Zebra Technologies RFID Z4M 01 User Manual

Zebra

Industrial/Commercial Printer

R4Mplus

User Guide

Copyright © ZIH Corp.

The copyrights in this manual and the label printer described therein are owned
by Zebra Technologies. 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.

IBM® is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.

Adobe® and Acrobat® are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems
Incorporated.

Zebra®, Stripe®, ZPL®, ZebraNet®, ZebraLink™, and ZPL II® are registered
trademarks of Zebra Technologies.

All other brand names, product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks
are property of their respective holders.

Customer Order # 21067L

Manufacturer Part # 21067L Rev. 1

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R4Mplus User Guide i

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ii R4Mplus User Guide

Table of Contents

Proprietary Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Product Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii

FCC Compliance Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Liability Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Limitation of Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Copyrights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Warranty Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Printer Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xx

About this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxiv

Chapter 1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

External View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

LCD Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Print Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Printer Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Chapter 2 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Unpack and Inspect the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Report Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

R4Mplus User Guide iii

Select a Site for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Select a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Provide Proper Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Allow Proper Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Provide a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Select a Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Non-Continuous Web Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Continuous Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

RFID “Smart” Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 3 • Printer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Front Panel Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Front Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Load Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Tear-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Peel-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Load Fanfold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Remove the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Install Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Chapter 4 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Enter Configuration Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Exit Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Basic Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

iv R4Mplus User Guide

Chapter 5 • RFID Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Transponder Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

ZPL II Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

^WT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

^RT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

^HV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

^RS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Sample of RFID Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Chapter 6 • Routine Care and Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Clean the Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Clean the Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Clean the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Clean the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Clean the Peel-Off Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Chapter 7 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

LCD Error Conditions and Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Calibration Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Communication Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Power-On Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Cancel Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Pause Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Feed Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

RFID Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Loading Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Appendix A • Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Serial Data Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Hardware Control Signal Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

RS-232 Serial Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Parallel Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Parallel Cabling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Parallel Port Interconnections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

R4Mplus User Guide v

Appendix B • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Printing Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Media Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Supported Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

vi R4Mplus User Guide

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 propriety 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

Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All
specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

FCCID: I28RFID-Z4M-01

Manufacturer: Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois, 60061-3109 U.S.A.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B Digital
Device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the product manuals, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.

In order to ensure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.

This device complies with Part 15 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.

Caution • The Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devices
operating at this frequency when using the Zebra-supplied antenna. Any changes or
modifications to the product not expressly approved by Zebra could void the user’s authority
to operate this device.

R4Mplus User Guide vii

Proprietary Statement

Liability Disclaimer

Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that its published Engineering
specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies
Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting
therefrom.

Limitation of Liability

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, consequential damages
including loss of business profits, business interruption or loss of business information) 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. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Copyrights

The copyrights in this manual and the label printer described therein 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 and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright ZIH Corp. All rights reserved.

viii R4Mplus User Guide

Declaration of Conformity

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

I have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the

Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus-series

manufactured by:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway

Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A.

Have been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of the FCC

For Home, Office, Commercial, and industrial use

If no unauthorized change is made in the equipment,

and if the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

R4Mplus User Guide ix

Declaration of Conformity

x R4Mplus User Guide

Warranty Information

Effective November 1, 2001

All Zebra Technologies Corporation products are sold with warranties. Following is some
general information:

Printer Products

Printers. All printers (excluding printheads) are warranted against defect in material or
workmanship for twelve (12) months from the purchase date.

Proof of purchase or shipment date is required to validate the warranty period. The warranty
becomes void if the equipment is modified, improperly installed or used, damaged by accident
or neglect, or if any parts are improperly installed or replaced by the user.

Note: Products returned must be packaged in the original or comparable packing and shipping

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 return to
customers in the continental United States is paid by Zebra. Otherwise, Zebra pays CPT
(carriage paid to) nearest airport; customer pays customs, duties, taxes, and freight from
airport to destination. If Zebra determines that the product returned for warranty service or
replacement is not defective as herein defined, the customer will pay all handling and
transportation costs.

Printheads
by a limited warranty as indicated below. Warranty period begins on purchase date.

Printhead Warranty Period

Bar code label printer printheads 6 months
Card printer printheads 12 months

To qualify for this warranty, the printhead must be returned to the factory or to an authorized
service center. Customers are not required to purchase Zebra supplies (media and/or ribbons)
for warranty qualification. However, if it is determined that the use of other manufacturer
supplies has caused any defect in the printhead for which a warranty claim is made, the user is
responsible for Zebra’s labor and material charges required to repair the defect. The warranty
becomes void if the printhead is physically worn or damaged; also if it is determined that
failure to follow the preventive maintenance schedule listed in the User’s Guide has caused
defect in the thermal printhead for which a warranty claim is made.

. Since printhead wear is part of normal operation, the original printhead is covered

R4Mplus User Guide xi

Warranty Information

Printer Products

Software. Software is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 30 days
from the date of purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of defects,
Zebra will replace the defective diskette or documentation.

Batteries

. Mobile printer batteries are warranted to be free of defects in material and
workmanship for 90 days from date of purchase. In the event of notification within the
warranty period, Zebra will replace the defective battery provided there has not been damage
resulting from user abuse.

Parts

. All parts, maintenance kits, options kits, and accessories are warranted to be free of
defects in material and workmanship for 90 days (except where otherwise noted) from date of
purchase. This warranty becomes void if the item is modified, improperly installed or used, or
damaged by accident or neglect.

Supplies Products

Supplies are warranted to be free from defect in material and workmanship for a period of six
(6) months for media and twelve (12) months for ribbon from the date of shipment by Zebra.
This is provided the user has complied with storage guidelines, handling, and usage of the
supplies in Zebra printers.

Zebra’s sole obligation under these warranties is to furnish parts and labor for the repair or
possible replacement of products found to be defective in material or workmanship during the
warranty period. Zebra may in its discretion issue a credit for any such defective products in
such amount as it deems reasonable.

Warranty Exclusions & Conditions Statement

The warranties provided above are the only warranties applicable. No other warranties,
expressed or implied, are given. Zebra does not make any IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE in connection with
its sale of products or services. While Zebra’s desire is to be responsive to specific needs and
questions, Zebra does not assume responsibility for any specific application to which any
products are applied including, but not limited to, compatibility with other equipment. All
statements, technical information or recommendations relating to Zebra products are based
upon tests believed to be reliable yet do not constitute a guaranty or warranty.

Zebra’s maximum liability for warranty claims is limited to the invoice price of the product
claimed defective. Zebra does not assume responsibility for delays or replacement or repair of
products. Zebra shall not under any circumstances whatsoever be liable to any party for loss of
profits, lost data, diminution of good will, or any other special or consequential damages
whatsoever with respect to any claim made under agreement with Zebra. Specifically for
software, Zebra is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by abuse or
misapplication of the software or by its use in violation of the U.S. copyright law or
international treaty.

No salesperson, representative, or agent of Zebra is authorized to make any guaranty,
warranty, or representation that contradicts the foregoing. Any waiver, alteration, addition or
modification to the foregoing warranties must be in writing and signed by an executive officer
of Zebra to be valid.

xii R4Mplus User Guide

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

Zebra Link License Agreement

Printer Software and Firmware License
Agreement

YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF
THIS ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRINTER SOFTWARE AND
FIRMWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT (“PSFLA”) BEFORE USING THE PRINTER
WHICH IS ENCLOSED OR OTHERWISE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS AGREEMENT. IF
YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DO NOT OPERATE
THE PRINTER AND PLEASE PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRINTER, ENCLOSURES
AND ALL PACKAGING FOR A FULL REFUND.

Warranty Information

Zebra Technologies Corporation (“ZEBRA”) hereby grants you a non-exclusive, non­transferable license to use the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE embedded in the printer and the
accompanying documentation according to the following terms:

1. The printer enclosed with or otherwise associated with this Agreement has or includes

certain SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE therein which is protected by copyright laws and
international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The
SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is licensed, not sold. Such SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE may include, but is not limited to, SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE that is
licensed under one or more of the following trademarks: ZPL (Zebra Programming
Language), Zebralink, Web View, Web Alert, ZBI (Zebra Basic Interpreter), BAR-ONE,
ZTools, Utilities, ZebraNet View for IP, ZebraNet Alert, PC Management Program,
ZebraNet View for Networks and ZebraNet Connect.

2. GRANT OF LICENSE. This License grants you the following rights:

• SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. You may use, access, display, run, or otherwise

interact with (“RUN”) the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE in connection with operating
the printer which is enclosed with or otherwise associated with this PSFLA
(“PRINTER”). The primary user of the PRINTER may make a second copy for his or
her exclusive use on a portable computer/printer.

• Storage/Network Use. You may also store or install a copy of the SOFTWARE and

FIRMWARE on a storage device, such as a network server, used only to RUN the
SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE on your other PRINTERS over an internal network;
however, you must acquire and dedicate a license for each separate PRINTER on
which the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is RUN from the storage device. A license
for the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE may not be shared or used concurrently on
different PRINTERS.

• Reservation of Rights. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by ZEBRA.

R4Mplus User Guide xiii

Warranty Information

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

• Accessing Services Using the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. Your use of any service

accessible using the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE is not covered by this PSFLA and
may be governed by separate terms of use, conditions or notices.

3. RESTRICTIONS.

• You must maintain all copyright notices on all copies of the SOFTWARE and

FIRMWARE.

• Limitations on modification. You may not modify, adapt, translate, or create derivative

works based on this SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE or the accompanying
documentation.

• Limitations of Reverse Engineering, Decompilation and Disassembly. You may not

reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE or the FIRMWARE,
except and only to the extent that such activity is permitted by applicable law
notwithstanding this limitation.

• Rental. You may not rent or lease or lend the SOFTWARE or FIRMWARE.

• Support Services. ZEBRA may provide you with support services related to the

SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE (“SUPPORT SERVICES”), in its discretion. Use of
SUPPORT SERVICES, if any, is governed by the ZEBRA policies and programs
described in the user manual, in “online” documentation, and/or other ZEBRA
provided materials. Any supplemental SOFTWARE or FIRMWARE code provided to
you as a part of SUPPORT SERVICES shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE
and/or FIRMWARE and is subject to the terms of this PSFLA. With respect to
technical information you provide to ZEBRA as part of the SUPPORT SERVICES,
ZEBRA may use such information for its business purposes, including for product
support and development. ZEBRA will not utilize such technical information in a form
that personally identifies you except to the extent necessary to provide you with
support.

