Zebra QL 420 User Manual

Rhein Tech Laboratories Client: Zebra Technologies
360 Herndon Parkway FCC: Part 15.247
Suite 1400 Industry Canada: RSS-210

http://www.rheintech.com

M/N: QL420

FCC ID: I28-QL420352 Herndon, VA 20170

APPENDIX I: MANUAL

Please see the following pages.

Page 52 of 70

UMAN-QL4 Rev.B March, 2003

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 any other
parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies
Corporation.

Product Improvements

Since continuous product improvement is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation, all speci­fications and signs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provided 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 instruction 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.
WARNING: Exposure to Radio Frequency radiation. To conform to FCC RF exposure require­ments this device shall be used in accordance with the operating conditions and instructions
listed in this manual. Note that there are several radio options available with this printer. Addi­tional regulatory information is contained in later sections devoted to each radio individually.
NOTE: This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables
must be used with the unit to insure compliance.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corpora­tion could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme á la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
"IC:" before the equipment certification number signifies that the Industry Canada technical
specifications were met. It does not guarantee that the certified product will operate to the us­er's satisfaction.

Agency Approvals and Regulatory Information

• Built to UL and CSA standards

• Canadian STD RSS-210

• EN55022:1998 Class B European Electromagnetic Radiation Standard

• EN55022:1998 European Immunity Standard

• EN60950: 2000 Safety Standard

• NOM/NYCE (Mexico)

• C-Tick (Australia)

Liability Disclaimer

Inasmuch as every effort has been made to supply accurate information in this manual, Zebra
Technologies Corporation is not liable for any erroneous information or omissions. Zebra Tech­nologies Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability result-

ing 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 of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may
not apply to you.

Copyrights

The copyrights in this manual and the system described therein are owned by Zebra Technolo­gies Corporation. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the soft­ware in any of the system modules 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.
All products and brand names are trademarks of their respective companies. All rights re-

served.

©

2003 Zebra Technologies Corporation

Mobile Printer
User’s Guide

iv QL 420 User’s Guide

Contents

Introduction ............................................7

Unpacking and Inspection .............................................. 7

Reporting Damage .......................................................... 7

Getting Ready to Print.............................9

Battery............................................................................. 9

Installing the Battery ........................................................ 9

Charging the Battery........................................................ 9

Loading the Media ........................................................ 12

Installing the Media........................................................ 12

Operator Controls ......................................................... 16

Standard Keypad ........................................................... 16

LCD Control Panel......................................................... 18

Verify the Printer Is Working ......................................... 21

Printing a Configuration Label ....................................... 21

Connecting the Printer .................................................. 21

Cable Communications ................................................. 22

IR Communications ....................................................... 23

Wireless Communications with Bluetooth™ ................. 24

Wireless Local Area Network Module (CF Radio) ........... 26

Wireless Local Area Network Module (PCMCIA Radio) .. 27

Setting Up the Software ................................................ 29

Using the Accessories .................................................. 30

Belt Clip ......................................................................... 30

Adjustable Shoulder Strap............................................. 30

Preventive Maintenance........................31

Extending Battery Life................................................... 31

Cleaning ........................................................................ 32

Troubleshooting....................................34

Standard Control Panel ................................................ 34

Optional LCD Control Panel ......................................... 34

Troubleshooting Topics ................................................. 35

Troubleshooting Tests ................................................... 36

Printing a Configuration Label ....................................... 36

Sample Configuration Label .......................................... 37

Communications Diagnostics ........................................ 39

Calling the Help Desk .................................................... 39

Specifications .......................................40

Printing Specifications .................................................. 40

Memory/Communications Specifications...................... 40

QL 420 User’s Guide v

Label Specifications ...................................................... 41

Font/Bar Code Specifications ....................................... 41

Physical/Environmental/Electrical Specifications ......... 42

Communications Port ................................................... 43

Accessories................................................................... 44

