Zebra ZM400 User Manual

ZM400/ZM600

Industrial/Commercial Printer

User Guide

© 2007 ZIH Corp. The copyrights in th is manual and the software and/or firmware in the label printer described therein are owned by ZIH Corp. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software and/or firmware in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liabil ity.

This product may contain ZPL

3®

, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit;

ZebraLink and all product names and numbers are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, Element

Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. For additional trademark information, please see “Trademarks” on the product CD.

Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Zebra Technolog ies”). It is inten ded solely for t he information and use of parties ope rating and maintaining the equipment describ ed he rein . Such proprie tary in formati on may n ot b e used , reprod uced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose withou t the express, 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.

Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to ensure 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, the results of use of, or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion o r limitation of inc idental or consequ ential damage s, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Part Number: 79695L-001 Rev. A

Declaration of Conformity

I have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the

iii

ZM™ Series

Z4M, Z6M, Z4Mplus, Z6Mplus, R4Mplus, ZM400, ZM600

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.

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

Compliance Information

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.

FCC Rules and Regulations for Data Cables

Zebra printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15 for Class B Equipment using fully shielded, 6.5 ft. (2 m) data cables. Use of unshielded cables may increase radiation above the Class B limits.

Canadian DOC Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii

Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Web Site. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Asia Pacific. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

External View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Printer Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Control Panel Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Control Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Printer Language Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Firmware Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Additional Printer Language Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Contents

2 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Store the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ship the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Select a Site for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Select a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide Proper Operating Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide a Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Select a Data Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Data Cables and Wireless Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connect the Printer to the Computer or Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ribbon Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

When to Use Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Coated Side of Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3 • Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Print Modes and Printer Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Media Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Load Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Load Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Remove Used Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Contents

4 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Enter Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Exit Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Default Password Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Print a Network Configuration Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Control Panel Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

How to View or Modify Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Additional Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Standard Printer Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5 • Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Replacing Printer Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Recycling Printer Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Clean the Cutter Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

vii

6 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Troubleshooting Checklists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

LCD Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

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

Calibration Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Communications Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Ribbon Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Miscellaneous Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111

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Contents

viii

Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Power-On Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

PAUSE Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

FEED Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

FEED and PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Sensor Profile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

7 • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Agency Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Printing Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Media Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

About This Document

This section provides you with contact information, documen t struc ture and organization, and additional reference documents.

Contents

Who Should Use This Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

This User Guide is intended for use by any person who needs to operate or to troubleshoot problems with the printer.

How This Document Is Organized

The User Guide is set up as follows:

Section Description

Introduction on page 7 This section shows the operational controls and

Printer Setup on page 15 This section provides the tasks that you must

Operations on page 29 This section provides the procedures for loading

location of major components used when loading media.

complete and the issues that you must consider before you load and configure your printer.

and calibrating the printer.

Configuration on page 55 This section describes the control panel parameters

that are used to configure the printer for operation.

Routine Maintenance on page 87 This section provides routine cleaning and

maintenance procedures.

Troubleshooting on page 99 This section provides information about errors that

you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted diagnostic tests are included.

Specifications on page 123 This section provides the features of and

specifications for the printer.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Contacts

Web Site

The Americas

About This Document

Contacts

You can contact Zebra Technologies Corporation at the following:

http://www.zebra.com

Technical Support via the Internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Go to

http://www.zebra.com/support.

Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service Dept.

Zebra Technologies International, LLC 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A T: +1 847 793 2600 Toll-f ree +1 800 423 0422 F: +1 847 913 8766

T: +1 847 913 2259 F: +1 847 913 2578

Hardware: hwtsamerica@zebra.com Software: swtsamerica@zebra.com

For printers, parts, media, and ribbon, please call your distributor, or contact us.

T: +1 866 230 9494 E: VHCustServ@zebra.com

Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India

Regional Headquarters Technical Support Internal Sales Dept.

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited Zebra House The Valley Centre, Gordon Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK

T: +44 (0)1494 472872 F: +44 (0) 1494 450103

T: +44 (0) 1494 768298 F: +44 (0) 1494 768210 Germany: Tsgermany@zebra.com France: Tsfrance@zebra.com Spain/Portugal: Tsspain@zebra.com All other areas: Tseurope@zebra.com

Asia Pacific

Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service

Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific, LLC 16 New Industrial Road #05-03 Hudson TechnoCentre Singapore 536204

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0838 E: tsasiapacific@zebra.com

For printers, parts, media, and ribbon, please call your distributor, or contact us.

T: +44 (0) 1494 768316 F: +44 (0) 1494 768244 E: mseurope@zebra.com

For printers, parts, media, and ribbon, please call your distributor, or contact us.

T: +65 6858 0722 F: +65 6885 0837

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

About This Document

Document Conventions

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

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

LCD Display Examples Text from a printer’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) appears in

Bubbledot ICG font.

Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in Courier New font. For example, type

Files and Directories File names and directories appear in Courier New font. For example, the

Icons Used

ZTools to get to the Post-Install scripts in the bin directory.

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

Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.

Caution • Warns you of a potential electric shock situation.

Caution • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause a burn.

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

harm to you.

Caution • (No icon) Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in

physical harm to the hardware.

Important • Advises you of informatio n that is essential to complete a task.

Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important

points of the main text.

Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

About This Document

Document Conventions

Illustration Callouts Callouts are used when an illustration contains information that needs to be labeled and described. A table that contains the labels and descriptions follows the graphic. Figure 1 provides an example.

Figure 1 • Sample Figure with Callouts

FEED button

CANCEL button

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About This Document

Document Conventions

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Introduction

This section shows the operational controls and location of major components used when loading media.

Contents

External View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Printer Media Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Control Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Control Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Printer Language Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

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Introduction

External View

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the components and connections on the outside of the printer.

Figure 2 • Front of Printer

1 2

Power switch (O = off, I = on)

AC power connector

Wireless print server card slot (Ethernet)

Wireless card ejector button

Control panel Media door

Figure 3 • Rear of Printer

Serial port

Internal wired print server port (Ethernet)

USB port

Parallel port

6 7

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Printer Media Compartment

Figure 4 shows the components inside the media compartment of your printer. Depending on

installed options, your printer may look slightly different.

Note • For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product line,

Zebra strongly recommends the use of genuine Zebra™ supplies as part of the total solution. Specifically, the ZM400 and ZM600 are designed to work only with genuine Zebra™ printheads, thus maximizing safety and print quality.

Figure 4 • Printer Components

Introduction

Printer Media Compartment

Printhead assembly

Control panel

Media door

Media supply guide

Media supply hanger

Ribbon take-up spindle

Ribbon supply spindle

Dancer assembly

Printhead release latch

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Introduction

Control Panel

The control panel contains the ligh ts that indicate basic operation a nd the buttons th at you may need to press during basic operation. The control panel buttons and lights are labeled in

Figure 5. Descriptions for each are located in Table 1 and Table 2.

