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®

, 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

Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E

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

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

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

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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Contents

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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Contents

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

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

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

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

FEED button

CANCEL button

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

About This Document

Document Conventions

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

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

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Introduction

External View

Figure 2 shows the outside of the printer.

Figure 2 • External View

Electronics cover

Control panel

Media door

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

Introduction

Control Panel

Power LED

Pause LED

Error LED

Data LED

LCD

PLUS (+) button

SETUP/EXIT button

CANCEL button

PAUSE button

FEED button

SELECT button

MINUS (–) button

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Introduction

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

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

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

Printhead assembly

Transmissive sensor

Ribbon supply spindle

Ribbon take-up spindle

Label supply guide

Label supply hanger

Dancer

Label guide

Printhead open lever

789

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

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

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

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

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

Figure 5 • Power Connection

Power switch

AC power connector

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Printer Setup

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

AC power plug for your country—This should bear

the certification mark of at least one of the known international safety organizations (Figure 7).

3-conductor HAR cable or other cable approved for

your country. IEC 320 connector—This should bear the

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.

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

Figure 8 • Cable Connections

Parallel interface connector

DB-9 serial interface connector

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Printer Setup

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

Null-modem adaptor (if using a standard modem cable)

9-pin male connector, connected to printer or null-modem adaptor

25-pin female connector, connected to computer

9-pin female connector, connected to computer

Maximum cable length = 50 ft. (15 m)

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

36-pin male connector, attaching to printer

25-pin male connector, attaching t o computer

Maximum cable length = 10 ft. (3 m)

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

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

Types of Media

The printer can use various types of media (Table 4). Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear.

Table 4 • Types of Media

Media Type How It Looks Description

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Non-Continuous Roll Media

Roll media is wound on a 3-in. (76-mm) core. Labels have adhesive backing that sticks them to a liner, and they are separated by gaps, holes, notches, or black marks. Tags are separated by perforations.

Figure 11 • Non-Continuous Web Media

Figure 12 • Black Mark Media

Figure 13 • Tag Stock

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Table 4 • Types of Media (Continued)

Media Type How It Looks Description

Non-Continuous Fanfold Media

Continuous Roll Media

RFID “Smart” Media (for use only with printers that have an RFID reader/encoder installed)

Fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can have the same label divisions as noncontinuous roll media. The division s would fall on or near the folds.

Continuous media is wound on a core and is without gaps, holes, notches, or black marks. This allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label. With continuous media, use the transmissive sensor so the printer can detect when the media runs out.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) “smart” labels are made from the same materials and adh esives as non-RFID labels. Each label has an RFID transponder, made of a chip and an antenna, embedded between the label and t he liner (sometimes called an “inlay”). The shape of the transponder varies by manufacturer and is visible through the label.

All “smart” labels have memory that can be read, and many have memory that can be encoded.

Important • Transponder placement within a

label depends on the transponder type and th e printer model. Make sure that you are using the correct “smart” media for your printer.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Ribbon Overview

Note • This section applies only to printers that have the Thermal Transfer option installed.

Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be.

When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.

When to Use Ribbon

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test .

To perform a label scratch test, complete these steps:

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

1. Scratch the print surface of the media rapidly with your fingernail.

2. Did a black mark appear on the media?

If a black mark... Then the media is...

Does not appear on the media Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required. Appears on the media Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside (Figure 14). This printer can only use ribbon that is coated on the outside. If you are unsure which side of a particular roll of ribbon is coated, perform an adhesive test or a ribbon scratch test to determine which side is coated.

Figure 14 • Ribbon Coated on Outside or Inside

Outside Inside

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

Adhesive Test

If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed.

To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:

1. Peel a label from its liner.

2. Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon.

3. Peel the label off of the ribbon.

4. Observe the results. Did flakes or particles of ink from the ribbon adhere to the label?

If ink from the ribbon...

Then...

Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outer surface. Did not adhere to

the label

The ribbon is coated on the inner surface and cannot be used in this printer. To verify this, repeat the test on the other surface of the roll of ribbon.

Ribbon Scratch Test

Perform the ribbon scratch test when labels are unavailable.

To perform a ribbon scratch test, complete these steps:

1. Unroll a short length of ribbon.

2. Place the unrolled section of ribbon on a piece of paper with the outer surface of the

ribbon in contact with the paper.

3. Scratch the inner surface of the unrolled ribbon with your fingernail.

4. Lift the ribbon from the paper.

5. Observe the results. Did the ribbon leave a mark on the paper?

If the ribbon... Then...

Left a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the outer surface. Did not leave a mark on

the paper

The ribbon is coated on the inner surface and cannot be used in this printer. To verify this, repeat the test on the other surface of the roll of ribbon.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

This section provides the procedures for loading and calibrating th e pri nt er.

Note • Complete the tasks and resolve the issues in Printer Setup on page 13 before

operating the printer.

Contents

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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Operations

Media Loading Overview

The printer can print on roll or fanfold media and use different print modes for label removal.

Print Modes

The methods for loading media for each print mode follow in this section. Use a print mode that matches the media being used and the printer options available (Ta ble 5). For more information on the types of media, see Types of Media on page 23.

Mode When to Use Printer Action

Table 5 • Print Mode Options

Tear-Off (default setting) Use for most applications.

Peel-Off Use only if printer has the

Cutter Use only if printer has a

Rewind Use only if printer has the

Start a Roll of Media

Exposed media may become dirty when han dled or stored. To start a roll of media, remove and discard one full revolution of labels or tags and any liner.

See Load Media in Tear-Off

Mode on page 31.

Peel-Off or Liner Take-Up option. See Load Media in

Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode on page 34.

cutter option. See Load

Media in Cutter Mode on page 40.

Rewind option. See Load

Media in Rewind Mode on page 44.

Each label or strip of labels can be torn off after printing.

The liner is peeled away from the label during printing. When the printed label is removed, the next label prints.

The printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed.

The media and/or liner are rewound onto a core as they are printed.

Labels Tag Stock

Remove all labels that are held by adhesives or tape.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Detach all exposed tags.

