Customer order # 55501L
Manufacturer part # 55501LB Rev. 3
ZebraA100UsersGuide
ProprietaryStatement
This manual contains proprietary i nfor mati on of Zebra Technologies Corpor ation. It is intended solely for the information and
use of parties operating and maintaining the e quipment 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.
ProductImprovements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All specifications and signs are subject to
change without notice.
FCCComplianceStatement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital Device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limi ts are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Thi s equipm e nt generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
In order to insure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Commu n ication Cables.
“The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Co rporation could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.”
CanadianDOCComplianceStatement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissio ns from dig i tal apparatus as set out in the radio
interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
CECompliance
If the accompanying printer displays the CE mark, it also meets EMC directive 89/336/EEC, with ammendments effective at the
time of manufacture.
LiabilityDisclaimer
Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that its published Engineering specifications and Manuals are correct;
however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of lia bility for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not
apply to you.
Copyrights
This copyrighted manual and the label printer described herein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights are
reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software 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 liability.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Zebra, ZPL, and ZPL II are registered trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation . Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines Corp.
This manual provides all of the information you will need to operate your
printer on a daily basis. To print labels, tags, or tickets with the A100 printer,
refer to the instru ction s incl ud ed wit h the soft ware you are using to crea t e
the label.
UnpackingandInspection
Save the carton and all packin g materia ls in case shippi ng is eve r require d.
Inspect the printer for possible damage incurred during shipment. xIf you
discover shipping damage upon inspection:
•Immediately notify the shippi n g compan y of the damage .
•Retain all packaging materi al for shippin g compan y inspec tio n.
•File a damage report wit h the shippin g compan y and no tif y your local
distributor and Zebra Technologies Corporat ion of the damag e.
Zebra Technologies Corpora ti on is not respon sibl e for any damage incurred
dur in g shipment of t he equipment and will not rep air this damage under warranty. Immediate notification of damage to the shipping company or its
insuring agency will generally result in ensuring any damage claim validity
and ult im ate monet ary compens atio n.
AdditionalRequirements
•Shielded parallel data cable
•Power cord—for 230 VAC operation only (120 VAC units come with a
power cord)
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
SettingUptheZebraA100Printer
Tear-OffModeofOperation
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6
1
2
3
7
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Peel-OffModeofOperation
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2
5
3
4
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1
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3
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FanfoldMediaLoading
1
2
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ConnectingtheZebraA100PrintertotheComputer
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Figure 2: Parallel Connection
ZebraA100UsersGuide
SettingUptheSoftware
You will need to install the Zebra A100 Printer Driver on your computer
before you can operate your printer. Also included for your use with the
Zebra A100 printer is BAR-ONE software, a powerful label design program.
SystemRequirements
The Zebra A100 software works with m ost IBM®-compatible personal computers available today. The software may be installed and up-and-running
within a few minutes. Refer to the on-line help sy stem and to the Read-Me
file for further information and/or last-minute updat es. The soft ware may be
installed on any com put er that mee ts the follow i ng syst em requ irements:
Windows 3.1 or higher, Windows
NT, or Windows 95; OS/2
BAR-ONE
Minimum
3½
²
Recom-
mended
* A 386 16MHz computer will work but print speed may be slightly reduced.
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
A
100PrinterDriverInstallation
The A100 printer uses a custom driver for the Windows operating system
that allows your Windows applications to print to it.
1.Start Window s.
2.Insert the Zebra A100 Printe r Drive r diskette in your floppy disk drive
(A: or B:).
3.I n Program Manager, cli ck on the File menu. Select Run. (Windows 95
users: select Run from the Start menu)
4.Type A:\SETUP (or B:\SETUP) and then press OK.
5.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Important: You must rest art Wi ndows to activate this driver!
PrintSetupDialogBox
After you have installed the Zebra A100 printer driv e r, we recommend th a t
you use the Windo ws Printer s Contro l Panel to configur e it before you try to
print. From the Main Pr ogram Group in W indows 3.1, select Control P an el,
then Printers, then Zebra A100, then Setup. (Windows 95 users select Start,
then Settings, then Printe rs, then Zebra A100 then File Properties, then
Details, then Setup.) You will then see the Zebra A100’s Setup Dialog:
If you will use die cut labels or notched tickets or tags, then the Non-Continuous Media Type button is already selected f or you. If instead you are using
continuous media havin g no gaps or notc hes to ident ify the start and end of
each label, tag, or ticket, then click the Continuous Media Type button.
