Zebra Z4M plus User Manual

and

User Guide

© Copyright 2003 ZIH Corp.

This copyrighted guide and the label printers described herein are owned by
Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized
reproduction of the guide or the software 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.

IBM® is a registered tradement of IBM Corporation and TrueType® is a
registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Zebra®, Stripe®, ZPL®, and ZPL II® are registered trademarks of Zebra
Technologies Corporation.

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective
holders.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide:

Customer order number 13163L

Manufacturer part number 13163LB

Your Feedback Is Important

Your feedback helps us improve our documents to better serve you!

Please take a few minutes to evaluate your experience using this document.

Product and Personal Information

1. What printer are you using? ____________________________

2. What document are you using? ___________________________

3. Have you ever worked with our product before? Yes No

If Yes, how many ___years? ___months?

4. What is your education level?______________

Document Usability

Check the rating that applies to your experience using this document:

Content Excellent Good Poor

The information I needed was available.
The information I needed was easy to find.
The information and directions were clear.
The illustrations were helpful.
The document was arranged logically.
The Table of Contents and Index were helpful.
The Glossary was helpful.
The level of information was appropriate for my

technical expertise.

Additional Comments

Write any additional comments on the lines provided on the next page.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide iii

Feedback Form

Comments • _______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback.

!

! Fax: [phone] Attention: TechPubs — CTC

!!

!!!! E-mail: [e-mail]

iv Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Proprietary Statement

This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies 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
propriety information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties
for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies
Corporation.

Product Improvements

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
All specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide v

FCC Compliance Statement

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
B Digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a residential environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the product
manuals, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

In order to ensure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication
Cables.

“The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Zebra Technologies Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.”

Canadian DOC Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Liability Disclaimer

Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that its published Engineering
specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies
Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability
resulting therefrom.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the
creation, production or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and
software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation,
consequential damages including loss of business profits, business interruption or loss
of business information) arising out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to
use such product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation been advised of the
possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.

vi Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Copyrights

The copyrights in this manual and the label printer described therein are owned by
Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized reproduction
of this manual or the software 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.

All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright 2003 ZIH Corp. All rights reserved.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide vii

viii Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

I have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the

Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus-Series

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.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide ix

x Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Warranty Information

Effective November 1, 2001

All Zebra Technologies Corporation products are sold with warranties. Following is
some general information:

Printer Products

Printers. All printers (excluding printheads) are warranted against defect in material or
workmanship for twelve (12) months from the purchase date.

Proof of purchase or shipment date is required to validate the warranty period. The
warranty becomes void if the equipment is modified, improperly installed or used,
damaged by accident or neglect, or if any parts are improperly installed or replaced by
the user.

Note: Products returned must be packaged in the original or comparable packing and

shipping container. In the event equipment is not so packaged, or if shipping damage is
evident, it will not be accepted for service under warranty. Surface transportation
charges for return to customers in the continental United States is paid by Zebra.
Otherwise, Zebra pays CPT (carriage paid to) nearest airport; customer pays customs,
duties, taxes, and freight from airport to destination. If Zebra determines that the

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xi

Printer Products

product returned for warranty service or replacement is not defective as herein
defined, the customer will pay all handling and transportation costs.

Printheads. Since printhead wear is part of normal operation, the original printhead is
covered by a limited warranty as indicated below. Warranty period begins on purchase
date.

Printhead Warranty Period

Bar code label printer printheads 6 months
Card printer printheads 12 months

To qualify for this warranty, the printhead must be returned to the factory or to an
authorized service center. Customers are not required to purchase Zebra supplies
(media and/or ribbons) for warranty qualification. However, if it is determined that the
use of other manufacturer supplies has caused any defect in the printhead for which a
warranty claim is made, the user is responsible for Zebra’s labor and material charges
required to repair the defect. The warranty becomes void if the printhead is physically
worn or damaged; also if it is determined that failure to follow the preventive
maintenance schedule listed in the User’s Guide has caused defect in the thermal
printhead for which a warranty claim is made.

Software. Software is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for
30 days from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty
period of defects, Zebra will replace the defective diskette or documentation.

Batteries. Mobile printer batteries are warranted to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for 90 days from date of purchase. In the event of notification within the
warranty period, Zebra will replace the defective battery provided there has not been
damage resulting from user abuse.

. All parts, maintenance kits, options kits, and accessories are warranted to be free

Parts
of defects in material and workmanship for 90 days (except where otherwise noted)
from date of purchase. This warranty becomes void if the item is modified, improperly
installed or used, or damaged by accident or neglect.

xii Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Products

Supplies Products

Supplies are warranted to be free from defect in material and workmanship for a
period of six (6) months for media and twelve (12) months for ribbon from the date of
shipment by Zebra. This is provided the user has complied with storage guidelines,
handling, and usage of the supplies in Zebra printers.

Zebra’s sole obligation under these warranties is to furnish parts and labor for the
repair or possible replacement of products found to be defective in material or
workmanship during the warranty period. Zebra may in its discretion issue a credit for
any such defective products in such amount as it deems reasonable.

Warranty Exclusions & Conditions Statement

The warranties provided above are the only warranties applicable. No other
warranties, expressed or implied, are given. Zebra does not make any IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE in connection with its sale of products or services. While Zebra’s desire is
to be responsive to specific needs and questions, Zebra does not assume responsibility
for any specific application to which any products are applied including, but not
limited to, compatibility with other equipment. All statements, technical information
or recommendations relating to Zebra products are based upon tests believed to be
reliable yet do not constitute a guaranty or warranty.

Zebra’s maximum liability for warranty claims is limited to the invoice price of the
product claimed defective. Zebra does not assume responsibility for delays or
replacement or repair of products. Zebra shall not under any circumstances whatsoever
be liable to any party for loss of profits, lost data, diminution of good will, or any other
special or consequential damages whatsoever with respect to any claim made under
agreement with Zebra. Specifically for software, Zebra is not liable for any incidental
or consequential damages caused by abuse or misapplication of the software or by its
use in violation of the U.S. copyright law or international treaty.

No salesperson, representative, or agent of Zebra is authorized to make any guaranty,
warranty, or representation that contradicts the foregoing. Any waiver, alteration,
addition or modification to the foregoing warranties must be in writing and signed by
an executive officer of Zebra to be valid.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xiii

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

Zebra Link License Agreement

Printer Software and Firmware License
Agreement

YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND
CONDITIONS OF THIS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRINTER
SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT (“PSFLA”) BEFORE
USING THE PRINTER WHICH IS ENCLOSED OR OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS, DO NOT OPERATE THE PRINTER AND PLEASE
PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRINTER, ENCLOSURES AND ALL PACKAGING
FOR A FULL REFUND.

Zebra Technologies Corporation (“ZEBRA”) hereby grants you a non-exclusive, non­transferable license to use the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE embedded in the printer
and the accompanying documentation according to the following terms:

1. The printer enclosed with or otherwise associated with this Agreement has or

includes certain SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE therein which is protected by
copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual
property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is licensed, not
sold. Such SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE may include, but is not limited to,
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE that is licensed under one or more of the
following trademarks: ZPL (Zebra Programming Language), Zebralink, Web
View, Web Alert, ZBI (Zebra Basic Interpreter), BAR-ONE, ZTools, Utilities,
ZebraNet View for IP, ZebraNet Alert, PC Management Program, ZebraNet View
for Networks and ZebraNet Connect.