Insert Media into the Printer

This section shows how to insert roll or fanfold media in to the printer. Fanfold medi a is loaded the same way as roll media, except the media is stored outside of the printer. See Figure 15

on page 31 for an illustration.

Note • Depending on the media hanger that came with your printer, the size of the media

core that can be used may vary. See Media Specifications on page 145 for the core sizes that your printer supports.

Roll Media

To insert roll media, complete these steps:

1. Flip down the media supply guide.

Operations

Media Loading Overview

2. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. Push the roll as far back as it will go.

3. Flip up the media supply guide, and then slide it in until it touches, but does not restrict,

the edge of the roll.

4. Continue with the media loading procedure for the desired print mode.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Media Loading Overview

Fanfold Media

To insert fanfold media, complete these steps:

1. Flip down the media supply guide.

2. Thread the fanfold media through the bottom or rear access slot.

3. Drape the media over the media supply hanger.

4. Flip up the media supply guide, and then slide it in until it touches, but does not restrict,

the edge of the media.

5. Continue with the media loading procedure for the desired print mode.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Media in Tear-Off Mode

Figure 15 shows roll and fanfold media loaded in Tear-Off mode, which is the default print

mode. The instructions in this section apply to all printers, including those that have the peel-off, cutter, and rewind options.

Figure 15 • Tear-Off Mode

Roll Media

Operations

Load Media in Tear-Off Mode

5678

Fanfold Media,

Rear Feed

Fanfold Media,

Bottom Feed

5678

Printhead assembly

Transmissive sensor

Media supply guide

Media supply hanger

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Dancer

Media guide

Printhead release latch

Printed label

Operations

Load Media in Tear-Off Mode

To load media in Tear-Off Mode, complete these steps:

1. Set the printer to Tear-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 75 for instructions.

2. Insert media into the printer. See Inse rt Med ia in to the Printer on page 29 for instructions.

3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it

latches open.

4. Slide out the media guide.

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Operations

123

Load Media in Tear-Off Mode

5. Feed the media under the dancer assembly (1), through the slot in the transmissive

sensor (

6. Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor (1). Slide in the media guide (2)

2—standard transmissive sensor shown), and under the ribbon senso r (3).

until it just touches the edge of the media.

7. Close the printhead assembly.

8. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is blinking), press PAUSE to enable printing.

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Operations

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

This section applies only if the Peel-Off option or the Liner Take-Up option is installed (Figure 16).

Note • The Liner Take-Up option is not available on the Z6Mplus printer.

The peel assembly consists of several spring-loaded rollers to ensure the proper roller pressure. Use the peel release lever and your right hand to open and close the peel assembly. Doing this will keep your fingers away from the rollers.

Caution • Do not use your left hand to assist in closing the peel assembly. The top edge of

the peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers.

Figure 16 • Peel-Off and Peel-Off with Liner Take-Up Modes

Peel-Off Mode

Peel-Off with

Liner Take-Up

Mode

8910

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

Peel lever

Tear-off /peel-off bar

Printhead assembly

Transmissive sensor

Media supply guide

Media supply hanger

Liner take-up spindle

Dancer

Media guide

Printhead release latch

Peel assembly

Label

Label liner

To load media in Peel-Off or in Peel-Off with Liner Take-Up mode, complete these steps:

1. Set the printer to Peel-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 75 for instructions.

2. Insert media into the printer. See Inse rt Med ia in to the Printer on page 29 for instructions.

3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly.

4. Lift the printhead until it latches open.

5. Slide out the media guide.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

6. Feed the media under the dancer assembly (1), through the slot in the transmissive

sensor (2—standard transmissive sensor shown), and under the ri bbon sensor (

7. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly.

3).

123

8. Pull approximately 18 in. (500 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

9. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains.

10. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar (1) and behind the peel assembly (2). Make

sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer.

11. Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor (1). Slide in the media guide (2)

until it just touches the edge of the media.

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Operations

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

12. Close the printhead assembly.

13.

Caution • Use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly.

Do not use your left hand to assist in closing. The top edge of the peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers.

Close the peel assembly using the peel-off mechanism release lever.

14. In which mode do you wish to operate?

To operate in... Then...

Peel-Off mode If the printer is paused (the pause light is on), press PAUSE to

enable printing. Peeling starts automatically.

Liner Take-Up mode

1. Slide the liner into the slot in the liner take-up spindle (1).

Ensure that the liner is resting against the back plate of the spindle assembly.

2. Turn the spindle assembly counterclockwise a few times

to snug the liner.

3. If the printer is paused (the pause light is on), press

PAUSE to enable printing. Peeling starts automatically.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

Remove Liner in Peel-Off with Liner Take-up Mode

To remove liner when in Peel-Off with Liner Take-Up mode, complete these steps:

1. See Figure 17. Pull the line r slide t ab (1) toward you until it stops about a third of the way

down the liner take-up spindle (

Figure 17 • Removing Liner from Liner Take-up Spindle

2).

Operations

2. Slide the liner from the take-up spindle.

Note • The liner slide moves back in place after the liner is removed.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Cutter Mode

This section applies only if the Cutter Mode is installed (Figure 18).

Figure 18 • Cutter Mode

Printhead assembly

Transmissive sensor

Media supply guide

Media supply hanger

Dancer

Media guide

Printhead release latch

Cutter module

Catch tray

567

To load media in Cutter-Off Mode, complete these steps:

1. Set the printer to Cutter mode. See Select Print Mode on page 75 for instructions.

2. Insert media into the printer. See Insert Media into the Printer on page 29 for instructions.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly.

4. Lift the printhead until it latches open.

Operations

Load Media in Cutter Mode

5. Slide out the media guide.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Cutter Mode

Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers.

Feed the media under the dancer assembly (1), through the slot in the transmissive sensor ( through the cutter (

2—standard transmissive sensor shown), under the ribbon sen s or (3), and

4).

1234

Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor (1). Slide in the media guide (2)

until it just touches the edge of the media.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Media in Cutter Mode

8. Close the printhead assembly.

9. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing.

Operations

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

This section applies only if the Rewind option is i nsta lle d (Figure 19). Follow the instructions in this section to load media in Rewind mode or in Peel-Off with Liner Take-Up mode in a printer with the rewind option.

