ZE500™
Print Engine
User Guide
P1051584-004
© 2020 ZIH Corp. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are
trademarks of ZIH Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
For further information regarding legal and proprietary statements, please go to:
COPYRIGHTS: www.zebra.com/copyright
WARRANTY: www.zebra.com/warranty
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT: www.zebra.com/eula
SOFTWARE: www.zebra.com/linkoslegal
Terms of Use
Proprietary Statement
subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operat ing and
maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed
to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra Technol ogies.
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its
Product Improvements Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies. All
specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering specifications and
manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to correct any such errors and
disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
Limitation of Liability In no event shall Zebra Technologies or anyone else involved in the creation, production,
or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever
(including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits, business interruption, or loss
of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability to use such product, even if Zebra
Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Part Number: P1051584-004 Rev. B
Declaration of Conformity
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Declares that the following Information Technology Equipment
Zebra ZE500-4 and ZE500-6
complies with the following applicable directives and standards for the
ITE: Heavy Industry environment
Manufactured for Zebra Technologies Corporation by:
Jabil Circuit (Guangzhou) Ltd No. 1 Branch Company
Lianyun Road 388, Eastern Zone,
Guangzhou Economic &Technological Development District
Guangdong Province, China
3
The equipment specified conforms to all Directives and Standards listed above effective
as of the date below.
Effective Date: 12 June 2017
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
Compliance Information
4
Compliance Information
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Note • This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
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
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
(for print engines with RFID encoders)
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be instal led and operated with minimum distance 20cm
between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
ansmitter.
tr
Canadian DOC Compliance Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est confo
rme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Contents
1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Print Engine Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Print Engine Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
rol Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Cont
Navigating in the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Changing Password-Protected Parameters
Default Password Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Operating Parameters on the Control Panel . . . . . .
Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Coated Side of Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
. .
12
2 • Printer Setup and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Handling the Print Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Unpack and Inspect the Print Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Store the Print Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Ship the Print Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Print Engine Installation . . . . . . . . .
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Dimensions and Clearance Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Install the Print Engine in an Applicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Select a Data Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . .
Data Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Connect the Print Engine to a Power Source
Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Contents
6
Load Ribbon and Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3 • Printer Configuration and Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Changing Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Maintenance and Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Language Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Sensor Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Remove Used Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Adjust the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Transmissive Media Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Reflective Media Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Ribbon Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Toggle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Printhead Pressure Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
4 • Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Cleaning Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Clean the Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Clean the Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Clean the Printhead and Rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Print Engine Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Recycling Print Engine Components . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
. .
5 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Printing Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Ribbon Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
RFID Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Communi
Miscellaneous Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
cations Problems . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
9
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Contents
Print Engine Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Power-On Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
FEED Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
FEED + PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Communication Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Sensor Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
6 • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Media Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
A • Applicator Interface Board Reconfiguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Tools Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Changing Jumper Settings for Isolated Mode . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
7
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
Contents
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________
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8
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
This section provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components.
1
Contents
Print Engine Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Print Engine Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Control Panel Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Navigating in the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Changing Password-Protected Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Default Password Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Operating Parameters on the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Types of Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Coated Side of Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
Introduction
1
2 3
1
3
2
10
Print Engine Orientation
Print Engine Orientation
The ZE500 print engines are available in a right-hand configuration (the print mech anism is on
the right) and a left-hand configuration (the print mechanism is on the left).
Figure 1 • Left-Hand (LH) Print Engine
Figure 2 • Right-Hand (RH) Print Engine
media door
1
control panel
2
power switch
3
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Print Engine Components
3
4
910 7
5
6
12
11
8
1
2
Figure 3 shows the components inside the media compartment of a right-hand print engine. A
left-hand unit contains a mirror image of
components before continuing with the print engine setup procedure.