2. GRANT OF LICENSE. This License grants you the following rights:

• SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. You may use, access, display, run, or
otherwise interact with (“RUN”) the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE in
connection with operating the printer which is enclosed with or otherwise
associated with this PSFLA (“PRINTER”). The primary user of the PRINTER
may make a second copy for his or her exclusive use on a portable computer/
printer.

xiv Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

• Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the SOFTWARE
and FIRMWARE on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to
RUN the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE on your other PRINTERS over an
internal network; however, you must acquire and dedicate a license for each
separate PRINTER on which the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is RUN from
the storage device. A license for the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE may not
be shared or used concurrently on different PRINTERS.

• Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by
ZEBRA.

• Accessing Services Using the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. Your use of any
service accessible using the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is not covered by
this PSFLA and may be governed by separate terms of use, conditions or
notices.

3. RESTRICTIONS.

• You must maintain all copyright notices on all copies of the SOFTWARE and
FIRMWARE.

• Limitations on modification. You may not modify, adapt, translate, or create
derivative works based on this SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE or the
accompanying documentation.

• Limitations of Reverse Engineering, Decompilation and Disassembly. You
may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE or the
FIRMWARE, except and only to the extent that such activity is permitted by
applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.

• Rental. You may not rent or lease or lend the SOFTWARE or FIRMWARE.

• Support Services. ZEBRA may provide you with support services related to
the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE (“SUPPORT SERVICES”), in its
discretion. Use of SUPPORT SERVICES, if any, is governed by the ZEBRA
policies and programs described in the user manual, in “online”
documentation, and/or other ZEBRA provided materials. Any supplemental
SOFTWARE or FIRMWARE code provided to you as a part of SUPPORT
SERVICES shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE
and is subject to the terms of this PSFLA. With respect to technical
information you provide to ZEBRA as part of the SUPPORT SERVICES,
ZEBRA may use such information for its business purposes, including for
product support and development. ZEBRA will not utilize such technical
information in a form that personally identifies you except to the extent
necessary to provide you with support.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xv

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

• Replacement, Modification and Upgrade of the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE. ZEBRA reserves the right to replace, modify or upgrade the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE at any time by offering you a replacement
or modified version of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE or such upgrade
and to charge for such replacement, modification or upgrade. Any such
replacement or modified SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE code or upgrade to
the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE offered to you by ZEBRA shall be
considered part of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and subject to the
terms of this PSFLA (unless this PSFLA is superseded by a further PSFLA
accompanying such replacement or modified version of or upgrade to the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE). In the event that ZEBRA offers a
replacement or modified version of or any upgrade to the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE, (a) your continued use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE
is conditioned on your acceptance of such replacement or modified version of
or upgrade to the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and any accompanying
superseding PSFLA and (b) in the case of the replacement or modified
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE, your use of all prior versions of the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is terminated.

4. TERMINATION. Without prejudice to any other rights, ZEBRA may terminate

this PSFLA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this PSFLA.
ZEBRA may terminate this PSFLA by offering you a superseding PSFLA for the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE or any replacement or modified version of or
upgrade to the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and conditioning your continued
use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE or such replacement, modified or
upgraded version on your acceptance of such superseding PSFLA. In addition,
ZEBRA may terminate this PSFLA by notifying you that your continued use of the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is prohibited. In the event that ZEBRA
terminates this PSFLA, you must immediately stop using the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE and destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and
all of its component parts.

5. COPYRIGHT. All title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE and

FIRMWARE, the accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the
SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE, are owned by ZEBRA or its suppliers. All title
and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed
through use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is the property of the
respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other
intellectual property laws and treaties. This PSFLA grants you no rights to use
such content. If this SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE contains documentation
which is provided only in electronic form, you may print one copy of such
electronic documentation. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying
the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE.

xvi Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

6. U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. All SOFTWARE and/or

FIRMWARE provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to solicitations issued on
or after December 1, 1995 is provided with the commercial rights and restrictions
described elsewhere herein. All SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE provided to the
U.S. Government pursuant to solicitations issued prior to December 1, 1995 is
provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS as provided for in FAR, 48 CFR 52.227-14
(JUNE 1987) or DFAR, 48 CFR 252.227-7013 (OCT 1988), as applicable.

7. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You agree that you will not export or re-export the

SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE, any part thereof, or any process or service that
is the direct product of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE (the foregoing
collectively referred to as the “RESTRICTED COMPONENTS”), to any country,
person or entity subject to U.S. export restrictions. You specifically agree not to
export or re-export any of the RESTRICTED COMPONENTS (i) to any country
to which the U.S. has embargoed or restricted the export of goods or services,
which currently include, but are not necessarily limited to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya,
North Korea, Sudan and Syria, or to any national of any such country, wherever
located, who intends to transmit or transport the RESTRICTED COMPONENTS
back to such country; (ii) to any person or entity who you know or have reason to
know will utilize the RESTRICTED COMPONENTS in the design, development
or production of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons; or (iii) to any person or
entity who has been prohibited from participating in U.S. export transactions by
any federal agency of the U.S. government. You warrant and represent that neither
the U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of Export Administration nor any other
U.S. federal agency has suspended, revoked or denied your export privileges.

8. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. ZEBRA AND ITS SUPPLIERS PROVIDE

THE SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE “AS IS” AND WITH ALL FAULTS,
AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS,
EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY (IF ANY) IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY, OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF
LACK OF VIRUSES, AND OF LACK OF NEGLIGENCE OR LACK OF
WORKMANLIKE EFFORT. ALSO, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR
CONDITION OF TITLE, OF QUIET ENJOYMENT, OR OF
NONINFRINGEMENT. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE IS WITH YOU.
ZEBRA DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE
SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR
FREE.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xvii

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

9. EXCLUSION OF ALL DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT

PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL ZEBRA OR ITS
SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL,
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR
ANY INJURY TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS
INFORMATION, FOR LOSS OF PRIVACY FOR FAILURE TO MEET ANY
DUTY INCLUDING OF GOOD FAITH OR OF REASONABLE CARE, FOR
NEGLIGENCE, AND FOR ANY PECUNIARY OR OTHER LOSS
WHATSOEVER) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE
USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE,
WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ZEBRA OR ANY SUPPLIER HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS
EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES SHALL BE EFFECTIVE EVEN IF ANY
REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

10.LIMITATIONS AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

• To the extent that the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE covered by this
PSFLA includes emulation libraries, emulation libraries are offered “as is”.
ZEBRA does not provide any warranty associated with the emulation
libraries.

• The emulation library does not work 100% correctly or cover 100% of the
functionality of the printer language being emulated. Modifications may be
required for each target application. If such modification is necessary, prior to
making any such modification, you are required to contact ZEBRA to obtain
express written consent to make such modification.

• If the emulation library is sold separately by an authorized party other than
ZEBRA (“RESELLER”—A party other than ZEBRA which is authorized by
ZEBRA to distribute the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE with its
application so long as the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is used with a
ZEBRA printer) or is sold bundled with a printer to an end-user by a
RESELLER, and if claims are made by the RESELLER that the emulation
library performs as a 100% emulation solution, ZEBRA is not responsible if
the emulation library does not work as advertised by the RESELLER.
Furthermore, ZEBRA is not liable for any damages directly or indirectly
relating to such emulation library which is sold separately by the RESELLER
or which is sold bundled with a printer to an end-user by the RESELLER.

xviii Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

• The SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE was provided to you at no additional
charge and ZEBRA has included in this PSFLA terms that disclaim all
warranties and liability for the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. To the full
extent allowed by law, YOU HEREBY RELEASE ZEBRA AND ITS
SUPPLIERS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM OR
RELATED TO ALL CLAIMS CONCERNING THE SOFTWARE AND/OR
FIRMWARE OR ITS USE. If you do not wish to accept the SOFTWARE OR
FIRMWARE under the terms of this PSFLA, do not use the PRINTER
enclosed with or otherwise associated with this PSFLA.

