P1028026-002 Rev. B
August, 2012
Zebra
QLn
Series
Mobile Printers
Table of Contents
Proprietary Statements ............................................................................................4
Document Conventions ...........................................................................................6
Introduction to the QLn™ Series Printers ...........................................................7
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................... 7
Reporting Damage ........................................................................... 7
QLn Series Technology .............................................................................................8
Smart Battery .................................................................................................8
Printing Technology ......................................................................................9
Direct Thermal ...............................................................................................9
QLn Series Overview .............................................................................................10
Getting Ready to Print ........................................................................................... 14
Battery ............................................................................................. 14
Installing the Battery ...................................................................................14
Battery Safety ..............................................................................................15
Charger Safety .............................................................................................15
Smart Charger-2 (SC2) (All QLn Series Printers) .......................................16
Model UCLI72-4 Quad Charger (All QLn Series Printers) ..........................18
Ethernet and Charging Cradles .....................................................21
Printer Operation with Cradle .....................................................................25
AC Power Adapter (included in kit p/n P1031365-024 for all QLn Series
Printers) ........................................................................................................26
Loading the Media in the QLn Series Printers ................................27
Loading Media in Peel-off Mode (QLn320 & QLn220)................................29
Loading Media in Peel-off Mode (QLn420) .................................................30
Operator Controls .......................................................................... 31
Standard Control Panel ...............................................................................31
Status Bar Icons ..........................................................................................34
Main Menu Screen (QLn320 and QLn220) .................................................36
Programmable LCD Settings ......................................................................37
Home Menu Screen (QLn420) ....................................................................38
Verify the Printer Is Working .........................................................42
Printing a Configuration Label ....................................................................42
Connecting the Printer ................................................................... 42
Cable Communication .................................................................................43
RS-232C Communications ..........................................................................43
USB Communications ................................................................................43
Providing Strain Relief for Communications Cable ...................................44
Wireless Communications with Bluetooth™ ..............................................46
Bluetooth Networking Overview ................................................................46
WLAN Overview ............................................................................. 47
Setting Up the Software ................................................................47
Using the Accessories.............................................................................................48
Swivel Belt Clip ............................................................................................48
Soft Case......................................................................................................49
Hard Case ....................................................................................................49
Adjustable Shoulder Strap ..........................................................................50
Hand Strap ...................................................................................................51
Preventive Maintenance ....................................................................................... 52
Extending Battery Life ...................................................................52
General Cleaning Instructions ....................................................... 52
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QLn Series User Guide
QLn Series Cleaning .................................................................................53
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................55
Front Control Panel ........................................................................55
LCD Control Panel Indicators ........................................................56
Troubleshooting Tests ...................................................................59
Printing a Configuration Label ....................................................................59
Communications Diagnostics .....................................................................59
Contacting Technical Support .....................................................................60
Specications ............................................................................................................ 64
Printing Specifications ...............................................................................64
Memory and Communications Specifications for QLn Series ..................64
Label Specifications ....................................................................................65
CPCL Font and Bar Code Specifications and Commands .........................66
ZPL Font and Bar Code Specifications and Commands ............................67
Communications Ports ................................................................................68
Physical, Environmental and Electrical Specifications ..............................69
QLn Series Accessories .............................................................................73
Appendix A ................................................................................................................ 74
Interface Cables ...........................................................................................74
RS232 Cables ...............................................................................................74
USB Cable ....................................................................................................75
More Interface Cables .................................................................................75
Appendix B................................................................................................................. 76
Media Supplies ............................................................................................76
Appendix C ................................................................................................................ 76
Maintenance Supplies .................................................................................76
Appendix D SETTINGS Menu .......................................................................77
Appendix D TOOLS Menu .............................................................................79
Appendix D NETWORK Menu .......................................................................81
Appendix D BATTERY Menu .........................................................................85
Appendix D LANGUAGES Menu...................................................................87
Appendix D SENSORS Menu ........................................................................89
Appendix D PORTS Menu .............................................................................90
Appendix D BLUETOOTH Menu ....................................................................92
Appendix E .................................................................................................................94
Product Support ..........................................................................................94
Appendix F ................................................................................................................. 96
Battery Disposal ..........................................................................................96
Product Disposal .........................................................................................96
Appendix G ................................................................................................................ 97
Using zebra.com..........................................................................................97
Appendix H ................................................................................................................ 99
Alert Messages ............................................................................................99
Index ...........................................................................................................................100
Patent Numbers .....................................................................................................102
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QLn Series User Guide
Proprietary Statements
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 par ties 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.
Agency Approvals and Regulatory Information
• Design certified by TUV • FCC par t 15 Class B
• Canadian STD RSS-210 • EN55024:2003 European Immunity Standard
• EN60950: 2006 Safet y Standard • NOM (Mexico)
• C-Tick (Australia) • EN55022:2006 Class B European
Electromagnetic Radiation St andard
Liability Disclaimer
Inasmuch as every effor t 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 correc t any such error s and disclaims
liability resulting therefrom.
No Liability for Consequential Damage
In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation,
production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and sof tware)
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 label print engine described therein are owned by
Zebra Technologies Corporation. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the soft ware
in the label print engine may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to
$10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.
This product may contain ZPL®, ZPL II®, and ZebraLinktm programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit; E3®; and AGFA fonts. Soft ware © ZIH Corp. All rights reserved worldwide.
ZebraLink and all product names and number s are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo,
ZPL, ZPL II, Element Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E3 Circuit are registered trademarks of
ZIH Corp. All rights reser ved worldwide.
Monot ype®, Intellifont® and UFST® are trademarks of Monotype Imaging, Inc. registered in
the United States Patent and Trademark Of fice and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
AndyTM , CG PalacioTM, CG Century SchoolbookTM, CG TriumvirateTM, CG TimesTM, Monot ype
KaiTM, Monot ype MinchoTM and Monotype SungTM are trademarks of Monotype Imaging,
Inc. and may be registered in some jurisdictions.
HY Gothic HangulTM is a trademark of Hanyang Systems, Inc.
AngsanaTM is a trademark of Unity Progress Company (UPC) Limited.
Andale®, Arial®, Book Antiqua®, Corsiva®, Gill Sans®, Sorts® and Times New Roman® are
trademarks of The Monotype Corporation registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Century Gothic™, Bookman Old StyleTM and Century SchoolbookTM are trademarks of The
Monot ype Corporation and may be regis tered in certain jurisdictions.
HGPGothicB is a trademark of the Ricoh company, Ltd. and may be registered in some jurisdictions.
UniversTM is a trademark of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, which may be registered in
certain jurisdictions, exclusively licensed through Linotype Library GmbH, a wholly owned
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QLn Series User Guide
subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.
Futura® is a trademark of Bauer Types SA registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in some jurisdictions.
TrueType® is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the United St ates Patent and
Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
All other product names are the propert y of their respective owners.
© 1996 –2009, QNX Software Systems GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved. Published under license by QNX Sof tware Systems Co.
All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
©
2012 ZIH Corp.
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QLn Series User Guide
Document Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this docu-
ment to convey certain information:
Cautions, Important, and Note
Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.
Caution • Warns you of a potential electric shock situation.
Caution • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause
a burn
Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specic action
could result in physical harm to you.
Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specic action
could result in physical harm to the hardware.
Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a
task.
Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or
supplements important points of the main text.
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QLn Series User Guide
Introduction to the QLn™ Series Printers
Thank you for choosing our Zebra® QLn™ Series Mobile
Printers. You will find these rugged printers will become a productive and efficient addition to your workplace thanks to their
innovative design. Zebra Technologies is the leader in industrial printers with world-class support for all of your bar code
printers, software, and supplies.
This user’s guide gives you the information you will
need to operate the QLn420, QLn320 and QLn220 printers. These printers use CPCL and ZPL programming languages. To create and print labels using the CPCL and
ZPL languages, refer to the Mobile Printing Systems
CPCL Programming Manual and ZPL Programming Guide (See
Appendix G for instructions on how to access manuals.)
QLn Series Software Utilities:
• Zebra Net Bridge™ : printer configuration, fleet management
• Zebra Setup Utility: single printer configuration, quick setup
• Zebra Designer Pro: label design
• Zebra Designer Drivers: Windows® driver
• OPOS Driver: Windows driver
• Multiplatform SDK
(These utilities can be found on the product CD that comes
with the printer and at www.zebra.com . See Appendix G.)
Unpacking and Inspection
• 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 mate-
rial.
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.
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QLn Series User Guide
QLn Series Technology
The QLn420, QLn320 and QLn220 use several technologies
made popular in other Zebra Mobile Printer product lines.
Smart Battery
The QLn Series battery pack is a high capacity, smart
Lithium Ion battery that contains electronics which allow the
printer to monitor its operating parameters. Among these are
the number of charge cycles it has undergone and its date of
manufacture. Using these parameters, the printer’s software
can monitor the battery’s condition and alert the user when to
recharge or remove the battery from service.
Operating Temperature Charging Temperature Storage Temperature
-200C to +500C
The QLn Series printers will only function properly with genuine
Zebra smart battery packs.
The smart battery’s health has three states: GOOD, REPLACE, and
POOR. The battery health factor determines whether or not the printer can operate and what is communicated to the user via the display.
00C to +400C
-250C to +650C
# of Charge Cycles Health Power-up Message
<300 GOOD None
<550 but >300
>550 but <600
>600
REPLACE
REPLACE
POOR
“Bat tery Diminished
Consider Replacing” *
“Warning-Battery
is Past its Useful Life” **
“Replace Battery
Shutting Down” ***
* Warning accompanied by three beeps in rapid succession.
** Warning accompanied by a series of three double beeps in rapid
succession.
*** Warning will ash on and o and be accompanied by beeping at
a rate of once per second. After 30 seconds the printer will shut down.
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QLn Series User Guide
Printing Technology
The QLn Series printers use the Direct Thermal method to
print human readible text, graphics and barcodes. It incorporates a sophisticated print engine for optimal printing under all
operational conditions.
Direct Thermal
Direct thermal printing uses heat to cause a chemical reaction on specially treated media. This reaction creates a dark
mark wherever a heated element on the printhead comes in
contact with the media. Since the printing elements are arranged very densely at 203 d.p.i. (dots per inch) horizontal
and 200 d.p.i. vertical, highly legible characters and graphic
elements may be created a row at a time as the media is advanced past the printhead. This technology has the advantage
of simplicity, as there is no requirement for consumable supplies such as ink or toner. However, since the media is sensitive to heat, it will gradually loose legibility over long periods
of time, especially if exposed to environments with relatively
high temperatures.
