2844
Thermal Printer
User’s Manual
User’s Manual No. 980348-001 Rev. A
©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation
FOREWORD
This manual provides installation and operation information for the LP 2844 and the TLP 2844
series printers, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This docu
ment and the information contained within is copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and
may not be duplicated in fullor in part by any person without written approval from Zebra Technol
ogies Corporation. While every effort has been made to keep the information contained within cur
rent and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is given or implied that the document
is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to any specification. Zebra Technologies Corporation
reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.
TRADEMARKS
LP 2844 and TLP 2844 are service marks of Zebra Technologies Corporation. Windows and
MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
LP 2844 and TLP 2844 Thermal Printers
European Council Directive Compliance to Standards
89/336/EEC EMC Directive EN 55022-B 1998 RF Emissions control
EMC Directive EN 55024 1998
92/31/EE EMC Directive EN 61000-3-2 Harmonic Emissions
92/31/EE EMC Directive EN 61000-3-3 Voltage Variation
Immunity to Electro-
magnetic Disturbances
-
-
-
CB Scheme
EN 60950 1991
A1, A2, A3, A4
Safety
FCC - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY:
Models: LP 2844 and TLP 2844 conform to the following specification:
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a) Class B
digital device
Supplemental Information:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following Two
Conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:
This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class B requirements.
Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICS-003 classe B de la norm Industrielle Canadian
980348-001 Rev. A iii
SHOCK HAZARD WARNING:
The printer and power supply should never be operated in a
location where either one can get wet. Personal injury could
result.
MEDIA AND RIBBON WARNING:
Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If
adhesive backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the
backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides
and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from
the liner and jam the printer. Permanent damage to the print
head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be
wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals
corrosive to the print head. Approved supplies can be ordered
from your dealer.
RELOADING HINT:
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, DO NOT turn the
power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may result.
The printer automatically restarts after you load a new label or
ribbon roll.
STATIC DISCHARGE:
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the
surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or
destroy the print head or electronic components used in this
device. DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components under the top cover.
THERMAL PRINTING:
The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from
damaging the print head and risk of personal injury, avoid
touching the print head. Use only the cleaning pen to perform
maintenance.
iv 980348-001 Rev. A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Unpack Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Know Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AutoSense Media Gap Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the Label Dispenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using Fan-Fold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using the Media Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix A - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Serial Interface Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Parallel Interface Cable Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Universal Serial Bus (USB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cleaning the Platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
980348-001 Rev. A v
1
Installation and Operation
This section provides information on the
installation and operation of the printer.
The printer is a low cost, desktop thermal
printer. The printer is specifically designed for
printing labels, tags or continuous receipts (with
or without bar codes) from any DOS™, Windows™or ASCII-based compatible host. There
are two models of the printer.
980348-001 Rev. A 1
Installation and Operation
Unpack Your Printer
Know Your Printer
2 980348-001 Rev. A
Installation and Operation
980348-001 Rev. A 3
Installation and Operation
Installation The following steps will guide you through the
installation of the printer and software.
Step ➊ Attach Power Supply To The Printer
Power OFF
Check Voltage
Plug in
Power
Module
Plug in
Power
Cord
Plug Power Cord
into a Suitable
AC Outlet
See the SHOCK HAZARD WARNING on page
iv.
4
980348-001 Rev. A
Step ➋ Attach Interface Cable
Serial
Parallel
Installation and Operation
Universal Serial Bus
(USB)
See Appendix A for cable wiring information.
980348-001 Rev. A 5
Installation and Operation
Step ➌ Load Media
Power ON
MOVIE
Open Cover
Open Guides
6 980348-001 Rev. A
Load Media - continued
Remove the outside
length of media
Installation and Operation
For more infor
mation on media
MOVIE
preparation, refer
to Appendix A.
Install Roll
Note: Find the
instructions for
preparing media in
Appendix A.
-
Close Guides to the
Width of the Media
Note: When using
linerfree labels,
adjust the guides to
the widest position
980348-001 Rev. A 7
Installation and Operation
Load Media - continued
Release Cover
MOVIE
Note: This step
applies to thermal
transfer printers
Close Cover
8 980348-001 Rev. A
Step AutoSense Media Gap Sensing
Perform this procedure when loading a new
roll. If your printer has the label dispenser
MOVIE
Power OFF
option, turn OFF the label taken sensor.
Installation and Operation
Hold
Feed Button
Power ON
980348-001 Rev. A 9
Installation and Operation
a
g
e
0
00
,
0
24
a
vl
AutoSense Gap Sensor Adjustment - continued
When Indicator
Flashes, Release
Feed Button
Printer Advances
Media and Prints
Status Summary
UKQ1935 16 V3.21
Serial port : 96,N,8,1
Note: Printer is in
diagnostic dump mode
Tap Feed Button
To Begin Normal
Operation
Note: Printer prints
“out of DUMP”
Image buffer size:1032K
Fmem:000.0K,016.4K avl
Gmem:000K,0593K avl
E
mem:000K,0593K avl
I8,0,001 rY
S2 D10 R016,000 ZT UN
q800 Q01225,026
Option:
04 08 13
now in DUMP
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ow
in
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MP
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:
,
10
If the indicator remains orange or red, see the
troubleshooting steps.