11. GOVERNING LAW. If you acquired the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE in the

United States of America, the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A. will apply to this
contract. If you acquired this SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE outside of the
United States of America, then local law may apply. If any provision of this
PSFLA is held invalid, the remainder of this PSFLA shall continue in full force
and effect.

12.QUESTIONS. Should you have any questions, or if you desire to contact ZEBRA

for any reason, please contact the ZEBRA subsidiary serving your country, or
write:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xix

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

xx Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Table of Contents

1 • Proprietary Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Product Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

FCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Canadian DOC Compliance Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Liability Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi

Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

Copyrights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Printer Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

2 • Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxvii

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxviii

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxviii

About this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxix

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxx

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxxii

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xxi

Table of Contents

3 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Inspect the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Report Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Printer Side View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Load Media and Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Load the Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Auto Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Printhead Pressure Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Rewind Media Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Troubleshoot Printing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Basic Configuration Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Position the Label Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reflective Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Configure the Software or Printer Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

5 • Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

System Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

xxii Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Table of Contents

6 • Printer Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Printer Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Load Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tear-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cutter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Peel-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Load Fanfold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Remove the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

7 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Enter Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Change Password-Protected Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Leave the Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Configuration and Calibration Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

8 • Routine Care and Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Clean the Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Clean the Interior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Clean the Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Clean the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Clean the Peel-Off Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Clean the Cutter Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

9 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

LCD Error Conditions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Error Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Communication Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xxiii

Table of Contents

Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Power-On Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Additional Printer Self Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Cancel Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Pause Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Feed Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

10 • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Media Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Bar codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

AC Power Cord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Power Line Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Appendix A • DB-9 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Printer Interface Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Serial Data Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Cable Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Appendix B • Parallel Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Parallel Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Parallel Port Interconnections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Appendix C • • Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

PCMCIA Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Appendix D • • Extend Printhead Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Extend the Life of Your Printhead with Save-a-Printhead Cleaning Film . . . . . 142

Recommended for all Zebra printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Use Save-a-Printhead Cleaning Film . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

How to Order Cleaning Film Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

xxiv Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Preface

The Preface discusses the topics and illustrates standards that are used throughout this
guide.

Contents

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxvi

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxvi

About this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxvii

Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxviii

Related Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxx

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xxv

Preface

Contacts

Contacts

You can contact Zebra Technologies Corporation, USA at any of the following:

Visit us at: www.zebra.com

Our Mailing Address:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: +1 847.913.8766

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Zebra House
The Valley Centre, Gordon Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]

Support

You can contact Zebra support at any of the following:

Caution • The Web address is case-sensitive. The SS must be all caps.

Web address: www.zebra.com/SS/service_support.htm

US Phone Number: +1 847.913.2259

UK/International Phone Number: [phone]

xxvi Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

About this Document

The User Guide contains these chapters:

Title Content Description

Introduction Provides a high level overview of the

Printer Setup Provides instructions for loading media

Communication Describes communications options and

Printer Basics Discusses detailed functions of controls

Preface

About this Document

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus printer.

and ribbon.

their connections.

and lights.

Configuration Discusses detailed configuration settings.

Routine Care and Adjustments Discusses printer cleaning and minor

adjustments.

Troubleshooting Discusses errors and warnings, print

quality, and printer diagnostics.

Specifications Lists all printer specifications.

DB-9 Connectors Serial data connectors.

Parallel Data Port Parallel port connections.

Memory Cards Memory card installations.

Extend Printhead Life How to extend the life of the printhead.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xxvii

Preface

Document Conventions

Document Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this document to convey certain
information:

About this Chapter: This section lists and describes each main section of the chapter,
including the initial page number of that section. These sections primarily serve as
hyperlink components for the Adobe Acrobat.pdf version of this guide.

Alternate Color: (on-line only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in
this guide. If you are viewing this guide on-line in.pdf format, you can click the
cross-reference (royal blue text) to jump directly to its location.

Command Line Examples: All command line examples appear in Courier font.
For example, you would type the following to get to the Post-Install scripts in the

bin directory: Ztools

Files and Directories: All file names and directories appear in Courier New font.

For example, the Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.

Caution, Important, Note, and Example: These topics are defined in the following
example:

Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in
physical harm to you or the hardware.

Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specified action could result
in loss of data or hardware damage.

Important • Provides information that is essential to the completion of 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.

xxviii Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Preface

Document Conventions

Illustration Call-out Instructions: Illustration call-out instructions are used when an
illustration contains either information about a dialog box, step(s) to accomplish, or
numbers in a table.

10

12

11

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

PAUSE

8

9

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide xxix

Preface

Related Documents

Related Documents

In addition to the Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide, the following documents might
be helpful references:

• The ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II (Zebra part number

45540L) details how to create the perfect label format for your application. The
guide explains how the optional ZBI™ extends the power of ZPL II by allowing
custom programs to be written that operate within the printer, directly interfacing
with bar code scanners, keyboard display devices, etc. The guide also contains
information about the enhanced operating system features of your printer. There
are three ways to obtain this guide: on the accessory CD-ROM (supplied with the
printer), on our web site (www.zebra.com), or by ordering printed manuals from
your distributor.

• The PrintServer II User and Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L)

explains how you can quickly set up your printer on an IP network and experience
ZebraLink, our revolutionary real-time connectivity and control solution for Zebra
printers (optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required).

• The Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Maintenance Manual (Zebra part number 13358L)

contains the information you need to maintain your printer.

xxx Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

This chapter provides a high level overview of the Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer.

Contents

Inspect the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Report Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview . . . . . . 3

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Printer Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 1

Introduction

Inspect the printer

Inspect the printer

• Check all exterior surfaces.

• Raise the media access door and inspect the media compartment.

• Save the carton and all packing material in case the printer needs to be shipped.

Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for instructions.

• 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, see AC Power Cord on page 122.

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug with
an earth-ground connection to the AC power source.

Report Damage

If you discover shipping damage:

.

Important • Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage
incurred during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under
warranty

Storage

If you are not placing the printer into operation immediately, repackage it using the
original packing materials. The printer may be stored under the following conditions:

• Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report.

• Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.

• Notify your local Zebra reseller.

• Temperature: –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C)

• Relative humidity: 5% to 85%, non-condensing

2 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview

The following information is a general overview of the Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus
printers operational controls and location of major components needed in the loading
of media and ribbon.

Front Panel

The front panel keys and lights are shown below.

Introduction

10

12

11

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

PAUSE

8

9

Front Panel Controls and Lights

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 3

Introduction

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview

Number Description

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11

12

1

Power LED

Pause LED

Error LED

Data LED

LCD

PLUS (+) Key

SETUP/EXIT Key

CANCEL Key

PAUSE Key

FEED Key

SELECT Key

MINUS (–) Key

4 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Side View

The illustration below is a simplified view of your printer. Depending on installed
options, your printer may look slightly different.

Introduction

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview

2

1

5

6

7

Number Description

1
2
3
4

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

3

4

5
6
7

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 5

Dancer

Label Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Introduction

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Printer Overview

6 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 2

Printer Setup

This chapter provides instructions for loading labels and ribbon.