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QLn Series User Guide
QLn Series Overview
Figure 1: QLn320 Shown
13
11
1
2
14
4
12
9
3
5
6
7
8
10
1 Platen Roller
2. Bar Sensor
3. Media Support Disks
4. Tear Bar
5. Label Presence Sensor
6. Peeler Lever
7. Peeler Bail
8. Latch Release Lever
9. Key Pad
10. Strap Post
11. Status Screen
12. Printhead
13. Media Cover
14. Gap Sensor
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QLn Series User Guide
15. Belt Clip
16. Bat tery
17. USB/ RS-232 Comm Ports
18. MAC Address Label
19. Docking Contacts
20. DC Input
17
15
16
18
19
20
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QLn Series User Guide
Figure 2: QLn420 Shown
13
4
1
2
3
14
5
7
11
9
1 Platen Roller
2. Bar Sensor
3. Media Support Disks
4. Tear Bar
5. Label Presence Sensor
6. Peeler Lever
7. Peeler Bail
8. Latch Release Lever
9. Key Pad
10. Strap Post
11. Status Screen
12. Printhead
13. Media Cover
14. Gap Sensor
12
6
8
10
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QLn Series User Guide
15
16
17
15. Belt Clip
16. Bat tery
17. DC Input
18. MAC Address Label
19. Docking Contacts
20. USB/ RS-232 Comm Ports
18
19
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QLn Series User Guide
13
Getting Ready to Print
Battery
Installing the Battery
Important • Batteries are shipped partially charged. Remove
protective shrink-wrap and labels from new battery packs prior to use.
1. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the
printer.
2. Swivel the belt clip (if present) to access battery compartment.
3. Insert the battery into the printer as shown in Figure 3. (It
is not possible to insert the pack in an incorrect orientation.)
4. Rock the battery into the compartment 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”).
You must charge the batteries fully before using them for the
first time. To ensure maximum battery capacity, new batteries
should go through two or three complete charge/discharge cycles when first put into service.
Figure 3: Installing the Battery (QLn220 Shown)
Battery
Belt Clip
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QLn Series User Guide
Battery Safety
Caution • 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 re.
Important • Always refer to the Important Safety Information data
sheet shipped with each printer and the Technical Bulletin shipped
with each battery pack. These documents detail procedures to
ensure maximum reliability and safety while using this printer.
Important • Always dispose of used batteries properly. Refer to
Appendix E for more battery recycling information.
Caution • Use of any charger not approved specically by Zebra for
use with its batteries could cause damage to the battery pack or the
printer and will void the warranty.
Caution • Do not incinerate, disassemble, short circuit, or expose to
temperatures higher than 60oC (140oF).
Charger Safety
Do not place any charger in locations where liquids or metallic
objects may be dropped into the charging bays.
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QLn Series User Guide
Smart Charger-2 (SC2) Single Battery Charger (All QLn Series Printers)
The Smart Charger-2 (SC2) is a charging system for use with
the 2-cell and 4-cell lithium-ion smart batteries used in the
QLn Series printers.
Charging Status Indicators
The SC2 uses a LED indicator to indicate the charge state in either
Green, Yellow, or Amber as detailed below.
DC Power Input Indicator Battery Status
Present Green
Present Green Fully charged
Present Yellow Charging
Present Amber Fault
Present Off Present and Battery
Battery not present
Health = POOR
There will also be a battery charging graphic to indicate that
this LED is the charging status indicator .
Battery Health Indicator
The SC2 features a tri-color (Yellow/Green/Amber) LED to indicate
the health of the battery pack. An evaluation of the battery health begins upon insertion of the battery in the charger and results in the appropriate LED being illuminated as shown below. The LED will remain
illuminated as long as input power is applied.
Battery Indicator
None or non-smart Off
Smart battery present Green
Smart battery present Yellow
Smart battery present Flashing yellow
Smart battery present Amber
QLn Series User Guide
Health Status
GOOD
CAPACITY DIMINISHED
PAST USEFUL LIFE
UNUSABLE- REPL ACE
(discard per Instructions in
Appendix E
16
Figure 4: Smart Charger-2 (SC2)
Smart Battery
Charge Status LED
Indicator
Health Status LED
Indicator
Figure 5: SC2 Dimensions
Height Width Length
65,1 mm (2.56 in.) 101,5 mm (4 in.) 120,9 mm (4.75 in.)
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QLn Series User Guide
Model UCLI72-4 Quad Charger (All QLn Series Printers)
The UCLI72-4 Quad Charger is designed to charge up to
four QLn 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 6, noting the
orientation of the battery pack. Slide the battery pack into
the charging bay until it stops and 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
Off On
Flashing Off Fault
80% charged (O.K.
to use)
Completely
Charged
Important • 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
ashing on the second attempt, the battery should be discarded.
Always dispose of batteries in a proper manner as described in
Appendix F.
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QLn Series User Guide
Quad Charger Cycle Times :
Battery Status QLn220/320 QLn420
Battery 80% Charged 1.5 Hrs.
Battery Fully Charged 3 Hrs.
3 Hrs 40 min..
4 Hrs. 50 min.
Note • 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.
The UCLI72-4 Quad Charger has a safety feature which stops charging
a battery after six hours regardless of its charge state. If not fully
charged, it might be indicative of a battery that needs to be replaced.
Use care when installing the UCLI72-4 Quad Charger so that you
do not block the ventilating slots on the top and bottom covers.
Ensure that the charger is plugged into a power source which will not
accidently be turned o if you will be charging batteries overnight.
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QLn Series User Guide
Figure 6: Quad Charger
1. Slide Battery Pack into
Charger bay.
2. Rock Battery Pack into place.
Amber
Indicator
Green
Indicator
Power Supply
Charger Bay
Power Indicator
20
QLn Series User Guide
continued
Ethernet and Charging Cradles
The cradle is an expansion base intended for use with the
QLn Series printers. There is a four bay cradle (QLn-EC4) or
a single bay option (QLn-EC) for use with the QLn220 and
320, as shown on pages 23 and 24. There is also a single bay
Ethernet and charging option for the QLn420 (QLn420-EC) as
shown on page 24.
The QLn-EC/EC4 cradles provide charging power to the
docked printer as well as providing a standard 10/100Mb/S
Ethernet port for communication to the printer. The QLn420EC also provides charging power to the docked printer, as well
as a standard 10/100Mb/T Ethernet port for
communication to the printer. All cradles also supply battery
charging power to the docked printer and acts as a supplementary power source for a functioning QLn printer.
All QLn Ethernet cradles feature two LED’s to indicate the
status of the cradle: Solid green to indicate when power is
provided to the input of the cradle; and blinking green to indicate Ethernet activity.
The cradle allows the user to dock the printer easily and remove
it with the push of a button. The printer shall remain operable while
docked, i.e. display is viewable, charge LED status is viewable, and
printer controls and data entry are available. The printer will still print
while docked and the user shall be able to replace the media as well.
LED Status Indication
Solid Green Power On
Blinking Green Ethernet Activity
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QLn Series User Guide
Note • Remove the “Docking Cradle Access” label on the bottom of
the QLn320 or 220 printers before docking the printer in the cradle.
DOCKING CRADLE ACCESS
Note • Clean the docking contacts with a Zebra cleaning pen to
remove any residue left behind by the label.
The QLn420 does not use the above label over the docking
contacts, but instead includes a plastic docking contacts cover secured by two screws. Remove the screws to remove the
docking contacts cover from the printer and expose the docking contacts (as shown below).
Docking Contacts
Docking Contacts
Cover
22
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 7: Ethernet Cradle (Four Bay for QLn220 & 320)
Docking Bay
Ethernet Status
Indicator
Release Button
Power Status Indicator
Figure 8: QLn-EC4 Dimensions
Height Width Length
66,7 mm (2.62 in.) 579,9 mm (22.83 in.) 150,57 mm (5.93 in.)
Note • The QLn220 and 320 extended battery capacity battery is not
compatible with the QLn-EC and EC4 Ethernet cradles.
23
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 9: Ethernet Cradle Single Bay (QLn220/320)
Ethernet Status
Indicator
Power Status
Indicator
Release Button
Figure 10: QLn Series Ethernet Cradle Dimensions
Cradle Height Width Length
QLn-EC 66,7 mm (2.62 in.) 171,28 mm
(6.74 in.)
QLn420-EC 66,2 mm (2.60 in.) 137,7 mm
(5.42 in.)
150,57 mm
(5.93 in.)
219,6 mm
(8.64 in.)
Figure 11: Ethernet Cradle (QLn420)
Ethernet Status
Indicator
QLn Series User Guide
Release Button
Power Status
Indicator
24
Printer Operation with Cradle
• All QLn Series printers will charge when placed in their
supported cradles.
• Only QLn Series printers that have the Ethernet option installed will connect to an Ethernet network. Check the
PCC code on the back of the printer (see Appendix D
for location). Codes of the form QNX-XXXXX0XX-XX
do not support Ethernet, and codes of the form QNXXXXXXEXX-XX do support Ethernet (where “X” means
don’t care). You can also check the “Communications”
sub-menu on the LCD (see Main Menu Screen on page
17). After selecting this sub-menu, any communication
options not installed will be so indicated.
• When power is applied to the cradle and the printer is
docked, the printer charge LED indicates the charge status of the printer (see Figure 17).
• Docking the printer in the cradle will automatically turn
the printer on to ensure it is available to be managed remotely.
• When the printer detects input power from the cradle, and
the presence of a live Ethernet link, it will automatically
reboot and connect to the Ethernet network.
• For printers with an 802.11 radio, this interface will be
turned off when the Ethernet link is active. It will turn
back on if the Ethernet link is no longer active.
• For printers with a Bluetooth radio, this interface will remain active while the printer is in the cradle.
• The serial and USB ports will remain active while the printer is in the cradle.
• The DC input barrel jack connector (see Figure 12) cannot
be used while the printer is in the cradle. The DC barrel
jack should be plugged directly into the cradle insted.
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QLn Series User Guide
AC Power Adapter (included in kit p/n P1031365-024 for all QLn Series
Printers)
Figure 12: Charging the Battery Pack with the AC Power Adapter)
Qln Series
AC Adapter
AC Power Cord
(varies with
geographic
DC Input
location)
• Open the protective cover on the QLn Series printer to
expose the DC input charger jack.
• Connect the appropriate AC power cord for your location to the
adapter and then plug the power cord into an AC receptacle.
