CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporation.
Windows and Windows NT are trademarks and Microsoft is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks,
or registered service marks of their respective companies.
Firmware (Software) Agreement
The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its
suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business.
The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to
duplicate, or copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-volatile or
programmable memory. The firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright
laws and Licensor retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its
suppliers be liable for any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic,
special, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware
(Software).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose
other than the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of
Datamax Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked “HAR,”
consisting of a min H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square
mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a
male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V
Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit “HAR”
markiert ist, bestehend mindestens aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das
mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine
IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A,
250 Volt.
As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this
product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product
conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B
EN 50024 (1998)
Safety: This product complies with the requirements of
EN 60950/All:1997
Gost-R
Resolution S.I.C. & M., No. 799/99
FCC: This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.
þ Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Important Safety Instructions:
alert the user to the presence of important operating and
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This unit has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable
performance. However, as with all electrical equipment, there are some basic
precautions that you should follow to avoid personal injury or damage to the
printer:
Ø Before using the printer, carefully read all the installation and operating
instructions.
Ø Observe all warning instruction labels on the printer.
Ø Install the printer on a flat, firm surface.
Ø Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
Ø To protect your printer from overheating, make sure no openings on the
printer are blocked.
Ø Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the printer.
Ø Do not use the printer near water or spill liquid into it.
Ø Ensure that the AC power source matches the ratings listed for the printer.
(If unsure, check with your dealer or local utility provider.)
Ø Do not place the AC power cord where it can be stepped on. If the AC
power cord becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
Ø If the printer ever needs repair, consult only qualified, trained service
personnel. No user-serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.
Contents
PrinterOverview
1.0About the Printer ....................................................................... 1
1.0.1Standard Features .................................................... 2
1.0.2Optional Features ..................................................... 2
Congratulations on your purchase of an I-Class printer. The I-Class family,
hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the rugged durability of die-cast
construction with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to
redefine the standard in industrial thermal printers.
This manual provides all the information necessary for everyday printer
operation. To begin printing labels, refer to the instructions provided with the
label-creation software you have chosen. If you wish to write custom label
programs, a copy of the I & W Class Programmer’s Manual is included on the
enclosed Datamax Accessories CD; otherwise, a copy may be downloaded from
our web site at http//www.datamaxcorp.com.
The printer’s model number is located on the Serial Tag on the back of the unit.
Each model offers many standard and optional features, as detailed in the
following subsections.
I-Class1
1.0.1Standard Features
This printer offers the following standard features:
I-Class Standard Features Listing
Feature
Printhead Density (Dots
Per Inch)
Direct Thermal PrintingXXXXXX
On-Demand and Batch
Printing
Rotating Media HubXXXXXX
Media Tear BarXXXXXX
Fan-fold media capabilityXXXXXX
Flash memory1MB1MB2MB2MB2MB2MB
SDRAM8MB8MB16MB 16MB 16MB 16MB
RS-232 interface portXXXXXX
IEEE 1284 Compliant
parallel interface port
Liquid Crystal DisplayXXXXXX
EFIGS (multi-language
display and configuration
label support)
AGFA Scalable font engineXXXXXX
420642084212430844064604
203203203300406600
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
XXXXXX
Model
1.0.2Optional Features (available except as noted)
The printer offers the following optional features:
Cutter, Light-Duty (Backing-Only)
A rotary-type mechanism to automatically cut material with a maximum
thickness of .005” (.127 mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25 inches (31.8 mm).
An adjustable tray to collect up to 200 cut labels and tags is also available.
Cutter, Standard Duty
A rotary-type mechanism to automatically cut material with a maximum
thickness of .010” (.254 mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25 inches (31.8 mm).
An adjustable tray to collect up to 200 cut labels and tags is also available.
2I-Class
DMXNet
The DMXNet Print Server Card is an internal Network Interface Controller
(NIC) that enables the printer to provide Ethernet connectivity. Features
include:
Ø Automatic selection of 10Base2 (Thinnet) or 100BaseT Fast Ethernet
connection.
Ø Integral HTTP Server to allow monitoring and management from a standard
Web browser program.
Ø Peer-to-Peer (serverless) discovery and printing from Windows
95/98/ME/XP or Windows NT/2000 workstations without a Novell file
server present.