Contents

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Load Media and Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Load the Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Printhead Pressure Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Rewind Media Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Troubleshoot Printing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Basic Configuration Process . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Position the Label Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Reflective Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Configure the Software or Printer Driver . . . 28

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 7

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Before You Begin

Media

The Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus are capable of using various types of media. These include
continuous roll and fanfold media as labels or card stock with optional perforations
and registration holes.

Refer to Printer Basics on page 33 for a detailed description of loading label media
and ribbon.

Roll Media Fanfold Media

8 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Ribbon

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Ribbon is a thin film carrying wax or wax resin that is transferred to the media during
the thermal transfer process. Direct thermal media does not require the use of a ribbon,
but printhead life may be shortened because of the abrasion of direct contact with the
media.

Printhead life may be reduced by the abrasion from exposed paper fibers when using
perforated media. Refer to Printer Basics on page 33 for a detailed description of
loading label media and ribbon.

Caution • The ribbon must be as wide 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.

Note • When printing in direct thermal mode, ribbon is not used and should not be
loaded into the printer.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 9

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Types of Media

The following is a description of the various types of media approved for use in the
Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus printers.

Non-Continuous Web Media

Non-continuous web media (shown below) refers to individual labels separated by a
gap, notch, or hole. When you look at the media, you can tell where one label ends and
the next one begins. The illustration below shows samples of all three. The
noncontinuous with gaps, is individual labels on a continuous liner.

1

2

3

3

Number Description

1
2
3

Hole

Notch

Label Gap

10 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Non-Continuous Black Mark Labels

Non-continuous black mark labels have black marks printed on the back of the liner
indicating the start and end of each label (shown below).

1

1

Number Description

1

Black Mark

Continuous Media

Continuous media (shown below) is one uninterrupted roll of material without gaps,
holes, notches, or black marks that allows the image to be printed anywhere on the
label.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 11

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Print Mode

Print modes are displayed on the LCD on the front panel of the printer. Print modes
should match the media and printer options chosen. Print mode choices are listed in
the table below.

Mode Printer Option Action

Tear-Off Mode

(Default setting)

Use for most
applications.

Peel-Off Mode Use only if printer has

the peel option.

Cutter Mode Use only if printer has a

cutter option.

Rewind Mode Use only if printer has

the rewind option.

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

Liner material is peeled
away from the label as it
is printed. After the
printed label is removed
the next label prints.

Printer automatically
cuts the label after it is
printed.

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

12 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Load Media and Ribbon

Load the Media

One method of media loading is shown in the illustration below. For more detailed
instructions, as well as information about how to load the different types of media and
the various printing modes, see Printer Basics on page 33.

Printer Setup

Load Media and Ribbon

2

1

5

7

6

Number Description

1
2
3
4

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Media Supply Guide

Media Supply Hanger

3

4

5
6
7

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 13

Dancer

Media Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Printer Setup

Load the Ribbon

Load the Ribbon

If the media is thermal transfer material, you must load a ribbon to print labels. See the
illustration below. If the media is direct thermal material, do not load a ribbon.

2

1

3

4

5

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5

Strip Plate

Printhead Assembly

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Printhead Open Lever

14 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Calibration

Auto Calibration

The Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus automatically calibrate on power up. During auto
calibration, the printer determines the label length and sensor settings.

Auto calibration occurs when the printer is turned on and each time the printer
recovers from an error condition. To clear an error, open and close the printhead
assembly and then press PAUSE. The printer begins auto calibration when all errors
have been cleared.

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.

Printer Setup

Calibration

,

Note • If the front panel setting for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE are set
to LENGTH, NO MOTION, or FEED, the printer starts printing without auto
calibrating.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 15

Printer Setup

Printhead Pressure Adjustment

Printhead Pressure Adjustment

Refer to the illustration below.

This adjustment may be necessary if printing is too light on one side or if thick media
is used.

Pressure Adjustment Dials

R

The pressure adjustment dials for the Z4Mplus each 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. The same is true for the Z6Mplus, except it
has 7 positions.

L

16 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Setup

Printhead Pressure Adjustment

Set Printhead Pressure

Use the tables below, depending upon which printer you have, to select the initial dial
settings for your media.

Z4Mplus
Media Width Left Dial Right Dial

1 in. (25.4 mm) 3 1
2 in. (51 mm) 4 1
3 in. (76 mm) 3 2

3.5 in. and up (89 mm and up) 3 3

Z6Mplus
Media Width Left Dial Right 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

Some media types require higher pressure to print well. For these media, increase both
dials one position. If the media tends to shift to the left while printing, increase the
right dial setting one position or decrease the left dial setting one position. If the media
tends to shift to the right while printing, increase the left dial setting one position or
decrease the right dial setting one position.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 17

Printer Setup

Rewind Media Alignment

Rewind Media Alignment

The instructions below apply if the printer has a rewind option. Refer to the
illustration below.

Note • The liner should be installed flush against the backplate of the take-up
spindle to prevent the media/backing from winding too loosely.

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

1. Turn the adjustment dial clockwise to align the media toward the mainframe.

2. Turn the dial counter clockwise to align the media away from the mainframe.

4

3

Number Description

1
2
3
4

Rewind Spindle Backplate

Rewind Spindle

Adjustment Dial

Printhead Assembly

1

2

18 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Configuration Label

Print a configuration label to test the printer setup. Do this when the printer is first
installed, or when the printer cannot properly detect the top of the label.

Print a Configuration Label

1. Turn the printer Off (O).

2. Press and hold CANCEL while turning the printer On (l). See the Front Panel

illustration on page 3.

3. Release CANCEL after the DATA light turns off (approximately five seconds).

A configuration label prints showing the printer’s currently stored parameters (similar
to the labels shown on the next page).

Printer Setup

Configuration Label

• If you encounter any problems while you are configuring the printer or printing a

test label, see Troubleshoot Printing Problems on page 21. If the test label printed
correctly, go to Communication on page 29.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 19

Printer Setup

Configuration Label

Z6Mplus - 300dpi

4

Z4Mplus - 200dpi

4

20 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Troubleshoot Printing Problems

Troubleshoot Printing Problems

If the configuration label did not print, or if the labels are aligned properly, review the
items below in the order shown. Do only as many steps as needed to solve the printing
problem.

• Review Types of Media on page 10.

• Review Load the Media on page 13.

• Configure the printer according to the directions given in Basic Configuration on

page 22.

• Check the position of the media sensor and move if necessary. Follow the

directions in Position the Label Sensor on page 26.

Printer Setup

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 21

Printer Setup

Basic Configuration

Basic Configuration

If your labels are not printing correctly, the configuration may need to be changed
because the printer defaults may not reflect the options you need. Media, ribbon,
darkness, print mode, media type, sensor type, and print method all affect the way the
printer is configured. Refer to Configuration on page 58 for more detailed
information.

Review the Front Panel illustration on page 3 to familiarize yourself with the controls.
The table below shows the LCD display settings you will need and what they mean.

LCD Display Meaning

PRINTER READY Ready to print labels or to configure the printer.

All printer self-tests have been performed
successfully.

DARKNESS The larger the number, the darker the print.

The range is 0 to 30, with a default setting of 10.

PRINT SPEED The print speed is given in inches per second. The

larger the number, the faster the label prints.

TEAR OFF Establishes the position of the media over the

tear-off bar after printing.

