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 product names and numbers are trademarks, 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.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guideix
Preface
Contacts
Contacts
You can contact Zebra Technologies at any of the following:
Visit us at: http://www.zebra.com
Our Mailing Addresses:
Zebra Technologies Corporation
333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A
Telephone: +1 847.634.6700
Fax: +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
Fax: +44 (0)1494 450103
Support
You can contact Zebra support at:
Web Address: www.zebra.com/SS/service_support.htm
Note • The web address is case-sensitive.
US Phone Number +1 847.913.2259
UK/International Phone Number +44 (0) 1494 768289
xR110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
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
blue text) to jump directly to its location.
(
Command Line Examples All command line examples appear in Courier New font.
For example, type the following to get to the Post-Install scripts in the
Ztools
Files and Directories All file names and directories appear in Courier New font. For
example, the
Cautions, Important, Note, and Example
Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.
Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.
Preface
Document Conventions
.pdf format, you can click the cross-reference
bin directory:
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 • 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.
Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.
Tools • Tells you what tools you need to complete a given task.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guidexi
Preface
Related Documents
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
1
Related Documents
The following documents might be helpful references:
®
•ZPL II
number 45542L)
•ZebraNet
•Maintenance Manual (part number 48152L)
Programming Guide Volume I (part number 45541L) and Vol um e I I (part
®
PrintServer II™ Installation and User Guide (part number 45537L)
SETUP/EXIT button
1
CALIBRATE button
2
2
xiiR110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Introduction
This chapter provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide1
Introduction
Exterior View
Exterior View
The following illustrations show the exterior of the printer.
Figure 2 • Printer Exterior—Front View
1
2
Front panel
1
Media door
2
Figure 3 • Printer Exterior—Rear View
1
2
3
Electronics cover
1
Power switch
2
AC power cord connection
3
2R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Front Panel
Figure 4 shows the buttons and lights on the front panel. For a description of the front panel
buttons, see Table 1 on page 4, and for a description of the front panel lights, see Tabl e 2
on page 5.
Introduction
Front Panel
Figure 4 • Front Panel Buttons and Lights
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide3
Introduction
Front Panel
Front Panel Buttons
This table describes the function of the buttons shown in Figure 4.
Table 1 • Front Panel Buttons
ButtonDetails
LEFT OVALChanges parameter values. Common uses are to increase/decrease a value, answer yes or
no, indicate on or off, scroll through several choices, input the password, or set up the
printer for a firmware download.
RIGHT OVALChanges parameter values. Common uses are to increase/decrease a value, answer yes or
no, indicate on or off, scroll through several choices, input the password, or set up the
printer for a firmware download.
SETUP/EXITEnters and exits the setup mode.
PREVIOUSWhile in setup mode, scrolls to the previous parameter. Press and hold this button to
scroll back quickly through parameter sets.
NEXT/SAVEWhile in setup mode, scrolls to the next parameter. Press and hold this button to scroll
forward quickly through parameter sets. When exiting setup mode, this button scrolls
through the save options.
PAUSEStarts and stops the printing process and allows other buttons to be used. If an error
messages is on the LCD, pressing this button after the problem is resolved clears the error
and allows printing to resume.
FEEDForces the printer to feed a blank label each time the button is pressed.
• If the printer is not printing, one blank label immediately feeds.
• If the printer is printing, one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is
complete.
CANCELIn the pause mode, this button cancels print jobs.
• If there are multiple print jobs in the print queue, press CANCEL once for each print
job to be deleted.
• To delete all print jobs, hold CANCEL for several seconds. The DATA light turns off.
CALIBRATE This button can be used to calibrate the printer for the following:
• Media length
• Media type (continuous or non-continuous)
• Print mode (direct thermal or thermal transfer)
• Sensor values
For more information on calibration, see Calibrate the Printer on page 35.
4R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Front Panel Lights
This table details the lights shown in Figure 4 on page 3.
Table 2 • Front Panel Lights
LightDetails
POWERIndicates printer power status.
• Off — printer is off.
• On — printer is on.
TAKE LABEL• Off — Normal operation.
• Flashing — (Peel-Off Mode only.) The label is available. Printing is paused until the
label is removed.