Figure 19 • Rewind Mode and Peel-Off with Liner Take-Up Mode

Rewind Mode

Peel-Off Mode

(without rewind or

liner take-up)

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

Peel-Off with

Liner Take-Up

Mode

Peel lever

Printhead assembly

Transmissive sensor

Media supply guide

Media supply hanger

Rewind spindle

Rewind media guide

Thumbscrew

Dancer

Media guide

Media alignment spindle

Rewind base assembly

Printhead release latch

Peel assembly

Label

To load media in a printer that has the Rewind option, complete these steps:

1. Set the printer to Rewind mode. See Select Print Mode on page 75 for instructions.

2. Insert media in the printer. See Insert Media into the Printer on page 29 for instructions.

3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly.

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Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

4. Lift the printhead until it latches open.

5. Slide out the media guide.

6. Feed the media under the dancer assembly (1), through the slot in the transmissive sensor

2—standard transmissive sensor shown), and under the ribbon sensor (3).

(

123

7. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Media in Rewind Mode

8. Pull approximately 18 in. (500 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

9. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains.

Operations

10. In which mode do you wish to operate?

To operate in... Then...

Peel-Off mode (without rewind or liner take-up)

1. Feed the liner over the tear-o ff/peel-off bar and behind the

peel assembly. Make sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer.

2. Continue with step 18 on page 50.

Tear-off/peel-off bar

Peel assembly

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

To operate in... Then...

Peel with Liner Take-Up mode

Rewind mode

1. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-o ff bar (1) and behind

the peel assembly (

2).

2. Continue with the next step.

1. Feed the liner over the peel assembly (1).

2. Continue with the next step.

11. Feed the liner under the media alignment roller.

12. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Media in Rewind Mode

13. Slide the rewind media guide all the way out, and then fold it down.

14. Slide an empty core onto the rewind spindle.

Operations

15. Wrap the liner around the core and turn the rewind spindle counterclockwise to wind up

the excess liner . The line r must be a ttache d to the rewind spindle for the pri nter to operate properly. Ensure that the edge of the liner is flush against the backplate of the rewind spindle.

16. Fold up the rewind media guide, and then slide it in until it touches the liner.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

17. Tighten the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

18. Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor (1). Slide in the media guide (2)

until it just touches the edge of the media.

19. Close the printhead assembly.

20. Close the peel assembly using the peel lever.

21. If the printer is paused (the pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing. Peeling

starts automatically.

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle

To remove printed labels or liner from the rewind spindle, complete these steps:

1. Cut the liner between the media alignment spindle and the rewind spindle.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

2. Rotate the take-up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is fully upright.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

4. Slide the rewind media guide all the way out, and then fold it down.

5. Slide the core with the liner from the take-up spindle.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Media in Rewind Mode

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option

To adjust the media alignment for printers with the Rewind option, complete these steps:

The instructions below apply only if the printer has a Rewind option. The liner should be installed flush against the backplate of the rewind spindle to prevent the media/backing from winding too loosely.

Perform the adjustments in the order given. Do only what is needed to solve the problem.

1. Turn the adjustment dial (1) clockwise to move the media toward the backplate (2).

2. Turn the adjustment dial (1) counter clockwise to move the media away from the

backplate (

2).

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Load Ribbon

Note • This section applies only to printers that have the Thermal Transfer option installed.

The ribbon supply spindle in your printer is a dual-tension variety. Most applications require the spindle to be in the normal position. The lo w tension position is reco mmended only when a narrow ribbon is used or if normal tension hampers the ribbon movement.

Note • Always use ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the printhead from wear.

For direct thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.

Figure 20 • Ribbon Path

Operations

Load Ribbon

Printhead assembly

Ribbon supply spindle

Ribbon take-up spindle

Tension blades

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Load Ribbon

To load ribbon, complete these steps:

1. Set the ribbon supply spindle for normal or low tension.

• To place the ribbon supp ly spi ndle in t he normal position, firmly pull out the spindle

end cap until it extends and c licks in place , as sh own in Figure 21. Use this setting for most applications.

• T o place the ribbon supply spindle in the low-tension position, firmly push in the end

cap until it retracts and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 21. Use this setting when using a narrow ribbon or if normal tension hampers ribbon movement.

Figure 21 • Ribbon Spindle—Normal and Low Tension

1 2

Normal Position (Spindle End Cap Extended)

Low-Tension Position (Spindle End Cap Retracted)

2. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it

latches open.

3. Orient the ribbon with the loose end unrolling clockwise.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Ribbon

4. Place the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle (1) and push it all the way back.

5. Pull the end of the ribbon under the printhea d assembly ( 2) and out the front of the printer.

6. Close the printhead assembly.

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Operations

Load Ribbon

7. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle (3).

Remove Used Ribbon

Remove used ribbon from the printer after the ribbon runs out or when switching from thermal transfer mode to direct thermal mode.

To remove used ribbon, complete these steps:

1. If the ribbon has not run out, cut or break it before the ribbon take-up spindle (1).

Caution •

damage the spindle.

Do not cut the ribbon directly on the ribbon take-up spindle. Doing so may

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Operations

Load Ribbon

2. To loosen the ribbon, squeeze the ribbon against the ribbon take-up spindle tension

blades ( counterclockwise (

1). At the same time, turn the ribbon take-up spindle release knob

2).

The tension blades collapse into the ribbon take-up spindle, loosening the ribbon.

3. Slide the ribbon off of the ribbon take-up spindle.

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Operations

Calibrate the Printer

Auto Calibration

By default, the printer automatically calibrates on power up or when the printhead is closed. During auto calibration, the printer determines the label length and sensor settings.

The results of the auto calibration are stored in the printer’s memory and are retained even if printer power is removed. These parameters remain in effect until the next calibration is performed.

Note • If the control panel settings for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE are set to

LENGTH, NO MOTION, or FEED, the printer starts printing without auto calibrating. See

Select Media Power-Up Option on page 90 or Select Head Close Option on page 91.

Manual Calibration

Perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration to reset the sensitivity of the sensors so the media and ribbon are detected more accurately. If you change the type of ribbon or media, your printer may operate better if you perform this calibration.