PRINT MODE Tear-Off (default setting), Peel-Off, Cutter,

Rewind.

MEDIA TYPE Non-continuous (default setting), Continuous

SENSOR TYPE Web (default setting), Mark

SENSOR SELECT Auto Select (default setting), Reflective,

Transmissive

PRINT METHOD Thermal transfer (default setting using a ribbon),

Direct thermal (no ribbon)

22 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Basic Configuration Process

See the instructions below to perform basic a configuration:

1. Enter the configuration mode by pressing SETUP/EXIT.

DARKNESS displays.

2. If there is no print darkness problem, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option,

Print Speed.

If the labels moved forward, but the print is light or there is no print, increase the
darkness.

If the print is too dark, or the ribbon sticks to the media, decrease the darkness.

3. Press SELECT.

4. Press PLUS (+) to increase the darkness or MINUS (–) to decrease the darkness.

5. Press SELECT to accept the change.

Printer Setup

Basic Configuration

6. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

PRINT SPEED displays.

7. If the image is crisp, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option, Tear-Off.

If the print is dark enough, but the image is not crisp, slow down the print speed.
Print speed is given in inches per second (ips).

8. Press SELECT.

9. Press PLUS (+) to increase the speed or MINUS (–) to decrease the speed.

10.Press SELECT to accept the changes.

11. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

TEAR OFF displays.

The Tear Off position defines the position of the label on the tear-off bar. When
working with non-continuous labels, the inter-label gap should be on the tear bar.

If the label gap is lining up on the tear bar, or if you are using continuous material,
press PLUS (+) to move to the next option, Print Mode.

12.If the position of the label needs to be adjusted, press SELECT.

13.Press PLUS (+) to move the label forward or MINUS (–) to move the label back.

14.Press SELECT to accept the changes.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 23

Printer Setup

Basic Configuration

15.Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

PRINT MODE displays.

When the wrong Print Mode is selected, the top of the label is not found by the
printer. Some examples of common problems are gaps between noncontinuous
labels not lining up on the tear bar, or continuous media not being cut at the right
interval.

If the labels line up correctly on the tear bar, press PLUS (+) to go to the next step,
Media Type.

If the labels are not lined up correctly, review the media and the printer options, then
adjust accordingly, continue with Step 16.

16.Press SELECT.

17.Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

setting that matches your printer options (Tear-Off, Peel-Off, Cutter, or Rewind)

18.Press SELECT to accept the change.

19.Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option,

MEDIA TYPE displays.

Types of Media on page 10 showed examples of non-continuous and continuous

media.

If your media matches the Media Type, press PLUS (+) to go to the next step,
Sensor Type.

If your label media does not match the Media Type, follow the steps below.

20.Press SELECT.

21.Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

setting that matches your printer options (Continuous or Noncontinuous).

22.Press SELECT to accept the change.

23.Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

SENSOR TYPE displays.

Web sensor is used with most labels, unless the label liner has black marks on the
back.

If your liner does not have black marks, press PLUS (+) to go to the next step,
Sensor Select.

24 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Setup

Basic Configuration

If the label liner has black marks, continue with Step 24.

24.Press SELECT.

25.Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

setting that matches your printer options (Web or Mark).

26.Press SELECT to accept the change.

27.Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

SENSOR SELECT displays.

Auto Select is the default setting. Do not make any changes.

28.Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

PRINT METHOD displays.

• Use Thermal Transfer if you are using ribbon with your label material.

• Use Direct Thermal if you are not using ribbon. Direct thermal label media
has ink embedded in the label material that is brought out by the heat of the
printhead.

If the Print Method setting matches your media and ribbon choices, press
SETUP/EXIT to leave the front panel menu,

SAVE CHANGES PERMANENT displays.

29.Press SETUP/EXIT again.

30.SAVING PERMANENT displays. One or more labels may feed out, depending on

your setting choices.

The LCD displays PRINTER READY.

If the Print Method setting does not match your media and ribbon choices, follow the
steps below.

31.Press SELECT.

32.Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

setting that matches your printer options (Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal).

33.Press SELECT to accept the change.

34.Press SETUP/EXIT to leave the front panel menu.

SAVE CHANGES PERMANENT displays.

35.Press SETUP/EXIT again.

SAVING PERMANENT displays. One or more labels may feed out, depending on
your settings. The LCD displays PRINTER READY.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 25

Printer Setup

Position the Label Sensor

Position the Label Sensor

There are two media sensors in this printer: reflective and transmissive.

Reflective Sensor

The reflective sensor detects the start-of-label indicator (the notch, hole, black mark,
or gap between die-cut labels).

The reflective sensor must be positioned:

• directly under the notch, hole, or black mark

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

The glow of the red light through the media may help you accurately position the
reflective sensor.

Note • If you are using continuous media, position the reflective sensor anywhere
under the media to detect an out-of-paper condition. The reflective sensor is
compatible with most types of media. If you have difficulties with calibration, use the
transmissive sensor. See Transmissive Sensor on page 28.

Adjust the Reflective Sensor

Refer to the illustration on the next page.

See the instructions below to adjust the reflective sensor:

1. Open the printhead assembly by pressing the printhead open lever.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever.

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

reflective sensor aligns with the gap or notch. The glow of the red light assists in
the proper placement of the reflective sensor.

26 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

4. Close the printhead assembly.

Printer Setup

Position the Label Sensor

1

2

4

Number Description

1
2
3
4

Printhead Assembly

Reflective Sensor

Adjustment Lever

Printhead Open Lever

3

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 27

Printer Setup

Position the Label Sensor

Transmissive Sensor

The standard transmissive sensor is in a fixed position and enabled from the front
panel. For more detailed information, see SENSOR SELECT on page 64.

Standard Transmissive Sensor

Adjustable Transmissive Sensor
(Optional)

Configure the Software or Printer Driver

Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label
preparation software. See the driver or software documentation for more information.

28 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 3

Communication

This chapter describes communications options and their connections.

Contents

System Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 29

Communication

System Considerations

System Considerations

Interfaces

Standard interfaces: the RS-232 DB-9 serial data port, and IEEE 1284 compliant
bi-directional parallel port.

Note • For further information on serial and parallel, pin-out, and technical
information, see Appendices A and B, starting on page 123.

Optional interfaces:

• Socket Card for PCMCIA cards

Note • For further information on PCMCIA cards, see Appendix C, starting on

page 135

Optional PrintServers:

• ZebraNet PrintServer II (external)

• PS II Internal PrintServer (factory installed only)

Which enables the printer to be connected to 10Base-T Ethernet networks.

Note • For further information on PrintServer II, see the PrintServer II User and
Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L).

Standard Interfaces

The standard serial and parallel interfaces ar discussed in this section.

Serial Port Communicating using a serial data port (see illustration on next page)
requires choosing the baud rate, number of data bits, stop bits, parity, and handshake
(default settings are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and XON/XOFF).
Parity only applies to data transmitted by the printer since the parity of received data is
ignored. See Serial Data Communications on page 124 to configure the

30 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Communication

System Considerations

communication parameters. The values selected must be the same as those used by the
host equipment connected to the printer.

Printer

9

9

Computer

Male

25

9

Null modem adaptor
(if using a standard
modem cable)

50 ft. (15 mm) maximum

Parallel Port Communicating using the parallel port (see the parallel illustration
below), does not require special settings. The serial settings do not affect the parallel
port. Refer to Parallel Data Port on page 131 for further information.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 31

Communication

System Considerations

36-pin
male

Cable Requirements

Printer

Computer

PC

25-pin
female

10 ft. (3 mm) maximum

25-pin
male

Note • Zebra printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15 for Class B
equipment using fully shielded data cables. Use of unshielded cables may increase
radiation above the Class B limits.

Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metalized connector shells.
Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of
electrical noise.

To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:

• 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.

Note • RS-422 and RS-485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as
recommended in the Appendix of the TIA/EIA-485 Specification.

32 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 4

Printer Basics

This chapter provides instructions for loading media and ribbon.

Contents

Printer Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Load Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Tea r - O ff M o d e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Cutter Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Peel-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Load Fanfold Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Remove the Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 33

Printer Basics

Printer Overview

Printer Overview

This printer overview provides you the basics of printer controls and media loading.

Front Panel

The front 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 front panel keys and lights are shown below.

10

12

11

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

PAUSE

8

9

34 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Number Description

Printer Basics

Printer Overview

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11

12

1

Power LED

Pause LED

Error LED

Data LED

LCD

PLUS (+) Key

SETUP/EXIT Key

CANCEL Key

PAUSE Key

FEED Key

SELECT Key

MINUS (–) Key

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 35

Printer Basics

Printer Overview

Front Panel Keys

Key Function

FEED Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the key is

pressed.
Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.
Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels
is complete.

PAUSE 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.

CANCEL 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.

SETUP/EXIT Enters and exits the configuration mode.

SELECT 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.

PLUS (+)

Scrolls to the next selection.

(scroll mode)

PLUS (+)
(change mode)

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.

36 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Front 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 operations.

Flashing Peel-Off Mode, the Pause light flashes when the

label is available, and when initializing FLASH
or PCMCIA memory.

ERROR Off Normal printer operation (no errors).

Printer Basics

Printer Overview

Slow
flashing

RIBBON IN warning, HEAD UNDER TEMP
warning, or HEAD OVER TEMP error.

Fast flashing HEAD OPEN error.

On PAPER OUT, RIBBON OUT, or CUTTER JAM

errors.

DATA Off Normal printer operation (no data being received

or processed).

One flash CANCEL is pressed and a format is successfully

cancelled.

Slow
flashing

The printer is unable to 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.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 37

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Load Roll Media

Tear-Off Mode

See the instructions below to load media in Tear-Off Mode:

This is the default mode. The printer is set to this mode in the factory.

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible.

4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of

the roll.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under

the ribbon sensor, and out the front of the printer.

8. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media

guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the label.

9. Close the printhead assembly.

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

38 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

2

1

5

7

6

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

Dancer

3

4

6
7

Label Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 39

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Cutter Mode

See the instructions below to load media in Cutter-Off Mode:

Cutter Mode requires that the cutter be installed.

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible.

4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of

the roll.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under

the ribbon sensor, and through the cutter module.

8. Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Then, slide in

the media guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

9. Close the printhead assembly.

10.The printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PA U S E to enable printing.

40 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

3

2

1

8

9

5

4

7

6

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

Dancer

Label Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Cutter Module

Catch Tray

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 41

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Peel-Off Mode

See the instructions below to load media in Peel-Off Mode:

This setting works only with the Peel-Off Option installed on the printer. An
illustration of the printer with the Peel-Off Option is shown on the next page.

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the printer main frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media onto the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge

of the media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under

the ribbon sensor, and through the Peel Assembly.

8. Pull approximately 12 in. (30 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

9. Ensure the media is against the rear of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media

guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

10.Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

11. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar and behind the peel assembly.

12.Close the printhead assembly.

13.Close the peel assembly using the peel lever.

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

Peeling starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

42 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

101

9

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

3

2

11

1

5

6

7

4

8

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Media Supply Guide

Media Supply Hanger

Dancer

Media Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Peel Assembly

Label

Peel Lever

Tear-Off/Peel/Off Bar

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 43

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Liner Take-Up Mode

See the instructions below to load media in Liner Take-Up
Mode:

The Liner Take-up option must be installed to use this mode. The option is shown in
the illustration on the next page.

Note • This option is available on the Z4Mplus printer only

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the maim frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media onto the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge

of the media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and

under the ribbon sensor.

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

9. Remove the labels from the exposed media until only liner remains.

10.Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media

guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

11. Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

12.Feed the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar and behind the peel assembly.

13.Close the printhead assembly.

14.Close the peel assembly.

44 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

15.Slide the liner into the slot (see inset) in the spindle of the

liner take-up. Ensure the liner is resting against the back
plate of the spindle assembly.

16.Turn the spindle assembly counterclockwise a few times to

snug the liner.

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

PAUSE to enable printing. Peeling starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

3

2

12

1

11

6

Slot

10

7

9

8

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

Liner Take-Up

Dancer

Label Guide

Printhead Open Lever

Peel Assembly

Label

4

5

11

12

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 45

Peel Lever

Tear-Off/Peel/Off Bar

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Liner Removal

Rewind

Peel Mode

Liner Slide

1. Pull the liner slide toward you (see inset) until it stops

(about a third of the way down the liner take-up
spindle).

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

Liner Slide Tab

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

See the instructions below to load media in Rewind/Peel Mode:

Refer to the illustration on the next page.

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Place the roll of labels on the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge

of the media.

7. Feed the labels under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and

under the ribbon sensor.

8. Pull approximately 36 in. (900 mm) of label through the front of the printer.

9. Remove the labels from the first 18 in. (450 mm) of media.

10.Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media

guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

46 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

11. Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

12.Feed the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar, and through the slot in the peel

assembly.

13.Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the

take-up spindle.

14.Slide an empty core onto the take-up spindle; wrap the liner around the core and

turn the take-up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess liner.

Note • The liner must be attached to the take-up spindle for the printer to operate
properly. Ensure the edge of the liner is flush against the backplate of the take-up
spindle.

15.Slide the rewind media guide against the liner and tighten the thumbscrew.

16.Close the printhead assembly.

17.Close the peel assembly using the peel lever.

18.If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PA USE to enable printing.

Peeling starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 47

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

14

12

11

2

15

1

13

10

9

8

Number Description

1
2
3

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

3

4

5

7

6

4
5
6
7
8
9

10

11
12
13
14
15

Label Supply Hanger

Rewind Spindle

Rewind Label Guide

Thumbscrew

Dancer

Label Guide

Rewind Label Spindle

Printhead Open Lever

Peel Assembly

Label

Rewind Base Assembly

Peel Lever

48 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

Liner Removal

1. Cut the liner between the media alignment spindle and the take-up spindle.

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

12 o’clock position.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up

spindle.

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

Rewind Mode

See the instructions below to load media in Rewind Mode:

Refer to the illustration on the next page.

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media on the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge

of the media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and

under the ribbon sensor.

8. Pull approximately 36 in. (900 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

9. Remove the labels from the first 18 in. (450 mm) of media.

10.Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media

guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

11. Feed the media over the peel assembly and through the rewind base assembly.

12.Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the

take-up spindle.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 49

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

13.Slide an empty core onto the take-up spindle; wrap the media around the core and

turn the take-up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess material.

Note • The liner must be attached to the take-up spindle for the printer to operate
properly. Ensure the edge of the liner is flush against the backplate of the take-up
spindle.

14.Slide the rewind media guide against the media, and tighten the thumbscrew.

15.Close the printhead assembly.

16.The printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press

PAUSE to enable printing.