ERRORIndicates printer operation.
• Off — Normal operation.
• Flashing — printer pauses until the error condition is resolved and the PAUSE
button is pressed.
Introduction
Front Panel
CHECK RIBBON• Off — Normal operation; ribbon (if used) is properly loaded.
• On — No ribbon is detected under the ribbon sensor. Printing is paused, the LCD
shows an error message, and the PAUSE light is on.
PAPER OUTIndicates that labels need to be reloaded.
PAU SE• Off — normal operation.
• On — all printing operations have stopped. Either PAUSE was pressed, a pause
command was included in the label format, the on-line verifier detected an error, or a
printer error was detected.
DATA• Off — Normal operation. No data being received or processed.
• On/Blinking — Data processing or printing is taking place. Data is being received.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide5
Introduction
Printer Components
Printer Components
Figure 5 shows a side view of the printer’s internal components.
Note • Depending on the printer options that you selected, your printer could look slightly
different. For more about printer options, go to www.zebra.com.
123
Figure 5 • Internal Components
4
7
11
10
9
Printhead lever
1
Ribbon take-up spindle
2
Ribbon supply spindle
3
Ribbon dancer assembly (only on select models)
4
Media guide
5
Media dancer roller assembly
6
Media supply guide
7
Media supply hanger
8
Lower roller
9
Platen roller
10
Tear- o ff b a r
11
5
8
6
6R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
2
Printer Setup
This chapter provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider
before you load and configure your printer.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide7
Printer Setup
Before You Begin
Before You Begin
Review this checklist, and resolve any issues before you begin setting up your printer. When
you are ready, continue with Printer Operation on page 19.
Unpack and Inspect Have you unpacked the printer and inspected it for damage? If
you have not, see Unpack and Inspect the Printer on page 9.
Select a Site Have you selected an appropriate location for the printer? If you have not,
see Select a Site for the Printer on page 10.
Attach Power Cord Do you have the correct power cord for your printer? If you are
unsure, see Power Cord Specifications on page 11. To attach the power cord and connect the
printer to a power source, see Connect the Printer to a Power Source on page 11.
Connect to a Data Source Have you determined how the printer will be connected to
a data source (usually a computer)? For more information, see Select a Communication
Interface on page 12.
Select Media Do you have the correct media for your application? If you are unsure,
see Types of Media on page 14.
Select Ribbon Do you need to use ribbon, and is the appropriate ribbon available, if
needed? If you are unsure, see Ribbon on page 16.
8R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Unpack and Inspect the Printer
When you unpack the printer, save all packing materials. When the printer is out of the box,
raise the printer’s media door, and remove the power cord.
Inspect the printer for possible damage incurred during shipment. Check all exterior surfaces
for damage. Raise the media door, and inspect the media compartment for damage to
components.
Report Shipping Damage
If you discover shipping damage upon inspection:
•Immediately notify the shipping company of the damage, and file a damage report with
them. Zebra is not responsible for any damage incurred during shipment of the equipment
and does not repair this damage under warranty.
•Keep all packaging material for shipping company inspection.
•Notify your authorized Zebra reseller.
Store or Reship the Printer
Printer Setup
Unpack and Inspect 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 following conditions:
•Temperature: –40° to 140°F (–40° to 60°C)
•Relative humidity: 5% to 85% non-condensing
If you must ship the printer, remove any ribbon and media from the supply spools to avoid
damaging the printer. Carefully pack the printer into the original container or a suitable
alternate container to avoid damage during transit.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide9
Printer Setup
Select a Site for the Printer
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.
Provide Proper Operating Conditions
Because the printer was designed and is fabricated as an industrial-type unit, it functions
satisfactorily in a location that conforms to specified environmental and electrical conditions,
including a warehouse or factory floor. For more information on the required conditions, see
General Specifications on page 142.
Table 3 shows the temperature and relative humidity requirements for the printer when it is
operating.
Table 3 • Operating Temperature and Humidity
ModeTemperatureRelative Humidity
Thermal Transfer41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C)20 to 85% non-condensing
Direct Thermal32° 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, the selected site must provide the
appropriate connections to that data source. For more information on the types of
communication interfaces, see Select a Communication Interface on page 12.
