This manual provides maintenance, diagnosis, service and repair information for the TLP2746
printer models manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
If for any reason you require product technical support, please contact the Distributor where you first
purchased your equipment. If they cannot help you or at their direction, contact Zebra Repair
Administration.
RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION
Before returning any equipment to Zebra for in warranty or out of warranty repair, contact Repair
Administration for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the
original packing material and mark the RMA number clearly on the outside. Ship the equipment,
freight prepaid, to the address listed below:
Zebra Repair Administration, USA
1001 Flynn Road
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: +1 (805) 579-1800
FAX: +1 (805) 579-1808
Label Printers:Card Printers:
Zebra International, EuropeZebra International, Europe
Zebra House, The Valley CentreZone Indutrielle, Rue d'Amsterdam
Gordon Road, High Wycombe44370 Varades, France
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, United KingdomPhone: +33 (0) 240 097 070
This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This document
and the information contained within is copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and may
not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approval from Zebra. While every
effort has been made to keep the information contained within current and accurate as of the date of
publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document is error-free or that it is accurate
with regard to any specification. Zebra reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose of
product improvement, at any time.
TRADEMARKS
TLP2746 is service mark and Zebra Technologies is a trademark of Zebra Technologies
Corporation. Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
OPERATOR CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
These pages describe general safety and maintenance procedures that an operator must follow.
They are referenced throughout the service manual. The manual may include other warnings and
cautions not displayed here.
iv980023-005 Rev.B
Warning - Shock Hazard
The printer should never be operated in a location where it can get wet.
Personal injury could result.
Warnung - Stromschlaggefahr - Der Drucker sollte nie an feuchten
Standorten in Betrieb genommen werden. Es besteht erhöhte Verletzungs
und Unfallgefahr.
Warning - Static Discharge
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of
the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or
electronic components used in this device. DO NOT TOUCH the print
head or the electronic components under the print head assembly.
Caution - Printer Setup & Handling
1)When installing or modifying the printer setup or configuration,
ALWAYS TURN POWER OFF Before
A) Connecting any cables.
B) Performing any cleaning or maintenance operations.
C) Moving the printer.
:
2) Damage to the printer interface connector, accessories or enclosure
may result from placing the printer on it’s front bezel or backside during
unpacking or handling.
980023-005v
Media Cautions & Tips
1) Always use high quality Zebra approved labels and tags. Zebra approved
supplies can be ordered from your Zebra dealer. For the name of a dealer
in your area, call Zebra Customer Service at one of the numbers listed on
the back page of this manual.
2) If poor quality, adhesive backed labels are used, that DO NOT lay flat on
the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and
rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and
jam the printer.
3) DO NOT use non-Zebra transfer ribbon. Permanent damage to the print
head may result if a non-Zebra ribbon is used. Non-Zebra ribbons maybe
wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals that may damage
the print head.
4) IMPORTANT - If a transfer ribbon is installed incorrectly by the
operator, damage to the print head may result.
5) DO NOT use a ribbon when printing with direct thermal media.
Media Reload Tip
If you should run out of labels or ribbon while printing, DO NOT turn the
power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may occur. The printer
will automatically resume printing when a new label or ribbon roll is
loaded.
Print Mode Control
The printer is reconfigured for direct thermal (or thermal transfer) printing
with the “O” command. See the EPL2 programmer's manual for details.
Print Quality Tip
Print density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy (density setting)
applied and by the print speed. Changing both Print Speed and Density
may be required to achieve the desired results.
vi980023-005
INTRODUCTION
This service manual is intended for the field service engineer or technician. It's scope covers routine
maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures for the printer.
Follow the parts replacement procedures as closely as possible. If you are unsure of any procedure,
please contact your service representative or call the Zebra Technologies technical support group at
(805) 579-1800. See our web site at www.zebra.com
options: printer drivers, software, firmware, FAQ's, contacts, supplies, etc..
Zebra Technologies stocks all Zebra replacement parts for the printer. Be sure your facility stocks
sufficient parts so that scheduled maintenance can take place in a timely manner.
