Zebra Technologies Z4M H-974 User Manual

PAGE 1 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Printer Overview

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

Media supply guide

Media

guide

Ribbon

sensor

Media

supply

hanger

Media

alignment

spindle

Printhead

open lever

Take-up

spindle

Rewind

media

guide

Thumbscrew

Front

housing

assembly

Printhead assembly

Transmissive

sensor

Dancer

Figure 2

PAGE 2 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

Calibrating the Printer

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.

PAGE 3 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

Printhead open lever

Printhead assembly

Media supply guide

Media guide

Ribbon

sensor

Dancer

Transmissive

sensor

Media

supply

hanger

Figure 6

PAGE 4 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

PAGE 5 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Adjusting the Reflective Sensor

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.

Printhead

assembly

Reflective

sensor

positioning

lever

Reflective

sensor

Printhead open

lever

Figure 7

PAGE 6 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Transmissive Sensor

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.

Ribbon

supply spindle

Ribb

on take-up spindle

Printhead o

en lever

Ribbon

guide plate

Printhead assembly

Figure 8

PAGE 7 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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

PAGE 8 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

�

After you have configured the print method, press the SETUP/EXIT key to save the changes and exit the configuration mode.

Parameter Selections/Explanation

PRINTER READY

You are ready to configure the printer.

DARKNESS

0 to 30 (default setting is “10”)

PRINT MODE

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

MEDIA TYPE

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

SENSOR TYPE

Web, mark (default setting is “web”)

PRINT METHOD

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

H-974

PAGE 9 OF 57

0808 IH-974

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

PAGE 10 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

Establishing Communication

Null modem adapter

(if using a standard

modem cable)

Male

50’ (15 m) maximum

Female

Computer

Printer

Male

Figure 11

PAGE 11 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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

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

25-pin

male

ComputerPrinter

36-pin

male

25-pin

female

Figure 12

PAGE 12 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

Printer Basics

PAUSE

Figure 13

PAGE 13 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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 once the current batch is complete.

CANCEL

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.

SETUP/EXIT

Enters and exits the configuration mode.

SELECT

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.

INCREMENT (+)

(”scroll” mode)

Scrolls to the next selection.

INCREMENT (+)

(”change” mode)

•

Increases the value

•

Answers “yes”

•

Prints a label (when applicable)

DECREMENT (-)

(”scroll” mode)

Scrolls to the previous selection.

DECREMENT (-)

(”change” mode)

•

Decreases the value

•

Selects the digit you wish to change

•

Answers “no”

PAGE 14 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Front Panel Lights

Light Status Indication

POWER

Off

The printer is off or no power is applied.

The printer is on.

PAUSE

Off

Normal printer operation.

The printer has stopped all printing operations.

Flashing

In peel-off mode, the PAUSE light flashes when the label is available for removal, 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

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

DATA

Off

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

One flash

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

Slow flashing

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

Fast flashing

The printer is receiving data.

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

PAGE 15 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

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.

Printhead open lever

Printhead assembly

Media supply guide

Media guide

Ribbon sensor

Dancer

Transmissive

sensor

Media supply

hanger

Figure 14

PAGE 16 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Cutter Mode

(Cutter option required)

Refer to Figure 15.

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 through the cutter module.

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

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

8. Close the printhead assembly.

Printhead open lever

Printhead assembly

Media supply guide

Media guide

Media supply

hanger

Dancer

Transmissive

sensor

Ribbon

sensor

Cutter

module

Figure 15

PAGE 17 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

Value Peel-Off Mode

(Value peel option required)

Refer to Figure 16.

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, and

under the ribbon sensor.

7. Pull approximately 12” (305 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

8. Ensure that the media is against the transmissive sensor. Then, slide in the media

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

9. Pull down the lever to open the pivot bracket assembly.

10. Feed the media over the tear-off/peel-off bar and behind the pivot bracket

assembly.

11. Close the printhead assembly.

12. Close the pivot bracket assembly.

13. Peeling will automatically start. Press the FEED key to test.

Media guide

Dancer

Ribbon

sensor

Label

Lever

Printhead open lever

Printhead assembly

Media supply guide

Media supply

hanger

Transmissive

sensor

Figure 16

PAGE 18 OF 57

H-974

0808 IH-974

+ 39 hidden pages