10R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Connect the Printer to a Power Source
Connect the Printer to a Power Source
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. Turn the printer power switch (located on the rear of the printer) to the Off (O) position.
2. Plug the power cord into the mating connector on the rear of the printer.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into the power source.
Power Cord Specifications
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, refer to the
following guidelines:
•The overall cord length must be less than 9.8 ft (3.0 m).
•The cord must be rated for at least 5 A, 250 V.
•The chassis ground (earth) must be connected to ensure safety and reduce electromagnetic
interference. The third wire in the power cord grounds the connection (Figure 6).
Printer Setup
Figure 6 • Power Cord Specifications
1234
AC power plug for your country
1
3-conductor HAR cable
2
IEC 320 connector
3
Neutral, earth, live in contact view
4
•The AC power plug and the IEC 320 connector must bear the certification mark of at least
one of the known international safety organizations shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 • International Safety Organization Marks
+
R
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide11
Printer Setup
Select a Communication Interface
Select a Communication Interface
The way that you connect your printer to a data source depends on the communication options
installed in the printer.
Standard interfaces: The standard communication interfaces are an RS-232 serial data port, a
bidirectional parallel port, and a USB 2.0 port.
Note • RS-422 and RS-485 serial data ports are available through an adapter. A DB-25 cable
and a USB 2.0 cable are also available.
Figure 8 shows the location of the communication interfaces on the back of the printer. For
more information about these interfaces, see Data Ports on page 99.
Figure 8 • Communication Interfaces
1
2
3
Parallel port
1
USB 2.0 port
2
Serial port
3
Optional Print Servers:
•ZebraNet PrintServer II (PSII). For more information on PSII, see the PrintServer II User
and Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L).
12R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Data Cable Requirements
Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metallized connector shells.
Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical
noise.
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.
Note • 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.
Note • RS-422 and RS-485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as recommended in
the TIA/EIA-485 Specification.
Printer Setup
Select a Communication Interface
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide13
Printer Setup
Types of Media
Types of Media
The printer can use various types of media (Table 4 ). We strongly recommend 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 the
printing capabilities of the printer and to ensure against premature printhead wear.
Table 4 • Types of Media
Media TypeHow It LooksDescription
Non-Continuous
Roll Media
Continuous
Roll Media
The media is wound on a core. Individual labels
are separated by a gap, black mark, notch, or
hole, which enables you to see where one label
ends and the next one begins. When using media
that has holes or notches, position the media
sensor directly over a hole or notch. Figure 9
shows different types of non-continuous media.
Figure 9 • Non-Continuous Web Media
The media is wound on a core and is without
gaps, holes, notches, or black marks. This allows
the image to be printed anywhere on the label.
14R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
Printer Setup
Types of Media
Table 4 • Types of Media (Continued)
Media TypeHow It LooksDescription
Fanfold MediaThe media is folded in a zigzag pattern.
RFID “Smart” Media Each label has a radio frequency identification
(RFID) chip and antenna inlay embedded
between the label and the liner. The media is
made from the same materials and adhesives as
non-RFID labels. The outline of the transponder
(which varies by manufacturer) can be seen
through the label. All “smart” labels have
memory that can be read, and many have
memory that can be encoded.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide15
Printer Setup
Ribbon
Ribbon
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 label 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?
If a black mark...Then the media is...
Does not appear on the mediaThermal transfer. A ribbon is required.
Appears on the mediaDirect thermal. No ribbon is required.
Coated Side of Ribbon
Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside (Figure 10). This printer
can only use ribbon that is coated on the outside. 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.
Figure 10 • Ribbon Coated on Outside or Inside
OutsideInside
16R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04
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.
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 labelThe ribbon is coated on the outer surface.
Printer Setup
Ribbon
Did not adhere to
the label
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 paperThe ribbon is coated on the outer surface.
Did not leave a mark on
the paper
The ribbon is coated on the inner surface. To verify this,
repeat the test on the inner surface of the roll of ribbon.
The ribbon is coated on the inner surface. To verify this,
repeat the test on the other surface of the roll of ribbon.
23063L-003 Rev. 2 12/23/04R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide17