Zebra Technologies XiIII User Manual
Zebra XiIII-Series
User's Guide
Customer order # 48025L
Manufacturer part # 48025LB Rev. 1
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the
information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary
information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the
expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All specifications and signs are
subject to change without notice.
FCC Compliance Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital Device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
In order to insure compliance, this printer must be used with a Shielded Power Cord and Shielded Communication
Cables.
"The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment."
Canadian DOC Compliance Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in
the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
CE Compliance
If the accompanying printer displays the CE mark, it also meets EMC directive 89/336/EEC, with amendments
effective at the time of manufacture.
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.
No Liability for Consequential Damage
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, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other
pecuniary loss) 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. Because some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to
you.
Copyrights
This copyrighted manual and the label printer described herein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation. All
rights are reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label printer may result in
imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to
civil liability.
All products and brand names are trademarks of their respective companies. All rights reserved.
2000 Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved.
ii Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
TableofContents
Introduction
Hello!........................................1
UnpackingandInspection..............................2
ReportingDamage................................2
Storage......................................2
MediaandRibbonRequirements..........................3
PowerCord.....................................3
PrinterAnatomy101.................................4
CalibratingthePrinter
Purpose.......................................5
TypesofMedia...................................6
Non-ContinuousWebMedia...........................6
Non-ContinuousBlackMarkMedia.......................7
ContinuousMedia................................7
ChoosingthePrintMode..............................8
LoadingtheMedia..................................9
PositioningtheMediaSensors...........................10
TransmissiveSensor..............................10
BlackMarkSensor...............................12
LoadingtheRibbon................................13
OperatorControls.................................14
POWERSwitch.................................14
FrontPanel...................................14
ConfiguringthePrinter...............................15
ConfiguringtheSoftwareorPrinterDriver....................16
MediaandRibbonCalibration...........................17
PrintingaTestLabel................................19
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide iii
EstablishingCommunication
SystemConsiderations...............................21
Interfaces....................................21
DataSpecifications...............................21
CablingRequirements...............................22
PrinterBasics
OperatorControls.................................23
POWERSwitch.................................23
FrontPanelDisplay...............................24
FrontPanelKeys................................25
FrontPanelLights...............................26
RollMediaLoading................................27
Tear-OffMode.................................27
Peel-OffMode.................................28
RewindMode(forPrintersWithouttheCutterOption)..............30
CutterMode...................................32
RewindMode(forPrintersWiththeCutterOption)..............34
FanfoldMediaLoading..............................36
RemovingtheLabelBackingMaterial.......................38
RibbonLoading..................................39
RibbonRemoval..................................41
Configuration
EnteringtheSetupMode..............................43
ChangingPassword-ProtectedParameters.....................44
LeavingtheSetupMode..............................45
ConfigurationandCalibrationSequence......................46
iv ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide
RoutineCareandAdjustment
Cleaning......................................65
CleaningtheExterior..............................66
CleaningtheInterior..............................66
CleaningthePrintheadandPlatenRoller....................66
CleaningtheSensors..............................67
CleaningtheSnapPlate.............................68
CleaningtheCutterModule..........................70
Lubrication.....................................70
FuseReplacement.................................70
Adjustments....................................72
TogglePositioning...............................72
PrintheadPressureAdjustment.........................73
MediaSensorPositionAdjustment.......................73
Troubleshooting
LEDErrorConditionsandWarnings.......................75
PrintQualityProblems...............................78
WrinkledRibbon..................................79
Communications..................................79
PrinterDiagnostics.................................81
Power-OnSelfTest...............................81
AdditionalPrinterSelfTests..........................81
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide v
Specifications
MediaHandling..................................87
Options.......................................87
®
ZebraProgrammingLanguage(ZPLII
BarCodes......................................88
GeneralSpecifications...............................89
PrintingSpecifications...............................90
RibbonSpecification................................90
MediaSpecifications................................91
PowerLineCordSpecifications..........................92
).....................88
Appendix
PrinterInterfaceTechnicalInformation......................93
RS-232/RS-422/RS-485SerialDataPort....................93
ParallelDataPort................................97
Index
vi ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide
Hello!
