ZR138
Mobile Printer
User Guide
P1123853-01EN
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many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2021 Zebra Technologies Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document
is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied
only in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
For further information regarding legal and proprietary statements, please go to:
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END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT: zebra.com/eula
Terms of Use
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries
(“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and
maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced,
or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra
Technologies.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies. All specifications and designs are
subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Zebra Technologies takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering specifications and manuals are
correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to correct any such errors and
disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Zebra Technologies or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the
accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever
(including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits, business
interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability to
use such product, even if Zebra Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some
jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
©2019 Zebra Technologies Corporation
Publication Date
June 1, 2021
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Contents
Printer Overview ................................................................................................................................. 6
Unpacking and Inspection............................................................................................... 7
Reporting Damage........................................................................................................... 7
Battery............................................................................................................................. 8
Printing Technology ........................................................................................................ 9
Product Information QR Code.......................................................................................... 9
Near Field Communication (NFC)................................................................................. 10
Printer Features ............................................................................................................ 11
Using the Printer............................................................................................................................... 12
Preparing the Battery for Use......................................................................................... 12
Installing/Removing Battery & Battery Tape Insulator ............................................ 12
Removing the Battery....................................................................................... 12
Removing the Battery Tape Insulator............................................................... 13
Battery Safety ......................................................................................................... 15
Charging the Battery............................................................................................... 15
AC-to-USB Charger ......................................................................................... 15
1-Slot Battery Charger............................................................................................ 16
Loading Media............................................................................................................... 18
Loading Media Procedure ...................................................................................... 18
Operator Controls........................................................................................................... 19
Printer Status Icons........................................................................................................ 20
Information Screen........................................................................................................ 22
Timed Messages .................................................................................................... 22
User Activity Messages .......................................................................................... 22
Configuration Screen.............................................................................................. 23
Sleep Screen .......................................................................................................... 23
Buttons ................................................................................................................... 24
Verify Printer is Working ......................................................................................... 24
Printing a Configuration Report .............................................................................. 24
Connecting the Printer ................................................................................................... 24
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Contents
USB Communications ............................................................................................ 25
ZR1 Mobile Configuration Tool ...................................................................................... 25
Wireless Communications with Bluetooth...................................................................... 26
Bluetooth Networking Overview ............................................................................. 26
Bluetooth Security Modes .............................................................................................. 27
Bluetooth Minimum Security Modes ....................................................................... 28
Setting Up the Software ................................................................................................. 29
Designing Labels............................................................................................................ 29
Using Pre-Printed Receipt Media ........................................................................... 30
Black Mark Dimensions (Receipt Media)................................................................ 30
Label Areas ............................................................................................................ 31
Label Design Examples.......................................................................................... 32
Keep-Out Areas...................................................................................................... 33
Using Near Field Communication (NFC)....................................................................... 34
NFC Use Cases...................................................................................................... 34
Passive............................................................................................................. 34
Wearing the Printer ....................................................................................................... 36
Swivel Belt Clip....................................................................................................... 36
Shoulder Strap........................................................................................................ 37
Soft Case................................................................................................................ 38
Preventive Maintenance................................................................................................ 39
Extending Battery Life ............................................................................................ 39
General Cleaning Instructions ................................................................................ 39
Cleaning ................................................................................................................. 40
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................... 41
LCD Control Panel Indicators......................................................................................... 41
Troubleshooting Topics.................................................................................................. 41
No power ................................................................................................................ 41
Media does not feed ............................................................................................... 41
Poor or faded print.................................................................................................. 41
Partial or missing print ............................................................................................ 41
Garbled print........................................................................................................... 42
No print ................................................................................................................... 42
Reduced battery charge life.................................................................................... 42
Data icon flashing ................................................................................................... 42
Media Out or Head Open icons flashing................................................................. 42
Communication error .............................................................................................. 42
Label binding .......................................................................................................... 42
Skip Labels ............................................................................................................. 42
Blank LCD screen................................................................................................... 43
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Contents
No NFC Connectivity .............................................................................................. 43
Troubleshooting Tests.................................................................................................... 43
Printing a Configuration Label ................................................................................ 43
Communications Diagnostics ................................................................................. 43
Contacting Technical Support........................................................................................ 44
Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 46
Printing Specifications.................................................................................................... 46
Memory and Communications Specifications ................................................................ 46
Label Specifications ....................................................................................................... 47
CPCL Font and Bar Code Specifications and Commands............................................ 48
Physical, Environmental and Electrical Specifications.................................................. 49
ZR138 Dimensions........................................................................................................ 50
Accessories................................................................................................................... 51
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................... 52
Serial Number and PCC Number Locations .................................................................. 52
USB Cable ..................................................................................................................... 53
Media Supplies.............................................................................................................. 54
Maintenance Supplies.................................................................................................... 54
Battery and Product Disposal......................................................................................... 54
Alert Messages ............................................................................................................. 55
5
Printer Overview
This user guide gives you the information that you need to operate the ZR138 Mobile Printer. The
printer uses technologies such as USB charging (Type-C connector),
Bluetooth
devices such as an iPhone or iPad.