• Replacement, Modification and Upgrade of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE.

ZEBRA reserves the right to replace, modify or upgrade the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE at any time by offering you a replacement or modified version of the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE or such upgrade and to charge for such replacement,
modification or upgrade. Any such replacement or modified SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE code or upgrade to the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE offered to you
by ZEBRA shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and
subject to the terms of this PSFLA (unless this PSFLA is superseded by a further
PSFLA accompanying such replacement or modified version of or upgrade to the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE). In the event that ZEBRA offers a replacement or
modified version of or any upgrade to the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE, (a) your
continued use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is conditioned on your
acceptance of such replacement or modified version of or upgrade to the SOFTWARE
and/or FIRMWARE and any accompanying superseding PSFLA and (b) in the case of
the replacement or modified SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE, your use of all prior
versions of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is terminated.

xiv R4Mplus User Guide

Warranty Information

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

4. TERMINATION. Without prejudice to any other rights, ZEBRA may terminate this

PSFLA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this PSFLA. ZEBRA may
terminate this PSFLA by offering you a superseding PSFLA for the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE or any replacement or modified version of or upgrade to the SOFTWARE
and/or FIRMWARE and conditioning your continued use of the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE or such replacement, modified or upgraded version on your acceptance of
such superseding PSFLA. In addition, ZEBRA may terminate this PSFLA by notifying
you that your continued use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is prohibited. In the
event that ZEBRA terminates this PSFLA, you must immediately stop using the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE and destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE and/or
FIRMWARE and all of its component parts.

5. COPYRIGHT. All title and copyrights in and to the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE, the

accompanying printed materials, and any copies of the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE, are
owned by ZEBRA or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the
content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is the
property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or
other intellectual property laws and treaties. This PSFLA grants you no rights to use such
content. If this SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE contains documentation which is
provided only in electronic form, you may print one copy of such electronic
documentation. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the SOFTWARE
and/or FIRMWARE.

6. U.S. GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS. All SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE

provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to solicitations issued on or after December 1,
1995 is provided with the commercial rights and restrictions described elsewhere herein.
All SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE provided to the U.S. Government pursuant to
solicitations issued prior to December 1, 1995 is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS
as provided for in FAR, 48 CFR 52.227-14 (JUNE 1987) or DFAR, 48 CFR 252.227-7013
(OCT 1988), as applicable.

7. EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You agree that you will not export or re-export the

SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE, any part thereof, or any process or service that is the
direct product of the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE (the foregoing collectively referred
to as the “RESTRICTED COMPONENTS”), to any country, person or entity subject to
U.S. export restrictions. You specifically agree not to export or re-export any of the
RESTRICTED COMPONENTS (i) to any country to which the U.S. has embargoed or
restricted the export of goods or services, which currently include, but are not necessarily
limited to Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria, or to any national of any
such country, wherever located, who intends to transmit or transport the RESTRICTED
COMPONENTS back to such country; (ii) to any person or entity who you know or have
reason to know will utilize the RESTRICTED COMPONENTS in the design,
development or production of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons; or (iii) to any
person or entity who has been prohibited from participating in U.S. export transactions by
any federal agency of the U.S. government. You warrant and represent that neither the
U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of Export Administration nor any other U.S. federal
agency has suspended, revoked or denied your export privileges.

R4Mplus User Guide xv

Warranty Information

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

8. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. ZEBRA AND ITS SUPPLIERS PROVIDE THE

SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE “AS IS” AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND
HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS, EITHER
EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY
(IF ANY) IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OF LACK OF VIRUSES, AND OF LACK
OF NEGLIGENCE OR LACK OF WORKMANLIKE EFFORT. ALSO, THERE IS NO
WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, OF QUIET ENJOYMENT, OR OF
NONINFRINGEMENT. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE IS WITH YOU. ZEBRA
DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE OR
FIRMWARE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR FREE.

9. EXCLUSION OF ALL DAMAGES. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY

APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL ZEBRA OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHER DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING,
WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR ANY INJURY TO PERSON OR
PROPERTY, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION,
LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, FOR LOSS OF PRIVACY FOR FAILURE TO
MEET ANY DUTY INCLUDING OF GOOD FAITH OR OF REASONABLE CARE,
FOR NEGLIGENCE, AND FOR ANY PECUNIARY OR OTHER LOSS
WHATSOEVER) ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE USE OF
OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE, WHETHER BASED ON
CONTRACT, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF
ZEBRA OR ANY SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. THIS EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES SHALL BE EFFECTIVE
EVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

10. LIMITATIONS AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

• To the extent that the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE covered by this PSFLA

includes emulation libraries, emulation libraries are offered “as is”. ZEBRA does not
provide any warranty associated with the emulation libraries.

• The emulation library does not work 100% correctly or cover 100% of the

functionality of the printer language being emulated. Modifications may be required
for each target application. If such modification is necessary, prior to making any such
modification, you are required to contact ZEBRA to obtain express written consent to
make such modification.

• If the emulation library is sold separately by an authorized party other than ZEBRA

(“RESELLER”—A party other than ZEBRA which is authorized by ZEBRA to
distribute the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE with its application so long as the
SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE is used with a ZEBRA printer) or is sold bundled
with a printer to an end-user by a RESELLER, and if claims are made by the
RESELLER that the emulation library performs as a 100% emulation solution,
ZEBRA is not responsible if the emulation library does not work as advertised by the
RESELLER. Furthermore, ZEBRA is not liable for any damages directly or indirectly
relating to such emulation library which is sold separately by the RESELLER or which
is sold bundled with a printer to an end-user by the RESELLER.

xvi R4Mplus User Guide

Warranty Information

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

• The SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE was provided to you at no additional charge and

ZEBRA has included in this PSFLA terms that disclaim all warranties and liability for
the SOFTWARE and FIRMWARE. To the full extent allowed by law, YOU HEREBY
RELEASE ZEBRA AND ITS SUPPLIERS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY
ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO ALL CLAIMS CONCERNING THE
SOFTWARE AND/OR FIRMWARE OR ITS USE. If you do not wish to accept the
SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE under the terms of this PSFLA, do not use the
PRINTER enclosed with or otherwise associated with this PSFLA.

11. GOVERNING LAW. If you acquired the SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE in the United

States of America, the laws of the State of Illinois, U.S.A. will apply to this contract. If
you acquired this SOFTWARE and/or FIRMWARE outside of the United States of
America, then local law may apply. If any provision of this PSFLA is held invalid, the
remainder of this PSFLA shall continue in full force and effect.

12. QUESTIONS. Should you have any questions, or if you desire to contact ZEBRA for any

reason, please contact the ZEBRA subsidiary serving your country, or write:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway

Vernon Hills, IL 60061

R4Mplus User Guide xvii

Warranty Information

Printer Software and Firmware License Agreement

xviii R4Mplus User Guide

Preface

The Preface discusses the topics and illustrates standards that are used throughout this guide.

Contents

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

About this Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxi

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxii

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxiv

R4Mplus User Guide xix

Preface

Contacts

Contacts

You can contact Zebra Technologies Corporation, USA at any of the following:

Visit us at: www.zebra.com

Our Mailing Address:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: +1 847.913.8766

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Zebra House
The Valley Centre, Gordon Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]

Support

You can contact Zebra support at any of the following:

Caution • The Web address is case-sensitive. The SS must be all caps.

Web address: www.zebra.com/SS/service_support.htm

US Phone Number: +1 847.913.2259

UK/International Phone Number: [phone]

xx R4Mplus User Guide

Preface

About this Document

About this Document

The User Guide contains the following chapters:

Table 1 • User Guide Contents

Title Content Description

Introduction This chapter shows the operational controls and location of

major components needed in the loading of media and ribbon.

Printer Setup The chapter provides the tasks that you must complete and the

issues that you must consider before you load and configure
your printer.

Printer Operation This chapter provides instructions for loading media and

ribbon.

Configuration This chapter discusses detailed configuration settings and

instructs you how to view or change parameters through the
front panel.

RFID Guidelines This chapter provides an overview of how RFID works, the

transponders supported by this printer, and the ZPL commands
used to create RFID labels.

Routine Care and Adjustments This chapter discusses printer cleaning and minor adjustments.

Troubleshooting This chapter discusses typical problems and their probable

solutions.

Data Connections This appendix provides details about the serial port and parallel

port data connections.

Specifications This appendix contains specifications for the R4Mplus printer.

R4Mplus User Guide xxi

Preface

Document Conventions

Document Conventions

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

About this Chapter: This section lists and describes each main section of the chapter,

including the initial page number of that section. These sections primarily serve as hyperlink
components for the Adobe Acrobat.pdf version of this guide.

Alternate Color: (on-line only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this

guide. If you are viewing this guide on-line in.pdf format, you can click the cross-reference
(royal blue text) to jump directly to its location.

Command Line Examples: All command line examples appear in Courier font. For

example, you would type the following to get to the Post-Install scripts in the bin
directory: Ztools

Files and Directories: All file names and directories appear in Courier New font. For

example, the Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.

!

Caution, Important, Note, and Example: These types of paragraphs are defined in the

following examples:

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

Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specified action could result in loss of
data or hardware damage.

Important • Provides information that is essential to the completion of 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.

xxii R4Mplus User Guide

Preface

Document Conventions

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
illustration. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 • Example of an Illustration with Callouts

2

1

PAUSE

Power LED

1

Pause LED

2

Error LED

3

Data LED

4

3

4

R4Mplus User Guide xxiii

Preface

Related Documents

Related Documents

In addition to this user guide, the following documents might be helpful references:

• The ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II (Zebra part number 45540L)

details how to create the perfect label format for your application. The guide explains how
the optional ZBI™ extends the power of ZPL II by allowing custom programs to be
written that operate within the printer, directly interfacing with bar code scanners,
keyboard display devices, etc. The guide also contains information about the enhanced
operating system features of your printer. There are three ways to obtain this guide: on the
accessory CD-ROM (supplied with the printer), on our web site (www.zebra.com), or by
ordering printed manuals from your distributor.

