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Zebra 170PAX2™-Series User`s Guide

1. 10 Configuration and Calibration Introduction 2 20 250 280 oro mo Oy RS ee es 11 Configuration Process 222 2 nun 12 Setting Print Parameters 2 o oo 12 Listing Printer Information 22 2 m moon 16 Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration 18 Setting Communication Parameters 222 2 nme 20 Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters 23 Selecting ZPIZMode ke so een Op ee ii 24 Setting Ribbon Tension a 24 Power Up and Head Close Parameters 24 Label Positioning Parameters 2 2 2 on nn 25 Head Test Function s ce sacs us ans b REA RUE a SES 28 Head Resistance ceser i be E we guod wa Pu Ron ERN 28 Verifier Ports wus ach ask OX nah So Ros Nu dp gw 28 Applicator Port i 2 9c RR Sn I reu Oe ES 29 Printing Controls 1s d xo m sea nk a Rex dg 30 Sensor Values a srei o 2 ee es 31 LCD Adjust u Eum n Rus a ne aa oO a A ds 32 Printer Language le 32 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Contents Care amp Adjustments Clean sd e o a Hee ek ee AUGE E dO Toggle Positioning ee Printhead Pressure Adjustment 24 Troubleshooting Power On Self Test ie 25 wk eae kx 9 Dre ad us Power On Troubleshooting cles Printer Troubleshooting 000000 ee eae Printer Self Tests xo 24 00 00 00 2 2 es a Options Single In line Memory Module SIMM Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Asso
2. 42 PAUSE key self test 43 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Printing considerations specifications Program Mode Entering lll s Leaving Passwords 2 ls Protocol setting Reporting Damage Ribbon Loading xad 2 Sn e Removal Selecting the ZPL Mode Self Tests POWEL ON xu 3 pte Ue Sensor Calibration Media Ribbon Sensor profile Sensor Profile Sensor Type setting Sensor Values LCDbrghtnes Setting the Applicator Port Setting the Verifier Port Setup current printer configuration Shipping Damage Options Stop Bits setting Tear Off Position setting Temperature operatingrange Toggle Positioning Troubleshooting Power on Table Unpacking 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 49 11 11 11 21 24 37 18 18 18 13 Verifier Port setting 28 Warning AC Power e a 22 4 Ooo aa 2 Earth Ground 2 Equipment Safety 2 Personnel Safety 2 Zebra Programming Language specs 50 ZebraNet Micro Print Server 47 77 y N Zebra Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills Illinois 60061 3109 U S A Phone Number 1 847 634 6700 Fax Number 1 847 913 8766 Customer Order 49861L Rev 1 Man
3. 10 11 12 13 14 15 PRINT ENGINE PRINT ENGINE INTERNAL EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS Figure 27 Applicator Interface Connections 62 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix C ASCII Code Chart oo O IN O O JR JO lO O 32 meN lt x S2 lt CHAN TDOTOZZPAC IOMMODO gt 0a ll ZE AN amp Ix IS lt cc Je 0 Is 010 JO 5 3 KE I so loloa Jo T p oO m r Shaded values NOT recommended for command prefix format prefix or delimiter characters NOTE DLE always represents the command prefix RS always represents the format prefix US always represents the delimiter prefix 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 63 64 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix D Adjusting Darkness For In Spec Bar Codes AII direct thermal and thermal transfer materials do not require the same darkness setting The best way to check for proper darkness is to use a bar code verifier that actually measures bars spaces and will calculate the print contrast Without the assistance of a verifier
4. Setting the Head Resistance Value This value has been pre set at the factory to match the resistance value of the printhead It will not need to be changed unless 1 The printhead is replaced 2 The printer is set to the factory defaults The factory default value is usually lower than the actual head resistance value Before replacing a printhead look on the bottom of the new printhead for the label that shows the resistance ohm Q value p N CAUTION DO NOT set the value higher than that shown on the printhead Setting a higher value may damage the printhead HEAD RESISTOR gt 0500 OHMS Press the left oval key to move to the next digit position and press the right oval key to increase the value of the digit Initial Value Factory set Range 0500 1175 Press the NEXT key to display VERIFIER PORT Verifier Port Setting the Verifier Port Qo The Verifier Port determines how the optional verifier will interface with a Zebra printer This setting is factory set and should not be changed unless the factory defaults have been reloaded Please make a note of it While other choices are valid the printer must be returned to its designated setting in order for it to work properly 28 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration OFF The verifier port is off 1 ERR Label reprinted if verifier detects an error If the bar code is near the upper edge of the la
5. 60 70 80 or 90 Cr NOTE The difference between the value entered and 100 establishes how much backfeed occurs before the next label is printed For example a value of 40 means that 4096 of the backfeed takes place after the label is dispensed The remaining 6096 takes place before the next label prints A value of Before means that all backfeed will take place before the next label is printed Press the NEXT key to display LABEL TOP 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 25 Configuration and Calibration Setting the Label Top Position The Label Top Position controls the initial vertical print position on the label viewed as the label exits the printer The Default position is referenced to the leading edge of the label which follows the one to be printed Refer to Figure 11 If there is a lengthy web between labels the label format may begin printing on the backing material To set the position where the format begins printing change the Label Top Position value LABEL TOP 000 BEHHEEHB Press the right oval key to increase the value or press the left oval key to decrease the value Each positive number moves the label top position down by one dot row each negative number moves the position up by one dot row Default 0 Range 120 to 120 Press the NEXT key to display LEFT POSITION A LABELTOP y POSITION DEFAULT f AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQdqgRrSsTtUuVv
6. Press the NEXT key to display CONTROL PREFIX 22 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters Prefix and delimiter characters are two digit hex values used within the ZPL ZPL II formats sent to the printer See Appendix C for an ASCII Code chart The printer uses the most recently configured prefix and delimiter characters whether included as part of a ZPL II instruction or input from the front panel Cr NOTE DO NOT use the same hex value as the control format and delimiter characters The printer requires different characters to function properly The Control Prefix Character Qe The control prefix character is a two digit hex value Once configured this character will signify the start of a ZPL ZPL II control instruction CONTROL PREFIX gt lt I gt 7EH Press the left oval key to move to the next digit position and press the right oval key to increase the value of the digit The H is displayed but not entered as part of the value Default 7E tilde Range 00 FF exclude the values indicated on the ASCII Code Chart in Appendix C Press the NEXT key to display FORMAT PREFIX The Format Prefix Character Qe The format prefix character is a two digit hex value Once configured this character will signify the start of a ZPL or ZPL II format instruction FORMAT PREFIX gt 5EH Press the
7. tion buildup without damaging the printhead Call your authorized Zebra distributor to order the Save a Printhead cleaning kit for the 170PAX2 printer part 38902M Toggle Positioning Proper Toggle positioning is important for proper print quality The toggles should be positioned 1 4 of the width in from the media edges see Figure 15 inset To position the toggles loosen the set screws T with a 1 5 mm Allen wrench and slide them to the desired position on the toggle pivot shaft U then tighten the set screws Y turn past contact Cr NOTE Perform the Printhead Pressure Adjustment which follows and make sure a the toggle pressure is even otherwise the media may drift or the ribbon may wrinkle Printhead Pressure Adjustment If printing is too light or if thick or thin media is used printhead pressure may need to be adjusted During this adjustment procedure refer to Figure 15 Use the lowest pressure possible that provides the desired print quality 1 Refer to the Configuration process starting on page 11 and lower the darkness setting burn duration to a value of 2 or 3 2 Refer to the PAUSE Key Self Test on page 43 and print test labels at 2 50 8 mm per second 3 Loosen the locking nuts R on the threaded shafts of both toggle assemblies 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 35 Care amp Adjustments 4 Use the adjusting nuts S to increase or decrease the spring pressure until the left and right edges
8. 170PAX2 Series User s Guide SYMPTOM ZPL Il was sent to the printer but not recognized DATA light always OFF or DATA light always flashing Troubleshooting DIAGNOSIS Communications parameters are incorrect ACTION Print a Communications Diagnostic Label Check for format or overrun errors Reset communication parameters See page 22 Incorrect Communications Cable in use Verify proper cable and replace if necessary Prefix and delimiter characters set in printer do not match the ones used in ZPL II format sent to the printer Incorrect incomplete ZPL format sent to the printer Set the characters in the printer to match ZPL II format See Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters on page 23 If problem continues check the ZPL Il format for changed CC CT and CD Vertical image or label drift Printer using non continuous labels but configured in continuous mode Configure the printer for non continuous and run calibration routine if necessary Incorrectly positioned media sensor Assure the media sensor is properly positioned to read a single consistent inter label gap Improperly calibrated media sensor Perform Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 18 Platen roller dirty Clean the Platen roller Improper printhead pressure settings toggles Adjust the printhead pressure to assure proper functionali
