Zebra Z4Mplus User Manual
Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus
Industrial/Commercial Printer
User Guide
© 2006 ZIH Corp. The copyrights in this manual and the software and/or firmware in the label printer
described therein are owned by ZIH Corp. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software and/or
firmware in the label printer 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
3®
E
; and Monotype Imaging fonts. Software © ZIH Corp. All rights reserved worldwide.
, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit;
ZebraLink and all product names and numbers are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, Element
3
Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E
Circuit are registered trademarks of ZIH Corp. All rights reserved worldwide.
All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Brady Corporation and its
subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and
maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or
disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra
Technologies.
Product Improvements Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies. All
specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering specifications
and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to correct any such
errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
Limitation of Liability In no event shall Zebra Technologies or anyone else involved in the creation,
production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any
damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits,
business interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability
to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of Conformity
I have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the
iii
ZM™ Series
Z4M, Z6M, Z4Mplus, Z6Mplus, R4Mplus
manufactured by:
Zebra Technologies Corporation
333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A.
Have been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of the FCC
For Home, Office, Commercial, and Industrial use
If no unauthorized change is made in the equipment,
and if the equipment is properly maintained and operated.
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Compliance Information
iv
Compliance Information
Compliance Information
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra
Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance,
this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
(for printers with RFID encoders)
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be instal led and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.
Canadian DOC Compliance Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Contents
Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii
Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Web Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Asia Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
External View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Control Panel Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Control Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Printer Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Store the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ship the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recycle the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
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Contents
Select a Site for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Select a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide Proper Operating Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide a Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Select a Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connector Locations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Types of Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Data Cable Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ribbon Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
When to Use Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Coated Side of Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3 • Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Media Loading Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Print Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Start a Roll of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Insert Media into the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Load Media in Tear-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Remove Liner in Peel-Off with Liner Take-up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Load Media in Cutter Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Load Media in Rewind Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Load Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Remove Used Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Position the Media Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Select or Position the Transmissive Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Adjust the Reflective Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Install Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
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4 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Enter Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Exit Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Default Password Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Print a Network Configuration Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Control Panel LCD Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Print Server LCD Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
5 • Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clean the Exterior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Clean the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Clean the Peel-Off Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clean the Cutter Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
vii
6 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Troubleshooting Checklists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
LCD Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Calibration Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Communications Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Miscellaneous Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Power-On Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
PAUSE Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
FEED Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
FEED and PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 32
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viii
7 • Data Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Parallel Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Parallel Cabling Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Parallel Port Interconnections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Serial Data Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Hardware Control Signal Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Pin Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
RS-232 Interface Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
8 • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Agency Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Media Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
ZPL II Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Supported Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
About This Document
This section provides you with contact information, documen t struc ture and organization, and
additional reference documents.
Contents
Who Should Use This Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
About This Document
2
Who Should Use This Document
Who Should Use This Document
This User Guide is intended for use by any person who needs to operate or troubleshoot
problems with the printer.
How This Document Is Organized
The User Guide is set up as follows:
Section Description
Introduction on page 7 This section shows the operational controls and
Printer Setup on page 13 This section provides the tasks that you must
Operations on page 27 This section provides the procedures for loading
location of major components used when loading
media and ribbon.
complete and the issues that you must consider
before you load and configure your printer.
and calibrating the printer.
Configuration on page 67 This section describes the control panel parameters
that are used to configure the printer for operation.
Routine Maintenance on page 101 This section provides routine cleaning and
maintenance procedures.
Troubleshooting on page 113 This section provides information about errors that
you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted
diagnostic tests are included.
Data Ports on page 133 This section describes the standard communication
ports available to connect the printer to your
computer or network.
Specifications on page 141 This section provides the features of and
specifications for the printer.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Contacts
Web Site
The Americas
About This Document
Contacts
You can contact Zebra Technologies at the following.
http://www.zebra.com
Technical Support via the Internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Go to
http://www.zebra.com/support.
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service Dept.
Zebra Technologies International,
LLC
333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109
U.S.A
T: +1 847 793 2600
Toll-f ree +1 800 423 0422
F: +1 847 913 8766
T: +1 847 913 2259
F: +1 847 913 2578
Hardware: hwtsamerica@zebra.com
Software: swtsamerica@zebra.com
For printers, parts, media, and ribbon,
please call your distributor, or
contact us.
T: +1 866 230 9494
E: VHCustServ@zebra.com
3
Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Internal Sales Dept.