• The PrintServer II User and Reference Guide (Zebra part number 45537L) explains how

you can quickly set up your printer on an IP network and experience ZebraLink, our
revolutionary real-time connectivity and control solution for Zebra printers (optional
ZebraNet PrintServer II required).

• The Z4Mplus and Z6Mplus Maintenance Manual (Zebra part number 13358L) contains

the information you need to maintain your printer.

Note • This maintenance manual applies to the R4Mplus, but the RFID components are not
included.

xxiv R4Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

This chapter shows the operational controls and location of major components needed in the
loading of media and ribbon.

Contents

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

LCD Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Print Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Printer Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

R4Mplus User Guide 1

Introduction

External View

External View

Figure 1 shows the outside of the printer.

2

Figure 1 • External View

1

Electronics cover

1

Front panel

2

Media door

3

3

2 R4Mplus User Guide

Front Panel

The front panel keys and lights are shown in Figure 2.

Introduction

Front Panel

Figure 2 • Front Panel Controls and LEDs

1

12

11

10

2

3

4

5

6

7

PAUSE

8

9

Power LED

1

Pause LED

2

Error LED

3

Data LED

4

LCD

5

PLUS (+) Key

6

SETUP/EXIT Key

7

CANCEL Key

8

PAUSE Key

9

FEED Key

10

SELECT Key

11

MINUS (–) Key

12

R4Mplus User Guide 3

Introduction

Front Panel

LCD Display Settings

Table 1 shows the front panel LCD display settings that you may wish to adjust and what they

mean. Refer to Basic Configuration on page 46 for more detailed information.

LCD Display Meaning/Available Settings

PRINTER READY Ready to print labels or to configure the printer. All printer

DARKNESS The larger the number, the darker the print. The range is

PRINT SPEED The print speed is given in inches per second. The larger the

TEAR OFF Establishes the position of the media over the tear-off bar after

PRINT MODE Tear-Off (default setting), Peel-Off, Cutter, Rewind. For more

Table 1 • Front Panel LCD Display Settings

self-tests have been performed successfully.

0 to 30, with a default setting of 10.

number, the faster the label prints.

printing.

details, see Table 2.

MEDIA TYPE Non-continuous (default setting), Continuous

SENSOR TYPE Web (default setting), Mark

SENSOR SELECT Auto Select (default setting), Transmissive

PRINT METHOD Thermal transfer (default setting using a ribbon),

Direct thermal (no ribbon)

4 R4Mplus User Guide

Print Modes

You can view the current print mode on the LCD on the front panel of the printer. Refer to

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays on page 49 for more detailed information. Print

modes should match the media and printer options chosen. Print mode choices are listed in

Table 2.

Table 2• Print Mode Options

Mode Printer Option Action

Introduction

Front Panel

Tear-Off Mode
(Default setting)

Use for most applications. Each label or strip of labels can be torn

off after printing.

Peel-Off Mode Use only if printer has the peel option. Liner material is peeled away from the

label as it is printed. After the printed
label is removed the next label prints.

Cutter Mode Use only if printer has a cutter option. Printer automatically cuts the label after

it is printed.

Rewind Mode Use only if printer has the rewind

option.

The media and/or liner are rewound
onto a core as they are printed.

R4Mplus User Guide 5

Introduction

Printer Media Compartment

Printer Media Compartment

Figure 3 shows a simplified view of your printer. Depending on installed options, your

printer may look slightly different.

Figure 3 • Media Compartment

2

1

6

7

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Label Supply Guide

3

Label Supply Hanger

4

Dancer

5

Label Guide

6

Printhead Open Lever

7

3

5

4

6 R4Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 2

Printer Setup

The chapter provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider
before you load and configure your printer.

Contents

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Report Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Select a Site for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Select a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Provide Proper Operating Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Provide a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Select a Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Non-Continuous Web Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Continuous Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

RFID “Smart” Labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

R4Mplus User Guide 7

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 13.

 Select Media Do you have the correct media for your application? If you are unsure, see

Types of Media on page 15.

 Select Ribbon Do you need to use ribbon, and is the appropriate ribbon available, if

needed? If you are unsure, see Ribbon on page 18.

8 R4Mplus User Guide

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

• Check all exterior surfaces.

• Raise the media access door and inspect the media compartment.

• Save the carton and all packing material in case the printer needs to be shipped. Contact
your authorized Zebra reseller for instructions.

• 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, see

Connect the Printer to a Power Source on page 11.

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug with an
earth-ground connection to the AC power source.

Report Damage

If you discover shipping damage:

• Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report.

Printer Setup

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

!

Storage

Important • Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred

during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty

• Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.

• Notify your local Zebra reseller.

If you are not placing the printer into operation immediately, repackage it using the original
packing materials. The printer may be stored under the following conditions:

• Temperature: –40°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C)

• Relative humidity: 5% to 85%, non-condensing

R4Mplus User Guide 9

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 110.

Table 3 shows the temperature and relative humidity requirements for the printer when it is

operating.

Mode Temperature Relative Humidity

Thermal Transfer 41° to 104°F (5° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing

Direct Thermal 32° 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 13.

Table 3 • Operating Temperature and Humidity

10 R4Mplus User Guide

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. The
power cord used must meet your local electrical requirements. If a power cord is not included
or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, refer to the following guidelines.

Printer Setup

Your power cord must meed these standards:

• The overall length must be less than 9.8 ft. (3.0 m).

• It must be rated for at least 5A, 250 VAC.

• The chassis ground (earth) must be connected to ensure safety and reduce electromagnetic
interference. The ground connection is handled by the third wire (earth) in the power cord
as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 • Power Cord Specifications

1 2 3 4

AC power plug for your country

1

3-conductor HAR cable

2

IEC 320 connector

3

Neutral earth live in contact view

4

R4Mplus User Guide 11

Printer Setup

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

• The AC power plug and IEC 320 connector must bear the certification mark of at least one
of the known international safety organizations shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 • International Safety Organization Marks

+

R

12 R4Mplus User Guide

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 RS-232 DB-9 serial data port and the IEEE 1284 compliant
bidirectional parallel port. For further information, see Data Connections on page 103.

Optional interfaces:

• Socket Card for PCMCIA cards. For further information on PCMCIA cards, see Install

Memory Card on page 42.

Optional Print Servers:

• ZebraNet external PrintServer II (PSII)

• PSII internal PrintServer (factory installed only)
Enables the printer to be connected to 10Base-T Ethernet networks.

For further information on PrintServer II, see the PrintServer II User and Reference Guide
(Zebra part number 45537L).

Printer Setup

Select a Communication Interface

Serial Port Communicating using a serial data port (see Figure 6) requires choosing the baud

rate, number of data bits, stop bits, parity, and handshake (default settings are 9600 baud, 8
data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and

XON/XOFF). Parity only applies to data transmitted by the

printer since the parity of received data is ignored. See Serial Data Port on page 104 to
configure the communication parameters. The values selected must be the same as those used
by the host equipment connected to the printer.

Figure 6 • Communicating Using a Serial Data Port

Printer

9

9

Null modem adaptor
(if using a standard
modem cable)

Computer

Male

25

9

50 ft. (15 mm) maximum

R4Mplus User Guide 13

Printer Setup

Select a Communication Interface

Parallel Port Communicating using the parallel port (see Figure 7) does not require special

settings. The serial settings do not affect the parallel port. Refer to Parallel Data Port

on page 108

for further information.

Figure 7 • Communicating Using a Parallel Port

36-pin
male

Printer

Computer

PC

25-pin
female

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. Zebra printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations, Part 15 for Class B equipment
using fully shielded data cables. Use of unshielded cables may increase radiation above the
Class B limits.

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 • RS-422 and RS-485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as recommended in
the Appendix of the TIA/EIA-485 Specification.

25-pin
male

10 ft. (3 mm) maximum

14 R4Mplus User Guide

Types of Media

Your printer is capable of using various types of media. These include continuous roll and
fanfold media (Figure 8) that may be labels or card stock and that may have optional
perforations or registration holes. The media also may have a radio frequency identification
(RFID) chip and antenna inlay embedded in it (sometimes called “smart” labels). The
following sections contain descriptions of the various types of media approved for use in your
printer.

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Figure 8 • Roll and Fanfold Media

Roll Media Fanfold Media

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.

Note • Because print quality is affected by media and ribbon, printing speeds, and printer
operating modes, it is very important to run tests for your applications.

Non-Continuous Web Media

Non-continuous web media refers to individual labels that are separated by a gap, notch, or
hole (Figure 9). When you look at the media, you can tell where one label ends and the next
one begins.

Important • Printhead life may be reduced by abrasion from exposed paper fibers when using

!

perforated media.

R4Mplus User Guide 15

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Figure 9 • Non-Continuous Web Media

3 3

1
2
3

Continuous Media

Continuous media (Figure 10) is one uninterrupted roll of material without gaps, holes,
notches, or black marks. This allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label. The
individual labels can be cut apart or stored in a roll for later use.

1

Hole
Notch
Label Gap

Figure 10 • Continuous Media

2

16 R4Mplus User Guide

RFID “Smart” Labels

“Smart” labels are usually made from two components: media and an embedded RFID
transponder (Figure 11). For more information about reading and encoding RFID tags, see

RFID Guidelines on page 69.

• The media (usually a label with a UHF transponder embedded between the label and liner)
is usually comprised of synthetic- or paper-based material that can be printed upon using
direct thermal or thermal transfer printing techniques. The media is typically made from
the same materials and adhesives that a non-RFID barcode printer would use.

• The UHF transponder, which is sometimes called the RFID tag, is usually comprised of an
antenna that is bonded to an integrated circuit (IC) chip. If you hold a “smart” label up to
the light, you can see the transponder’s antenna embedded within the label, and you can
feel a bump in the label where the IC chip is located.

The IC chip contains the RF circuit, coders, decoders, and memory. At a minimum,
“smart” labels have memory that can be read, while the vast majority also have memory
that can be encoded by the user as well. For more information about encoding “smart”
labels, see ZPL II Commands for RFID on page 71.