Figure 5 • Control Panel

1 2 3 4

Power LED

Pause LED

Error LED

Data LED

LCD

CANCEL button

PLUS (+) button

SETUP/EXIT button

MINUS (–) button

SELECT button

FEED button

PAUSE button

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Control Panel Buttons

Button Function

Table 1 • Control Panel Buttons

Introduction

Control Panel

FEED

PAUSE

CANCEL

SETUP/EXIT SELECT

PLUS (+)

(scroll mode)

PLUS (+)

(change mode)

Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the button is pressed.

• Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.

• Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete. Starts and stops the printing process.

• Printer not printing: no printing occurs. (Press

PAUSE again to resume printing.)

• Printing: printing stops after the current label is complete. Cancels print jobs when the printer is paused.

• Printer not printing: the next stored label format does not print.

• Printing: current label completes printing, and the next label format is cancelled. Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in memory.

Enters and exits the configuration mode. Toggles the function of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) between the Scroll and Change

Modes.

• Press once to use

PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to change the values of the selection.

• Press again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll through the menu items. Scrolls to the next selection.

• Increases the value.

• Performs the action on the bottom right of the LCD.

MINUS (–)

(scroll mode)

MINUS (–)

(change mode)

Scrolls to the previous selection.

• Decreases the value.

• Moves to the next available digit in a number.

• Performs the action on the bottom left of the LCD.

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Introduction

Control Panel

Control Panel Lights

Table 2 • Control Panel Lights

Light Status Indication

POWER Off The printer is off, or no power is applied.

On The printer is on.

PAUSE Off Normal printer operation.

On The pr inter has stopped all printing operations. Flashing The Pause light flashes when initializing FLASH memory and in

Peel-Off Mode when the label is available.

ERROR Off Normal printer operation (no errors).

On An error condition is preventing printing. This includes

OUT

and RIBBON OUT errors.

Flashing An error condition exists, but printing is allowed to continue. This

includes and

DATA Off Normal printer operation (no data be ing received or processed).

One flash Slow flashing The printer cannot accept more data from the host. Fast flashing The printer is receiving data. On A partial format has been received and no subsequent data activity.

CANCEL was pressed and a format is successfully cancelled.

RIBBON IN warning, HEAD UNDER TEMP warning,

HEAD OVER TEMP error.

MEDIA

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Printer Language Modes

Depending on how your printer was ordered, it came from the factory with firmware that operates in or allows you to use certain commands for one of the following printer languages:

• Zebra Programming Language (ZPL

•Eltron

Firmware Downloads

You may download firmware to the printer at any time to change from one printer language to another. For the latest firmware versions and instructions for downloading them, go to

http://www.zebra.com/firmware.

Note • When the printer changes from one printer language to another, error messages may

appear on the LCD, and some control panel lights may activate in error mode. You may ignore these error messages and lights. When the firmware download is complete, reboot the printer and then load printer defaults to return the printer to Operating mode.

Programming Language (EPL™)

Introduction

Printer Language Modes

)

Additional Printer Language Information

The following manuals contain specific information about the different printer language modes. Copies of these manuals are on the CD that came with your printer and at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

•ZPL II

• EPL2™ Programming Guide

Programming Guide

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Introduction

Printer Language Modes

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Printer Setup

This section provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider before you load and configure your printer.

Contents

Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Store the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ship the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Select a Site for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Select a Surface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide Proper Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide a Data Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Provide a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Select a Data Communication Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Data Cables and Wireless Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connect the Printer to the Computer or Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Power Cord Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Types of Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Coated Side of Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Review this checklist, and resolve any issues before you set up or use your printer.

 Unpack and Inspect the Printer Have you unpacked the printer and inspected it for

 Select a Site Have you selected an appropriate location for the printer? If y ou have no t,

 Connect to a Data Source Have you determined how the printer will connect to a

 Attach a Power Cord Do you have the correct power cord for your printer? If you are

 Select Media Do you have the correct media for your application? If you are unsure,

 Select Ribbon Do you need to use ribbon, and is the appropriate ribbon available, if

damage? If you have not, see Unpack and Inspect the Printer on page 17.

see Select a Site for the Printer on page 18.

data source (usually a computer)? For more information, see Select a Data

Communication Interface on page 19.

unsure, see Power Cord Specifications on page 24. To attach the power cord and connect the printer to a power source, see Connect the Printer to a Power Source on page 23.

see Types of Media on page 25.

needed? If you are unsure, see Ribbon Overview on page 27.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Handling the Printer

This section describes how to handle your printer.

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

When you receive the printer, immediately unpack it and inspect for shipping damage.

• Save all packing materials.

• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.

• Raise the media door, and inspect the media compartment for damage to components.

If you discover shipping damage upon inspection:

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

• Keep all packaging material for shipping company inspection.

• Notify your authorized Zebra reseller

Important • Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred

during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty.

Printer Setup

Handling the Printer

Store the Printer

If you are not placing the printer into immediate operation, repackage it using the original packing materials. You may store the printer under the conditions shown in Table 3.

Temperature Relative Humidity

–40°F to 140°F (–40° to 60°C) 5% to 85% non-condensing

Ship the Printer

If you must ship the printer:

• Turn off (O) the printer, and disconnect all cables.

• Remove any media, ribbon, or loose objects from the printer interior.

• Close the printhead.

• Carefully pack the printer into the original container or a suitable alternate container to avoid damage during transit. A shipping container can be purchased from Zebra if the original packaging has been lost or destroyed.

Table 3 • Storage Tempe rature and Humidity

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Printer Setup

Select a Site for the Printer

Consider the following when selecting an appropriate location for your printer.

Select a Surface

Select a solid, level surface of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the printer and other equipment (such as a computer), if necessary. The choices include a table, countertop, desk, or cart. For the printer’s weight and dimensions, see General Specifications on page 124.

Provide Proper Operating Conditions

This printer is designed to function in a wide range of environmental and electrical conditions, including a warehouse or factory floor. For more information on the required conditions, see

General Specifications on page 124. Table 4 shows the temperature and relative humidity requirements for the printer when it is

operating.

Table 4 • Operating Temperature and Humidity

Mode Temperature Relative Humidity

Thermal Transfer 40° to 104°F (5° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing. Direct Thermal 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing

Allow Proper Space

The printer should have enough space around it for you to be able to open the media door. To allow for proper ventilation and cooling, leave open space on all sides of the printer.

Caution • Do not place any padding or cushioning material behind or under the printer

because this restricts air flow and could cause the printer to overheat.

Provide a Data Source

If the printer will be located away from the data source (such as a computer), the selected site must provide the appropriate connections to that data source. For more information on the types of communication interfaces and their limitations, see Select a Data Communication

Interface on page 19.

Provide a Power Source

Place the printer within a short distance of a power outlet that is easily accessible.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Select a Data Communication Interface

Table 5 provides basic information about data communication interfaces that you can use to

connect your printer to a computer. Yo u may send la bel formats to th e printer throug h any data communication interface that is available. Select an interface that is supported by both your printer and your computer or your Local Area Network (LAN).

Table 5 • Characteristics of the Data Communication Interfaces

Standard or

Interface

RS-232 Serial Standard • Maximum cable length of 50 ft (15.24 m).

