Zebra
170PAX3
User’s Guide
™
-Series
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the
information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to third parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All specifications and signs
are subject to change without notice.
FCC Compliance Statement
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 manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
In order to insure compliance, this print engine must be used with a Shielded Power Cord and Shielded Communication Cables.
“The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.”
Canadian DOC Compliance Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out
in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Liability Disclaimer
Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that its published Engineering Specifications and Manuals
are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors
and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
No Liability for Consequential Damage
In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery
of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other
pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to
you.
Copyrights
The copyrights in this manual and the label print engine described therein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label print engine
may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may
be subject to civil liability.
Zebra 170PA X ™, 172PA X ™, 173PA X ™, ZebraNet™, ProPlus™, Platinum™, and Z-Tools™ are trademarks and
®
, ZPL II®, and BAR-ONE® are registered trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
ZPL
®
Centronics
®
IBM
© 2000 Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation.
is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................... 5
Zebra 170PAX3 Print Engine .......................................................................................5
Getting Started ..............................................................................................................5
Print Engine Mounting..................................................................................................5
Communications ...........................................................................................................6
Print Engine Power .......................................................................................................6
Media & Ribbon Loading......................................................................... 9
Ribbon Loading ..........................................................................................................11
Right Hand Units ........................................................................................................11
Left Hand Units ..........................................................................................................12
Removing Used Ribbon..............................................................................................13
Media Sensor Position............................................................................. 15
Reflective Media Sensor.............................................................................................15
Transmissive Media Sensor ........................................................................................15
Print Engine Operation .......................................................................... 17
Power On/Off Switch..................................................................................................17
Control Panel Keys .....................................................................................................17
Liquid Crystal Display................................................................................................18
Control Panel Indicator LEDs.....................................................................................19
Configuration & Calibration.................................................................. 21
Entering the Setup Mode ............................................................................................21
Changing Password-Protected Parameter ..................................................................21
Leaving the Setup Mode .............................................................................................22
Configuration and Calibration Sequence....................................................................23
Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration........................................................................27
Media and Ribbon Calibration Procedure ..................................................................28
Setting Communication Parameters............................................................................29
Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters..................................................................31
Selecting ZPL Mode ...................................................................................................32
Power-Up and Head Close Parameters .......................................................................33
Label Positioning Parameters .....................................................................................34
Printing Controls.........................................................................................................36
Sensor Values .............................................................................................................38
Care & Adjustments ............................................................................... 43
Cleaning ......................................................................................................................43
Toggle Positioning......................................................................................................46
Printhead Pressure Adjustment...................................................................................46
1
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................... 49
Power On Self Test .....................................................................................................49
Power On Troubleshooting.........................................................................................50
Print Engine Troubleshooting.....................................................................................50
Print Engine Self Tests ...............................................................................................54
CANCEL Key Self Test .............................................................................................55
PAUSE Key Self Test.................................................................................................56
FEED Key Self Test ...................................................................................................57
FEED Key and PAUSE Key.......................................................................................58
Communications Diagnostics Test .............................................................................59
Options......................................................................................................61
Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM) ....................................................................61
Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association
(PCMCIA) Memory Card...........................................................................................61
Communication Interfaces..........................................................................................61
ZebraNet™ PrintServer II...........................................................................................61
Print Engine Specifications.....................................................................63
Printing Considerations...............................................................................................63
Print Speeds ................................................................................................................63
Media Specifications...................................................................................................63
Ribbon Specifications .................................................................................................64
Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) .....................................................................64
Bar Codes....................................................................................................................64
Communication Specifications ...................................................................................65
Standard Print Engine Fonts .......................................................................................65
Memory.......................................................................................................................66
Physical Dimensions...................................................................................................67
Electrical Specifications .............................................................................................67
Fuses ...........................................................................................................................67
Environmental Operating Range ................................................................................67
Appendix A...............................................................................................69
AC Power Cord Requirements ...................................................................................69
Power Fuse Replacement............................................................................................70
Shipping ......................................................................................................................71
Appendix B...............................................................................................73
Print Engine Communications Interface Technical Information ................................73
RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 Serial Data Port ...................................................................74
Centronics-Compatible Parallel Data Port..................................................................77
Cabling Requirements.................................................................................................78
Applicator Interface Connector...................................................................................78
Appendix C...............................................................................................81
ASCII Code Chart.......................................................................................................81
2
Appendix D .............................................................................................. 83
Adjusting Darkness For “In-Spec” Bar Codes ...........................................................83
Appendix E............................................................................................... 85
Installation Information ..............................................................................................85
Glossary.................................................................................................... 89
3
4
Introduction
Congratulations! You have just purchased a high-quality thermal demand print engine
manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value. For over 30 years,
Zebra Technologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber of
products and support.