Unpacking the Printer
Printers are carton shipped and wrapped inside a protective bag. Keep all packing materials in case
you need to reship the printer later or store the printer for any length of time.
Preparing a Static-Safe Work Area
Prepare a static-safe work area before opening the printer for repair. The area must include a
properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the printer and a conductive wrist strap for the
technician. ESD protective devices are available from most electronic supply stores or by contacting
3M corporation at (800) 328-1368.
for a complete list of international support
Environmental and Shock Protection
Extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations or mishandling can damage the printer and power
supply. Allow 30 minutes or more before opening the printer's plastic bag. This time allows the
printer to stabilize temperature especially after storage in a cool, dry location and then placement in
a warmer, more humid location. Warm, humid air condenses on the cool components of the printer
and this condensation may damage the components.
Move the printer carefully. While the printer has sturdy construction, mechanical
damage can certainly result from falls or rough handling.
980023-005 Rev.A1
Models
Many of the earlier model Zebra printers are similar in appearance to the Zebra TLP2746 thermal
printer. The printer features that identify the TLP2746 printer from similar Zebra printers are:
Printer Color - Light Grey
•
Flash Programmed Printer Memory - No Memory Cartridge (see the rear panel of printer)
•
Carbon Fiber (Black) 1 inch (inner diameter) Media Roll Holder
•
Label Dispense (Peel) and Batch Mode Switch (see the rear panel of printer)
•
A High Tension Label Dispense (Peel) Mechanism
•
Head-Up Sensor (small sensor slot in the center panel)
•
300 Watt Power Supply
•
Expanded Language Support (14 MS DOS™ and 7 Windows™ code pages)
•
Industry Standard Bar Code including PDF417 and Maxicode two dimensional bar codes
•
Memory Expansion up to 1 MByte (Flash) and 512 SRAM (Image Buffer)
•
Optional Asian Language Support - Today, including Japanese, Chinese and Korean
•
Optional Cutter
•
Optional Real Time Clock (RTC) with a ten year battery life
•
TLP2746
Printers with thermal transfer printing have ribbon
tubes above the print head mechanism and can
print in Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer print
modes.
See service procedure 980023-150 to help you identify installed printer features and modes.
2980023-005 Rev.A
Conventions
This manual uses the following notations to call attention to important information.
ICON / SYMBOLMEANING
WARNING - critical safety information.
CAUTION - problem avoidance messages.
STATIC SENSITIVE - follow procedures that protect against the discharge
of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body
or other objects as this discharge can damage or destroy the print head
and other electronic components.
HEAT - The print head becomes hot while printing. Protect against
personal injury. DO NOT touch the print head. Use only the cleaning
pen to perform maintenance.
MOVIE
NOTE - important instructions and reminders.
HINT - helpful information.
Quicktime Movie - Click on this Icon in the electronic version of this
manual for an instruction video.
980023-005 Rev.A3
4980023-005 Rev.A
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEMSSOLUTIONS
With the STATUS
indicator light GREEN,
the printer appears to
be working, but nothing
is printed.
Status indicators do
not light when power
switch is on (I)
Printer appears to be
working with the
indicator light
GREEN, but nothing
is printed.
1. Verify the labels are the correct type.
2. Check the roll and verify that the print surface faces up for printing.
3. Check the transfer ribbon is correctly routed and has the ink side out
for thermal transfer printing, only.
1. Check power connections from the printer to the outlet.
2. Remove power supply and check fuse. If blown, replace the power
supply.
3. Verify power supply voltage settings, AC input voltage (110VAC or
220VAC), and DC voltage (980023-152).
4. Printer works, but no indicator light. Replace the control panel.
1. Check the connections between the printer and the cable as well as
the cable and the computer.
2. Verify the labels are the correct type.
3. Check the roll and verify that the print surface faces up for direct
thermal printing.
4. Check the transfer ribbon is correctly routed and has the ink side
down.