Appendix A...........................................47

Interface Cables

Appendix B...........................................51

Media Supplies

Appendix C ..........................................51

Maintenance Supplies

Appendix D ...........................................52

Product Support

Index .................................................... 53

Patent Information............................... 55

6QL 420 User’s Guide

1 Platen Roller

2. Bar Sensor

3. Media Rollers

4. Rear Media Slot

5. Media Support

6. “EZ-Peel” Peeler

7. Latch

8. Latch Release Button

9. “D” Rings

10. Control Panel

11. QuickLink™ Module

12. Print Head

13. Media Support Disks

14. Media Cover

15. Communications Port

16. Belt Clip

17. Battery

18. Battery Charging
Receptacle

1

2

5

6

7

8

9

9

10

12

13

14

16

17

18

11

15

3

3

4

F

IGURE

1: QL 420 O

VERVIEW

QL 420 User’s Guide 7

Introduction

Thank you for choosing our Zebra QL 420 Mobile Printer. This
rugged printer is sure to become a productive and efficient addi­tion to your workplace thanks to its innovative design. Because
it’s made by Zebra Technologies Corporation, you’re assured of
world-class support for all of your bar code printers, software,
and supplies.

• This user’s guide gives you all the information you’ll need
to operate the QL 420 printer.

• The QL 420 uses the CPL programming language. To cre­ate and print labels using the CPL language, refer to the
Mobile Printer Programming Guide (available on our web­site at:

http://www.zebra.com/SS/manuals.htm)

and our

Label Vista™ label creation program.

• The QL 420 has an optional interpreter for the ZPL II

®

Pro­gramming Language which interprets commands up to X.8
firmware. The printer must be equipped with the optional
memory upgrade and appropriate application in order to
use this function. A ZPL II Program Guide (part #46530L)
can be used as reference for the ZPL II label design pro­gramming language. If either manual was not ordered
with the printer, simply call your re-seller or Zebra Technol­ogies Corporation or visit the Zebra web site.

Unpacking and Inspection

Inspect the printer for possible shipping damage:

• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.

• Open the media cover (refer to “Loading the Media” in the
Getting Ready to Print section) and inspect the media
compartment for damage.

In case shipping is required, save the carton and all packing

material.

Reporting Damage

If you discover shipping damage:

• Immediately notify and file a damage report with the ship­ping company. Zebra Technologies Corporation is not re­sponsible for any damage incurred during shipment of the
printer and will not cover the repair of this damage under
its warranty policy.

• Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.

• Notify your authorized Zebra re-seller.

8QL 420 User’s Guide

Battery

Belt Clip

Charger Jack

LI72 Charger

F

IGURE

3: S

INGLE CHARGER

Charger Jack

F

IGURE

2: I

NSTALLING THE BATTERY

QL 420 User’s Guide 9

Getting Ready to Print

Battery

Installing the Battery

NOTE: Batteries are shipped uncharged. Remove
protective shrink-wrap and labels from new battery packs prior
to use.

1. Rotate the Belt Clip to allow access to the Battery com­partment.

2. Insert the battery into the printer as shown in Figure 2,

3. Rock the Battery into the printer as shown until it locks in
place.

When the battery is first installed, the Control Panel indicators
may briefly turn on and then go off which indicates the battery is
not fully charged (see “Charging the Battery” below and “Opera­tor Controls”).

Charging the Battery

If you are using the LI 72 single battery charger:

Refer to Figure 3. Your battery charger may look slightly differ­ent from the ones illustrated.

1. Install the battery in the printer and plug the Charger into
the appropriate A.C. wall receptacle. Then insert the
charge cable into the battery charger jack.

2. The charger LED will indicate the status of the charger as
follows:

• A steady light indicates the battery is undergoing a fast
charge.

•A slow blinking light indicates the charger is in trickle
mode. The battery is ready for use.

•A rapidly blinking light indicates a problem with the battery.
The battery may have an internal short, or its charge mon­itoring circuitry may be malfunctioning. The battery should
not be used any further.

• Battery Packs may be charged either when installed in the
printer or when removed.

Do not attempt to charge batteries with the LI 72 while
printing. Attempting to print while charging can result in
improperly charged batteries.

continued on next page

10 QL 420 User’s Guide

If you are using the Quad Charger:

The UCLI72-4 Quad Charger is designed to charge up to four
QL 420 battery packs simultaneously. Batteries must be re­moved from the printer to be charged in the Quad Charger.

1. Ensure that the charger has been installed properly per the
Quad Charger instruction manual. Ensure that the power indica­tor on the front panel is on.