Printer Setup

Types of Media

Figure 11 • RFID “Smart” Labels

1

2

Liner

1

Label

2

Location of embedded transponder

3

Outline of transponder antenna

4

(shape varies by manufacturer)

3

4

(label profile)

R4Mplus User Guide 17

Printer Setup

Ribbon

Ribbon

Ribbon is a thin film carrying wax or wax resin that is transferred to the media during the
thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use ribbon and
determines the minimum width of the ribbon. Consider the following:

• Thermal transfer — ribbon needed.

The ribbon 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.

Caution • The ribbon must be as wide 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.

• Direct thermal transfer — no ribbon needed.

When printing in direct thermal mode, ribbon is not used and should not be loaded in the
printer.

18 R4Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 3

Printer Operation

This chapter provides instructions for loading media and ribbon.

Contents

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Front Panel Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Front Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Load Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Tear-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Peel-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Rewind/Peel Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Rewind Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Load Fanfold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Remove the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Install Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

R4Mplus User Guide 19

Printer Operation

Front Panel

Front Panel

The front panel display shows the printer’s operating status and allows you to change settings
as needed to work with your media and label formats.

The front panel keys and lights are shown in Figure 12. Descriptions for each are located in

Table 4 and Table 5.

Figure 12 • Front Panel

2

1

12

11

10

9

Power LED

1

Pause LED

2

Error LED

3

Data LED

4

LCD

5

PLUS (+) Key

6

SETUP/EXIT Key

7

CANCEL Key

8

PAUSE Key

9

FEED Key

10

SELECT Key

11

MINUS (–) Key

12

PAUSE

3

4

5

6

7

8

20 R4Mplus User Guide

Printer Operation

Front Panel

Front Panel Keys

Table 4 • Front Panel Keys

Key Function

FEED Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the key is pressed.

Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.
Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete.

PAUSE Starts and stops the printing process.

Printer not printing: no printing occurs. (Press PAUSE again to resume printing.)
Printing: printing stops after the current label is complete.

CANCEL Cancels print jobs when in the pause mode.

Printer not printing: the next stored label format does not print.
Printing: current label completes printing and the next label format is cancelled.
Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in memory.

SETUP/EXIT Enters and exits the configuration mode.

SELECT Toggles the function of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) between the Scroll and Change

Modes.
Press once to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to change the values of the selection.
Press again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll through the menu items.

PLUS (+)

Scrolls to the next selection.

(scroll mode)

PLUS (+)
(change mode)

Increases the value.
Answers yes.
Prints a label (when applicable).

MINUS (–)

Scrolls to the previous selection.

(scroll mode)

MINUS (–)
(change mode)

Decreases the value.
Selects the digit you wish to change.
Answers no.

R4Mplus User Guide 21

Printer Operation

Front Panel

Front Panel Lights

Table 5 • Front Panel Lights

Light Status Indication

POWER Off The printer is off or no power is applied.

On The printer is on.

PAUSE Off Normal printer operation.

On The printer has stopped all printing operations.

Flashing Peel-Off Mode, the Pause light flashes when the label is available,

and when initializing FLASH or PCMCIA memory.

ERROR Off Normal printer operation (no errors).

Slow flashing RIBBON IN warning, HEAD UNDER TEMP warning, or HEAD

OVER TEMP error.

Fast flashing HEAD OPEN error.

On PAPER OUT or RIBBON OUT errors.

DATA Off Normal printer operation (no data being received or processed).

One flash CANCEL is pressed and a format is successfully cancelled.

Slow flashing The printer is unable to accept more data from the host.

Fast flashing The printer is receiving data.

On A partial format has been received and no subsequent data activity.

22 R4Mplus User Guide

Load Roll Media

Tear-Off Mode

Tear-Off Mode is the default mode. The printer is set to this mode in the factory.

To load media in Tear-Off Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright

position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible.

4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the roll.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under the

ribbon sensor, and out the front of the printer.

8. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media guide

until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the label.

9. Close the printhead assembly.

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

10. The printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing.

R4Mplus User Guide 23

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Figure 13 • Tear-Off Mode

2

3

1

4

8

7

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Label Supply Guide

3

Label Supply Hanger

4

Dancer

5

Label Guide

6

Printhead Open Lever

7

Printed Label

8

6 5

24 R4Mplus User Guide

Peel-Off Mode

This setting works only with the Peel-Off Option installed on the printer. Figure 14 shows the
printer with the Peel-Off Option.

To load media in Peel-Off Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the printer main frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media onto the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the

media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under the

ribbon sensor, and through the Peel Assembly.

8. Pull approximately 12 in. (30 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright
position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

9. Ensure the media is against the rear of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media guide

until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

10. Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

11. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar and behind the peel assembly.

12. Close the printhead assembly.

13. Close the peel assembly using the peel lever.

14. The printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing.

Peeling starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

R4Mplus User Guide 25

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

101

9

8

11

1

7

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Media Supply Guide

3

Media Supply Hanger

4

Dancer

5

Media Guide

6

Printhead Open Lever

7

Peel Assembly

8

Label

9

Peel Lever

10

Tear-Off/Peel/Off Bar

11

Figure 14 • Peel-Off Mode

3

2

5

6

4

26 R4Mplus User Guide

Liner Take-Up Mode

The Liner Take-up option must be installed to use this mode. The option is shown in

Figure 16.

To load media in Liner Take-Up Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright

position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the maim frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media onto the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the

media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and under the

ribbon sensor.

8. Pull approximately 18 in. (500 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

9. Remove the labels from the exposed media until only liner remains.

10. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media guide

until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

11. Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

12. Feed the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar and behind the peel assembly.

13. Close the printhead assembly.

14. Close the peel assembly.

15. Slide the liner into the slot (see Figure 15) in the spindle of the liner take-up. Ensure that

the liner is resting against the back plate of the spindle assembly.

Figure 15 • Liner Take-Up Spindle

Slot

16. Turn the spindle assembly counterclockwise a few times to snug the liner.

17. If the printer is paused (the pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing. Peeling

starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

R4Mplus User Guide 27

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Figure 16 • Liner Take-Up Mode

3

2

12

1

11

6

10

9

7

4

5

8

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Label Supply Guide

3

Label Supply Hanger

4

Liner Take-Up

5

Dancer

6

Label Guide

7

Printhead Open Lever

8

Peel Assembly

9

Label

10

Peel Lever

11

Tear-Off/Peel/Off Bar

12

Liner Removal

1. Pull the liner slide toward you (see inset) until it stops (about a third of the way down the

liner take-up spindle).

Figure 17 • Removing Liner from Liner Take-Up Spindle

Liner Slide

Liner Slide Tab

2. Slide the liner from the take-up spindle.

Note • The liner slide moves back in place once the liner is removed.

28 R4Mplus User Guide

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Rewind/Peel Mode

The Rewind option must be installed to use this mode. The option is shown in Figure 18.

To load media in Rewind/Peel Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright

position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Place the roll of labels on the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the

media.

7. Feed the labels under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and under the

ribbon sensor.

8. Pull approximately 36 in. (900 mm) of label through the front of the printer.

9. Remove the labels from the first 18 in. (450 mm) of media.

10. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media guide

until it touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

11. Pull down the peel lever to open the peel assembly.

12. Feed the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar, and through the slot in the peel assembly.

13. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up

spindle.

14. Slide an empty core onto the take-up spindle; wrap the liner around the core and turn the

take-up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess liner.

Note • The liner must be attached to the take-up spindle for the printer to
operate properly. Ensure the edge of the liner is flush against the backplate of the
take-up spindle.

15. Slide the rewind media guide against the liner and tighten the thumbscrew.

16. Close the printhead assembly.

17. Close the peel assembly using the peel lever.

18. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing.

Peeling starts automatically. Press FEED to test.

R4Mplus User Guide 29

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Figure 18 • Rewind/Peel Mode

14

15

1

13

12

11

10

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Label Supply Guide

3

Label Supply Hanger

4

Rewind Spindle

5

Rewind Label Guide

6

Thumbscrew

7

Dancer

8

Label Guide

9

Media Alignment Spindle

10

Printhead Open Lever

11

Peel Assembly

12

Label

13

Rewind Base Assembly

14

Peel Lever

15

2

3

4

5

9

8

7

6

Liner Removal

To remove liner from the rewind spindle, complete these steps:

1. Cut the liner between the media alignment spindle and the rewind spindle.

2. Rotate the take-up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is in the

12 o’clock position.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up

spindle.

4. Slide the core with the liner from the take-up spindle.

30 R4Mplus User Guide

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Rewind Mode

The Rewind option must be installed to use this mode. The option is shown in Figure 19.

To load media in Rewind Mode, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright

position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Place a roll of media on the media supply hanger as shown.

5. Flip up the media supply guide.

6. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the

media.

7. Feed the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, and under the

ribbon sensor.

8. Pull approximately 36 in. (900 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

9. Remove the labels from the first 18 in. (450 mm) of media.

10. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the media guide

until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

11. Feed the media over the peel assembly and through the rewind base assembly.

12. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up

spindle.

13. Slide an empty core onto the take-up spindle; wrap the media around the core and turn the

take-up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess material.

Note • The liner must be attached to the take-up spindle for the printer to operate properly.
Ensure the edge of the liner is flush against the backplate of the take-up spindle.

14. Slide the rewind media guide against the media, and tighten the thumbscrew.

15. Close the printhead assembly.

16. The printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press

PAUSE to enable printing.

R4Mplus User Guide 31

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Figure 19 • Rewind Mode

13

12

11

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

2

14

1

10

9

Printhead Assembly
Transmissive Sensor
Label Supply Guide
Label Supply Hanger
Rewind Spindle
Rewind Label Guide
Thumbscrew
Dancer
Label Guide
Media Alignment Spindle
Printhead Open Lever
Rewind Base Assembly
Peel Assembly
Peel Lever

3

4

5

7

6

8

Media Removal

To remove printed media from the rewind spindle, complete these steps:

1. Cut the media between the media alignment spindle and the rewind spindle.

2. Rotate the take-up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is in the

12 o’clock position.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up

spindle.

4. Slide the core with the roll of media from the take-up spindle.

32 R4Mplus User Guide

Printer Operation

Load Roll Media

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option

The instructions below apply only if the printer has a Rewind option. The liner should be
installed flush against the backplate of the rewind spindle to prevent the media/backing from
winding too loosely. See Figure 20.

Do the adjustments in the order given. Do only what is needed to solve the problem.