5. Check print head wire bundle connections at main PCBA.
980023-005 Rev.A5
PROBLEMSSOLUTIONS
1. Wipe the print head with the cleaning pen.
2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software or with programming.
Printing is uniformly
faded or poor quality.
3. Check the roll and verify that the media print surface is facing up.
4. Verify the correct combination thermal transfer ribbon and media are
in use.
Printing has streaks,
white (non printing)
lines, uneven printing
(a side or sides), or
faded print areas.
Printing stops and the
STATUS indicator
lights RED.
1. Wipe the print head with the cleaning pen.
2. Use the "SAVE-A-PRINTHEAD" cleaning film (P/N 44902)
contamination build-up.
3. The head may be worn out and needs to be replaced.
4. Static damage from touching the head has blown out pixels or the
electronic logic circuitry in the print head assembly. Replace the head
or secondarily the main board.
5. The main board has failed components.
6. The print head cable is loose or damaged.
1. Possible problem sensing labels with transmissive (gap) sensor.
Perform AutoSense adjustment. Align the transmissive (gap) sensor
position, see the user’ manual.
2. Possible problem with label media.
a) Gap between the bottom of a label and the top of the next label
should be at least 1/16" (1.6mm).
b) For tags, see Tag Media Sensing, page .
c) Use only Zebra approved labels and tags.
3. Possible label jam.
4. Check that the media is correctly routed.
5. Possible software/programming problem.
a) Check the printer memory configuration.
b) Refer to the EPL2 Programming manual for the correct data
syntax.
6. Transmissive sensor is dirty. Clean the media path.
Printer is in dump
mode but nothing
1. File does not contain a form feed code that will advance sheet. Press
prints after sending
file.
ASCII characters print
1. Printer may be in dump mode. Press the Feed button to reset to
in place of expected
label art and bar
2. Check serial port configuration using the Y command. See the EPL2
codes.
6980023-005 Rev.A
the Feed button to print data in the printer’s buffer.
normal operation.
programmer’s manual.
PROBLEMSSOLUTIONS
1. Align the transmissive (gap) sensor near the narrowest gap between
labels.
2. Perform the AutoSense adjustment.
Printing stops and
status indicator lights
red
3. Check that gap between labels is at least 1/16 inch (1.6mm)
4. For tags, see the discussion of Tag Media Sensing.
5. Check for media jam.
6. Check media is correctly routed.
7. Check printer memory configuration and correct data syntax.
8. Transmissive (gap) is dirty. Clean media path.
1. Check for out-of-media condition or missing labels in the middle of a
roll.
2. Check for out-of-ribbon condition or damage or previous use of
ribbon in middle of roll.
Status indicator
remains red.
3. Check the ribbon and label stock or correctly routed
4. If using direct thermal printing, check that programmed mode or
printer driver is set for direct thermal printing. See the programmer’s
book for details.
5. Transmissive (gap) sensor may be dirty. Clean media path.
6. Check the printer carriage is closed and latched.
Rubbing noise when
pressing Feed button.
Cutter makes
incomplete cuts or
cuts in the wrong spot.
1. Media is not loaded and the platen is rubbing against the print head.
Insert media (and load ribbon if necessary) between carriage and
platen.
1. Printer is set for dispense/peel mode. Move switch to batch position.
2. Form length is set wrong. Change length through printer driver or
programming language. See the EPL2 programming manual.
The printer firmware is updated by way of the parallel port.
1. Use the download utility to send firmware to the printer.
Printer firmware must
be updated.
2. Optionally, you can download from the c:\ prompt by typing
copy/b filename lpt1: from the directory holding the update file.
The printer's light should start flashing green-orange, and then every few
seconds will flash red a couple of seconds. Once the update is done, the
light goes dark then comes on green.
Print Head Life
The print head has a limited life and is considered a consumable item. The media rubs across the
print head print elements and wears away the surface. This process is affected by many factors
relating to the media material, operational settings and environment. To maximize your print head
life, use the "SAVE-A-PRINTHEAD" cleaning film (P/N 44902) contamination build-up after every
roll.