To create and print label formats, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I & II
(part #s 45541L and 45542L). This guide is available by contacting your distributor or
Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is also available as a file to download from Zebra’s
web site “www.support.zebra.com”. In addition, label preparation software is available.
Contact your distributor or Zebra Technologies Corporation for further information.
The Zebra 170PAX™-Series Maintenance Manual (part # 49803L) contains the infor-
mation you may need to properly maintain the print engine.
Zebra 170PAX3 Print Engine
This user’s guide contains information specific to the 172PAX3 (203 dot/inch) and the
173PAX3 (300 dot/inch) print engines manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corpora-
tion. Each of these print engines comes in either a right hand configuration (media
moves from left to right) or a left hand configuration (media moves from right to left.)
Getting Started
Unpacking
Save the carton and all packing materials in case shipping is required.
Inspect the print engine for possible shipping damage:
• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.
• Raise the front cover and inspect for damage
If you discover shipping damage:
• Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report.
• Retain the carton and all packing material for inspection.
• Notify your local Zebra distributor of the damage.
Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during
shipment of the print engine and will not cover the repair of this damage under its warranty policy. Any damage claim should be filed with the shipping company.
For shipping information, refer to “Appendix A” on page 69.
Print Engine Mounting
For specific information on mounting the print engine into an applicator, refer to
“Appendix E” on page 85.
5
Communications
Refer to Figure 1 on page 7. The 170PAX3™-Series print engine comes standard with
both an Electronics Industries Association (EIA) RS-232 serial interface (DB-25 Connector) and an IEEE 1284 Centronics®-compatible parallel interface. The serial interface is also configured for both RS-422/RS-485 single drop and RS-485 multi-drop
serial interfaces.
Any of these four interface methods may be used to send commands and label formats
from a host to the print engine. Print engine status can be sent back to the host by RS232, RS-422, RS-485 and parallel interfaces.
A DB-15 Applicator Interface Connector provides communication between the print
engine and the associated applicator hardware. In some applications, control signal timing may be a critical element in the performance of the print engine. Refer to “Appendix
B” on page 73 for control signal descriptions.
WARNING! Connecting a data communications cable while the power is ON may
damage the PAX3 print engine.
NOTE: You must supply the interface cables for your applicator hardware. Refer to
“Appendix B” on page 73 for specific cable requirements.
Print Engine Power
The Power Supply in the PAX3-Series print engine automatically detects the applied
line voltage and works in the 90 to 264 VAC, 48 to 62 Hz range.
Refer to Figure 1 on page 7. The AC Power Cord must have an IEC230 connector on
one end which plugs into the mating connector at the rear of the print engine. If a power
cable was not included with your print engine, refer to “Appendix A” on page 69.
WARNING! For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug
with an earth ground connection to the AC Power Source.
Refer to Figure 7 on page 18 and insure that the front panel AC Power ON/OFF Switch
is in the OFF (O) position before connecting the AC Power cord to a nearby electrical
outlet.
6
DB-15 APPLICATOR
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
AC POWER
CONNECTOR
DB-25 SERIAL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
PARALLEL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DB-15 APPLICATOR
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
PARALLEL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
DB-25 SERIAL
INTERFACE
CONNECTOR
AC POWER
CONNECTOR
LEFT HAND PAX PRINT ENGINE
RIGHT HAND PAX PRINT ENGINE
Figure 1. Cable Connections
7
8
Media & Ribbon Loading
If you have a right hand print engine (printed labels are presented on the right hand side
of the unit), refer to Figure 2 while performing the procedure shown below. If you have
a left hand unit (printed labels are presented on the left hand side of the unit), refer to
Figure 3 on page 10.
1. Load the media on the media supply reel of the applicator (refer to the applicator’s
user’s manual).
2. Grasp the thumb nut (A) and slide the outer media edge guide (B) as far out from
the print engine frame as possible. (The thumb nut does not have to be loosened.)
3. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the printhead lock lever (D) from
the locking pin (E).