To adjust the Media Alignment for Rewind Mode, complete these steps:

1. Turn the adjustment dial clockwise to move the media toward the mainframe.

2. Turn the dial counter clockwise to move the media away from the mainframe.

Figure 20 • Rewind Option Adjustment Dial

4

1

3

Rewind Spindle Backplate

1

Rewind Spindle

2

Adjustment Dial

3

Printhead Assembly

4

2

R4Mplus User Guide 33

Printer Operation

Load Fanfold Media

Load Fanfold Media

Fanfold media feeds through either the bottom or rear access slot. See Figure 21.

To load fanfold media, complete these steps:

1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright

position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

2. Flip down the media supply guide.

3. Slide the media guide as far from the main frame as possible.

4. Pass the fanfold media over the media supply hanger.

5. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media supply guide until it just touches, but

does not restrict, the edge of the media.

6. Thread the media under the dancer, through the slot in the transmissive sensor, under the

ribbon sensor, and out the front of the printer.

7. Ensure the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Then, slide in the media

guide until it just touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the media.

8. Close the printhead assembly.

9. Press

PAUSE.

34 R4Mplus User Guide

Figure 21 • Loading Fanfold Media

Rear Feed

3

1

2

6

7

5

Bottom Feed

3

Printer Operation

Load Fanfold Media

4

1

2

6

7

Printhead Assembly

1

Transmissive Sensor

2

Label Supply Guide

3

Label Supply Hanger

4

Dancer

5

Label Guide

6

Printhead Open Lever

7

4

5

R4Mplus User Guide 35

Printer Operation

Load the Ribbon

Load the Ribbon

The ribbon supply spindle in your printer is a dual-tension variety. Most applications require
the spindle to be in the normal position. The low tension position is recommended only when a
wide ribbon is used or normal tension hampers the ribbon movement.

Note • Always use ribbon that is wider than the media. The smooth liner of the ribbon
protects the printhead from wear. For direct thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.

To load ribbon, complete these steps:

1. Set the spindle for normal or low tension.

• To place the spindle in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle end cap until it
extends and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 22.

• To place the spindle in the low tension position, firmly push in the end cap until it
retracts and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 22.

Figure 22 • Ribbon Spindle Normal and Low Tension

Spindle End Cap

Extended

2. See Figure 23. Press the printhead open lever.

The printhead assembly springs up.

Caution • Ensure that the printhead is fully open and engaged in the upright
position. If you fail to latch the printhead, it could fall on your hand during the
procedure.

3. Orient the ribbon as shown. Push the ribbon roll completely onto the ribbon supply

spindle.

4. Pull the end of the ribbon over the ribbon sensor, under the printhead assembly, and out

the front of the printer.

5. Hold the ribbon snug and free of wrinkles and in line with the guide mark near the left

edge of the strip plate. Close the printhead assembly.

6. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle.

Spindle End Cap

Retracted

36 R4Mplus User Guide

Figure 23 • Ribbon Path

Printer Operation

Load the Ribbon

3

2

4

5

1

7

6

8

Strip Plate

1

Printhead Assembly

2

Release Knob

3

Tension Blades

4

Ribbon Take-Up Spindle

5

Ribbon Supply Spindle

6

Ribbon Sensor

7

Printhead Open Lever

8

Remove the Ribbon

To remove used ribbon, complete these steps:

1. If the ribbon has not run out, break it between the strip plate and the ribbon take-up

spindle.

Caution • Do not cut the ribbon on the ribbon take-up spindle. This may damage the
spindle.

2. While turning the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counterclockwise, squeeze the

ribbon against the ribbon take-up spindle tension blades.

3. When the tension blades collapse into the ribbon take-up spindle, hold the release knob

and rotate the spent ribbon toward the rear of the printer. Then, slide the ribbon off the
ribbon take-up spindle.

R4Mplus User Guide 37

Printer Operation

Calibrate the Printer

Calibrate the Printer

Auto Calibration

The R4Mplus automatically calibrates on power up. During auto calibration, the printer
determines the label length and sensor settings.

Auto calibration occurs when the printer is turned on and each time the printer recovers from
an error condition. To clear an error, open and close the printhead assembly and then press
PAUSE. The printer begins auto calibration when all errors have been cleared.

The results of the auto calibration are stored in the printer's memory and are retained even if
printer power is removed. These parameters remain in effect until the next calibration is
performed.

,

Note • If the front panel setting for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE are set to
LENGTH, NO MOTION, or FEED, the printer starts printing without auto calibrating.

Manual Calibration

Perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration to reset the sensitivity of the sensors so the
media and ribbon are detected more accurately. If you change the type of ribbon or media,
your printer may operate better if this calibration is performed.

For instructions, refer to Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration (Manual Calibration)

on page 56.

38 R4Mplus User Guide

Print a Configuration Label

Print a configuration label to test the printer setup. Do this when the printer is first installed, or
when the printer cannot properly detect the top of the label.

To print a configuration label, complete these steps:

1. Turn the printer Off (O).

2. Press and hold CANCEL while turning the printer On (l). See Figure 2, Front Panel

Controls and LEDs, on page 3.

3. Release CANCEL after the DATA light turns off (approximately five seconds).

A configuration label prints showing the printer’s currently stored parameters (similar to
the label shown in Figure 24).

4. Did the configuration label print correctly?

• If yes, go to Configuration on page 43.

• If the configuration label did not print or if the labels are aligned improperly, review
the following items in the order shown. Do only as many steps as needed to solve the
printing problem.

•Review Types of Media on page 15 to make sure that you have the correct type of

media for your application.

•Review Ribbon on page 18. If you are using direct thermal media, you do not need

to use ribbon. If you are using thermal media, ribbon is required for printing.

•Review Load Roll Media on page 23 or Load Fanfold Media on page 34.

• Configure the printer according to the directions given in Basic Configuration

on page 46.

Printer Operation

Print a Configuration Label

R4Mplus User Guide 39

Printer Operation

Print a Configuration Label

Figure 24 • Sample Configuration Label

40 R4Mplus User Guide

Adjust Printhead Pressure

See Figure 25. This adjustment may be necessary if printing is too light on one side or if thick
media is used.

Figure 25 • Printhead Pressure Adjustment Dials

Pressure Adjustment Dials

Printer Operation

Adjust Printhead Pressure

R

The pressure adjustment dials for the R4Mplus each have four possible settings designated by
blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest block (fully
counterclockwise) is considered position 1 and the largest block (fully clockwise) is
considered position 4.

L

Set Printhead Pressure

Depending on which printer you have, use Table 6 to select the initial dial settings for your
media.

Some media types require higher pressure to print well. For these media, increase both dials
one position. If the media tends to shift to the left while printing, increase the right dial setting
one position or decrease the left dial setting one position. If the media tends to shift to the right
while printing, increase the left dial setting one position or decrease the right dial setting one
position.

Table 6 • R4Mplus Printhead Pressure

Media Width Left Dial Right Dial

1 in. (25.4 mm) 3 1

2 in. (51 mm) 4 1

3 in. (76 mm) 3 2

3.5 in. and up (89 mm and up) 3 3

R4Mplus User Guide 41

Printer Operation

Install Memory Card

Install Memory Card

The printer can use Type I or Type II compliant PCMCIA memory cards.

Caution • Observe proper electrostatic safety precautions when handling any
static-sensitive components such as circuit boards and printheads.

Note • The PCMCIA card is hot-swappable. It can be installed while the printer is On (l).

To install the PCMCIA memory card, complete these steps:

1. Remove the PCMCIA card shield from the rear of the printer.

2. Insert the PCMCIA card, with the notch UP, into the card slot as shown (see Figure 26).

Insert the card far enough to cause the eject button to pop out.

3. Reinstall the PCMCIA card shield over the PCMCIA card and card slot.

The printer is now ready to operate with the additional memory or font option.

Note • Initialization of the PCMCIA card may take a few minutes; the Pause LED flashes
while the card initializes. If the card is already initialized, the Pause LED flashes only once or
twice. To verify that the card has successfully initialized, print a configuration label and
review it to see if the new memory card information is listed.

Figure 26 • Installing the PCMCIA Card

Notch

PCMCIA

Card

e

s

F

u

u

F

s

e

Card Eject

Button

42 R4Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 4

Configuration

This chapter discusses detailed configuration settings and instructs you how to view or change
parameters through the front panel.

Contents

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Enter Configuration Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Exit Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Basic Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

R4Mplus User Guide 43

Configuration

Overview

Overview

After you have installed the media and ribbon and the Power-On Self Test (POST) is complete
(see Power-On Self Test on page 95 for more information), the front panel displays

READY

parameters for your application.

Note • Printers operating on an IP network can be quickly configured using ZebraNet View
(optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required). For more information, see the PrintServer II User
and Reference Guide.

Enter Configuration Mode

To enter configuration mode, complete these steps:

. Use the front panel display and the four keys directly below it to set printer

1. From the front panel, press SETUP/EXIT:

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll to the setting you wish to change.

3. Press SELECT to toggle the functionality of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) keys.

4. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to increase or decrease the value, answer yes or no, print a

label, or select the digit you wish to change.

5. Press SELECT again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll to the desired menu item.

PRINTER

Note • An asterisk (*) in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates that the value
displayed is different than the currently stored value.

Exit Configuration Mode

You can leave configuration mode at any time.

To exit configuration mode, complete these steps:

1. From the front panel, press SETUP/EXIT.

The

SAVE CHANGES

choices.

•

PERMANENT

when power is turned off. This is the default selection.

TEMPORARY

•
turned off.

•

CANCEL

darkness and tear-off settings (if they were changed).

LOAD DEFAULTS

•

•

LOAD LAST SAVE

2. Press SELECT to select the displayed choice.

— Permanently saves the changes. Values are stored in the printer even

— Saves the changes until you change them again or until power is

— Cancels all changes from the time you pressed SETUP/EXIT, except for

display appears. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other

— Loads factory defaults.

— Loads values from the last permanent save.

3. Press SETUP/EXIT to save your choice.

44 R4Mplus User Guide

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Certain parameters are password-protected by factory default. If you press SELECT when a
password-protected parameter is displayed on the front panel, the printer prompts you for a
password. If you do not know the password, press SETUP/EXIT to leave the prompt. You
will not be allowed to modify the parameter without entering the password.