This printer uses CPCL and ESC/POS programming languages to configure the printer and print
properties, label design, and communications. Refer to the CPCL Programming Guide and the ESC/POS
Programming guide at zebra.com/manuals
Software Resources and Utilities:
• ZebraNet Bridge Enterprise: printer configuration, fleet management
• ZR1 Mobile Configuration Tool: single printer configuration, quick setup
• ZebraDesigner Pro v2: label design
• Zebra Designer Drivers: Windows driver
• OPOS Driver: Windows driver
5.0, Near Field Communication (NFC) and BT Low Energy (BTLE) to connect with Apple
for more information.
• Multiplatform SDK or ZR138 SDK (CPCL and ESC/POS only)
• Zebra Downloader
• Mobile Label Designer ( 斑马智印）
(Theseutilities can be found on the Zebra website at zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads
.
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Unpacking and Inspection
In case shipping is required, save the carton and all packing material.
• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.
• Open the media cover (refer to Loading Media on page 18) and inspect the media compartment for
damage.
Printer Overview
1
5
4
1 Quick Start Guide 4 Battery Pack
2 USB Cable 5 AC-to-USB Adapter
3 Printer
2
3
Reporting Damage
If you discover shipping damage:
• Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company. Zebra Technologies
Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during shipment of the printer and will not cover
the repair of this damage under its warranty policy.
• Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.
• Notify your authorized Zebra reseller.
7
Battery
Printer Overview
The printer uses a two-cell Li-Ion battery pack with a charge time of under 3.5 hours using a 7.5W USB
charger while printer power is on. The battery allows the printer to print reliably without recharge for three
work days under the following conditions: 25 stops per day and will power up the device 25 times per day;
up to 500 3x8.5 in. receipts per 8-hour shift with 13% coverage.
Operating Temperature Charging Temperature Storage Temperature
-10°C to 50°C
(14°F to 122°F)
NOTE: Note the following:
- Power down the printer before removing the battery to minimize the risk of corruption.
- The printer will only function properly with genuine Zebra battery packs.
0°C to 40°C
(32°F to 104°F)
-20°C to 60°C
(-4°F to 140°F)
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Printing Technology
The printer uses the Direct Thermal method to print human readable text, graphics and barcodes. It
incorporates a sophisticated print engine for optimal printing under all operational conditions. Direct
thermal printing uses heat to cause a chemical reaction on specially treated media. This reaction creates a
dark mark wherever a heated element on the printhead comes in contact with the media. Because the
printing elements are arranged very densely at 203 dpi (dots per inch) horizontal and 200 dpi vertical,
highly legible characters and graphic elements may be created a row at a time as the media is advanced
past the printhead. This technology has the advantage of simplicity, as there is no requirement for
consumable supplies such as ink or toner. However, since the media is sensitive to heat, it will gradually
lose legibility over long periods of time, especially if exposed to environments with relatively high
temperatures or in direct sunlight.
Product Information QR Code
The QR code includes human readable text URL, for example zebra.com/zr138-info, which links the user
to printer information and videos on topics such as buying supplies, features overview, loading media,
printing a configuration report, cleaning instructions, and accessory information.