Ø FTP printing to allow printing directly from a Web browser or other FTP
client.
Ø Dynamic Domain Name Service (DDNS).
Ø Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).
Ø Novell “YES” certified.
Ø Novell NetWare PSERVER on both bindery based and Novell Directory
Services (NDS).
Ø LPR/LPD over TCP/IP for UNIX platforms and Microsoft’s Windows.
Ø Raw sockets support over selectable TCP/IP port with filters for selected
UNIX environment.
Ø IP and IPX SNMP support of MIB-2, proprietary NIC MIB and public and
proprietary (private) Printer MIB.
Ø SNMP traps to alert administrators of printer errors (paper/ribbon out, head
up, etc).
Ø E-mail notification of printer errors to specified addresses.
Ø Universal Plug and Play (UPnP).
Ø FTP download allows users to upgrade the interface’s Flash memory.
External Keyboard (specify voltage / country requirement when ordering)
A portable keyboard / display terminal, the DMX Passport™, for stand-alone
printing.
I-Class3
External Media Rewinder (specify voltage requirement when ordering)
A precision-crafted, bi-directional rewinding mechanism with device-dependant
features:
Ø DMXREW1 – accommodates 1 to 4-inch (25 to 101 mm) diameter cores;
accepts a maximum label width of 4.5 inches (114 mm); and, rewinds to a
8-inch (203 mm) maximum outer diameter at 10 inches per second.
maximum label width of 9.5 inches (241 mm); and, rewinds to a 12-inch
(304 mm) maximum outer diameter at 30 inches per second.
Font Expansion Card (cannot be used with the I/O Expansion card)
A slide-in circuit card assembly with 8MB Flash memory expansion for
International Language Printing Capability (ILPC) and/or additional fonts and
graphics. ILPC consists of one of the following:
Ø CG-Times (Western European) Scalable font
Ø Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
Ø Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font
Ø Korean Hangul Scalable font
ILPC – CG Times Firmware
The firmware can be upgraded to include the Datamax ILPC (International
Language Printing Capability) CG Times font. This supports the Datamax
Enhanced Language Code Pages.
Internal Rewinder
An internal mechanism to wind six-inch outer diameter rolls of printed labels, or
the label backing material for the Peel and Present option.
I/O Expansion Card(specify features at time of order)
The standard features* of this slide-in circuit card assembly include:
Ø General purpose (GPIO) interface for external printer and device control.
Ø Time and date calendar (Real Time Clock) function for label time-stamping.
An optional feature also offers:
Ø 8MB Flash memory expansion for graphics and/or additional fonts
including International Language Printing Capability (ILPC).
Linear Scanner
An integrated fixed-position CCD device featuring 32-bit microprocessor
technology for high-speed operation and superior accuracy to ensure the
readability of printed bar codes. Minimum bar code “X” dimension is 10 mils;
maximum width is 4 inches (101 mm).
4I-Class
Peel and Present Mechanism (requires the Internal Rewind option)
An output control device that automatically separates printed labels from the
backing material and allows subsequent printing to occur only after the removal
of a previously printed label. Minimum label length is 1.5 inches (38 mm).
Present Sensor
An output control device that allows subsequent printing to occur only after the
removal of a previously printed label.
RS-422 Serial Interface**
Single-drop interface hardware to support greater distances from the host at
communication rates of up to 38,400 baud.
Thermal Transfer (specify configuration at time of order)
A printing method that uses ribbon to produce exceptional image clarity, as
compared to most direct thermal media types. This option must be specified for
use with either ‘coated side in’ ribbon or ‘coated side out’ ribbon.
Twinax/Coax Interface
A slide-in circuit card assembly that provides connectivity to AS/400 and
System/3X Twinax host system or 3270-type host system. Cable included.
USB Port
A slide-in circuit card that provides the printer with a Universal Serial Bus,
Version 1.1, for Windows printing environments only.
*Item unavailable for the I-4206.
**Item unavailable for the I-4206 and I-4208 models.
I-Class5
1.1Option Installation
The following table lists the available options and the recommended
qualification level of the installer. For detailed information concerning a specific
option, contact your dealer or Datamax Technical Support.