2. Remove any protective shrink-wrap and labels from all bat­tery packs prior to use. Plug a battery pack into any one of the
four charging bays as shown in Figure 4, noting the orientation of
the battery pack. Slide the battery pack into the charging bay un­til it stops. Then rock the battery pack back until it snaps into
place. The amber indicator directly under the battery being
charged will turn on if the battery is properly inserted.

The indicators under the battery will allow you to monitor the

charging process per the table below:

Amber Green Battery Status

On Off Charging
On Flashing 80% charged (O.K. to use)
Off On Completely Charged

Flashing Off Fault

Note: A fault condition is caused by a problem with the
battery. The charger may indicate a fault because the battery
is too hot or cold to charge reliably. Try to charge the battery
again when it returns to the room’s ambient temperature. If the
Amber indicator starts flashing on the second attempt, the
battery should be discarded.

Quad Charger Cycle Times for QL 420 Batteries:

Battery 80% Charged 2.5 Hrs.
Battery Fully Charged 5 hrs.

These times are for completely discharged batteries.
Battery packs which are only partially discharged will
take less time to reach their charged state. Batteries
which have reached 80% of their charge capacity may
be used, however, it is recommended that you allow the
batteries to reach a full charge to maintain maximum bat­tery life.

QL 420 User’s Guide 11

F

a

u

lt

F

a

s

t C

h

a

r

g

e

F

a

u

lt

F

a

s

t C

h

a

rg

e

F

a

u

lt

F

a

s

t C

h

a

r

g

e

R

e

a

d

y

P

o

w

e

r

F

u

ll C

h

a

r

g

e

R

e

a

d

y

F

u

ll C

h

a

r

g

e

R

e

a

d

y

F

u

ll C

h

a

r

g

e

F

u

ll C

h

a

r

g

e

F

a

u

lt

F

a

s

t C

h

a

r

g

e

R

e

a

d

y

The UCLI72-4 Quad Charger has a safety feature which
stops charging a battery after six hours regardless of its
charge state.

Battery Safety

Avoid accidental short circuiting of any battery. Allowing
battery terminals to contact conductive material will create a
short circuit which could cause burns and other injuries or could
start a fire.

Use of any charger not approved specifically by Zebra for use
with its batteries could cause damage to the battery pack or
the printer and will void the warranty.

Charger Safety

Use care in locating the Quad Charger. Do not place it in
locations where liquids or metallic objects may be dropped
into the charging bays. Do not block the ventilating slots on the
top and bottom covers. Insure that the Charger is plugged into
a power source which won’t accidently be turned off if you will
be charging batteries overnight.

Charger Bay

Amber
Indicator

1. Slide Battery
Pack into
Charger bay

2. Rock
Battery
Pack into
place

Green indicator

Power
indicator

F

IGURE

4: Q

UAD CHARGER

Power Supply

12 QL 420 User’s Guide

Loading the Media

You can operate this printer in one of two different modes:
Tear-Off or Peel-Off. Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each
label (or a strip of labels) after it is printed. In Peel-Off mode, the
backing material is peeled away from the label as it is printed.
After you remove this label, the next one is printed.

Installing the Media

1. Open the printer: Refer to Figure 5.

• Press the latch release button on the side of the printer as
shown at “1” below. The latch assembly will flip open au­tomatically

• Pull up on the latch assembly as shown at “2” to unlatch
the Media Cover.

• Rotate the media Cover back as shown at “3”, exposing
the media compartment and the adjustable media sup­ports.

F

IGURE

5: O

PENING THE

QL 420

Media Supports

Media
Compartment

QL 420 User’s Guide 13

continued on next page

2. Load the media:
Loading media from an internal supply. Refer to Figure 6.

• Pull the media supports apart, insert the roll of media be­tween them, and let the media supports close. Insure that
the media pulls off the core in the direction shown in Fig­ure 6. The supports will adjust themselves to the width of
the media, and the media should be able to spin freely on
the supports.

Media Roll

Note direction
media pulls off the
roll.

Pull Media Supports
apart.

F

IGURE

6: I

NSTALLING MEDIA IN THE

QL 420

14 QL 420 User’s Guide

2A. Load the media (continued):
Loading media from an external supply. Refer to Figure 7.