9. Configuration and ZPL Calibration Configuration and ZPL Sensor Type Configuration and ZPL Print Method Calibration Configuration and ZPL Print Width Configuration and ZPL Label Length Calibration Configuration and ZPL Maximum Length Configuration and Memory Size Host Port Configuration Baud Configuration Data Bits Configuration Parity Configuration Stop Bits Configuration Host Handshake Configuration Protocol Configuration Network ID Configuration and ZPL Communications Configuration and ZPL Control Prefix Configuration and ZPL Format Prefix Configuration and ZPL Delimiter Character Configuration and ZPL ZPL Mode Configuration and ZPL Ribbon Tension Configuration and ZPL Media Power Up Configuration and ZPL Head Close Configuration and ZPL Backfeed Configuration and ZPL Label Top Configuration and ZPL Left Position Configuration and ZPL Head Test Count Configuration and ZPL Head Resistance Configuration must match head resistance label value or ZPL Verifier Port Configuration and ZPL Applicator Port Configuration and ZPL Start Print Signal Configuration and ZPL Resynch Mode Configuration and ZPL Ribbon Low Mode Configuration and ZPL Reprint Mode Configuration and ZPL Web Senso
10. WwXxYyZz1234567890 Q LABEL 8 2 lt gt LENGTH AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVy WwXxYyZz1234567890 LABEL S96 amp 2 5 OT FEED y LABEL TOP POSITION LABEL 80 DOT ROWS LENGTH D AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQgqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 Q 96 amp Y AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQgqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 8 4 2 35 gt 3 Ss Figure 11 Label Top Position 26 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Setting the Left Position The Left Position controls the initial print position from the left edge of a label viewed as the label exits the printer The Default position is referenced to the left edge of the media Refer to Figure 12 Depending on the width of the media the label format may begin printing on the backing material or on the platen To set the position where the format begins printing change the Left Position value LEFT POSITION gt 0000 Press the left oval key to move the cursor to the next digit and press the right oval key to change the value and increase the value of the digit shifts to the left shifts to the right The displayed value represents the number of dot positions the format will shift right or left Default 0000 Range 9999 to 9999 If a negative value is required enter the numeric value first then change
11. 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 15 Configuration and Calibration Listing Printer Information List Fonts This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer Fonts may be stored in optional font EPROMs and as part of firmware EPROMs on an optional PCMCIA memory card or downloaded and stored in formatting memory RAM LIST FONTS PRINT Press the right oval key to print a label listing all of the fonts Press the NEXT key to display LIST BAR CODES List Bar Codes This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the bar codes currently available in the printer LIST BAR CODES PRINT Press the right oval key to print a label listing all of the bar codes Press the NEXT key to display LIST IMAGES List Images This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the graphic images currently stored in the printer s DRAM optional EPROM or on an optional memory card LIST IMAGES PRINT Press the right oval key to print a label listing all of the images Press the NEXT key to display LIST FORMATS List Formats This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the formats currently stored in the printer s DRAM optional EPROM or on an optional memory card Press the right oval key to print the label LIST FORMATS PRINT Press the right ov
12. Female J3 Frame Ground TXD Transmit Data Output RXD Receive Data Input RTS Request To Send Output DSR Data Set Ready Input Signal Ground 5 VDC Source DTR Data Terminal Ready Output Figure 24 RS 232 Connections 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 57 Appendix B RS 422 RS 485 Interconnections The printer may be connected to a host by a RS 422 RS 485 interface The DB25 Female connector on the rear of the printer uses specific pins for this purpose Figure 25 illustrates the required cable wiring for interconnecting to the printer s DB25 connector Figure 26 illustrates the internal connections of the printer s RS 422 RS 485 connector DB25 Male Connector to Printer Shield Signal Ground Ref Data Input A 2 Data Output A z Data Input B gt put B Data Output B 4 put B Figure 25 RS 422 RS 485 Interconnecting Cable Rear Panel DB25 Female J3 5 VDC Source Output A Output B Input A Input B Signal Ground Ref Frame Ground Figure 26 RS 422 RS 485 Connections 58 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix B Centronics Compatible Parallel Data Port A standard 36 pin Centronics compatible parallel connector is available at the rear of the printer for connection to the data source The standard RS 232 port will not accept data when the parallel port is enabled The parallel interface receives dat
13. GROUNDS and returns for all input and output signals 17 Chassis ground for cable shield connections 18 5 V fused output 750 mA maximum 31 INITIALIZE reset This input is unused by the printer 32 FAULT This output from the printer is active LOW whenever any of the following error conditions are present Printhead Open Printhead Over Temperature Paper Out Ribbon Out Rewind Full if Rewind is used 5 V resistive SEL IN Connected but not used by the printer Table 3 Centronics Compatible Connector Pinouts 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 59 Appendix B 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 e Keep data cables as short as possible e Do not bundle the data cables tightly with the power cords e Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits C F NOTE Printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 Subpart J for Class A equipment using fully shielded 6 foot data cables Use of longer cables or unshielded cables may increase radiated emissions above the Class A limits Cr NOTE RS 422 and RS 485 applications should use shielded twisted pairs with 120 ohm controlled impedance as recommended in t
14. Media Loading on page 3 Misadjusted Media Sensor Check position of the Media Sensor Printer set for non continuous media but continuous media is loaded Install proper media or reset printer for current media type and perform calibration ERROR CONDITIO HEAD OPEN Printer stops and ERROR light flashes Printhead is not fully closed Close printhead completely Head Open Sensor not working properly Call a service technician WARNING HEAD TOO HOT Printer stops and ERROR light flashes 38 Printhead is overheated Allow printer to cool Printing resumes when the printhead elements cool to operating temperature 170PAX2 Series User s Guide SYMPTOM WARNING HEAD COLD ERROR light flashes Troubleshooting DIAGNOSIS Printhead is not hot enough to print properly ACTION Printing continues while printhead heats up If error remains environment may be too cold for proper printing Relocate printer to warmer area Verify print quality ERROR CONDITION HEAD ELEMENT BAD Experiencing print quality problems Printhead element is bad or going bad To correct the situation call a service technician to replace the printhead To override this error mes sage turn off the Head Test in the Printer Configuration Printer stops and PAUSE light goes
15. ON The LCD displays OUT OF MEMORY CREATING BITMAP OUT OF MEMORY STORING BITMAP OUT OF MEMORY BUILDING FORMAT OUT OF MEMORY STORING FORMAT OUT OF MEMORY STORING GRAPHIC OUT OF MEMORY STORING FONT Not enough memory to perform function shown on the second line Explanation of Errors 1 Creating Bitmap Bitmap size label length width does not fit in available memory 2 Storing Bitmap Not enough memory available to store the bitmap created 3 Building Format Label is too complex 4 Storing Format Format is too large to fit in available memory 5 Storing Graphic Graphic image is too large to fit in available memory 6 Storing Font Not enough memory available to store the font You may do any of the following A With PAUSE on send a HM command to the printer to display the amount of free memory Then either Redesign graphic format to fit available memory or remove items from memory to create more space or Press PAUSE to skip the formatting step in process and proceed to the next step B With PAUSE on press CANCEL The printer skips the current label formatting process and goes on to the next label C Turn power OFF and then ON to clear printer memory and start over D Upgrade the printer to a larger memory size Long tracks of
16. Permanent saved values are permanently stored in the printer even when the power is OFF Temporary saves the new changes until changed again or until the power is turned OFF 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 11 Configuration and Calibration Cancel cancels all changes since pressing the SETUP EXIT key except Darkness and Tear Off if they were changed Load Defaults loads factory defaults as the printer s operating parameters These are reflected on the following pages Loading factory defaults requires that a new printer calibration process be performed and resetting of the printhead resistance verifier port and applicator port values Load Last Save reloads the values from the last permanent save as the printer s operating parameters Configuration Process The following sequences of parameters are shown in the order displayed when pressing the NEXT key Throughout this process press the NEXT key to proceed to the next parameter press PREVIOUS to return to the prior parameter in the cycle As you change a parameter an asterisk in the upper left hand corner of the display indicates that the value displayed is different from the one that is currently active in the printer If you want the prompts displayed in a language other than English press the PREVIOUS key and go to page 32 to select the Printer Language Exit the Program Mode Save Permanent then re enter the Program Mode The Front Panel Display will now u
17. Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default XON XOFF Selections XON XOFF DSR DTR Press the NEXT key to display PROTOCOL Setting the Protocol or The serial port supports Error Detection Protocol which sends and receives data in packets The selected protocol must be compatible with your host computer and your application software Select the protocol that is required by the host Cr NOTE Do not enable Error Detection unless your Host is programmed to use la 1t For more information refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide PROTOCOL NONE gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default None Always select None if you are not using error checking software Selections None Zebra Protocol ACK NACK Protocol 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 21 Configuration and Calibration Cr NOTE Zebra Protocol is the same as ACK NACK Protocol except the K response messages are sequenced Cr NOTE If Zebra Protocol is selected the printer must use DSR DTR Host Handshake Protocol Press the NEXT key to display NETWORK ID Setting the Network ID Oo Network ID is used to assign a unique number to a printer used in a selective calling network This gives the host the means to address a specific printer A Network ID is not required when connected in an Ethernet Network NETWORK ID gt 000 Press the left oval key to move
18. User s Guide 51 Printer Specifications Memory 1 MByte RAM standard Optional 8 MByte SIMM Option available for longer labels or additional storage of fonts graphics logos and label formats Type II Series C amp D PC Card Interface memory only standard Optional 8 MByte PC Memory Card available for additional storage of fonts graphics logos templates and label formats Also available pre programmed with optional and international scalable fonts Additional fonts available on Optional EPROMs Physical 11 8 300 mm 9 6 245 mm 17 0 432 mm 32 Ibs 14 5 kg For installation information refer to Appendix E Electrical Dual 32 bit RISC and CISC microprocessors o Universal Power Supply with power factor correcting 90 264 VAC 48 62 Hz Power consumption Idle 19W Printing 220 W printing Pause Test label at speed A Agency approvals UL 1950 3rd edition CSA 22 2 950 95 EN60950 IE 950 FCC Class A DOC Class A EN55022 CISPR Class A EN50082 2 AS NZS 3548 CE and FCC Class A approved Fuses 5 Amp 250 VAC 5 x 20 mm IEC style as supplied with the printer Environmental Operating Range Operating temperature Thermal transfer 41 F to 104 F 5 C to 40 C Direct thermal 32 F to 104 F 0 C to 40 C Non condensing relative humidity Operation 20 to 85 Storage 5 to 85 Storage temperature 40 F to
19. Zebra Technologies Corporation for further information The Zebra 170PAXTM Series Maintenance Manual part 49803L contains the information you may need to properly maintain the print engine Zebra 170PAX2 Print Engine This user s guide contains information specific to the 172PAX2 203 dot inch and the 173PAX2 300 dot inch print engines manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation Each of these print engines is available in either a right hand configuration media moves from left to right or a left hand configuration media moves from right to left Getting Started Unpacking Save the carton and all packing materials in case shipping is required Inspect the print engine for possible shipping damage e Check all exterior surfaces for damage e Raise the front cover and inspect for damage Reporting Damage If you discover shipping damage e Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report e Retain the carton and all packing material for inspection e Notify your local Zebra distributor of the damage Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during shipment of the print engine and will not cover the repair of this damage under its warranty policy Any damage claim should be filed with the shipping company For shipping information refer to Appendix A Print Engine Mounting For specific information on mounting the print engine into an applicator refer to Appendix E Communi
20. elements A void can cause a printed bar code symbol to be read incorrectly or not at all 73 74 170PAX2 Series User s Guide AG Power iuc Yes Gola ws 2 Adjustments Printhead pressure 35 Toggle positioning 35 Applicator Interface Connector 60 Applicator Port setting 29 ASCII Code Chart 63 B Backfeed Sequence 25 Bar Codes List of available 50 Print ngalist 16 Baud Rate ones S S 20 C CANCEL Key Self Test 42 Cleaning Cleaning supplies 33 Exterior surfaces 33 Printhead and platen roller 34 SenSOLS ouo lug exec s be oe 34 Communication Parameters Baudrate 20 Communications mode 22 Data bits i4 oae tbe 20 Host handshake 21 Host port 2 2 242 0 sun 202 20 Network ID 2 e 22 Partly 2 44 424 bh 2 4Ge 4 89 21 Protocol s 22 2m eges 21 Stop bits 2 24 wu sea ae da 21 Communications 22 2 2 222 1 Communications Diagnostics Test 46 Communications Mode setting 22 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Control Panel Indicator lights 10 Keys cece bh a oro Rees 10 Liquid Crystal Display 10 Control Prefix Character selecting 23 D Damage Report 1 Darkness setting 12 Data Bits setting 20 Delimiter Character setting 23 Designating the Display Sc
21. left oval key to move to the next digit position and press the right oval key to increase the value of the digit The H is displayed but not entered as part of the value Default SE caret Range 00 FF exclude the values indicated on the ASCII Code Chart in Appendix C Press the NEXT key to display DELIMITER CHAR The Delimiter Character Qe The delimiter character is a two digit hex value Once configured this character acts as a parameter place marker in ZPL ZPL II Refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide for more information DELIMITER CHAR gt lt gt 2CH Press the left oval key to move to the next digit position and press the right oval key to increase the value of the digit The H is displayed but not entered as part of the value Default 2C comma Range 00 FF exclude the values indicated on the ASCII Code Chart in Appendix C Press the NEXT key to display MODE 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 23 Configuration and Calibration Selecting ZPL Mode Qe The printer accepts label formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II Refer to the ZPL I Programming Guide for more information on the differences between ZPL and ZPL II The printer will remain in the selected mode until changed by this front panel instruction or by sending a ZPL ZPL II command to the printer ZPL MODE lt ZPL II gt Press the right or left oval key to d
22. missing print on several labels Wrinkled ribbon See Wrinkled Ribbon later in this section Print element damaged Call a service technician Fine angular gray lines on blank labels Wrinkled ribbon 170PAX2 Series User s Guide See Wrinkled Ribbon later in this section 39 Troubleshooting SYMPTOM Wrinkled ribbon DIAGNOSIS Ribbon fed through the machine incorrectly ACTION See Ribbon Loading on page 5 Incorrect burn temperature Set the burn temperature to the lowest possible setting for good print quality Incorrect or uneven printhead pressure Set the pressure to the minimum needed See Printhead Pressure adjustment on page 35 Media not feeding properly walking from side to side Make sure that the media is snug by adjusting the Media Guide or call a service tech Strip Plate needs adjusting Call a service technician Printhead needs vertical Call a service technician adjustment Printhead and Platen Roller need to be realigned Call a service technician Ribbon Supply Spindle motor is inoperative Call a service technician Broken or melted ribbon Darkness setting too high Reduce setting for best print quality and clean the printhead thoroughly Light printing or no printing on the left or right side of the label Printhead pressure needs adjustment or printhead out of ali
23. of the printed area are equally dark 5 Increase darkness to the optimum level for the media being used 6 Hold the adjusting nuts S in position and tighten the locking nuts R against them Cr NOTE Printhead and drive system belts and bearings life can be maximized by using the lowest pressure that produces the desired print quality Figure 15 Printhead Pressure Right Hand Unit Shown 36 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Troubleshooting Power On Self Test A Power On Self Test POST is performed each time the printer is turned ON During this test the front panel lights LEDs will turn ON and OFF to ensure proper operation At the end of this self test only the POWER LED will remain lit Once the Power On Self Test is complete the media is advanced to the proper resting position as determined by the programmed Media Feed setting To initiate the Power On Self Test turn the printer ON using the power switch on the control panel The POWER LED will go ON The other control panel LEDs and the LCD monitor the progress and indicate the results of the individual tests All displayed prompts occur in English however when a test fails the prompt will also rotate through the international languages The normal self test sequence which occurs each time the printer is turned on is as follows All lights turn on simultaneously and then turn off in sequence through the following steps SRAM Test SRAM f