Figure 3 • Print Engine Components (RH model shown)
Introduction
Print Engine Components
these components. Familiarize yourself with these
a222
11
ribbon take-up spindle
1
ribbon supply spindle
2
printhead-release latch
3
printhead assembly (shown open)
4
peel bar
5
platen roller
6
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
peel roller assembly (hidden when
7
closed)
peel roller latch
8
media guide
9
pinch roller assembly
10
lower guide post
11
upper guide post
12
Introduction
POWER PAUSE STATUS DATA
1
2 3 4 5
10 11 12 13 14
6 7
9
8
12
Control Panel
Control Panel
All controls and indicators for the print engine are locate d on the co ntrol pan el ( Figure 4). The
power switch is located on top of the control panel.
Figure 4 • Control Panel
The display shows the print engine’s operating status and allows the user to navigate the menu
1
system.
2
3
4
POWER light On when the print engine is on.
PAUSE light On when the print engine is paused.
STATUS light Off Normal operation—no print engine errors.
On A print engine error exists. Check the display for more
infor
mation.
5
DATA light Off Normal operation. No data being received or
processed.
On The print engine is processing data or is printing. No
is being received.
data
Blinking The print engine is receiving data from or sending
status informat
The PAUSE button starts or stops print engine operation when pressed.
6
The FEED button forces the print engine to feed one blank label each time the button is pressed.
7
The CANCEL button cancels print jobs when the print engine is paused.
8
The CALIBRATE button calibrates the print engine for media length and sensor values.
9
The LEFT ARROW navigates to the previous parameter in the menus.
10
The PLUS (+) button changes the parameter values. Common uses are to increase a value, to scroll
11
ion to the host computer.
through choices, or to change values while entering the print engine password.
The MINUS (-) button changes the parameter values. Common uses are to decrease a value, to scroll
12
through choices, or to change the cursor position wh ile entering the print engine password.
The SETUP/EXIT button enters and exits configuration mode.
13
The RIGHT ARROW navigates to the next paramet er in the menus.
14
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Control Panel Display
1
2
P WER AUSE STATUS ATA
P WER AUSE TATUS ATA
The control panel includes a display, where you can view the print engine’s status or change its
operating parameters. In this section, you will l earn ho w to na vi gat e through the menu system
and change values for menu items.
After the print engine completes the power-up sequence, it moves to the Idle Display
(Figure 5).
Figure 5 • Idle Display
The printer’s current status
1
Information that you set through Idle
2
Display on page 82
Introduction
Control Panel Display
13
Navigating in the Display
Table 1 shows the options available for navigating through the parameters in the display.
Table 1 • Navigation
Enter Setup Mode
At the Idle Display (Figure 5), press SETUP to enter Setup Mode. The printer displays the first parameter.
Scroll through the Parameters
To scroll through the parameters, press the LEFT
P WER AUSE TATUS ATA
ARROW or the RIGHT ARROW.
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
Introduction
14
Control Panel Display
Perform an action
Table 1 • Navigation (Continued)
+ indicates that an action can be performed.
Change Parameter Values
P WER AUSE TATUS ATA
P WER AUSE TATUS ATA
Press PLUS (+) to perform the specifi
ed action.
- and + indicate that a value can be changed.
Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scro
ll through the
accepted values.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Table 1 • Navigation (Continued)
P WER AUSE TATUS ATA
P WER AUSE TATUS DATA
PERMANENT Stores values in the print engine even when power is turned off.
TEMPORARY Saves the changes until power is turned off.
CANCEL This option cancels all changes made since you entered Setup mode,
except for changes made to DARKNESS, TEAR OFF,
COMMUNICATION, and LANGUAGE settings, which go into effect as
soon as they are made.
LOAD DEFAULTS Use this option to restore all settings other than the network settings back
to the factory defaults. Use care wh en loading defaults because you will
need to reload all settings that you changed manually.
LOAD LAST SAVE Loads the values from the last permanent save.
DEFAULT NET Use this option to restore all print server and network settings back to the
factory defaults. Use care when loading defaults because you will need to
reload all settings that you changed manually.
Exit Setup Mode
1. While in Setup Mode, press SETUP to exit the operating parameters.
The LCD displays
2. To return to the parameters, plus the LEFT ARROW.
SAVE CHANGES.
