Zebra 2746 User Manual

Page 1
2746
Thermal Printer User’s Manual
User’s Manual No. 980338-001 Rev. A
©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation
Page 2
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This docu ment and the information contained within is copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approvalfromZebraTechnol ogies Corporation. While every effort has been made to keep the information contained within cur rent and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to any specification. Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.
TRADEMARKS
2746 is a service mark and Zebra is a trademark of Zebra Technologies Corporation. Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
2746 Thermal Printer
European Council
Directive
89/336/EEC EMC Directive EN55022-A, CISPR 22 RF Emissions control
92/31/EE EMC Directive EN50082-1 IEC801
Compliance to Standards
Immunity to Electromag-
netic Distrubances
73/23/EEC
Low Voltage
Directive
EMC Directive EN61000-3-2 Harmonic Emmissions
EMC Directive EN61000-3-3 Voltage Variation
EN60950 IEC950 Product Safety
FCC - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY:
Model: 2746 conforms to the following specification:
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Section 15.107(a) and Section
15.109(a) Class B digital device
Supplemental Information:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following Two Con ditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference , and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:
This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class B requirements.
Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICS-003 classe B de la norm Industrielle Canadian
ii 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 3
Table of Contents
Installation & Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Unpacking Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Getting To Know Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Controls & Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Media Loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Before You Load Media in the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Using AutoSense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Label Dispense Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Media Rewinding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Loading Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Where to Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Serial Interface Communication Configuration. . . . . . . . . A-4
Serial Interface Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4
Parallel Interface Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5
Printer Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6
Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Media Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Sensor Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Top Of Form Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8
Gap and Index Hole Sensing Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9
Cleaning Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-11
Extending Print Head Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12
Print Head Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13
Using the Media Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
Cutter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Mounting the Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
980338-001 Rev.A iii
Page 4
General Cautions and Warnings
This page describes general safety and maintenance warnings and cautions for the printer and are referenced throughout the manual.
Warning - Shock Hazard
The printer should never be operated in a location where it can get wet. Personal injury could result.
Warning - Static Discharge
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or electronic components used in this device. DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic components under the print head assembly.
Caution - Printer Setup & Handling
1)When installing or modifying the printer setup or configuration, ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF Before
A) Connecting any cables. B) Performing any cleaning or maintenance operations. C) Moving the printer.
2) Damage to the printer interface connector, accessories or door may result from placing the printer on it’s front bezel or backside during unpacking or handling.
:
Media Warning
Media Reload Hint
Print Quality Tip
Always use high quality approved labels and tags. If adhesive backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer.
If you should run out of labels while printing, DO NOT turn the power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may occur. The printer will automatically resume printing when a new label or ribbon roll is loaded.
Print density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy (density setting) applied and by the print speed. Changing both Print Speed and Density may be required to achieve the desired results.
iv 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 5
Installation & Operation
1
Installation & Operation
Unpacking Your
Printer
Open the shipping carton and remove the printer and its accessories.
980338-001 Rev.A 1
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Page 6
Installation & Operation
Getting To Know
Your Printer
Controls
Front Access Door
(Pull to Open)
Label Taken
Sensor
Platen
Roller
Front Door Insert
(Lift Up & Out to Remove)
Ribbon Core
(Shipped mounted on
Ribbon Tube)
Liner "Peeler"
Gate
Media Access Door
(Lift to Open)
Media Roll
Holder
Rewind Bracket
Peel/Tear
Bar
Print Head
2 980338-001 Rev.A
Print Head
Release Lever
Page 7
Installation & Operation
Getting To Know
Your Printer
Serial Interface
Connector
Auxiliary Media Access
(Opening for Fan Fold &
External Media)
Power Switch and
Power Cord Module
Label Mode
Switch
Parallel Interface
Connector
Media Access Door
(Open)
Print Width Adjustment
Knob
Platen (Media Drive) Roller Bracket
Ribbon Take-Up
Tube
Media Sensor and
Guide
Ribbon Supply
Tube
Liner Rewind
Tube and Clip
980338-001 Rev.A 3
Page 8
Installation & Operation
Controls &
Indicators
Power Switch
OFF
ON
Button Function
PAUSE
FEED
CANCEL
Indicator LEDs
POWER ERROR
0 = Off
1 = On
Press Once - Halt batch printing.
Press Second Time - Resume batch
printing operation.
Press Once - Feed one label or “form”.