4. Raise the pinch roller (F) by pressing down on the pinch roller assembly latch (G).
Thread the media under the upper guide post (H), between the pinch roller and the
associated rubber pinch roller, and under the printhead assembly (C) until approximately 30" (75 cm) of media extends out of the print engine.
DETAIL
OPEN
OPEN
H
G
D
E
J
K
L
MEDIA
PATH
MEDIA
BACKING
M
C
F
IB
A
SEE DETAIL
Figure 2. Media Loading (Right-Hand Units)
LABEL
9
5. Ensure the media is aligned within the print path then close the printhead assembly
(C) by rotating the printhead lock lever (D) until it latches onto the locking pin (E).
6. Secure the pinch roller (F) in position by pressing down on the top of the pinch
roller latch (G) until the assembly snaps closed.
7. Position the outer media edge guide (B) so it just touches the outer edge of the media.
8. Raise the peel roller latch (I) and the peel roller assembly (J) will pivot down to a
vertical position.
9. Thread the backing material around the peel bar (K), under the platen roller (L), and
through the peel roller assembly (J). (See DETAIL.)
NOTE: If the applicator has an air tube, route the media between the air tube and the
peel bar. Do not thread the media over this tube!
J
DETAIL
E
OPEN
D
OPEN
G
H
K
L
10
LABEL
C
SEE DETAIL
I
B
A
Figure 3. Media Loading (Left-Hand Units)
MEDIA
PATH
MEDIA
F
M
BACKING
10. Rotate the peel roller assembly (J) up until it latches closed.
11. Thread the backing material under the lower guide post (M) and around the take-up
spindle of the applicator (refer to the applicator’s user’s manual).
Ribbon Loading
To load ribbon, refer to Figure 4 on page 12 (for right-hand units) or Figure 5 on
page 13 (for left-hand units).
NOTE: Do not load ribbon if the print engine is to be used in the direct thermal
mode.
CAUTION: When installing the ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle, make
sure to push the ribbon roll against the stop with the ribbon aligned squarely with
its core. Do not use ribbon narrower than the media. If the printhead is not protected by the smooth backing of the ribbon, premature printhead failure may
result due to excessive abrasion.
Right Hand Units
1. Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle (N) as far as it will go, so the ribbon
feeds as shown in Figure 4 on page 12.
2. Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take-up spindle (O).
3. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the print- head lock lever (D) from
the locking pin (E).
4. Thread the ribbon below the lower ribbon guide roller (P), under the printhead
assembly (C), and up and over the upper ribbon guide roller (Q) as shown in Figure
4. Use caution not to crease or wrinkle the ribbon!
5. Attach the ribbon to the take-up spindle core (use a label if needed) and wind for
several turns in the direction shown in Figure 4.
6. Close the printhead assembly (C) by latching the printhead lock lever (D) onto the
locking pin (E).
7. Insure the ribbon is located between the Ribbon Sensor and the Sensor Reflector
positioned above it.
11
PREVIOUS
NEXT
SETUP/EXIT
DATA POWERERRORRIBBONME DIAPAUSE
PAUS E
CANCEL
FEED
CALIBRATE
N
O
Q
OPEN
P
D
C
E
Figure 4. Ribbon Loading (Right-Hand Units)
Left Hand Units
1. Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle (N) as far as it will go, so the ribbon
feeds as shown in Figure 5 on page 13.
12
2. Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take-up spindle (O).
3. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the print- head lock lever (D) from
the locking pin (E).
4. Thread the ribbon below the lower ribbon guide roller (P), under the printhead
assembly (C), and up and over the upper ribbon guide roller (Q) as shown in
Figure 5. Use caution not to crease or wrinkle the ribbon!
5. Attach the ribbon to the take-up spindle core (use a label if needed) and wind for
several turns in the direction shown in Figure 5.
6. Close the printhead assembly (C) by latching the printhead lock lever (D) onto the
locking pin (E).
7. Insure the ribbon is located between the Ribbon Sensor and the Sensor Reflector
positioned above it.
PREVIOUS
NEXT
SETUP/EXIT
DATA POWERERRORRIBBONMEDIAPAUS E
PAUSE
CANCEL
FEED
CALIBRATE
Q
D
OPEN
C
E
Figure 5. Ribbon Loading (Left-Hand Units)
Removing Used Ribbon
To remove used ribbon:
O
N
P
1. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the lock lever (D) from the locking pin (E).