For instructions, refer to Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 84.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Position the Media Sensors

This printer uses two types of media sensors: transmissive and reflective.

Select or Position the Transmissive Sensor

The standard transmissive sensor (Figure 22) is in a fixed position and enabled from the control panel. An adjustable transmissive sensor, which is available as an option for the Z4Mplus or Z6Mplus, can be adjusted for optimal print performance. For more information about the operation of this sensor, see Select a Sensor on page 76.

Figure 22 • Standard and Adjustable Transmissive Sensors

Operations

Position the Media Sensors

Standard Transmissive Sensor

Adjustable Transmissive Sensor (optional)

The lower section of the adjustable transmissive sensor has two white vertical positioning marks and a movable adjustment tab pointer (Figure 23).

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Position the Media Sensors

Figure 23 • Transmissive Sensor with Adjustment Tab Pointer

Positioning marks

Adjustment tab pointer (outer position)

Adjustment tab pointer (inner position)

To adjust the transmissive sensor, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever to release the printhead assembly.

2. See Figure 22. Locate the transmissive sensor.

3. Locate the white adjustment tab pointer on the back of the transmissive sensor.

4. What type of media are you using?

If you are using… Then…

Non-continuous media with notched edges

Move the adjustment tab pointer to the inner positioning mark. The point of the tab should align with the mark.

Non-continuous media without notched edges

Move the adjustment tab to the outer positioning mark. The point of the tab should align with the mark.

Continuous media Move the adjustment tab to the outer positioning mark. The

point of the tab should align with the mark.

5. Ensure the media and ribbon are properly positioned.

6. Close the printhead assembly.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Adjust the Reflective Sensor

The reflective sensor is compatible with most types of media. W ith non-continuous media, the reflective sensor detects the sta r t-of-label indicator (the notch, hole, black mark, or gap between die-cut labels). With both continuous media and non-continuous media, the sensor detects an out-of-paper condition. If you have difficulties with calibration while using this sensor, use the transmissive sensor (see Select or Position the Transmissive Sensor

on page 59).

Position the reflective sensor in the following way:

• directly under the notch, hole, or black mark with these types of labels

• anywhere along the width of the media if there is a gap between labels

• anywhere under the media for continuous media

The glow of the red light through the media may help you accurately positi on the senso r.

Figure 24 • Adjusting the Reflective Sensor

Operations

Position the Media Sensors

Printhead assembly

Reflective sensor

Reflective sensor positioning lever

Printhead release latch

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Operations

Position the Media Sensors

To adjust the reflective sensor, complete these steps:

1. See Figure 24. Press the printhead release latch.

2. Lift the printhead until it latches open.

3. Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever.

4. Move the reflective sensor positioning lever across the width of the media until the

reflective sensor aligns with the gap or notch.

5. Close the printhead assembly.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Adjust Printhead Pressure

You may need to adjust printhead pressure if printing is too light on one side or if you use thick media.

See Figure 25. The Z4Mplus pressure adjustment dials have four possible settings designated by blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest block (fully counterclockwise) is considered position 1, and the largest block (fully clockwise) is considered position 4. For the Z6Mplus, the dials have seve n settings instead of four.

Figure 25 • Printhead Pressure Adjustment Dials

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

1 2

Outside dial Inside dial

To set printhead pressure, complete these steps:

1. Use Table 6 or Table 7 to select the initial dial settings for your media, depending on

which printer you have.

Table 6 • Z4Mplus Printhead Pressure

Media Width

1 in. (25.4 mm) 2 in. (51 mm) 3 in. (76 mm)

3.5 in. and up (89 mm and up)

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Inside Dial Outside Dial

31 41 32 33

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

Table 7 • Z6Mplus Printhead Pressure

Media Width

Inside Dial Outside Dial

2 in. (50 mm) 6 1 3 in. (75 mm) 6 2 4 in. (100 mm) 7 3 5 in. (125 mm) 7 4

5.5 in. and up (140 mm and up) 6 6

2. If necessary, adjust the pressure adjustment dials as follows:

If the media... Then...

Requires higher pressure to

Increase both dials one position.

print well Shifts left while printing Increase the outside dial setting one position, or

decrease the inside dial setting one position.

Shifts right while printing Increase the inside dial setting one position, or

decrease the outside dial setting one position.

Prints too lightly on the left side

Increase the inside dial setting one position.

of the label. Prints too lightly on the right

side of the label.

Increase the outside dial setting one position.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Install Memory Card

The printer can use Type I or Type II compliant Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards.

Caution • Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling any

static-sensitive components such as circuit boards and printheads.

Note • The PCMCIA card is hot-swappable. It can be installed while the printer is On (l).

To install the PCMCIA memory card, complete these steps:

1. Remove the PCMCIA card shield from the rear of the printer.

2. Insert the PCMCIA card, with the notch UP, into the card slot as shown (see Figure 26).

Insert the card far enough to cause the eject button to pop out.

Operations

Install Memory Card

Figure 26 • Installing the PCMCIA Card

PCMCIA card

Notch

Card eject button

3. Reinstall the PCMCIA card shield over the PCMCIA card and card slot.

The printer is now ready to operate with the additional memory or font option.

Note • Initialization of the PCMCIA card may take a few minutes; the PAUSE LED flashes

while the card initializes. If the card is already initialized, th e PAUSE LED flashes only once or twice. To verify that the card has successfully initialized, print a configuration label and review it to see if the new memory card information is listed.

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Operations

Install Memory Card

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Configuration

This section describes the control panel parameters that are used to configure the printer for operation.

Contents

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

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Configuration

Setup Mode

After you have installed the media and ribbon and the Power-O n Self T est (PO ST) is complete, the control panel displays application using the control panel display and the buttons directly below it. If it becomes necessary to restore the initial printer defaults, see FEED and PAUSE Self Test on page 132.

Important • Certain printing conditions may require that you adjust printing parameters,

such as print speed, darkness, or print mode. These conditions include (but are not limited to):

• printing at high speeds

• peeling the media

• the use of extremely thin, small, synthetic, or coated labels

Because these and other factors affect print quality, run tests to determine the best combination of printer settings and media for your applic ation. A po or match may li mit print quality or print rate, or the printer may not function properly in the desired print mode.