If you plan to tear off labels, tickets, tags, or strips as they are printed, then
the Tear Mode is already sel ec ted for yo u . If in st ead you are usi ng d ie cut
pressure se nsit ive labels an d want the prin ter to peel them from the backin g
and wait for you to take them, then click the Peel button. (See “Peel Off
Mode Operation” for instructions on proper loading of peel off media.)
Enter the len gth of you r label , tag , or tick e t into the Label Len gth box by
overtyping or using the up and down arrows. If y ou are using continuous
media, enter the length you want your label, ticket, or tag to be.
Before printing, the Zebra A100 printer will normally reverse feed slightly to
begin printing at the very top of the next label. If you wish to disable this
feature to save tim e, click the No Backfeed button.
The Image Control slider sets the darkness of the printed image. The 100%
setting is correct for most thermal media. We suggest you leave the slider set
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
Figure 3: Print Setup Dialog Box
there until you have printed some labels and see a need to change it.
When you are satisf ied with your settings, Click OK.
You can return to the A100’ s Set up Dial og at any time fr om the Pr int ers Con-
trol Panel (or Printer Settings in Windows 95) and from the print dialog of
most Windows applications.
BAR-ONEInstallation
If you wis h to use a customized lab el design pack age to crea te labels for use
with your A100 printer, yo u may also install BAR-ONE software. However,
this so ftware is optional: you will not need to use BAR-ONE software if you
are printing label formats created in another Windows-compatible application.
1.If you have not installed the A100 Printer Driver, do so now.
2.Start Windows.
3.I n se rt d is k 1 of the BAR-ONE software in your floppy disk dr iv e (A: or
B:).
4.I n Prog ram Manager, click on the File menu. Select Run. (Windows 95
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
users: select Run from the Start menu.)
5.Type A:\SETUP (or B:\SETUP) and t hen press OK.
6.Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
OperatingtheSystem
To create a label for the A100 printer, you will need to design the label in a
Windows application (such as BAR-ONE) and use that application’s print
setup to select the Zebra A100 printer before y ou print. Alternatively, you
may use the Windows Printers Control Panel to select the Zebra A100 as
your default prin ter for all your Windows appl icat ions. The Zebra A100
printer driver works like any other printer driver: by selecting the Zebra
A100 printer in P rint Set up or in the Windows Printers Co ntro l Pa nel you can
print from most Windows applicat ions to this print er.
PrinterOperatingModes
Tear-OffMode.
it is printed.
Peel-OffMode.
is p rin t ed , the printer wa it s un ti l the operator r em ove s th e la bel, then the ne xt
label is printed.
The operato r tears off each label (o r a strip of labels) as
The backing material is peeled away from the label as it
OperatorControls
PowerSwitch.
back. The power switch should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting any cables.
FeedKey.
idle (not print ing ) will cause the p rinte r to fee d a blank label. Holding the
Feed Key while turning the power on and for 2 seconds afterward causes a
test pattern to print . See Figure 4. This test pattern al lows you r to quick ly
confirm that the print er is wo rki n g witho ut co nn ec tin g it to a com put e r.
14
Located on the right-hand side of the printer near the
In normal use, pressing the Feed Key once when the printer is
ZebraA100UsersGuide
Figure 4: A100 Test Label
PrinterIndicatorLights.
Power
Light
PrinterCondition
Power is off or printer not receiving power••
Power is on••
Communication error or
printhead is over temperature
Paper out or not sensed or
printhead is open
••
••
OnO
FaultLight
f
f
OnF
gn
ih
s
f
a
f
l
O
InitialPrinterPower-Up
Turn the printer on by pre ssi ng th e Pow e r Sw i tch on the rig ht s ide o f the
printer. The Power and Fault lights wil l tur n on. The p rinte r per forms a set of
internal diagnostics, and after the diagnostics have been completed (within
1 - 10 seconds) the Fault light will turn off.
