small form
factor USB/
Lan/RS-232C
card

AC
power
socket

Print Head

Feed Lock
Lever

Platen Roller

Nip Roller assembly

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-8 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

Head Lock lever

Ribbon Take-up Spindle

Nip Roller Release Latch

Print Head*

* Clean and maintain this part regularly

Pitch Sensor adjustment knob

Ribbon Roller*

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Paper (pitch) Sensors*
Label Guide*

Nip Roller
assy (Brass)

Print Head release lever

Feed Lock lever

Label roller* Platen roller*

Media Path Parts

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-9

2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D)

IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS

View of Front Panel

Icons, prompts and system messages
are displayed here.

LCD screen

FUNCTION button: Selects the various setting

modes.

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

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

CURSOR buttons: Each button moves the cursor
up, down, left or right on the LCD screen.

Operation buttons

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 prop-

erly when power is turned on or when the paper was
set. In this case, always press the FEED button to
align the paper properly.

FEED button

Status LEDs

POWER LED: Lights up when power is supplied to the

printer.

ONLINE LED: Lights up when communication is avail­able.

LABEL LED: Lights up red at Paper End or Paper Near
End.

RIBBON LED: Flashes red when detecting Ribbon
Near End. Lights up red when detecting Ribbon End.

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

For details of each indicator’s behavior, see Page 6-4

of Section 6, Understanding the LED Indicators.

Adjustment Potentiometers

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

DARKNESS: Adjusts the print darkness (print
density).

LINE

FEED

POWER ON LINE LABEL RIBBON

FUNCTION

CANCEL

ENTER

volume pitch offset darkness

status LEDs

4 Cursor movement ke

y

Operation

button

Two line text

message

Operation

buttons

Status Icon

Display Area

128 x 64 dot

display

Adjustment potentiometers

LINE button

Takes the printer ONLINE (to proceed with printing) or
OFFLINE (to perform configuration or other settings)

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-10 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON

1. Lift up the front cover. Make sure that the cover is
pushed upwards until it locks f irmly i n place so that
it will not fall downwards and injure your hands.

2. Pull the purple Head Lock lever upwards in a
clockwise direction. The print head assembly will
be lifted up to allow ribbon loading.

3. Insert the carbon ribbon in the ribbon supply
spindle.

Push the ribbon roll inwards all the way, with the

ribbon winding in a counterclockwise dire ction, as
shown. Pull the ribbon around the print head
assembly so it reaches the Ribbon Take-up
Spindle.

Note: For maximum print quality and printer

durability use genuine SATO carbon ribbons.

4. Insert an empty ribbon core into the Ribbon Take­Up Spindle. If necessary, secure the ribbon with
adhesive tape, and wind the ribbon around the
core a few times.

Note:

If in doubt about the ribbon p ath, refer t o the us eful
diagram pasted on the front cover.

5. Press the purple Head Lock lever clockwise and
downwards to lock the print head assembly int o
place. The ribbon is now loaded.

Note:

To remove the ribbon, reverse the steps describ ed
here.

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 pr in t head with your bare hands.

Front Cover

Ribbon Supply
and Take-up
spindles

Head Lock
Lever

Empty Ribbon
Core

Ribbon Supply
Spindle

New Ribbon
Roll

Ribbon taped
to ribbon core
and wound a
few times

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-11

2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON ON A CARTRIDGE-BASED S8400

1. Pull the blue Head Lock lever upwards i n a clockwise
direction. The print head assembly will be lifted up to
allow ribbon loading.

2. Remove the Ribbon Cassette frame by pulling it by
the two blue handles.

3. Push and open the purple lever to remove the ribbon
boss.

4. Wind the leader tape of a fresh ribbon roll around the
ribbon take-up spindle, using the Surface-Out or
Surface-In orientation as appr opriate. Load the ribbon
roll and ribbon supply-spindle in to the ribbon cassette.
Turn the ribbon take-u p spindle to ti ghten any saggi ng
in the carbon ribbon.

Note: For maximum print quality and printer durabilit y

use genuine SATO carbon ribbons.

5. Reinsert the ribbon cassette into the printer chassis
by holding the handles.

6. Press the blue Head Lock lever countercl ockwise to lock the pr int head assembly into place. The
ribbon is now loaded.

Note:

To remove the ribbon, reverse the steps described here.

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 preve nt in jury.

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

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-12 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.3 LOADING LABELS

This print engine is designed to print on ro ll paper supplied via a separate label supply stand.
The printing mechanism can be set to detect th e I- mark on the paper to feed each label cor rec tly.

Note:
For optimal print performance and durabilit y, please use SATO-certified label and ribbon
supplies on this printer. Using suppl ies not tested and approved for use by SATO can result in

unnecessary wear and damage to vital parts of the printer, and may void the warranty.

Roll Paper Characteristics

Label

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-13

2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper

1. Lift up the front cover. Make sure that the cover is
pushed upwards until it locks firmly in place so that it
will not fall downwards and injure your hands.

Use a customized stand to hold the label roll.

2. Release the purple Head Lock lever by pushing it
downwards. The print head assembly will be lifted up
to allow label loading. Push up the Feed Lock Lever.

3. Guide the label between the two halves of the Pitch
(paper) Sensor housing, and then under the print
head. Make sure the label runs parallel to the side of
the printer. The label should emerge at a
perpendicular angle from the print head.

4. Push the Label Guide against the outside edge of the
label to restrict and straighten the label path. Now turn
the purple Head Lock Lever counterclockwise to latch
the print head assembly back in place.

5. To check whether label roll i s loaded correctly, perform a test print. (Install a ribbon roll if you are
not using direct thermal paper)

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 th e pr int head with your bare hands.

Front Cover

Custom
stand for
label roll

Head
Lock Lever

Label Guide

Feed Lock
Lever

Label Guide

Pitch Sensor
housing

Head
Lock lever
latched in
place

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-14 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.3.1 Loading Paper

(Ribbon Cassette installed)

1. Turn the blue head lock lever clockwise to allo w
the ribbon cassette to be removed. Remove the
ribbon cassette and then push up the feed lock
lever.

2. Pull the label guide outward and guide the label roll
between the two halves of the Pitch Sensor
housing, and then under the pri nt head. Make s ure
the label runs parallel to the s ide of the printer. The
label should emerge at a perpendicular angl e from
the print head.

4. Push the Label Guide lightly against the outside
edge of the label to restrict and straighten the label
path. The same applies to the innermost edge of
the label at the print head area of the body frame.

5. Push down the feed lock lever to lock the label
path in place.

7. Finally, latch the print head by turning the Head
Lock lever counterclockwise.

Caution

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

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

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

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-15

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

2.3.2 Using the Dispenser

1. Load the paper as described in the previous section.

2. Now unlatch the Nip Roller (also called the Pressure
Roller) assembly by pressing the release latch as
indicated on the right.

3. Remove three or four labels from the label roll and
loop the liner from the print head area so that some
exposed liner is threaded into the ni p ro ller . One l abel
will be half removed from the liner at the front of the
printer (see the cyan line for the liner path).

4. Press the Nip Roller assembly upwards and latch it
into place.

5. Latch the print head with the Head Lock level. To
check that the labels are dispensed properly, do a
paper feed. If necessary, go to User Mode to adjust
the paper offset for proper dispensing.