Note • If the printer is operating on an IP network, you can change the printer’s parameters

in these additional ways:

• with ZebraLink™ WebView (ZebraNet Server required). For information, see the appropriate print server user guide.

• with the SetWLAN configuration utility (ZebraNet Wireless Print Server required). For information, see the ZebraNet Wireless Print Server User Guide.

PRINTER READY. You may now set printer parameters for your

10/100 PrintServer or ZebraNet Wireless Print

Enter Setup Mode

To enter Setup Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press SETUP/EXIT.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the parameters.

3. Press SELECT to select and deselect the parameters.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Exit Setup Mode

To leave Setup mode, complete these steps:

1. Press SETUP/EXIT.

The LCD displays

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to display the save options (Table 8).

LCD Description

SAVE CHANGES.

Table 8 • Save Options When Leaving Setup Mode

Configuration

Setup Mode

PERMANENT

TEMPORARY

CANCEL

LOAD DEFAULTS

LOAD LAST SAVE

DEFAULT NET

3. Press SETUP/EXIT to select the displayed choice.

When the configuration and calibration sequence is done,

Stores values in the printer even when power is turned off. Saves the changes until power is turned off. Cancels all changes made since you entered Setup mode,

except for changes made to the darkness and tear-off settings, which go into effect as soon as they are made.

Restores all parameters other than the network settings b ack to the factory defaults. Use care when loading defaults because you will need to reload all settings that you changed manually.

Note • Loading factory defaults causes the printer to

auto-calibrate.

Loads values from the last permanent sav e. Restores the wired and wireless network settings back to

factory defaults.

PRINTER READY displays.

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Configuration

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Certain parameters, including the communication parameters, are password-protected by factory default.

Caution • Do not change password-protected parameters unless you have a complete

understanding of the parameters’ functions. If the parameters are set incorrectly, the printer may function unpredictably.

The first time that you attempt to change a password-protected parameter, the printer displays

ENTER PASSWORD. Before you can change the parameter, you must enter the four-digit

numeric password. After you have entered the password correctly, you do not have to enter it again unless you leave Setup mode by pressing

To enter a password for a password-protected parameter, complete these steps:

1. At the password prompt, use the left oval to change the selected digit position.

2. When you have selected the digit that you wish to change, use the right oval to increase

the selected digit value. Repeat these two steps for each digit of the password.

SETUP/EXIT or by turning Off (O) the printer.

3. After entering the password, press NEXT.

The parameter you selected to change is displayed. If the password was entered correctly, you can change the value.

Default Password Value

The default password value is 1234. The password can be changed using the ^KP (Define Password) ZPL II instruction or through ZebraLink 10/100 Print Server, or Wireless Print Server required).

Disable the Password Protection Feature

You can disable the password protection feature so that it no longer prompts you for a password by setting the password to 0000 via the password-protection feature, send the ZPL/ZPL II command number from 1 to 9999.

^KP ZPL/ZPL II command. T o re-enable the

™

WebView (ZebraNet® PrintServer II,

^KPx, where x can be any

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Print a Configuration Label

A configuration label lists the printer settings that are stored in configuration memory. After you load the media and ribbon (if necessary), print a configuration label as a record of your printer’s current settings. Keep the label to use when troubleshooting printing problems.

To print a configuration label, complete these steps:

1. On the control panel, press SETUP/EXIT.

2. Press NEXT or PREVIOUS to scroll through the parameters until you reach

LIST SETUP.

3. Press the right oval to confirm printing.

A configuration label prints (Figure 27).

Figure 27 • Configuration Label

Configuration

Print a Configuration Label

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Configuration

Print a Network Configuration Label

If you are using a print server, you can print a network configuration label after the printer is connected to the network.

To print a network configuration label, complete these steps:

1. On the control panel, press SETUP/EXIT.

2. Press NEXT or PREVIOUS to scroll through the parameters until you reach

LIST NETWORK.

3. Press the right oval to confirm printing.

A network configuration label prints (Figure 28). An asterisk designates whether the wired or wireless print server is active. If n o wireless print server is installed, the wireless portion of the label does not print.

Figure 28 • Network Configuration Label (With a Wireless Print Server Installed)

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Control Panel LCD Displays

Use the LCD display on the control panel to adjust printer settings. Table 9 shows parameters in the order in which they are displayed when you press

Table 10 on page 96 shows the additional parameters that appear when a wired or wireless

print server is installed in the printer.

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

PLUS (+) after entering Setup mode.

While viewing parameters, press

MINUS (-) to return to the previous parameter in the cycle. Press SELECT when you wish to

modify a parameter or view its options. When a parameter is changed, an asterisk (*) appears in the upper left corner of the display to indicate that the value is different from the one currently active in the printer.

Parameter

DARKNESS +10.0

- +

PLUS (+) to continue to the next parameter, or press

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 1 of 23)

Action/Explanation

Adjust Print Darkness

Darkness (burn duration) settings depend on a variety of factors, including ribbon type, media type, and the cond ition of the printhead . You may adjust the darkness for consistent high-quality printing.

Important • Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides

good print quality. If the darkness is set too high, the ink may smear, the ribbon may burn through, or the printhead may wear prematurely.

If printing is too light or if there are voids in printed areas, increase the darkness. If printing is too dark or if there is spreading or bleeding of printed areas, decrease the darkness.

The FEED Self Test on page 128 can be used to determine th e best darkness setting. You may want to adjust darkness while performing the PAUSE S elf

Test on page 127 . Because the darkness setting takes effect immediately,

you can see the results on labels that are currently printing. Darkness settings also may be changed by the driver or software settings.

Default: +10 Range: 0 to 30

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

PLUS (+) to increase darkness. MINUS (-) to decrease darkness. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 2 of 23)

Parameter

PRINT SPEED 2 IPS +

TEAR OFF +000

- +

Action/Explanation

Adjust Print Speed

Adjusts the speed for printing a label (given in inches per second). Slower print speeds typically yield better print quality. Print speed changes take effect upon exiting Setup mode.

Default: 2 IPS Range: 2 to 10 IPS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value.