2. Remove the ribbon between the upper ribbon guide roller (Q) and the ribbon takeup spindle (O).
3. Remove the used ribbon and the core together from the ribbon take-up spindle (O).
4. Remove the empty ribbon core from the ribbon supply spindle (N). This empty rib-
bon core can be saved to use for loading new ribbon.
5. To load the new ribbon, refer to the “Ribbon Loading” on page 11.
13
14
Media Sensor Position
Reflective Media Sensor
Some types of media have black marks printed on the underside of the backing material
that act as “Start of Label” indicators. These black marks are sensed by the reflective
media sensor mounted to the lead screaw. The position of this sensor is not adjustable.
If you are using this type of media, refer to the “Print Engine Specifications” on page 63
of this guide for information about black mark requirements.
Transmissive Media Sensor
The transmissive media sensor identifies “start of label” indicators such as a notch or
hole in the media or an interlabel gap (backing only) between labels. This sensor consists of a light source (positioned below the media) and a light sensor (positioned above
the media). To properly align the position of this sensor, refer to Figure 6 and turn the
adjustment knob (S) on the media guide shelf assembly until the sensor (T) is aligned
with the notch or hole in the media. If your media uses an interlabel gap, position the
media sensor approximately at the center of the media width.
T
S
Figure 6. Media Sensor Adjustment (Right-Hand Unit Shown)
15
16
Print Engine Operation
Power On/Off Switch
The Power On/Off Switch is located just to the left (or right) of the print engine’s control panel (see Figure 7 on page 18). When this switch is placed in the ON (1) position,
the POWER light goes ON and the print engine automatically performs a Power On
Self Test (POST). The Liquid Crystal Display validates the steps in the self test.
NOTE: Refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 49 if the print engine stops due to failing
a test in the Power On Self Test.
Control Panel Keys
Refer to Figure 7 on page 18. Specific uses of these keys are explained with each
parameter setting description in “Configuration & Calibration” on page 21.
Table 1: Control Panel Key Description
Key Function
Starts and stops the printing process.
• If the print engine is not printing: no printing can occur.
• If the print engine is printing: printing stops once the current label is complete.
Press to remove error messages from the display.
NOTE: Pause mode can also be activated via ZPL II (~PP, ^PP).
Forces the print engine to feed one blank label each time the key is pressed.
• Print engine not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.
• Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete.
NOTE: Equivalent to the Slew to Home Position (~PH, ^PH) ZPL II instruction.
When in the pause mode, this key will cancel print jobs.
• Print job in queue: press once for each print job to be deleted.
• Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in the print engine’s memory. The DATA
light will turn off.
When in Pause mode, this key will calibrate the print engine for:
• Media length.
• Media type (continuous or non-continuous).
• Print mode (direct thermal or thermal transfer).
• Sensor values.
NOTE: The keys below are used only when configuring the print engine. Specific uses of these keys are explained in
“Configuration & Calibration” on page 21.
17
Table 1: Control Panel Key Description (Continued)
Key Function
• Scrolls back to the previous parameter.
• Press and hold to quickly go backward through parameter sets.
• Scrolls forward to the next parameter. (Saves any changes you’ve made in the
configuration and calibration sequence.)
• Press and hold to quickly advance through parameter sets.
Enters and exits the configuration mode.
These keys change the parameter values. They are used in different ways depending on the parameter
displayed. Common uses are: to increase/decrease a value, answer “yes” or “no,” indicate “on” or “off,”
scroll through several choices, input the password, or set up the print engine for a firmware download.
.
Figure 7. Control Panel (Right-Hand Unit)
Liquid Crystal Display
18
The control panel shown in Figure 7 contains a backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
It shows operational status as well as programming modes and feature parameters.
Control Panel Indicator LEDs
LEDs on the front panel are a quick indication of the print engine’s status (see Figure 7
on page 18).
Table 2: Control Panel LED Description
LED Status Indication
POWER Off The print engine is off or power is not applied.
On The print engine is on.
ERROR Off Normal operation — no print engine errors.
Flashing A print engine error exists. Check the display screen for more information.
RIBBON Off Normal operation — ribbon (if used) is properly loaded.
On Printing is paused, the front panel displays a warning message, and the PAUSE light is
on.
• If the print engine is in direct thermal mode: Ribbon is loaded.