24. the plus to a minus sign Press the NEXT key to display HEAD TEST COUNT LABEL FEED LEFT A AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 Q N amp 2 55 lt gt IL AaBbCcDdEeF fGgHhliJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQgRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 SYK 03 35 DOT ROWS LEFT ee AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl LABEL MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv LENGTH WwXxYyZz1234567890 95 amp 2 HL AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQgRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 90 amp 1 5 M m I NN n wa ere P _ l _ Figure 12 Left Position 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 27 Configuration and Calibration Head Test Function Periodically a Head Test is automatically performed to ensure that the printhead elements are working correctly This parameter determines how many labels are printed between these internal printhead tests Setting the Head Test Count Or The Head Test Count is used to select the head test interval the number of labels printed between head tests HEAD TEST COUNT gt 0000 Press the left oval key to move to the next digit position and press the right oval key to change the value of the digit The displayed value represents the number of labels printed between tests Default 0000 disables the head test Range 0000 to 9999 Press the NEXT key to display HEAD RESISTOR Head Resistance Qe
25. to cancel the request and return to the INITIALIZE CARD prompt 4 Press the SETUP EXIT key followed by the NEXT key If initialization is still in process the front panel display will flash back and forth between the two phrases CHECKING B MEMORY and PRINTER IDLE When initialization is complete the printer will automatically exit the configuration mode and the front panel will display PRINTER READY Cr NOTE Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card initialization a may take up to five minutes to complete 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 17 Configuration and Calibration Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration When the print engine is first put into service the following calibration process must be performed This allows the printer to establish the proper settings for the specific media and ribbon being used in your application f you have not reached this point by starting on page 11 you will have to enter the Program Mode by pressing the SETUP EXIT key when the PRINTER READY is displayed on the LCD Then press the NEXT key multiple times until the LCD displays the words SENSOR PROFILE Now continue below to perform the Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Cr NOTE Ensure that the Media Type and Maximum Length values have EA been configured prior to performing this calibration process There are two different types of Calibration which can be performed on the print engine
26. to stop feeding blank labels and register to the top of the next label Table 4 DB 15 Connector Printer to Applicator 60 170PAX2 Series User s Guide SIGNAL NAME SIGNAL TYPE Appendix B FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION PAUSE Input To toggle the current PAUSE state this input must be asserted LOW for 200 milliseconds or until the SERVICE REQUIRED output pin 10 changes state REPRINT Input If the REPRINT feature is enabled this input must be asserted LOW to cause the printer to reprint the last label See the Configuration and Calibration section If the REPRINT feature is disabled this Input is ignored 28V Fused at 1 5A Power Interface Power Supply supplies power to external sensors as required POWER GROUND 28V Return Ground Interface Power Ground RIBBON LOW Output If the RIBBON LOW feature is enabled and the amount of ribbon remaining on the supply spool is below a specific threshold level this output will be asserted HIGH If the RIBBON LOW feature is disabled this output lead is disabled See the Configuration and Calibration section SERVICE REQUIRED While either the media cover is open the printhead is open the ribbon is out the media is out the printer is paused or an operational fault has occurred this output will be asserted LOW If the applicator RESYNCH mode is set to ERROR mode this signal will also ass
27. your printer refer to Appendix A at the back of this guide UMN WARNING For personnel and equipment safety always use a ED three prong plug with an earth ground connection to the AC Power NO Source Refer to Figure 7 and insure that the front panel AC Power ON OFF Switch is in the OFF O position before connecting the AC Power cord to a nearby electrical outlet 1 g L e e e Ea 5 e DB 25 SERIAL INTERFACE 9 e DB 15 APPLICATOR CONNECTOR INTERFACE CONNECTOR o B 9 PARALLEL b o INTERFACE CONNECTOR e e PARALLEL INTERFACE CONNECTOR DB 15 APPLICATOR INTERFACE CONNECTOR DB 25 SERIAL o o INTERFACE 3 o o AC POWER CONNECTOR AC POWER CONNECTOR I tt gt CONNECTOR day aa ON GO e 9 le o o Bla DA O LEFT HAND PAX PRINT ENGINE RIGHT HAND PAX PRINT ENGINE Figure 1 Cable Connections 2 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Media amp Ribbon Loading Media Loading If your print engine is a right hand unit printed labels are presented on the right hand side of the unit refer to Figure 2 while performing the procedure shown below If your print engine is a left hand configuration printed labels are presented on the left hand side of the unit refer to Figure 3 Load the media on the media supply hanger of the applicator refer to the app
28. 140 F 40 C to 60 C Media registration and minimum label length are affected by media type and width ribbon type and print speed Performance improves as these factors are optimized Zebra recommends always qualifying any application with thorough testing 52 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix A AC Power Cord Requirements Since many areas of the world have specific power requirements an AC Power Cord may not be included with your printer Refer to Figure 20 A power cord must be provided by you that meets your local electrical requirements ZEN WARNING For personnel and equipment safety always use a Y amp three prong plug with an earth ground connection to the AC Power C Source AC Power Cord Specifications e The overall length must be less than 9 8 feet 3 m e It must be rated for at least 5 Amp 250 VAC e The chassis ground earth must be connected to assure safety and reduce electro magnetic interference This is done by the third wire earth in the power cord e The AC power plug and IEC320 connector should bear the certification mark of at least one of the known international safety organization shown in Figure 20 IEC 320 CONTACT 3CONDUCTOR CONNECTOR VIEW EARTH LIVE PLUG FOR 3 Im YOUR COUNTRY 2 EZ AC POWER lt HAR gt CABLE ill NEUTRAL SS Figure 20 VAC Power Cord ANACO O QOGBDIKETR E ROVE yee ROVED a anys v OO 6 SD D a Figure 21 Safety
29. 2 mm 1 0 25 4 mm with backfeed off Media registration tolerance Vertical concurrent labels Horizontal 0 040 1 0 mm in Applicator mode 0 040 1 0 mm Total thickness including liner 0 003 to 0 012 0 076 mm to 0 305 mm Interlabel Gap Transmissive Sensor Minimum Preferred Maximum 0 079 2 mm 0 118 3 mm Refer to page 14 for Interlabel Gap and Label Length discussion Black Mark Reflective Sensor Length parallel to inside media edge Width perpendicular to inside media edge 12 3 mm to 43 11 mm 20 43 211 mm Print Line to Peel Bar Distance Ribbon Specifications Width wound coated side out 3 0 76 mm to 7 1 180 mm Standard length 984 300 m 1476 450 m 1969 600 m and 2955 900 m Roll size Inner core diameter Maximum roll size 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 1 0 25 4 mm 4 0 49 Printer Specifications Zebra Programming Language ZPL I Communicates in printable ASCII characters o Controlled via mainframe mini or PC Downloadable graphics scalable and bit map fonts label templates and formats Object copying between memory areas RAM and PC memory card o Adjustable print cache Data compression Automatic memory allocation for format while printing Bar Codes Bar code modulus X dimensions Picket fence non rotated orientation 203 d
30. 39 5E 46 53 0D BA FOO 50 AAN 18 SE 46 4F 38 2C 35 38 SE 41 41 4E 2C 31 38 2C 1O FDCENTER STA 31 30 5E 46 44 43 45 4E 54 45 52 20 53 54 41 Figure 19 Results of Communications Diagnostic Test 46 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Options Your print engine can be equipped with the following options Contact your equipment supplier for further information and pricing Single In line Memory Module SIMM An optional 8 MByte SIMM increases the graphic and font storage capacity of the printer and or increases the print length As this 1s volatile memory contents will be lost when the printer is turned off Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association PCMCIA Memory Card The Type I or Type II PCMCIA memory card is used for graphic font and label format storage This card is an 8 MByte non volatile memory device so the contents are not lost when the printer is turned OFF Communication Interfaces IBM Twinax Interface This interface emulates IBM System 3 X and AS 400 5224 5225 5256 and 4214 printers This option comes with an auto terminating one foot Y connector cable IBM Coax Interface This interface emulates an IBM System 3287 printer used in the IBM 3270 environment This option comes with a BNC connector to interface to your host mainframe s controller ZebraNet Micro Print Server MPS Allows you to connect a Zebra printer to your Ethernet network Available for 10BaseT networks 170P
31. AX2 Series User s Guide 47 48 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Printer Specifications Printing Considerations Media Type continuous die cut or black mark Resolution 172 PAX2 203 dots per inch 8 dots per mm 173 PAX2 300 dots per inch 12 dots per mm Dot size 0 0049 x 0 0049 0 125 mm x 0 125 mm 0 0033 x 0 0039 0 084 mm x 0 100 mm First dot location from inside media edge 0 093 0 035 2 4 mm_ 0 89 mm 0 093 0 035 2 4 mm_ 0 89 mm Maximum print width 6 6 168 mm 6 6 168 mm Maximum print length with full width media Non continuous 1 MB Memory Non continuous 9 MB Memory Continuous 1 MB Memory Continuous 9 MB Memo 20 39 20 266 Print Speeds 508 mm 990 mm 508 mm 6756 mm 172PAX2 203 DPI Programmable constant printing speeds per second of 2 4 61 mm 3 76 mm 4 102 mm 5 127 mm 6 152 mm 7 178 mm 8 203 mm 9 229 mm 10 254 mm 11 279 mm and 12 305 mm 173PAX2 300 DPI Programmable constant printing speeds per second of 2 4 61 mm 3 76 mm 4 102 mm 5 127 mm 6 152 mm 7 178 mm and 8 203 mm Media Specifications Media width label and liner 3 76 mm to 7 1 180 mm Minimum label length Applicator mode Rewind mode Tear off mode 3 0 76 2 mm 1 0 25 4 mm with backfeed off 1 0 25 4 mm no backfeed 3 0 76