980348-001 Rev. A
Step ➎ Install Software
Installation and Operation
Start your computer and follow the installation
instructions on the compact disc (CD).
980348-001 Rev. A 11
Installation and Operation
Operation The following information helps you get the
most from your printer.
Programming
Commands
You must use programming to control many of
the printer's functions. See the EPL2 program
mer's manual for details. For example, the Q
command controls form length and gap.
Printer Driver The printer driver provides a convenient control
to improve print quality. For example, Print
density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy
(density setting) applied and by the print speed.
Changing both Print Speed and Density may be
required to achieve the desired results.
Thermal Printing:
Direct or
Transfer?
You must use the correct media for the type of
printing you require. When printing without a
ribbon, you must use direct thermal media.
When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects
motion of the supply spindle.
-
Replacing Supplies When replacing media or ribbon, do not turn off
the printer or data loss occurs. The printer automatically resumes printing after you load new
supplies.
12
980348-001 Rev. A
Using Options
2
Using Options
This section provides information on the
printer's optional features:
• thermal transfer printing
• label dispenser
• fan-fold media
• media cutter
980348-001 Rev. A 13
Using Options
Using
Transfer
Ribbon
The TLP printer supports both direct thermal
media (chemically treated to darken when
heated) and thermal transfer media (accepts
wax and/or resin transferred off a ribbon).
Step ➊ Prepare Ribbon
Pull Adhesive
MOVIE
Strip Free
14 980348-001 Rev. A
Step ➋ Install Supply Roll
Thread
Ribbon
Through
Carriage
Press
onto Hub
Using Options
Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes
980348-001 Rev. A 15
Using Options
Step ➌ Install Take-Up Core
Press
onto Hub
Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes
16 980348-001 Rev. A
Step ➍ Tighten Ribbon
Attach Ribbon to
Take-Up Core
Note: Use the adhesive
strip on new rolls;
otherwise, use tape
Using Options
Remove Slack
From Ribbon
When using ribbon, make sure you also use
thermal transfer media.
980348-001 Rev. A 17
Using Options
Adding a New
Transfer Ribbon
Replacing a
Partially Used
Transfer Ribbon
Cut Used
Ribbon
from Supply
If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the
indicator lights orange and the printer waits for
you to add a fresh roll. Keep the power on as
you change ribbon. Open the top cover, then
cut the used ribbon so you can remove the
cores. Load a new ribbon roll (refer to the previ
ous procedure if necessary). Close the top
cover. Press the Feed button to restart printing.
To remove used transfer ribbon, cut the ribbon
from the take-up roll. Remove the take-up roll
and discard used ribbon. Remove the supply
roll and tape the end of any fresh ribbon to prevent it from unwrapping. When reinstalling a
partially used supply roll, tape the cut end onto
the empty take-up roll.
-
18
Push Supply
Roll Out
980348-001 Rev. A
Using the Label Dispenser
Open
Door
MOVIE
Switch On
the Label
Taken Sensor
Remove
Several
Labels
Using Options
Push
Liner
Through
Slot
Close
Door
Close
Top Cover
and Press
Feed Button
980348-001 Rev. A 19
Using Options
Using Fan-Fold Media
Insert
Media
Adjust Holders
to Width of Media
Tighten Screw
(use a small
Phillips driver #1)
Adjust Guides
to Width of Media
20 980348-001 Rev. A
Using Options
Using the
Media Cutter
Printers that have a bezel with a motorized
blade can dispense one or more forms that are
then automatically cut from the media supply.
This option cuts through continuous paper from
rolls and liner between labels. The media can
be up to 0.0055 inch (0.095mm) thick, 1.12
inch (28mm) to 4.25 inches (108mm) wide,
and at least 0.75 inch (19.1mm) long. The density of media can be up to 120 grams/meter
2
Blade life is 1,000,000 cuts.
Use the OC command to activate the cutter and
the Q command to set the form length and gap
distance. See the EPL2 programmer's manual.
.
980348-001 Rev. A 21
Clearing the
Media Cutter
If the blade cuts through labels, adhesive can
jam the cutter.
Turn OFF (O) printer power and unplug the power
and interface cables before clearing the cutter.
Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or
solvents to clean the blade.
22
After removing debris, plug in the power and
interface cables, turn on the printer, then test for
normal operation.
980348-001 Rev. A
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem Solution or Reason
STATUS Indicator
Does not light after turning
ON ( I ) printer.
Blinks GREEN.
Blinks GREEN-RED-RED.
Lights ORANGE.
Blinks ORANGE.
Lights RED.
1. Check power connections from A.C.
outlet to power supply to printer.
2. Check that media or ribbon is present.
1. Printer receiving data through interface.
2. Signal to begin AutoSense after turning
ON printer. Release the FEED button.
1. Operator has paused the printer during
a batch job. Tap the FEED button to
continue.
1. Ribbon is out. Reload a new supply.
2. The optional cover open sensor is active. Press top cover to close and lock.
3. Printer has a syntax or command error.
Check program and resend print job.