• Plug the barrel plug from the P1029871 AC adapter into the
charger jack on the printer.
• The printer will power up and begin charging. The printer can
be left on or turned off at this point. Charging will continue in either state.
Batteries are shipped uncharged. Remove battery packs from the
packaging and allow them to charge completely prior to initial use.
While it’s possible to charge the battery when using the printer,
charge times will increase under this condition.
26
QLn Series User Guide
Loading the Media in the QLn Series Printers
You can operate QLn Series printers 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.
1. Open the printer.
• Press down on the latch release lever on the side of the
printer as shown at “1” in Figure 13 below. The Media
Cover will open automatically as shown at “2” below, exposing the Media Compartment and the adjustable Media
Supports.
Figure 13: Opening the QLn Series Printer
Media Cover
Media Compartment
Media Support
(opposite support
not visible)
Latch Release
Lever
27
QLn Series User Guide
2. Load the media:
4
• Grasp the media supports where shown in Figure 14 and
pull them apart. Insert the roll of media between them,
and let the media supports close. Ensure that the media
pulls off the core in the direction shown below. The supports will adjust themselves to the width of the media,
and the media should be able to spin freely on the supports.
Figure 14: Loading Media
Media Roll
Note direction media
pulls o the roll.
Grasp Media Supports where shown
and pull apart.
3. Close the Media Cover.
• If you plan to use the printer in the tear-off mode, close the media cover as shown below.
Pull Media out of
Printer.
28
QLn Series User Guide
Close Media
Cover.
continued
Loading Media in Peel-o Mode (QLn320 & QLn220)
• If you plan to use the printer in the peel-off mode, peel a few labels off of the media and load the media as previously described.
• Push the peeler lever forward to release the peeler bail
into the “up” position as shown at “3” and “4” in Figure
15.
• Close the media cover to lock the peeler bail in place. The media
will feed between the peeler bail and platen.
Figure 15: Activating Peeler Bar (QLn320 Shown)
Peeler Bail
Pull up and ip down if
using media in the peelo mode.
4
Peeler Lever
Latch Release
Lever
• Turn on the printer or press the Feed button on the front of the
printer 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.
To disengage the peeler bail, first open the media cover as previ-
ously described. The peeler bail will automatically return to the
Up position.
Press straight down on the peeler bail to lock it in place in its origi-
nal home position.
29
QLn Series User Guide
Loading Media in Peel-o Mode (QLn420)
• If you plan to use the printer in the peel-off mode, peel a
few labels off of the media and load the media as previously described.
• Close the media cover.
• Lift up on the peeler lever located on the side of the print-
er below the media cover button.
• Lock the peeler lever in the “up” position to fully engage
the peeler bail.
Figure 16: Activating Peeler Bar (QLn420 Shown)
Peeler Bail
Media Cover
Button
Peeler
Release
Peeler Lever
• Turn on the printer or press the Feed button on the front
of the printer 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.
Note: Peeler will not work with most synthetic label stock since that
media is softer and tends to adhere to its liner. However, the QLn420
printer is fully capable of printing on synthetic labels.
30
QLn Series User Guide
• To disengage the peeler bail, press the peeler release
while pressing straight down on the peeler lever. This
will disengage the peeler bail and return it to its original
home position.
Note: Before disengaging peeler, be sure there are no peeled labels
present on peeler bail. This could cause a label jam if you were to
disengage with peeled label present
Operator Controls
The QLn Series printers come equipped with a keypad control panel and LCD graphical user interface. The standard
control panel is illustrated in Figure 17, 17a, and 18. The LCD
interface allows easy display and selection of many printer
functions as detailed on following pages.
Standard Control Panel
The standard control panel has multiple control buttons and two
multipurpose indicators.
• The Power Button turns the printer on and off.
• The Media Feed Button advances a length of media which is de-
termined 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 by a length determined by the printer’s
software.
• The LED Charge Indicator shows solid Yellow when charging, solid Green when fully charged, and is turned off
when there’s a fault condition and the printer is plugged
in.
• Four Way Navigation Buttons allow the user to scroll between
functions on the LCD user space. (The Navigation Buttons do
not apply to the Status Bar and Navigation Bar.)
• Enter Button allows the user to select the desired function high-
lighted on the LCD interface and is indicated by the word “OK”.
• Two software defined function keys allow the user to select a
function listed on the navigation bar.
LCD Control Panel
continued
31
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 17: Standard Control Panel (QLn320 & QLn220)
LED Charge Indicator
Solid Yellow: Charging
Solid Green: Fully charged
Off: No DC Power Applied
Off: With DC Power Applied: Charge Fault
Power Button
Press to turn unit
on. Press again to
turn unit o.
Figure 17a: Standard Control Panel (QLn420)
LED Charge Indicator
Solid Yellow: Charging
Solid Green: Fully charged
Off: No DC Power Applied
Off: With DC Power Applied: Charge Fault
Power Button
Press to turn unit
on. Press again to
turn unit o.
Feed Button
Press to advance the media
one blank label or a software
determined length of journal
media.
Feed Button
Press to advance the media
one blank label or a software
determined length of journal
media.
32
QLn Series User Guide
The 240x128 pixel LCD control panel allows the user to view
the status of the QLn Series printer and have access to various
printer alerts and messages. It also has multi-directional keys
which allow navigation and selection of menu options affecting printer functions. These keys allow scrolling through the
various options and settings. The “OK” button allows selection
of the option or function displayed on the screen.
The top of the screen has a row of status icons, or a Status
Bar, which indicate the state of various printer functions. The
Status Bar is located above the Status Screen shown below along with a Navigation Bar. The Status Screen is the default display and is shown at power up. When navigating the
menus, the printer will automatically return to this screen
when the user is done navigating after an appropriate delay.
Status Bar Icons
Figure 18: LCD Control Panel (QLn320 and 220)
Status Screen
Default screen the printer
will display when the user
is not navigating the menu
screen.
Printer Status Bar**
Indicates the status of
several printer functions.
Soft Keys
Press to select a function on the Navigation
Bar.
Navigation Bar
Displays user-selectable
options.
Four Way Navigation But tons
Scroll through menu choices on
Status Screen.
** Not every icon will be displayed on the Status
Bar, only those applicable to the printer’s conguration.
33
QLn Series User Guide
Select Button
Press to select a
menu choice on the
Status Screen.
continued
Indicates Bluetooth connection status. The icon will
blink to show that the printer is receiving label data via
Bluetooth, and is solid when link is established. This icon
appears only on printers with the Bluetooth wireless option installed.
Indicates that the printer is connected to a
radio network via 802.11 protocols. The antenna icon will
blink with no parentheses when looking for an access
point. One set of solid parentheses with blinking antenna
indicates WLAN is associated and attempting authentication. Two sets of solid parentheses and solid antenna indicate the printer is successfully connected to the WLAN.
The icon and two parentheses will blink to show the printer is receiving printer data via WLAN. The four (4)
bars indicate the strength of the WLAN connection to the access point. These icons appear only with the
802.11 radio installed.
The Ethernet icon will blink when the printer is receiv-
ing label data via the Ethernet connection. It will not be
displayed on the status bar when the Ethernet is inactive.
This icon appears only when the Ethernet option is installed and the printer is docked in Ethernet cradle.
The Data icon indicates data being sent to the printer,
i.e. the icon will blink when there is a label data transmission via the serial or USB ports.
The Media Out icon will blink when there is no media
in the printer and will not blink when there is media in the
printer.
The Head Latch icon indicates if the media cover is
closed or not properly latched. It will appear unlocked and
blinking if open and will not appear if the cover is closed.
34
QLn Series User Guide
The Error icon will be displayed and blink if an error
condition exists. The icon will not be displayed if no printer error exists. Since there are separate icons for Media
Out and Head Latch Open, these two alerts do not apply
to the Error icon.
The Battery Charge Level icon indicates the reported state of charge from the battery pack. In a non-charging state, four (4) bars indicates the battery level is greater than 80%. Three (3) bars indicates if the battery level is
less than or equal to 80% but greater than 60%. Two (2)
bars indicates if the level is less than or equal to 60% but
greater than 40%. One (1) bar indicates if the battery level
is less than or equal to 40% but greater than 20%. And
zero (0) bars indicates if the level is less than or equal to
20%.
While the battery is charging, a lightning bolt will appear in the
battery icon to indicate that charging is taking place.
When the battery is charging and fully charged, four bars will be
displayed. When the battery is charging and the level is greater
than 80%, the battery icon will alternate between four bars and
three bars. When the battery is charging and the level is less than
or equal to 80% but greater than 60%, the icon will alternate between three bars and two bars. When the battery is charging and
the level is less than or equal to 60% but greater than 40%, the
icon will alternate between two bars and one bar. When the battery is charging and the level is less than or equal to 40% the icon
will alternate between one bar and zero bars.
35
QLn Series User Guide
Main Menu Screen (QLn320 and QLn220)
The user can select options on the Main Menu screen by
pressing the soft key located beneath the Menu option on the
navigation bar (see Fig. 16). The Main Menu screen displays
graphical options including Communication, Display, Media,
Battery, and Help.
Figure 19: Main Menu Screen QLn320 and QLn220
Info (Help)
Icon
The user can scroll between icons using the four-way arrow
buttons. When an icon is highlighted, its text description will
be displayed in the middle of the navigation bar, and can be
selected by pressing the “OK” button. This will take the user to
the screen with status information specific to that option. The
Info (or Help) menu provides useful information on a variety of
topics. Please explore this menu to become more familiar with
your printer and how it operates.
The QLn Series printers will also display various alerts, such
as “Media Out”, “Media Cover Open”, or “Battery Low”. The
user can respond to questions by pressing one of the soft
keys to indicate that an action has been taken to address the
alert in question. Once the condition causing the alert has
been addressed (i.e. loading media), the alert message will be
cleared. (See Appendix H for a complete list of alerts for the
QLn Series printers.)
36
QLn Series User Guide
Soft Keys
Programmable LCD Settings
In addition to the status icons, the LCD control panel can display other printer settings and functions as text. Applications
can be written to allow the user to view and /or modify these
settings using the scroll and select keys on the display. The
menu that comes with the printer provides access to the most
commonly used parameters. Refer to the CPCL Programming
Manual for a complete list of the parameters, and for details
on how to change the front panel display (p/n P1036975-001 at
www.zebra.com/manuals).