32. Flashing slows when the printer cannot accept more data but returns to normal once data is again being received MEDIA Yellow Normal operation Media properly loaded Out of media Printer paused LCD displays error message and PAUSE light is ON RIBBON Yellow Normal operation Ribbon properly loaded Ribbon in printer in direct thermal mode or no ribbon loaded printer in thermal transfer mode Printer is paused LCD displays error message and PAUSE light is ON ERROR Orange 10 No printer errors Printer error exists Check LCD display for status 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration After you have installed the media and ribbon plugged in and turned on the AC Power and the printer has completed the Power On Self Test POST you may configure the printer parameters for your application using the Liquid Crystal Display and the control panel keys Not all choices pertain to all applications Choose only those settings that apply to your particular application Mode below or refer to FEED Key and PAUSE Key in the Troubleshooting Rl P E Cr NOTE To restore the printer s factory defaults see Leaving the Program section of this guide Introduction Entering the Program Mode To enter the Program Mode press the SETUP EXIT key when PRINTER READY is displayed Press either the NEXT key or the PREVIOUS key to scroll to the parame
33. GH for 20 milliseconds when a label has been completed and positioned Not asserted during continuous printing modes APPLICATOR PORT lt OFF gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Off Selections Off MODE 1 MODE 2 MODE 3 MODE 4 Press the NEXT key to display START PRINT SIG 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 29 Printing Controls Setting the Start Print Signal DH This parameter determines how the printer will react to the Start Print Signal input on pin 3 of the applicator interface connector at the rear of the printer This is set by the applicator manufacturer and should not be changed unless the factory defaults have been reloaded Please make a note of it While other choices are valid the printer must be returned to its designated setting in order for it to work properly Refer to Table 5 in Appendix B for more applicator cable information PULSE MODE A label will print when the signal transitions from HIGH to LOW LEVEL MODE Labels will print as long as the signal is asserted LOW START PRINT SIG lt PULSE MODE gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Pulse Mode Selections Pulse Mode Level Mode Press the NEXT key to display RESYNCH MODE Setting the Resync Mode DH This parameter determines how the printer will react if the label synchronization is lost and the label top is not wh
34. IA S RIBBON S RIBBON LED MARK LED LCD ADJUST MODES ENABLED MODES DISABLED RESOLUTION SOCKET 1 ID FIRMWARE CONF IGURAT ION B MEMORY Ji2 INTERFACE J11 INTERFACE J10 A TER ACE FIRMWARE IN THIS PRINTER IS COPYRIGHTED Figure 16 CANCEL Key Self Test Troubleshooting PAUSE Key Self Test Press and hold the PAUSE key while turning the printer power ON Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF This self test is actually comprised of four individual test features l The initial self test prints 15 labels at 2 5 08 cm per second then automatically pauses the printer Each time the PAUSE key is pressed an additional 15 labels print While the printer 1s paused alter the self test by pressing the CANCEL key once Now each time the PAUSE key is pressed the printer prints 15 labels at 6 15 24 cm per second While the printer is paused alter the self test a second time by pressing the CANCEL key once Now each time the PAUSE key is pressed the printer prints 50 labels at 2 5 08 cm per second While the printer is paused alter the self test a third time by pressing the CANCEL key once Now each time the PAUSE key is pressed the printer prints 50 labels at 6 15 24 cm per second While the printer 1s paused alter the self test a fourth time by pressing the CANCEL key once Now each time the PAUSE key is pressed the printer prints 15 labels at the
35. MODULE IN CIRCUIT FUSE Figure 22 Installing a Fuse Shipping To ship the Zebra 170PAX2 Series print engine remove all ribbon and media Carefully pack the print engine in a suitable container to avoid damage during transit Whenever possible use the original carton within a carton packing materials from the factory A shipping container can be purchased from Zebra Technologies Corporation if the original packaging is lost or destroyed Contact your distributor or Zebra Technologies Corporation to order the 170PAX2 Series Packing Materials Kit If you use a different container package the print engine carefully to avoid damage JAN CAUTION When packaging the printer in a rigid container use shock mounts or shock absorbing packing material 54 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix B Printer Communications Interface Technical Information System Considerations Communications Code The printer sends and receives American Standard Code for Information Interchange ASCII This code consists of 128 characters 256 for Code Page 850 including upper and lower case letters numbers punctuation marks and various control codes Interfaces The method of interfacing the printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed in the printer and the host The standard interfaces are an RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 serial data port and a Centronics compatible parallel port Optional IBM Twinax IBM Coax and Eth
36. Organization Logos Power Fuse Replacement The printer uses a metric style fuse 5 x 20 mm IEC rated for 5 Amps at 250 Volts that bears the certification mark of a known international safety organization see Figure 21 The power entry module comes with two approved fuses in the fuse holder one is in circuit and one is provided as a spare 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 53 Appendix A To replace a fuse follow this procedure and refer to Figure 22 1 Turn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the back of the printer 2 Using a small blade screwdriver remove the fuse holder from the power entry module at the rear of the printer 3 Carefully remove the fuse from the in circuit location To remove the fuse from the spare location insert the point of a pencil through one of the two holes in the fuse holder gently push Repeat this procedure through the other hole 4 Insert this fuse in the in circuit location Remember to replace an approved 250 VAC 5 Amp fuse in the spare location 5 Reinstall the fuse holder into the power entry module at the rear of the printer 6 Reconnect the power cord and turn the printer on The printer should now be ready for operation and the POWER light should be on Cr NOTE If power is not restored an internal component failure may have u occurred and the printer requires servicing Refer to Troubleshooting FUSE HOLDER SMALL BLADE SCREWDRIVER
37. PAUSE light will be ON The first time you press the PAUSE key any partially printed label is completed then the printing process is stopped If the printer is idle when you press the PAUSE key no new print requests are accepted Press the PAUSE key a second time to resume the printing process Press this key to remove any error messages and clear the Liquid Crystal Display The PAUSE mode can also be activated through pin 5 of the Applicator Port or by sending a ZPL II command to the printer CANCEL Key The CANCEL key only functions when the printer is paused When you press the CANCEL key the label format that 1s currently printing is canceled If no label format is printing then the next one to be printed is canceled If there are no label formats stored in the printer and waiting to be printed the CANCEL key is ignored To clear the printer s entire label format memory press and hold this key for several seconds until the DATA light turns OFF The printer discards all of the label format data it has received and returns to the idle state CALIBRATE Key The CALIBRATE key functions only in the PAUSE mode Press once to recalibrate for proper media length set media type and set print method l e 01 009 X 1 0 lt q PAUSE DATA MEDIA RIBBON ERROR POWER EXT previous OD CO CO CO CO O Ww 0 2 ES X H e SETUP EXIT CALIBRATE I Air PAUSE FEED Figure 7 Control Panel 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 9 Print
38. X2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Feed Selections Feed Calibration Length No Motion Press the NEXT key to display HEAD CLOSE Head Close BH Determines the action of the media after the printhead has been opened and then closed Calibration recalibrates the media sensors Feed feeds the label to the first web Length calculates the length of the label and No Motion means the media does not move Feed is the recommended mode for an applicator HEAD CLOSE FEED gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Feed Selections Feed Calibration Length No Motion Press the NEXT key to display BACKFEED Label Positioning Parameters Backfeed Sequence Qu Determines when and how much label backfeed occurs in the Applicator mode It has no effect in Rewind or Tear Off modes This parameter setting can be superseded by a ZPL ZPL II instruction when received as part of a label format Refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide BACKFEED DEFAULT gt Press the right oval key for the next choice or press the left oval key for the previous choice Default 90 of the backfeed occurs after the label is dispensed the remaining 10 takes place before the next label is printed Selections Default After Before 10 20 30 40 50
39. Zebra 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 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 third 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 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 1s 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 T