The default password is 1234. You can change the password using the ^KP (Define Password)
ZPL II command.

Password-Protect All Parameters You have the option of making all parameters

password protected. Refer to PASSWORD LEVEL* on page 67 for details.

Disable Password You can disable the password protection feature to no longer prompt you

for a password by setting the password to ØØØØ via the ^KPØ ZPL/ZPL II command. To
reenable the password-protection feature, send the ZPL/ZPL II command ^KPx, where x can
be any number that is one to four digits in length, except Ø.

To enter a password, complete these steps:

Configuration

Overview

1. From the front panel, enter a four-digit password at the

MINUS (–) changes the selected digit position. PLUS (+) increases value of the selected
digit.

2. After entering the password, press SELECT.

The parameter that you selected is displayed, and the value may be modified if the
password was entered correctly.

Note • After you enter the password correctly, you do not have to enter it again until you leave
and reenter the configuration mode.

ENTER PASSWORD

prompt.

R4Mplus User Guide 45

Configuration

Basic Configuration

Basic Configuration

If your labels are not printing correctly, the configuration may need to be changed because the
printer defaults may not reflect the options that you need. Media, ribbon, darkness, print mode,
media type, sensor type, and print method all affect the way the printer is configured. This
section covers how to change these basic configuration options for your printer through the
printer’s front panel. Review Figure 2 on page 3
controls.

Refer to Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays on page 49 for more detailed
information on all of the configuration options available on your printer.

Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label preparation
software. See the driver or software documentation for more information.

To perform basic a configuration, complete these steps:

1. Enter the configuration mode by pressing SETUP/EXIT.

DARKNESS

displays.

to familiarize yourself with the front panel

Adjust Darkness

2. Is the printed image too dark or too light? Or does the ribbon stick to the media?

• If no, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

Adjust Image Crispness and Print Speed.

• If yes, complete the following steps:

2.1. Press SELECT.

2.2. If the labels moved forward, but the print is light or there is no print, press PLUS

(+) to increase the darkness. If the print is too dark, or the ribbon sticks to the
media, press MINUS (–) to decrease the darkness.

2.3. Press SELECT to accept the change.

2.4. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

PRINT SPEED

Adjust Image Crispness and Print Speed

3. Is the printed image crisp?

• If yes, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

Tear-Off Position.

• If the print is dark enough but the image is not crisp, slow down the print speed by
completing the following steps. Print speed is given in inches per second (ips).

3.1. Press SELECT.

3.2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the speed or MINUS (–) to decrease the speed.

3.3. Press SELECT to accept the changes.

3.4. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

TEAR OFF displays. Continue with Adjust Tear-Off Position.

displays. Continue with Adjust Image Crispness and Print Speed.

PRINT SPEED

TEAR-OFF

. Continue with Adjust

. Continue with

46 R4Mplus User Guide

Configuration

Basic Configuration

Adjust Tear-Off Position

The Tear-Off position defines the position of the label on the tear-off bar. When working with
non-continuous labels, the inter-label gap should be on the tear bar. This setting does not apply
to continuous media.

4. Are you using continuous media?

• If yes, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

PRINT MODE

. Continue with Select

Print Mode.

• If no, continue with Step 5.

5. Does the inter-label gap line up on the tear bar?

• If yes, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

PRINT MODE

. Continue with Select

Print Mode.

• If no, complete the following steps:

5.1. Press SELECT.

5.2. Press PLUS (+) to move the label forward or MINUS (–) to move the label

backward. Repeat this until the label lines up correctly.

5.3. Press SELECT to accept the changes.

5.4. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

PRINT MODE

displays. Continue with Select Print Mode.

Select Print Mode

When the wrong Print Mode is selected, the top of the label is not found by the printer.
Examples of common problems include when the gaps between noncontinuous labels do not
line up on the tear bar or when continuous media is not being cut at the right interval.

6. Do the labels line up or cut correctly?

If yes, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

MEDIA TYPE

. Continue with Select

Media Type.

If no, review the media and the printer options, then complete the following steps:

6.1. Press SELECT.

6.2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

setting that matches your printer options (Tear-Off, Peel-Off, or Rewind).

6.3. Press SELECT to accept the change.

6.4. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

MEDIA TYPE

displays. Continue with Select Media Type.

R4Mplus User Guide 47

Configuration

Basic Configuration

Select Media Type

For examples of non-continuous and continuous media, see

7. Does the media type on the display match the type of media that you are using?

• If yes, press PLUS (+) to move to the next option:

Select Print Method.

• If your label media does not match the Media Type, complete the following steps:

7.1. Press SELECT.

7.2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

7.3. Press SELECT to accept the change.

7.4. Press PLUS (+) to move to the next option.

Select Print Method

The two choices for print method are: thermal and direct. You can find out if a label is thermal
or direct thermal by scratching it with your fingernail. If your nail leaves a black mark, the
media is direct thermal. If it does not leave a mark, the media is thermal.

• Use Thermal Transfer if you are using ribbon with your label material.

• Use Direct Thermal if you are not using ribbon. Direct thermal label media has ink
embedded in the label material that is brought out by the heat of the printhead.

8. Does the Print Method setting match your media type?

• If yes, continue with Save Changes and Exit.

• If no, complete the following steps:

8.1. Press SELECT.

8.2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to scroll through the setting options. Stop at the

8.3. Press SELECT to accept the change.

Types of Media on page 15.

PRINT METHOD

setting that matches your printer options (Continuous or Noncontinuous).

PRINT METHOD

setting that matches your printer options (Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal).

displays. Continue with Select Print Method.

. Continue with

Save Changes and Exit

9. Press SETUP/EXIT to leave the front panel menu.

SAVE CHANGES PERMANENT

Mode on page 44.

10. Press SETUP/EXIT again.

SAVING PERMANENT

settings. The LCD displays

48 R4Mplus User Guide

displays. One or more labels may feed out, depending on your

displays. For other save options, see Exit Configuration

PRINTER READY

.

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 covers all of the configuration options for your printer. Parameters are shown in the

order in which they are displayed when you press PLUS (+) after entering the setup mode.
Throughout this process, press PLUS (+) to continue to the next parameter, or press
MINUS (–) to return to the previous parameter in the cycle. Refer to Basic Configuration

on page 46 for information on changing just the basic print settings.

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 1 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

DARKNESS

PRINT SPEED

Adjusting Print Darkness

Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print quality.
Darkness set too high may cause ink to smear or the printer may burn
through the ribbon.

Darkness settings are dependent upon a variety of factors, including
ribbon type, media, and the condition of the printhead. You may adjust
the darkness for consistent high-quality printing. Darkness settings may
also be changed by the driver or software settings.

You may want to adjust the darkness while performing the Feed Self Test

on page 98. Because the darkness setting takes effect immediately, you

can see the results on labels that are currently printing during the test.

Default: +10

Range: 0 to +30

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase darkness if printing is too light or if there

are voids in printed areas.

3. Press MINUS (–) to decrease darkness if printing is too dark or if

there is spreading or bleeding of printed areas.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjusting Print Speed

Speed is measured in inches per second (ips).

Default: 2 ips

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase print speed.

3. Press MINUS (–) to decrease print speed.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 49

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 2 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

TEAR OFF

PRINT MODE

Adjusting the Tear-Off Position

This parameter establishes the position of the media over the
tear-off/peel-off bar after printing. The label and liner can be torn off or
cut between labels.

Default: +0

Range: –120 to +120

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value. Each press adjusts the tear-off

position by four dot rows.

3. Press MINUS (–) to decrease the value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Selecting Print Mode

Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you
wish to use. Be sure to select a print mode that your hardware
configuration supports as some selections displayed are for optional
printer features.

Default: Tear- off

Selections: Tear-off, cutter, peel-off, rewind

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

MEDIA TYPE

Setting Media Type

This parameter tells the printer the type of media you are using. Selecting
continuous media requires that you include a label length instruction in
your label format (^LLxxxx if you are using ZPL or ZPL II).

When non-continuous media is selected, the printer feeds media to
calculate label length (the distance between two detections of the
inter-label gap, webbing, or alignment notch or hole).

Default: Non-Continuous

Selections: Non-continuous, Continuous

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

50 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 3 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

PRINT METHOD

PRINT WIDTH

Selecting Print Method

The print method parameter tells the printer the method of printing you
wish to use: direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (using thermal
transfer media and ribbon).

Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media and ribbon
creates a warning condition, but printing continues.

Default: Thermal transfer

Selections: Thermal transfer, direct thermal

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) for the next value.

3. Press MINUS (–) for the previous value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Setting Print Width

Print width determines the printable area across the width of the label.

Default, Range: The default and range of acceptable values may vary
depending on what printer you have. See Printing Specifications

on page 111 for further information about the ranges available for your

model.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. To change the unit of measurement, press MINUS (–) until the unit of

measurement is active, then press PLUS (+) to toggle to a different
unit of measure (inches, mm, or dots).

5. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

MAXIMUM LENGTH

Setting Maximum Length

Always set the value to at least 1 in. (25.4 mm) longer than the longest
label to be used in the printer.

Default: 39 in. (991 mm) for non-continuous material

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value

3. Press MINUS (–) to decrease the value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 51

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 4 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

LIST FONTS

LIST BAR CODES

LIST IMAGES

List Fonts

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently
available in the printer, including standard printer fonts plus any optional
fonts. Fonts may be stored in RAM, FLASH memory, font EPROMs, or
font cards.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the available fonts.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Bar Codes

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the bar codes
currently available in the printer.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the available bar codes.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Images

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the images currently
stored in the printer’s RAM, FLASH memory, optional EPROM, or
optional memory card.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the available images.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

LIST FORMATS

List Formats

This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the formats currently
stored in the printer’s RAM, FLASH memory, optional EPROM, or
optional memory card.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the available formats.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

LIST SETUP

List Setup

This selection is used to print a label that lists the current printer
configuration information. (Same label as Cancel Self Test on page 96.)

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing the current printer

configuration.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

52 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 5 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

LIST ALL

FORMAT CARD
A B

List All

This selection is used to print a label that lists the five previous selections,
as described.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a label listing all of the available fonts, bar

codes, images, formats, and the current printer configuration.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

Initialize Memory Card

Caution • Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all
previously stored information from the optional memory card. Press
PLUS (+) to bypass this function.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted to enter
the password.