Optional on Printer

Characteristics

• You may need to change printer parameters to match the host computer.

• You need to use a null-modem adaptor to connect to the printer if using a standard modem cable.

Printer Setup

IEEE 1284 Bidirectional Parallel

Standard • Maximum cable length of 10 ft (3 m).

• Recommended cable length of 6 ft (1.83 m).

• No printer parameter changes required to match the host computer.

USB Standard • Maximum cable length of 16.4 ft (5 m).

• No printer parameter changes required to match the host computer.

Internal wired Ethernet print server

Optional • Can print to the printer from any computer on your LAN.

• Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web pages.

• Computer must be equipped with an Ethernet board.

• The printer must be configured to use your LAN.

Wireless Ethernet print server

Optional • Can print to the printer from any computer on your Wireless

Local Area Network (WLAN).

• Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web pages.

• Computer must be equipped with an Ethernet board.

• The printer must be configured to use your WLAN.

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Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

Data Cables and Wireless Cards

You must supply all data cables or wireless cards for your application.

Data Cables Ethernet cables do not require sh ielding, but all o ther data cabl es must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metallized connector shells. Unshielded data cables may increase radiated emissions above the regulated limits.

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.

Wireless Cards For supported wireless cards, refer to the ZebraNet Wireless Print Server and Wireless Plus Print Server User Guide. A copy of the manual is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your printer.

Connect the Printer to the Computer or Network

Table 6 shows how to connect the different types of data cables to your printer and computer.

The connectors on the back of your computer may be in different locations than on the sample computer shown in this section. For another view of the connectors on the printer , see Figure 3

on page 8.

Caution • Ensure that the printer power is off (O) before connecting data communications

cables. Connecting a data communications cable while the power is on ( printer.

I) may damage the

Table 6 • Connecting the Printer to a Computer or Network

Interface Connection and Configuration

RS-232 Serial The baud rate, number of data and stop bits, the parity, and the

XON/XOFF or DTR control must match those of the host computer. See

Control Panel Param eters on page 61 to view or change these parameters.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Select a Data Communication Interface

Table 6 • Connecting the Printer to a Computer or Network (Continued)

Interface Connection and Configuration

Printer Setup

IEEE 1284

No additional configuration is necessary. Bidirectional Parallel

USB No additional configuration is necessary.

Caution • Be careful not to plug the USB cable into the wired Ethernet

print server connector on the printer because doing so will damage the

connector.

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Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

Table 6 • Connecting the Printer to a Computer or Network (Continued)

Interface Connection and Configuration

Internal wired Ethernet print server

Wireless Ethernet print server

Refer to the ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server User and Reference Guide for

configuration instructions. A copy of this manual is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your

printer.

Refer to the ZebraNet Wireless Print Server and Wireless Plus Print

Server User Guide for configuration instructions. A copy o f this manual is

available at http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came

with your printer.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

The AC power cord must have a three-prong female connector on one end that plugs into the mating AC power connector at the rear of the printer. If a power cable was not included with your printer, refer to Power Cord Specifications on page 24.

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor

power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific three-conductor grounded plug configuration.

To connect the printer to a power source, complete these steps:

1. Toggle the printer power switch to the off (O) position.

2. Plug the power cord into the AC power connector (1) on the rear of the printer.

Printer Setup

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet near the printer.

4. Turn on (I) the printer.

The control panel LCD and lights activate, indicating that the printer is booting up.

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Printer Setup

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

Power Cord Specifications

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor

power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific, three-conductor grounded plug configuration.

Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included. If one is not included or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, see Figure 6 and refer to the following guidelines:

• The overall cord length must be less than 9.8 ft. (3 m).

• The cord must be rated for at least 10 A, 250 V.

• The chassis ground (earth) must be connected t o ensure safety and redu ce electromagnetic

interference.

Figure 6 • Power Cord Specifications

AC power plug for your country—This should bear

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

3-conductor HAR cable or other cable approved for

your country. IEC 320 connector—This should bear the

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

Length ≤ 9.8 ft. (3 m). Rating 10 Amp, 250 VAC.

Figure 7 • International Safety Organization Certifications

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Types of Media

Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous

high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance t he p rint ing c apabi lities of the pri nter an d to pre vent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.

Your printer can use various types of media:

• Standard media—Most standard media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.

• Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper. Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.

• Radio frequency identification (RFID) “smart” media—RFID media can be used in a printer that is equipped with an RFID reader/encoder. RFID la bels are made from the same materi als and adhesives as non-RFID labels. Each label has an R FID transponde r (sometimes called an “inlay”), made of a chip and an antenna, embedded between the label and the liner. The shape of the transponder varies by manufacturer and is visible through the label. All “smart” labels have memory that can be read, and many have memory that can be encoded.

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Important • Transponder placement within a label depends on the transponder type and

the printer model. Make sure that you are using the correct “smart” media for yo ur printer.

Table 7 on page 26 describes roll and fanfold media. Roll media is loaded into the printer

while fanfold media may be located inside or outside of the printer.

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Table 7 • Roll and Fanfold Media

Media Type How It Looks Description

Non-Continuous Roll Media

Roll media is wound on a 3-in. (76-mm) core. Individual labels are separated by one or more of the following methods:

• Web media separates labels by gaps, holes, or notches.

• Black mark media uses pre-printed black marks on the back side of the media to indicate label separations.

• Perforated media has perforations that allow the labels or tags to be separated from each other easily. The media may also have black marks or other separations between labels or tags.

Non-Continuous Fanfold Media

Fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can have the same label separations as non-continuous roll media. The separations would fall on or near the folds.

Continuous Roll Media

Roll media is wound on a 3-in. (76-mm) core. Continuous roll media does not have gaps, holes, notches , o r

black marks to indicate label separations. This allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label. Sometimes a cutter is used to cut apart individual labels.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Ribbon Overview

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

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

When to Use Ribbon

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

To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps:

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

2. Did a black mark appear on the media?

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

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

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

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outsid e. The ri bb on used must match the Thermal Transfer option installed. The standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the outside, and the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the inside. If you are unsure which side of a particular roll of ribbon is coated, perform an adhesive test or a ribbon scratch test to determine which side is coated.

Adhesive Test

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

To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:

1. Peel a label from its liner.

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

3. Peel the label off of the ribbon.

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Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

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

If ink from the ribbon... Then...

Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be

used with the standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle). In the ribbon loading procedure, instructions are marked with this symbol.

Did not adhere to the label The ribbon is coated on the inside and can be

used with the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle). In the ribbon loading procedure, instructions are marked with this symbol.

Ribbon Scratch Test

Perform the ribbon scratch test when labels are unavailable.

To perform a ribbon scratch test, complete these steps:

1. Unroll a short length of ribbon.

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

ribbon in contact with the paper.

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

4. Lift the ribbon from the paper.

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

If the ribbon... Then...

Left a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be

used with the standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle). In the ribbon loading procedure, instructions are marked with this symbol.

