Zebra ZQ500 Installation Guide

ZQ500 Series

Vehicle Cradle

Installation Guide

© 2016, ZIH Corp.

P1071204-003
March 2016

Contents

Product Improvements..........................................................3

FCC Compliance Statement...................................................3

Canadian Compliance Statement...........................................3

Agency Approvals and Regulatory Information......................3

Liability Disclaimer.................................................................3

No Liability for Consequential Damage..................................4

Copyrights.............................................................................4

Document Conventions......................................................5

Installation Safety..............................................................6

Indicator and Parts Descriptions........................................7

Descriptions ..................................................................................7

Figure 1: ZQ500 Vehicle Cradle..........................................7

Packaging Contents...........................................................8

Introduction.......................................................................8

Power Adaptors..............................................................................8

USB Cables.....................................................................................8

Figure 2: Packaging............................................................8

Required for Installation.....................................................9

Figure 3: Mounting Holes...................................................9

Tasks for Installation.....................................................................10

Cradle Preparation.........................................................................10

Cable Routing................................................................................10

Installation .......................................................................10

Using the Printer on the Cradle......................................................11

Figure 4: Docking the Printer............................................11

Printer Removal.............................................................................12

Operational Notes..........................................................................12

Figure 5: Un-Docking the Printer.......................................12

Cradle Indicators...........................................................................13

USB Connectors.............................................................................13

Connecting a PC/Laptop to USB Port............................................13

Figure 6: Micro-USB Port..................................................13

Installing the Mounting Arm.............................................14

Mounting Hardware......................................................................14

Vehicle Cradle Preparation............................................................14

Figure 7: Optional Mounting Arm Dimensions...................15

Figure 8: Securing the Vehicle Cradle...............................15

Appendix A: Technical Specifications...............................16

Technical Support.............................................................17

U.S. Only.......................................................................................17

All Others......................................................................................17

pg. 2 P1071204-003

Proprietary Statements

This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely
for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such
proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other
purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

Product Improvements

Since continuous product improvement is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation, all specifications
and signs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

Class B digital device. Tested to comply with FCC standards.

WARNING: Exposure to Radio Frequency radiation with certain versions of the printer used with this
product. To conform to FCC RF exposure requirements this device shall be used in accordance with the
operating conditions and instructions listed in the printer’s User Guide. There are several radio options
available with the printer used in conjunction with this product. Additional regulatory information is
contained in the printer’s Users Guide in sections devoted to each radio option.

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Compliance Statement

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

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme á la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

“IC:” before the equipment ce rtific ation number signifies t hat the Industr y Canada technical speci fications were me t.
It does not guarantee that the certified product will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Agency Approvals and Regulatory Information

• FCC part 15 Class B

• Canadian STD ICES-003 Class B

• EN55022 Class B European Electromagnetic Radiation Standard

• EN55024 European Immunity Standard

• EN60950 Safety Standard

• RCM (Australia/New Zealand)

• CU (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus)

• SII (Israel)

• CE (EU/EFTA)

• E-Mark (EU/EFTA)

• SABS (South Africa)

Liability Disclaimer

In as much as every effort has been made to supply accurate information in this manual, Zebra
Technologies Corporation is not liable for any erroneous information or omissions. Zebra Technologies
Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

P1071204-003 pg. 3

No Liability for Consequential Damage

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, damages for loss of business profits,
business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of
or 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. Because some states do not allow the exclusion of liability for consequential or incidental
damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.

Copyrights

The copyrights in this manual and the label print engine described therein are owned by Zebra
Technologies Corporation. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label
print engine may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506).
Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.

ZebraLink and all produc t names and numbers are trademark s, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, Element
Energy Equalizer Circuit, and E3 Circuit are registered trademarks of ZIH Corp. All rights reserved worldwide.

CG Triumvirate is a trademar k of AGFA Monotyp e Corporation. All r ights reser ved worldwide. CG Triumviratetm
font © AGFA Monotype Corporation. Intellifont® portion © AGFA Monotype Corporation. All rights reserved
worldwide. UFST is a registered trademark of AGFA Monotype Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide.

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

©2016 ZIH Corp

pg. 4 P1071204-003

Document Conventions

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

Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.

Caution • Warns you of a potential electric shock situation.

Warning • Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with the electrical circuitry and be familiar with
standard practices for preventing accidents.

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

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

Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important points of the main text.

P1071204-003 pg. 5

Installation Safety

Caution • Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this

equipment.

Warning • It is very important to ensure that the correct power adaptor is connected to the cradle.

Note • Zebra Technologies Corporation is not liable for personal injury or damage to any equipment

caused by the improper installation of this equipment to any power source.