980023-005 Rev.A7
Identifying Print Head Problems
The print head wears with printer use. If the print quality does not improve after cleaning, the print
head may require replacement. Printing with worn damaged print elements may create unreadable
bar codes. Print head damage can be caused by improper cleaning (unapproved fluids or
implements), electro static discharge (ESD), and touching the print head (contaminates, ESD and
body oil acids). The following are examples of print head wear or damage.
Weak or Damaged Print Elements
(Full-On Print Pattern)
Weak or Damaged Print Elements or Print Logic
(Rotating Print Element Pattern)
8980023-005 Rev.A
REQUIRED TOOLS
Make use of the following tools while performing replacement procedures:
Torque wrench with 1/4" hex receptacle)
•
Phillips driver #1 (tip for 1/4" hex receptacle)
•
Phillips driver #2 (tip for 1/4" hex receptacle)
•
•
Allen key socket tip drivers (tip for 1/4" hex receptacle);
sizes: 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 4mm
•
Nut driver, sizes: 7mm, 8mm, 1/4"
•
Flat Blade screwdriver (small)
•
needle-nose pliers
•
pliers for E-ring retainers (12R)
•
pliers for axial retainers
•
pliers for integrated chips
•
tweezers
•
Clutch torque bit (and torque gauge are spare 105902-060)
•
.005" shim
•
Loctite 222 thread locker or equivalent
980023-005 Rev.A9
10980023-005 Rev.A
REPLACING PARTS
To access some parts, you need to dissemble other parts; therefore, other procedures must be
followed before and after performing a particular replacement.
MOVIE
980023-005 Rev.A11
Exterior Cover
Preparations
The printer's exterior cover needs to be removed to perform most of
the disassembly and replacement procedures for the printer.
NOTE
Before starting the procedure, open the printer, then remove media and any ribbon from the printer.
Shock Hazard
Always turn off the printer before performing any maintenance or
repair operations. Wait for the indicator light to be dark, then unplug
the power cord.
Tools:
#2 Philips screw driver
Removal
1.Remove the two (2) upper screws and two
(2) lower screws shown. Lift the cover off.
Installation
1.Place the cover in position. Secure the cover
with the two (2) upper screws (and washers)
and the two (2) lower screws (and washers)
shown
MOVIE
MOVIE
Protect against static discharge when handling the printer with the
cover removed. Your work area must be static-safe and should
include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the
printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.
12980023-101 Rev.B
Print Head
Preparations
Before starting the procedure, open the printer, then remove media and any ribbon from the printer.
Tools:
Flat blade screw driver
Removal
1.Open the print head assembly.
2.Lower the print head by loosening the
mounting screw accessed through a hole in
the top of the print head assembly.
3.Detach the print head (ribbon) cable.
Installation
1.Connect the replacement print head. Pin 1
on the print head and cable is toward the
center panel of the printer.
2.Align the print head with the two bracket
alignment pins.
3.Secure print head to print head bracket by
tightening the print head bracket screw.
Tighten the screw to 4.7 ±1 in. lb.
MOVIE
4.Close and open the print head and recheck
that the print head cable still secure and
connected to the print head.
5.Clean the print head after completing
installation.
980023-102 Rev.B13
MOVIE
Power & Main PCBA Access
Preparations
The exterior cover must be removed prior to proceeding. (980023-101)
Tools:
#2 Philips screw driver
1.For easier access to the power supply and
Main PCBA, remove the two (2) screws
securing it to the bottom of the printer
chassis.
With the printer on it's right side, hold the
power supply while removing the two (2)
screws (and washers) that secure it to
bottom panel.
2.Disconnect the AC input power connector
plug from the power supply. This allows
easier access to the power supply without
disassembling the cabling and cable ties.
3.Swing the power supply out to gain access
to the voltage setting jumper.
MOVIE
WASHERS
SCREWS
Set the power supply down gently on the
printer base to keep the supply from
swinging into the Main PCBA and
damaging components.