Did not leave a mark on the paper

The ribbon is coated on the inside and can be used with the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle). In the ribbon loading procedure, instructions are marked with this symbol.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

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

Note • Complete the tasks and resolve the issues in Printer Setup on page 15 before

operating the printer.

Contents

Print Modes and Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Media Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Load Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Load Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Remove Used Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Calibrate the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Manual Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

The printer can use different print modes and options for label removal (Table 8). Use a print mode that matches the media being used and the printer optio ns avail able. For more information on the types of media, see Types of Media on page 25. To select a print mode, see

Select Print Mode on page 64.

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements

Table 8 • Print Modes and Printer Options

Print Mode When to Use/Printer Options Required Printer Actions

Tear-Off (default setting)

Peel-Off Use only if the printer has the Peel-Off,

Cutter Use if the printer has a cutter option when

Delayed Cut Use if the printer has a cutter option when

Rewind Use if the printer has the Rewind op tion and

Linerless Peel Reserved for future options. Reserved for future options. Linerless

Rewind

Use for most applications. This mode can be used with any printer options and most media types.

Liner Take-Up, or Rewind option.

you want the labels to be cut apart.

you want the printer to cut the labels apart at a signal.

you want the labels to rewind on a core.

Reserved for future options. Reserved for future options.

The printer prints label formats as it receives them. The printer operator can tear off the printed labels any time after they print.

The printer peels the label from the liner during printing and then pauses until the label is removed.

In Peel-Off mode, the liner exits the front of the printer. In Peel-Off mode with Liner Take-Up, the liner winds onto the liner take-up spindle or the rewind spindle.

The printer prints a label and then cuts it free.

The printer prints a label, pauses, and cuts the label when it receives the ~JK (delayed cut) ZPL command.

The printer prints without pausing between labels. The media or liner is wound onto a core after printing.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Print Modes and Printer Options

Media Paths

Table 9 shows the media paths for print mode and printer option combinations using roll

media. Fanfold media uses the same print modes and printer options as roll media.

Table 9 • Media Paths for Print Modes with Various Printer Options

Print Mode Printer Option Media Path

Tear-Off Printers with any

printer options can use Tear-Off mode

Peel-Off Peel, Liner take-up,

or Rewind

Operations

Peel-Off (with Liner

Liner take-up

Take-Up)

Rewind

Red solid lines = media, Blue dotted lines = backing only

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Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

Table 9 • Media Paths for Print Modes with Various Printer Options (Continued)

Print Mode Printer Option

Cutter or Delayed Cut

Cutter (shown with an optional catch tray)

Rewind Rewind

Media Path

Red solid lines = media, Blue dotted lines = backing only

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Load Media

The beginning steps for loading media apply to all printers, including those that have the peel-off, liner take-up, cutter, or rewind option. When you have completed these beginning steps, continue with the media loading instructions for the print mode and printer options that apply to you. For more information about print modes and printer options, see Print Modes

and Printer Options on page 30.

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume printing.

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options

To begin loading media for all print modes and printer options, complete these steps:

Operations

Load Media

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

latches open.

2. Slide out the media guide.

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Operations

Load Media

3. Insert media into the printer. Follow the instructions for roll or fanfold media, as

appropriate.

Roll Media

a. Remove and discard any tags or

a. Flip down the media supply guide.

Fanfold Media

labels that are dirty or that are held by adhesives or tape.

b. Flip down the media supply guide. b. Feed the media through the rear or

bottom access slot.

Rear Feed

c. Place the roll of media on the media

supply hanger. Push the roll as far back as it will go.

Bottom Feed

d. Flip up the media supply guide. c. Drape the media over the media

supply hanger.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Media

Roll Media (Continued)

e. Slide in the media supply guide until

d. Flip up the media supply guide.

Fanfold Media (Continued)

it touches the edge of the roll.

e. Slide in the media supply guide until

it touches the edge of the media.

4. Feed the media under the dancer assembly ( 1), the uppe r media sen sor (2), and t he ri bbon

sensor (

3). Slide the media back until it touches the inside back wall of the upper media

sensor.

13 2

5. Continue with the final instructions for the desired print mode. The print mode must be

compatible with the media being used and the printer options installed. See Print Mode

Descriptions and Printer Requirements on page 30 for more information.

• Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode on page 36

• Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) on page 37

• Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode on page 42

• Additional Steps for Rewind Mode on page 43

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Operations

Load Media

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 33, continue with this section to operate the printer in Tear-Off mode.

To operate the printer in Tear-Off mode, complete these steps:

1. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

2. Set the printer to Tear-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 64 for instructions.

3. Close the printhead assembly.

4. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable print i ng.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Media

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up)

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 33, continue with this section to operate the printer in Peel-Of f mode with or without liner take-u p. You r printer must have the Peel option, the Liner Take-Up option, or the Rewind option installed. See Print Modes and Printer Options on page 30 for more information.

For additional procedures related to the rewind option, see Routine Maintenance for the

Rewind Option on page 96.

To operate the printer in Peel-Off mode, complete these steps:

1. Extend the media approximately 18 in. (500 mm) out of the printer.

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

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Operations

Load Media

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

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

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

5. Complete this step only if you want to use Peel-Off mode with liner take-up. Your printer

must have the Liner Take-Up option or the Rewind option installed. Follow the instructions for your printer option.

Rewind Option Liner Take-Up Option

a. Feed the liner under the media

alignment roller (

1).

a. Slide the liner into the slot in the

liner take-up spindle (

1).

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Operations

Load Media

Rewind Option (Continued) Liner T ake-Up Option (Continued)

b. Loosen the th umbsc re w on the

rewind media guide.

c. Slide the rewind media guide all the

way out, and then fold it down.

d. Slide an empty core onto the rewind

spindle.

b. Push the liner back until it touches

the back plate of the liner take-up spindle assembly .

c. Wrap the liner around the liner

take-up spindle and turn the spindle counterclockwise to tighten the liner.

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Operations

Load Media

Rewind Option (Continued) Liner T ake-Up Option (Continued)

e. Wrap the liner around the core and

turn the rewind spindle counterclockwise to tighten the liner.

f. Fold up the rewind media guide, and

then slide it in until it touches the liner.

(No additional steps for the liner take-up option.)

g. Tighten the thumbscrew on the

rewind media guide.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Media

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

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

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

Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

8. Set the printer to Peel-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 64 for instructions.

9. Close the printhead assembly.

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

liner take-up (if used) begin automatically.

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Operations

Load Media

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 33, continue with this section to operate the printer in Cutter or Delayed Cut mode.

To operate the printer in Cutter or Delayed Cut mode, complete these steps:

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

Feed the media through the cutter (1).

Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

3. Set the printer to Cutter or Delaye d Cut mode. See Select Print Mode on page 64 for

instructions.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Media

4. Close the printhead assembly.

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

begins automatically.

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 33, continue with this section to operate the printer in Rewind mode. For additional procedures related to the rewind option, see Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option on page 96.