3. Press

4. Press

MINUS (-) to decrease the value. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjust the Tear-Off Position

This parameter establishes the position of the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar after printing.

See Figure 29. Higher numbers move the media out (the tear line moves closer to the leading edge of the next label), and lower numbers move the media in (the tear line moves closer to the edge of the label just printed).

Figure 29 • Tear-Off Position Adjustment

Media direction

Factory-set tear line location at position 00

Default: +0 Range: –120 to +120

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value. Each press adjusts the tear-off

position by four dot rows.

3. Press

MINUS (-) to decrease the value. Each press adjusts the tear-off

position by four dot rows.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 3 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

PRINT MODE

-TEAR-OFF +

MEDIA TYPE

-NON-CONTINUOUS +

Action/Explanation

Select Print Mode

Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you wish to use. Make sure that your printer can support the selected option.

Default: TEAR-OFF Selections: TEAR-OFF, PEEL-OFF, CUTTER, REWIND

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Media Type

This parameter tells the printer the type of media that you are using (see

Types of Media on page 23 for more information). Selecting continuous

media requires that you include a label length instruction in your label format (

^LLxxxx if you are using ZPL or ZPL II).

When non-continuous media is selected, the printer feeds media to calculate label length (the distance between two recognized registration points of the inter-label gap, webbing, or alignment notch or hole).

Default: NON-CONTINUOUS Selections: CONTINUOUS, NON-CONTINUOUS

SENSOR TYPE

-WEB +

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set the Sensor Type

This parameter tells the printer whether you are using media with a web (gap/space between labels, notch, or hole) to indicate the separations between labels or if you are using media with a black mark printed on the back. If your media does not have black marks for registration on the back, leave your printer at the default (WEB).

Default: WEB Selections: WEB, MARK

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 4 of 23)

Parameter

SENSOR SELECT

-AUTO SELECT +

PRINT METHOD

-THERMAL-TRANS. +

Action/Explanation

Select a Sensor

This parameter tells the printer the sensor that you wish to use. AUTO SELECT is compatible with most types of media. Select the reflective sensor with continuous media or with non-continuous black mark media; select the transmissive sensor if you are using non-continuous web media.

Default: AUTO SELECT Selections: AUTO SELECT, REFLECTIVE, TRANSMISSIVE

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the choices. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Print Method

The print method parameter tells the printer the me thod of printin g that you wish to use: direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (using thermal transfer media and ribbon).

Default: THERMAL TRANSFER Selections: THERMAL TRANSFER, DIRECT THERMAL

Note • Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media

and ribbon creates an error condition, but printing continues.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 5 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

PRINT WIDTH

- 104 0/8 MM +

Action/Explanation

Set Print Width

Determines the printable area across the width of the label given the resolution of the printer.

Default: 104 0/8 MM

Note • Setting the width too narrow can result in portions of the

label not being printed on the media. Setting the width too wide wastes formatting memory and can cause printing off the label and on the platen roller . This setting can af fect the horizont al position of the label format if the image was inverted using the ^POI ZPL II command.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

MINUS (-) to move the cursor. PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

To change the unit of measurement:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

MINUS (-) until the unit of measurement is active.

3. Press PLUS (+) to toggle to a different unit of measure (mm, inches,

or dots).

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 6 of 23)

Parameter

MAXIMUM LENGTH

-39.0 IN 988 MM

Action/Explanation

Set Maximum Label Length

This parameter is used during the media portion of the calibration process. Always set maximum label length to a value that is at least 1.0 in.

(25.4 mm) greater than the actual label length (Figure 30). If the va lue is set to a smaller value than the label length, the printer assumes that continuous media is loaded, and the printer cannot calibrat e.

For example, if the label length is 5.0 inches (126 mm) including the interlabel gap, set the parameter for 6.0 inches (152 mm). If the label length is 7.5 inches (190 mm), set the parameter for 9.0 inches (229 mm).

Figure 30 • Label Length

}

Label length (including interlabel gap)

Interlabel gap

Set maximum label length to approximately

this value

Default: 39.0 inches (988 mm). Range: Values are adjustable in one-inch (25.4 mm) increments.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

PLUS (+) to increase the value. MINUS (-) to decrease the value. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 7 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

LIST FONTS PRINT

LIST BAR CODES PRINT

LIST IMAGES PRINT

Action/Explanation

List Fonts

This option prints a label that lists the available fonts in the printer, including standard printer fonts plus any optional font s. Fonts may be stored in RAM, Flash memory, optional PCMCIA font cards, or Compact Flash cards.

To print a list of the available fonts:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

List Bar Codes

This option prints a label that lists the available bar codes in t he printer. Bar codes may be stored in RAM, Flash memory, optional PCMCIA cards, or Compact Flash cards.

To print a list of the available bar codes:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

List Images

This option prints a label that lists the available images stored in the printer’ s RAM, Fl ash memory, optional memory card, PCMCIA cards, or Compact Flash cards.

LIST FORMATS PRINT

To print a list of the available images:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to select PRINT. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

List Formats

This option prints a label that lists the available formats stored in the printer’ s RAM , Flash memo ry, optional EPROM, or optional memory card.

To print a list of the available formats:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to select PRINT. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 8 of 23)

Parameter

LIST SETUP PRINT

LIST NETWORK PRINT

LIST ALL PRINT

Action/Explanation

List Setup

This option prints a configuration label (see Figure 27 on page 71), which lists the current printer configuration.

To print a configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

List Network Settings

This option prints a network configuration label (see Figure 28

on page 72), which lists the settings for any print server that is installed.

To print a network configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

List All

This option prints labels that list the available fonts, bar codes, images, formats, and the current printer and network configurations.

To print labels for all settings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 9 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

FORMAT CARD: A: B:

Action/Explanation

Format Memory Card

This option erases all previously stored information from the optional PCMCIA card or Compact Flash card.

Caution • This option completely erases the selected card.

To format a memory card:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

MINUS (-) to select A: or PLUS (+) to select B:.

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted to enter the password.

3. Enter the password. For instructions, see Change Password-Protected

Parameters on page 70.