Experience Level for Options Installation
OptionRecommended Installer
Cutters and trays: Light / Standard DutyOperator
DMXNetDMX Certified Technician
External KeyboardOperator
External Media RewinderOperator
Font Expansion CardDMX Certified Technician
ILPCDMX Certified Technician
Internal RewinderOperator
I/O Expansion CardDMX Certified Technician
Linear ScannerFactory only
Peel and Present MechanismOperator
Present SensorOperator
RS-422 Serial InterfaceDMX Certified Technician
Thermal Transfer AssemblyOperator
Twinax/Coax InterfaceDMX Certified Technician
USB PortDMX Certified Technician
6I-Class
1.2Hardware Components
The following drawing highlights the user-assessable components of the printer.
Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are optional equipment.
I-Class7
8I-Class
Getting Started
2.0Unpacking the Printer
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if evident, immediately notify the
shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.
The printer has been carefully packaged to avoid damage during transit. In order
to operate the printer, you will need to remove the tape and foam placed there
for shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or
attempting to load media.
Œ With the arrow on the box pointing up,
open the box.
• Remove Accessories Box.
Ž Tilt the printer on its side and slide the
printer out of its box.
• Place the printer in an upright position
and remove the packing foam, plastic
bag, and tape.
þ Note: It is a good idea to save the carton and packaging materials in the
event that future shipment is required.
I-Class9
2.0.1Inspection
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents of
the package. In addition to this manual, the following items should be included:
Ø Printer
Ø Power Cord
Ø Accessories CD
Ø Any special or additionally
purchased items.
2.0.2Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary to produce labels. Contact your dealer or a
customer support representative for advice on which media and software may
best suit your needs.
Ø A serial or parallel interface cable; see Section 3.0.1
Ø Applicable media; see Section 2.1 for suggestions and Section 7.1 for
requirements.
Ø Applicable software
10I-Class
2.1Media and Ribbon Selection
The following is a limited overview of media characteristics. For complete
information and advice regarding your specific application needs, always
consult a qualified media specialist or a Datamax Media Representative.
Media Selection – Direct ThermalConsider three important factors when selecting direct thermal stock:
•The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer
of the paper.
•The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when
the image is “burned”.
•The amount of heat required to create an image on the paper.
Media Selection – Thermal TransferConsider three important factors when selecting thermal transfer media
combinations:
• The label top coating and ribbon combinations affect image quality.
• Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended. It provides protection for the
printhead, and may also provide an anti-static coating.
•For additional printhead protection, use ribbon with a slightly greater width
than the overall width of the label and backing material.
2.1.1Print Quality Controls
The printer provides flexibility with a comprehensive set of print controls. Of
these, the amount of heat applied by the printhead and the rate of media
movement will have the most effect on the printed images. Low cost direct
thermal stocks, for example, have raised reaction temperatures and therefore
require higher heat values and slower print speeds to make a clear image on the
media. In general, there are three standard methods to control print quality:
•The first method is to select the ‘Media Type’ menu setting that matches the
media being used. For example, when printing with ribbon use the thermal
transfer setting.
•The second method is to change the ‘Print Control / Heat’ menu setting
(also selectable as ‘Heat Setting’ in most labeling software programs).
Increasing this value causes more energy to be transferred to the media,
I-Class11
resulting in a darker image. Conversely, if the image is too dark, reduce this
value.
•The final method is to change the ‘Print Control / Print Speed’ menu setting
(also selectable as ‘Print Speed’ in most software programs). Changing the
print speed changes the amount of time the media is under the printhead.
Slower speeds allow more time and control for energy transfer, while faster
speeds will increase throughput, but may require higher heat settings.
þ Note: Heat and Speed settings can be overridden by host software
commands.
You will find that printing barcodes and detailed images on less expensive direct
thermal and thermal transfer media at higher speeds can be tricky. At one heat
setting, the images will fade and at the next higher heat setting, the images will
bleed. This is because the reaction temperature of the media is so high that at
higher rates of speed, it cannot react fast enough. To print fine images at higher
speed, media with lower reaction or release temperatures are required. On the
slower end of the print rate settings, crisper images are possible because the
media is not being stretched beyond its limits.
The following table is intended for reference only (for specific application
information, consult your media specialist or a Datamax Media Representative).