To operate the printer in Rewind mode, complete these steps:

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

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Operations

Load Media

2. Feed the media over the peel assembly (1).

3. Feed the media under the media alignment roller (1).

4. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

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

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Media

6. Slide an empty core onto the rewind spindle.

7. Wrap the media around the core and turn the rewind spindle counterclockwise to tighten

the media. Ensure that the edge of the media is flush against the backplate of the rewind spindle.

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

9. Tighten the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

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Operations

Load Media

10. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

11. Set the printer to Rewind mode. See Select Print Mode on page 64 for instructions.

12. Close the printhead assembly.

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

begins automatically.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Load Ribbon

Always use ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the printhead from wear. For direct thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.

The standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the outside, and the alternate Thermal Tra nsfer option (gra y ribbon spind le) uses ribbon coated on the inside. To avoid damaging your printer, follow the directions for the Thermal Transfer option installed in your printer.

Figure 8 shows the ribbon paths for ribbon coated on the outside and ribbon coated on the

inside. The coated surfaces of the ribbon are shown in gray when they are visible. To determine which side of a ribbon is printed, see Coated Side of Ribbon on page 27.

Figure 8 • Ribbon Path

Operations

Load Ribbon

Ribbon Coated Outside (black ribbon spindle)

Tension blade

Ribbon take-up spindle

Ribbon supply spindle

Printhead assembly

Printhead release latch

Ribbon Coated Inside (gray ribbon spindle)

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Operations

Load Ribbon

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

To load ribbon, complete these steps:

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

• T o pla ce the ribb on su pply spind le in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle

end cap until it extends and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting for most applications.

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

cap until it retracts and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting when using a narrow ribbon or if normal tension hampers ribbon movement.

Figure 9 • Ribbon Spindle—Normal and Low Tension

1 2

Normal Position (Spindle End Cap Extended)

Low-Tension Position (Spindle End Cap Retracted)

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

latches open.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Operations

Load Ribbon

3. Insert the ribbon into the printer. In this step, follow the instructions for the Therma l

Transfer option installed in your printer.

Ribbon Coated Outside (black ribbon spindle)

a. Hold the ribbon with the loose e nd unrolling

clockwise.

b. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply

spindle (

1) and push it all the way back.

1 1

Ribbon Coated Inside (gray ribbon spindle)

a. Hold the ribbon with the loose end unrolling

counterclockwise.

b. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply

spindle (

1) and push it all the way back.

c. Pull the end of the ribbon under the print head

assembly (

1) and out the front of the printer.

Extend the ribbon approximately 24 in. (610 mm) out of the printer.

c. Pull the end of the ribbon under the printhead

assembly (

1) and out the front of the printer.

Extend the ribbon approximately 24 in. (610 mm) out of the printer.

1 1

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Operations

Load Ribbon

4. Close the printhead assembly.

5. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle (1).

Ribbon Coated Outside (black ribbon spindle)

Ribbon Coated Inside (gray ribbon spindle)

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Remove Used Ribbon

To remove used ribbon, complete these steps:

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

damage the spindle.

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

Operations

Load Ribbon

To loosen the ribbon, squeeze it against the ribbon take-up spindle tensi on blades (1). At the same time, turn the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counterclockwise (

2).

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

3. Slide the used ribbon off of the ribbon take-up spindle and discard.

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Operations

Calibrate the Printer

Auto Calibration

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

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

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

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

Select Media Power-Up Option on page 80 or Select Head Close Option on page 80.

Manual Calibration

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

For instructions, refer to Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 74.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Adjust Printhead Pressure

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

See Figure 10. The ZM400 pressure adjustment dials have four possible settings designated by blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest block (fully counterclockwise) is considered position 1, and the largest block (fully clockwise) is considered position 4. The ZM600 dials have seven settings instead of four.

Figure 10 • Printhead Pressure Adjustment Dials

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

1 2

Outside dial Inside dial

To set printhead pressure, complete these steps:

1. Use Table 10 or Table 11 to select the initial dial settings for your media, depending on

which printer you have.

Table 10 • ZM400 Printhead Pressure

Media Width

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

3.5 in. and up (89 mm and up)

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Inside Dial Outside Dial

31 41 32 33

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

Table 11 • ZM600 Printhead Pressure

Media Width

Inside Dial Outside Dial

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

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

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

If the media... Then...

Requires higher pressure to

Increase both dials one position.

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

decrease the inside dial setting one position.

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

decrease the outside dial setting one position.

Prints too lightly on the left side

Increase the inside dial setting one position.

of the label. Prints too lightly on the right

side of the label.

Increase the outside dial setting one position.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Configuration

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

Contents

Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Enter Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Exit Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Default Password Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Print a Configuration Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Print a Network Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Control Panel Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

How to View or Modify Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Additional Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Standard Printer Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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Configuration

Setup Mode

After you have installed the media and ribbon and the Power-O n Self T est (PO ST) is complete, the control panel displays application using the control panel display and the buttons directly below it. If it becomes necessary to restore the initial printer defaults, see FEED and PAUSE Self Test on page 119.

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

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

• printing at high speeds

• peeling the media

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

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

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

in these additional ways:

• with ZebraLink™ WebView (ZebraNet 10/100 PrintServer, PSII, or Wireless Print Server required). For information, see the appropriate print server user guide.

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

PRINTER READY. You may now set printer parameters for your

Enter Setup Mode

To enter Setup Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press SETUP/EXIT.

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

3. Press SELECT to select and deselect the parameters.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Exit Setup Mode

To leave Setup mode, complete these steps:

1. Press SETUP/EXIT.

The LCD displays

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

LCD Description

SAVE CHANGES.

Configuration

Setup Mode

PERMANENT

TEMPORARY

CANCEL

LOAD DEFAULTS

LOAD LAST SAVE

DEFAULT NET

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

When the configuration and calibration sequence is done,

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

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

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

Note • Loading factory defaults causes the printer to

auto-calibrate.

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

factory defaults.

PRINTER READY displays.

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Configuration

Change Password-Protected Parameters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. At the password prompt, use MINUS (-) to change the selected digit position.

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.

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

3. After entering the password, press SELECT.

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

Default Password Value

The default password value is 1234. The password can be changed using the Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) command pages (ZebraNet

10/100 Print Server, or Wireless Plus Print Server required).

^KP (Define Password) or using the printer’s web

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

^KPx, where x can be any number from

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Print a Configuration Label

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

To print a configuration label, complete these steps:

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

2. Press or to scroll through the parameters until you reach LIST SETUP.

3. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

4. Press PLUS (+) to confirm printing.

A configuration label prints (Figure 11).

Figure 11 • Configuration Label

Configuration

Print a Configuration Label

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Configuration

Print a Network Configuration Label

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

To print a network configuration label, complete these steps:

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

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the parameters until you reach

LIST NETWORK.

3. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

4. Press PLUS (+) to confirm printing.

A network configuration label prints (Figure 12). An asterisk designates whether the wired or wireless print server is active. If n o wireless print server is installed, the wireless portion of the label does not print.

Figure 12 • Network Configuration Label (With a Wireless Print Server Installed)

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Control Panel Parameters

Use the LCD on the control panel to view and adjust printer settings.