OR
Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-
) to scroll through the exit options.
Introduction
Control Panel Display
15
3. Press the RIGHT ARROW to select the displayed choice and exit Setup Mode.
When the configuration and calibration sequ
ence finishes, the print engine returns to the Idle Display.
5/15/20 ZE500™ User Guide P1051584-004
Introduction
16
Control Panel Display
Changing Password-Protected Parameters
Certain parameters, including the communication parameters, are password-protected by
factory default.
Caution • Do not change password-protected parameters unless you have a complete
understanding of the parameters’ functions. If the parameters are set incorrectly, the print
engine may function unpredictably.
The first time that you attempt to change a password-protected parameter, the print engine
disp
four-digit numeric password. After you have entered the password correctly, you do not have
to enter it again unless you leave Setup mode by pressing SETUP/EXIT or by turning off (
the print engine.
ENTER PASSWORD. Before you can change the parameter, you must enter the
lays
To enter a password for a password-protected parameter, complete
these steps:
1. At the password prompt, use MINUS (-) to change the selected digit position.
O)
2. When you have selected the digit that you wish to change, use PLUS (+) to increase the
selected digit value. Repeat these two steps for each digit of the password.
3. After entering the password, press SELECT.
The parameter you selected to change is displayed.
you can change the value.
Default Password Value
The default password value is 1234. The password can be changed using the Zebra
Programming Language (ZPL) command
web pages (ZebraNet wired or wireless print server required).
^KP (Define Password) or using the print engine’s
Disable the Password Protection Feature
You can disable the password protection feature so that it no longer prompts you for a
password by setting the password to 0000 via the
password-protection feature, send the ZPL comma nd
1 to 9999.
^KP ZPL command. To re-enable the
If the password was entered correctly,
^KPx, where x can be any number from
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Operating Parameters on the Control Panel
Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT
ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Pri nt Se tti ng s on page 67.
Introduction
Control Panel Display
17
For information about RFID parameters, refer
to RFID Programming Guide 2. You can
download the latest copy from http://www.zebra.com/manuals.
Adjust the Print Darkness
Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print
quality. If you set the darkness too high, the label i m age may p r in t
unclearly, bar codes may not scan co
through, or the printhead may wear prematurely.
See Print Darkness on page 67 for more information.
Select the Print Speed
Select the speed for printing a label (g
Slower print speeds typically yiel
d better print quality.
See Print Speed on page 67 for more information.
Set the Slew Speed
rre
ctly, the ribbon may burn
iv
en in inches per second).
The slew speed is the speed at which the printer skips over the
areas in a label format that are blank across the full width of the
image. A faster slew speed may reduce printing time. The print
nse
engine automatically se
s when to apply this higher speed.
See Slew Speed on page 67 for more information.
Set the Backfeed Speed
Backfeed refers to the backward motion of the media
from the tearoff or peel-off position to the print position. This mo tion o ccurs so
that more of the lead edge of each label can be used for printing.
Reducing backfeed speed can mitigate some issues. In general,
n
reducing the backfeed speed may improve pri
t quality at the start
of the label. This speed defaults to 2 ips.
See Backfeed Speed on page 68 for more information.
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Introduction
18
Control Panel Display
Adjust the Tear-Off Position
If necessary, adjust the position of the media
over the tear-off bar
after printing.
See Tear-Off Position on page 68 for more information.
Select the Print Mode
Select a print mode that is compatible with your print engine
options.
See Print Mode on page 69 for more information.
Select the Applicator Port Mode
plicator port, as suggested
Select the appropriate action for the
ap
by the applicator manufacturer.
See Applicator Port on page 69 for more information.
Select the Start Print Signal
This parameter determines how the print engine reacts to the Start
Print Signal input on pin 3 of the applicator interface
connect
or at
the rear of the print engine.
Important • The Start Print Signal is determined by the
applicator manufacturer. The print engine must use the
correct setting for it to work properly.
See Start Print Signal on page 70 for more information.
Set the Media Type
Select the type of media that you are using.
See Media Type on page 70 for more information.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Select the Media Sensor
Introduction
Control Panel Display
19
Select the media sensor that is appr
opriate for the media that you
are using.
See Sensor Type on page 90 for more information.
Select the Print Method
Specify if ribbon is being used. Thermal Transfer media requires
ribbon for printing while Direct Thermal media does not.
To determine if you need to use ribbon, see When to Use Ribbon
on page 37.
See Print Method on page 70 for more information.
Adjust the Print Width
Specify the width of the labels being used.
See Print Width on page 71 for more information.
Set the Maximum Label Length
Set the maximum label length to a value that is at least 1.0 in.
(25.4 mm) greater than the actual label length plus the interlabel
gap. If you set the value to one that is smaller than the la bel length ,
the print engine assumes that continuous media is loaded, and the
print engine cannot calibrate.
See Maximum Label Length on page 72 for more information.
Set Early Warning for Media and Ribbon
When this feature is enabled, the print engine provides warnings
when the media or ribbon is reaching near the end of the roll.
See Early Warning for Media and Ribbon on page 76 for more
information.
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Introduction
20
Control Panel Display
Set Number of Labels Per Roll for Early Warning
This value should correspond to the number of l abels per roll of the
that you are using.
media
See Early Warning for Media and Ribbon on page 76 for more
information.
* This parameter appears only if
Early Warning for Media and
Ribbon is enabled.
Reset Media Counter for Early Warning
Reset the media counter after you replace the media roll.
• If you replaced the media, press PLUS (+) to select YES.
• If you did not replace the media, press MINUS (-) to select NO,
or press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW to move to
another parameter.
* This parameter appears only if
Early Warning for Media and
Ribbon is enabled.
Set Ribbon Length for Early Warning
This value should correspond to the ribbon length for the ribbon
that you
are using.
See Early Warning for Media and Ribbon on page 76 for more
information.
* This parameter appears only if
Early Warning for Media and
Ribbon is enabled.
Reset Ribbon Counter for
Early Warning
Reset the ribbon counter after you replace the roll of ribbon.
• If you replaced the ribbon, press PLUS (+) to select YES.
• If you did not replace the ribbon, press MINUS (-) to select
NO, or press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW to
move to another parameter.
* This parameter appears only if
Early Warning for Media and
Ribbon is enabled.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
Control Panel Display
Set Early Warning for Maintenance
When this feature is enabled, the print engine provides warnings
l
when the printhead needs to be c
eaned.
See Early Warning for Maintenance on page 76 for more
information.
21
Set Printhead Cleani
Interval*
ng
When Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled, set this value to
the length of the media or ribbon roll that you are using.
See Printhead Cleaning Interval on page 76 for more information.
* This parameter appears only if Early W
arning for Maintenance
is enabled.
Reset Printhead Cleaning Counter
• If you received the message WARNING CLEAN PRINTHEAD,
clean the printhead, and then press PLUS to select
for Early Warning*
YES to reset
the Early Warning for Maintenance printhead cleani ng counter.
• If you have not cleaned the printhead, press MINUS to select
NO.
* This parameter appears only if Early Wa
rning for Maintenance
is enabled.
Set Printhead Life Expectancy*
When Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled, set this value to
the number of inches of me
that the printhead is expected to
dia
print.
See Printhead Life Expectancy on page 76 for more information.
* This parameter appears only if Early Wa
rning for Maintenance
is enabled.
Reset New Printhead Counter for Early Warning*
• If you received the message WARNING REPLACE HEAD,
replace the printhead, and then press PLUS (+) to select
YES to
reset the Early Warning for Maintenance printhead replacement
counter.
• If you have not replaced the printhead, press MINUS (-) to
NO.
select
* This parameter appears only if Early Wa
rning for Maintenance
is enabled.
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22
Control Panel Display
View the Non-Resettable Counter
This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer
has prin
ted.
