Zebra Technologies Z4M User Manual

Customer order # 77965L

Manufacturer part # 77965LB 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 B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.

NOTE: This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables must be used with the unit to insure compliance.

“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.

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 printers 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.

ii Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

I have determined that the Zebra printer identified as the

Zebra Z4M Printer

manufactured by:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway

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

has 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.

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide iii

iv Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Table of Contents

Welcome

Hello! .......................................1

Unpacking and Inspection ............................1

Reporting Damage...............................2

Storage.....................................2

Media and Ribbon Requirements .........................2

Printer Power ...................................3

Printer Overview .................................4

Calibrating the Printer

Purpose ......................................5

Types of Media ..................................6

Non-Continuous Web Media .........................6

Non-Continuous Black Mark Media .....................7

Continuous Media ...............................7

Choosing the Print Mode .............................8

Loading the Media ................................9

Positioning the Media Sensor ..........................10

Reflective Sensor...............................10

Adjusting the Reflective Sensor .......................11

Transmissive Sensor .............................12

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide v

Loading the Ribbon ...............................12

Auto Calibration .................................13

Operator Controls ................................14

POWER Switch ...............................14

Front Panel ..................................14

Configuring the Printer .............................15

Configuring the Software of Printer Driver ...................16

Printing a Test Label...............................16

Establishing Communication

System Considerations..............................17

Interfaces ...................................17

Data Specifications..............................17

Cabling Requirements ..............................18

Printer Basics

Front Panel....................................19

Front Panel Display .............................19

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

Front Panel Lights ..............................21

Roll Media Loading ...............................22

Tear-Off Mode ................................22

Cutter Mode .................................24

Value Peel-Off Mode.............................26

Power Peel-Off Mode ............................28

PowerRewindMode.............................30

vi Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Fanfold Media Loading .............................32

Ribbon Loading .................................34

Loading the Ribbon .............................34

Ribbon Removal .................................36

Configuration

Entering the Setup Mode ............................37

Changing Password-Protected Parameters ...................38

Leaving the Setup Mode.............................39

Configuration and Calibration Sequence ....................40

Routine Care and Adjustments

Cleaning .....................................55

Cleaning the Exterior ..............................56

Cleaning the Interior .............................56

Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller ..................56

Cleaning the Sensors .............................57

Cleaning the Power Peel-Off Module ....................58

Cleaning the Value Peel-Off Module ....................59

Cleaning the Cutter Module .........................60

Lubrication....................................61

Printhead Pressure Adjustment .........................62

Power Peel-Off/Power Rewind Media Alignment . . . ............64

Fuse Replacement ................................66

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide vii

Troubleshooting

LCD Error Conditions and Warnings ......................67

Print Quality Problems..............................69

Communications Problems ...........................71

Printer Diagnostics................................73

Power-On Self Test .............................73

Additional Printer Self Tests .........................73

CANCEL Key Self Test ...........................74

PAUSE Key Self Test ............................75

FEED Key Self Test .............................76

Loading Factory Defaults ............................77

Specifications

General Specifications ..............................79

Printing Specifications..............................80

Ribbon Specifications ..............................80

Media Specifications...............................81

Options......................................81

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II).....................82

Bar Codes ....................................82

AC Power Cord .................................83

Appendix

Printer Interface Technical Information .....................85

Serial Data Communications.........................85

Parallel Data Communications ........................89

Index

viii Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Welcome

Hello!

This user’s guide provides all the information you will need to operate the printer.

The ZPL II®Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II (part #45540L) show you how to create the perfect label format for your application. These books also explain how, through optional ZBI allowing custom programs to be written that operate within the printer, directly interfacing with, for example, bar code scanners and keyboard display devices. In addition, the books contain information about the enhanced operating system features of your printer. There are three ways to obtain these books: on the accessory CD-ROM (supplied with the printer), on our web site (www.zebra.com), and printed manuals can be ordered from your distributor.

The ZebraNet®Networking: PrintServer II™Installation and User’s Guide (part # 45537L) explains how you can quickly set up your printer on an IP network (optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required).

There is also a maintenance manual for your printer. This manual (part # 77259L) contains the information you will need to maintain your printer.

™

, you can extend the power of ZPL II by

Unpacking and Inspection

Inspect the printer for possible shipping damage:

Check all exterior surfaces.

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.

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 1

Reporting Damage

If you discover shipping damage:

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

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:

Temperature: -40° Fto140° F (-40° Cto60° C)

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

Media and Ribbon Requirements

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

We strongly recommend the use of Zebra Technologies Corporation-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.

Continuous roll media, fanfold media, or card stock with optional perforations and registration holes may be used.

Printhead life may be reduced by the abrasion of exposed paper fibers when using perforated media.

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 will be unprotected and subject to premature wear. (When printing in direct thermal mode, ribbon is not used and should not be loaded in the printer.)

2 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Printer Power

The power supply in the printer automatically detects the applied line voltage and works in the 90 to 265 VAC range.

WARNING!!! For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug with an earth ground connection.

NOTE: Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included. If one is not included, or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, refer to “Power Line Cord Specifications” on page 83.

Refer to Figure 1.

The AC power cord connector must be plugged into the mating connector at the rear of the printer.

Make sure that the POWER switch is in the “off” position before connecting the power cord to an electrical outlet.

AC power switch

Connector

Figure 1

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 3

Printer Overview

Depending on the options you have selected, your printer may look slightly different.

Front

housing

assembly

Printhead assembly

Printhead

open lever

Transmissive

sensor

Ribbon

sensor

Media

guide

Media

alignment

spindle

Media supply guide

Dancer

Thumbscrew

Media

supply

hanger

Take-up

spindle

Rewind

media

guide

Figure 2

4 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Calibrating the Printer

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

To calibrate the printer.

To verify that the printer is properly set up by printing a test label.

NOTE: This procedure must be performed when the printer is first installed or when it cannot properly detect the top of the label.

To calibrate the printer, you must do the following (all of the instructions are contained in this chapter):

Determine the type of media (labels) being used.

Choose the print method.

Position the media sensor (if necessary).

Configure the printer and software or driver based on the label being used.

Print a test label.

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 5

Types of Media

Non-Continuous Web Media

Non-continuous web media (refer to Figure 3) 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

Notch

Non-continuous media with a hole or notch

Label gap

Non-continuous media with gaps between the labels

(individual labels on a continuous liner)

Figure 3

6 Zebra Z4M Printer 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 4).

Black mark

Non-continuous media for black mark sensing

Figure 4

Continuous Media

Continuous media (refer to Figure 5) 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 5

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 7

Choosing the Print Mode

Tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label, or a strip of labels, after it is printed.

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.

When in cutter mode, the printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed.

In rewind mode, the media and/or backing are rewound onto a core as the labels are printed.

8 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Loading the Media

Figure 6 illustrates one method of media loading. For more detailed instructions, as well as information about how to load the different types of media and the various printing modes, refer to the instructions that begin on page 22.

Media supply guide

Transmissive

sensor

Printhead assembly

Ribbon sensor

Printhead open lever

Media guide

Dancer

Media

supply

hanger

Figure 6

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 9

Positioning the Media Sensor

The correct positioning of the media sensor is important. It can make the difference between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support!

There are two media sensors in this printer: “reflective” and “transmissive.”

Reflective Sensor

The reflective sensor detects the “start-of-label indicator” (the notch, hole, black mark, or gap between die-cut labels).

The reflective sensor must be positioned:

directly under the notch, hole, or black mark, or

anywhere along the width of the media if there is a gap between labels

The glow of the red light through the media will help you to accurately position the reflective sensor.

NOTE: If you are using continuous media, position the reflective sensor anywhere under the media so that the printer can detect an out-of-paper condition.

NOTE: The reflective sensor is compatible with most types of media. However, if you encounter difficulties with calibration, use the transmissive sensor. See “Transmissive Sensor” on page 12.

10 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Adjusting the Reflective Sensor

Printhead

Refer to Figure 7.

1. Open the printhead assembly by pressing the printhead open lever.

2. Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever.

3. Move the reflective sensor positioning lever across the width of the media until

the reflective sensor aligns with the start-of-label indicator. The glow of the red light will assist in the proper placement of the reflective sensor.

4. Close the printhead assembly.

assembly

Reflective

sensor

Reflective

sensor

positioning

Printhead open

lever

Figure 7

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 11

Transmissive Sensor

Ribb

The transmissive sensor is in a fixed position and enabled via the front panel (details in “SENSOR SELECT” on page 41).

Loading the Ribbon

Refer to Figure 8.

For more detailed information, refer to the instructions that begin on page 34.

on take-up spindle

Ribbon

Printhead assembly

guide plate

Ribbon

supply spindle

Printhead o

en lever

Figure 8

12 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Auto Calibration

When auto calibrating, the printer is determining the label length and media/ribbon 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 the PAUSE key.) The printer will begin to auto calibrate 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: The auto calibration process will not take place if the ZPL command or front panel setting for “MEDIA POWER UP” or “HEAD CLOSE” is set to either “feed” or “no motion.” In these cases, the printer assumes the media is correctly positioned and starts printing without auto calibrating.

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 13

Operator Controls

POWER Switch

The POWER switch is located at the back of the printer above the power cord. Turn on the printer.

Front Panel

For a more detailed explanation of the front panel keys and lights (as shown in Figure 9), refer to the instructions that begin on page 19.

PAUSE

Figure 9

14 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Configuring the Printer

The configuration procedure in the next table contains the information you need to get your printer up and running, but it is not comprehensive. Refer to page 40 for more information.

Press the SETUP/EXIT key at the “PRINTER READY” display to enter the configuration mode.

NOTE: You will need to press the INCREMENT (+) key more than once to advance to some of the displays.

Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to scroll to the setting you wish to change.

Press the SELECT key to toggle the functionality of the INCREMENT (+) and DECREMENT (-) keys.

Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) keys to increase or decrease the value; answer “yes” or “no”; print a label; or, select the digit you wish to change.

Press the SELECT key again to use the INCREMENT (+) and DECREMENT (-) keys to scroll to the desired menu item.

Parameter Selections/Explanation

PRINTER READY

DARKNESS

PRINT MODE

MEDIA TYPE

SENSOR TYPE

PRINT METHOD

After you have configured the print method, press the SETUP/EXIT key to save

You are ready to configure the printer.

0 to 30 (default setting is “10”)

Tear-off, peel-off, cutter, rewind (default is “tear-off”)

Non-continuous, continuous (default setting is “non-continuous”)

Web, mark (default setting is “web”)

Thermal transfer, direct thermal (default setting is “thermal transfer”)

the changes and exit the configuration mode.

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 15

Configuring the Software of 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.

Printing a Test Label

To print a test label:

1. Turn off the printer.

2. Press and hold the CANCEL key while

turning on the printer.

3. Release the key after the DATA light turns

off (approximately five seconds).

A configuration label, which shows the printer’s currently stored parameters, will print (similar to the one shown in Figure 10).

If you encounter any problems while you are configuring the printer or printing a test label, refer to Troubleshooting, which starts on page 67. Otherwise, refer to Establishing Communication on page 17 to set up the communication parameters.

Figure 10

16 Zebra Z4M Printer 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 10Base-T Ethernet networks.

Data Specifications

When communicating via an asynchronous serial data port (refer to Figure 11), the baud rate, number of data and stop bits, parity, and handshaking are user selectable (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.

Printer

Male

Null modem adapter

(if using a standard

modem cable)

50’ (15 m) maximum

Figure 11

Male

Computer

Female

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 17

When communicating via the parallel port (refer to Figure 12), the previously mentioned parameters are not considered. Refer to page 46 to configure the communication parameters for the printer. The values selected must be the same as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer.

For serial and parallel pinout and technical information, refer to the Appendix on page 85.

Cabling Requirements

36-pin

male

ComputerPrinter

25-pin

female

25-pin

male

Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise.

To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:

Keep data cables as short as possible.

Do not bundle the data cables tightly with the power cords.

Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

NOTE: Zebra printers comply with FCC “Rules and Regulations,” Part 15, for Class B Equipment, using fully shielded data cables. Use of unshielded cables may increase radiated emission above the Class B limits.

NOTE: RS-422 and RS-485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as recommended in the Appendix of the TA/EA.-485 Specification.

10’ (3 m) maximum

Figure 12

18 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Printer Basics

Front Panel

This section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicators on the printer. The operator should become familiar with each of these functions.

Front Panel Display

The front panel display communicates operational status and programming modes and parameters.

PAUSE

Figure 13

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 19

Front Panel Keys

Key Function

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

Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.

FEED

PAUSE

CANCEL

SETUP/EXIT

SELECT

INCREMENT (+)

(”scroll” mode)

INCREMENT (+)

(”change” mode)

DECREMENT (-)

(”scroll” mode)

DECREMENT (-)

(”change” mode)

•

Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete.

•

Starts and stops the printing process.

Printer not printing: no printing occurs. (Press PAUSE again to resume

•

printing.) Printing: printing stops once the current batch is complete.

•

When in the pause mode, this key will cancel print jobs.

Printer not printing: the next stored label format will not print.

•

Printing: the label format currently printing is canceled.

•

Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in the printer’s memory.

Enters and exits the configuration mode.

Toggles the function of the INCREMENT (+) and DECREMENT (-) keys between the “scroll” and “change” modes.

Press once to use the INCREMENT (+) and DECREMENT (-) keys to change the

•

value of the selection. Press again to use the INCREMENT (+) and DECREMENT (-) keys to scroll

•

through the menu items.

Scrolls to the next selection.

•

Increases the value

•

Answers “yes”

•

Prints a label (when applicable)

Scrolls to the previous selection.

•

Decreases the value

•

Selects the digit you wish to change

•

Answers “no”

20 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

Front Panel Lights

Light Status Indication

POWER

PAUSE

ERROR

DATA

Off

Flashing

Off

Slow flashing

Fast flashing

Off

One flash

Slow flashing

Fast flashing

The printer is off or no power is applied.

The printer is on.

Normal printer operation.

The printer has stopped all printing operations.

In peel-off mode, the PAUSE light flashes when the label is available for removal, and when initializing FLASH or PCMCIA memory.

Normal printer operation (no errors).

“RIBBON IN” warning, “HEAD UNDER TEMP” warning, or “HEAD OVER TEMP” error

“HEAD OPEN” error

“PAPER OUT,” “RIBBON OUT,” or “CUTTER JAM” errors

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

The CANCEL key is pressed and a format is successfully canceled.

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

The printer is receiving data.

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

Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide 21

Roll Media Loading

Tear-Off Mode

Refer to Figure 14.

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

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.

5. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media supply guide so that it just

touches, but does not restrict, the edge of the roll.

6. Feed 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 that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor. Slide in the

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

8. Close the printhead assembly.

22 Zebra Z4M Printer User’s Guide

+ 72 hidden pages