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 th e pr int head with your bare hands.

Nip Roller
Release
Latch

Nip Roller
assembly

Nip Roller
Release
Latch

Fold liner into
nip roller

Latch the nip
roller assembly

The label
liner now
folds under
the label,
into the nip
roller

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-16 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D)

Adjusting for the paper width

This printer is adjusted so that quality printing can be obtained without any adjustments.
However, in certain situations, better results can be obtained if you adjust the “head pressure
balance” to compensate for different widths of label paper used.

The head pressure balance knob adjusts the amount of pressure being appli ed along di fferent
sections along the length of the print head. For suggested settings of the pressure knob ( 1 to 4),
see the table below:

Note:

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

2.3.3 Adjusting the Pitch Sensor

Adjustment of the pitch sensors is usually not necessary, but the procedure is described here.

1. Lift up the front cover. Make sure that the cover is
pushed upwards until it locks fi rmly in place so that
it will not fall downwards and injure your hands.

2. The green sensor assembly is located just under the Ribbon Supply Spindle. Turn the purple

Sensor Adjustment knob to adjust the sensors’ position. (The gap and I-mark sensors are
underneath the green plastic tabs)

3. After adjustment, feed a few labels and do a test print to see if the sensor is working properly.

Adjust the label pitch if necessary.

Caution

• When closing the fron t co ver, be careful not to injure your fingers due to a sudden release of the hea vy cover.

SETTING PAPER WIDTH MEDIA THICKNESS

1 55~115 mm 0.080~0.200 mm
2 65~115 mm 0.200~0.268 mm
3 15~55 mm 0.080~0.200 mm
4 15~65 mm 0.200~0.268 mm

Print Head Pressure

Balance knob

Pitch Sensors

Sensor
Adjustment
knob

Section 2: Installation

S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-17

2.4 CHANGING OR REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD

Before attempting to replace the print head, it is advisable to contact
your local dealer or servic e center so that they can assi st you in ca se
of problems.

The S8400 series is designed for tool-less easy attachment and
detachment of the print head.

1. Make sure the printer h as been turne d off for a t least 30 minutes so

that the print head is not hot. Lift up the front cover.

2. Push the Head Lock Lever (the purple slide lever) upwards. in the

direction shown here.

Caution

• Do not touch the print head’s heating elements. If you do so inadvertently, use the

cleaning pen (supplied) to clean the area thoroughly. For more details, see Section 4,
Cleaning and Maintenan ce.

3. Pull up the Print Head Release Latch (circled in red). The print

head will drop downwards. Note the tall metal locking pin (circled
in blue) in the centre of the print head. A spring loaded plate
(controlled by the Print Head Release Latch) is pressed agai nst the
sides of this locking pin to fasten the print head in place.

4. Pull the print head outwards and disconnect the two cables and

connectors attached to it. Connect a replacement pr int head to the
two connectors.

5. Insert the print head back into the print er starting from the point

labeled A here. Make sure the front-most part of the print head
makes contact with the plate circled green.

6. While pulling the print head release latch, push the ar ea label ed B

upward until the print head is horizontal . Let go of t he releas e lat ch
so that the spring loaded plate inside will press against the central

locking pin to hold the print head in place.

C

C

A

B

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION

Page 2-18 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

This page is intentionally left blank

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-1

3

OPERATION AND CONFIGURATION

Before using the printer, it is bes t to read this manual thoroughl y first. Otherwi se, you may disturb
default settings around which the instructi onal procedures in this manual are based on.

3.1 OPERAT ING MODES

The operating status of this printer can be set within one of the following modes:

1) Normal mode (including Online/Offline modes)

2) SEMBL mode (standalone operation on user program based on BASIC language)

3) Printer Setting:
User mode

Interface mode

CF Card mode
Advanced Mode
Hex Dump mode
Service mode

4) Error mode

5) Test Print mode

6) Default Setting mode

7) Download mode (See Service Manual)

8) Maintenance Mode (See Service Manual)

9) RFID mode (See Service Manual)

10) Boot Download mode

11) Simple Standalone Mode

12) Work Shift mode

The various modes are accessed by pressing the operation buttons, power button and LCD
screen while the printer is OFF, ON or in a certain condition such as having it s head unlatched or
with certain printer settings in force.

The following table provides a clear summary of all the modes and their access method.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-2 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

The operation flowchart is as follows:



Normal Mode

(Online)

Normal Mode

(Offline)

Power ON

Power OFF

ENTER key (*1)

SEMBL Mod e

LINE ke

y

Mode selection:



10.+0'/1&'



75'4/1&'




+06'4(#%'/1&'




%(%#4&/1&'




5'/$./1&'




#&8#0%'&/1&'




*':&7/2/1&'




5'48+%'/1&'

Use arrow key to select

ENTER
button

User Mode

ENTER
button

Interface Mode

ENTER

button

CF Card Mode

ENTER

HEX Dump Mode

ENTER
button

Advanced Mode

ENTER
button

Auto Start Setting + Power ON (*2)

FEED button + Power ON

Test Print Mode

ENTER

button

CANCEL button + Power ON

Default Setting

Mode

Ļ button + Power ON

Download Mode

Head open + ĸ + ĺ button + ENTER button
+ Power ON

Maintenance Mode

(Service Mode)

Maintenance

Mode

(Factory Mode)

Ĺ/Ļ buttons

FUNCTION button + Ļ button + ENTER key
+ Power ON

Boot-download

Mode

Power ON +Press LINE buttons for 10 seconds in
Normal Mode

Aging Mode

(*2)

(*2)

RFID Mode



Ĺ/Ļ button (*

3

*1 Valid when there is no print data
*2 Valid for the printer S8400 series
*3 Valid when RFID options is applied

ĸ + Ĺ + ĺ buttons + Power ON

Hidden Mode (*2)

Power ON + Press LINE button + FEED button for
10 seconds in Online state

Work Shift Mode
(*2)

Service Mode

ENTER
button



3)

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-3

3.2 THE OPERATION PANEL

Status Icon
display area

Two-line Message
display area

Up to five icons can appear here to
indicate the current printer status.
The same area can also display two lines
of alphanumeric text instead.

Other icons, or up to two lines of
alphanumeric messages, can be
displayed here.

In total, up to four lines of text can be
displayed on the whole screen.

Status
LEDs

Operation and Cursor buttons

POWER: This LED lights Green when power

is supplied to the printer
ON LINE: Lights up Green when printer is in

"Online" state. Otherwise, LED is not lit.

LABEL: Lights up Red at "Paper end"
RIBBON: Normally does not light up until

Ribbon End is detected. Just before Ribbon
End, the LED blinks in red, signalling "Ribbon
near end" status.

LINE: Switches between online and offline
modes. Not valid for other settings.

FEED: Feeds a single label feed only
when in offline mode. Not valid for other
settings.

FUNCTION: Recalls the Mode Selection
screen for selection of various function
menus. Also returns the user to the mode
selection screen from other menus.

ENTER: Selects a menu item in any
screen in offline mode. Button is inactive
when the printer is online.

CANCEL: Cancels print data in the
OFFLINE state. Button is inac tive when t he

printer is online. Also returns the user to a
previous menu screen.

Four cursor movement buttons:

These cause the cursor to shift Up, down,
Left and Right on the screen.