Caution - The connectors or the cable's tie
down may come loose or inadvertently
disconnected if special care is not taken.
14980023-103 Rev.B
Set AC Voltage
Preparations
The exterior cover must be removed prior to proceeding. (980023-101)
The power supply must be detached from the bottom panel for access. (980023-103)
Set Voltage
1.Move the voltage selection jumper wire to
the appropriate voltage pin. Verify the
correct voltage is marked next to the
jumpers pin.
Re-assemble Printer
2.Remount the power supply using the screws
and washers. Keep the power supply from
swinging into the Main PCBA and
damaging components.
3.Verify that the cables and ties have not
become loose or damaged. Verify that the
cable tie points have not moved, allowing
the cables to touch belts or gears.
230VAC
AC
Input
110VAC
MOVIE
1
DC
Supply
Voltage
to PCBA
4.Re-attach the exterior cover.
Fuse Warning
If the power supply's fuse has blown, the power supply most likely has
NOTE
a critical component failure. Most cases require power supply
replacement.
980023-104 Rev.B15
Power Supply
Preparations
The exterior cover must be removed prior to proceeding. (980023-101)
The AC input power voltage (jumper) should be set prior to installing the power supply.
(980023-104)
Some power supplies come with DC power cables and may also require changing. (980023-113)
Tools:
#2 Philips screw driver
Removal
1.Cut the tie-wrap securing the cables to the
top of the power supply. Caution - Do not
cut the cables!
2.With the printer on it's right side, hold the
power supply while removing the two (2)
screws (and washers) that secure it to
bottom panel. Set the power supply down
gently on the printer base to keep the supply
from swinging into the Main PCBA and
damaging components.
3.With printer upright, tilt the power supply
outward to rest on it's side.
4.Disconnect the two (2) cables and remove
the power supply.
Installation
1.Verify the power supply voltage setting.
Reconfigure the power setting as necessary.
MOVIE
Cut
2.Set the replacement power supply in
position. Reconnect power cables.
3.Remount the power supply the screws and
washers.
5.Attach a new cable tie to the anchor on the
power supply (top front outside corner).
Loop a new cable tie through the cable
anchor and re-attach the cable bundle to
the power supply chassis.
16980023-105 Rev.B
WASHERS
SCREWS
AC Power Module & Switch
Preparations
The exterior cover must be removed prior to proceeding. (Procedure 980023-101)
The power supply must be unscrewed from the printer's bottom plate. (Procedure 980023-103)
Power Switch Removal
1.Push the retaining tabs into the side of the
power switch or AC power filter module
and slide the switch out of the back panel.
Power Switch Installation
1.Disconnect the old switch's wires, one at a
time, and reconnect them to the new switch
in the same position. Note the switch's
orientation, 1 (one) to the outside and 0
(zero) towards the center panel.
MOVIE
2.Push the new switch into the back panel
until flush with the back panel. Wiggle it
from the inside to very that it has locked in
place.
AC Module Removal
1.Push the retaining tabs into the side of the
AC power filter module and slide the
module out of the back panel.
AC Module Installation
1.Disconnect the old module's wires, one at a
time, and reconnect them to the new switch
in the same position. Note the module's
orientation, ground towards the bottom
plate.
2.Push the new module into the back panel
until flush with the back panel. Wiggle it
from the inside to very that it has locked in
place.
980023-106 Rev.B17
Main PCBA Configuration
The following diagrams the printer's physical location for the memory and real time clock (RTC)
chips.
Print Engine
Firmware
MOVIE
Extended Image
Printer SRAM
(in Spare PCBA's also)
Image Engine
Firmware
U14
U31
U24
U13
U2
U18
U25
U26
U34
&
U33
U27
Standard Image
Printer SRAM
(Spare PCBA's also)
Asian Language
Flash Firmware
(in Spare PCBA's also)
To identify the printer's Main PCBA configuration without opening
the printer, use the printer's AutoSense procedure.
18980023-109 Rev.B
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