Zebra Technologies Europe Limited
Zebra House
The Valley Centre, Gordon Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK
T: +44 (0)1494 472872
F: +44 (0) 1494 450103
T: +44 (0) 1494 768298
F: +44 (0) 1494 768210
Germany: Tsgermany@zebra.com
France: Tsfrance@zebra.com
Spain/Portugal: Tsspain@zebra.com
All other areas: Tseurope@zebra.com
Asia Pacific
Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service
Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific, LLC
16 New Industrial Road
#05-03 Hudson TechnoCentre
Singapore 536204
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0838
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0838
E: tsasiapacific@zebra.com
For printers, parts, media, and ribbon,
please call your distributor, or
contact us.
T: +44 (0) 1494 768316
F: +44 (0) 1494 768244
E: mseurope@zebra.com
For printers, parts, media, and ribbon,
please call your distributor, or
contact us.
T: +65 6858 0722
F: +65 6885 0837
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
About This Document
4
Document Conventions
Document Conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this document to convey certain information.
Alternate Color (online only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this
guide. If you are viewing this guide online in .p df format, you can click the cross-reference
(blue text) to jump directly to its location.
LCD Display Examples Text from a printer’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) appears in
Bubbledot ICG font.
Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in Courier New font. For
example, type
Files and Directories File names and directories appear in Courier New font. For
example, the
Icons Used
ZTools to get to the Post-Install scripts in the bin directory.
Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.
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 specific action could result in physical
harm to you.
Caution • (No icon) Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in
physical harm to the hardware.
Important • Advises you of informatio n that is essential to complete a task.
Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important
points of the main text.
Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.
Tools • Tells you what tools you need to complete a given task.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
About This Document
PAUSE
Document Conventions
Illustration Callouts Callouts are used when an illustration contains information that needs
to be labeled and described. A table that contains the labels and descriptions follows the
graphic. Figure 1 provides an example.
Figure 1 • Sample Figure with Callouts
21
FEED button
1
CANCEL button
2
5
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
About This Document
6
Document Conventions
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
1
Introduction
This section shows the operational controls and location of major components used when
loading media and ribbon.
Contents
External View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Control Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Control Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Printer Media Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Introduction
8
External View
External View
Figure 2 shows the outside of the printer.
Figure 2 • External View
1
2
Electronics cover
1
Control panel
2
Media door
3
3
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Control Panel
PAUSE
The control panel display shows the printer’s operating status and allows you to change
settings as needed to work with your media and label formats.
The control panel buttons and lights are sho wn in Figure 3. Descriptions for each are located in
Ta ble 1 and Table 2.
Figure 3 • Control Panel
1 2 3 4
5
Introduction
Control Panel
9
12
11
10
6
7
8
9
Power LED
1
Pause LED
2
Error LED
3
Data LED
4
LCD
5
PLUS (+) button
6
SETUP/EXIT button
7
CANCEL button
8
PAUSE button
9
FEED button
10
SELECT button
11
MINUS (–) button
12
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Introduction
10
Control Panel
Control Panel Buttons
Button Function
Table 1 • Control Panel Buttons
FEED
PAUSE
CANCEL
SETUP/EXIT
SELECT
PLUS (+)
(scroll mode)
PLUS (+)
(change mode)
Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the button is pressed.
• Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.
• Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete.
Starts and stops the printing process.
• Printer not printing: no printing occurs. (Press
PAUSE again to resume printing.)
• Printing: printing stops after the current label is complete.
Cancels print jobs when in the pause mode.
• Printer not printing: the next stored label format does not print.
• Printing: current label completes printing, and the next label format is cancelled.
Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in memory.
Enters and exits the configuration mode.
Toggles the function of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) between the Scroll and Change
Modes.
• Press once to use
PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to change the values of the selection.
• Press again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll through the menu items.
Scrolls to the next selection.
• Increases the value.
• Answers yes.
• Prints a label (when applicable).
MINUS (–)
Scrolls to the previous selection.
(scroll mode)
MINUS (–)
(change mode)
• Decreases the value.
• Selects the digit you wish to change.
• Answers no.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Control Panel Lights
Table 2 • Control Panel Lights
Light Status Indication
POWER Off The printer is off, or no power is applied.
On The printer is on.
PAUSE Off Normal printer operation.
On The printer has stopped all printing operati ons.
Flashing The Pause light flashes when initializing FLASH or PCMCIA
memory and in Peel-Off Mode when the label is available.
ERROR Off Normal printer operation (no errors).
Introduction
Control Panel
11
Slow flashing
Fast flashing
On
DATA Off Normal printer operation (no data being received or processed).
One flash
Slow flashing The printer cannot accept more data from the host.
Fast flashing The printer is receiving data.
On A partial format has been received and no subsequent data activity.
RIBBON IN warning, HEAD UNDER TEMP warning, or HEAD
OVER TEMP
error.
HEAD OPEN error.
MEDIA OUT error
CANCEL was pressed and a format is successfully cancelled.