50 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Roll Media

13

12

11

2

14

1

10

9

8

Number Description

1
2
3

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

3

4

5

7

6

10

11
12
13
14

4
5
6
7
8
9

Label Supply Hanger

Rewind Spindle

Rewind Label Guide

Thumbscrew

Dancer

Label Guide

Rewind Label Spindle

Printhead Open Lever

Rewind Base Assembly

Peel Assembly

Peel Lever

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 51

Printer Basics

Load Fanfold Media

Media Removal

1. Cut the media between the media alignment spindle and the take-up spindle.

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

12 o’clock position.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the

take-up spindle.

4. Slide the core with the roll of media from the take-up spindle.

Load Fanfold Media

Fanfold media feeds through either the bottom or rear access slot.

Refer to the illustration on next page.

See the instructions below to load fanfold media:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure printhead is fully open and engaged in the up position. Failure to

latch in the up position could result in the printhead falling on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Pass the fanfold media over the media supply hanger.

5. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media supply guide until it just

touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

6. Thread the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor,

under the ribbon sensor, and out the front of the printer.

7. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Then, slide in the

media guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

8. Close the printhead assembly.

9. Press PAUSE.

52 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load Fanfold Media

Rear Feed

3

1

2

4

6

7

5

Bottom Feed

3

1

2

6

5

7

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5
6

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

Dancer

Label Guide

4

7

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 53

Printhead Open Lever

Printer Basics

Load the Ribbon

Load the Ribbon

Note • The ribbon supply spindle in your printer is a dual-tension variety. Most
applications require the spindle to be in the normal position. The low tension
position is recommended only when a wide ribbon is used or normal tension
hampers the ribbon movement.

See the instructions below to load the ribbon:

1. To place this spindle in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle end cap

until it clicks as shown in below.

2. To place the spindle in the low tension position, firmly push in the end cap until it

clicks in place.

Spindle End Cap

Extended

Note • Always use ribbon that is wider than the media. The smooth liner of the
ribbon protects the printhead from wear. For direct thermal printing, do not load
ribbon in the printer.

Refer to illustration on the next page.

3. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

4. Orient the ribbon as shown. Push the ribbon roll completely onto the ribbon supply

spindle.

5. Pull the end of the ribbon over the ribbon sensor, under the printhead assembly,

and out the front of the printer.

Spindle End Cap

Retracted

6. Hold the ribbon snug and free of wrinkles and in line with the guide mark near the

left edge of the strip plate. Close the printhead assembly.

7. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle.

54 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Printer Basics

Load the Ribbon

3

4

2

1

5

6

7

8

Number Description

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Strip Plate

Printhead Assembly

Release Knob

Tension Blades

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

Ribbon Supply Spindle

Ribbon Sensor

Printhead Open Lever

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 55

Printer Basics

Load the Ribbon

Remove the Ribbon

1. If the ribbon has not run out, break it between the strip plate and the ribbon take-up

spindle.

2. While turning the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counter clockwise, squeeze

the ribbon against the ribbon take-up spindle tension blades.

3. When the tension blades collapse into the ribbon take-up spindle, hold the release

knob and rotate the spent ribbon toward the rear of the printer. Then, slide off the
ribbon.

Note • Do not cut the ribbon on the ribbon take-up spindle. This may damage the
spindle.

56 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 5

Configuration

This chapter discusses detailed configuration settings.

Contents

Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Enter Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . 59

Leave the Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Configuration and Calibration Sequence. . . . . 61

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 57

Configuration

Configuration

Configuration

After you have installed the media and ribbon, and the Power-On Self Test (POST) is
complete, the front panel displays PRINTER READY. If the printer fails its POST, see

Troubleshooting on page 97. Use the front panel display and the four keys directly

below it to set printer parameters for your application.

Note • Printers operating on an IP network can be quickly configured using
ZebraLink WebView (optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required). For information,
see PrintServer II User and Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L).

Enter Setup Mode

See the instructions below to enter the setup mode:

1. Press SETUP/EXIT:

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll to the setting you wish to change.

3. Press SELECT to toggle the functionality of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) keys.

4. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to increase or decrease the value, answer yes or no,

print a label, or select the digit you wish to change.

5. Press SELECT again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll to the desired

menu item.

Note • An asterisk (*) in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates that the
value displayed is different than the currently stored value.

58 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Certain parameters are password protected by factory default.

Note • You have the option of making all parameters password protected. Refer to

PASSWORD LEVEL on page 81 for details.

1. Enter a four-digit password at the ENTER PASSWORD display.

MINUS (–) changes the selected digit position. PLUS (+) increases the selected
digit value. After entering the password, press SELECT. The parameter you wish
to change is displayed. If the password was entered correctly, you can now change
the value.

2. The default password is 1234. The password can be changed using the ^KP

(Define Password) ZPL II instruction.

Configuration

Configuration

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 59

Configuration

Configuration

Leave the Setup Mode

Note • Once the password has been entered correctly, it does not have to be entered
again unless you leave and re-enter the programming mode using SETUP/EXIT.

Note • You can disable the password protection feature to no longer prompt you for
a password by setting the password to ØØØØ via the ^KPØ
ZPL/ZPL II command. To re-enable the password-protection feature, send the ZPL/
ZPL II command ^KPx, where x can be any number that is one to four digits in
length, except Ø.

You can leave the program mode at any time by pressing SETUP/EXIT. The SAVE
CHANGES display appears. There are five choices, which are described below.
Pressing PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) displays other choices and pressing SELECT selects
the displayed choice.

• PERMANENT — Permanently saves the changes. Values are stored in the printer

even when power is turned off.

• TEMPORARY — Saves the changes until you change them again or until power is

turned off.

• CANCEL — Cancels all changes from the time you pressed

SETUP/EXIT, except for darkness and tear-off settings (if they were changed).

• LOAD DEFAULTS — Loads factory defaults.

• LOAD LAST SAVE — Loads values from the last permanent save.

Press SETUP/EXIT again to save your choice.

60 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

PRINTER READY Normal printer operation.

Set Print Parameters

DARKNESS Press SELECT to make change.

Adjusting Print Darkness: Press PLUS (+) to increase
darkness.
Press MINUS (–) to decrease darkness.

Default: +10

Range: 0 to +30

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Darkness settings are dependent upon a variety of factors,
including ribbon type, media, and the condition of the
printhead. You may adjust the darkness for consistent
high-quality printing.

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.

Feed Self Test on page 111 can also be used to determine the
best darkness setting. Since the darkness setting takes effect
immediately, you can see the results on labels that are
currently printing.

Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good
print quality. Darkness set too high may cause ink smearing
or it may burn through the ribbon.

Darkness settings may also be changed by the driver or
software settings.

PRINT SPEED Press SELECT to make change.

Adjusting print speed: Press PLUS (+) to increase print
speed and MINUS (–) to decrease print speed. Speed is
measured in inches per second (ips). The default is 2 ips.

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 61

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

TEAR OFF Press SELECT to make change.

Adjusting the Tear-off Position: Press PLUS (+) to

increase the value, press MINUS (–) to decrease the value.
Each press adjusts the tear-off position by four dot rows.

Default: +0

Range: –120 to +120

Press SELECT to accept the change.

This parameter establishes the position of the media over the
tear-off/peel-off bar after printing. The label and liner can be
torn off or cut between labels.

PRINT MODE Press SELECT to make change.

Selecting Print Mode: Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to
display other choices.