The LCD backlighting option allows viewing of the screen
in a dark environment, or provides better contrast in a very
bright environment. The QLn320 and QLn220 can be programmed to enter a low power mode (Backlight Off) during
periods of front panel inactivity. While in low power mode, the
screen is populated with menus and status icons, data which
may or may not be readable depending on ambient light conditions. The QLn Series printers provide a configurable time
delay from the time the backlight is turned on to when it turns
off. The time range for this delay is 5 to 1200 seconds with
a default time of 10 seconds. The backlight can be activated within one second after any of the cursor, select, or soft
keys is pressed. (The feed button does not activate the backlight.) The status bar icons, the user space content, and the
navigation bar will remain on the screen with the backlight
off. Extensive use of the display backlight will decrease the
time the printer can run between charges. Refer to the section
“Extending Battery Life” for more information.
37
QLn Series User Guide
Home Menu Screen (QLn420)
The QLn420 printer’s control panel includes a display where
the user can view the printer’s status or change its operating parameters. After the printer completes the power-up sequence, it moves to the Idle Display screen (Figure 20). This
screen includes the printer’s current status, information such
as firmware version and IP address, and a Home menu shortcut.
The Home Menu for the printer uses a different set of icons
than the QLn320 and QLn220, uses larger fonts for enhanced
readability, and also provides support for multiple languages. The Home Menu screen displays graphical parameter options including Settings, Tools, Network, Battery, Language,
Sensors, Ports, and Bluetooth (as shown in Figure 21). These
options allow the user to view the printer’s status or change
its operating parameters.
Figure 20: Idle Display Screen (QLn420)
PRINTER READY
V68.18.1z
Home icon
Current status
The printer’s operating parameters are sorted into eight (8)
user menus, which you can access through the printer’s Home
menu (Figure 21). Click on the Home icon located on the Idle
Display screen to proceed to the Home Menu.
The user can scroll between icons using the four-way arrow
buttons. When an icon is highlighted, its text description will
be displayed in the middle of the navigation bar, and can be
selected by pressing the “OK” button. This will take the user to
the screen with status information specific to that option.
38
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 21: Home Menu Screen QLn420
SETTINGS
OK
OK
Icon Parameter
See Settings menu in Appendix D
See Tools menu in Appendix D
See Network menu in Appendix D
See Battery menu in Appendix D
See Language menu in Appendix D
See Sensors menu in Appendix D
See Ports menu in Appendix D
See Bluetooth menu in Appendix D
39
QLn Series User Guide
Whereas the QLn320 and 220 printers have multiple line
items per screen, the QLn420 displays one setting per screen
using larger fonts (as shown below). In order to navigate to
the next setting, click on the right arrow button. Click on the
soft key below the Home icon to return to the Home Menu
screen to choose a different parameter.
Figure 22: Print Settings Example
DARKNESS
-49
Some parameter settings have a scroll option to view multiple setting choices. This option is identifiable by the presence
of up and down arrows located on either side of the display
(Figure 23). For example, the Tools parameter has a Help
option for many printer functions such as media, battery icon,
error icon, latch icon, media icon, receive data icon, ethernet icon, signal icon, WLAN icon, Bluetooth icon, power LED,
printhead, and battery.
40
QLn Series User Guide
Press the up and down arrows on the keypad to scroll
through a setting’s various options. Press the left and right arrows to scroll to the next setting.
Figure 23: Scroll Option (Help Settings)
HELP FOR
Scroll
Indicator
MEDIA
GET HELP
Scroll
Indicator
Soft Key
Keypad
OK
OK
Press the soft key beneath the “GET HELP” command on the
display in this example to receive basic help information for
loading media in the QLn420 printer (Figure 24).
Figure 24: Scroll Details (Help For Media)
1: Open media cover by
pressing down on the gold
release button on right
hand side of the printer.
BACK
Press the soft key beneath “BACK” to return to the previous
screen.
41
QLn Series User Guide
Verify the Printer Is Working
Before you connect the printer to your computer or portable data
terminal, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You
can do this by printing a configuration label using the “two key” method. If you can’t get this label to print, refer to “Troubleshooting”.
Printing a Conguration Label
1. Turn the printer off. Load the media compartment with
journal media (media with no black bars printed on the
back)
2. Press and hold the Feed Button.
3. Press and release the Power button and keep the Feed
button pressed. When printing starts, release the Feed
button.
The unit will print a line of interlocking “x” characters to
ensure all elements of the print head are working, print out the
version of software loaded in the printer and then print the report. Note that the report can also be printed from the Info
(Help) menu on the LCD.
The report indicates model, serial number, baud rate, and more
detailed information on the printer’s configuration and parameter settings. (See the Troubleshooting Section for sample printouts and a further discussion on how to use the configuration label as a diagnostic
tool.)
Connecting the Printer
The printer must establish communications with a host terminal which sends the data to be printed. Communications
occur in four basic ways:
• QLn Series printers can communicate by cable via either
RS-232C or USB 2.0 protocols. USB drivers are included
in the Zebra Designer Driver which can be downloaded
www.zebra.com/drivers
from
• By means of a Bluetooth™ short range radio frequency link.
(Optional)
• By means of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) per
802.11 specifications. (Optional)
• By means of the Ethernet when docked on the Ethernet cradle.
(Optional)
QLn Series User Guide
.
42
Cable Communication
Caution • The printer should be turned o before connecting or
disconnecting a communications cable.
The QLn Series printers can communicate by cable; the specific cable supplied with your printer will vary with the host
terminal and your model printer.
RS-232C Communications
The 14-pin serial connector on your communications cable
plugs into the serial communications port on the side of the
printer. QLn Series printers also have a USB port.
USB Communications
The small 5-pin connector on the USB cable plugs into the
printer. The connectors are keyed to assure correct alignment; do not try to force the cable if it does not plug in.
Figure 25: Cable Communications (QLn320 Shown)
Communications
Port
Figure 26: Communications with a P.C.
Communications Cable to Terminal
Part numbers vary. Refer to Appendix A.
QLn Series User Guide
RS-232C or USB Communications
Cable to Computer
Refer to Appendix A for part numbers.
43
The other end of the cable must be plugged into the host terminal as shown in Figure 25, or to a serial or USB port on a
computer (Figure 26). The QLn Series is configured with the
USB Open HCI interface driver allowing it to communicate
with Windows® based devices.
USB drivers are included in the Zebra Designer Driver which can be
downloaded from the Zebra Web site. Other terminals or communications devices may require the installation of special drivers to use the
USB connection. Consult the factory for further details.
Providing Strain Relief for Communications Cable
If you are connecting either a USB or RS-232 communications cable
to the printer permanently, access the communications port on the
side of the printer next to the latch release lever. Plug the connector
into the appropriate port and align the plastic locking cap with the cut
outs shown below. Rotate the locking cap clockwise to lock the cable
in place. (Turn counterclockwise to unlock the cable.) Once locked in
place, this provides strain relief for the cable and will prevent the cable
from disconnecting from the printer.
Note • Only one cable can be present in the USB/RS-232
communications port at a time for strain relief purposes.
Figure 27: Communications Port
Align locking
connector
with these
cut-outs.
USB Port
QLn Series User Guide
RS-232 Port
44
Figure 28: Communications Port Strain Relief (QLn420 Shown)
Rotate locking cap in a
clockwise direction to lock
cable in place.
45
QLn Series User Guide
Wireless Communications with Bluetooth™
Bluetooth is a worldwide standard for the exchange of data
between two devices via radio frequencies. Bluetooth radios
are relatively low powered to help prevent interference with
other devices running at similar radio frequencies. This limits
the range of a Bluetooth device to about 10 meters (32 feet).
Both the printer and the device it communicates with must follow the Bluetooth standard. Other than conditions specified
elsewhere in this manual, only one of the radio options can be
installed in the printer at one time and the antenna used for
these transmitters must not be co-located or must not operate
in conjunction with any other antenna.
Bluetooth Networking Overview
Each Bluetooth enabled QLn Series printers is identified
by a unique Bluetooth Device Address (BDA). In order to exchange data, two Bluetooth enabled devices must establish a
connection.
Bluetooth software is always running in the background,
ready to respond to connection requests. One device (known
as the master or the client) must request a connection with another. The second device (the slave or the server) then accepts
or rejects the connection. A Bluetooth enabled QLn Series
printer will normally act as a slave creating a miniature network with the terminal sometimes referred to as a “piconet”.
For the most part, communications using the Bluetooth protocol are initiated and processed without any operator intervention.
46
QLn Series User Guide
continued
WLAN Overview
QLn Series printers can be equipped with a radio using the
industry standard 802.11 protocols. They will have the FCC ID
number on the serial number label on the back of the unit.
• QLn Series Wireless Network Printers with the Zebra
802.11 WLAN radio module can be identified by the text
“Wireless Network Printer” on the serial number label on
the back of the printer.
• These printers allow communication as a node within a
wireless local area network (WLAN). Methods of establishing communications to the printer will vary with each
application.
General information on establishing WLAN communications can be found in the ”CPCL Programming Manual” which
is available on-line. More information and LAN configuration
utilities are included in Zebra’s Net Bridge™ program (version
2.8 and later). Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) can also be used to
configure WLAN communications settings. Both Net Bridge
and ZSU may be downloaded from the Zebra Web site.
Setting Up the Software
QLn Series printers use Zebra’s CPCL and ZPL Programming
languages which were designed for mobile printing applications. CPCL and ZPL are fully described in the ”CPCL
Programming Manual” and the “ZPL Programming Guide”
available on-line at
You can also use Designer Pro, Zebra’s Windows® based label creation program which uses a graphical interface to create and edit labels in either language.
Refer to Appendix F for tips on downloading the Designer Pro application from Zebra’s Web site.
www.zebra.com/manuals
.
47
QLn Series User Guide
Using the Accessories
Swivel Belt Clip
Refer to Figure 29. Most QLn Series printers have a plastic swivel belt clip installed as a standard feature. (It should
be noted that QLn220 & 320 printers with extended capacity
battery do not come equipped with a belt clip.) To use: hook
the clip over your belt, and ensure that the clip is securely attached to the belt. The belt clip will pivot to allow you to move
freely while wearing the printer. The QLn420 also provides a
more rigid metal belt clip as an option.
In order to install or remove the plastic Belt Clip you will
need to remove the battery pack.
Figure 29: Using the Belt Clip (QLn420 Shown)
Clip printer to
belt
Belt
Printer can
pivot freely
Plastic Belt
Clip
Metal Belt
Clip
48
QLn Series User Guide
Soft Case
QLn Series printers have soft case options that also allow
you to carry the printer from your belt. The QLn420 soft case
can be ordered through accessory kit number P1050667-017,
the QLn320 is P1031365-029, and the QLn220 accessory kit is
P1031365-044.