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Introduction
12
Printer Media Compartment
Printer Media Compartment
Figure 4 shows a simplified view of your printer. Depending on installed options, your
printer may look slightly different.
Figure 4 • Media Compartment
3 4 5
2
1
Printhead assembly
1
Transmissive sensor
2
Ribbon supply spindle
3
Ribbon take-up spindle
4
Label supply guide
5
Label supply hanger
6
Dancer
7
Label guide
8
Printhead open lever
9
789
6
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
2
Printer Setup
This section provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider
before you load and configure your printer.
Contents
Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Store the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Ship the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recycle the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Select a Site for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Select a Surface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide Proper Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide a Data Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Provide a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Cord Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Select a Communication Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connector Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Types of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Data Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Types of Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Coated Side of Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Printer Setup
14
Before You Begin
Before You Begin
Review this checklist, and resolve any issues before you set up or use your printer.
Unpack and Inspect the Printer Have you unpacked the printer and inspected it for
Select a Site Have you selected an appropriate location for the printer? If y ou have no t,
Attach a Power Cord Do you have the correct power cord for your printer? If you are
Connect to a Data Source Have you determined how the printer will connect to a
Select Media Do you have the correct media for your application? If you are unsure,
Select Ribbon Do you need to use ribbon, and is the appropriate ribbon available, if
damage? If you have not, see Unpack and Inspect the Printer on page 15.
see Select a Site for the Printer on page 16.
unsure, see Power Cord Specifications on page 18. To attach the power cord and connect
the printer to a power source, see Connect the Printer to a Power Source on page 17.
data source (usually a computer)? For more information, see Select a Communication
Interface on page 19.
see Types of Media on page 23.
needed? If you are unsure, see Ribbon Overview on page 25.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Handling the Printer
This section describes how to handle your printer.
Unpack and Inspect the Printer
When you receive the printer, immediately unpack it and inspect for shipping damage.
• Save all packing materials.
• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.
• Raise the media door, and inspect the media compartment for damage to components.
If you discover shipping damage upon inspection:
• Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report.
• Keep all packaging material for shipping company inspection.
• Notify your authorized Zebra reseller.
Important • Zebra Technologies is not responsible for any damage incurred during the
shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty.
Printer Setup
Handling the Printer
15
Store the Printer
If you are not placing the printer into immediate operation, repackage it using the original
packing materials. You may store the printer under the following conditions:
• Temperature: –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C)
• Relative humidity: 5% to 85%, non-condensing
Ship the Printer
If you must ship the printer:
• Remove any media or ribbon from the printer to avoid damaging the printer.
• Carefully pack the printer into the original container or a suitable alternate container to
avoid damage during transit. A shipping container can be purchased from Zebra if the
original packaging has been lost or destroyed.
Recycle the Printer
This printer is recyclable. If you must dispose of the printer, do not do so in
unsorted municipal waste. Please recycle accordin g to yo ur lo cal standards. For
more information, see http://www.zebra.com/recycle.
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Printer Setup
16
Select a Site for the Printer
Select a Site for the Printer
Consider the following when selecting an appropriate location for your printer.
Select a Surface
Select a solid, level surface of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the printer and
other equipment (such as a computer), if necessary. The choices include a table, countertop,
desk, or cart.
Provide Proper Operating Conditions
This printer is designed to function in a wide range of environmental and electrical conditions,
including a warehouse or factory floor. For more information on the required conditions, see
General Specifications on page 142.
Ta ble 3 shows the temperature and relative humidity requirements for the printer when it is
operating.
Table 3 • Operating Temperature and Humidity
Mode Temperature Relative Humidity
Thermal Transfer 41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing
Direct Thermal 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing
Allow Proper Space
The printer should have enough space around it for you to be able to open the media door. To
allow for proper ventilation and cooling, leave open space on all sides of the printer.
Caution • Do not place any padding or cushioning material behind or under the printer
because this restricts air flow and could cause the printer to overheat.
Provide a Data Source
If the printer will be located away from the data source, the selected site must provide the
appropriate connections to that data source. For more information on the types of
communication interfaces, see Select a Communication Interface on page 19.
Provide a Power Source
Place the printer within a short distance of a power outlet that is easily accessible.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Connect the Printer to a Power Source
The AC power cord must have a three-prong female connector on one end that plugs into the
mating AC power connector at the rear of the printer. If a power cable was not included with
your printer, refer to Power Cord Specifications on page 18.
Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor
power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an
IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific three-conductor grounded
plug configuration.
To connect the printer to a power source, complete these steps:
1. Turn the printer power switch to the Off (O) position.
2. Refer to Figure 5. Plug the power cord into the AC power connector on the rear of the
printer.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet near the printer.