• If the print engine is in thermal transfer mode: No ribbon is loaded.
MEDIA Off Normal operation — media is properly loaded.
On No media is under the media sensor. Printing is paused, the display shows an error mes-
sage, and the PAUSE light is on.
DATA Off Normal operation. No data being received or processed.
On Data processing or printing is taking place. No data is being received.
Flashing The print engine is receiving data from or sending status information to the host com-
puter. Flashing slows when the print engine cannot accept more data, but returns to normal once data is again being received.
PAUSE Off Normal operation.
On The print engine has stopped all printing operations. Either the PAUSE key was
pressed, a pause command was included in the label format, the on-line verifier detected
an error, or a print engine error was detected. Refer to the display screen for more information.
19
20
Configuration & Calibration
After you have installed the media and ribbon and the power-on self test (POST) is
complete, the front panel display will show “PRINTER READY.” (If the print engine
fails its POST, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 49) You may now set print engine
parameters for your application using the control panel. Not all choices pertain to all
applications. Choose only those settings that apply to your particular application
NOTE: Print Engines that are operating on an IP network can be quickly configured
via ZebraNetâ WebViewä (optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required). For information, refer to ZebraNet Networking: PrintServer II Installation and User’s Guide
If it becomes necessary to restore the initial print engine defaults, see “FEED Key and
PAUSE Key” on page 58.
Entering the Setup Mode
To enter the programming mode, press the SETUP/EXIT key. Press either the NEXT/
SAVE key or PREVIOUS key to scroll to the parameter you wish to set.
NOTE: You may also press and hold the NEXT/SAVE and PREVIOUS keys to
quickly advance through the configuration parameters.
Parameters in this section are shown in the order displayed when pressing the NEXT/
SAVE key. Throughout this process, press the NEXT/SAVE key to continue to the next
parameter, or press the PREVIOUS key to return to the previous parameter in the cycle.
An asterisk (*) in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates that the value displayed is different than the currently stored value.
Changing Password-Protected Parameter
Certain parameters are password-protected by factory default.
CAUTION: Do not change password-protected parameters unless you are sure
you know what you are doing! If they are set incorrectly, these parameters could
cause the print engine to function in an unpredictable way.
The first attempt to change one of these parameters (pressing one of the BLACK OVAL
keys) will require you to enter a four-digit password. This is done via the “ENTER
PASSWORD” display. The LEFT BLACK OVAL key changes the selected digit position. The RIGHT BLACK OVAL key increases the selected digit value. After entering
the password, press the NEXT/SAVE key. The parameter you wish to change will be
displayed. If the password was entered correctly, you can now change the value.
21
The default password value is 1234. The password can be changed using the ^KP
(Define Password) ZPL II instruction.
NOTE: Once the password has been entered correctly, it will not have to be entered
again unless you leave and re-enter the programming mode using the SETUP/EXIT
key.
NOTE: You can disable the password protection feature so that it no longer prompts
you for a password by setting the password to ØØØØ via the ^KPØ ZPL/ZPL II
command. To re-enable the password-protection feature, send the ZPL/ZPL II command ^KPx, where “x” can be any number, one to four digits in length,
except Ø.
Leaving the Setup Mode
You can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP/EXIT key. The
“SAVE CHANGES” display will appear. There are five choices, described below.
Pressing the LEFT or RIGHT BLACK OVAL key displays other choices and pressing
the NEXT/SAVE key selects the displayed choice.
• PERMANENT - Permanently saves the changes. Values are stored in the print
engine even when power is turned off.
• TEMPORARY - Saves the changes until changed again or until power is turned
off.
• CANCEL - Cancels all changes since pressing the SETUP/EXIT key except the
darkness and tear-off settings (if they were changed).
• LOAD DEFAULTS - Loads factory defaults. The factory defaults are shown on
the following pages.
NOTE: Loading factory defaults will require print engine calibration.
• LOAD LAST SAVE - Loads values from the last permanent save.
22
Configuration and Calibration Sequence
Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
--- PRINTER READY Normal print engine operation.
DARKNESS Adjusting Print Darkness Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase
darkness. Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to decrease darkness.
Default: +10
Range: 0 to +30
Darkness settings are dependent upon a variety of factors including ribbon type,
media, and the condition of the printhead. You may adjust the darkness for consistent high-quality printing.