Caution • This equipment should be installed in accordance with this installation guide and under the

supervision of properly trained and qualified personnel.

Caution • Do not place coins, keys, paper clips, or other objects on the cradle or the 12-pin connectors.

Caution • Use only the approved power supply for the ZQ500VC. Use of an alternative power supply

will void the product warranty and may cause product damage.

pg. 6 P1071204-003

Indicator and Parts Descriptions

8

Figure 1: ZQ500 Vehicle Cradle

7

1

6

2

3

8

9

5

(1 not visible)

4

Descriptions

1. 12-pin docking port connector for printer

2. USB port Type A Host

3. USB port Micro B

4. Power Indicator

5. RAM mount fixing holes (4)

6. Printer release button

7. DC power supply input jack (Open cover to expose)

8. D-shape adaptor mounting holes (4)

9. D-shape adaptor (4 screws)

P1071204-003 pg. 7

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Packaging

D-Shape Adaptor (4 screws)

(Optional)

475 Half Day Road, Suite 500
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 USA

T: +1 847.634.6700 or +1 800.423.0442

In the Americas contact:

475 Half Day Road, Suite 500
Lincolnshire, IL 60069 USA

T: +1 847.634.6700 or +1 800.423.0442

In Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and India contact:

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Dukes Meadow, Millboard Road
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire SL8 5XF, UK
T: [phone]
F: [phone]

120 Robinson Road
#06-01 Parakou Building
Singapore 068913
T: [phone]
F: [phone]

AA18153-104 Rev. B
August 2012

Figure 2: Packaging

AA18153-104

Introduction

The ZQ500VC allows the user to dock a ZQ510 or ZQ520 printer in a vehicle. The cradle provides

battery charging power while still maintaining all of the printer’s functionality.

The cradle has 3 input connections:

• A DC power supply input connects to the power adapter (not included).

• A standard USB connector.

• A micro USB connector connects with an input device (i.e. PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.).

Power Adaptors

Part # Description

P1031365 -024 KIT ACC Mobile AC ADAPTER US (type A) cord

P1031359 KIT, ACC, CHARGER, LIGHTER PLUG, VEHICLE ADAPTOR MOBILE

P1050667-026 KIT ACC QLn420-VC – 15V – 60V to 12V

P1063406-030 KIT, ACC DC-DC VEHICLE ADAPTER, OPEN ENDED, 12~24V, ZQ500/QLn Series

P1063406-031 KIT, ACC DC-DC VEHICLE ADAPTER, CIG, 12~24V

P1063406-034 KIT, ACC CONVERT CABLE, 6 inch, ZQ500 Series

USB Cables

Part # Description “L” D IM

P1063406-045 KIT, ACC MICRO,USB,B, to,USB,A,PLUG,1.8M, ZQ500 SERIES 1.8 m +/- 6 mm

P1063406-046 KIT, ACC MICRO,USB,B to USB,A,PLUG, 3.5M, ZQ500 Series 3.5 m +/- 6 mm

pg. 8 P1071204-003

The following instructions detail the installation and use of the cradle. Following these

instructions closely will ensure safe, reliable performance of the printer when docked on the cradle.

The printer runs off its own battery, which is monitored and charged by circuitry within the

printer.

The user should always refer to the ZQ500 Series Printer Users Guide (P1064404-001) for

complete information on using the printer.

Required for Installation

When attaching the ZQ500VC on the desktop, use the four (4) through holes circled below along

with the following tools and parts:

• An electric drill with a 1/4” (6 mm) drill bit

• Common hand tools

• Wood screws (4)

Note • Use of appropriate hardware to secure the cradle to the desktop or wall is the responsibility

of the installer. Hardware used to secure the cradle on the desktop is not supplied in the installation
kits.

Figure 3: Mounting Holes

P1071204-003 pg. 9

Installation

The ZQ500VC allows you to dock a ZQ510 or ZQ520 printer. The installation of the cradle
includes an AC/DC power adapter, which provides power to run the printer and charge its
battery. A USB cable is required to connect the cradle to the PC if applicable.

Tasks for Installation

• Mechanically prepare and install the Vehicle Cradle.

• Connect the power adapter to the cradle.

Note • It is important to leave a free zone around the printer to allow the loading of media.

Cradle Preparation

Plan your installation with the above considerations in mind. Locate the printers and cradle so that the

operator can easily load printing media and operate the printer’s controls.