Direct Thermal Media TypePrint Speed*Print Energy
Fasson 300 HD Direct Thermal Facesheet
Fasson 300 MD Direct Thermal Facesheet
Thermal Transfer
Media Type
Ribbon
Type
Great Label TTLGPR Plus
10-12**
Print
Speed*
Print
Energy
10-12**MediumMedium
Medium
Image
Durability
MaxWax
IIMAK Versamark
Coated Paper,
Wax 2 - 10LowLow
Uncoated Paper, Tag
Stock, Some Films,
Some Synthetics
Coated Paper, Glossy
Wax/Resin2 - 8MediumHigh
Paper, Tag Stock,
Some Synthetics, FilmsSynthetics, FilmsResin4 - 6HighHigh
*Values given in inches per second (IPS)
**Highly recommended for optimum print quality at speeds above 10 IPS.
12I-Class
+
Setting Up the Printer
3.0Installation
This section explains how to connect the printer, and load it with media and
ribbon.
þ Note: When connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the printer,
ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.
Œ Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
• Turn ‘Off’ the Host Computer and ensure that the Power Switch on the
Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.
Ž Depending upon your interfacing requirements, connect the appropriate
interface cable between Host Computer and Printer; see Section 3.0.1.
• Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer,
and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The
power supply automatically detects and then adjusts to the applied line
voltage; see Section 7.0 for the acceptable voltage ranges.)
If connecting the printer to a network or USB port, refer to the additional
documentation supplied with that option.
I-Class13
3.0.1Communications
Using a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automatically in the
printer. At power-up, the printer begins monitoring the interface ports for
activity. When the host transmits data, the printer port detecting this data is set
‘active’ and remains active as long as data flow continues. Once the incoming
(received) data flow stops and the Host Timeout Value (see Section 4.1.6) is
exceeded, the detection process will be repeated. In addition, should the data
flow stop before a complete label format is received, the format will be ignored
and must be sent to the printer again.
þ Note: To change an active port immediately, cycle the printer power ‘Off’
and ‘On’.
Parallel Port:
The parallel interface has two menu-selectable modes of operation: unidirectional or bi-directional. Uni-directional mode is forward channel
communication and requires a Centronics cable with a 36 pin male connector.
Bi-directional mode is IEEE 1284 Compliant, using forward and reverse channel
communications. In this mode, data can be sent to the host provided it is also
IEEE 1284 Compliant and has supporting software. This mode requires an IEEE
1284 cable with a Centronics 36 pin male connector.
Serial Port:
The serial interface supports RS-232C and, if equipped, RS-422
communications. The following list of serial port settings is menu-selectable and
must match the host computer’s serial port settings; see Section 4.1.6.
• Baud Rate (serial communication speed)
• Word Length
• Word Parity
• Number of Stop Bits
• Handshaking Protocol
In addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must have
specific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the host
and printer. The different serial cable pin-outs, suggested applications, and part
numbers are in the following table (contact your reseller for ordering
information).
14I-Class
Serial Interface Cable Listing (all models, except as noted)
Null Modem (MXM)“PC” (DB9P) to Printer
Part Number 556000Part Number 556001
For connection to other DCE equipment.
Flow control is only Xon/Xoff.
For connection to a PC compatible with
DB9P communication ports. Flow control
can be either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR.
“PC” (DB25P) to PrinterRS-422 Connection
*
Part Number 556002Part Number N/A
For connection to a PC compatible with
DB25 communication ports. Flow control
can be either Xon/Xoff or CTS/DTR.
Diagram only provided for reference.
*
Not available for the I-4206 and I-4208.
NIC Adapter (optional):
The NIC Adapter has several menu-selectable
modes; see Section 4.1.6 for details. Refer to the
information provided with the option for
connection requirements and detailed operational
instructions. The Status Indicators, viewable from
the back of the printer, provide a quick operational
check.
Normal Operating Conditions:
Green LED – indicates the operating
condition. Upon power-up, the LED is ‘On’
indicating that the NIC Adapter is performing
self-tests. The LED may also be ‘On’ when
awaiting a print job.
I-Class15
When finished with the self-tests, the LED blinks, and may blink again after
printer initialization is completed.
Amber LED – generally indicates job activity. When receiving print jobs
over the network, the amber LED blinks; it remains ‘Off’ during inactivity.