Press & Hold - Feed a single label, stop,
feed a single label, stop, and so on until the FEED button is released.
Press Once - resets and terminates any print operation in progress.
Condition Report
O
O
Power On
1) Pause
2) Print head open
Labels Out
PEEL
BATCH
On Solid OFF
Flashing OFF
Flashing
OFF On Solid Hardware Error
Mode Description
Peel
Batch
Flashing
Label Mode Switch
Print one label and pause. Remove label. Prints next label. Repeats until print oper ation is completed. Use label liner rewinder to peel the liner from the label.
Standard operation - Prints one or more labels until the batch form (label) print operation is complete.
4 980338-001 Rev.A
-
Page 9
Installation & Operation
Installation The following steps will guide you through the
installation of the printer.
Step
Attach Power
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0 = Off
980338-001 Rev.A 5
Page 10
Installation & Operation
BAT
Step
Attach Interface
Cable
Parallel
Interface
CH
BATCH
Serial
Interface
Step
Apply Power
O
6 980338-001 Rev.A
O
Page 11
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Step Open the door.
Open the media access door.
Step Open the print head.
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980338-001 Rev.A 7
Page 12
Installation & Operation
m)
m)
m)
Media Loading
Step
Slide Media Guide to
Outside Stop (1)
Open the media guide.
4"
0mm)
4"
0mm)
M
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P
P
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T
S
1
Rotate Media Guide
to Open (2)
R
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P
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S
2
4"
0mm)
Media Guide Opened
R
O
T
O
M
R
E
P
P
E
T
S
8 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 13
Installation & Operation
Before You Load
Media in the
Printer
Labels
Remove all labels
that are held by
adhesives or tape
You must remove the outside length of media (that is, one, full revolution of labels and any liner). When you remove this part of the media, you remove the oils, dust, and adhesives that contaminate it. Tape or adhesive holds the loose end and the outside length of media becomes contaminated when handled or stored.
Tag Stock
Detach both ends of
the bottom tag
You must avoid dragging adhesive or dirty media between the print head and platen. Such an occurrence damages the print head and is not covered under your warranty. Using clean media prevents damage and reduces wear on the print head and platen.
980338-001 Rev.A 9
Page 14
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Load the media roll.
10 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 15
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Outside Wound
Inside Wound
Thread the media through the media sensor and guide assembly and under the print head.
2"
(50mm)
4"
(100mm)
2"
(50mm)
4"
(100mm)
Fan Fold
Media Path
(Side View)
2"
(50mm)
4"
(100mm)
Open Open
980338-001 Rev.A 11
Page 16
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Slide Media Inside
Rotate Media
Guide Down
Slide the media to the inside of the printer. Place the media guide against the media.
Media Guide in
Locked Position
Adjust Media Guide
to Media Width
Media Guide Set
12 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 17
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Close the print head.
2"
(50mm)
4"
(100mm)
Step Remove excess media.
980338-001 Rev.A 13
Page 18
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Set Media Width
Adjust the label pressure control knob to match the width of the media in use.
Label Width Pressure Control
Knob Settings
2"(50mm) or Less 2" (50mm)
Greater Than 2" (50mm) 4" (100mm)
Step Close the door and cover.
14 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 19
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Power ON
Labels Loaded
Press FEED
Step Set label detection parameters for media:
Press the Feed button once (with the power ap plied and the power switch “ON”).
POWER
PAUSE
PAUSE
FEED
CANCEL
ERROR
RIBBON/PAPEROUT
Use the AutoSense procedure (page 17) for first time use of new media to set transmissive (gap) sensor.
-
Use the AutoSense procedure for detection of label and gap lengths.
Use programming to set continuous media mode. See the Q command in the EPL2 pro­grammer's manual for details.
Configure the print mode with the O (thermal transfer) and OD (direct thermal) commands. See the EPL2 programmer's manual for important
details on the Option (O) command. The print mode will be set until changed by programming.
DO NOT turn the power switch OFF (0) while reloading media or data loss may result. The printer will automatically resume printing when a new label roll has been loaded.
980338-001 Rev.A 15
Page 20
Installation & Operation
Media Loading
Step
Pinch & Hold (1)
This step is not normally required. Some of the exceptions are listed below. If the media has:
An irregular or non-square shape,
More than one label across,
Less than full width black marks, or
The media uses index hole or notches (typi
cally for tag stock). See Appendix A, page A-7, for details on media sensing, media and sensor adjustment range.