Introduction
Thankyouforpurchasingthishigh-qualityZebraXiIII-Seriesprinter,
manufacturedbytheindustryleaderinquality,service,andvalue--Zebra
TechnologiesCorporation.Forover25years,Zebrahasprovided
customerswiththehighestcaliberofproductsandsupport.
n
Thismanualprovidesalloftheinformationyouwillneedtooperate
yourprinter.
n
TheZPLIIProgrammingReferenceVolumesIandII
(part#45540L)showyouhowtocreatetheperfectlabelformatforyour
application.Thesebooksalsoexplainhow,throughZBI
extendthepowerofZPLIIbyallowingcustomprogramstobewritten
thatoperatewithintheprinter,directlyinterfacingwith,forexample,bar
codescannersandkeyboarddisplaydevices.Inaddition,thebooks
containinformationabouttheenhancedoperatingsystemfeaturesof
yourprinter.Therearethreewaystoobtainthesebooks:onthe
accessoryCD-ROM(suppliedwiththeprinter),onourwebsite
(www.zebra.com),andprintedmanualscanbeorderedfromyour
distributor.
,youcan
n
TheZebraNetâNetworking:PrintServerIIäInstallationandUser’s
Guide(part#45537L)explainshowyoucanquicklysetupyourprinter
onanIPnetwork(optionalZebraNetPrintServerIIrequired).
n
Thereisalsoamaintenancemanualforthisprinter.Thismanual
(part#48152L)containstheinformationyouwillneedtomaintainyour
printer.
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 1
Unpacking and Inspection
Inspect the printer for possible damage incurred during shipment.
n
Check all exterior surfaces.
n
Raise the media access door and inspect the media compartment.
In case shipping is required, save the carton and all packing material.
Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for instructions.
Reporting Damage
If you discover shipping damage:
n
Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company.
Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage
incurred during shipment of the equipment and will not repair this
damage under warranty.
n
Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.
n
Notify your authorized Zebra reseller.
Storage
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:
n
Temperature: -4° to +140° F (-20° to +60° C)
n
Relative humidity: 5 to 85% non-condensing
2 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
MediaandRibbonRequirements
Sinceprintqualityisaffectedbymediaandribbon,printingspeeds,and
printeroperatingmodes,itisveryimportanttoruntestsforyour
applications.
WeSTRONGLYRECOMMENDtheuseofZebraTechnologies
Corporation-brandsuppliesforcontinuoushigh-qualityprinting.Awide
rangeofpaper,polypropylene,polyester,andvinylstockhasbeen
specificallyengineeredtoenhancetheprintingcapabilitiesoftheprinter
andtoensureagainstprematureprintheadwear.
n
Continuousrollmedia,fanfoldmedia,orcardstockwithoptional
perforationsandregistrationholesmaybeused.
n
Printheadlifemaybereducedbytheabrasionofexposedpaperfibers
whenusingperforatedmedia.
n
TheribbonMUSTbeaswideasorwiderthanthemediabeingused.If
theribbonisnarrowerthanthemedia,areasoftheprintheadwillbe
unprotectedandsubjecttoprematurewear.(Whenprintingindirect
thermalmode,ribbonisnotusedandshouldnotbeloadedinthe
printer.)
PowerCord
WARNING!Forpersonnelandequipmentsafety,alwaysusea
three-prongplugwithaground(earth)connection.
NOTE:Dependingonhowyourprinterwasordered,apowercordmayor
maynotbeincluded.Ifoneisnotincluded,oriftheoneincluded
isnotsuitableforyourrequirements,referto“PowerLineCord
Specifications”onpage92.
Thepowercordconnectormustbepluggedintothematingconnectoron
therearoftheprinter.
MakesurethatthePOWERon/offswitch(locatedatthebackoftheprinter)
isintheoffpositionbeforeconnectingthepowercabletoanelectrical
outlet.