2. Enter the password, then press SELECT.

3. Press the PLUS (+) to select B memory (PCMCIA card) or press

MINUS (–) to select the A memory (internal compact flash).

The front panel LCD asks

4. Press MINUS (–) to select

CARD

prompt is displayed.

or

ARE YOU SURE?

No

and cancel the request. The

.

INITIALIZE

YES

Press PLUS (+) to select

FORMATTING CARD

in the memory card, initialization may take up to three minutes to
complete. When formatting is complete,

5. Press SELECT to continue with the next prompt.

R4Mplus User Guide 53

displays. Depending on the amount of memory

and begin initialization.

FORMAT CARD

displays.

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 6 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

INIT FLASH MEM

Initialize Flash Memory

Caution • Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all
previously stored information from the FLASH memory. Press PLUS (+)
to bypass this function.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted to enter
the password.

2. Enter the password, then press SELECT.

3. Press PLUS (+) to select YES.

The display asks

4. Press PLUS (+) to select

The front panel LCD asks

5. Press MINUS (–) to select

FLASH

or

Press PLUS (+) to select
the amount of free FLASH memory, initialization may take up to one
minute to complete.

6. Press SETUP/EXIT followed by SELECT. If initialization is still in

process, the front panel display flashes back and forth between the
phrases

When initialization is complete, the printer automatically exits the
configuration mode and the front panel displays

prompt is displayed.

CHECKING E: MEMORY

INITIALIZE FLASH?

YES

.

ARE YOU SURE?

NO

and cancel the request. The

YES

and begin initialization. Depending on

.

and

PRINTER IDLE

.

INITIALIZE

.

PRINTER READY

.

7. Press SELECT to continue with the next prompt.

54 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 7 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

SENSOR PROFILE

Sensor Profile

The media sensor profile may be used to troubleshoot registration
problems that may be caused when the media sensor detects preprinted
areas on the media or experiences difficulty in determining web location.
If the sensitivity of the media and/or ribbon sensors MUST be adjusted,
use the manual calibration procedure.

Figure 27 • Media Sensor Profile

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print a media sensor profile.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 55

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 8 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

MEDIA AND RIBBON

Performing the manual calibration procedure resets the sensitivity of the sensors to detect
the media and ribbon you are using more accurately. With the sensors at their new
sensitivity, the printer then performs the manual calibration. Changing the type of ribbon
and/or media may require resetting the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors.

1. Press SELECT to display

2. Press PLUS (+) to start the calibration procedure.

LOAD BACKiNG

3. Open the printhead.

4. Remove approximately 8 in. (200 mm) of labels from the media roll, enough so that

only the liner material is threaded between the media sensors when the media is loaded.

5. Press PLUS (+) to continue. To cancel the operation, press MINUS (–).

REMOVE RiBBON

6. Remove the ribbon (sliding it as far to the right as possible has the same effect as

removing it).

7. Close the printhead.

8. Press PLUS (+) to continue. To cancel the operation, press MINUS (–).

CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT

The printer automatically adjusts the scale (gain) of the signals it receives from the
media and ribbon sensors based on the specific media and ribbon combination you are
using. On the sensor profile, this corresponds to moving the graph up or down to
optimize the readings for your application.

Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration (Manual Calibration)

CALIBRATE

.

is displayed.

is displayed.

is displayed.

RELOAD ALL

is displayed.

9. Open the printhead and pull the media forward until a label is positioned under the

media sensor.

10.Move the ribbon back to its proper position.

11. Close the printhead.

MEDIA AND RIBBON

is displayed.

Now that the scale has changed, the printer performs another calibration. During this
process, the printer checks the readings for the media and ribbon based on the new scale
that you established, determines the label length, and determines whether you are in
Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Print Mode. The process is now complete. To see
the new readings, print a sensor profile. See Sensor Profile on page 55.

12.Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

56 R4Mplus User Guide

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 9 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Setting Communication Parameters (next nine parameters)

Communication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to communicate with the host computer.
These parameters make sure that the printer and host computer are speaking the same language. All
communication parameters are password protected.

PARALLEL COMM

SERIAL COMM

BAUD

Setting Parallel Communications

Note • Unidirectional will not support ZebraNet two-way
communications.

Default: Bidirectional

Selections: Bidirectional, Unidirectional

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Setting Serial Communications

Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the
host computer.

Default: RS-232

Selections: RS-232, RS-422/485, RS-485 multidrop

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Setting Baud

The baud setting of the printer must match the baud setting of the host
computer for accurate communications to take place. Select the value that
matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default: 9600

Selections: 110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400, 19200, 28800,

38400, 57600, 115200

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 57

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 10 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

DATA BITS

PARITY

Setting Data Bits

The data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host computer
for accurate communications to take place. Set the data bits to match the
setting being used by the host computer.

Note • Must be set to 8 data bits to use Code Page 850.

Default: 7-bits

Selections: 7-bits, 8-bits

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Setting Parity

The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host computer for
accurate communications to take place. Select the parity that matches the
one being used by the host computer.

Default: None

Selections: None, even, odd

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

HOST HANDSHAKE

Setting Host Handshake

The handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol
of the host computer for communications to take place. Select the
handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default: XON/XOFF

Selections: XON/XOFF, DTR/DSR, RTS/CTS

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

58 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 11 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

PROTOCOL

NETWORK ID

Setting Protocol

Protocol is a type of error checking system. Depending on the selection,
an indicator may be sent from the printer to the host computer signifying
that data has been received. Select the protocol that is requested by the
host computer. Further details on protocol can be found in the ZPL II
Programming Guide Volume I.

Default: None

Selections: None, Zebra, ACK_NACK

Zebra is the same as ACK_NACK except that with Zebra the response
messages are sequenced. If Zebra is selected, the printer must use
DTR/DSR host handshake protocol.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Setting Network ID

Network ID is used to assign a unique number to a printer used in an
RS-422/RS-485 network. This gives the host computer the means to
address a specific printer. If the printer is used in a network, you must
select a network ID number. This does not affect TCP/IP or IPX
networks.

Default: 000

Range: 000 to 999

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 59

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 12 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

COMMUNICATIONS

Setting Communications Mode

The communication diagnostics mode is a troubleshooting tool for
checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer.
When “diagnostics” is selected, all data sent from the host computer to
the printer is printed as straight ASCII hex characters. The printer prints
all characters received, including control codes, such as CR (carriage
return). A sample printout is shown in Figure 35 on page 99.

Default: Normal mode

Selections: Normal mode, diagnostics

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Notes on diagnostic printouts

• FE indicates a framing error

• OE indicates an overrun error

• PE indicates a parity error

• NE indicates noise

For any errors, check that your communication parameters are correct.
Set the print width equal to or less than the label width used for the test.
See PRINT WIDTH on page 51 for more information.

60 R4Mplus User Guide

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 13 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters (next three parameters)

Prefix and delimiter characters are 2-digit hex values used within the ZPL/ZPL II formats sent to the
printer. The printer uses the last prefix and delimiter characters sent to it, whether from a ZPL II
instruction or from the front panel.

Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and delimiter characters. The printer needs to see
different characters to function properly.

CONTROL PREFIX

FORMAT PREFIX

Control Prefix Character

The printer looks for this 2-digit hex character to indicate the start of a
ZPL/ZPL II control instruction.

Default: 7E (tilde - displayed as a black square)

Range: 00 to FF

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Format Prefix Character

The printer looks for this 2-digit hex character to indicate the start of a
ZPL/ZPL II format instruction.

Default: 5E (caret)

Range: 00 to FF

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

DELIMITER CHAR

Delimiter Character

The delimiter character is a 2-digit hex value used as a parameter place
marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. See the ZPL II Programming
Guide Volume I for more information.

Default: 2C (comma)

Range: 00 to FF

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 61

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 14 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

ZPL MODE

MEDIA POWER UP

Selecting ZPL Mode

The printer remains in the selected mode until it is changed by this front
panel instruction or by using a ZPL/ZPL II command. The printer accepts
label formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II. This eliminates the need to
rewrite any ZPL formats you already have. See the ZPL II Programming
Guide Volume II for more information on the differences between ZPL
and ZPL II.

Default: ZPL II

Selections: ZPL II, ZPL

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Media Power Up

Establishes the action of the media when the printer is turned on.

Default: Calibration

Selections:

• Calibration: Recalibrates the media and ribbon sensors.

• Length: Determines the length of the label.

• No Motion: Media does not move.

• Feed: Feeds the label to the first web.

HEAD CLOSE

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Head Close

Determines the action of the media after the printhead has been opened
and then closed.

Default: Calibration

Selections:

• Calibration: Recalibrates the media and ribbon sensors.

• Length: Determines the length of the label.

• No Motion: Media does not move.

• Feed: Feeds the label to the first web.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

62 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 15 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

BACKFEED

LABEL TOP

Backfeed Sequence

This parameter establishes when and how much label backfeed occurs
after a label is removed or cut in the peel-off or cutter modes. It has no
effect in rewind or tear-off modes. This parameter setting can be
superseded by the ~JS instruction when received as part of a label
format (see the ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I).

The difference between the value entered and 100% establishes how
much backfeed occurs before the next label is printed. For example, a
value of 40 means that 40% of the backfeed takes place after the label is
removed or cut. The remaining 60% takes place before the next label is
printed. A value of “before” means that all backfeed takes place before
the next label is printed.

Default: Default (90%)

Selections: Default, after, before, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%,

70%, 80%, off

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjusting Label Top Position

The label top position adjusts the print position vertically on the label.
Positive numbers adjust the label top position further down the label
(away from the printhead); negative numbers adjust the position up the
label (toward the printhead).

Default: +0

Range: –120 to +120 dot rows

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value. The displayed value represents

dots.

3. Press MINUS (–) to decrease the value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 63

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 16 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

LEFT POSITION

WEB S.
MEDIA S.
RIBBON S.
TAKE LABEL S.
MEDIA LED
RIBBON LED

Adjusting Left Position

This parameter establishes how far from the left edge of a label the format
begins to print by adjusting horizontal positioning on the label. Positive
numbers adjust the printing to the left by the number of dots selected;
negative numbers shift printing to the right.