Figure 30: Using the Soft Case (QLn420 Shown)
1
Figure 31: Using the QLn420 Hard Case
2
3
Hard Case
The QLn420 printer has a two piece hard case option that
also allows you to carry the printer from your belt, while also
providing increased protection for the printer. It pivots via
a hinge located on the back and snaps into place in front as
shown above. The metal belt clip is mounted to the hard case
and printer with two screws. If no belt clip is used, two shorter screws are used to hold the printer to the hard case.
49
QLn Series User Guide
Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Refer to Figure 32 if your printer is equipped with the shoulder strap option (p/n P1031365-026). Insert each end of the
shoulder strap into the cut-outs in each top corner of the printer and secure the looped end over the button on the end of
the strap to fasten.
Hold the buckle and pull the strap as shown below until you
achieve the desired length.
Figure 32: Using the Optional Shoulder Strap(QLn420 Shown)
Pull Strap here
to lengthen.
Hold Buckle.
Pull
Strap
here to
shorten.
Insert loop into
cut-outs on
printer.
50
QLn Series User Guide
End of
strap
Button
Loop
continued
Hand Strap
The QLn Series hand strap accessory (p/n P1031365-027) attaches to the printer’s cut-outs as does the shoulder strap to
provide the user with a convenient and secure method of carrying the printer. To attach the hand strap to the printer:
• Insert the end of the strap through the cut out on the front of the
printer as shown.
• Loop the end of the strap back around the cut out and secure it
over the button.
• Repeat this process for the opposite end of the strap.
Figure 33: Detachable Hand Strap (QLn320 Shown)
Loop strap into
cut-outs on
printer.
The QLn Series printers also features two mounting holes
on the base of the printer to accommodate future mounting
options.
51
QLn Series User Guide
Preventive Maintenance
Extending Battery Life
• Never expose the battery to direct sunlight or temperatures over 104° F (40° C).
• Always use a Zebra charger designed specifically for Lithium-Ion
batteries. Use of any other kind of charger may damage the battery.
• Use the correct media for your printing requirements. An
authorized Zebra re-seller can help you determine the optimum media for your application.
• If you print the same text or graphic on every label, consider using a pre-printed label.
• Choose the correct print darkness, and print speed for
your media.
• Use software handshaking (XON/XOFF) whenever possible.
• Remove the battery if the printer won’t be used for a day or more
and you’re not performing a maintenance charge.
• Consider purchasing an extra battery.
• Remember that any rechargeable battery will lose its
ability to maintain a charge over time. It can only be recharged a finite number of times before it must be replaced. Always dispose of batteries properly. Refer to
Appendix E for more information on battery disposal.
General Cleaning Instructions
Caution • Avoid possible personal injury or damage to the printer: never
insert any pointed or sharp objects into the printer.
Always turn the printer o before performing any cleaning
procedures.
Use care when working near the tear bar. The edges are very sharp.
Caution • The printhead can be very hot after prolonged printing.
Allow it to cool o before attempting any cleaning procedures.
Only use the cleaning pen supplied with the printer or a cotton swab
saturated with alcohol for cleaning the printhead.
Caution • Use only cleaning agents specied in the following tables.
Zebra Technologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage
caused by any other cleaning materials used on this printer.
52
QLn Series User Guide
QLn Series Cleaning
Area Method Interval
Use a Zebra cleaning pen or 70%
Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab
Printhead (Figure 34)
Platen Roller (Figure 34)
Platen Roller (Figure 35)
Interior (Figure 35)
Interior (Figure 34) Brush/air blow. Ensure the Bar
Peel bar (Figure 34)
Tear bar (Figure 34)
to clean the print elements from
end to end (the print elements are
located in the thin gray line on the
printhead).
Rotate the platen roller and clean it
thoroughly with the cleaning pen or
70% Isopropyl alcohol and a cotton
swab.
Units with linerless platens: Rotate
platen & clean bearing points only.
Avoid use of alcohol on the surface of
linerless platens
Units with linerless platens: Clean
inside surfaces of edge guides &
media rollers with the supplied
cleaning pen or 70% Isopropyl
alcohol on a cotton swab.
Sensor, Gap Sensor and Label
Present Sensor windows are free
of dust.
Clean thoroughly with a cleaning
pen or 70% Isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.
After every five rolls of
media (or more often, if
needed).
When using Linerless
type media, cleaning is
required after every roll
of media.
After every five rolls of
media (or more often if
needed).
After every roll of media.
After every roll of media.
As needed
Exterior
Water-dampened cloth or 70%
Isopropyl alcohol wipe.
53
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 34: Cleaning the QLn Series Printers (QLn320 Shown)
Platen surface
Peeler Bar
Bar Sensor
Printhead
Elements
Peeler
Bar
Label
Presence
Sensor
Figure 35: Cleaning the Linerless QLn Series Printers
Gap
Sensor
Tear Bar
Bearing Points
Linerless Platens only
Scraper
Platen surface
Avoid using alcohol
on linerless platen
surface.
Media Support
Disks, Inner
surfaces on
both sides.
Linerless units only.
54
QLn Series User Guide
Troubleshooting
Figure 36 QLn Series Control Panels
Front Control Panel
QLn420
Green/Yellow
LED
QLn220/320
Status icons
LCD Control Panel (QLn320 Shown)
Front Control Panel
If the printer is not functioning properly, refer to the chart
below to find the state of the LED charge indicator on the
Front Control Panel. Then refer to the Troubleshooting topic referenced in the chart to resolve the problem. Please note
that the charge LED is only on when DC power is applied to
the printer. If no DC power is applied the LED is off, which
does not apply to the table below.
Green Yellow Indication
Solid
Off
Off
Off
Solid Charging n/a
Off
55
QLn Series User Guide
Fully charged
Fault
Ref. to
Topic
n/a
1
LCD Control Panel Indicators
The top of the display shows several icons which indicate
the status of various printer functions. Check the indicator status, then refer to the Troubleshooting topic referenced in the
chart to resolve the problem.
Icon Status Indication
On Bluetooth Link estab-
Not Present Bluetooth Link inactive
Blinking
Antenna Blinking Looking for AP
Antenna Blinking/1 Parenthe-
sis Solid
Antenna and 2 Parentheses
Solid
Antenna and 2 Parentheses
Blinking
Not Present
4 Bars >80% Charged
3 Bars 60%-80% Charged
2 Bars 40%-60% Charged
1 Bar 20%-40% Charged
0 Bars Low Bat tery
4 Blinking w/ Lightning Bolt Charging >80% Capacity
3 Blinking w/ Lightning Bolt
2 Blinking w/ Lightning Bolt
1 Blinking w/ Lightning Bolt
0 Bars w/ Lightning Bolt Charging <20% Capacity
lished
Connecting or Transmitting Labels
WLAN Associated & Attempting Authentication
WLAN Associated and
Authenticated
Receiving Data
No Radio Present
Charging 60 -80% Capacity
Charging 40 -60% Capacity
Charging 20-40% Capacity
Blinking Media cover open
56
QLn Series User Guide
continued
Blinking Receiving data
Solid Ethernet Connected
Not Present No Ethernet Connection
Blinking
Steady No data being processed
Blinking Out of Media
Steady Media present
Blinking
Not Present No error exists
4 Bars
3 Bars
2 Bars
1 Bar
0 Bars No Signal Strength
Data processing in
progress
Error exists (excluding
Media Out and Head
Latch Open)
802.11 signal strength
> 75%
802.11 signal strength
</= 75%
802.11 signal strength </=
50% but >25%
802.11 signal strength
</= 25%
Troubleshooting Topics
1. No power
• Check that battery is installed properly.
• Recharge or replace battery as necessary.
Always dispose of batteries properly. Refer to Appendix F for more
information on proper battery disposal.
2. Media does not feed:
• Be sure media cover is closed and latched.
• Check spindle holding media for any binding.
• Ensure most recently printed label is removed (only in peel
mode).
• Also ensure label sensor is not blocked.
3. Poor or faded print:
• Clean print head.
• Check quality of media.
4. Partial or missing print:
• Check media alignment
57
QLn Series User Guide
• Clean print head.
• Ensure printhead is properly closed and latched.
5. Garbled print:
• Check baud rate.
6. No print:
• Check baud rate.
• Replace battery.
• Check cable to terminal.
• Establish RF Link (Wireless units only) and/or restore LAN
associativity (Printers with WLAN radios only).
• Invalid label format or command structure. Place printer in
Communications Diagnostic (Hex Dump) Mode to diagnose
problem.
7. Reduced battery charge life
• If battery is older than 1 year old, short charge life may be
due to normal aging.
• Check battery health.
• Replace battery.
8. ashing:
• Flashing indicator is normal while data is being received.
9. or ashing:
• Check that media is loaded and that the media cover is closed and
securely latched.
10. Skips labels:
• Check media for top of form sense mark or label gap.
• Check that the maximum print field has not been exceeded
on label.
• Ensure bar or gap sensor is not blocked or malfunctioning
11. Communication error:
• Check baud rate.
• Replace cable to terminal.
12. Label jam:
• Open head release latch and media cover.
• Remove and reinstall media.
13. Blank LCD screen
• Make sure printer is turned on.
• No application loaded or application corrupted: reload
program.
58
QLn Series User Guide
Troubleshooting Tests
Printing a Conguration Label
To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration fol-
low these steps:
1. Turn the printer off. Load the media compartment with
journal media (media with no black bars printed on the
back).
2. Press and hold the Feed Button.
3. Press and release the Power button and keep the Feed
button pressed. When printing starts, release the Feed
button.
Note • The conguration report can also be printed from the Info
(Help) menu on the LCD.
Refer to Figures 37a, b, and c for sample configuration print-
outs.
Communications Diagnostics
If there is a problem transferring data between the computer
and the printer, try putting the printer in the Communications
Diagnostics Mode (also referred to as the “DUMP” mode). The
printer will print the ASCII characters and their text representation (or the period ‘.’, if not a printable character) for any data
received from the host computer.
To enter Communications Diagnostics Mode:
1. Print a configuration label as described above.
2. At the end of the diagnostics report, the printer will print: “Press
FEED key to enter DUMP mode”.
3. Press the FEED key. The printer will print: “Entering
DUMP mode”.
Note • If the FEED key is not pressed within 3 seconds, the printer will
print “DUMP mode not entered” and will resume normal operation.