40. a from the data source but cannot send back printer status information over this port However if the printer receives a Printer Status Request command over the parallel interface it will send back this information over the RS 232 port Parallel Port Interconnections Table 3 shows the pin configuration and function of a standard computer to printer Centronics compatible parallel cable PIN NO DESCRIPTION STROBE The high to low transition of this input signal will latch the data at the eight data inputs into the printer DATA BITS 0 7 Parallel data inputs to the printer They have TTL input characteristics where a HIGH 5 V level corresponds with a logic 1 and a LOW 0 V level is a logic 0 10 ACKNOWLEDGE This output of the printer is an active LOW pulse indicating that the printer has received the previous character and is ready to accept another data character 11 BUSY This printer output is active HIGH whenever it cannot accept data 12 ERROR This output signal is active HIGH whenever the printer is out of paper or ribbon 13 SELECT The function of this output signal is determined by a Printer Configuration Option In the default condition SELECT is active HIGH whenever the parallel port is powered up and enabled 14 AUTOFEED This input is unused by the printer 15 33 34 Not used 16 19 30 SIGNAL GROUNDS The logic
41. airly obvious The normal bar code bars increase in size and the openings in small alphanumeric characters may fill in with ink It may be readable but not in spec Rotated bar code bars and spaces will run together Slightly Dark Slightly dark labels are not as obvious The normal bar code will be in spec Small character alphanumerics will be bold and could be slightly filled in The rotated bar code spaces are small when compared to the in spec code possibly making the code unreadable Slightly Light Slightly light labels are in some cases preferred to slightly dark ones for in spec bar codes Both normal and rotated bar codes will be in spec but small alphanumeric characters may not be complete Too Light Labels that are too light are obvious Both normal and rotated bar codes have incomplete bars and spaces Small alphanumeric characters are unreadable 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 65 Appendix D In Spec The in spec bar code can only be confirmed by a verifier but it should exhibit some very visible characteristics The normal bar code will have complete even bars and clear distinct spaces The rotated bar code will also have complete bars and clear distinct spaces Although it may not look as good as a slightly dark bar code it will be in spec In both normal and rotated styles small alphanumeric characters will look complete ROTATED BAR CODES 6 MODE 51 300 en
42. al key to print a label listing all of the formats Press the NEXT key to display LIST SETUP List Setup This selection is used to print a label that lists the current printer configuration information same as the CANCEL Key Self Test Press the right oval key to print a label listing the current printer configuration LIST SETUP PRINT Press the right oval key to print a label listing the current printer configuration Press the NEXT key to display INITIALIZE CARD 1 6 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Initialize Card Pr This selection initializes the optional memory card previously stored information in the optional memory card Otherwise press J N CAUTION Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all the NEXT key to bypass this function and display SENSOR PROFILE INITIALIZE CARD YE 1 Press the right oval key to select YES If your printer is set to require a password you will now be prompted to enter the password Enter the password then press the NEXT key INITIALIZE CARD YE 2 The display will ask INITIALIZE CARD Press the right oval key to select YES The front panel LCD will ask ARE YOU SURE ARE YOU SURE NO YES 3 Press the right oval key to select YES and begin the initialization or Press the left oval key NO
43. at the user press the PREVIOUS key to display this parameter and allow for international language selection If you want the prompts displayed in a language other than English select the Printer Language exit the Program Mode Save Permanent then re enter the Program Mode The Front Panel Display will now use the language selected This allows the user to read the programming prompts in the desired language Press the right oval key to select a language Default English Selections English Spanish French German Italian Norwegian Portuguese Swedish Spanish2 Dutch Finnish Custom If this is the last configuration parameter press the SETUP EXIT key select the desired Save Mode typically Permanent then press the NEXT key to end the configuration process Refer to Leaving the Program Mode on page 11 32 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Care amp Adjustments Cleaning CAUTION Use only the cleaning agents indicated Zebra Technologies J N Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on the 170 PAX2 Series print engine Table 1 provides a recommended cleaning schedule Cleaning swabs saturated with 70 Isopropyl Alcohol are available from your Zebra distributor as a Preventive Maintenance Kit part 01429 AREA METHOD INTERVAL See Figures 13 and 14 for parts locati Printhead 1 Alcohol Platen Roller 2 Alcohol Media Path Alcohol After every roll of ribbo
44. ata bits to use the Code Page 850 char al acter set See the ZPL II Programming Guide for further information DATA BITS 7 BITS Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default 7 Bits Selections 7 Bits 8 Bits Press the NEXT key to display PARITY 20 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Setting the Parity Or The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host for communications to take place Select the parity that matches the one being used by the host PARITY EVEN Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Even Selections Even None Odd Press the NEXT key to display STOP BITS Setting the Stop Bits DH The stop bits of the printer must match the stop bits of the host for communications to take place Select the number of stop bits that match the quantity being used by the host STOP BITS 1STOPBIT Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default 1 Stop Bit Selections 1 Stop Bit 2 Stop Bits Press the NEXT key to display HOST HANDSHAKE Setting the Host Handshake Qo The handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host for commun ications to take place Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host HOST HANDSHAKE XON XOFF gt
45. ating on the back that protects the printhead from wear ribbon wrinkle A wrinkling of the ribbon caused by improper alignment or improper printhead pressure This wrinkle can cause voids in the print and or the used ribbon to rewind unevenly This condition should be corrected by performing adjustment procedures roll media Media that comes supplied rolled onto a core usually cardboard Contrast this with fanfold media supplies A general term for media and ribbon symbology The term generally used when referring to a bar code tag Atype of media having no adhesive backing but featuring a hole or notch by which the tag can be hung on something Tags are usually made of cardboard or other durable material 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Glossary take label sensor See label available sensor tear off A mode of operation in which the user tears the label or tag stock away from the remaining media by hand thermal direct See direct thermal thermal transfer A printing method in which the printhead presses an ink or resin coated ribbon against the media Heating the printhead elements causes the ink or resin to transfer onto the media By selectively heating the printhead elements as the media and ribbon move past an image is printed onto the media Contrast this with direct thermal void A space where printing should have occurred but did not due to an error condition such as wrinkled ribbon or faulty print
46. bel the label will feed out far enough to be verified and then backfeed to allow the next label to be printed and verified 2 VER THRUPUT Allows for the greatest throughput but may not indicate a verification error immediately upon detection May print from one to three labels before an error is recognized and printing stops VERIFIER PORT lt OFF gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Off Selections Off 1 VER RPRNT ERR 2 VER THRUPUT Press the NEXT key to display APPLICATOR PORT Applicator Port Setting the Applicator Port or The Applicator Port is used to determine how the printer will interface with the applicator This is set by the applicator manufacturer and should not be changed unless the factory defaults have been reloaded Please make a note of it While other choices are valid the printer must be returned to its designated setting in order for it to work properly Refer to Table 5 in Appendix B for more applicator cable information OFF Applicator interface is off MODE 1 Asserts the END PRINT signal LOW while the printer is moving the label forward MODE 2 Asserts the END PRINT signal HIGH while the printer is moving the label forward MODE 3 Asserts the END PRINT signal LOW for 20 milliseconds when a label has been completed and positioned Not asserted during continuous printing modes MODE 4 Asserts the END PRINT signal HI
47. c flash memory FLASH memory is non volatile and will maintain the stored information intact when power is off This memory area is used to store the printer s operating program In addition this memory can be used to store optional printer fonts graphic formats and complete label formats font A complete set of alphanumeric characters in one style of type Ex CG Times CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed ips inches per second The speed at which the label or tag is printed Zebra offers printers that can print from 2 ips to 12 ips label An adhesive backed piece of paper plastic or other material on which information is printed label available sensor For printers equipped with the Peel Off Option this sensor detects a printed label waiting to be taken or picked by the operator While it detects this label the printer will not print additional labels Once the label has been removed from the printer the next label is printed Also called the take label sensor label backing label liner The material on which labels are affixed during manufacture and which is discarded or recycled by the end users liquid crystal display The LCD is a back lit display which provides the user with either operating status during normal operation or option menus when configuring the printer to a specific application 72 light emitting diode LEDs are used as indicators of specific printer status conditions Each LED wi