If loading the printer with die-cut labels for the first time, press the Feed key
once to position the media.
AdjustingtheDarknessofthePrinting
Use the Windows Print ers Set up dia log from your Window s appl ic ation or
from the Windows Printers Control Panel to adjust the slide bar labeled
“Relative Darkness”. See “Print Setup Dialog Box” on page 12. Print sample
labels and adj u st the dark nes s fu rth e r if nec essa ry.
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
PreventiveMaintenance
Cleaning
CAUTION: Use only the cleani ng agents indi ca ted in Table 1. Zebra Technologies Corporatio n will not be responsibl e for any other fluid s being used
on this printer.
Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in bar codes or graphics, may indicate a dirty printhea d. For best result s, perf orm the clea nin g procedu res in
Table 1. For the location of these printer parts, refer to Figure 1 on page ii.
Table 1. Cleaning Schedule
AreaMethodInterval
PrintheadNote: Yo u do not need to turn the printer off
before cleaning the printhead. Use solvent* on a
cotton swab to clean the print elements from end
to end. (The print elements are the thin gray line
on the printhead.)
Platen RollerRotate the platen roller and clean it thoroughly
with solvent* and a cotton swab.
Peel-Off RollerRotate the peel-off roller and clean it thoroughly
with solvent* and a cotton swab.
Transmissive Media Sensor Air blow
Media PathSolvent*
Peel/Tear BarSolvent*As needed.
Label Available SensorAir blowMonthly.
Printhead Open SensorAir blowAs needed.
ExteriorMild detergent or desktop cleaner.As needed.
InteriorBrush/vacuum cleanerAs needed.
* Zebra reco mmend s using solvent co ntaining 70% isop rop yl al coh ol.
After every
roll of
media (or
500 ft of
fanfold
media)
Lubrication
CAUTION! No lubricatin g agents of any kind sho uld be used on this
printer! If used, some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the mechanical parts.
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
Troubleshooting
Table 2. Troubleshooting
SymptomDiagnosisAction
Power light does not
turn on when Power
switch is turned on.
When printer is first
powered on, the Fault
light remains on.
Fault light is on.Printhead is open.Close printhead.
Printer is not receiving
power.
Printer failed an internal diagnostic test.
Make sure that the power supply is plugged
into the printer and into a wall outlet, power
strip, or other source of power.
Turn printer off and then back on. If the
symptom persists, call a service technician.
Out of media or media
incorrectly loaded.
Fault light is flashing.Printhead is over-
Long tracks of missing
print (blank vertical
lines) on several labels.
Printer appears to operate, but nothing prints.
heated.
Communication error:
printer and host computer are not communicating correctly.
Printhead is dirty.Clean the printhead. See Table 1 on page 16.
Print element is damaged.
Non-thermally sensitive material.
Load media correctly. Make sure that the
media is placed on the inside edge of the
platen roller and that it feeds straight
through the printhead otherwise it may not
be detected by the media sensor.
Allow printer to cool. Printing resumes
automatically when the printhead element
cools to operating temperature.
Make sure the printer cable is installed correctly.
Call a service technician to replace the printhead.
Make sure that you are using direct thermal
label, ticket, or tag stock. Zebra recommends using genuine Zebra media in your
printer for best results.
material, if any)
Label length0.5² to 8
Interlabel gap0.08² to 0.16
Label thickness (including backing
material, if any)
Label roll sizeMaximum outer
diameter
Minimum inner
core diameter
Registration tolerance
First dot location (from outer media
edge)
Fonts availableAll Windows fonts resident in the host computer or Win-
Bar codes availableAll bar codes available in the Windows application.
Media requirementsZebra recommends use of Zebra brand media. All media
Physical size (L ´ W ´ H)9.7²´ 7.0²´ 6.0
Weight (without media)3.35 lb1.52 kg
Temperature
range
Relative humidity, operation and
storage
ElectricalExternal 120 or 230 VAC power supply, depending on
Communications36-pin Centronics™-compatible parallel port
Horizontal± 0.059
Vertical± 0.0393
Operating50° to 104° F10° to 40° C
Storage-4° to 140° F-20° to 60° C
1² to 4.25
0.003² to 0.010
5.0
1.0
0.125² to 0.140
dows application.
must be direct thermal media. Media may be continuous,
die-cut, or notched. Notched media must have a notch
which is 1/4² wide ´3/
of the label as it feeds through the printer.