See Non-Resettable Counter on page 77 for more information.
View User-Controlled Counter 1
This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer
s pr
inted since this counter was last reset.
ha
See User-Controlled Counters on page 77 for more information.
View User-Controlled Counter 2
This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer
s pr
inted since this counter was last reset.
ha
See User-Controlled Counters on page 77 for more information.
Print Counter Readings
Prints a label that lists the odometer readings for the following:
• the non-resettable counter
• the two user-controlled counters
• the Early Warning for Maintenance counters, which indicate
when the printhead was last cleaned and the printhead life (If
the Early Warning for Maintenance feature is disabled, the
counters related to it do not print.)
See Print Counter Readings on page 77 for more information.
Print Font List
This option prints a label that lists the available fonts in the print
gi
ne, including standard print engine fonts plus any optional
en
fonts. Fonts may be stored in RAM or Flash memory.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
Control Panel Display
Print Bar Code List
This option prints a label that lists the available bar codes in the
t engine. Bar codes may be stored in RAM or Flash memory.
prin
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
Print Image List
the
This option prints a label that lists
available images stored in
the print engine’s RAM, Flash memory, or optional memory card.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
Print Format List
23
This option prints a label that lists the available formats stored in
e prin
th
t engine’s RAM, Flash memory, or optional memory card.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
Print Configuration Label
This option prints a configuration label (see Figure 14
on page 128), which lists the current print engine configuration.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
Print Network Configuration Label
This option prints a network configuration l abel (see Figure 12
on page 83), which lists the settings for
any print server that is
installed.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
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Introduction
24
Control Panel Display
Print All Labels
This option prints labels that list the available fonts, bar codes,
es, formats, and the current print engine and network
imag
configurations.
See Print Information on page 78 for more information.
Initialize Flash Memory
This option erases all previously stor
ed infor
mation from Flash
memory.
1. If prompted for a password, enter the printer password. For
instructions, see Changing Password-Protected Parameters
on page 16.
The display shows INITIALIZE FLASH?
2. Press PLUS (+) to select YES.
The display shows ARE YOU SURE?.
3. Do you want to continue?
• Press MINUS (-) to select NO to cancel the request and return
to the
INITIALIZE FLASH prompt.
• Press PLUS (+) to select YES and begin initialization.
When initialization is complete, the control panel displays
INITIALIZING COMPLETED.
Note • Initializing memory can take several minutes.
See Initialize Flash Memory on page 78 for more information.
Print a Sensor Profile
Use this menu item to print a sensor profile.
See Print a Sensor Profile on page 78 for more information.
Calibrate the Media and Ribbon Sensors
Use t
his menu item to adjust the sensitivity of the media and
ribb
on sensors.
See Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 81 for more
information. For instructions on how to perform a calibration
edure, see Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors
proc
on page 94.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
Control Panel Display
Set Parallel Communications
Select the communications port that matches the one being used by
the host computer.
See Parallel Communications on page 91 for more information.
Set Serial Communications
Select the communications port that matches the one being used by
the host computer.
See Parallel Communications on page 91 for more information.
Set the Baud Rate
25
h
Select the baud value that matches t
e one being used by the host
computer.
See Baud Rate on page 92 for more information.
Set the Data Bits Value
Select the data bits value that matches the one being used by the
host computer.
See Data Bits on page 92 for more information.
Set the Parity Value
Select the parity value that matches the on e be ing used by the host
computer.
See Parity on page 92 for more information.
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26
Control Panel Display
Set the Host Handshake Protocol Value
Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by
the host computer.
See Host Handshake on page 93 for more information.
Set the Zebra Protocol Value
Protocol is a type of error checking system. Depending on the
selection, an indicator may be sent
from th
computer signifying that data has bee
e print engine to the host
n received. Select the
protocol that is requested by the host computer.
See Protocol on page 93 for more information.