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 3
Printer Anatomy 101
Depending on the options you have selected, your printer may look slightly
different.
Tear-off/
peel-off
bar
Printhead
lever
Platen
roller
Snap
plate
Lower
roller
Spindle
hook
Ribbon take-up
spindle
Ribbon supply
spindle
Dancer
roller
assembly
Media
guide
Rewind
spindle
(optional)
Only on select models
Media
supply
guide
Media
supply
hanger
Figure 1
4 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
This chapter of the user’s guide is so important that we’ve printed it on a
different color paper! That way, it will be easy for you to find when you
must calibrate (set up) the printer for your particular application.
Purpose
n
n
NOTE: This procedure must be performed when the printer is first
To calibrate the printer, you must do the following (all of the instructions
are contained in this chapter):
Calibrating the Printer
To calibrate the printer.
To verify that the printer is properly set up by printing a test label.
installed or when it cannot properly detect the top of the label.
n
Determine the type of media (labels) being used.
n
Choose the print method.
n
Position the media sensors (if necessary).
n
Configure the printer and software or driver based on the label being
used.
n
Perform a media and ribbon calibration.
n
Print a test label.
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 5
Types of Media
Non-Continuous Web Media
Non-continuous web media (refer to Figure 2) refers to individual labels
that are separated by a gap, notch, or hole. When you look at the media,
you can tell where one label ends and the next one begins.
Hole
Label gap (2-4 mm)
Notch
Non-continuous media with a hole or notch
Label gap (2-4 mm)
Non-continuous media with gaps between the labels
(individual labels on a continuous liner)
Figure 2
6 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
Non-Continuous Black Mark Media
Non-continuous black mark media has black marks printed on the back that
indicate the start and end of each label (refer to Figure 3).
Black mark
Non-continuous media for black mark sensing
Figure 3
Continuous Media
Black mark
Continuous media (refer to Figure 4) is one uninterrupted roll of material
that allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label.
Continuous media (no gaps, holes, notches, or black marks)
Figure 4
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 7
Choosing the Print Mode
n
Tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label, or a strip of labels, after
it is printed.
n
In Peel-off mode, backing material is peeled away from the label as it is
printed. After this label is removed from the printer, the next one is
printed.
n
When in cutter mode, the printer automatically cuts the label after it is
printed.
n
In rewind mode, the media and backing are rewound onto a core as the
labels are printed.
8 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
LoadingtheMedia
Figure5illustratesonemethodofmedialoading.Formoredetailed
instructions,aswellasinformationabouthowtoloadthedifferenttypesof
mediaandthevariousprintingmodes,refertotheinstructionsthatbeginon
page27.
Printheadlever
Open
Closed
Tear-off/
peel-off
bar
Media
guide
Figure5
Media
supply
guide
Media
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 9
Positioning the Media Sensors
The correct positioning of the media sensors is important. It can make the
difference between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support!
Transmissive Sensor
The web or gap sensor, better known as the “transmissive sensor,” detects
the gap between labels.
The transmissive sensor actually consists of two sections: a light source
(the lower media sensor) and a light sensor (the upper media sensor). The
media passes between the two.
The upper media sensor must be positioned:
n
Directly over the hole or notch, or
n
Anywhere along the width of the media if there is a gap between labels.
NOTE: If you are using continuous media, position the upper media sensor
over the media so that the printer can detect an out-of-paper
condition.
10 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
Adjusting the Upper Media Sensor
Refer to Figure 6. (For clarity, not all printer parts are shown.)
1. Remove the ribbon (if it is installed).
2. Locate the upper media sensor. The upper media sensor “eye” is
directly below the adjustment screw head.
3. Slightly loosen the upper media sensor adjustment screw (Phillips
head).
4. Using the tip of the screwdriver, slide the upper sensor along the slot to
the desired position.
5. Secure the upper media sensor adjustment screw.
Upper media sensor
adjustment screw
Figure 6
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 11
AdjustingtheLowerMediaSensor
Positionthelowermediasensor(refertoFigure7)byslidingitinitsslot
untilitispositionedundertheuppermediasensor.