4. At this point, the printer is in DUMP mode and will print
the ASCII hex codes of any data sent to it, and their text
representation (or “.” if not a printable character).
Additionally, a file with a “.dmp” extension containing the
59
QLn Series User Guide
ASCII information will be created and stored in the printer’s
memory. It can be viewed, “cloned” or deleted using the Net
Bridge application. (Refer the Net Bridge documentation for
more information.)
To terminate the Communications Diagnostics Mode and re-
turn the printer to normal operations:
1. Turn the printer OFF.
2. Wait 5 seconds.
3. Turn the printer ON.
Contacting Technical Support
If the printer fails to print the configuration label, or you encounter problems not covered in the Troubleshooting Guide,
contact Zebra Technical Support. Technical Support addresses and phone numbers for your area can be found in
Appendix D of this manual. You will need to supply the following information:
• Model number and type (e.g. QLn320)
• Unit serial number (Found on the large label on the back of the
printer, also found in the configuration label printout.
• Product Configuration Code (PCC) (15 digit number found on the
label on the back of the unit)
60
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 37a: QLn Series Conguration Label Example (QLn320 Shown)
Identifies
Printer as a
QLn320 series
Unit Serial
Number
Report appears
only on units
with wireless
options installed.
Units with no
wireless options
will print an
empty line and
resume.
Application
Number
This unit has a
802.11b/g radio
option installed.
This section
details the
radio’s network
settings.
Note • Wireless conguration settings may not print correctly when us-
ing the Power and Feed key method of printing as the radio takes time to initialize before these settings are valid. To get the correct setting, turn the printer on,
wait 60 seconds, and then print the report from the Info (Help) menu.
61
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 37b: Conguration Label Example (continued)
Peripherals
installed: In
this example
the 802.11
option is
installed.
Flash
and RAM
Memory
Installed
Maximum
Label Size
Resident
Human
Readable
fonts
installed.
62
QLn Series User Guide
continued
Figure 37c: Conguration Label Example (continued)
Files Loaded
in Printer
Memory
(will include
Pre-scaled
or Scalable
Fonts).
63
QLn Series User Guide
Specifications
Note • Printer specications are subject to change without notice.
Printing Specications
Parameter QLn320 QLn220 QLn420
Print Width Up to 2.91 in. (74 mm) Up to 1.89 in. (48 mm) Up to 4.1 in. (104 mm)
4 in./second (101,6
mm/second) without
Print Speed
Printhead Burn
Line to Tear
Edge Distance
Print Head Life
(as per Mfg.
spec)
Print Density 203 dots/in. Same Same
peeler
2 in./second (50,8
mm/second) with
peeler
0.20 in. (5,08 mm) 0.17 in. (4,31 mm) 0.16 in. (4,06 mm)
2 million inches of
paper fed
Same Same
Same Same
Same Same
Memory and Communications Specications for QLn Series
Flash Memory 256 MB Flash
RAM Memory 128 MB RAM
RS-232 serial port (14 Pin serial connector)
Configurable Baud rate (from 9600 to 115.2 Kbps),
Standard
Communications
parity and data bits.
Software (X-ON/X-OFF) or hardware (DTR/
STR) communication handshake protocols.
USB 2.0 Full Speed Inter face (12 Mbps)
Bluetooth v2.1 compatible 2.4 GHz SRRF link
Optional Wireless
Communications
Optional wireless LAN capabilities comply with
802.11a/b/g/n protocols
QLn420: BT 3.0 and 802.11a/b/g/n
Time and date under application control. Refer to
Real Time Clock (RTC)
CPCL and ZPL Programming Manuals, available at
www.zebra.com/manuals for RTC commands.
Ethernet
10 or 100 mps Ethernet auto detect when docked in
cradle.
1. Memory configuration on your printer may be ascer tained by printing a
configuration label as detailed on pages 59.
QLn Series User Guide
1
1
64
Label Specications
Parameter QLn320 QLn220 QLn420
Media Width
Max/Min
Label Length
Black Bar
Sensor to
Printhead
Burn Line
Distance.
Label
Thickness
Max Tag
Thickness
Max. Label
Roll dia.
Label Inner
Core**
Black Mark
Location
Black Mark
Dimensions
1.0 in. to 3.125 in. (25,4
to 79,4 mm)
0.5 in. minimum to 32
in. maximum
0.625 in. (15,87 mm) +/-
0.025 in. (+/-0.635 mm)
0.0023 in to 0.0065 in
(0,058 mm to 0,165 mm)
0.0055 in. (0,152 mm)
maximum
2.6 in. (66,8 mm) O.D. 2.2 in. max (55,8
0.75 in. (19 mm) or 1.38
in (35,05 mm) minimum
dia. for linered
1.38 in. (35,05 mm)
minimum dia. for
linerless media
The reflective media
black marks should be
centered on the media
roll.
Minimum mark width:
0.5 in. (12,7 mm)
perpendicular to
inside edge of media,
centered within the
width of the roll.
Mark length: 0.12 in.
to 0.43 in. (3-11 mm)
parallel to inside edge
of media
.63 in to 2.18 in.
(16 mm to 55,37
mm)
Same Same
0.53 in. (13,46
mm)
0.0023 in. to
0.0055 in.
(0,058mm to 0,140
mm)
Same as QLn320 0.0075 in. (0,190
nn) O.D.
Same Same
Same Same
Same Same
Same Same
2.0 in to 4.4 in.
(50,8 mm to
0.625 in. (15,87
mm) +/-0.025 in.
(+/-0.635 mm)
0.0024 in. to
0.0075 in. (0,061
mm to 0,190 mm)
2.6 in, (66,8 mm)
111,76 mm)
mm) max
O.D.
Use Zebra brand dir ect thermal me dia that is outsid e wound. Media may be r eective (bl ack mark)
sensing , or transmissive (ga p) sensing, die- cut, continuous , or linerless.
For die- cut labels, use o nly full auto dies .
** QLn Series printe rs support core less media which i s 0.75 in. (19 mm) in inner d iameter.
65
QLn Series User Guide
CPCL Font and Bar Code Specications and Commands
25 bit-mapped fonts; 1 scalable font (CG Trimvirate Bold
Standard Fonts
Available Optional Fonts
Linear Bar Codes Available
2-D Bar Codes Available
Rotation Angles 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°
Condensed*) *Contains UFST from Agfa Monotype Corporation
Downloadable optional bit-mapped & scalable fonts via Net
Bridge software.
Optional International character sets: Chinese 16 x 16
(trad), 16 x 16 (simplified),24 x 24 (simplified); Japanese
16 x 16, 24 x 24
Barcode (CPCL Command)
Aztec (AZTEC)
Codabar (CODABAR, CODABAR 16)
UCC/EAN 128 (UCCEAN128)
Code 39 (39, 39C, F39, F39C)
Code 93 (93)
Code 128 (128)
EAN 8, 13, 2 and 5 digit extensions (EAN8, EAN82, EAN85, EAN13,
EAN132, and EAN135)
EAN-8 Composite (EAN8)
EAN-13 Composite (EAN13)
Plessey (PLESSEY)
lnterleaved 2 of 5 (I2OF5)
MSI (MSI, MSI10, MSI1110)
FIM/POSTNET (FIM)
TLC39 (TLC39)
UCC Composite A/ B/C (128(Auto))
UPCA, 2 and 5 digit extensions (UPCA2 and UPCA5)
UPCA Composite (UPCA)
UPCE, 2 and 5 digit extensions (UPCE2 and UPCE5)
UPCE Composite (UPCE)
MaxiCode (MAXICODE)
PDF 417 (PDF-417)
Datamatrix (using ZPL emulation) (DATAMATRIX)
QR Code (QR)
RSS-14 (RSS-Subtype 1)
RSS-14 Truncated (RSS-Subtype 2)
RSS-14 Stacked (RSS -Subtype 3)
RSS:
RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional (RSS-Subtype 4)
RSS Limited (RSS-Subtype 5)
RSS Expanded (RSS-Subt ype 6)
66
QLn Series User Guide
ZPL Font and Bar Code Specications and Commands
15 bit-mapped fonts; 1 scalable font (CG Trimvirate Bold
Standard Fonts
Available Optional Fonts
Linear Bar Codes Available
2-D Bar Codes Available
Rotation Angles 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°
*Contains UFST from Agfa Monotype Corporation
Condensed*)
Downloadable optional bit-mapped & scalable fonts via
Net Bridge software.
Zebra offers font kits covering multiple languages including
Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean,
Hebrew/Arabic, and others.
Barcode (ZPL Command)
Aztec (^B0)
Codabar (^BK)
Codablock (^BB)
Code 11 (^B1)
Code 39 (^B3)
Code 49 (B4)
Code 93 (^BA)
Code 128 (^BC)
DataMatrix (^BX)
EAN-8 (^B8)
EAN-13 (^BE)
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional (^BR)
Industrial 2 of 5 (^BI)
lnterleaved 2 of 5 (^B2)
ISBT-128 (^BC)
LOGMARS (^BL)
Micro-PDF417 (^BF)
MSI (^BM)
PDF-417 (^B7)
Planet Code (^B5)
Plessey (^BP)
Postnet (^BZ)
Standard 2 of 5 (^BJ)
TLC39 (^BT)
UPC/EAN extensions (^BS)
UPC-A (^BU)
UPC-E (^B9)
Maxi Code (^BD)
QR Code (^BQ)
67
QLn Series User Guide
Communications Ports
RS-232C
Pin# Signal Name Type Description
1
2 TXD output Transmit Data
3
4
5 GND Ground
6
7
8
9 N/A Do Not Use
10 N/A Do Not Use
11 N/A Do Not Use
12 N/A Do Not Use
13 N/A Do Not Use
14 N/A Do Not Use
CTS
RXD
DSR input Data Set Ready: low to high transition
DTR output Data Terminal Ready: set high when
N/A Do Not Use
RTS
input
input
output
Clear To Send from host
Receive Data
turns printer on, high to low transition
turns printer off (if enabled)
printer is on.
Switched 5V (300mA max)
Request To Send set high when printer is
ready to accept a command or data
10
12
8
4
6
2
1
5
3
7
14
9
11
13
Figure 38: RS-232C Communications Port
68
QLn Series User Guide
USB
Pin # Signal Name Type Description
1 VBUS - USB Bus Power
2 USB - bi-directional I/O signals
3 USB + bi-directional I/O signals
4 USB_ID - Identifies A/B connector
5 Return Ground
5
1
Figure 39: USB Communications Port
Physical, Environmental and Electrical Specications
Parameter QLn420 QLn320 QLn220
Weight w/
battery,excluding
media & wireless
options.