-
Slide while
Holding the Fins,
then Release (2)
Adjust Sensor
Position
Sensor & Marker
Adjustment
Fins
16 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 21
Installation & Operation
Using AutoSense AutoSense sets the sensitivity of the
transmissive sensor, measures and stores the form (label) and gap lengths. For more details on media sensing see Appendix A, page A-7. To activate the AutoSense feature:
Step Load labels into the printer. Do not use the peel
mode. Printer power is ON.
Step Press and hold the PAUSE and CANCEL but
tons for one (1) second.
Step Release the CANCEL button only. Wait three
(3) seconds. Release the PAUSE button.
Step The printer will advance 3-4 labels while per-
forming the adjustment. When the adjustment is complete, a status summary label will be printed and the printer will be placed in Diag­nostic Dump mode.
Step Press the FEED button to exit the Dump mode.
Power ON
Media Loaded
Batch Mode
PAUSE & CANCEL
1sec.
PAUSE
PO
WER
PA
U
S
E
PA
U
S
E
FEED
3sec.
PO
WE
R
PA
U
S
E
PA
U
S
E
FEED
-
980338-001 Rev.A 17
CANCEL
ERRO
R
RI
BBON/
P
A
PEROUT
Sample: DUMP Mode
Printout
4 MO3257 3.18.01 Serial port : 96,N,8,1
Image buffer size:245K Fmem:000,0K,019.9K avl Gmem:000K,0241K avl
mem:000K,0241K avl
E I8,0,001 rY S8 D12 R032,000 ZT UN q0784 Q1227,034 Option:D 11 12 13 now in DUMP
FEED
CANCEL
ERROR
RI
BBON/P
APEROUT
PO
WE
R
PA
U
S
E
PA
U
S
E
FEED
CANCEL
ERROR
RI
BBON/
P
APEROUT
Page 22
Installation & Operation
Label Dispense
Mode
Step Open the front and media access (side cover)
Step Press the FEED button until approximately 16
Power ON
Labels Loaded
The printer can dispense a single peeled label and rewind the backing in the Dispense (Peel) mode. Removing the presented label will prompt the printer to print the next label.
doors.
Load and set labels parameters (via AutoSense or programmed with the Q command) in the printer.
inches (40 cm) of media has exited the printer.
Press FEED
Step Remove the exposed labels from the media
Peel Exposed Labels
liner (backing).
18 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 23
Installation & Operation
Label Dispense
Mode - Step
Open liner peeler gate.
Step Thread the backing between the platen roller
bracket and the liner peeler gate.
980338-001 Rev.A 19
Page 24
Installation & Operation
Label Dispense
Mode - Step
Attach Liner to
Rewind Tube
Attach the backing to the rewind tube with the clip.
Step Turn the rewind tube counter-clockwise to
Remove Liner Slack
Close Liner
Peeler Gate
Close the Print Head
remove liner slack.
Close liner peeler gate. Close the print head.
20 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 25
Installation & Operation
Label Dispense
Mode - Step
Switch to Peel Mode
Press CANCEL
Remove Slack (FEED)
Step Set the label taken sensor to the down (active)
Change the printer mode switch to “Peel”.
Press the CANCEL button to initiate Label Dis pense Mode to peel labels.
CANCEL
PEEL
BATCH
position.
POWER
PAUSE
ERROR
RIBBON/PAPEROUT
PAUSE
FEED
CANCEL
-
Label Taken Sensor
in Down Position
Close Printer
Press FEED
Close the printer's door and cover.
The front door must be closed for the label taken sensor and the “peel” mode to work properly.
Press the FEED button until the slack is re moved from the media backing and the first la bel is presented (peeled).
-
-
980338-001 Rev.A 21
Page 26
Installation & Operation
Label Dispense
Mode - Step
Label Presented,
Remove Label
(Media Path Shown)
Present Label (FEED)
Remove the label. The printer is ready to print in the peel mode.
R
O
T
O
M
R
E
P
P
E
T
S
22 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 27
Installation & Operation
Media Rewinding The rewinder allows the print and rewind of
partial label rolls.
Rewinder Capacity
The quantity of media re-rolled will vary due to environmental conditions and media properties.
Step Open the front and side media access doors.
Load and set media parameters (via AutoSense or programming with the Q command) in the printer.
Step Remove door insert.