How to View or Modify Parameters

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

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

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

Note • Your label preparation software or the printer driver may override adjustments made

through the control panel. Refer to the software or driver documentation for more information.

Additional Parameters

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Additional parameters appear in the following situations.

• When a wired print server is installed in the printer. For more information, refer to the

ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server User and Reference Guide

• When a wireless print server is installed in the printer. Refer to the ZebraNet Wireless Print Server and Wireless Plus Print Server User Guide.

• When a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader is installed. Refer to the RFID Programming Guide for more information.

Copies of these manuals are available at http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your printer.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Standard Printer Parameters

Parameter Action/Explanation

Table 12 shows parameters in the order in which they are displayed when you press PLUS (+)

after entering Setup mode.

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 1 of 24)

ZPL and XML

EPL

Adjust Print Darkness

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

Important • Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides

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

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

The FEED Self Test on page 116 can be used to determine the best darkness setting. You may want to adjust darkness while performing the PAUSE S elf

Test on page 115. Because the darkness setting takes effect immediately,

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

Default Value (ZPL, XML): +10 Range (ZPL, XML): 00 to +30 Default Value (EPL): +7 Range (EPL): 00 to +15

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to increase darkness. MINUS (-) to decrease darkness.

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

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 2 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Adjust Print Speed

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

Default Value: 2 IPS Range:

• 200 dpi: 2 to 10 IPS

• 300 dpi: 2 to 8 IPS

• 600 dpi: 1 to 4 IPS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to increase the value. MINUS (-) to decrease the value.

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

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 3 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Adjust the Tear-Off Position

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

See Figure 13. Higher numbers move the media out (the tear line moves closer to the leading edge of the next label), and lower numbers move the media in (the tear line moves closer to the edge of the label just printed).

Figure 13 • Tear-Off Position Adjustment

Media direction

Factory-set tear line location at position 00

Default Value: +0 Range: –120 to +120

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

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

position by four dot rows.

3. Press

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

position by four dot rows.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Print Mode

This parameter tells the printer how printed labels will be removed. Make sure that you select a print mode that is compatible with your printer and printer options. For information about how the print modes work with different printer options, see Print Modes and Printer Options on page 30.

Default Value: TEAR-OFF Selections: TEAR-OFF, PEEL-OFF, CUTTER, DELAYED CUT,

LINERLESS-P, LINERLESS-R, REWIND

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 4 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Media Type

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

Types of Media on page 25 for more information). Selecting continuous

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

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

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

Default Value: GAP/NOTCH Selections: GAP/NOTCH, MARK, CONTINUOUS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

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

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

Select Print Method

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

Default Value: THERMAL TRANSFER Range: THERMAL TRANSFER, DIRECT THERMAL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 5 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Print Width

This parameter specifies the printable area across the width of the label.

Table 13 shows the ranges and default values for print width, which are

based on the printer model and the printhead resolution.

Table 13 • Print Width Ranges and Maximum Values

Printhead Resolution

200 dpi

300 dpi

600 dpi

ZM400 ZM600

Default Value: 832 Range: 2 to 832 dots

Default Value: 1248 Range: 2 to 1248 dots

Default Value: 2496

Printer

Default Value: 1344 Range: 2 to 1344 dots

Default Value: 1984 Range: 2 to 1984 dots

N/A

Range: 2 to 2496 dots

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

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

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to change the value shown.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 6 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Maximum Label Length

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

(25.4 mm) greater than the actual label leng th (Figure 14). If the value is set to a smaller value than the label length, the printer assumes that continuous media is loaded, and the printer cannot calibrat e.

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

Figure 14 • Label Length

}

Label length (including interlabel gap)

Interlabel gap

Set maximum label length to approximately

this value

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

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to change the value shown. SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 7 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Early Warning for Maintenance

When this feature is enabled, the printer provides warnings when the printhead needs to be cleaned.

Default Value: MAINT. OFF Selections: MAINT. OFF, MAINTENANCE ON

To change the Early Warning settings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. When the LCD displays EARLY WARNING MAINTENANCE, press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between OFF and ON. (If you are

prompted for a password, enter your password using the instruct ions in

Change Password-Protected Parameters on page 58.)

3. Exit Setup mode and save changes to enable additional parameters related to the early warning system.

4. Enter Setup mode again and go to the following parameters t o enter the printhead cleaning interval and the printhead life.

5. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Printhead Cleaning Interval for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled. This value should correspond to the length of the media or ribbon roll that you are using.

Default Value: 450 M/1476 FT Selections: 100 M/328 FT to 450 M/1476 FT in 50 M increments

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to set the printhead cleaning interval to

the desired number of inches of media or ribbon. When the printhead reaches the set length,

PRINTHEAD

appears on the LCD. If the alert function is enabled, the

WARNING CLEAN

printer generates an alert.

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Reset Printhead Cleaning Counter for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled.

To reset the printhead cleaning counter:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Did you clean the printhead?

• If you cleaned the printhead, press

• If you did not clean the printhead, press

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

PLUS (+) to select YES.

MINUS (-) to select NO.

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 8 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Printhead Life for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled. Set this value to the number of inches of media that the printhead is expected to print.

Default Value: 1,000,000 inches Range: 100 to 1,000,000 inches

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

When the printhead reaches the set length,

HEAD

appears on the LCD. If the alert function is enabled, the printer

WARNING REPLACE

generates an alert.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Reset Printhead Life Counter for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is enabled.

To reset the printhead life counter:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Did you replace the printhead?

• If you replaced the printhead, press

• If you did not replace the printhead, press

PLUS (+) to select YES.

MINUS (-) to select NO.

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

View Non-Resettable Counter

This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer has printed. You can use ZPL commands to change the unit of measure for this counter. For the commands, refer to the ZPL Programming Guide.

View User-Controlled Counter 1

This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer has printed since this parameter was last reset. You can use ZPL commands to change the unit of measure and reset this counter. For the commands, refer to the ZPL Programming Guide.

View User-Controlled Counter 2

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 9 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

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.

To print a list of the odometer readings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to print the odometer readings.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Fonts

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

To print a list of the available fonts:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to deselect the parameter.

ZPL and XML only List Bar Codes

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

To print a list of the available bar codes:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to select PRINT. SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Images

This option prints a label that lists the available images stored in the printer’ s RA M, Fl ash memory, or optional memory card.

To print a list of the available images:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

PLUS (+) to select PRINT. SELECT to deselect the parameter.

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 10 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

List Formats

This option prints a label that lists the available formats stored in the printer’ s RA M, Fl ash memory, or optional memory card.

To print a list of the available formats:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Setup

This option prints a configuration label (see Figure 11 on page 59), which lists the current printer configuration.

To print a configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Network Settings

This option prints a network configuration label (see Figure 12

on page 60), which lists the settings for any print server that is installed.

To print a network configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List All

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

To print labels for all settings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press

SELECT to deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 11 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Format Memory Card

This option erases all previously stored information from the optional 64 MB flash chip on the Wireless Plus option board. This parameter appears only when a Wireless Plus option board with the flash chip populated is installed.

