Zebra Technologies Z6Mplus User Manual

Zebra® Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus™

Industrial/Commercial Printer

User Guide

This copyrighted guide and the label printers described herein are owned by Zebra Technologies. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized reproduction of the guide 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, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Customer Order # 13163L

Manufacturer Part # 13163LB Rev. 3

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Proprietary Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

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

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

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

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

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

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

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide i

Contents

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

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

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

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

Selecting Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Non-Continuous Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

When to Use Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ribbon Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Coated Side of Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3 • Printer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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

Front Panel Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Front Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Load Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tear-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Cutter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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

Liner Take-Up Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Rewind/Peel-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Rewind Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Load Fanfold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Remove the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Contents

Print a Network Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Install Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

4 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Enter Configuration Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Exit Configuration Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Basic Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Configuration and Calibration LCD Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

ZebraNet

Wired and Wireless Print Server LCD Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

5 • Routine Care and Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Cleaning Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Clean the Exterior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Clean the Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Clean the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Clean the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Clean the Peel-Off Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Clean the Cutter Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Position the Label Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Adjust the Reflective Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Select the Transmissive Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

6 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

LCD Error Conditions and Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Calibration Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Communication Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

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

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

CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

PAUSE Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

FEED Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

FEED and PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Communication Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Loading Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

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Contents

A • Data Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Serial Data Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Hardware Control Signal Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

RS-232 Serial Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Parallel Data Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Parallel Cabling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Parallel Port Interconnections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

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

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

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

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

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

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

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

iv Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

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 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.

Product Improvements

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

FCC Compliance Statement

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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B Digital Devices, 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to do one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and 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.

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 XiIIIPlus User Guide v

Proprietary Statement

The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.

Canadian DOC Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Liability Disclaimer

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

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Zebra Technologies 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, the results of use of, or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

vi XiIIIPlus User Guide 5/20/2004 13163L Rev. 3

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.

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide vii

Declaration of Conformity

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

To provide feedback on this document, please send your comments to techpubs@zebra.com, or write your comments on this page and fax to the following:

Fax: 1.847.821.1795 Attention: TechPubs — CTC

viii Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

Warranty Information

Effective December 30, 2002

All new Zebra products are warranted by the manufacturer to be free from defect in material and workmanship.

Printers and Related Hardware Products

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.

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.

Printers

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

Printheads

Since printhead wear is part of normal operation, the original printhead is covered by a limited warranty as indicated below. Warranty period begins on purchase date.

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide ix

Warranty Information

Printhead Warranty Period

Bar code label and receipt printer printheads 6 months

Plastic 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 Genuine Zebra Supplies (media and/or ribbons) for warranty qualification.

However, if it is determined that the use of inappropriate or inferior 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 Guide has caused defect in the thermal printhead for which a warranty claim is made.

Related Hardware Items

Products are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase according to this chart:

Product Warranty Period

Accessories 1 month

Batteries 3 months

Cables 1 month

Chargers/Power Supplies 1 year

Hardware Keys 1 year

Keyboard Display Units 6 months

Parts 3 months

Pocket Eye

Software 1 month

ZebraNet

Print Servers 3 years

Defective product must be returned to Zebra for evaluation. In the event of notification of defect within the warranty period, Zebra will replace the defective item provided there had not been damage resulting from user abuse, modification, improper installation or use, or damage in shipping or 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.

1 year

x Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

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.

Repair Services

Zebra repairs are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for 90 days from the date of repair by Zebra. This excludes printheads, which are warranted separately. This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear. This warranty becomes void if the item is modified, improperly installed or used, or damaged by accident, neglect, or abuse.

Warranty Exclusions & Conditions Statement

The warranties given above are the only warranties given to you. No other warranties, express 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 your 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 on tests believed to be reliable, but do not constitute a guaranty or warranty.

Warranty Information

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 in replacement or repair of products. Zebra shall not under any circumstances whatsoever be liable to you or any other party for loss or profits, lost data, diminution of goodwill, or any other special or consequential damages whatsoever with respect to any warranty claim made by you. 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.

Zebra Technologies 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3109 U.S.A. Phone +1 847.634.6700 or +1 800.423.0442 Fax + 1 847.913.8766

www.zebra.com

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide xi

Warranty Information

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

To provide feedback on this document, please send your comments to techpubs@zebra.com, or write your comments on this page and fax to the following:

Fax: 1.847.821.1795 Attention: TechPubs — CTC

xii Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

Preface

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

Contents

Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 XiIIIPlus User Guide xiii

Preface

Contacts

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

Visit us at: http://www.zebra.com

Our Mailing Address:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A Telephone: +1 847.634.6700 Facsimile: +1 847.913.8766

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Zebra House The Valley Centre, Gordon Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1494 472872 Facsimile: +44 (0)1494 450103

Support

You can contact Zebra support at any of the following:

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

Note • The Web address is case-sensitive.