Temperature
Relative Humidity
2.20 lbs. (0,99 kg) 1.60 lbs. (0,75 kg.) 1.35 lbs. (0,61 kg.)
Operating: - 4o to
122o F (-20o to 50o C)
Storage: -13o to
149o F (-25o to 65o C)
Charging: 32o to
104o F (0o to 40o C)
Operating: 10%
to 90% (noncondensing)
Same Same
Operating: 10%
to 80% (non-
condensing)
Operating: 10%
to 90% (non-
condensing)
Storage: 10%
to 90% (non-
condensing
Battery Lithium-Ion, 7.4
Intrusion
Protection (IP)
Rating
VDC (nominal);
2.45 A Hr min.
IP43 (without
optional
environmental
case)
IP54 (with case)
QLn Series User Guide
IP43 (without
environmental
IP54 (with case)
69
Same Same
Same Same
optional
case)
TBD (without
optional
environmental
case)
IP54 (with case)
Figure 40: QLn420 Overall Dimensions
3.25 in.
(82,5 mm)
Depth
7.35 in.
(186,7 mm)
6.5 in.
(165,1 mm)
HeightWidth
70
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 41: QLn320 Overall Dimensions
3.15 in.
(76,9 mm)
(117,9 mm)
Depth
6.85 in.
(173,7 mm)
4.65 in.
Width Height
71
QLn Series User Guide
Figure 42: QLn220 Overall Dimensions
2.85 in.
(72,4 mm)
Depth
6.73 in.
(170,9 mm)
3.5 in.
(91,4 mm)
Width
Height
72
QLn Series User Guide
QLn Series Accessories
Description
Adjustable shoulder strap: Kit p/n P1031365-026
Hand Strap: Kit p/n P1031365-027
Protective soft case: Kit p/n P1050 667-017 (QLn420); P1031365- 029
(QLn320); P1031365-044 (QLn220) includes shoulder strap
Extra bat ter y packs: Kit p/n P1031365- 025 (QLn220/320); P1050667-016
(QLn420); P1031365-101 (QLn Extended Battery)
Ethernet Cradle AC Adaptor: p/n P1031365-033 (QLn220/320);
P1050667-018 (QLn420); (US line cord, see Sales for others)
Ethernet Cradle: p/n P1050667-029 (QLn420); P1031365-038 (QLn220/320)
Quad Ethernet Cradle: P1031365-045 (US line cord, see Sales for others);
for use with QLn220/320 only
Vehicle Cradle: P1050667-026 (QLn420 w/ adapter and cord); P1050667-030
(w/out adapter and cord)
SC2 Smart Single Bat ter y Charger: P1031365-063 (US line cord, see Sales
for others)
Li-Ion DC/DC 15 - 60 VDC Adapter (for use with forklifts); AK18913-003
(QLn420)
AC Power Adapter: p/n P1031365-024 ; (US line cord, see Sales for others)
Model UCLI72- 4 Quad Battery Charger
(100-240 VAC input): p/n AC18177-5 (US line cord, see Sales for others)
Protective hard case for QLn420: P1050667-034
Metal Belt Clip (QLn420): P1050667-031
Refer to Appendix A for information on Data I/O Cables
For more accessory kit details and order numbers, contact the factory
or your authorized Zebra re-seller.
73
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix A
Interface Cables
RS232 Cables
Part Number P1031365-053; DB-9 to 14-Pin Serial
Part Number P1031365- 052; 8-Pin DIN to 14-Pin Serial Cable (QL Adapter Cable)
74
QLn Series User Guide
USB Cable
- GND
- D+
- D-
- VBUS
- VBUS
- D-
- D+
- NC
- GND
Part Number AT17010-1; USB A to USB Mini B Cable
Part Number P1031365-055; 4 Position USB Mini to 4-Pin USB (w/ Strain Relief)
More Interface Cables
Contact the Factory or your Zebra Sales Representative for more
information on interface cables to most major manufacturer’s data
terminals.
You may also vist the Zebra Web site at:
www.zebra.com/accessories
for all series of Zebra mobile printers
QLn Series User Guide
for a listing of interface cables
75
Appendix B
Media Supplies
To insure maximum printer life and consistent print quality and performance for your individual application, it is recommended that only media produced by Zebra be used.
Advantages include:
• Consistent quality and reliability of media products.
• Large range of stocked and standard formats.
• In-house custom format design service.
• Large production capacity which services the needs of
many large and small media consumers including major
retail chains world wide.
• Media products that meet or exceed industry standards.
For more information go the Zebra website (www.zebra.com) and
select the Products tab, or refer to the CD included with the printer.
Appendix C
Maintenance Supplies
In addition to using quality media provided by Zebra, it is
recommended that the printer be cleaned as prescribed in the
maintenance section. The following item is available for this
purpose:
• Cleaning Pen (12 pack): p/n 105950-035
76
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D
SETTINGS Menu
DARKNESS
-49
PRINT SPEED
4.0
MEDIA TYPE
Set the darkness to the lowest set ting
that provides good print quality. If you set
darkness too high, the label image may
print unclearly, bar codes may not scan
correctly, or the printhead may wear prematurely.
Select the speed for printing a label
(given in inches per second). Slower print
speeds typically yield better print quality.
Select the t ype of media that you are using.
MARK
TEAR OFF
0
PRINT WIDTH
576
If necessary, adjust the position of the
media over the tear-of f bar after printing.
Specify the width of the labels being
used. The default value is the maximum
width for the printer based on the printhead’s DPI value.
77
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
PRINT MODE
REWIND
LEFT POSITION
0
REPRINT MODE
OFF
Select a print mode that is compatible
with your printer options.
If necessary, shif t the print position horizontally on the label. Positive numbers
move the left edge of the image toward the
center of the label by the number of dots
selected, while negative numbers move the
left edge of the image toward the left edge
of the label.
When reprint mode is enabled, you can
reprint the last label printed either by issuing cer tain commands or by pressing the
LEFT ARROW on the keypad.
LABEL LENGTH MAX
39
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
Set the maximum label length to a value that is at least 1.0 in. (25,4 mm) greater
than the actual label length plus the interlabel gap. If yu set the value to one that is
smaller than the label length, the printer
assumes that continuous media is loaded,
and the printer cannot calibrate.
If necessary, change the language that
the printer displays.
N ote: The selec tions for this para meter
are display ed in the actual la nguages to
make it easi er to nd one that you are
able to rea d.
78
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
TOOLS Menu
HELP FOR
MEDIA
GET HELP
Use scrolling feature to select from a
variety of help topics including how to
load media, location and removal of battery, and cleaning the printhead. There are
also explanations of various icons including batter y, error, latch, media, RCV data,
Ethernet, signal, WLAN, and Bluetooth.
PRINT INFORMATION
SETTINGS
LCD CONTRAST
10
LCD BACKLIGHT
ON
Prints a printer configuration label, sensor profile, barcode information, font information, images, formats, two-key report,
and network settings.
PRINT
Changes the contrast on the printer’s
display (i.e. the higher the number, the
darker the contrast).
Allows the user to turn the LCD backlight
on or of f.
BACKLIGHT TIMEOUT
10
Sets the duration of the LCD backlight in
seconds.
79
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
IDLE DISPLAY
FW VERSION
POWER UP ACTION
NO MOTION
HEAD CLOSE ACTION
FEED
DIAGNOSTIC MODE
ENABLED
Select the information shown on the
printer’s display when the printer is idle.
Set the action for the printer to take during the power-up sequence, i.e. no motion,
calibrate, etc.
Set the action for the printer to take
when you close the printhead, i.e. feed, calibrate, etc.
Use this diagnostic tool to cause the
printer to output the hexadecimal values
for all data received by the printer.
ZBI ENABLED?
NO
This menu item indicates if the Zebra
Basic Interpreter (ZBI 2.0TM.) option is enabled on your printer.
80
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
NETWORK Menu
ACTIVE PRINT SERVER
NONE
WLAN IP ADDRESS
0.0.0.0
WLAN SUBNET MASK
255.255.255.0
WLAN GATEWAY
0.0.0.0
Informs the user of the presence of an
active server. Only one print server can be
installed at a time, therefore the print server installed is the active print server.
View, and if necessary, change the printer’s WL AN IP address.
View, and if necessary, change the
WLAN subnet mask.
View, and if necessary, change the default WLAN gateway.
WLAN IP PROTOCOL
ALL
This parameter tells if the user or the
server selects the WLAN IP address.
81
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
WLAN MAC ADDRESS
00:19:70:7A:20:44
WLAN PORT
6101
WLAN ALT PORT
9100
ESSID
DSF802LESS54
.View the WLAN Media Access Control
(MAC) address of the wireless print server
that is installed in the printer.
View, and if necessary, change the printer’s WL AN port.
View, and if necessary, change the
WLAN ALT port.
The Ex tended Ser vice Set Identif ication
(ESSID) is an identifier for your wireless
network. This setting, which cannot be
modified from the control panel, gives the
ESSID for the current wireless configuration.
CHANNEL
View the network channel.
82
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
SIGNAL
0
WIRED IP ADDRESS
0.0.0.0
WIRED SUBNET MASK
255.255.255.0
WIRED GATEWAY
0.0.0.0
.View, and if necessary, change the
printer’s network signal.
View, and if necessary, change the print-
er’s wired IP address.
View, and if necessary, change the print-
er’s wired subnet mask.
View, and if necessary, change the wired
gateway set ting.
WIRED IP PROTOCOL
ALL
This parameter tells if the user (permanent) or the server (dynamic) selects the IP
address. If a dynamic option is chosen, this
parameter tells the method(s) by which the
wired or wireless server receives the IP address from the server.
83
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
WIRED MAC ADDRESS
00:07:4D:3F:D3:B2
WIRED PORT
6101
WIRED ALT PORT
9100
.View, and if necessary, change the
printer’s network signal.
View, and if necessary, change the print-
er’s wired IP address.
View, and if necessary, change the print-
er’s wired subnet mask.
84
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
BATTERY Menu
HEALTH
GOOD
CYCLE COUNT
3
FIRST USED
7-12-2012
SERIAL NUMBER
1509
Indicates the current health of the bat-
tery, i.e. Good, Past Useful Life, etc.
View the current cycle count of the battery.
View the date on which the bat tery was
first used in the printer.
View the serial number of the battery
pack.
TIMEOUT
0 SECONDS
View, and if necessary, change the battery timeout..