10 to 90% R.H.
which model you order. Additional custom line cords
may also be available.
²
²
²
²
²
²
²
²
²
²
²
25.6 to 105.0 mm
25 to 108 mm
12.7 to 203 mm
2 to 4 mm
0.076 to 0.254 mm
127 mm
25.4 mm
± 1.5 mm
± 1.0 mm
3.17 to 3.56 mm
32²
long located on the left side
249 mm ´ 179 mm ´
154mm
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
Agency approvals•UL 544 Medical Equipment Standard Part 42.5
•CSA 22.2 No. 950 Canadian Safety Standard
•IEC 950/EN 60950 International Safety Standard
•FCC Part 15 Subpart B level A Electromagnetic Radiation Standard
•AAME 4.3.2 Medical Standard
•UL 1950 Domestic Safety Standard
•SOR/88-475 Canadian Electromagnetic Radiation
Standard
•EN50082-1 International Immunity Standard
•C.I.S.P.R.-22 Class B European Electromagnetic Radiation Standard
Processor8-bit microcontroller
Power line cord•The overall length must be less than 12.5 ft (3.8 meters)
•It must be rated for at least 3 A, 250 V.
•The chassis ground (earth) MUST be connected to
assure safety and reduce electromagnetic interference.
The ground connection is handled by the third wire
(earth) in the power line cord. See Figure 5.
The AC power plug and IEC 320 connector must bear
the certification mark of at least one international safety
organization. See Figure 6.
Parallel data cableFor maximum reliability, use a parallel data cable no
longer than 6 ft (1.8 m).
Figure 5. 230 VAC Powe r Line Cord
Figure 6. Examples of International Safety Organizations
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
Table 3. Parallel Pinouts
PinNo.Description
1Strobe
2-9Data Bits 0-7
10Acknowledge
11Busy
12Paper end
13Select
14-17Not used
18+5 V @ 0.75 A
19-30Ground
31Not used
32Error/fault
33Ground
34Not used
35+5 V through 3.3 K
36Select
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ZebraA100UsersGuide
SoftwareLicenseAgreement
The enclosed software and documentation are protected by the United States copyright law and international treaty, and therefore you must treat them like a book, with the exception that you may make copies to protect yourself agains t loss of the orig inal.
Your right to use the enclosed software and documentation as described below is non-exclusive and non-transferable. Zebra
retains ownership in the software and documentation and all other right, title and interest. The enclosed software and documentation may b e used by any number of people and may be freely moved from o ne c omputer to another as long a s t here is no possibility of their being used by more than one person on more than one computer at the same time.
Machine readable files representing graphics or fonts which you have created independently may be converted to ZPL format
files using the enclosed software and such files may be used, copied onto diskettes or font cards, given away, or sold without
paying license fees to Zebra.
Pictorial or graphic images and machine readable files representing them may be protected by United States copyright law and
international treaty provisions which prohibits y ou from transcribing or scanning such images or using copying, or converting
such files without permission of the copyright owner. You may not use this software in violation of U.S. copyright law or international treaty. By using this software, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Zebra Technologies Corporation (“Zebra”) warrants the enclosed diskette to be free of defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 60 days from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects in material and
workmanship, Zebra will replace the defective diskette or documentation. Zebra specifically disclaims all other warranties,
expressed or implied , including but not limited to imp lied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. IN
NO EVENT WILL ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE F OR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY ABUSE OR MISAPPLICATION OF THE SOFTW ARE OR BY
ITS USE IN VIOLATION OF THE U.S. COPYRIGHT LAW OR INTERNATIONAL TREATY.
21
ZebraA100UsersGuide
Warranty
1. Printer Warranty
ZEBRA printers, excluding thermal printheads which are warranted separately below, are warranted against defects in material
or workmanship for twelve (12) months from the date of purchase by the end user. This warranty does not cover normal wear
and tear and shall be null and void if the equipment is modified, improperly ins talled or used, dam a ged by accident or neglect, or
in the event any parts are improperly installed or replaced by the user. Proof of purchase or product registration is required. If
proof of purchas e or prod uct reg istration cannot be established, shipment date to the original buyer (dealer or distributor) will be
used to establish the warranty period.