Lower
mediasensor
Figure7
BlackMarkSensor
Theblackmarksensorisinafixedpositionandenabledviathefrontpanel
(detailsin“ConfiguringthePrinter”onpage15).
12 ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide
LoadingtheRibbon
Toloadribbon,refertoFigure8(forthe90XiIII,96XiIII,and140XiIII)and
Figure9(forthe170XiIIIand220XiIII).Formoredetailedinformation,
refertotheinstructionsthatbeginonpage39.
Printhead
Closed
lever
Open
Printhead
lever
Open
Ribbon
take-up
spindle
Figure8
Ribbon
take-up
spindle
Ribbon
supply
spindle
Ribbon
supply
spindle
Closed
Figure9
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 13
OperatorControls
POWERSwitch
ThePOWERswitchislocatedatthebackoftheprinterabovethepower
cordandfuse.Turnontheprinter.
FrontPanel
Thestep-by-stepinstructionsinthis
sectiontellyouwhichkeystopress
andwhatappearsontheliquidcrystal
display(LCD)duringthecalibration
procedure.
Foramoredetailedexplanationofthe
frontpanelkeysandlights(asshown
inFigure10),refertotheinstructions
thatbeginonpage24.
Figure10
14 ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide
ConfiguringthePrinter
Theconfigurationprocedureinthenexttablecontainstheinformationyou
needtogetyourprinterupandrunning,butitisnotcomprehensive.Refer
topage43formoreinformation.
n
EntertheconfigurationmodebypressingtheSETUP/EXITkeyatthe
“PRINTERREADY”display.
NOTE:YouwillneedtopresstheNEXT/SAVEkeymorethanonceto
advancetosomeofthedisplays.
n
Toincreasethevalue,answer“yes,”indicate“on,”ormovetothenext
selection,usetheRIGHTBLACKOVALkey.
n
Todecreasethevalue,answer“no,”indicate“off,”orreturntothe
previousselection,usetheLEFTBLACKOVALkey.
NOTE:Whenchangingparameters,anasterisk(*)intheupperleft-hand
cornerofthedisplayindicatesthatyouhavechangedthissetting
fromwhatiscurrentlystoredinmemory.
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 15
Press Display Shows Action/Explanation
- PRINTER READY Normal printer operation.
DARKNESS
PRINT MODE
MEDIA TYPE
SENSOR TYPE
PRINT METHOD
MAXIMUM
LENGTH
SAVE SETTINGS
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to increase or decrease the print
darkness setting. (You may need to change this setting when
you print your label.)
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select tear-off, peel-off, cutter,
or rewind mode.
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select continuous or
non-continuous media type. (If you choose continuous
media, you must also include a label length instruction in
your label format.)
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select transmissive or black
mark sensing mode. Unless your media has black marks on
the back, leave your printer at the default setting (web).
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select thermal transfer (if you
are using ribbon) or direct thermal (no ribbon).
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to set the value that is closest to,
but not less than, the length of the label you are using.
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select:
PERMANENT -- saves the changes when the power is turned
off.
Press NEXT/SAVE to accept the selection.
- PRINTER READY
You have exited the configuration mode and are now ready
to calibrate the printer.
Configuring the Software or Printer Driver
Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or
label preparation software. Refer to the driver or software documentation
for more information.
16 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
Media and Ribbon Calibration
NOTE: All steps must be performed in the following procedure, even if
only one sensor needs to be adjusted.
1. Press the SETUP/EXIT key.
2. Press the NEXT/SAVE key until “MEDIA AND RIBBON
CALIBRATE” displays.
3. To start the calibration procedure, press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL
key. “LOAD BACKING CANCEL CONTINUE” displays.
4. Open the printhead. Remove approximately 8” (203 mm) of labels
from the media roll, enough so that only the backing material is
threaded between the media sensors when the media is loaded
(refer to Figure 11).
Remove
labels
Figure 11
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 17
5. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key. The front panel display will
show “REMOVE RIBBON CANCEL CONTINUE.”
6. Either remove the ribbon or slide it as far from the printer frame as
possible.
7. Close the printhead, trapping the ribbon in this position.
8. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key. The front panel will show
“CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT.”
9. When this part of the calibration process is completed, the display will
read “RELOAD ALL CONTINUE.”
10. Open the printhead. Pull the backing material until a label is positioned
between the media sensors.
11. Either load the ribbon or return the ribbon to its proper position.
12. Close the printhead. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to perform
the next part of the calibration sequence. “MEDIA AND RIBBON
CALIBRATE” displays. The printer is calibrated when the media stops
feeding.
13. Press the SETUP/EXIT key to leave the programming mode. Choose
“permanent” when SAVE CHANGES displays.
18 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
PrintingaTestLabel
Toprintatestlabel:
1.Turnofftheprinter.
2.PressandholdtheCANCELkey
whileturningontheprinter.
Aconfigurationlabel,whichshowsthe
printer’scurrentlystoredparameters,
willprint(similartotheoneshownin
Figure12).
Figure12
Ifyouencounteranyproblemswhileyouareconfiguringorcalibratingthe
printerorprintingatestlabel,refertoTroubleshooting,whichstartson
page75.Otherwise,refertoEstablishingCommunicationonpage21toset
upthecommunicationparameters.
ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide 19
20 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
Establishing Communication
System Considerations
Interfaces
The method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on the
communication options installed in the printer. The standard interfaces are
an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial data port and a bi-directional parallel port.
The optional ZebraNet PrintServer II enables printers to be connected to 10
BaseT Ethernet networks. In addition, the IBM
option is available for those applications that require them.
Data Specifications
®
Twinax or IBM Coax
When communicating via an
asynchronous serial data port (refer
to Figure 13), the baud rate, number
of data and stop bits, parity, and
handshaking are user selectable.
Parity only applies to data
transmitted by the printer since the
parity of received data is ignored.
Printer
25
Male
25
Null modem adapter
(if using a standard
modem cable)
50’ maximum
Figure 13
Male
Computer
25
Female
9
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 21
Whencommunicatingviatheparallel
port(refertoFigure14),the
previouslymentionedparametersare
notconsidered.Refertopage53to
configurethecommunication
parametersfortheprinter.The
valuesselectedmustbethesameas
thoseusedbythehostequipment
connectedtotheprinter.
Forserialandparallelpinoutand
technicalinformation,refertothe
Appendixonpage93.
ComputerPrinter
36-pin
male
PC
25-pin
female
25-pin
male
10’maximum
CablingRequirements
Datacablesmustbefullyshieldedandfittedwithmetalormetalized
connectorshells.Shieldedcablesandconnectorsarerequiredtoprevent
radiationandreceptionofelectricalnoise.
Tominimizeelectricalnoisepickupinthecable:
n
Keepdatacablesasshortaspossible.
n
Donotbundlethedatacablestightlywiththepowercords.
n
Donottiethedatacablestopowerwireconduits.
NOTES:ZebraprinterscomplywithFCC“RulesandRegulations”,
Part15,SubpartJ,forClassAEquipment,usingfullyshielded
6’datacables.Useoflongercablesorunshieldedcablesmay
increaseradiatedemissionsabovetheClassAlimits.
RS-422andRS-485applicationsshouldusetwistedshielded
pairsasrecommendedintheAppendixoftheTA/EA.-485
Specification.
Figure14
22 ZebraXiIII-SeriesUser’sGuide
Operator Controls
This section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicators
on the printer. The operator should become familiar with each of these
functions.
POWER Switch
This switch is located at the back of the printer above the power cord and
fuse. The POWER switch should be turned off before connecting or
disconnecting any cables.
External influences, such as lightning storms or noise on the power or data
cables, may cause erratic printer behavior. Turning the printer’s power off
and back on may re-establish proper printer operation.
Printer Basics
Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 23
Front Panel Display
The front panel display communicates operational status and programming
modes and parameters.
Figure 15
24 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide
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