Lift (1)
Push Out (2)
Step Open the label peeler gate and print head.
980338-001 Rev.A 23
Page 28
Installation & Operation
Step Get the rewind bracket and thumb screw.
Step Place the rewind bracket into the peel/tear bar
assembly.
Step Attach the rewind bracket to the printer with the
24 980338-001 Rev.A
thumb screw.
Page 29
Installation & Operation
Step Pull media out the front of the printer.
Remove exposed labels from liner, if any.
Step Attach the liner to the rewind tube with the clip.
Attach Media to
Rewind Tube
Close Print Head
16 inches
(40cm)
Turn the rewind tube counter-clockwise to re­move liner slack.
Close the print head.
980338-001 Rev.A 25
Page 30
Installation & Operation
Step Change the printer mode switch to “Batch”.
Press the CANCEL button to initiate batch label processing for media rewinding.
CANCEL
PEEL
BATCH
POWER
PAUSE
ERROR
RIBBON/PAPEROUT
PAUSE
FEED
CANCEL
Step Press the FEED button to remove slack and
wind one revolution of media around the re­wind tube.
Close the printer doors.
26 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 31
Installation & Operation
Loading Transfer
Ribbon
Step Insert an empty ribbon core on the ribbon
Insert Ribbon Core
Refer to the following instructions for installa tion of the ribbon.
take-up tube.
Ribbon
Core
-
Step Insert a transfer ribbon roll on the ribbon supply
Insert Ribbon Roll
Open Print Head
tube. The transfer ribbon unwinds clockwise.
Open the print head.
980338-001 Rev.A 27
Page 32
Installation & Operation
Loading Transfer
Ribbon- Step
Thread Ribbon
Attach Ribbon to
Ribbon Core
Thread the transfer ribbon under the print head assembly and counter-clockwise around the ribbon core and take-up tube.
Attach the ribbon to the core with adhesive tape. Turn the ribbon take-up tube coun ter-clockwise a minimum of two (2) times to lock the ribbon on the core.
Tape
-
Turn Ribbon
Take-Up Tube
28 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 33
Installation & Operation
Loading Transfer
Ribbon - Step
Step Configure the printer for thermal transfer print
Close the print head. Close the printer.
ing via the printer software driver or program ming. This activates the ribbon out sensor.
Configure the print mode with the O (thermal transfer) and OD (direct thermal) commands. See the EPL2 programmer's manual for important
details on the Option (O) command. The print mode will be set until changed by programming.
-
-
980338-001 Rev.A 29
Page 34
Installation & Operation
30 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 35
Troubleshooting
Appendix A
Troubleshooting
This section addresses the most common issues you may face with operation, maintenance and configuration of the printer.
Where to Start Your first troubleshooting reference source is
the Common Problems Troubleshooting table on the following page.
980338-001 Rev.A A-1
Page 36
Troubleshooting
Common Printing Problems Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Solution or Reason
STATUS indicator does not light GREEN when power switch is turned to the ON (1) position.
With the STATUS indicator light GREEN, the printer appears to be working, but nothing is printed.
Printing is faded or poor quality.
Printing stops and the STATUS indicator lights RED.
1. Check power connections from the printer to the outlet.
2. Check that media and ribbon are loaded.
1. Verify that the labels are the correct type.
2. Check the roll and verify that the print surface faces up for printing.
3. Check that the transfer ribbon is correctly routed and has the ink side out for thermal transfer printing, only.
1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software or with programming.
3. Check the roll and verify that the media print surface is facing up.
4. Verify that the correct combination thermal transfer ribbon and media are in use.
1. Possible problem sensing labels with transmissive (gap) sensor. Perform AutoSense adjustment. Align the transmissive (gap) sensor position, see page 16.
2. Possible problem with label media. a) Gap between the bottom of a label and the top of the next label should be at least 1/16" (1.6mm). b) For tags, see Gap and Index Hole Sensing Range, page A-10. c) Use only approved labels and tags.
3. Possible label jam.
4. Check that the media is correctly routed.
5. Possible software/programming problem. a) Check the printer memory configuration. b) Refer to the EPL2 Programming manual for the correct data syntax.
6. Transmissive sensor is dirty. Clean media path.
A-2 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 37
Problem Solution or Reason
1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or missing labels in the middle of a roll.