Error Conditions:
Combinations of blinking LEDs – 1 to 7 amber blinks followed by 1 to 12
green blinks – indicate various hardware failures. See the DMXNetResource Manual for more information.
þ Note: Following power-up the printer may indicate ‘READY.’ However, the
NIC Adapter will NOT be able to receive data until its boot-up process
(as denoted by the message ‘DMXNET INITIALIZING’) is complete.
This process may take up to two minutes.
USB Port (optional):
The USB Interface is supported under Windows95/98/2000/ME/XP.
Depending upon the operating system of your host computer, installation may
differ slightly. Consult the additional documentation supplied with this option
for detailed information.
The USB Port is plug and play and operates transparently within the printer;
there are no menu-selectable settings or modes.
The USB Port is a device-end only printer connection. Never
connect a keyboard, mouse, modem, etc. into this port. Damage
WARNING
can result.
16I-Class
3.1Loading Media
Begin loading as follows:
Œ Raise the Access Cover.
• Rotate the Printhead Latch forward and raise the Printhead Assembly.
Ž Slide the Media Guide out away from the frame and then lower it to the
down position.
• If using roll media, the Media Hub can accept 3.0-inch (76mm) and 1.5-
inch (38mm) cores. To use 1.5-inch cores, first slide off the 3 Inch Hub by
grasping and then pulling it firmly outward.
• Proceed according to the type of media you are using: go to Section 3.1.1
for Roll Media or go to Section 3.1.2 for Fan-Fold Media.
I-Class17
+
3.1.1 Roll Media
This loading method is for roll type media applications. To load:
Œ Slide the Roll Media
onto the Media Hub
until it rests against the
Backstop.
• Route the media as
shown: under the
Media Idler, through
the Media Sensor, then
out the front of the
printer.
Ž Raise and slide the
Media Guide over until
it rests lightly against the edge of the media.
• Position the Media Sensor; see Section 3.2.
• If your application uses thermal transfer media, load ribbon (see Section
3.3); otherwise continue.
‘ Lower the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely
back into the locked position. Close the Access Cover.
’ Turn ‘On’ the printer. After ‘Ready is displayed, press and hold the FEED
Key until at least one label gap or mark is advanced; see Section 3.4.
If using less than full width media, adjust the Leveling Cam; see
Section 5.1.1.
18I-Class
+
3.1.2 Fan-Fold Media
This loading method is for tag and fan-fold type media applications. To load:
Œ Bring the media in through the Bottom or the Rear Media Slot. (If using
reflective stock, ensure that the mark is facedown.)
• Depending upon the entry point, route the media as shown: if through the
Rear Media Slot, route the media over the Media Hub; or, if through the
Bottom Media Slot, route the media over the Media Rewind Hub.
Ž Continue routing the media under the Media Idler, through the Media
Sensor and out the front of the printer.
• Raise and slide the Media Guide over until it rests lightly against the edge
of the media.
• Position the Media Sensor; see Section 3.2.
‘ If your application uses thermal transfer media, load ribbon (see Section
3.3); otherwise continue.
’ Lower the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely
back into the locked position. Close the Access Cover.
“ Turn ‘On’ the printer. After ‘Ready is displayed, press and hold the FEED
Key until at least one label gap or mark is advanced; see Section 3.4.
If using less than full width media, adjust the Leveling Cam; see
Section 5.1.1.
I-Class19
*
3.2Media Sensor Adjustment
The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect the
presence of media and the top-of-form (except for continuous stock, where the
TOF is set through programming; see Label Length, Section 4.1.2). To adjust:
Œ With media loaded, as described in Section 3.1.1 or 3.1.2, grasp the Slide
Tab and move the Sensor Eye Mark into position over media according to
the table below.
• If loading media, return to the media loading instructions.
Media Sensor Selection and Adjustment
Media TypeSensor Eye Mark PositionSensing Required
Die-cutNear the middle of the labelGap
NotchedCentered over the notchGap
ReflectiveCentered over the black markReflective
ContinuousNear the middle of the mediaContinuous
*
See Section 4.1.2 for Sensor Type selection.
þ Note: Changes to the start of print position can be made using the Print
Control/Row Adjust or Row Offset (see Section 4.1.3).
20I-Class
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