If printing is too light, or if there are voids in printed areas, you should increase
the darkness. If printing is too dark, or if there is spreading or bleeding of
printed areas, you should decrease the darkness.
The FEED key self test can also be used to determine the best darkness setting.
Since the darkness setting takes effect immediately, you can see the results on
labels that are currently printing.
CAUTION: Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print
quality. Darkness set too high may cause ink smearing and/or it may burn
through the ribbon.
Darkness settings may also be changed by the driver or software settings.
TEAR OFF Adjusting the Tear-Off Position Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to
increase the value, press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to decrease the value.
Each press of the key adjust the tear-off position by four dot rows.
Default: +0
Range: -120 to +120
This parameter establishes the position of the media over the tear-off/peel-off
bar after printing. The label and backing can be torn off or cut between labels.
PRINT MODE Selecting Print Mode Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to dis-
play other choices.
Default: Tear-off
Selections: Tear-off, rewind, applicator
“Applicator” is the recommended mode for an applicator.
23
Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description (Continued)
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
MEDIA TYPE Setting Media Type Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to display
other choices.
Default: Continuous
Selections: Continuous, non-continuous
This parameter tells the print engine the type of media you are using. Selecting
continuous media requires that you include a label length instruction in your
label format (^LLxxxx if you are using ZPL or ZPL II).
When non-continuous media is selected, the print engine feeds media to calculate label length (the distance between two detections of the inter-label gap,
webbing, or alignment notch or hole).
“Non-continuous” is the recommended mode for an applicator
SENSOR TYPE Setting the Sensor Type Press RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to display
other choices.
Default: Web
Selections: Web, mark
This parameter tells the print engine whether you are using media with a web
(gap/space between labels, notch, or hole) to indicate the separations between
labels or if you are using media with a black mark printed on the back. If your
media does not have black marks on the back, leave your print engine at the
default (web).
PRINT METHOD Setting the Print Method Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key for the next
value, press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key for the previous value.
Default: Thermal transfer
Selections: Thermal transfer, direct thermal
The print method parameter tells the print engine the method of printing you
wish to use: direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (using thermal transfer media and ribbon).
NOTE: Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media and
ribbon creates a warning condition, but printing will continue.
PRINT WIDTH Setting Print Width Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase the
value, press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to decrease the value. To change the
unit of measure, press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key until the unit of measure is
active, then press the RIGTH BLACK OVAL key to toggle to a different unit of
measure (inches, mm, or dots).
Default: 6.62” (168 mm)
Range: 1 dot (1/8 mm or 1/12 mm) to 6.62” (168 mm)
24
Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description (Continued)
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
MAXIMUM LENGTH Setting Maximum Length Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase
the value, press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to decrease the value.
Default: 39.0” (988 mm)
Range: 2.0” (50 mm) to 39.0” (988 mm) in 1.0” (25.4 mm) increments
Maximum length is used in conjunction with the calibration procedure. The
value of this setting determines the maximum label length that will be used during the media portion of the calibration process. The maximum length is the distance from the leading edge of one label to the leading edge of the next label.
The interlabel gap is considered part of the label length.
Only a few labels are required to set media sensors. Always set the value that is
closest to, but not lower than, the length of the label you are using. For example,
if the length of the label is 14.5 inches (368 mm), set the parameter for 15.0
inches (381 mm).
LIST FONTS List Fonts Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all of the
available fonts.
This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available
in the print engine, including standard print engine fonts plus any optional fonts.
Fonts may be stored in RAM, FLASH memory, font EPROMS, or font cards.
LIST BAR CODES List Bar Codes Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all
of the available bar codes.
This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the bar codes currently
available in the print engine
LIST IMAGES List Images Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all of
the available images.
This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the images currently stored
in the print engine’s RAM, FLASH memory, optional EPROMS, or font cards.
LIST FORMATS List Formats Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all of
the available formats.
This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the formats currently stored
in the print engine’s RAM, FLASH memory, optional EPROMS, or font cards.
LIST SETUP List Images Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing the
current print engine configuration.
This selection is used to print a label that lists the current print engine configuration. (Same as CANCEL key self test.)
LIST ALL List Images Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all of
the available fonts, bar codes, images, formats, and the current print engine configuration.
This selection is used to print a label that lists the five previous selections as
described.
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Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description (Continued)
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
INITIALIZE CARD
Initialize Memory Card
CAUTION: Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all
previously stored information from the optional memory card. Press the
NEXT/SAVE key to bypass this function.
1. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
If your print engine is set to require a password, you will now be prompted
to enter the password. enter the password and then press the NEXT/SAVE
key.
2. The display will ask “INITIALIZE CARD?”. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
3. The control panel LCD will ask “ARE YOU SURE?”.
4. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
or
Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to select “NO” cancel the request and
return to the “INITIALIZE CARD” prompt.
5. Press the SETUP/EXIT key followed by the NEXT/SAVE key. If initialization is still in process, the control panel display will flash back and forth
between the two phrases “CHECKING B: MEMORY” and “PRINTER
IDLE.”
When initialization is complete, the print engine will automatically exit the
configuration mode and the control panel will display “PRINTER
READY.”
NOTE: Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card, initialization may take up to five minutes to complete.
26
Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description (Continued)
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
INIT FLASH
Initialize Flash
CAUTION: Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all
previously stored information from the FLASH memory. Press the NEXT/
SAVE key to bypass this function.
1. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
If your print engine is set to require a password, you will now be prompted
to enter the password. enter the password and then press the NEXT/SAVE
key.
2. The display will ask “INITIALIZE FLASH?”. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
3. The control panel LCD will ask “ARE YOU SURE?”.
4. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to select “YES.”
or
Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to select “NO” cancel the request and
return to the “INITIALIZE FLASH” prompt.
5. Press the SETUP/EXIT key followed by the NEXT/SAVE key. If initialization is still in process, the control panel display will flash back and forth
between the two phrases “CHECKING E: MEMORY” and “PRINTER
IDLE.”
When initialization is complete, the print engine will automatically exit the
configuration mode and the control panel will display “PRINTER
READY.”
NOTE: Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory, initialization
may take up to one minute to complete.
Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration
Before you begin this procedure, make sure that the maximum length is set to a value equal to or greater than the length of
the labels you are using. If the maximum length is set to a lower value, the calibration process will assume that continuous
media is in the print engine. See “MAXIMUM LENGTH” on page 25 for more information.
1. Standard Calibration. Pressing the CALIBRATE key on the print engine’s control panel causes the print engine to
feed media and ribbon and set the values it detects for media, media backing material (the spaces between labels),
media out, and ribbon or no ribbon (which determines the print mode - thermal transfer or direct thermal). This type of
calibration also occurs as part of the sensor profile and media and ribbon calibration procedures.
2. Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity Calibration. Performing the media and ribbon calibration procedure first
resets the sensitivity of the sensors to better detect the media and ribbon you are using. With the sensors at their new
sensitivity, the print engine then performs the standard calibration described above. Changing the type of ribbon and/
or media may require resetting the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors. Indications that the sensitivity may
need to be reset would be a CHECK RIBBON light on with the ribbon properly installed or non-continuous media
being treated as continuous media.
27
Table 3: Configuration and Calibration Description (Continued)
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
SENSOR PROFILE Sensor Profile Press NEXT/SAVE to skip this standard calibration procedure
and continue with the media and ribbon calibration parameter which follows.
Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to initiate this standard calibration procedure and print a media sensor profile.
See Figure 8. The media sensor profile may be used to troubleshoot registration
problems that may be caused when the media sensor detects preprinted areas on
the media or experiences difficulty in determining web location. If the sensitivity of the media and/or ribbon sensors MUST be adjusted, use the Media and
Ribbon Sensor Calibration procedure.
Figure 8. Sensor Profile
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
MEDIA AND
RIBBON
CALIBRATE
Media and Ribbon Calibration Procedure
LOAD BACKING Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to cancel the operation, or do the following:
REMOVE RIBBON Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to cancel the operation, or do the following:
Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Press NEXT/SAVE to skip the calibration procedure and continue with the host port selection parameters that follow.
Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to start the calibration procedure.
This procedure is used to adjust the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors.
NOTE: The procedure must be followed exactly as presented. All steps
must be performed even if only one of the sensors requires adjustment.
NOTE: These settings must be saved “permanently” (see page 41).
1. Open the printhead.
2. Remove approximately 8” (203 mm) of labels from the media roll, enough
so that only the backing material is threaded between the media sensors
when the media is loaded.
1. Remove the ribbon (sliding it as far to the right on left-hand units or left on
right-hand units as possible will have the same effect as removing it).
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2. Close the printhead.
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