48. cations Refer to Figure 1 The 170P4X2 Series printer comes standard with both an Electronics Industries Association EIA RS 232 serial interface DB 25 Connector and a Centronics amp compatible parallel interface The serial interface 1s also configured for both RS 422 RS 485 single drop and RS 485 multi drop serial interfaces Any of these four interface methods may be used to send commands and label formats from a host to the print engine Only the RS 232 serial interface may be used to send printer status back to the host 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 1 Introduction A DB 15 Applicator Interface Connector provides communication between the print engine and the associated applicator hardware In some applications control signal timing may be a critical element in the performance of the print engine Refer to Appendix B for control signal descriptions Ed WARNING Connecting a data communications cable while the power A is ON may damage the PAX2 print engine Cr NOTE You must supply the interface cables for your application Refer to Appendix B for specific cable requirements Printer Power The Power Supply in the PAX2 Series printer automatically detects the applied line voltage and works in the 90 to 264 VAC 48 to 62 Hz range Refer to Figure 1 The AC Power Cord must have a three prong female connector on one end which plugs into the mating connector at the rear of the printer If a power cable was not included with
49. cator has an air tube route the media between the air tube and the peel bar Do not thread the media over this tube 10 Rotate the peel roller assembly J up until it latches closed 11 Thread the backing material under the lower guide post M and around the take up spindle of the applicator refer to the applicator s user s manual DETAIL Figure 3 Media Loading Left Hand Units 4 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Media amp Ribbon Loading Ribbon Loading To load ribbon refer to Figure 4 for right hand units or Figure 5 for left hand units Cr NOTE Do not load ribbon if the printer is to be used in the direct thermal mode CAUTION When installing the ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle J N make sure it is pushed up against the stop and that the ribbon is aligned squarely with its core Do not use ribbon that is narrower than the media If the printhead is not protected by the smooth backing of the ribbon premature printhead failure may result due to excessive abrasion Right Hand Units l Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle N as far as it will go so the ribbon feeds as shown in Figure 4 I X 1 0 us ERROR POWER Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take up spindle O Open the printhead assembly C by unlatching the print head lock lever D from the locking pin E Thread the ribbon below the lower ribbon gui
50. ciation PCMCIA Memory Card llle Communication Interfaces 2 2 22 2 Con rn ZebraNet Micro Print Server MPS Printer Specifications Appendix A AC Power Cord Requirements 2 2 22 2 o Power Fuse Replacement non SHIPPING ss ads Se SS RRS oad ORR a ee Appendix B Printer Communications Interface Technical Information RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 Serial Data Port Centronics Compatible Parallel Data Port Cabling Requirements o Applicator Interface Connector 2 22 22 nme Appendix C ASCII Code Chartt Appendix D Adjusting Darkness For In Spec Bar Codes Appendix E Installation Information 2 a nn Glossary Index 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Introduction Congratulations You have just purchased a high quality thermal demand print engine manufactured by the industry leader in quahty service and value For over 25 years Zebra Technologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber of products and support To create and print label formats refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide part 46530L This guide is available by contacting your distributor or Zebra Technologies Corporation It is also available as a file to download from Zebra s web site support zebra com In addition label preparation software is available Contact your distributor or
51. d assembly C by latching the printhead lock lever D onto the locking pin E 7 Insure the ribbon is located Figure 5 Ribbon Loading Left Hand Units between the Ribbon Sensor and the Sensor Reflector positioned above it Removing Used Ribbon To remove used ribbon 1 Open the printhead assembly C by unlatching the lock lever D from the locking pin E 2 Cut the ribbon between the upper ribbon guide roller Q and the ribbon take up spindle O 3 Remove the used ribbon and the core together from the ribbon take up spindle O 4 Remove the empty ribbon core from the ribbon supply spindle N 5 To load the new ribbon refer to the previous Ribbon Loading topic 6 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Media Sensor Position Reflective Media Sensor Some types of media have black marks printed on the underside of the backing material that act as Start of Label indicators These black marks are sensed by the reflective media sensor mounted on the printer frame The position of this sensor is not adjustable If you will use this type of media refer to the Specifications section of this guide for information about black mark requirements Transmissive Media Sensor The transmissive media sensor is used to find start of label indicators such as a notch or hole in the media or an interlabel gap backing only between labels This sensor consists of a light source positioned below the media and a light sensor positi
52. de 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 1 9 Configuration and Calibration Setting Communication Parameters Communication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to receive data from the host These parameters ensure that the printer and host are speaking the same language All communications parameters are password protected See page 11 Setting the Host Port or Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the host computer HOST PORT lt MAIN RS232 gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Main RS232 Selections Main RS232 RS422 485 RS485 Multidrop Parallel Press the NEXT key to display BAUD If Parallel was selected go to Setting the Protocol Setting the Baud Rate Or The baud rate of the printer must match the baud rate of the host for communications to take place Select the baud rate that matches the one being used by the host BAUD 9600 Press the right oval key to increase the value or press the left oval key to decrease the value Default 9600 Selections 110 300 600 1200 2400 4800 9600 19200 28800 57600 Press the NEXT key to display DATA BITS Setting the Data Bits DO The data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host for communications to take place Select the data bits that match the ones being used by the host Cr NOTE This parameter must be set to 8 d
53. de roller P under the printhead assembly C and up and over the upper ribbon guide roller Q as shown in Figure 4 Use caution not to crease or wrinkle the ribbon Attach the ribbon to the take up spindle core use a label if needed and wind for several turns in the direction shown in Figure 4 Close the printhead assembly C by latching the printhead lock lever D onto the locking pin E Insure the ribbon is located Figure 4 Ribbon Loading Right Hand Units between the Ribbon Sensor and the Sensor Reflector positioned above it 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 5 Media amp Ribbon Loading Left Hand Units Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle N as far as it will go so the ribbon feeds I dd y vo A lt MUSE DMA MEDA BON ERROR POWER as shown in Figure 4 u OOOO0O00 2 Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take up spindle O 3 Open the printhead assembly C by unlatching the print head lock lever D from the locking pin E 4 Thread the ribbon below the lower ribbon guide roller P under the printhead assembly C and up and over the upper ribbon guide roller Q as shown in Figure 5 Use caution not to crease or wrinkle the ribbon 5 Attach the ribbon to the take up spindle core use a label if needed and wind for several turns in the direction shown in Figure 5 6 Close the printhea
54. e When the front panel CALIBRATE key is pressed the print engine determines the label length of noncontinuous media by sensing the time it takes for the media to feed from one Start of Label indicator web notch hole black mark to the next This process also determines if the application is using the direct thermal or ther mal transfer print method by sensing the presence or absence of ribbon e The full Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration discussed here performs the same functions as the CALIBRATE key plus sensitivity adjustments on both the media and ribbon sensors These adjustments set parameters for the specific media and ribbon currently installed in the printer If a different type of media and or ribbon is used in the printer the full calibration must be performed not just the front panel key Press the NEXT key and perform the Media and Ribbon Calibration procedure on the next page Sensor Profile Press the right oval key to print a graphic representation Media Sensor Profile of the changes in density between the media and the web backing The Sensor Profile may be used to help troubleshoot media registration problems SENSOR PROFILE PRINT Refer to Figure 9 The Media Sensor Profile shows three conditions The black area along the bottom of the profile illustrates media passing by the media sensor When the level goes above the point labeled WEB black spikes the backing mate