Caution • This option completely erases the flash chip.

To format a memory card:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to select A:.

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

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

Parameters on page 58.

4. Press the appropriate button again to select the desired card. The display shows

5. Do you want to continue?

• Press

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

FORMAT CARD prompt.

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

When initialization is complete, the control panel displays

FORMATTING CARD COMPLETED.

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

initialization may take up to 5 minutes to complete.

ARE YOU SURE?.

6. Press

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SELECT to deselect the parameter.

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 12 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Initialize Flash Memory

This option erases all previously stored information from Flash memory.

Caution • This option completely erases the Flash memory.

To initialize Flash memory:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. If prompted for a password, enter the printer password. For instructions, see Change Password-Protected Parameters on page 58.

The display shows

INITIALIZE FLASH?

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

ARE YOU SURE?.

4. 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 MEMORY COMPLETED.

Note • Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory,

initialization may take up to 1 minute to complete.

5. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Print Sensor Profile

A sensor profile shows sensor settings compared to actual sensor readings. This label (which will extend across several actual labels or tags) can be used to troubleshoot printing problems. To interpret the results of the sensor profile, see Sensor Pro fil e on page 121.

To print a sensor profile:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to start this standard calibration procedure and print a

media sensor profile.

3. If the sensitivity of the sensors must be adjust ed, perform Calibrate

Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 74.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 13 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity

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

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

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

MINUS (-) at any step in this procedure

to cancel the process.

To perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

LOAD BACKING prompt displays.

3. Open the printhead.

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

5. Leave the printhead open.

6. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

REMOVE RIBBON prompt displays.

The

7. Remove the ribbon (if used).

8. Close the printhead.

9. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

The message

CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT displays.

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

When calibration is complete,

RELOAD ALL displays.

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

11. Reload the ribbon (if used).

12. Close the printhead.

13. Press

PLUS (+) to continue.

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

14. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 14 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Parallel Communications

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

Default Value: BIDIRECTIONAL Selections: BIDIRECTIONAL, UNIDIRECTIONAL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

ZPL and XML only Set Serial Communications

Select the communications port that match es the one being u sed by the host computer. This setting applies only when the serial port is used.

Note • Select RS232 if you are using an external adapter to enable

RS422/485 operation.

Default Value: RS232 Selections: RS232, RS485 MULTIDROP

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Baud

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The baud setting of the printer must match the baud setting of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Select the value that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default Value: 9600 Selections (ZPL, XML): 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200,

28800, 38400, 57600, 115200 Selections (EPL): 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 15 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Data Bits

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Set the data bits to match the setting being used by the host computer.

Default Value: 8BITS Selections: 7BITS, 8BITS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

Set Parity

This setting applies only when the se rial port is used. The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Select the parity that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default Value: NONE Selections: EVEN, ODD, NONE

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

Set Host Handshake

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host computer for communication to take place. Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default Value (ZPL, XML): XON/XOFF Selections (ZPL, XML):XON/XOFF, DSR/DTR, RTS/CTS Default Value (EPL): DTR & XON/XOFF Selections (EPL): DTR & XON/XOFF, DTR

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 16 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Set Protocol

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

Programming Guid e. Default Value: NONE Selections: NONE, ZEBRA, ACK_NAK

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

response messages are sequenced. If must use

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

ZPL and XML only Set Network ID

This parameter assigns a unique number to the printer when the printer is operating in an RS422/485 multi-drop network environment (an external RS422/485 adapter is required). This gives the host computer the mean s to address a specific printer. This does not affect TCP/IP or IPX networks.

Default Value: 000 Range: 000 to 999

ZEBRA is selected, the printer

DSR/DTR for host handshake protocol.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

4. Press

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

Set Communications Mode

The communication diagnostics mode is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer. For more information, see Communications Diagnostics Te st on page 120.

Default Value: NORMAL MODE Selections: NORMAL MODE, DIAGNOSTICS

To select communication diagnostics mode:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

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

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

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 17 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Set Control Prefix Character

The printer looks for this two-digit hex character to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II control instruction.

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

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

Default Value: 7E ~ Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

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

ZPL and XML only Set Format Prefix Character

The format prefix is a two-digit hex value used a s a parameter place marke r in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. The printer looks for this hex character to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II format instruction. See the ZPL Programming Guid e for more information.

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

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

Default Value: 5E ^ Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

4. Press

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

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Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 18 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Set Delimiter Character

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

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

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

Default Value: 2C , Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

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

ZPL and XML only Select ZPL Mode

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

Default Value: ZPL II Range: ZPL II, ZPL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 19 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Select Media Power-Up Option

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

Default Value: CALIBRATION Selections: CALIBRATION, SHORT CAL, LENGTH, NO MOTION,

FEED

• Calibration adjusts sensor levels and thresholds, determines length,

and feeds the media to the next web.

• Short Cal sets media and web thresholds without adjusting sensor

gain, determines length, and feeds the media to the next web.

• Length determines label length using current sensor valu es, and feeds

the media to the next web.

• No Motion tells the printer not to move the media. You must

manually ensure that the web is positioned correctly, or press feed to position the next web.

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

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

Select Head Close Option

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

Default Value: CALIBRATION Selections: CALIBRATION, SHORT CAL, LENGTH, NO MOTION,

FEED

• Calibration adjusts sensor levels and thresholds, determines length,

and feeds the media to the next web.

• Short Cal sets media and web thresholds without adjusting sensor

gain, determines length, and feeds the media to the next web.

• Length determines label length using current sensor valu es, and feeds

the media to the next web.

• No Motion tells the printer not to move the media. You must

manually ensure that the web is positioned correctly, or press feed to position the next web.

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

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 20 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Select Backfeed Sequence

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

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

Programming Guid e for more information). Default Value: DEFAULT (90%) Selections: DEFAULT, AFTER, OFF, BEFORE, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,

50%, 60%, 70%, 80%

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

Adjust Label Top Position

This parameter adjusts the print positi on vertically on the label. Positive numbers adjust the label top position farther down the label (away from the printhead) by the specified number of dots. Negative numbers adjust the position up the label (toward the printhead).

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

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

PLUS (+) to increase the value.

3. Press MINUS (-) to decrease the value.

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjust Left Position

This parameter adjusts the print position horizontally on the label. Positive numbers adjust printing to the left by the specified number of dots. Negative numbers shift printing to the right.

Default Value: 0000 Range: –9999 to +9999 dots

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

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

4. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 21 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Set Reprint Mode

When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last label printed either by issuing the ~PR ZPL command or by pressing MINUS (-) on the control panel.

Default Value: DISABLED Selections: ENABLED, DISABLED

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

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

See next column View Sensor Settings

These parameters are automatically set during the calibration procedure and should be changed only by a qualified service technician. Refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide for information on these parameters.

To skip these parameters:

1. Press PLUS (+) to skip each of the following parameters:

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 22 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

ZPL and XML only Select Format Convert

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.