Set the Network ID
This parameter assigns a unique number to the print engine when
the print engine is operating in an RS422/485 multi-drop network
environment (an external RS422/485 adapter i
gi
ves the host computer the means to address a speci
s required). This
fic print
engine. This does not affect TCP/IP or IPX net works. Set a un ique
network ID number for this print engine.
See Network ID on page 93 for more information.
Enable Communication Diagnostics Mode
Use this diagnostics tool to cause the printer to output the
hexadecimal values for all data received by the printer.
See Communication Diagnostics Mode on page 81 for more
information.
Set the Control Character Value
wh
Set the control prefix character to match
at is used in your label
formats.
See Control Character on page 88 for more information.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
Control Panel Display
Set the Format Command Prefix Value
Set the format command prefix character to match what is used in
your label formats.
See Command Character on page 89 for more information.
Set the Delimiter Character Value
Set the delimiter character to match what is used in your label
formats.
See Delimiter Character on page 89 for more information.
Set the ZPL Mode
27
Select the ZPL mode that matches what is used in your label
formats.
See ZPL Mode on page 89 for more information.
Set the Ribbon Tension
Select the ribbon tension setting that is appropriate for the wi dth or
type of media being printed. HIGH can be used for most media.
The correct setting is determined by a combination of the ribbon
width and the ribbon length (Table 5). If necessary, use a lower
value for narrow media or for glossy media.
See Ribbon Tension on page 73 for more information.
Set the Power-Up Action
Set the action for the printer to take during the power-up sequen ce .
See Power-Up Action on page 79 for more information.
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Introduction
28
Control Panel Display
Set the Head-Close Action
Set the action for the printer to take when you close the printhead.
See Head-Close Action on page 79 for more information.
Set the Backfeed Sequence
This parameter sets when label backfeed occurs after a label is
removed in some print modes. It has no effect in Rewind mode.
This setting is superseded by ~JS when rece
ived as part of a label
format.
See Backfeed Sequence on page 73 for more information.
Adjust the Label Top Position
This parameter adjusts the print position vertically on the label.
Positive numbers adjust the label top position farther down the
label (away from the printhead) by the specified number of dots.
Negative numbers adjust the position up the label (toward the
printhead).
See Label Top Position on page 74 for more information.
Adjust the Label Left Position
If necessary, shift the print position horizontally on the label.
he image toward the
Positive numbers move the left edge
of t
center of the label by the number of dots selected, while negative
m
numbers move the left edge of the i
age toward the left edge of
the label.
See Label Left Position on page 74 for more information.
Set the Head Test Count*
The ZE500-6 print engine periodically performs a test of the
printhead functionality. This paramete r estab li s hes ho w ma ny
labels are printed between these internal tests.
* This menu item appears only on ZE500-6 print engines.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
Introduction
Control Panel Display
Set Applicator Error Signal When Print Engine Pauses
When this option is enabled and the print engine is paused, the
print engine sets the applicator error state.
See Error on Pause on page 74 for more information.
Set the Ribbon Low Mode
The Ribbon Low feature determines if the print engine will
generate a warning when the amount of ribbon left on the roll gets
low.
See Ribbon Low Mode on page 75 for more information.
Set the Ribbon Low Output
29
When the Ribbon Low feature is en abled, this parameter
determines if the output signal on Pin 9 is HIGH or LOW.
See Ribbon Low Output on page 75 for more information.
Set the Reprint Mode
When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last lab el printed
ther by i
ei
ssuing certain commands or by pressing the LEFT
ARROW on the control panel.
See Reprint Mode on page 75 for more information.
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30
Control Panel Display
View Sensor Settings
The following parameters are au
tomatically set during the
calibration procedure and should be changed only by a qualified
service technician.
Select Format Conversion Scaling Factor
Selects the bitmap scaling factor. The first number is the original
dots per inch (dpi) value; the second, the dpi to which you would
like to scale.
See Format Conversion on page 81 for more information.
Select the Idle Display
Select the information shown on the printer’s display when the
printer is idle.
See Idle Display on page 82 for more information.
P1051584-004 ZE500™ User Guide 5/15/20
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