2. Check for Out-of-Ribbon condition or dam age or previous use of ribbon in middle of the roll.
3. Check that the ribbon and label media are correctly routed.
4. When direct thermal printing, verify that the programmed mode (or printer driver) is set for
Status Indicator is RED
direct thermal printing. See the programmer’s manual for details.
5. Transmissive (gap) sensor is dirty. Clean the media path.
6. Verify that the print head carriage is closed and latched.
7. Verify that the media sensor is correctly posi­tioned to detect an inter label gap, index holes (notches), or black mark (stripes). See page 16 for sensor location and setting.
Troubleshooting
-
Printer cuts (melts) through the transfer ribbon. The ribbon is advancing normally, i.e. at the same rate as the media.
Label Dispense Mode: Printing does not stop between labels.
Label Dispense Mode: Prints one label and stops.
Cutter Option: Cutting labels instead of cutting between labels.
1. Verify the density (heat) setting. If this is un­known reduce setting several levels the until the transferred ink is clear and the ribbon is not damaged.
2. Verify that the correct media is in use.
3. Verify that the ink (transfer material) side is out on the transfer ribbon roll.
1. The Peel/Batch switch in the rear of the printer is not set to peel.
2. The door is open or the label taken sensor is not in the down (active) position. See page 21 for sensor location and setting.
1. Programming - Verify the quantity has been correctly set.
1. Programming - Verify form length setting.
2. Check that peel switch is in the "batch" posi tion (towards outside of printer).
-
980338-001 Rev.A A-3
Page 38
Troubleshooting
Serial Interface
Communication
Configuration
Serial Interface
Cable Wiring
The printer’s serial port is configured with the Y command for the printer. See the EPL2 pro grammer's manual for details.
The printer’s serial port default configuration is:
9600 baud 8 bit data 1 stop bit No parity
The figure below displays the cable wiring re quired to use the printer’s serial interface
DB-9 Pin #
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
DB-9
Pin #
11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99
PrinterHost
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C
-
-
Female DB-9 to Male DB-9
DB-25
Pin #
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
Female DB-25 to Male DB-9
*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)
DB-9 Pin #
18 23 32 420 57 66 74 85 922
PrinterHost
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C
A-4 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 39
Troubleshooting
(Cable)
Parallel Interface
Cable Wiring
The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer's Centronics parallel interface.
HOST
STROBE
DATA 0 DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A N/A
N/A SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND
DB-25
Pin No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Centronics
Pin No.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
PRINTER
STROBE
DATA 0 DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A N/A
+5V SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND
FemaleDB-25toMaleCentronics
980338-001 Rev.A A-5
+5 volts at 300 mA for external device (e.g. PrintServer)
Page 40
Troubleshooting
Printer
Configuration
Settings
The printer has flash (non-volatile) memory to store printer configuration settings. The settings are stored in flash memory and are set by programing, printer drivers or the AutoSense routine. The settings are show on the Dump mode printout or a reported back to the host via the serial port.
The printer retains configuration settings, even after power has been cycled.
The following are the basic settings stored in the printer.:
Print Mode - Direct (OD) or Thermal Transfer Speed (S) Density (D) or heat applied Form (label) length and gap in dots (Q) Form (label) width in dots (q) Serial Port (Y) Margin (R) Buffer Mode (r)
Dump Mode
Printout
(See the U command in
the Programmer’s manual
for details)
Options: D
Print Mode is Direct Thermal (OD)
A-6 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 41
Troubleshooting
Media The two types of print media supported by the
2746 printer are direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to produce print without a ribbon. Ther mal transfer printing uses heat to transfer wax, resin or a combination of both from the transfer ribbon to the media.
The printer is set by default to direct thermal printing. Setting the printer to thermal transfer activate a ribbon out sensor.
Media Sensing The printer is equipped with a transmissive
(gap) sensor, reflective (black mark) sensor, and a reflective ribbon out sensor. These sensors are adjustable and are located in the media sensor assembly. The printer also includes a reflective (label taken) sensor in the door and a head open sensor located in the inside wall.
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The transmissive (gap) sensor is set by AutoSense function and adjusts the sensitivity and detection levels for the media in use. The transmissive sensor also detects the media out condition and index hole or notches.
The reflective (black mark) sensor senses light (media) and dark (black marks) on the media backing (or liner).
The ribbon out sensor reflects light off the print head assembly. When ribbon is present (and unused), the light is stopped.