Default: 0000

Range: –9999 to +9999

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to change between +/– or to increase the value of the

digit. The displayed value represents dots. For a negative value, enter
the value before changing to the minus sign.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

These parameters are automatically set during the calibration procedure.
They should be changed only by a qualified service technician. See the
Maintenance Manual for more information on these parameters.

Press PLUS (+) repeatedly to skip these parameters.

LCD ADJUST

LCD Display Adjustment

This parameter allows you to adjust the brightness of your display if your
display is difficult to read.

Range: 00 to 19

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (–) to decrease the value (reduce brightness).

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value (increase brightness).

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

64 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 17 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

FORMAT CONVERT

IDLE DISPLAY

Format Convert

The Format Convert setting is used when upgrading from a printer of
lower resolution to a printer of higher resolution and the user does not
wish to modify their formats.

Example: If your original formats were written for a 150 dpi printer and
your new printer is 300 dpi, you would choose150-300.

Default: None

Selections: None, 150–300, 150–600, 200–600, 300–600

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Idle Display

If RTC is installed, this parameter selects the LCD options for the
real-time clock.

Default: FW Version

Selections: FW Version, MM/DD/YY 24HR, MM/DD/YY 12HR,

DD/MM/YY 24HR, DD/MM/YY 12HR

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

RTC DATE

RTC TIME

RTC Date

If RTC is installed, this parameter allows changing of the date.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

RTC Time

If RTC is installed, this parameter allows changing of time.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

R4Mplus User Guide 65

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 18 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

IP RESOLUTION*

IP PROTOCOLS*

IP Resolution

Depending on the selection, allows either the user (permanent) or the
server (dynamic) to select the IP address. For more information, see
ZebraNet Networking: PrintServer II Installation and Users Guide.

Default: Dynamic

Selections: Dynamic, permanent

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

IP Protocols

If dynamic was chosen in the previous parameter, this selection
determines the method(s) by which the PrintServer II receives the IP
address from the server. For more information, see ZebraNet Networking:
PrintServer II Installation and Users Guide.

Default: All

Selections: All, gleaning only, RARP, BOOTP, DHCP, DHCP/BOOTP

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

IP ADDRESS*

SUBNET MASK*

IP Address

This parameter allows you to select the IP address if permanent was
chosen in IP RESOLUTION. (If dynamic was chosen, the user cannot
select the address.) For more information, see ZebraNet Networking:
PrintServer II Installation and Users Guide.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Subnet Mask

This parameter selects the part of the IP address that is considered to be
part of the local network. It can be reached without going through the
default gateway.

Default: Permanent (user must set)

Selections: Dynamic (user may set, but server can assign), permanent

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

66 R4Mplus User Guide

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 19 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

DEFAULT GATEWAY*

RFID TEST
QUICK SLOW

Default Gateway

This parameter allows you to select the IP address that the network traffic
is routed through if the destination address is not part of the local
network.

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the selected digit.

3. Press MINUS (–) to move to the next digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

RFID Test

In both versions of this test, the printer attempts to read and write to a
transponder. In the slow test, the printer also checks the reader version
number. If the printer fails the test, the front panel displays an error
message.

1. Place an RFID label over the reader (no movement occurs with the

test).

2. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

QUICK

3. Press MINUS (–) to select

OR
Press PLUS (+) to select

4. If necessary, press PLUS (+) to select

5. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

SLOW

.

.

CONTINUE

.

RFID ERR STATUS

PASSWORD LEVEL*

R4Mplus User Guide 67

RFID Error Status

If an error condition exists, a message may be displayed here.

Password Level

This parameter allows you to select whether certain Zebra-selected menu
items (selected items) or all menu items (all items) are password
protected.

Default: Selected items

Selections: Selected items, all items

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays

Table 7 • Printer Parameters and Other LCD Displays (Sheet 20 of 20)

Parameter/LCD Display Action/Explanation

LANGUAGE

Selecting the Display Language

This parameter allows you to change the language used on the front panel
display.

Default: English

Selections: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian,

Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Spanish 2, Dutch, Finnish, Japanese

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (–) to display other choices.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

* ZebraNet PrintServer II External or Internal option required

68 R4Mplus User Guide

CHAPTER 5

RFID Guidelines

This chapter provides an overview of how RFID works, the transponders supported by this
printer, and the ZPL commands used to create RFID labels.

Contents

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Transponder Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

ZPL II Commands for RFID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Sample of RFID Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

R4Mplus User Guide 69

RFID Guidelines

Overview

Overview

The R4Mplus “smart” label printer-encoder serves as a dynamic tool for both printing and
encoding RFID labels, tickets, and tags. The printer encodes information on ultra-thin UHF
RFID transponders embedded in “smart” labels. It then immediately verifies proper encoding
and prints bar codes, graphics, and/or text on the label’s surface. For more information about
RFID media, see RFID “Smart” Labels on page 17.

Function of an encoded “smart” label depends on factors such as where the label is placed on
an item as well as on the contents of the item (such as metals or liquids). Contact the supplier
of your RFID reader for assistance with these types of issues.

Transponder Placement

Communication between the “smart” label and the printer is established when the transponder
lines up with the printer’s antenna. The optimal transponder position varies with the
transponder size, its configuration, and the type of RFID IC chip used.

Print quality may be affected by printing directly over the transponder. In particular, there is an
area on each label immediately around the location of the IC chip where the printer may print
with low quality. Design your printed label around the location of the chip in the type of
approved “smart” label that you select. For the list of approved transponders and related
placement specifications, go to http://www.rfid.zebra.com/r4m.htm.

Important • It is important to use transponders that have been specifically approved
for use in the R4Mplus printer. Failure to do so may result in the inability to read or

!

write to the embedded RFID tags. As new transponders become commercially
available, Zebra will evaluate them for compatibility with this printer. For the list of
approved transponders, go to http://www.rfid.zebra.com/r4m.htm.

70 R4Mplus User Guide

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Printing and encoding (writing) of “smart” labels is handled through the use of Zebra
Programming Language (ZPL). The printer segments the ZPL RFID and non-RFID related
commands that it receives. The printer executes the RFID commands first, followed by the
others (such as the printing commands for bar codes or human-readable text). Each
transponder has memory that can be written to and read from through ZPL commands.

The ZPL commands also provide for exception handling, such as setting the number of
read/write retries before declaring the transponder defective. If an RFID tag is declared
defective (fails to program correctly or cannot be detected) the printer ejects it and prints the
word “void” across the entire label. This process will continue for the number of RFID tags
specified in the ^RS command using the same data and format, assuming that the problems
persist. After the last tag is ejected, the printer removes the customer format from the print
queue and proceeds with the next format (if one exists in the buffer).

The following pages provide the ZPL II commands that can be used for RFID applications. If
a parameter is designated as not applicable, any value entered for the parameter will be
ignored, but the place holder for the field is required.

RFID Guidelines

ZPL II Commands for RFID

R4Mplus User Guide 71

RFID Guidelines

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^WT

Write Tag

Note • Check the amount of data memory available for the tag that you will be using.

If more is sent than the memory can hold, the data will be truncated.

Description The ^WT command allows you to program the current RFID tag.

Format ^WTb,r,m,w,f,v

Table 8 identifies the parameters for this format.

Table 8 • ^WT Parameters

Parameters Details

b = block number* Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of blocks for the tag.

r = number of retries Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to 10, number of retries

m = motion Default value: 0 (Feed label after writing.)

Other values: 1 (No Feed after writing. Other ZPL may cause a feed.)

w = write protect Default value: 0 (Not write protected.)

Other values: 1 (Write protect.)

f = data format Default value: 0 ASCII

Other values: 1 Hexadecimal

v = verify valid data Default value: y (Verify valid data [Hex A5A5 in the first two bytes] before

writing)

Other values: n (Do not verify)

* Not applicable for R4Mplus.

Example • This sample encodes data “RFIDRFID” and will try writing up to five times, if

necessary.

^XA
^WT,5^FDRFIDRFID^FS
^XZ

72 R4Mplus User Guide

^RT

Read Tag

Description The ^RT command tells the printer to read the current RFID tag data. The data

can be sent back to the host via the ^HV command.

Format ^RT#,b,n,f,r,m,s

Table 9 identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

RFID Guidelines

ZPL II Commands for RFID

Table 9 • ^RT Parameters

# = number to be assigned
to the field

b = starting block
number*

n = number of blocks
to read*

Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to 9999

Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of blocks for the tag.

Default value: 1

Other values: 2 to n, where n is the maximum number of blocks minus the

starting block number. For example, if the tag has 8 blocks (starting with
block 0) and you start with block 6, n can be 2. This would give you block 6
and block 7 information.

f = format Default value: 0 ASCII

Other values: 1 Hexadecimal

r = number of retries Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to 10, number of retries

m = motion Default value: 0 (Feed label after writing.)

Other values: 1 (No Feed after writing. Other ZPL may cause a feed.)

s = special mode For EPC Class 1 (Alien reader) only. Not applicable for EPC class 0.

Default value: 0 (Do not read if mismatched checksum.)

Other values: 1 (Read even if mismatched checksum.)

* Not applicable for R4Mplus.

Example • This sample reads a tag, prints the data on a label, and sends the string

Tag Data:xxxxxxxx back to the host. The data read will go into the ^FN1 location of the
format. It will retry the command five times, if necessary.

^XA
^FO20,120^A0N,60^FN1^FS
^RT1,,,,5^FS
^HV1,,Tag Data:^FS
^XZ

R4Mplus User Guide 73

RFID Guidelines

ZPL II Commands for RFID

^HV

Host Verification

Description This command is used to return data from specified fields, along with an

optional ASCII header, to the host. It can be used with any field that has been assigned a
number with the ^RT command.

Format ^HV#,n,h

Table 10 identifies the parameters for this format.

Parameters Details

Table 10 • ^HV Parameters

# = field number specified
with another command

The value assigned to this parameter should be the same as the one used in
the ^RT or ^RI command.

Default value: 0

Other values: 1 to 9999

n = number of bytes to be
returned

Default value: 64

Other values: 1 to 256

h = header Header (in uppercase ASCII characters) to be returned with the data.

Default value: none

Acceptable values: 1 to 3072 characters

74 R4Mplus User Guide