85
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
VOLTAGE
8.39
WARNING
6.87 (176)
DTR CONTROL
OFF
View the current voltage level of the bat-
tery pack.
.
.
86
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
LANGUAGES Menu
LANGUAGE
If necessary, change the language that
the printer displays.
ENGLISH
ZPL OVERRIDE
DISABLED
COMMAND CHAR
^ (5E)
CONTROL CHAR
~ (7E)
N ote: The selec tions for this para meter
are display ed in the actual la nguages to
make it easi er to nd one that you are
able to rea d.
Enable this menu item to allow certain
ZPL commands to override the printer’s
current set tings.
Set the format command character to
match what is used in your label formats.
Set the control prefix character to match
what is used in your label formats.
87
QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
DELIMETER CHAR
, (2E)
ZPL MODE
ZPL II
Set the delimiter character to match
what is used in your label formats.
Select the mode that matches what is
used in your label formats.
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
SENSORS Menu
SENSOR TYPE
Select the media sensor that is appropriate for the media that you are using. The
reflective sensor can be used with all media types. The transmissive sensor should
be used only for simple gap media.
MEDIA/RIBBON CAL
PRINT INFORMATION
SENSOR PROFILE
LABEL SENSOR
0
TAKE LABEL
0
Use this menu item to adjust the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors.
Use this menu item to print a sensor pro file.
PRINT
Important: This value is set during
sensor calibration. Do not change
this setting unless you are told to
do so by Zebra Technical Suppor t
or by an authorized service
technician.
Important: This value is set during
sensor calibration. Do not change
this setting unless you are told to
do so by Zebra Technical Suppor t
or by an authorized service
technician.
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
PORTS Menu
BAUD RATE
19200
DATA BITS
8
PARITY
NONE
STOP BITS
1
Select the baud value that matches the
one being used by the hos t computer.
Select the data bits value that matches
the one being used by the host computer.
Select the parity value that matches the
one being used by the hos t computer.
Select the stop bits value that matches
the one being used by the host computer.
HOST HANDSHAKE
RTS/CTS
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
HOST HANDSHAKE
RTS/CTS
Select the handshake protocol that
matches the one being used by the host
computer.
HALT ON ERROR
YES
Select YES or NO to halt printing upon
the occurrence of an error.
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
BLUETOOTH Menu
BLUETOOTH ADDRESS
NO BLUETOOTH RADIO
MODE
SLAVE
DISCOVERY
View the Bluetooth address for the pres-
ence of a BT radio.
View the mode of the BT radio.
View the discovery status, i.e. ON or
OFF.
ON
CONNECTED
NO
View the connection status of the BT ra-
dio, i.e. YES or NO.
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix D (continued)
BT SPEC VERSION
NO RADIO
View the Bluetooth spec ver sion.
MIN SECURITY MODE
1
CNCTED SECURITY MODE
NO
View, and change i f necessar y, the minimum securit y mode of the BT radio.
View, and change i f necessar y, the connected security mode of the BT radio.
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix E
Product Support
When calling with a specific problem regarding your printer,
please have the following information on hand:
• Model number/type (e.g. QLn320)
• Unit serial number (refer to figure on opposite page)
• Product Configuration Code (PCC) (refer to figure on following page))
In the Americas contact
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service
Zebra Technologies Corporation
475 Half Day Road, Suite 500
Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 U.S.A
T: +1 847 634 6700
Toll-free +1 866 230 9494
F: +1 847 913 8766
In Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India contact
T: +1 877 275 9327
F: +1 847 913 2578
Hardware:
ts1@zebra.com
Software:
ts3@zebra.com
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Internal Sales Dept.
Zebra Technologies Europe Limited
Dukes Meadow
Millboard Road
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire SL8 5XF, UK
T: +44 (0)1628 556000
F: +44 (0)1628 556001
T: +44 (0) 1628 556039
F: +44 (0) 1628 556003
E: Tseurope@z ebra.com
Dept.
For printers, parts, media,
and ribbon, please call your
distributor, or contact us.
T: +1 877 275 9327
E: clientcare@zebra.com
For printers, parts, media,
and ribbon, please call
you r dis tr ib ut or, or
contact us.
T: +44 (0) 1628 556032
F: +44 (0) 1628 556001
E: cseuro pe@zebra.com
In the Asia Pacic region contact
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service
Zebra Technologies Asia Pacic
Pte. Ltd.
120 Robinson Road
#06- 01 Parakou Building
Singapore 068913
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0838
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0838
E: (China)
tschina@zebra.co m
All other areas:
tsasiap acic@zebra.com
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QLn Series User Guide
For printers, parts, media,
and ribbon, please call your
distributor, or contact us.
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0836
E: (China) order-csr@zebra.com
All other areas:
csasiap acic@zebra.com
continued
Appendix E (continued)
Serial and PCC Number Locations for QLn Series Printers
Serial Number
Barcode
7,4V 15A
XXX-XXXXXXXX-XXPCC:
XXXXSYYWWNNNNN
This product is covered by one or more Zebra US patents.
QLn320
PLACE BAR CODE HERE
S/N:
PLACE BAR CODE HERE
中
Made In China
PCC
Barcode
QLn320
(Bott om View)
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QLn Series User Guide
QLn 420
(Bott om View)
Appendix F
Battery Disposal
The EPA certified RBRC® Battery Recycling
Seal on the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery supplied
with your printer indicates Zebra Technologies
Corporation is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these
batteries at the end of their useful life, when
taken out of service in the United States or Canada. The RBRC
program provides a convenient alternative to placing used
Li-Ion batteries into the trash or the municipal waste stream,
which may be illegal in your area.
Important • When the battery is depleted, insulate the terminals with
tape before disposal
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Li-Ion battery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area.
Zebra Technologies Corporation’s involvement in this program
is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and
conserving our natural resources.
Outside North America, please follow local battery recycling
guidelines.
Product Disposal
The majority of this printer’s components are
recyclable.
Do not dispose of any printer components in
unsorted municipal waste. Please dispose of
the battery according to your local regulations,
and recycle the other printer components according to your local standards.
For more information, please see our web
site at: http://www.zebra.com/environment
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix G
Using zebra.com
The following examples use the search functions on Zebra’s
Web site for finding specific documents .
Example1: Find the QLn Series User Guide.
Go to http://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads.html
Select the appropriate printer in the Printer Support dropdown menu.
Select
Printer
Click on the Manuals tab and select the desired language from the dropdown menu.
Select language
At the resulting screen, select “QLn User Guide (en)” or Download to view.
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QLn Series User Guide
Example 2: Find the ZebraNet Bridge Enterprise download page:
Go to http://www.zebra.com/us/en/products-services/software.html and click
on Manage under Software in the Products and Services section. Or click on Manage
Software where shown.
Select the
“ZebraNet
Bridge
Enterprise
Click on “Download” in the Downloads tab where shown to access the latest sof t-
ware.
Click on
Download
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QLn Series User Guide
Appendix H
Alert Messages
The following alert messages will be displayed to inform the
user of various fault conditions that may occur with the QLn
Series printer.
Line One (Status) Line Two (Action) Notes
MEDIA OUT LOAD MEDIA
MEDIA COVER OPEN CLOSE MEDIA COVER
MAINTENANCE NEEDED CLEAN PRINTHEAD
PAPER JAM REMOVE MEDIA
BATTERY DIMINISHED CONSIDER REPLACING
WARNING - BATTERY IS PAST USEFUL LIFE
REPLACE BATTERY SHUT TING DOWN
BATTERY FAILED REPLACE BATTERY
BATTERY LOW CHARGE BATTERY
CHARGING TEMP FAULT MUST BE 0-40o C Battery Over Temp
CHARGING TEMP FAULT MUST BE 0-40o C Battery Under Temp
CHARGING FAULT REPLACE BATTERY
DOWNLOADING FIRMWARE
FIRMWARE WRITING TO FL ASH
LOOKING FOR UPDATES PLEASE WAIT. . . When searching for
RETRIEVING FIRMWARE DO NOT POWER OFF! When retrieving an
RETRIEVING NEW FILES PLEASE WAIT. . . When downloading files
SENDING FEEDBACK PLEASE WAIT. . . When sending feedback
LOSS OF SIGNAL MOVE IN R ANGE OF AP For 8 02.11
SIGNAL RESTORED N/A For 802.11
updates
application
models only
models only
Note • Highlighted rows indicate Mirror Alert Messages. The mirror
function is only available on units with either an 802.11 radio,
Ethernet, or both.
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QLn Series User Guide
Index
A
Accessories
Belt clip 48
Carrying Strap 51
list of 73
Shoulder Strap 50
using 48
AC Power Adapter (included in kit
p/n P1031365-024) 26
Adjustable Shoulder Strap 50
Alert Messages 99
Alerts 36,99
Appendix A 74
Appendix B 76
Appendix C 76
Appendix D 77
Appendix E 94
Appendix F 96
Appendix G 97
Appendix H 99
B
Battery, charging 18
Battery, disposal 96
Battery, installing 14
Battery life, tips for extending 52
Battery pack
Smart Battery, features 8
Battery, safety 15
Battery Safety Guidelines 19
Bluetooth™ Networking Overview
46
Bluetooth Device Address (BDA)
46
C
Cable Communication 43
Cables, RS232 74
Cables, USB 75
Charger, battery
UCLI72-4 Quad Charger 18
charging times 18
front panel indicators 18
Charger Safety Guidelines 15
Cleaning
general instructions 52
QLn Series 53
Communications
cable
strain relief for 44
Ports 66
QLn Series User Guide
RS232
with a cable 43
USB
Connector signals 69
with a cable 43
Communications diagnostics 59
Communications Ports 68
Configuration label, printing 59
Connecting the Printer 42
Contacting Technical Support 60
CPCL Font and Bar Code Specifi-
cations and Commands 66
D
Document Conventions 6
E
Ethernet and Charging Cradles 21
Extending Battery Life 52
F
Font & Barcode Specs
CPCL 66
ZPL 67
Front Control Panel 55
G
General Cleaning Instructions 52
Getting Ready to Print 14
H
Hand Strap 51
Hard Case 49
Home Menu Screen (QLn420) 38
I
Installing the Battery 14
Introduction to the QLn™ Series
Printers 7
L
Label Specifications 65
LCD Control Panel 33
LCD Control Panel Indicators 56
Loading Media in Peel-off Mode
(QLn320 & QLn220) 29
Loading Media in Peel-off Mode
(QLn420) 30
Loading the Media in the QLn
Series Printers 27
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