The label taken sensor receives light reflected from a peeled label waiting to be removed.
The head open sensor reflects light off the side of an open print head.
980338-001 Rev.A A-7
Page 42
Troubleshooting
Sensor Positioning The printer has a moveable sensor to detect
inter label gaps, black lines or marks, and index holes/notches on the media. For optimal opera tion, the sensor should be adjusted to center on the label, black mark or index hole (or notch) of the media in use.
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Typically, media does not require a media sen sor position adjustment if the sensor is pulled to the outside adjustment position. The sensor po sition can be moved by squeezing the two lock ing fins, located under the media sensor and guide assembly, and sliding the sensor in or out.
Top Of Form
Sensing
To accommodate different media and media dimensions, your printer is equipped with sen­sors capable of detecting the top of form for la­bels or tags. Two methods are used by the printer for top of form sensing: gap sensing and black mark sensing. The sensors are combined into a single sensor assembly in the media sen­sor and guide assembly.
Gap Sensing The gap sensing feature depends on the ability
of the transmissive (gap) sensor to “see through” the label liner between labels. Label and label backing opacity vary due to manufac­turing differences in label stock. The sensor may have difficulty distinguishing the difference be tween labels and the liner and may require the user to AutoSense the media. Set the gap sen sor’s sensitivity with the AutoSense feature.
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Black Mark
Sensing
A-8 980338-001 Rev.A
The black mark uses a reflective (black mark) sensor to detect a black line (mark) on the me dia backing. The black mark sensor is used with special labels that have a black mark printed on the back of the label liner or tag between each label or tag.
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Page 43
Troubleshooting
Gap and Index
Hole Sensing
Range
Sensor
Adjustment
Range
Inside Edge
of Tag Stock
The sensor position is indicated by the green ar row at the front of the label guide that is visible with the print head open and media out. The sensor can be moved by squeezing the two lock ing tabs, located under the label guide, and slid ing the sensor in or out. For proper sensing, ensure that the sensor is aligned with the center portion of the label or index hole/notch.
The following dimensions show the required position of the index hole or notch on tag stock for the printer to demonstrate sensor range.
C
min. max.
B
A
Tag Tear-away
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.314 Nominal Sensor Location
Dimension Min. Max. Nominal
A .236" None .512"
B .079" .512" .118"
C .098" 1.520" N/A
980338-001 Rev.A A-9
Page 44
Troubleshooting
Cleaning Your
Printer
The printer’s media path allows for cleaning and clearing of media jams. The user can clean the print head, platen roller and areas adjacent to the media path surfaces.
Warning -Shock Hazard - See page iv. Always turn the printer off before cleaning.
The media path surfaces (except the print head) can be cleaned with a lint free, clean, damp cloth very lightly moistened with medical grade alcohol. Alcohol may be used to help remove any adhesive or label material buildup.
Warning - Static Discharge - See page iv. Never touch the print head. Always clean the print head with a cleaning pen (to protect the print head from static discharge and fibers).
If a label has become jammed in the printer, remove the label and any adhesive residue, immediately. Adhesive may spread through out the printer’s media path if not completely removed. Many adhesives are permanent and have short “set” times.
A-10 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 45
Troubleshooting
Cleaning the
Print Head
Step Open the printer and the print head carriage.
As you use your printer, the print head may be come contaminated resulting in poor print quality. Whenever new labels are loaded into the printer, the print head should be cleaned with a cleaning pen.
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Step Gently rub the cleaning pen across the amber
980338-001 Rev.A A-11
area of the print head.
Allow the print head to dry for 1 minute before loading labels.
Do Not Clean the Print Head with sharp objects! Only used approved cleaning materials.
Page 46
Troubleshooting
Extending Print
Head Life
The print head is the most critical component in your printer, and possibly the most delicate. It is a consumable item just like the brakes on your car, which will eventually wear over time. How ever, with ongoing careful attention and main tenance, you can extend the life of the print head!
Below are photographs of three print heads. The first print head is brand new. The second has printed over 1 million linear inches of ther mal transfer labels and has been properly main tained. The third print head has printed far fewer labels, but without proper care and main­tenance, signs of abrasion and contamination build-up are evident.
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New Over 1 Million Less Than 1 Million
Inches Inches
(Properly Maintained) (Without Proper Care)
Contaminant buildup occurs gradually and re­sults in poor print quality that may look like faded print or failed print element(s). This build up is very resistant to cleaning with the pre-soaked swabs and is difficult to remove.