Adjustment
Potentiometers

Volume: Adj usts the lou dne ss of the built-i n

buzzer
Pitch: Adjusts the print position in User Mode

(OFFSET VOLUME menu)

Offset: Adjusts the offset for Dispense offset
Darkness: Adjusts the print darkness User

Mode (OFFSET VOLUME menu)

Overview

LINE

FEED

POWER ON LINE LABEL RIBBON

FUNCTION

CANCEL

ENTER

volume pitch offset darkness

status LEDs

4 Cursor keys

Operation

buttons

Two line text

message

area

Operatio

n

buttons

Status Icon

Display Area

128 x 64 dot

display

Adjustment potentiometers

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-4 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.3 SCREEN ICONS AND THEIR MEANING

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-5

3.3 SCREEN ICONS AND THEIR MEANING (CONT’D)

How To Adjust Screen Contrast

In Normal/ONLINE mode, press the left/right arrow buttons repeatedly to adjust the contrast.

There are 32 levels of adjustments. Contrast settings are reset whenever you set the printer to factory default settings.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-6 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.4 ONLINE AND OFFLINE MODES

The general and basic operation of the S8400 series print engine is via the Normal mode, which
consists of the ONLINE and OFFLINE modes.

3.4.1 Online Mode

Pressing the LINE button causes the printer to go ONLINE or
OFFLINE alternately.
When the printer is ONLINE, the foll owing activi ti es wil l be possi bl e:

• The printer is ready to receive print data from the computer or
other connected devices

• The printer is ready to start printing

3.4.2 Offline Mode

When the printer is ONLINE, pressing the LINE button once will
cause the printer to go OFFLINE.

When the printer is OFFLINE, the activities for ONLINE mode are
no longer possible, but the following activities will be possible:

• The printer can eject labels when you press the FEED button.

• The printer can be switched to other modes when you press the
ENTER button.

• Any printing job can be PAUSED once the printer is brought
OFFLINE

• Any printing job can be cancelled once the CANCEL button is
pressed in OFFLINE mode. The menu for canceling the print job
then appears. Move the cursor to “No” and press ENTER to
confirm cancellation of the print job. The message “CANCEL
PRINT JOB COMPLETED” then appears as shown on the right.

• In OFFLINE mode, press the ENTER button to access the icon­based printer settings menu as shown here. Using the cur sor
buttons, you can access the ONLINE mode, USER mode,
INTERFACE mode, CF Card Mode, SEMBL mode, ADVANCED
mode, HEX DUMP mode and SERVICE mode from here. These
modes will be discussed in subsequent sections.

3.4.3 SEMBL Operation

If the printer has been set to SEMBL mode using the SEMBL AUTO START feature (see “3.8 .19
Specifying SEMBL AUTO START” on page 3-20), the printer will run the SEMBL program

every time it is turned ON.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-7

3.5 USER MODE

The following settings are available in User Mode:

• PRINT SPEED (print speed setting)

• PRINT DARKNESS (print density setting)

• PRINT OFFSET (print position correction setting)

• ZERO SLASH (zero slash changeover setting)

• CHARACTER PITCH (proportional pitch setting)

3.5.1 Entering User Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see “USER
MODE”, then press ENTER.

Note:

The bottom right-hand corner of the screen sometimes displays

one to four arrow symbols (see circled symbols on the right) .
Each arrow symbol represents the corresponding arrow button
on the operation panel which is vali d for the changing the current
screen or its settings.

4. When the first User Mode: OFFSET VOLUME menu screen
appears, use a Cross Head (Phillips) screwdriver to adjust the
PITCH, OFFSET and DARKNESS potentiometers. See Section

3.5.2 Setting Print Speed.

5. Subsequently, pressing the ENTER button brings you to screen s
for setting PRINT SPEED, PRINT DARKNESS and OFFSET. At
any time, pressing CANCEL takes you back one screen.
Pressing the FUNCTION button returns you immediatel y to the
main User Mode screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-8 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.5.1 User mode (cont’d)

Next, you can use the screwdriver to rotate the potentiometer for
the Print Position or Reference Point. This setting adjusts
where printing begins vertically , relative to the leading edge
(nearest the print head) of each label. The maximum value
allowed is 3.75 mm. (See also “View of Front Panel” on page 2-9)

Adjusting the OFFSET potentiomet er adjusts the dispense
position.

Finally, adjusting the Print Darkness potentiometer adjusts the
print darkness.

When all the settings are satisfactory, press t he ENTER button to
proceed to set other parameters in the User Mode.

3.5.2 Setting Print Speed

After setting the OFFSET VOLUME (i.e., the amount of) PITCH,
PRINT OFFSET and DARKNESS, pressing ENTER takes you to
the Print Speed setting.
This setting can be used to achieve a high prin t speed that does not
compromise print quality.

Press the buttons to change the setting. Press the ENTER
button to confirm a setting and proceed to the next screen.

If quality printing cannot be obtained due to the quality of the paper
or the printing contents, lower the speed accordingly. Print speed
can be set in multiples of +/- 0.5 ips.
For the 609 dpi S8400, for example, print speed can be set as
follows:

Print head resolution:
default print speed setting

Available print speed settings (lower numbers mean
slower print speeds)

609 dpi: default 04 inches/sec 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 inches/sec

Print head

direction of label motion

ref point 0,0

Print
offset

1.5 mm
Non­printable
area

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-9

3.5.3 Setting Print Darkness

After setting Print Speed, the next screen allows you to set the Print
Darkness—the darkness of the print on paper.

This setting can be set from 1 (lightest) to 5 (darkest). The defaul t
setting is 3.

Press the / buttons to change the setting. Press the ENTER
button to confirm a setting and proceed to the next screen.

3.5.4 Setting Pitch Offset

After setting Print Darkness, the next screen al lows you to set the
Pitch Offset in millimeters.

This setting can be set from -49 mm to +49 mm. The default setting
is 00.

Use the / and the / buttons to set the value in mm.
ENTER button to confi rm a setting and proceed to the next screen.

After the Pitch Offset menu, pressing ENTER ret urns you t o the ma in menu conta ining the USER
mode icon and icons of other modes. Use the c ursor buttons to s ele ct other modes i f you wis h to
change settings within those modes. Otherwise, press the CANCEL button to return to the
Normal mode.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-10 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.6 INTERFACE MODE

In this mode, you can set various parameters governing the use of interface cards. Due to the
wide range of interface cards available, only the default interface configurati on settings are
covered in this section. A flowchart overview of advanced settings for all the optional interface
cards is included at the end of this chapter, and a detailed discussi on of advanced settings can
be found in the Service Manual available upon request.

3.6.1 Entering Interface Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see
“INTERFACE MODE”, then press ENTER to perform the first
setting. At any time within this mode, pressing CANCEL takes
you back one screen. Pressing the FUNCTION button returns
you immediately to the main Interface Mode screen.

3.6.2 Enabling Interface Card Configuration

The first setting in the Interface Mode lets you sele ct whether you
wish to configure an interface card.

If NO is selected, the next screen is IGNORE CR/LF (Section

3.6.3). Press the / buttons to select either YES or NO. The

default setting is NO. Press the ENTER button to confirm the NO
setting and proceed to the n ext scr een (see ei ther Se ction 3. 6.3 or

3.6.4 on the next page).