1. Select a loc ation with flat sur face with a free zone around the prin ter to allow for the loading of media.

2. Plug the power adapter into the bottom of the cradle (Figure 1 #7).

3. Plug the USB cable into the micro USB port of the cradle if applicable. (Figure 1 #3).

4. Make sure that the AC power adapter cable routing does not invite damage to the cable. To
avoid unintentional contact between the wire and any sharp edges, provide the cable with proper
bushings and clamping where it passes through openings.

Cable Routing

Option 1

Option 2

pg. 10 P1071204-003

+M

XXXXXXXXXXXX

+M

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Using the Printer on the Cradle

Prepare the printer for docking onto the cradle by doing the following:

• Remove the battery.

• Use a coin or small screwdriver to remove the plastic Docking Contacts Cover on the bottom of
the printer.

• Re-install the battery.

• If necess ary, clean any residue from the docking cont acts using a Zebra cleaning pen or a cot ton swab with
70% Isopropyl alcohol.

• Angle the front of the printer toward the two (2) guide prongs on the front of the cradle as shown in Step 1
below. Gently slide the printer onto the cradle.

• Press the printer down and onto the cradle until the latches lock it firmly in place (Step 2).

Figure 4: Docking the Printer

2

1

P1071204-003 pg. 11

• Verify that the charge LED indicator on the front of the printer and power indicator LED
(Figure 1 #4) on the cradle’s panel are lit.

• The printer will turn on automatically when docked if the cradle is powered on.

All ZQ500 Series printers will charge when docked on the cradle. See the ZQ500 Series User Guide
for instructions.

Printer Removal

Remove the printer from the Vehicle Cradle by following the steps below:

1. Push the Eject Button (Figure 1 #6) on the back of the cradle in the direction shown below.

2. Pivot the printer up and out of the cradle.

Figure 5: Un-Docking the Printer

2

1

Operational Notes

The media compartment and operator controls can be reached while the printer is secured to the cradle.
If you need to take out the printer, follow the removal procedure detailed above in the Printer Installation and

Removal section.

If using a printer that has a Bluetooth or 802.11 radio, that radio can be used while the printer is

docked.

The USB ports on the printer can be used while the printer is docked.
The DC input barrel jack connection on the printer can NOT be used while the printer is in the cradle.

pg. 12 P1071204-003

Cradle Indicators

The cradle has LED indicators on the front panel. The power LED (Figures 1 #4 ) is green when
power is supplied to the cradle. Charging status will be displayed on the charge LED on the front of
the printer.

A fault condition could be c aused by the batter y’s internal temperature exceeding its specified limits (too hot or
too cold), or could be caused by an internal short in the ba ttery. Allow the battery to ret urn to specified charging
temperature range and try to recharge. If the fault condition persists, discontinue use of the battery.

Note • If the charge LED on the printer is not illuminated, the printer is not seated properly in the cradle.

Eject and re-dock the printer and observe if the charging LED is illuminated.

USB Connectors

The cradle has two (2) USB ports:

• A standard USB connector.

• A micro USB connector connects with an input device (i.e. PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.).

Note • Under normal circumstances, the Micro-USB port requires the user to install a separate driver.

Drivers are available on http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.

Connecting a PC/Laptop to the Cradle Micro-USB Port

• Plug 12VDC adapter into Vehicle Cradle. The power LED (Figures 1 #4 ) is green when power is
supplied to the cradle.

• Connect the PC/Laptop to the cradle Micro-USB port via a micro-USB cable (see Fig. 6).

• Install the driver on PC/Laptop.

• Install a battery in the printer. Dock the printer into the cradle and power on the printer.

• On the application of PC/Laptop, select the virtual COM port named “USB Serial Port (COMx)”.

• The setting of the virtual COM port has to be matched with the ZQ500 printer’s default Settings.

• (Available Choices and SGD commands listed in the table on Page 14.)

• The printer is now ready to accept print jobs.

Micro-USB Port

Figure 6: Micro-USB Port

P1071204-003 pg. 13

Note • Refer to the table below for serial port settings.

Parameters ZQ500 Default

Available Choices SGD Commands

Settings

Baud Rate 9600 9600

19200
38400
57600
115 20 0

Flow Control rts/cts xon/xof f

rts/cts

none
Data Bits 8 N/A N/A
Parity N N/A N/A
Stop Bits 1 N/A N/A
DSR on N/A N/A

cradle.com m.baud

cradle.com m.hand shake

Installing the Mounting Arm

Description

An optional mounting arm (Zebra p/n P1010338) is offered for use with the Vehicle Cradle which
allows a more versatile method of positioning the ZQ500 Series printers. It consists of an arm with
a ball and socket joint at either end, which in turn are terminated with a mounting flange. One flange
is secured to the Cradle by the four mounting holes provided on the bottom plate, and the other is
secured to the desired mounting surface. A clamp on the arm locks the Cradle in the desired position.