4. Press the appropriate button again to select the desired card. The display shows ARE YOU SURE?.

5. Do you wish to continue?

• Press

MINUS (-) to select NO to cancel the request and return to

FORMAT CARD prompt.

• Press

PLUS (+) to select YES and begin initialization.

When initialization is complete, the printer automatically exits Setup mode, and the control panel displays

PRINTER READY. If you exit

Setup mode while initialization is still in process, the control panel display flashes between the phrases

CHECKING B: MEMORY and

PRINTER IDLE.

Note • Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card,

initialization may take up to 5 minutes to complete.

6. Press

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 10 of 23)

Parameter

INIT FLASH MEM. YES

Action/Explanation

Initialize Flash Memory

This option erases all previously stored information from Flash memory.

Caution • This option completely erases the Flash memory.

To initialize Flash memory:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to select YES.

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted to enter the password.

3. Enter the password. For instructions, see Change Password-Protected

Parameters on page 70.

The display shows INITIALIZE FLASH?

4. Press PLUS (+) to select YES. The display shows

ARE YOU SURE?.

5. Do you wish to continue?

• Press

MINUS (-) to select NO to cancel the request and return to the

INITIALIZE FLASH prompt.

• Press PLUS (+) to select YES and begin initialization.

When initialization is complete, the printer automatically exits Setup mode, and the control panel displays

PRINTER READY. If you exit

Setup mode while initialization is still in process, the control panel display flashes between the phrases

CHECKING E: MEMORY and

PRINTER IDLE.

Note • Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory,

initialization may take up to 1 minute to complete.

6. Press

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 11 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

SENSOR PROFILE PRINT

Action/Explanation

Print Sensor Profile

The sensor profile may be used to troubleshoot registration problems that may be caused when the media sensor detects preprinted areas on the media or if it experiences difficulty in determining web location.

Figure 31 shows a sensor profile. If the sensitivity of the media and/or

ribbon sensors must be adjusted, use Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor

Sensitivity on page 84 to adjust sensor sensitivity.

Figure 31 • Sensor Profile

To print a sensor profile:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to start this standard calibration procedure and print a media sensor profile.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 12 of 23)

Parameter

MEDIA AND RIBBON CALIBRATE

Action/Explanation

Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity

Use this procedure to adjust sensitivity of media and ribbon sensors.

Important • Follow this procedure exactly as presented. All of the

steps must be performed even if only one of the sensors requires adjustment. You may press

MINUS (-) at any step in this procedure

to cancel the process.

To perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press SELECT and then PLUS (+) to start the calibration procedure. The

LOAD BACKING prompt displays.

3. Open the printhead.

4. Remove approximately 8 in. (203 mm) of labels from t he backi ng, and pull the media into the printer so that only the backing is between the media sensors.

5. Leave the printhead open.

6. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

REMOVE RIBBON prompt displays.

The

7. Remove the ribbon (if used).

8. Close the printhead.

9. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

The message

CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT displays.

The printer adjusts the scale (gain) of the signals that it receives from the media and ribbon sensors based on the specific media and ribbon combination being used. On the sensor profile, this essentially corresponds to moving the peak of the graph up or down to optimize the readings for your application.

When calibration is complete,

RELOAD ALL displays.

10. Open the printhead and pu ll the media forward until a label is positioned under the media sensor.

11. Reload the ribbon (if used).

12. Close the printhead.

13. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

The printer performs an auto-calibration. During this process, the printer checks the readings for the media and ribbon based on the new scale established, determines the labe l len gt h, an d determines the print mode. To see the new readings on the new scale, print a sensor profile.

14. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 13 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

PARALLEL COMM.

-BIDIRECTIONAL +

SERIAL COMM

-RS232 +

Action/Explanation

Set Parallel Communications

Select the communications port that match es the one being u sed by the host computer.

Default: BIDIRECTIONAL Selections: BIDIRECTIONAL, UNIDIRECTIONAL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Serial Communications

Select the communications port that match es the one being u sed by the host computer.

Important • Do not change this parameter from the default. The

printer supports only RS-232. This parameter will be eliminated in a future version of the firmware.

Default: RS232 Selections: RS232, RS422/485, RS485 MULTIDROP

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

BAUD

-9600 +

Set Baud

The baud setting of the printer must match the baud setting of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Select the value that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default: 9600 Selections: 110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800,

38400, 57600, 1 15 20 0

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 14 of 23)

Parameter

DATA BITS

- 8 BITS

PARITY

- NONE +

Action/Explanation

Set Data Bits

The data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Set the data bits to match the setting being used by the host computer.

Note • Code Page 850 requires the data bits to be set to 8 bits. See

the ZPL II Programming Guide for more information.

Default: 8 BITS Selections: 7 BITS, 8 BITS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Parity

The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Select the parity that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default: NONE Selections: EVEN, ODD, NONE

HOST HANDSHAKE

- XON/XOFF +

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Host Handshake

The handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host computer for communication to take place . Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default: XON/XOFF Selections: XON/XOFF, DTR/DSR, RTS/CTS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 15 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

PROTOCOL

- NONE +

NETWORK ID

- 000 +

Action/Explanation

Set Protocol

Protocol is a type of error checking system. Depending on the selection, an indicator may be sent from the printer to the host computer signifying that data has been received. Select the protocol that is requested by the host computer. Further details on protocol can be found in the ZPL II Programming Guid e.

Default: NONE Selections: NONE, ZEBRA, ACK_NAK

Note • ZEBRA is the same as ACK_NAK, except that ZEBRA

response messages are sequenced. If must use

To change the value shown:

DTR/DSR for host handshake protocol.

ZEBRA is selected, the printer

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Network ID

Network ID is used to assign a unique number to a printer. This gives the host computer the means to address a specific printer. This does not affect TCP/IP or IPX networks.

Default: 000 Range: 000 to 999

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 16 of 23)

Parameter

COMMUNICATIONS

- NORMAL MODE +

Action/Explanation

Set Communications Mode

The communication diagnostics mode is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer.

DIAGNOSTICS is selected, all data sent from the host computer to

When the printer prints as straight ASCII characters, with the hex value belo w the ASCII text. The printer prints all characters received, including control codes, like CR (carriage return). A sample printout is shown in

Communications Diagnostics Test on page 132.