If YES is selected, the next screen lets you select an int e rface card to configure.
Depending on which interface card is installed, and which settings are active, a wide range of
possible screens may appear. Refer to page 3-35 to page 3-44, for detail ed fl owcharts of the all
settings and LCD screen menus available for LAN/Wireless LAN, IEEE1284, RS-232C, Parallel
and USB..

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-11

3.6.3 Data Port Assignment

The second setting in the Interface Mode lets you select Port 1
(topmost card slot) or Port 2 ( middle slot) as the main dat a port. The
default setting is I/F-2, which is the port supplied by a standard
interface card.

Press the / buttons to select either I/F-1 or I/F-2. Press the
ENTER button to confi rm the setting and proceed to the next
screen.

3.6.4 Handling CR/LF CODES

This setting determines whether Carriage Return and Line Feed
codes are processed or ignored. It on ly appears when an IEEE1284
interface is installed, and the Pr otocol option i s set to STATUS4, for
Receive Buffer in multi buffer mode.

Select YES to ignore the codes, and NO to process them.

3.6.5 Handling CAN/DLE

This setting determines whether the CANCEL and DATA LINK
ESCAPE codes are processed or ignored.

Select YES to ignore the codes, and NO to process them.
Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and return to
NORMAL Mode.

3.6.6 Other Interface Setting Options

Depending on the interface card installed on the print engine, the rest of the menus in
INTERFACE mode will be specific to the typ e of inte rf ace card used. This is beyon d the sc ope of
this manual, but a flowchart overview of possible settings for all the optional interface cards is
included at the end of this chapter. A detailed discussion of advanced set tings can be found in
the Service Manual available upon request.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-12 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.7 CF CARD MODE

In this mode, you can manage any opti onal Compact Flash card preinstal led in the pri nt engine at
the factory.

3.7.1 Entering CF CARD Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see “CF MODE”,

then press ENTER to perform the first setting. At any time in this
mode, you can press the FUNCTION or CANCEL key to return to
the main CF CARD Mode menu.

3.7.1 CF CARD Format option

1. Press the buttons to select YES or NO. The
default setting is NO. Selecting YES proceeds to
further menus that let you format the CF card.

2. If you selected NO, the screen returns to the main ONLINE Mode icon menu. Use the cursor
buttons to select other modes for printer settings if necessary.

3. If you selected YES, the following screen appears. Press the

cursor buttons to select YES or NO. Selecting NO returns
the previous CF CARD FORMAT menu.

4. If you selected YES, the following screen appears. When the

progress bar reaches 100 percent, the final screen appears.
The CF card format has completed successfully.
Press the ENTER button to return to the main ONLINE Mode
menu where you can select the other modes for printer settings.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-13

3.8 ADVANCED MODE

Advanced Mode lets you configure the more advanced features of the printer hardware.

3.8.1 Entering Advanced Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see “ADVANCED
MODE”, then press ENTER to perform the fi rst setting. At any time
in this mode, you can press the FUNCTION or CANCEL key to
return to the Advanced Mode screen.

3.8.2 Selecting The Print Density

This first setting in ADVANC ED M O D E lets you set how d a rk th e
print quality is. Available options are from ‘A’ to ‘B’, with ‘B’ being
the darkest density. The default value is ‘A’.

Adjustment of this setting is usually unnecessary. To adjust the
print density, use the / buttons to select an option.

Press ENTER to confirm your selection and proceed to the next
setting.

3.8.3 Choosing Continuous or Dispenser Operation

With this setting, you can c hoose between continuous paper feed or
Dispenser operation. If the print er suppor ts l iner les s la bels, you will
also see a LINERLESS option.

Press the buttons to select any one of the options. The
default setting is DISPENSER.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.4 Backfeed Operation Settings

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-14 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

The printer can be set to apply or not apply a backfeed to the label
before or after printing each label.

Press the buttons to choose from AFTER, BEFORE or
NONE. The default setting is BEFORE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.5 Setting the Print Mode

The printer can be switched to operate in Thermal Transfer or
Direct Thermal mode with this setting.

Press the / buttons to select the TRANSFER or DIRECT
option. The default value is TRANSFER.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.6 Configuring the Pitch (paper) Sensor

The printer can be switched to operate the Pitch Sensor in Enable
or Disable mode. This screen does not appear if Dispenser
Operation is selected (see Section 3.8.3)

Press the / buttons to select the ENABLE or DISABLE option.
The default value is ENABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-15

3.8.7 Configuring the Pitch Sensor Type

This setting specifies which pitch se nsor (also called pap er sensor)
is to be used: Gap sensor (penetration sensor), sensor for Top I­mark (if this optional sensor is i nstalled), and normal bottom I-Mark
sensor.

Press the / buttons to select between I-Mark or GAP
settings. The default value is GAP.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

3.8.8 Turning Head Check Function ON/OFF

The printer can be set to perform a check of the print head when
printing each label.

Press the / buttons to select the ENABLE or DISABLE option.
The default value is ENABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.9 Choosing the Type of Head Check

If Head Check has been enabled, you will see this screen.
Here, you can specify the print head checking to be performed
unconditionally, or only when barcodes are being printed.

Press the / buttons to select the NORMAL or BARCODE
option. The default option is NORMAL.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-16 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.8.10 Enabling/Disabling Ext ernal Signal Output

Set this option to enable or disable the printer’s external signal
communication port. If the port is enabled, you can send and
receive data using an app ropriate devi ce plugged into t he EXT port.

Press the / buttons to select the ENABLE or DISABLE option.
The default value is DISABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

About the Head Check function

• The head check function detects the integrity of t he heat ing element s in the t hermal
print head. However, malfunctions cannot be detected instantaneously—a few
printed labels may start showing printing defects before the printer warns of a print
head error.

• After detection of a print head error, use a scanner to check all affec ted labels.

• When a head check error occurs during normal printing (barcodes, text and graph­ics), press and hold down the FEED button for five seconds. At the next screen,
select NORMAL and then press and hol d down the LINE and FEED buttons for five
seconds to cause printing to resume. If the head check error occurs again, set the
type of head check to BARCODE and see if printing can be resumed normally.

• Although restricting the head check type to BARCODE allows you to continue print­ing, you should only do so in order to complete an urgent print job. Che ck the
printed labels to make sure the output is usable in spite of the head error. As soon
as possible, stop using the print head to prevent further damage. If necessary, get
the print head replaced.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-17

3.8.11 Selecting the Type of External Signal Output

If the External Signal Output option is enabled, you will be brought
to this screen to select the type of PREND output signal.

Press the / buttons to select TYPE1, TYPE2, TYPE3
or TYPE4. The default value is TYPE4. For more details, refer to
the SBPL Programming Guide found in the accessory CD-ROM.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.12 Selecting Reprint via External Signal Output

If the External Signal Output option is enabled, you will be brought
to this screen to choose whether the Reprint function can be
activated via the external signal port.

Press the / buttons to select ENABLE or DISABLE. The
default setting is DISABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.13 Setting Zero Slash Changeover

You can use this setting to determine whether zeroes are printed
with a slash across them or not. The zero slash (excluding Kanji )
can be set to either "0" or "Ø".