Printer Setup
Connect the Printer to a Power Source
17
Figure 5 • Power Connection
Power switch
1
AC power connector
2
1
2
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Printer Setup
18
Connect the Printer to a Power Source
Power Cord Specifications
Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor
power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an
IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific, three-conductor grounded
plug configuration.
Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included. If one
is not included or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, refer to the
following guidelines:
• The overall cord length must be less than 9.8
ft. (3.0 m).
• The cord must be rated for at least 10 A, 250 V.
• The chassis ground (earth) must be connected t o ensure safety and redu ce electromagnetic
interference. The third wire in the power cord grounds the connection (Figure 6).
Figure 6 • Power Cord Specifications
2
1
4
AC power plug for your country—This should bear
1
3
the certification mark of at least one of the known
international safety organizations (Figure 7).
3-conductor HAR cable or other cable approved for
2
your country.
IEC 320 connector—This should bear the
3
certification mark of at least one of the known
international safety organizations (Figure 7).
Length ≤ 9.8 ft. (3 m). Rating 10 Amp, 250 VAC.
4
Figure 7 • International Safety Organization Certifications
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Select a Communication Interface
The way that you connect your pri nter to a data source depend s on th e communic ation op tions
installed in the printer. You may use any available connection to send commands and label
formats from a host computer to the printer.
Caution • Turn Off (O) the printer’s power before connecting data communications cables.
Connecting a data communications cable while the power is ON may damage the printer.
Note • You must supply all interface cables for your application. Refer to Data Cable
Requirements on page 22 for specific cable requirements.
Connector Locations
Refer to Figure 8. The printer comes standard with both an Electronics Industries Association
(EIA) RS-232 serial interface (DB-9 connector) and an IEEE 1284 bidirectional parallel
interface. You may use either of these interface methods to send commands and label formats
from a host to the printer.
Printer Setup
Select a Communication Interface
19
Figure 8 • Cable Connections
Parallel interface connector
1
DB-9 serial interface connector
2
1
2
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Printer Setup
20
Select a Communication Interface
Types of Connections
The method of connecting the printer to a data source depends on the communication options
installed in the printer and the host. This section provides basic information about common
interfaces.
When communicating via the serial data port (RS-232), the baud rate, number of data and stop
bits, the parity, and the XON/XOFF or DTR control should be set to match those of the host
computer. See Table 9, Printer Parameters on page 73 to configure these parameters. When
communicating via the parallel port, the previously mentioned parameters do not apply.
RS-232 Serial A serial communication method consisting of data and control signals;
available as a standard feature on most PCs and other hosts.
• Advantages: Cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores
and suppliers; easy to connect; two-way communication between the host and the printer.
• Disadvantages: Slower than the parallel connection; limited to 50 feet (15.24 m) of cable.
Figure 9 • Communicating Using a Serial Data Port
Printer Computer
2
9
3
25
9
9
1
Null-modem adaptor (if using a standard modem cable)
1
9-pin male connector, connected to printer or null-modem adaptor
2
25-pin female connector, connected to computer
3
9-pin female connector, connected to computer
4
Maximum cable length = 50 ft. (15 m)
5
4
5
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
Printer Setup
Select a Communication Interface
IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel A common communication method available on most
PCs and other hosts.
• Advantages: Fastest of the communication interfaces; cables and connectors are readily
available from computer equipment stores and suppliers; two-way communication
between the host and the printer; easy to connect.
• Disadvantages: Shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet (1.83 m) with a maximum of
length 10 ft (3 m); many computers are equipped with only one parallel port, allowing
only one IEEE 1284 bidirectional device to be connected at a time.
Figure 10 • Communicating Using a Parallel Port
Printer Computer
1
21
2
3
36-pin male connector, attaching to printer
1
25-pin male connector, attaching t o computer
2
Maximum cable length = 10 ft. (3 m)
3
Optional Print Servers Ethernet-based print servers also are available to connect your
printer to a data source. Both wired and wireless options are available.
• With the ZebraNet Wireless Print Server board installed, a wireless PCMCIA card can be
used to communicate with a network. For more information on this option, see the
ZebraNet Wireless Print Server User Guide.
• ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server (10/100 PS). For more information on 10/100 PS, see the
ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server User and Reference Guide.
1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A
Printer Setup
22
Select a Communication Interface
Data Cable Requirements
Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metallized connector shells.
Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical
noise.
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:
Note • Zebra printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15 for Class B
Equipment using fully shielded, 6.5 ft. (2 m) data cables. Use of unshielded cables may
increase radiation above the Class B limits.
• Keep data cables as short as possible.
• Do not bundle the data cables tightly with the power cords.
• Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.
13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06
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