The QL 420 has a loading slot in the rear of the media com­partment which allows you to use standard 4” (101.6 mm) wide
fan-fold media from an external supply. The external supply
must be designed such that it does not exert excessive drag as
media is fed through the printer, which could result in distorted
printing.

• Pull the media supports apart, insert a Media Spacer (Ze­bra part number BA16625-1) between them, and let the
media supports close. Insert the media from the external
supply through the rear feed slot, between the media
guides and up through the media compartment as shown.
Make sure the side of the media you will be printing on
faces the print head.

F

IGURE

7: I

NSTALLING MEDIA FROM AN EXTERNAL SUPPLY

Media Spacer
p/n BA16625-1

Feed media
through rear
feed slot

Surface of
media to be
printed must
face the print­head

QL 420 User’s Guide 15

3. Close the Media Cover Refer to Figure 8.

• If you plan to use the printer in the tear-off mode, close the
media cover as shown at “2”, then rotate the latch assem­bly as shown until it locks into place, as shown at “4”.

• If you plan to use the printer in the peel-off mode, peel a
few labels off of the media and pull it out of the printer as
shown at “1”. Close the media cover as shown at “2”. Ro­tate the “EZ-Peel” peeler bar until it locks into place on the
latch, as shown at “3”, then rotate the Latch as shown until
it locks into place, as shown at “4”.

•Turn on the printer or press the Feed button if the printer
is already on.

The printer will advance the media to the next label, if
printing labels. If you are printing on journal media, the
printer will advance a short strip of media and will then be
ready for printing.

Media Cover

“EZ-Peel” Peeler Bar

Flip down if using
media in the peel­off mode.

Latch Assembly

Pull Media out of
Printer

F

IGURE

8: C

LOSING THE

QL 420

16 QL 420 User’s Guide

Operator Controls

The QL 420 will come with one of two possible control panels.
The standard control panel is detailed below and in Figure 9.
The optional control panel (Figure 10) features an LCD which
allows easy display and selection of many printer functions de­tailed on following pages.

Standard Keypad

The standard keypad has three control buttons and two multi­purpose indicators.

• The Power button turns the QL 420 on and off.

• The Feed button advances a length of media which is de­termined by the type of media being used. Label media
will be advanced to the next gap or bar sense marker.
Journal (plain) media will be advanced a length deter­mined by the printer’s software.

• The Function button is controlled by a printer’s specific ap­plication to support such functions as:

Print a battery level report.
Print the Local Area Network (LAN) status
Print a Short Range Radio Frequency (SRRF) status
Print a media supply report

The green LED on the left side of the control panel indicates

the status of several printer features:

•A slowly blinking sequence indicates the printer’s battery
needs charging.

• Printers with a wireless QuickLink module installed: a
quickly blinking sequence indicates the printer has not es­tablished a link to either a Local Area Network or a com­patible wireless equipped terminal.

• Printers with a wireless QuickLink module installed: A
steadily lit indicator shows that the printer has established
a wireless link, either to the LAN or to a compatible termi­nal.

A steadily lit green indicator on a non-wireless printer is a
power-on indicator.

The yellow LED on the right side of the control panel has two

indication conditions.

•A rapidly blinking yellow LED and a chime indicate that no
application has been loaded into the printer.

QL 420 User’s Guide 17

• Printers with a wireless QuickLink module installed: a rap­idly blinking LED indicates normal data transmission.

•A steadily lit yellow LED indicates an error condition. This
can be caused by one of the following:

1. The media cover is not completely closed and latched.

2. The printer is out of media.

continued

F

IGURE

9: S

TANDARD CONTROL PANEL

Green LED

Steady Light indicates power on
and/or established RF link.

Fast Blink indicates no RF link (on
RF equipped units only)

Slow Blink means low battery

Yellow LED

Steady Light indicates error
condition: out of media or
media cover not closed.

Fast Blink indicates RF activi­ty (on RF equipped units
only)

Fast blink with beeper indi­cates no application loaded

Power Button

Press to turn unit
on. Press again to
turn unit off

Feed Button

Press to advance the me­dia one blank label or a
software determined length
of journal media.

Function Button

Specific functions are under
printer application control.