Default: Tear-off

Selections: Tear-off, cutter, peel-off, rewind

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media
delivery that you wish to use. Be sure to select a print mode
that your hardware configuration supports as some
selections displayed are for optional printer features.

62 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

MEDIA TYPE Press SELECT to make change.

Setting Media Type: Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to

display other choices.

Default: Non-Continuous

Selections: Non-continuous, Continuous

Press SELECT to accept the change.

This parameter tells the printer the type of media you are
using. 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
detections of the inter-label gap, webbing, or alignment
notch or hole).

Configuration

SENSOR TYPE Press SELECT to make change.

Setting the Sensor Type: Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to

display other choices.

Default: Web

Selections: Web, mark

Press SELECT to accept the change.

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

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 63

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

SENSOR SELECT Press SELECT to make change.

Setting the Sensor Select: Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–)
to display other choices.

Default: Auto select

Selections: Auto select, reflective, transmissive

Press SELECT to accept the change.

This parameter tells the printer the sensor you wish to use.
Auto Select is compatible with most types of media.
However, if you encounter difficulties with calibration, see

Types of Media on page 10 to help you choose the

appropriate sensor for your media. Select the reflective
sensor with either continuous or non-continuous black mark
media; choose the transmissive sensor if you are using
noncontinuous web media.

PRINT METHOD Press SELECT to make change.

Selecting Print Method: Press PLUS (+) for the next
value; press MINUS (–) for the previous value.

Default: Thermal transfer

Selections: Thermal transfer, direct thermal

Press SELECT to accept the change.

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

Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media
and ribbon creates a warning condition, but printing
continues.

64 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

PRINT WIDTH Press SELECT to make change.

Setting Print Width: Press PLUS (+) to increase the value,

press MINUS (–) to decrease the value. To change the unit
of measurement, press MINUS (–) until the unit of
measurement is active, then press PLUS (+) to toggle to a
different unit of measure (inches, mm, or dots).

Default; Range: The default and range of acceptable values
may vary depending on what printer you have. See Printing

Specifications on page 115 for further information about the

ranges available for your model.

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Print width determines the printable area across the width of
the label.

Configuration

MAXIMUM LENGTH Press SELECT to make change.

Setting Maximum Length: Press PLUS (+) to increase the

value, press
MINUS (–) to decrease the value. Default is 39 in. (991
mm) for non-continuous material.

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Always set the value to at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) longer than
the longest label to be used in the printer.

LIST FONTS Press SELECT to select.

List Fonts: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the
available fonts.

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts
currently available in the printer, including standard printer
fonts plus any optional fonts. Fonts may be stored in RAM,
FLASH memory, font EPROMs, or font cards.

LIST BAR CODES Press SELECT to select.

List Bar Codes: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all
of the available bar codes.

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the bar
codes currently available in the printer.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 65

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

LIST IMAGES Press SELECT to select.

List Images: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of

the available images.

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the
images currently stored in the printer’s RAM, FLASH
memory, optional EPROM, or optional memory card.

LIST FORMATS Press SELECT to select.

List Formats: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of
the available formats.

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the
formats currently stored in the printer’s RAM, FLASH
memory, optional EPROM, or optional memory card.

LIST SETUP Press SELECT to select.

List Setup: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing the
current printer configuration.

This selection is used to print a label that lists the current
printer configuration information. (Same as Cancel Self Test
on page 109.)

LIST ALL Press SELECT to select.

List All: Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the
available fonts, bar codes, images, formats, and the current
printer configuration.

This selection is used to print a label that lists the five
previous selections, as described.

66 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Display Shows Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

FORMAT CARD

A B

Initialize Memory Card

Caution • Perform this operation only when it is necessary
to erase all previously stored information from the optional
memory card. Press PLUS (+) to bypass this function.

Press SELECT to make change. If your printer is set to
require a password, you are prompted to enter the password.
Enter the password and then press SELECT.

Press the PLUS (+) to select B memory (PCMCIA card) or
press MINUS (–) to select the A memory (internal compact
flash).

The front panel LCD asks ARE YOU SURE?.

Press PLUS (+) YES to begin initialization.

or

Press MINUS (–) No to cancel the request and return to the
INITIALIZE CARD prompt.

FORMATTING CARD displays. When formatting is
complete, FORMAT CARD displays.

Press SELECT to accept the change.

Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card,
initialization may take up to three minutes to complete.

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 67

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

INIT FLASH MEM Initialize Flash Memory

Caution • Perform this operation only when it is necessary
to erase all previously stored information from the FLASH
memory. Press SELECT to make change.

Press SETUP/EXIT to bypass this function.

Press PLUS (+) to select YES.

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted
to enter the password. Enter the password and then press
SELECT.

The display asks INITIALIZE FLASH?. Press PLUS (+) to
select YES.

The front panel LCD asks ARE YOU SURE?.

Press PLUS (+) YES to begin initialization.

or

Press MINUS (–) No to cancel the request and return to
INITIALIZE FLASH prompt.

Press SETUP/EXIT followed by SELECT. If initialization
is still in process, the front panel display flashes back and
forth between the two phrases
CHECKING E: MEMORY and PRINTER IDLE.

When initialization is complete, the printer automatically
exits the configuration mode and the front panel displays
PRINTER READY.

Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory,
initialization may take up to one minute to complete.

68 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration

Performing the manual calibration procedure resets the sensitivity of the sensors to
detect the media and ribbon you are using more accurately. With the sensors at their
new sensitivity, the printer then performs the manual calibration. Changing the type of
ribbon and/or media may require resetting the sensitivity of the media and ribbon
sensors.

SENSOR PROFILE Press SELECT to make change.

Sensor Profile: Press PLUS (+) to print a media sensor
profile.

The media sensor profile may be used to troubleshoot
registration problems that may be caused when the media
sensor detects preprinted areas on the media or experiences
difficulty in determining web location. If the sensitivity of
the media and/or ribbon sensors MUST be adjusted, use the
manual calibration procedure.

MEDIA AND RIBBON Press SELECT to display MEDIA AND RIBBON

CALIBRATE.

Manual Calibration: Press PLUS (+) to start the
calibration procedure.

This procedure is used to reset the sensitivity of the media
and ribbon sensors. The manual calibration is then
performed.

LOAD BACKiNG Open the printhead.

Remove approximately 8 in. (200 mm) of labels from the
media roll, enough so that only the liner material is threaded
between the media sensors when the media is loaded.

Close the printhead.

To cancel the operation, press MINUS (–).

REMOVE RiBBON Open the printhead.

Remove the ribbon (sliding it as far to the right as possible
has the same effect as removing it).

Close the printhead.

To cancel the operation, press MINUS (–).

Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide 69

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Display Shows Action/Explanation

CALIBRATING
PLEASE WAIT

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

RELOAD ALL When RELOAD ALL is displayed:

Open the printhead and pull the media forward until a label
is positioned under the media sensor.

Move the ribbon back to its proper position.

Close the printhead.

MEDIA AND RIBBON
CALIBRATE

Now that the scale has changed, the printer performs another
calibration. During this process, the printer checks the
readings for the media and ribbon based on the new scale
you have established, determines the label length, and
determines whether you are in Direct Thermal or Thermal
Transfer Print Mode. The process is now complete. To see
the new readings on the new scale, print a sensor profile. See
illustration below.

Press SELECT to accept the calibration.

Press Plus (+) to go to the next display.

70 Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus User Guide