Note - The one million inches of print head usage shown in the illustration above is used for reference only. The actual print head life will vary due to enviromental conditions, printer setup and the properties of the media used. See Print Head Care for more details.
A-12 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 47
Troubleshooting
Print Head Care The main factors that contribute to reduced
head life are:
Touching the print head! Static electricity
can discharge and damage the print head. The body's oils and acids also damage the print head.
Cleaning - For optimum performance,
clean the print head regularly after every roll of thermal transfer ribbon or after every roll of direct thermal labels.
Abrasion - Over time, the movement of me
dia/ribbon across the print head will wear through the protective ceramic coating, ex­posing and eventually damaging the print el­ements (dots).
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Use of proper media - Use only approved Zebra media. Non-approved media may contain chemicals that can destroy or dra­matically reduce the print head's life. Ap­proved thermal transfer ribbons have a special anti-stick back coating that helps to dissipate static and provide lubrication.
Ribbon Width - Ensure that the thermal transfer ribbon is as wide or wider than the la­bel media to prevent exposing the elements to the more abrasive label material.
Temperature - Print head density (heat) set ting. Set the density to the lowest possible set ting that prints a good image.
Print Speed - Fast print speeds have higher friction levels on the print head's surface.
Regular Print Head Conditioning - Use our Save-a-Print head cleaning film to re move print head contamination buildup quickly and easily. (Part No.105950-047)
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980338-001 Rev.A A-13
Page 48
Troubleshooting
A-14 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 49
Using the Media Cutter
Appendix B
Using the Media Cutter
Printers with the cutter option have a detach­able cutter with a motorized blade. The cutter is a self cleaning tag and label liner cutter.
Printers with cutters can dispense a single form (label) that is automatically cut from the media roll.
Guidelines Use the cutter to cut through continuous paper
from rolls and the liner between labels. Never cut the portion of media that has adhesive or adhesive backing.
You can switch cutting on and off by using the OC command. You can set form length and gap distances by using the Q command. Refer to the EPL2 programmer’s manual for complete programming information.
Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or solvents to clean the blade. If there is a jam, fol low the steps for Clearing the Cutter.
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980338-001 Rev.A B-1
Page 50
Using the Media Cutter
Cutter
Specifications
The cutter option is a field install able option, only. The printer covers must be opened to gain access to the main PCB to install the cutter. This installation should be performed by qualified service personnel.
Warranty 90 Days
Mean Time To Failure (MTBF)
Cutting Method Rotating, double edged blade
Media
Media Type Paper, Thermal Paper, Paper Tags, Paper Label Liners
Max. Density 200 grams/meter
Min. Width 1.0 inches (25.4 mm)
Max. Width 4.13 inches (105 mm)
5000,000 cut cycles
2
(approximately 0.010 inches (.254 mm) thick)
Clearing the
Cutter
Once installed the cutter is removable to allow printing in non cutter configurations.
The only tool required to clear a jam is a pair of small tweezers. Never use your fingers or sharp objects to clear jams.
If you cannot remove the jammed media, call for service.
B-2 980338-001 Rev.A
Page 51
Using the Media Cutter
Mounting the
Cutter
Step Open the front and side media access doors.
Step Remove the door insert.
Use this procedure to attach and remove a pre viously installed cutter on the printer. The oper ator should reverse the procedure to remove the cutter.
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Step Place the label taken sensor in the up (inactive)
980338-001 Rev.A B-3
position.
Page 52
Using the Media Cutter
Step Open the label peeler gate. Optional - Open the
Step Attach the cutter cable to the printer’s cutter
print head.
plug located under the platen assembly.
B-4 980338-001 Rev.A
Attach
Page 53
Using the Media Cutter
Step Place the cutter onto the peel/tear bar.
Place Cutter
Route Cable
Through
Peeler Gate
Step Lock the cutter in place with the thumbscrew.
Attach Cutter
to Printer
980338-001 Rev.A B-5
Page 54
Using the Media Cutter
Step Close the door.
Step Load media as required. Configure the printer
for the selected media with the AutoSense rou­tine or programming. Continuous media and black line or mark media required program­ming for proper configuration.
Step Configure the printer for cutting with program
ming. See the programmer’s manual for details on setting and canceling cutter printer com mand settings.
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B-6 980338-001 Rev.A
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