Use the / buttons to select YES or NO. ‘YES’ means zeroes
will be printed with a diagonal slash across them. ‘NO’ means otherwise.
The default value is ‘YES’.

Press ENTER to select the desired option and proceed to the next setting.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-18 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.8.14 Using the Auto Online Feature

The printer can be set to go into ONLINE mode automatically upon
being turned on. Otherwise, the printer starts in the OFFLINE state.

Press the / buttons to select YES or NO. The default setting is
YES.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.15 Setting Print Offset

The next screen allows you to set the Print Position Offset—whic h
refers to the vertical and horizontal shifting of the entire print area,
relative to the start position of pr inting (V=0, H=0), defined by
default to be the bottom right hand corner of the label.

Use the / buttons to select the V or H setting, and the / buttons to change a
highlighted setting. Pres s the ENTER button to confirm a setting and proceed to the next screen .

The V setting is for the Vertical print offset. A positive (+) offset means the printing is shifted
towards the print head; a negative (-) off set means shifting away from the print head. If the Print
Pitch setting has been used to offset the vertical start positio n, then all Verti cal offset a djustments
are made relative to that start position.

The H setting is for the Horizontal print offset. The + or - prefix
determines whether the offset is to the left or to the right of the
reference point.

After setting the Vertical and Horizontal OFFSET, press ENTER
to proceed to the next setting.

Model Valid H and V settings (in dots)

S8408 V: +/- 000 to 1424 dots, H: +/- 000 to 832 dots
S8412

V: +/- 000 to

2136 dots, H: +/- 000 to 1248 dots

S8424

V: +/- 000 to

4272 dots, H: +/- 000 to 2496 dots

Print head

direction of label motion

ref point 0,0

H+V-H-

V+

Print offset

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-19

3.8.16 Setting the Calendar

This menu lets you set the desired data and time if necessary.
Press the / buttons to select YES or NO.

Select NO to skip to the Zero Slash setting screen. Select YES to
set the date and time using the Press the / buttons.

Thereafter, the next screen lets you ENABLE or DISABLE the
Calendar Check function. Choose the appropri ate opt ion and press
the ENTER button leave the Calendar settings and proceed to the
next screen.

3.8.17 Setting Proportional Pitch

This setting determines whether the space surroundin g each text
character is of a fixed width, or whether tha t space is t o be varied to
be visually more pleasant.

Use the buttons to select either PROPORTIONAL or FIXED.
The default value is PROPORTIONAL.

Press ENTER to confirm your selection and retur n to the main User
Mode screen. Press the FUNCTION or CANCEL key to exit the User Mode setting.

Note:

The subject fonts are from x21 to x24

3.8.18 Specifying the Protocol Code Format

The ESC sequence can be defined as standard (using non­printable code 1BH) or non-standard (some other user code).

Press the / buttons to select the STANDARD or NON­STANDARD option. The default setting is STANDARD.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-20 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.8.19 Specifying SEMBL AUTO START

Note:

SEMBL requires the optional CF Card to be installed. SEMBL
programs are stored on the CF Card.

This setting determines if the printer enters SEMBL mode
automatically on being turned ON. The available options are YES
and NO.

Press the / buttons to select YES or NO. The default setting is
NO. Selecting NO takes you to the RIBBON SAVER option below.

If YES is selected, you will see the next screen, which lets you
choose from the BASIC programs found in th e printer’ s memory. Use the cursor buttons t o select
from the list of availabl e programs. Press the ENTER button to co nfirm the setti ng and proceed to
the next screen.

3.8.20 Setting the Ribbon Saver feature

This setting enables or disables the Ribbon Saver feature. This
feature detects blank parts of a label while printing, and stops the
ribbon from winding until there is data to be printed.

Press the / buttons to select ENABLE or DISABLE. The
default setting is ENABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and return to the
ONLINE mode icon menu.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-21

3.9 HEX DUMP MODE

3.9.1 Entering HEX Dump Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see words “HEX
DUMP MODE”, then press ENTER to perform the f irst setti ng. At
any time within this mode, pressing CANCEL takes you back
one screen. Pressing the FUNCTION button returns you
immediately to the main Hex Dump screen.

3.9.2 Selecting Data To Dump

Here you can choose to dump either incoming data (receive data)
or print data already stored in the buffer (recei ve buffer) .

Press the buttons to choose RECEIVE DATA, RECEIVE
BUFFER or INTERNAL DATA. Note that RECEIVE BUFFER
cannot be selected when there is no received data . The INTERNAL
DATA option refers to data stored in the printer buffer.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.9.3 Controlling the Hex Dump Mode

During the HEX Dump, the following screen appears. The number
of labels printed will be shown. When printing is done, press the
LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE. Then press ENTER to
return to the main HEX DUMP Mode screen.

If you dumping the RECEIVE BUFFER, take the print er OFFLINE to
stop any incoming data from affecting the buffer. Only then can the
buffered data be printed. The printer goes ONLINE automatically
after the printing.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-22

3.10 TEST PRINT MODE

3.10.1 Entering Test Print Mode

1. Make sure the printer is turned OFF.

2. Press and hold down the FEED button while turning the printer
ON. The display will show TEST PRINT MODE.

3. Press the buttons to choose from six options, as
explained in the next sub-section.

At any time within this mode, pressing CANCEL takes you back
one screen. Pressing the FUNCTION button returns you
immediately to the main Test Print screen.

3.10.2 Choosing What The Test Print Contains

The six settings in this mode are as follows:

Press the buttons to choose any option to set the test print contents.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-23

3.10.3 Setting Test Print Opti ons

If you chose test prints of Configuration, Barcode and Head Check
in the previous menu, this screen lets you choose the width of the
test print from “04” to “10” cm, in increments of 1 cm,

Press the buttons to choose the print size. Press the
ENTER button to confi rm the setting and proceed to the next
screen.

3.10.4 Setting the Size of the Factory Test Print

For Factory test prints, this screen appears instead of the previous
screen for setting print size. In this screen, you can choose only to
print the test results in LARGE or SMALL print widths. The LARGE
setting results in a 10 cm print width. The SMALL setting results in a
4 cm print width.

Caution

If you are using narrow label s , do N O T set thi s opt ion to LARGE; otherwise, this m ay damage the print head.

Press the buttons to choose LARGE or SMALL. Press the ENTER button to confirm the
setting and proceed to the next screen.

3.10.5 Starting the Test Print

When you are ready to print out the test data, press the ENTER
button. The test print will start, and it will cycle continuously.

During printing, the ENTER button can be used to suspend and
resume the test printing.

To exit the Test Print mode, turn off the printer.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-24 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.11 SERVICE MODE

3.11.1 Entering Service Mode

1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE.

2. Press ENTER. The ONLINE MODE screen appears.

3. Press the arrow buttons until you see words
“SERVICE MODE”, then press ENTER to perform the first
setting. At any time within this mode, pressing CANCEL takes
you back one screen. Pressing the FUNCTION button returns
you immediately to the main SERVICE MODE screen.

3.11.2 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Level Offset

Here you can calibrate the I-Mark sensor level offset. This offset
can be used to adjust how soon the sensor responds to an
oncoming I-mark. A setting of 1 to 99 is possible. The default value
is 50.