1. Firmware download in process. Indicator lights red, then green.
1. Media is out. Reload a new supply.
2. Power-up failure.
3. Printer ready to receive flash programming during firmware download.
Printer Operation
1. Check interface cable connections from
computer to printer.
2. Make sure top cover is locked closed.
Lights GREEN, but printer
will not print.
3. Check that labels are correct.
4. Verify media has print surface up for
printing.
5. Check that transfer ribbon is correctly
routed and has the ink side out for ther
-
mal transfer printing.
980348-001 Rev. A 23
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem Solution or Reason
Printer Operation--continued
Printer appears to be
working (media is being fed
out), but nothing is printed.
Printing is faded or poor
quality.
Prints only partial label or
skips a label.
1. Verify that the labels are the correct
type.
2. Check that the roll is loaded with the di
rect thermal side facing up.
3. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
4. Ensure top cover is locked closed.
1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software.
3. Check the media and verify that print
surface is facing up.
4. Check the correct combination thermal
transfer ribbon and media are in use.
1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor
adjustment on page 8.
2. Label caught on print head.
3. Top cover is not properly latched.
4. Possible software problem. Check the
printer memory configuration. Refer to
the EPL2 Programming manual.
-
Printing stops and STATUS
indicator lights ORANGE or
RED.
1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor adjustment on page 8.
2. Possible problem with label stock. Use
only approved labels and tags.
3. Possible label jam.
4. Insufficient memory for label size. Check
the printer memory configuration.
5. Possible software problem. Refer to the
EPL2 Programming manual.
24 980348-001 Rev. A
Troubleshooting Media Handling
Problem Solution or Reason
Label Dispenser
1. Make sure label-taken sensor is on.
2. The label-taken sensor is blocked or
Printing continues between
labels.
dirty. Remove any scraps or dust.
3. Continuous media may be set. Verify
form length setting through program
ming
grammer's manual.
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
-
Q command. See the EPL2 pro
-
Prints one label and stops.
Blade cuts through labels
instead of cutting liner
between labels.
Media jammed in cutter.
Media fails to cut direct
thermal paper or label liner.
1. Verify the quantity has been correctly
set.
Cutter Operation
1. Verify form length setting through programming.
1. Unplug power and interface cables. Use
tweezers to remove scraps from cutter
opening.
1. Use programming
C command to cycle
cutter several times without media to
perform a self-cleaning. See the EPL2
programmer's manual.
2. Cutter must be replaced.
980348-001 Rev. A 25
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Serial Interface
Cable Wiring
The figure below displays the cable wiring
required to use the printer's RS-232 serial
interface.
DB-9
Pin #
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
Female DB-9 to Male DB-9
Cable P/N 300017-006 (6') or 300017-010 (10')
DB-25
Pin #
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
DB-9
Pin #
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
99
DB-9
Pin #
18
23
32
420
57
66
74
85
922
PrinterHost
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C
PrinterHost
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C
26
FemaleDB-25toMaleDB-9
Cable P/N 300018-006 (6')
*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)
980348-001 Rev. A
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Parallel Interface
Cable Wiring
The figure below displays the cable wiring
required to use the printer's Centronics parallel
interface.
HOST
STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
P APER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
N/A
N/A
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
DB-25
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Centronics
Pin No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
PRINTER
STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
P APER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
N/A
+5V
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
FemaleDB-25toMaleCentronics
(Cable)
+5 volts at 300 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)
980348-001 Rev. A 27
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Universal Serial
Bus (USB)
The table below provides the contact terminat
ing assignments by number and electrical value
for the cable connectors.
Contact Number Signal Name
1 VBUS Red
2 D- White
3 D+ Green
4 GND Black
Shell Shield Drain Wire
You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding this interface.
-
Typical Wiring
Assignment
28
980348-001 Rev. A
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
MOVIE
Cleaning the
Print Head
Rub
Cleaning
Pen Across
Dark Area
of Print Head
When you load new media, you can also clean
the print head.
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure
.
Wait
One Minute
Before Closing
Printer
Do Not Clean Roller
With Cleaning Pen
980348-001 Rev. A 29
Cleaning the
Platen
Gently Wipe
Top of Platen
The platen, over time, picks up adhesive and
dust which requires occasional cleaning.
To follow these steps, you require a clean,
lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl
alcohol.
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure.
Advance Platen
One-Sixth (1/6) Turn
(about 60°)
Repeat Steps Until
Platen is Clean
30
Let the platen dry for at least one minute before
loading media.
980348-001 Rev. A
Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Preparing Media,
Paper, and Labels
Before Loading
Label Rolls
Find the tape and
pull off both labels
held by the tape
MOVIE
Tag Stock Rolls
During shipment, the outside length of media
may become dirty when handled or dusty when
stored. A preparation before loading media
makes sure both the print head and platen stay
cleaner for more time.
Find the tape
and detach the
bottom tag
You must avoid dragging adhesive or dirty
media between the print head and platen. Such
an occurance damages the print head and is not
covered under your warranty.
980348-001 Rev. A 31
980348- 001 A
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