Notes on diagnostic printouts are defined as follows:

• FE indicates a framing error.

• OE indicates an overrun error.

• PE indicates a parity error.

• NE indicates noise.

Default: NORMAL MODE Selections: NORMAL MODE, DIAGNOSTICS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. For any errors, check that your communication parameters are correct.

4. Set the print width equal to or less than the label wi dth used for the test. See Set Print Width on page 77 for more information.

5. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

CONTROL PREFIX

- < >7EH +

Set Control Prefix Character

The printer looks for this two-digit hex character to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II control instruction. The “H” that is displayed indicates Hexadecimal and is not part of the value.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to work properly.

Default: 7E (tilde—displayed as a black square) Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position. PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 17 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

FORMAT PREFIX

- <^>5EH +

DELIMITER CHAR

- <,>2CH +

Action/Explanation

Set Format Prefix Character

The format prefix is a two-digit hex value used a s a parameter place marke r in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. The “H” that is displayed indicates Hexadecimal and is not part of the value. The printer looks for this hex character to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II format instruction. See the ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I for more information.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to work properly.

Default: 5E (caret) Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Delimiter Character

The delimiter character is a two-digit hex value used as a parameter place marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. See the ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I for more information.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to work properly.

Default: 2C (comma) Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press

4. Press

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 18 of 23)

Parameter

ZPL MODE

- ZPL II +

MEDIA POWER UP

- CALIBRATION +

Action/Explanation

Select ZPL Mode

The printer remains in the selected mode until it is changed by this parameter or by using a ZPL/ZPL II command. The printer accepts label formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II, eliminating th e need to rewrit e any ZPL formats that already exist. See the ZPL II Programming Guide for more information on the differences between ZPL and ZPL II.

Default: ZPL II Selections: ZPL II, ZPL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Media Power-Up Option

This parameter sets the action of the media when you turn on the printer.

Default: CALIBRATION Selections: FEED, CALIBRATION, LENGTH, and NO MOTION

• Feed—feeds the labels to the first registration point.

• Calibration—determines the length of the label and adjusts the

sensor settings.

• Length—In continuous mode, feeds the last stored label length. In

noncontinuous mode, calibrates based on the maximum label length setting (see Set Maximum Label Length on page 78).

• No Motion—the media does not move. Yo u must press

FEED to

cause the printer to resynch to the start of the next label.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 19 of 23)

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Parameter

HEAD CLOSE

- CALIBRATION +

BACKFEED

- DEFAULT +

Action/Explanation

Select Head Close Option

This parameter sets the action of the media when you close the printhead.

Default: CALIBRATION Selections: FEED, CALIBRATION, LENGTH, and NO MOTION

• Feed—feeds the labels to the first registration point.

• Calibration—determines the length of the label and adjusts the

sensor settings.

• Length—In continuous mode, feeds the last stored label length. In

noncontinuous mode, calibrates based on the maximum label length setting (see Set Maximum Label Length on page 78).

• Short Cal—calibrates label length using the current sensor s ettings.

• No Motion—the media does not move. Yo u must press

FEED to

cause the printer to resynch to the start of the next label.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Backfeed Sequence

This parameter sets when label backfeed occurs after a label is removed in some print modes. It has no effect in Rewind mode. This setting is superseded by

~JS when received as part of a label format (see ZPL II

Programming Guide Volume I).

Default: DEFAULT (90%) Selections: DEFAULT, AFTER, BEFORE, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%,

60%, 70%, 80%, OFF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press

1/18/06 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L-001 Rev. A

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Control Panel LCD Displays

Table 9 • Printer Parameters (Page 20 of 23)

Parameter

LABEL TOP +000

- +

LEFT POSITION

- ±0000 +

Action/Explanation

Adjust Label Top Position

This parameter adjusts the print positi on vertically on the label. Positive numbers adjust the label top position farther down the label (away from the printhead); negative numbers adjust the position up the label (toward the printhead). The displayed value represents dots.

Default: +000 Range: –120 to +120 dots

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

PLUS (+) to increase the value. MINUS (-) to decrease the value. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjust Left Position

This parameter establishes how far from the left edge of a label the format begins to print by adjusting horizontal positioning on the label. Positive numbers adjust the printing away from the main frame by the number of dots selected; negative numbers shift printing toward the main frame. The displayed value represents dots.

Default: 0000 Range: –9999 to +9999 dots

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

MINUS (-) to move the cursor. PLUS (+) to change between +/- and to increase the value of the

digit.

4. For a negative value, enter the value before changing to the minus sign.

5. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

13163L-001 Rev. A Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1/18/06

Zebra Z4Mplus User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Declaration of Conformity

Compliance Information

Contents

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

How This Document Is Organized

Contacts

Web Site

The Americas

Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Document Conventions

Introduction

External View

Control Panel

Control Panel Buttons

Control Panel Lights

Printer Media Compartment

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Handling the Printer

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

Store the Printer

Ship the Printer

Recycle the Printer

Select a Site for the Printer

Select a Surface

Provide Proper Operating Conditions

Allow Proper Space

Provide a Data Source

Provide a Power Source

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

Power Cord Specifications

Select a Communication Interface

Connector Locations

Types of Connections

Data Cable Requirements

Types of Media

Ribbon Overview

When to Use Ribbon

Coated Side of Ribbon

Operations

Media Loading Overview

Print Modes

Start a Roll of Media

Insert Media into the Printer

Load Media in Tear-Off Mode

Load Media in Peel-Off Mode or Liner Take-Up Mode

Remove Liner in Peel-Off with Liner Take-up Mode

Load Media in Cutter Mode

Load Media in Rewind Mode

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option

Load Ribbon

Remove Used Ribbon

Calibrate the Printer

Auto Calibration

Manual Calibration

Position the Media Sensors

Select or Position the Transmissive Sensor

Adjust the Reflective Sensor

Adjust Printhead Pressure

Install Memory Card

Configuration

Setup Mode

Enter Setup Mode

Exit Setup Mode

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Default Password Value

Disable the Password Protection Feature

Print a Configuration Label

Print a Network Configuration Label

Control Panel LCD Displays