Press the buttons to choose change the offset value.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.3 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Slice Lev el

Here you can calibrate the I-Mark sensor slice level. This level is
used to adjust the sensitivity to media of different reflectivity. A
setting of 0.0 to 3.2 V is possible. The default value is 1.4 V. Setting
the level to 0.0 V causes the slice level to be determined by the
printer automatically.

Press the buttons to choose change the slice level.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-25

3.11.4 Selecting the Gap Sensor Level Offset

Here you can calibrate the Gap sensor level offset. This off set can
be used to adjust how soon the sensor responds to an oncoming
gap. A setting of 1 to 99 is possible. The default value is 50.

Press the buttons to choose change the offset value.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.5 Selecting the Gap Sensor Slice Level

Here you can calibrate the Gap sensor slice l evel. This level is used
to adjust the sensitivi ty t o media of di fferent tr anspa rency. A set ting
of 0.0 to 3.2 V is possible. The default value is 1.2 V. Setting the
level to 0.0 V causes the slice level to be determined by the printer
automatically.

Press the buttons to choose change the slice level.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.6 Setting the Auto Online Feed

Here you can set the printer to issue a single FEED to any loaded
or partially loaded label whenever the pri nter is turned ON and goes
into the ONLINE status. This is by selecting the YES option.
Selecting NO will result in no automatic label feed when the printer
is turned ON. The default setting is NO.

Press the buttons to choose the desired option.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-26 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.11.7 Setting the Feed on Error feature

This feature causes the printer to issue a label whenever the it
returns to an ONLINE status after any error has been fixed, or
whenever the printer is turned ON. This is set by sel ecting the YES
option. Selecting NO will result in no automat ic l abel feed for the
same conditions. The default setting is NO.

Press the buttons to choose the desired option.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.8 Setting the Forward/Backward Feed Dist ance

The Forward/Backward Feed Distance sett in g determi nes how much a l abel i s wound for ward or
backward in addition to the OFFSET potentiometer under the Operational Panel.

The default setting uses fixed values set at the factor y. If these
values are unsuitable, press the buttons to choose the

three digit value. Use the buttons to change the value from
001 to 255 mm.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Note: For thermal transfer print ing, set the feed distance under 30mm to avoid accidental

detection of ribbon end.

3.11.9 Setting the EXT Port Status Signal

The built-in 9-pin EXT port can be set to issue a status signal for two different modes of printer
operations. MODE1 specifies that the port outputs a signal to indicate whether the printer has
any labels queued up for printing. MODE2 specifies that the port outputs a signal to indicate
whether the printer is ONLINE or OFFLINE.

The default setting is MODE1. Pres s the buttons to choose
MODE2 if desired.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-27

3.11.10 Setting the Backfeed Speed

This function provides a stronger pulling fo rce when a bigger and heavier supply of label roll is
being used. The default value is FAST, which selects a normal pull ing force and gives better
throughput. Select NORMAL if a stronger pulling force is required.

Note:

The FAST option can be used safely as long as there is an adequate label feeding system (add
some mechanism between the engine and label roll so that the printer does not require a very
strong pulling force for the label roll in use.)

Press the buttons to choose the NORMAL setting if
desired.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.11 Setting the Symbol for the Euro currency

This menu lets you select the symbol for representing the Euro mark.

The default value is D5. Press the buttons to choose
another value if desired.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.13 Enabling or Disabling the Disp lay Priority for System Commands

This menu lets you enable or disable the display of certain system commands su ch as Pri nt
Darkness, Print Speed, Start Point Correction, Printer Type, Print Method and Sensor Type.

The default setting is COMMAND, where al l sys tem commands ar e
displayed in the LCD menus when applicable. Press the

buttons to choose INTERNAL if you wish to disable the display of
the system commands.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-28 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Ribbon Near End Warning

This menu lets you enable or disable the re-detection of the label pitch whenever the printer is
turned OFF and then ON again, with the print head unlatched.

The default setting is ENABLE, where the printer will re-detect the
label pitch. Press the buttons to choose DISABLE if you wish

to disable the sensing of a ribbon roll nearing the end of its supply.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Label Pitch Re-Detection

This menu lets you enable or disable the re-detection of the label pitch whenever the printer is
turned OFF and ON with the print head unlatched.

The default setting is ENABLE, where the printer will re-detect the
label pitch. Press the buttons to choose DISABLE if you wish

to disable the sensing of a ribbon roll nearing the end of its supply.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.15 Assigning the Function Button

This menu lets you assign a function to the Function button. The NONE setting disables the
button. You can also choose to make the Func tion button is sue a REPRINT command or use it t o
switch to SEMBL MODE.

The default setting is NONE. Press the buttons to choose
REPRINT or SEMBL MODE if desired.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-29

3.11.16 Setting the Password Feature

This menu lets turn the password security ON or OFF when a user tries to switch between the
User Mode, Interface Mode, CF Card Mode, Advanced Mode, HEX Dump Mode and Service
Mode.

The default setting is OFF. Press the buttons to choose ON
if desired. In this case, the next menu would prompt for a four digit

number as the password. Press the and buttons to
change any digit to define the desired password.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.17 Setting the Compatibility Mode

This menu lets you turn the Compatibility Mode ON. When Compatibility Mode is ON, the
functions and settings that are unique to the S84xx series will be disabled or modified to match
the characteristics of older SATO printers of the same famil y. This allows legacy or custom­programmed labeling software to run on this print er without requiring modification.

The default setting is OFF. Press the buttons to choose ON
if desired.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.17 Setting the Media Length

This menu appears if Compatible Mode has been turned OFF.
It lets you define the maximum length of label used. The default
value varies depending on head density: .

[ 8dot/mm] 0 to 2500 mm
[12dot/mm] 0 to 1500 mm
[24dot/mm] 0 to 400 mm

Press the and buttons to choose the digits to change.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

Page 3-30 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.11.18 Copying Firmware Data

This menu can be used to start the process of copying Firmware
data to and from the ROM and CF Card (optional). The default
setting is NO, meaning that no copying is required.

Press the buttons to choose YES if you wish to start the
process of copying firmware data.

If your selection is NO, press the ENTER button to confirm the
setting and proceed to the next screen. Otherwise, a further menu
appears, letting you select copying from the CF CARD->ROM or
ROM->CF Card. The default is CF CARD->ROM. Select the
required mode of transfer and press ENTER.

The COPY START menu appears, confirming either the CF CARD­>ROM or ROM->CF CARD operation you selected. Press the

buttons to choose YES to start the copy operation. Or

choose NO to return to the previous menu.

During the copying process, a status menu appears, When the
horizontal bar reaches 100, the copy process is complete.

3.11.19 Setting the TRACE Mode

This menu appears lets you turn TRACE MODE ON or OFF. When
turned ON, TRACE MODE causes the LCD to display three
different icons to trace the processing of a label.

Press the buttons to choose ON or OFF.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

(1) Data reception…Displayed after receiving data
(2) Edit data………..Displayed after receiving ESC(1BH) A
(3) Print……………..Displayed after a printing operation

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S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-31

3.11.20 Saving the Print Log

This menu appears lets you ENABLE or DISABLE the print log
feature. This feature saves a log of print jobs to the optional
CompactFlash card installed in t he printer . Turn it OFF if you do not
wish to have the print log saved to the CF Card. The default setting
is DISABLE.