Installation

Caution: Mount the Printer and Vehicle Cradle where it will not hit the operator in case of an accident.

Warning: Do not connect the input power cable to the Vehicle Cradle until the Cradle and Mounting Arm

installation has been completed.

For ease of installation, the Arm can be disassembled by loosening the clamp enough to remove the
two ball and socket flanged ends. These end flanges can then be easily secured to the Vehicle Cradle
and the desired mounting surface. Then the arm can be slipped over the two ends and the clamp
tightened to secure the Cradle in position.

When installing the mounting arm, remember that the arm provides a considerable range of
movement for the Vehicle Cradle and Printer. Extra clearance should be provided for this movement if
it is desired in the installation.

pg. 14 P1071204-003

Mounting Hardware

Mounting hardware is supplied with the Mounting Arm Kit. The #10-32 or #10-24 screws should be
used to secure one end of the arm to the bottom of the Vehicle Cradle. The #10-24 x 3/4” screws and
associated hardware may be used to secure the other end of the arm to the desired mounting surface.

Vehicle Cradle Preparation

Refer to the section on Vehicle Cradle Preparation earlier in this manual for more specific
instructions and illustrations on securing the power cable to the Cradle. Locate the Printer and Cradle
so the operator can easily load printing media when installed with the Mounting Arm, operate the
printer’s controls and perform routine maintenance such as cleaning the printhead. Follow these steps:

1. Select a location in the vehicle that will avoid personal contact in case of an accident.

2. Turn the Cradle upside down and plug the input power cable into the bottom of the Cradle.

• Route the input power cable out of the Cradle. Note that it can be routed out either side of the
Cradle and that there are retaining features in the Cradle to keep the cable in place. Refer to
Figure 3.

• Be sure to leave enough slack in the power cable to allow the Mounting Arm to pivot freely
without putting strain on the power connections.

• Make sure that the input power cable routing does not invite damage to the cable when the
Vehicle Cradle is pivoted.

3. Secure one of the mounting flanges from the movable arm to the bottom of the Vehicle Cradle
with the four (4) #10-32 or #10-24 screws supplied with the Mounting Arm.

4. Secure the other mounting flange on the movable arm to the desired mounting surface. You
can use the #10-24 x 3/4” screws and associated hardware supplied in the Mounting Arm Kit or use
other hardware as the mounting conditions dictate.

7.3 5 ”

[187 mm]

2.43” [62 mm}

R .91” [23 mm}

1.19” [30 mm}

Figure 7: Optional Mounting Arm
Dimensions

1.50” [38 mm}

P1071204-003 pg. 15

Figure 8: Securing the Vehicle Cradle

Use #10 (1” long srews)
hardware supplied with
kit to secure to Cradle

Vehicle Cradle

Tightening Clamp

Use #10 (3/4” small srews)
hardware supplied with
kit to secure to mounting
surface

pg. 16 P1071204-003

Appendix A: Technical Specifications

Physical

• Height: 36.9 mm (1.45 in.)

• Length: 183.5 mm (7.22 in.)

• Width: 145.5 mm (5.72 in.)

• Weight (cradle only): 0.253 kg (0.55 lb.)

Environmental

• Operating Temp: -4°F (-20°C) to 104°F (40°C)

• Storage Temp: -22°F (-30°C) to 150.8°F (66°C)

• Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing

• Drop 3 ft. (0.9 m) to concrete (with printer)

• Drop: 4 ft (1.2 m) to concrete (without printer)

• Vibration: Per Mil-Std-810

P1071204-003 pg. 17

Technical Support

Zebra Technologies Corporation

3 Overlook Point
Lincolnshire, IL

⭫䈓φ

2

U.S. Only

Zebra maintains a help line for questions involving installation and use of the EC Quad Cradle.
Please have as much information as possible regarding your particular application ready when you call to

enable the technical support personnel to help you. The number in the U.S. is

(800)-423-0442 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 P.M. E.S.T.

All Others

For technical support, please contact your local Zebra sales representative listed below:

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Dukes Meadow
Millboard Road
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire SL8 5XF, UK

T: [phone]
F: [phone]

Zebra Technologies Asia Pacic, LLC
120 Robinson Road
#06-01 Parakou Building
Singapore 068913
T: [phone]
F: [phone]

Zebra Technologies
Latin America Sales Oce
9800 NW 41 Street
Suite 220
Doral, Florida 33178 USA
T: +1.305.558.8470
F: +1.305.558.8485

+1 847.634.6700 ᡌ +1 800.423.044

pg. 18 P1071204-003

60069 USA