Default Value: NONE Selections: NONE, 150 → 300, 150 → 600, 200 → 600, 300 → 600

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Idle Display

This parameter selects the LCD options for the real-time clock.

Note • If the default value is not selected, pressing PLUS (+) or

MINUS (-) briefly displays the firmware version of the printer.

Default Value: FIRMWARE (FW) VERSION Selections: MM/DD/YY (24HR), MM/DD/YY (12HR), DD/MM/YY

(24HR), DD/MM/YY (12HR), FW VERSION

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

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Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 23 of 24)

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Set Real-Time Clock (RTC) Date

This parameter allows you to set the date following the convention selected in IDLE DISPLAY.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

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

3. Press

4. Press

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

Set RTC Time

This parameter allows you to set the time following the convention selected

IDLE DISPLAY.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press the left oval

3. Press the right oval

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

PLUS (+) to change the value of the digit.

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

Specify Password Level

This parameter allows you to select whether certain factory-selected menu items or all menu items are password protected.

Default Value: SELECTED ITEMS Selections: SELECTED ITEMS, ALL ITEMS

1. Press

2. Press

SELECT to select the parameter. PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

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

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Table 12 • Printer Parameters (Page 24 of 24)

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Parameter

Action/Explanation

Select the Display Language

This parameter changes the language displayed on the LCD. Each language selection is displayed in the language itself.

Default Value: ENGLISH Selections: ENGLISH, SPANISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN,

NORWEGIAN, PORTUGUESE, SWEDISH, DANISH, SPANISH 2, DUTCH, FINNISH, JAPANESE, KOREAN, SIMPLIFIED CHINESE, TRADITIONAL CHINESE

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press

3. Press

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

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

Configuration

Control Panel Parameters

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Routine Maintenance

This section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Contents

Replacing Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Recycling Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Clean the Cutter Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

Routine Maintenance

Replacing Printer Components

Some printer components, such as the printhead and platen roller, may wear out over time and can be replaced easily. Regular cleaning may extend the life of some of these components . See

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures on page 89 for the recommended cleaning intervals.

Ordering Replacement Parts

For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product line, Zebra strongly recommends the use of genuine Zebra™ supplies as part of the total solution. Specifically, the ZM400 and ZM600 are designed to work only with genuine Zebra™ printheads, thus maximizing safety and print quality.

Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for part ordering information, or see Contacts

on page 3 for contact addresses and telephone numbers.

Recycling Printer Components

The majority of this printer’s components are recyclable. The printer’s main logic board includes a battery that you should dispose of properly.

Do not dispose of any printer components in unsorted municipal waste. Please dispose of the battery according to your local regulations, and recycle the other printer components according to your local standards. For more information, see

http://www.zebra.com/environment.

Lubrication

No lubrication is needed for this printer.

Caution • Some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the

mechanical parts if used on this printer.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures

Important • Zebra is not responsible for damage caused by the use of cleaning fluids on this

printer.

Specific cleaning procedures are provided on the following pages. Table 14 shows the recommended cleaning schedule. These intervals are intended as guidelines only. You may have to clean more often, depending upon your application and media.

Table 14 • Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Area Method Interval

Printhead Solvent* Direct Thermal Mode: After every roll of Platen roller Solvent* Media sensors Air blow Ribbon sensor Air blow Media path Solvent*

media (or 500 feet of fanfold media). Thermal Transfer Mode: After every roll of

ribbon or three rolls of media.

Ribbon path Solvent* Pinch roller (part of Peel-Off option) Solvent* Cutter

module

If cutting continuous, pressure-sensitive media

If cutting tag stock or label liner material

Solvent* After every roll of media (or more often,

depending upon your application and media).

Solvent* and

After every two or three rolls of media.

air blow Tear-off/peel-off bar Solvent* Once a month. Take-label sensor Air blow Once every six months.

* Zebra recommends using Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362). In place of this kit, you may use a clean swab

dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%).

Clean the Exterior

You may clean the exterior surfaces of the printer with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of a mild detergent, if necessary. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents.

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller

Y o u can minimize printhead wear and maintai n print quality with regular preventiv e measures. Over time, the movement of media or ribbon across the printhead wears through the protective ceramic coating, exposing and eventually damaging the print elements (dots). To avoid abrasion:

• Clean the printhead frequently, and use well-lubricated thermal transfer ribbons with backings optimized to reduce friction.

• Minimize printhead pressure and burn temperature settings by optimizing the balance between the two.

• Ensure that the thermal transfer ribbon is as wide or wider than the label medi a to pre vent exposing the elements to the more abrasive label material.

For best results, clean the printhead after changing every roll of ribbon. Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, may indicate a dirty printhead.

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

Note • For printers with a peel assembly, keep the peel assembly closed while cleaning the

platen roller to reduce the risk of bending the tear-off/peel-off bar.

Figure 15 • Location of the Printhead and Platen Roller

Printhead assembly

Platen roller

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead

to cool.

Caution • Before touching the printhead assembly, discharge any built-up static electricity

by touching the metal printer frame or by using an antistatic wriststrap and mat.

To clean the printhead and platen roller, complete these steps:

1. Open the printhead assembly.

2. Remove the media and ribbon.

3. Using the swab from the Preventive Maintena nce Kit (part number 473 62), wipe along th e

brown strip on the printhead assembly from end to end. In place of the Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to evaporate.

3/27/07 ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 79695L-001 Rev. A

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

4. While manually rotating the platen roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab. Allow the

solvent to evaporate.

5. Reload media and ribbon, and close the printhead assembly.

Note • If performing this procedure does not improve print quality, try cleaning the

printhead with Save-A-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamination buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra reseller for more information.

79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07

Zebra ZM400 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Declaration of Conformity

Compliance Information

Contents

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

How This Document Is Organized

Contacts

Web Site

The Americas

Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Document Conventions

Introduction

External View

Printer Media Compartment

Control Panel

Control Panel Buttons

Control Panel Lights

Printer Language Modes

Firmware Downloads

Additional Printer Language Information

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Handling the Printer

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

Store the Printer

Ship the Printer

Select a Site for the Printer

Select a Surface

Provide Proper Operating Conditions

Allow Proper Space

Provide a Data Source

Provide a Power Source

Select a Data Communication Interface

Data Cables and Wireless Cards

Connect the Printer to the Computer or Network

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

Power Cord Specifications

Types of Media

Ribbon Overview

When to Use Ribbon

Coated Side of Ribbon

Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements

Media Paths

Load Media

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up)

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode

Load Ribbon

Remove Used Ribbon

Calibrate the Printer

Auto Calibration

Manual Calibration

Adjust Printhead Pressure

Configuration

Setup Mode

Enter Setup Mode

Exit Setup Mode

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Default Password Value

Disable the Password Protection Feature

Print a Configuration Label

Print a Network Configuration Label

Control Panel Parameters

How to View or Modify Parameters

Additional Parameters

Standard Printer Parameters

Routine Maintenance

Replacing Printer Components

Ordering Replacement Parts

Recycling Printer Components

Lubrication