Press the buttons to choose ENABLE or DISABLE.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

3.11.21 Clearing the Print Log

This menu appears lets you clear any print log saved to the CF
Card. The default setting is NO.

Press the buttons to choose YES or NO.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the
next screen.

3.11.22 Setting the Print Log to Output at the Subport

With this option, you can output the print log to the printer’s
Subport. The Subport refers to the topmost card slot at the rear of
the printer. Installing an interface card in this slot provides a
Subport. The default setting is DISABLE.

Press the buttons to choose YES or NO.

Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.

Note:

By default the mini-slot I/F card is set to be a subport for status monitoring purposes only. The
main I/F card is by default the data port for printing purposes. However, you can exchange the
roles of the two slots using the Data Port Assignment setti ng. See “3.6.3 Data Port Assignment”
on page 3-11.

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3.12 BOOT DOWNLOAD MODE

3.12.1 Entering Boot Download Mode

1. Press the FUNCTION, ENTER and Down-Arrow ( ) buttons
when turning the printer ON. The screen shows the Boot
Downloader menu with two choices: INTERFACE and CF
CARD. The default setting is INTERFACE.

2. Press the arrow buttons to choose INTERFACE or CF
CARD (if the optional CF CARD is installed).

3. If you selected INTERFACE, the following menu appears.
I/F-2 refers to the optional Subport provided by a USB interface
card that can be purchased separately.

I/F-1 is the normal built-in 14-pin EXT port (or optional 25-pin
EXT port). The default setting is I/F-2.

Press the arrow buttons to choose one of the ports, then

press ENTER to proceed.

4. When the printer is ready to start downloading, the following
screen appears, and you can initiate the data transfer from the
host.

5. If you selected CF CARD in Step 2, the fol lowing menu appears .
It prompts you to confirm that the optional CF CARD is already
installed and set up for use.

Press the buttons to choose YES or NO. Choosing NO
returns you to the previous menu. Choosing YES proceeds to
the download progress screen.

6. After the host system starts the data transfer, the following
progress screen appears. The downloading process is complete
when the black horizontal progress bar reaches 100.

7. When the data has been completely transferred, the final
confirmation screen appears as shown, prompting you to press
ENTER to continue.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-33

3.13 SIMPLE STANDALONE MODE

This is a special mode for advanced users or operators, and requires the CF Card option to be
installed. Simple Standalone Mode allows the operator to store the most recently printed label
data to be stored onto the CF Card. From then on, the operator can reprint as many copies of
that stored label without needing a host computer to re-send the data. The feature is similar to
the Reprint function (see

3.11.15 Assigning the Function Butt on), except that the label data

is non volatile. The Reprint function loses al l reprint data once the printer has been turned OFF.

3.13.1 Entering Simple Standalone Mode

Note:

Make sure the CF Card is installed properly in t he pri nter. Send the
print job to be stored to the printer to print at least one label before
entering the Simple Standalone Mode to store the label data.

1. After sending a single print job consist ing of a single label, press
the Up-Arrow ( ) button and hold it for five seconds. The

following menu appears.

2. Press the arrow buttons to select YES (to save the label
data onto the CF CARD) or NO to exit the mode. The default
setting is NO.

3. If you selected YES, this next screen lets you determine the number of l abels to be reprinted
from the stored label data. Press the and buttons to choose the digits to

change. The printer returns to the OFFLINE stat us.

4. Press the LINE button to start the reprinting process.

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3.14 WORKSHIFT MODE

This is a special mode for advanced users or operators. Use this mode to store factory shift
periods so that this data can be printed along with label data to identify which factory staff
generated any particular label. Such data is useful for accountability tr acking or troubleshooting.

3.14.1 Entering Workshift Mode

Note:

The Shift Code option in Hidden Mode ( accessible when t urning the
printer ON with the and arrow buttons held down) must

be enabled to allow the Workshift Mode.

1. In ONLINE mode, press the LINE and FEED buttons for 10
seconds until the following menu appears.

2. Press the arrow buttons to select one of the three shifts
to define its parameters. The default is shift 1. Press ENTER.

3. If you selected YES, this next screen lets you define the time of
the selected shift. Press the buttons to choose the digits

to change. Press ENTER when this has been completed.

4. In the next screen, the selected shift number is displayed,
followed by a prompt to enter the number of characters for the
name of the selected shift. Use the cur sor buttons to choose any
number from 1 to 16. Press ENTER to continue.

5. In the final menu, use the and buttons to define
an alphanumeric name for the selected shift. Press ENTER
when done.

6. Repeat the above procedure for all the other shifts if necessary.

7. The shift time and name can be appended to any print job with
the proper commands in a print job. Please refer to the
Programming Manual for the necessary commands to access
the defined shift informati on.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-35

3.15 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES

Note: Some modes listed in these detailed flowcharts are Reserved for qualified service engineers only.
These modes are described fully in the Service Manual available upon request.

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D)

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D)

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D)

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF INTERFACE/SEMBL MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF HEX DUMP MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF TEST PRINT MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF DEFAULT/DOWNLOAD MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF SERVICE MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF MAINTENANCE MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF BOOT DOWNLOAD MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF RFID/DEFAULT MODE CONFIGURATIONS

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3.15 OVERVIEW OF HIDDEN AND WORKSHIFT MODES

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3.16 RESTORING FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS

The printer is configured with default settings at the factory. During use, some of the default
settings may be changed in a way that causes the printer to act in an undesir able manner.
However, there is special Default Mode in which you can quickly restore all pri nter set tings to the
original factory settings as follows:

3.16.1 Entering Default Mode

1. Make sure the printer has been turned OFF.

2. Hold down the CANCEL button and turn the printer ON. The
following DEFAULT MODE display should appear. At any time
within this mode, pressing CANCEL takes you back one screen.
Pressing the FUNCTION button return s you immediately to the
main Hex Dump screen.

3. Press the arrow buttons to choose between PRINTER
SETTING and ALT. PROTOCOL. The first option resets all
settings to the default, while the ALT. PROTOCOL option resets
only the protocol code. Press the ENTER button to confirm the
setting and proceed to the next screen.

3.16.2 If You Chose to Reset Printer Settings

In the previous menu, if you chose PRINTER SETTINGS, the
following screen appears.

4. Press the arrow buttons to choose between YES and
NO. If you select NO (default), you will be returned to the main
DEFAULT MODE screen.

5. Otherwise, press ENTER to proceed to res et printer settings. A
final confirmation message appears, prompting you to res tart the
printer.

Section 3: Configuration and Operation

S8400 Series Operato r’s Man ual Page 3-61

3.16.2 If You Chose Alt Protocol Code

In the previous menu, if you chose the ALT. PROTOCOL option,
the following screen appears.

4. Press the arrow buttons to choose between YES and
NO. If you sele ct NO, you will return to th e m ai n DEF A U L T
MODE screen.

5. Press ENTER to proceed to reset the Alt. Protocol code.

3.16.3 Setting of Print Resolution for New Print Head

If the printer detects that a different print head has been installed,
the Default Mode displays the fo llowing menu to confirm the change
of print resolution. The default setting is NO.

Press the arrow buttons to YES or NO.

3.16.4 Completion of Default Setting

After any settings chosen in the previous menus have been reset,
the following screen appears.

Turn the printer OFF (and ON) to let the d efault settings take effect.

