Zebra 2746 User Manual

2746

Thermal Printer
User’s Manual

User’s Manual No. 980338-001 Rev. A

©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation

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

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

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

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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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

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

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

-

Installation & Operation

Installation The following steps will guide you through the

installation of the printer.

Step

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980338-001 Rev.A 5

Installation & Operation

BAT

Step

Attach Interface

Cable

Parallel

Interface

CH

BATCH

Serial

Interface

Step

Apply Power

O

6 980338-001 Rev.A

O

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

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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1

Rotate Media Guide

to Open (2)

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2

4"

0mm)

Media Guide Opened

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8 980338-001 Rev.A

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

Installation & Operation

Media Loading

Step

Load the media roll.

10 980338-001 Rev.A

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

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

Installation & Operation

Media Loading

Step

Close the print head.

2"

(50mm)

4"

(100mm)

Step Remove excess media.

980338-001 Rev.A 13

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

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

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

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

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PA

U

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E

FEED

3sec.

PO

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FEED

-

980338-001 Rev.A 17

CANCEL

ERRO

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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

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PA

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E

PA

U

S

E

FEED

CANCEL

ERROR

RI

BBON/

P

APEROUT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Installation & Operation

30 980338-001 Rev.A

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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.

-

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

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.

-

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.

-

-

-

-

-

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.

-

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

-

-

-

.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

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

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.

-

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.

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.

-

-

-

-

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

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).

-

• 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)

-

-

-

980338-001 Rev.A A-13

Troubleshooting

A-14 980338-001 Rev.A

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.

-

980338-001 Rev.A B-1

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

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.

-

-

Step Place the label taken sensor in the up (inactive)

980338-001 Rev.A B-3

position.

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

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

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.

-

-

B-6 980338-001 Rev.A