Since printhead wear is part of normal operations, the original printhead and replacement printheads are covered by a limited
warranty of six (6) months from the date of purchase by the end user. To qua lify for this warranty , the printer must be returned to
the factory or other authorized service center. Although the user is not required to purchase ZEBRA brand supplies (media), to
the extent it is determined that the use of other supplies (media) shall have caused any defect to the thermal printhead for which
a warranty claim is made, the user shall be responsible for ZEBRA Technologies’ customary charges for labor and materials to
repair such defect. To the extent that it is determined that failure to follow the preventive maintenance schedule and procedures
listed in the User’s Guide shall have caused any defect to the thermal printhead for which a warranty claim is made, this limited
warranty shall be void.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES’ SOLE OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE TO FURNISH PARTS AND
LABOR FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PRODUCTS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE IN MATE RI AL OR
WORKMANSHIP DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
As a condition of this warranty, the user must: (a) obtain a ZEBRA Return Authorization for the printer, or subassembly(s); (b)
ship the printer or subassembly(s), transportation prepaid to the authorized service location; and (c) include with the Product or
subassembly(s) a written description of the claimed defect. Unless ZEBRA Technologies authorizes return of the entire Product,
the user shall return only the subassembly(s). Products returned shall be packaged in the original packing and shipping container
or comparable container. In the event equipment is not so packaged or if shipping damage is evident, it will not be accepted for
service under warranty. Surface transportation charges for the return of the printer to the customer shall be paid by ZEBRA
Technologies within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Customer shall pay shipping costs, customs clearance, and other related charges outside the designated area. If ZEBRA Technologies determines that the Product returned to it
for warranty service or replacement is not defective as herein define d, BUYE R shall pa y all costs of handling and transportation.
2. Supplies Warranty
ZEBRA supplies are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of either the stated material
shelf life or 6 months from date of shipment, whichever occurs first, provided that the BUYER has complied with ZEBRA
Technologies’ guid elin es on storage, handling, and usage of the labeling supplies in ZEBRA printers. ZEBRA Technologies
does not warrant the performance of ZEBRA labeling supplies on non-ZEBRA printers.
Any supplies product shown to the satisfa ction of ZEBRA Technologies, within the time provided, to be so defective shall be
replaced without charge, or ZEBRA Technologies may issue a credit in such an amount as it deems reasonable.
3. War ranty Exclusions and Conditions
The above warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, oral or written, statutory or otherwise, including
any implied warranty of merchant-ability or fitness for a particular purpose.
ZEBRA Technologies shall not be respo nsible f or the specific a ppl icati on to which any Products are applied, including but not
limited to compatibility with other equipment.
All statements, technical information and recommendations relating to ZEBRA Products are based upon tests believed to be
reliable but do not constitute a guarantee or warranty.
ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES SHALL NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER, BE LIABLE TO BUYER OR
ANY OTHER PARTY FOR LOST PROFITS, DIMINUTION OF GOOD WILL OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM HEREUNDER. IN ADDITION, Z EBRA
TECHNOLOGIES’ LIABILITY FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS SHALL NOT, IN ANY EVENT, EXCEED THE INVOICE
PRICE OF THE PRODUCT CLAIMED DEFECTIVE, NOR SHALL ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR DELAYS
IN REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF PRODUCTS.
No salesperson, representative or agent of ZEBRA Technologies is authorized to make any guarantee, warranty, or representation in addition to the foregoing warranty.
NO WAIVER, ALTERATI ON, ADDITION, OR MODIFICATION OF THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES SHALL BE
V ALID UNLESS MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES.
22
333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois USA 60061.3109
Telephone +1 847.634.6700
Facsimile +1 847.913.8766
Zebra Technologies Europe Limited
Zebra House
The Valley Centre, Gordon Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK
Telephone +44 (0)1494 472872
Facsimile +44 (0)1494 450103