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Page 3-62 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

3.16.5 Table of Default Settings

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3.17 UNDERSTANDING DISPENSER AND CONTINUOUS PRINT OPERATION

Two modes — Dispenser and Continuous Print operation — are available for use in the S8400
series print engine. The difference between the two operations is in the way the label paper is
ejected. Here are the details:

Dispenser Operation (Default)

In this method of operation, after printing,
the printer feeds the first (outermost) label
so that its bottom edge rests at the position
of the dispenser area. This label can then
removed. Printing does not resume until
this label is removed.

The label behind the dispensed label is
now the first label. Its position has gone
beyond the print head. Therefore, a
backfeed is performed (optional ). When the
label is in position, printing begins.
It is then dispensed and printing stops
while the printer waits for the dispensed
label to be removed. The option to set
Backfeed is in the Advanced Mode­>Backfeed Motion menu (See page 3-13) .
You can disable the Backfeed or set it to occur BEFORE or AFTER print.

Continuous Print Operation

In this method of operation, whenever a
print job has been completed (or when a
sheet of paper is fed) the paper is ejected
outwards until the second label from the
front is placed just in fr ont of t he print head.
The first label will not be completely
ejected, and cannot be torn off neatly.

Dispenser Operation

Continuous Print Operation

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Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 4-1

4

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This section provides information on user maintenance for the S8400 series print engine. The
following information is covered here:

• Cleaning the Print Head, Platen and Rollers

• Adjusting print quality

4.2 CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD, PLATEN AND ROLLERS

The print head not only generates printouts of barcodes, but al so g raphi cs and text. To produce
optimal printing, it must be kept clean in spite of the dirt and adhesive that constantly
accumulates on its print surface. Furthermore, dirt can accumulated along the label path,
affecting parts like sensors and guides, and reducing their performance.

Therefore, it is important to clean these important component s periodically. Depending on the
region you are in, the SR8400 series print engine may already come supplied with a cleaning kit
or set of cleaning sheets. If any of the cleaning it ems need rep lacemen t, contac t your author i zed
SATO dealer.

When to clean with a cleaning kit

♦ For the print head, platen roller, pitch sensor s, and label guide: clean after using up every

other roll of paper, or each time after printing 150 m.

♦ For other parts: clean after finishing every six rolls of paper, or every time after printing 900 m.

When to clean with the cleaning sheet

♦ For the print head, platen roller: clean after using every six rolls of paper, or every time after

printing 900 m.

Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance

Page 4-2 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

4.3 HOW TO CLEAN THE PRINTER (CLEANING SET)

If you are using a carbon ribbon, be sure to remove it before cleaning. Foll ow the inst ructions
supplied with the cleaning set. Use the items to clean the following parts.

1. Lift up the front cover.

2. Unlatc h the print head unit using the Head Lock Lever.
The print head is now accessib l e.

3. Wipe off the dirt on the print head with a cleaning cloth or lint free cotton swab
dabbed in an approved cleaning solution.

4. Moisten a cotton cleaning cloth with cleaning liquid,
and use the cloth to wipe any dirt or accumulated
adhesive off the platen roller. (See figure on the
right). Repeat for the ribbon roller and other black
rubber rollers as necessary.

5. If you are using linerless labels, also wi pe of f the dirt
on the fixed cutter blade with a cleaning pen.

Print head and Rollers

Pitch (paper) Sensor and Label Guide

Feed Roller

Ribbon
Rollers

Platen Roller Print Head

Label
Guide

Pitch Sensor

Clean the black rubber rollers:
From left: Ribbo n Rol ler, Pl at en
Roller, Fee d R o ller

Various rollers

Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 4-3

4.4 HOW TO CLEAN THE PRINTER (CLEANING SHEET)

The cleaning sheet is used for cleaning the print head and platen roller.

1. Lift up the front cover.

2. Unlatch the print he ad unit using the purple Head

Lock lever and head release latch.
The print head is now accessib l e.

3. Remove the label and ribbon .

4. Put the head cleaning sheet between the print head

and the platen rol ler . The coarse side o f the cleanin g
sheet should face the surface of the print head ele­ments.

5. Fasten the Head Lock lever to mount the print head.

6. Using both hands, pull the cleaning sheet outwards, toward your body. This will

remove any dirt stuck to the print head. (See generic figure on the right)

7. When the cleaning sheet has been rem oved, perfor m steps 2 to 6 to repeat th e clean-

ing procedure one or two more times.

8. When no more additional dirt appears on the cleaning sheet after it has been pulled

out, you can stop cleaning with the sheet.

9. Unlatch the print head and use the cleaning cloth from the cleaning kit to gently

remove any remaining dirt from the print head.

For further details, refer to the instructions that accompany the cleaning sheet.

Caution

• Be sure to turn off the power before cleaning.

• The suggested clean in g s ch edu le here a re ju st gui del in es . If nec essa ry , cl ean as app ro pria te d epe ndi ng

on the degree of contamination.

• Use a cleaning pen or cotton cloth to clean the printer units.

• Use only soft, lint-free m aterials for cl eaning. Avo id using ha rd objects for t he cleaning process, as they

will damage the components.

Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance

Page 4-4 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual

4.5 ADJUSTING PRINT QUALITY

Print quality can be optimized with regular cleaning and maintenance of t he pri nt head and
components along the label path. Additionally , you can fine-tune print quality by adjusting print
darkness and print speed settings.

4.5.1 Adjusting Print Darkness

This adjustment allows the user to control (with in a specified range) t he amount of power applied
to the individual print head heat elements. It is impor tant to find a proper print darkness level
based on your particular label and ribbon combinati on. The printed i mages should not be t oo light
nor should the ink from the ribbon “bleed.” The edges of each image should be crisp and well
defined.

LCD Panel — The Print Darkness can be set fr om the conf igur ation
panel or by sending the Print Darkness software command from a
computer. There are five settings, from 1 (lightest) to 5 (darkest).
The default setting is 3.
Once the range has been selected, the Darkness Potentiometer on
the front panel can be used to make finer adjustments. For
instructions on setting Print Darkness, refer to Section 3,
Configuration.

Darkness Potentiometer — The fine
adjustment for Print Darkness is the
Darkness Potentiometer hidden behind
the front panel. It provides a continuous
range of adjustment, allowing you to
make precise changes. Use a small
cross-point screwdriver, turning
clockwise for darker print and
counterclockwise for lighter print. See
Section 3: Configuration for
instructions on performing potentiometer adjustments.

Note

The PRINT potentiometer adjustment will affect the darkness in all of the command code speed
ranges, i.e., if t he PRINT potentiometer is adju sted for lighter print, the darkness will be lighter in
all speed ranges selected by the command code.

FEED

CANCEL

ENTER

volume pitch offset darkness

Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance

S8400 Series Operator’ s Manual Page 4-5

4.5 ADJUSTING PRINT QUALITY (CONT’D)

4.5.2 Adjusting Print Speed

Besides varying the rate at which labels are printed, thi s adjust ment can be used to reg ulate any
changes in print quality.

LCD Panel — Print Speed can be set using the front panel LCD
panel or by sending the Print Speed software command from a
computer. If the current print quality needs to be improved, try
setting a lower print speed.

For instructions on setting Print Speed, refer to page 3-7, Operation
and Configuration.

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