Figure 1 QR Code
Printer Overview
QR Code
9
Printer Overview
Near Field Communication (NFC)
The printer supports a passive NFC tag which complies with the Android Standard Tag format. The NFC
tag is programmed from the factory and supports Bluetooth pairing to enable a tablet, smartphone or
terminal to automatically pair with the printer via a Bluetooth connection (within the bounds of the security
profile being used).
The NFC tag also supports app launching whereby an app developed either by Zebra or a third party
launches on an NFC-enabled smartphone, tablet or terminal. Similarly, the NFC tag enables launching to a
web support page via a tablet, smartphone or terminal. (See Using Near Field Communication (NFC) on
page 34.)
NOTE: Tapping the Zebra Print Touch icon with an NFC-enabled mobile device will provide instant access
to printer-specific information. For more information about NFC and Zebra products, go to zebra.com/nfc
Bluetooth pairing applications via NFC is also possible. Please see Zebra Multi-platform SDK for more
information.
.
10
Printer Features
Figure 2 Overview of Features
Printer Overview
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10
8
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1 Platen Roller 10 Configure Button
2 Back Side Sensor 11 Power Button
3 Latch Release Lever 12 LCD Display
4 Front Side Sensor 13 Printhead
5 Tear Bar 14 Media Cover
6 Print Touch Icon (NFC) 15 Belt Clip Mounting Hole
7 USB Port 16 Battery
8 Media Feed Button 17 QR Code
9 Strap Posts 18 MAC Address Label
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Using the Printer
Preparing the Battery for Use
Installing/Removing Battery & Battery Tape Insulator
IMPORTANT: Batteries are shipped in sleep mode to preserve their maximum capacity while in storage
prior to initial use. The battery needs an initial charging to wake it up before using for the first time. (See
Charging the Battery on page 15.)
Removing the Battery
1. Depress the release tab on the battery pack and begin to rotate the battery out of the battery
compartment.
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Using the Printer
Lift the battery pack up and out of the battery well.
2.
Removing the Battery Tape Insulator
CAUTION: The battery can explode, leak or catch fire if improperly charged or exposed to high
temperature. Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts or dispose in fire or water.
Charge on a Zebra approved Lithium-Ion charger only.
1. Turn the battery pack over and locate the battery tape over the contacts.
2. Peel off the battery tape to expose the contacts and discard.
Battery Tape
Battery Contacts
13
Installing the Battery
1. Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the printer.
2. Angle the battery pack and insert it into the battery compartment.
Using the Printer
3. Rotate the battery into the compartment until it locks in place and is sitting flush in the printer.
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Battery Safety
CAUTION: Avoid accidental short circuiting of any battery. Allowing battery terminals to contact conductive
material creates a short circuit which could cause burns and other injuries or could start a fire.
IMPORTANT: Always refer to the Important Safety Information data sheet shipped with each printer and
the Technical Bulletin shipped with each battery pack. These documents detail procedures to ensure
maximum reliability and safety while using this printer.
IMPORTANT: Always dispose of used batteries properly. Refer to Appendix E for more battery recycling
information.
CAUTION: Use of any charger not approved specifically by Zebra for use with its batteries could cause
damage to the battery pack or the printer and will void the warranty.
CAUTION: Do not incinerate, disassemble, short circuit, or expose to temperatures higher than 65°C
(149°F).
Charging the Battery
CAUTION: Do not place any charger in locations where liquids or metallic objects may be dropped into the
charging bays.
Using the Printer
AC-to-USB Charger
1. Plug the AC-to-USB adapter into the wall outlet and then plug the USB cable into the adapter
2. Rotate the rubber door on the side of the printer to access the USB port.
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Connect the USB cable to the printer.
3.
IMPORTANT: Batteries that have reached partial charge capacity may be used. However, it is
recommended that you allow the batteries to reach a full charge to maintain maximum battery life.
1-Slot Battery Charger
The 1-Slot Battery Charger allows one battery to be charged at a time and features an LED that displays
solid red when charging and solid green when the battery is fully charged.
Using the Printer
1. Plug the USB cable into the port on the back of the charger.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the AC-to-USB adapter and plug the adapter into the wall outlet.
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Using the Printer
Angle the battery pack and insert it into the battery compartment. Rotate the battery into the
3.
compartment until it locks in place and sits flush in the charger.
The LED on the charger will display solid red when charging and solid green to indicate the battery is fully
charged.
LED
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