US Phone Number: +1 847.913.2259

UK/International Phone Number: +44 (0) 1494 768289

xiv XiIIIPlus User Guide 5/20/2004 13163L Rev. 3

Document Conventions

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

Alternate Color (online only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this guide. If you are viewing this guide online in

blue text) to jump directly to its location.

(

Command Line Examples All command line examples appear in Courier New font. For example, you would type the following to get to the Post-Install scripts in the directory:

Ztools

Files and Directories All file names and directories appear in Courier New font. For example, the

Cautions, Important, Note, and Example

Electrostatic Discharge Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.

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

Preface

Document Conventions

.pdf format, you can click the cross-reference

bin

Electric Shock Caution • Warns you of a potential electric shock situation.

Caution • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause a burn.

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

harm to you.

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

Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task.

Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important

points of the main text.

Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.

Tools • Tells you what tools you need to complete a given task.

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 XiIIIPlus User Guide xv

Preface

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

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 1

Introduction

External View

Figure 2 shows the outside of the printer.

Figure 2 • External View

Electronics cover

Front panel

Media door

2 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

Front Panel

The front panel keys and lights are shown in Figure 3.

Introduction

Front Panel

Figure 3 • Front Panel Controls and LEDs

PAUSE

Power LED

Pause LED

Error LED

Data LED

LCD

PLUS (+) Key

SETUP/EXIT Key

CANCEL Key

PAUSE Key

FEED Key

SELECT Key

MINUS (–) Key

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 3

Introduction

Front Panel

LCD Display Settings

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

mean. Refer to Basic Configuration on page 53 for more detailed information on each setting.

LCD Display Meaning/Available Settings

Table 1 • Front Panel LCD Display Settings

PRINTER READY

DARKNESS

PRINT SPEED

TEAR OFF

PRINT MODE

MEDIA TYPE

SENSOR TYPE

SENSOR SELECT

PRINT METHOD

Ready to print labels or to configure the printer. All printer selftests have been performed successfully.

The larger the number, the darker the print. The range is 0 to 30, with a default setting of 10.

The print speed is given in inches per second. The larger the number, the faster the label prints.

Establishes the position of the media over the tear-off bar after printing.

Tear-Off (default setting), Peel-Off, Cutter, Rewind. For more details, see Tab le 2.

Non-continuous (default setting), Continuous

Web (default setting), Mark

Auto Select (default setting), Reflective, Transmissive

Thermal transfer (default setting using a ribbon), Direct thermal (no ribbon)

4 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

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 57 for more detailed information. Print

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

Tabl e 2.

Table 2 • Print Mode Options

Mode Printer Option Action

Introduction

Front Panel

Tear-Off Mode (Default setting)

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

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

Rewind Mode Use only if printer has the rewind option. The media and/or liner are rewound onto a

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

after printing.

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

is printed.

core as they are printed.

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 5

Introduction

Printer Media Compartment

Figure 4 shows a simplified view of your printer. Depending on installed options, your

printer may look slightly different.

Figure 4 • Media Compartment

Printhead Assembly

Transmissive Sensor

Label Supply Guide

Label Supply Hanger

Dancer

Label Guide

Printhead Open Lever

6 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

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

Selecting Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Non-Continuous Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ribbon Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Coated Side of Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 7

Printer Setup

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 21.

 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 17.

8 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

• Check all exterior surfaces.

• Raise the media 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.

Report Damage

If you discover shipping damage:

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

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.

Printer Setup

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

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°F to 140°F (–40°C to 60°C)

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

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 9

Printer Setup

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.

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

operating.

Table 3 • Operating Temperature and Humidity

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.

10 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

Electric Shock 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 threeconductor 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 meet 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 5.

Figure 5 • Power Cord Specifications

1 2 3 4

AC power plug for your country

3-conductor HAR cable

IEC 320 connector

Neutral earth live in contact view

13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus 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 6.

Figure 6 • International Safety Organization Marks

12 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004

+ 112 hidden pages

Zebra Technologies Z6Mplus User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Proprietary Statement

Declaration of Conformity

Warranty Information

Preface

Contacts

Support

Document Conventions

Related Documents

Introduction

External View

Front Panel

LCD Display Settings

Print Modes

Printer Media Compartment

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

Report Damage

Storage

Select a Site for the Printer

Select a Surface

Provide Proper Operating Conditions

Allow Proper Space

Provide a Data Source

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

Power Cord Specifications