55. e previous label is also canceled REPRINT MODE lt DISABLED _ gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Disabled Selections Disabled Enabled Press the NEXT key to display WEB SENSOR Sensor Values e The following eight parameters Web Sensor Media Sensor Ribbon Sensor Mark Sensor Mark Media Sensor Media LED Ribbon LED and Mark LED are automatically calculated during the calibration procedure and typically do not require adjustment Additional information about these values can be found in the 70PAX Series Maintenance Manual P N 49803L Press the NEXT key to display LCD ADJUST 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 31 Configuration and Calibration LCD Adjust Adjusts the brightness of the Liquid Crystal Display LCD ADJUST 00 E Press the left oval key to decrease the brightness the right oval key to increase the brightness Default 00 Range 00 to 19 Press the NEXT key to display LANGUAGE Printer Language Selecting the Liquid Crystal Display LCD Language Allows you to specify the language for the LCD prompts and error messages language The selected language will also be print on the following labels setup configuration and the font bar code graphic and format listings LANGUAGE ENGLISH Cr NOTE At the beginning of the programming process on page 12 it is recom ei mended th
56. els or tags character set The set of all letters numerals punctuation marks and other characters that can be expressed by a particular font or barcode check digit A character added to a barcode symbol that indicates to the scanner that it has read the symbol correctly configuration The printer configuration is a group of operating parameters which are specific to the printer application Some parameters are user selectable while others are dependent on the installed options and mode of operation Parameters may be switch selectable front panel programmable or downloaded as ZPL II commands A Configuration Label listing all the current printer parameters may be printed for reference Glossary continuous media Label or tag stock media that has no notch gap or web backing material only to separate the labels or tags The media is one long piece of material core diameter The inside diameter of the cardboard core at the center of a roll of media or ribbon cutter An optional mechanical device that cuts the media into individual labels or tags immediately after it is printed diagnostics Information about which printer functions are not working that is used for troubleshooting printer problems die cut media A type of label stock where individual labels are stuck to a backing material The labels may be either lined up against each other or separated by a small distance Typically the material surrounding t
57. ely from the printer A peel off option must be installed to operate in this mode print speed The speed at which printing occurs For thermal transfer printers this speed is expressed in terms of ips inches per second Zebra offers printers that can print from 2 ips to 12 ips 170PAX2 Series User s Guide printer configuration See configuration printhead wear The degradation of the surface of the printhead and or the print elements over time Heat and abrasion can cause printhead wear Therefore to maximize the life of the printhead use the lowest print darkness setting sometimes called burn temperature or head temperature and the lowest printhead pressure necessary to produce good print quality In the thermal transfer printing method use ribbon that is as wide or wider than the media to protect the printhead from the rough media surface registration Alignment of printing with respect to the top of a label or tag rewind A mode of operation in which the label and backing material are wound onto a spindle within the printer and then dispensed for use in a separate process The rewind option must be installed to operate in this mode ribbon A band of material consisting of a base film coated with wax or resin ink The inked side of the material is pressed by the printhead against the media The ribbon transfers ink onto the media when heated by the small elements within the printhead Zebra ribbons have a co
58. er Operation Liquid Crystal Display The control panel shown in Figure 7 contains a backlit Liquid Crystal Display It shows operational status as well as programming modes and feature parameters Control Panel Keys Five keys are used to set print and communication parameters BLACK OVAL KEYS These two keys are used to change parameter values the actual use depends on the parameter being displayed Common uses include increasing or decreasing a value answering yes or no indicating ON or OFF and scrolling through several choices PREVIOUS Scrolls the display to the previous parameter NEXT Scrolls the display to the next parameter SETUP EXIT Enters and exits the configuration mode Specific uses of these keys are explained with each parameter setting description in the Configuration and Calibration section of this guide Front Panel Indicator Lights LEDs LEDs on the front panel are a quick indication of the printer s status OFF ON FLASHING Printer OFF or no power to printer Power switch ON and power being supplied to printer Normal operation Printer is paused Printhead ribbon or paper error detected or PAUSE key was pressed or A Pause was requested from the Applicator Port or A pause was received as part of the label format No data being received or processed Data processing or printing taking place No data is being received Printer is receiving data
59. ere expected This is set by the applicator manufacturer and should not be changed unless the factory defaults have been reloaded Please make a note of it While other choices are valid the printer must be returned to its designated setting in order for it to work properly FEED MODE Ifthe label top is not where expected the printer will feed a blank label to find the label top position ERROR MODE If the label top is not where expected the printer will stop enter the PAUSED mode display the message Error Condition Feed Label flash the ERROR LED and assert the Service Required signal pin 10 on the Applicator Interface Connector To resync the media to the top of the label in this mode the user must press the PAUSE key to exit the PAUSED state The ERROR LED will then stop flashing and the Service Required signal will be de asserted The action of the printer is then determined by the Head Close configuration selection e Calibration the printer feeds labels and recalibrates the media sensors e Feed the printer feeds the labels to the next web e Length the printer feeds labels and calculates the label length e No Motion the media does not move The user must press the FEED key to cause the printer to resync to the start of the next label RESYNCH MODE lt FEED MODE gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Defa
60. ernet options are available for those applications which require them Data Specifications When communicating via an asynchronous serial data port RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 the baud rate number of data and stop bits the parity and the XON XOFF or DTR control are user selectable and should be set to match those of the host computer When communicating via the Centronics compatible parallel port the previously mentioned parameters are not considered Refer to Configuration and Calibration to configure the communication parameters for the printer Interface Considerations RS 232 A serial communication method consisting of data and control signals available as a standard feature on most PCs and other hosts Advantages Cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores and suppliers easy to connect two way communication between the host and the printer Disadvantages Slower than the parallel connection limited to 50 feet 15 24 meters of cable RS 422 A single user current loop serial communication method Advantages Longer cable length up to 4000 feet 1219 2 m greater immunity to data corruption caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights two way communication between the host and the printer Disadvantages Not commonly available on standard PCs without additional hardware slower than the parallel connection RS 485 A multiple user current loop serial communication method that is
61. ert LOW for a RESYNCH error END PRINT MODE 0 The Applicator Port is OFF MODE 1 Asserted LOW only while the printer is moving the label forward otherwise deasserted HIGH MODE 2 Asserted HIGH only while the printer is moving the label forward otherwise deasserted LOW MODE 3 Default Asserted LOW for 20 milliseconds when a label has been completed and positioned Not asserted during continuous printing MODE 4 Asserted HIGH for 20 milliseconds when a label has been completed and positioned Not asserted during continuous printing MEDIA OUT Asserted LOW while there is no media in the printer RIBBON OUT Asserted LOW while there is no ribbon in the printer DATA READY Asserted LOW when sufficient data has been received to begin printing the next label De asserted HIGH whenever printing stops after the current label due to either a PAUSE condition or the absence of a label format 170PAX2 Series User s Guide To Be Determined Table 4 DB 15 Connector Printer to Applicator 61 Appendix B ASSY P N PCB P N 49721 REV 1 LZY 024 614 FUSE 1 JP1 JP2 FUSE 2 J1 DB15 INTERNAL JP1 LOGIC GROUND 4 L TO J1 I INTERNAL 2 LOGIC V I 5V START PRINT FEED PAUSE REPRINT 750 mA JP2 FUSE2 ROV 1 2 onourun boo RIBBON LOW SERVICE REQUIRED END PRINT MEDIA OUT RIBBON OUT DATA READY SPARE
62. es eve oe Ree ERE PAUSE Key Self Test Options oe a ne Physical Specifications Power Cord es so aa deo amnesi Power Fuse replacement 76 Power On Self Test 37 Power Up and Head Close Parameters 24 Prefix and Delimiter characters Delimiter character 23 Prefix and Delimiter Characters Control prefix character 23 Format prefix character 23 Print Method selecting 14 Print Mode setting 13 Print Parameters Darkness i4 kx wx 12 Maximum length 14 Media u de e 13 Print method 14 Printmode 13 Printwidth 14 SENSOR xc ba Shs Gay OY wwe 13 Tear Off position 13 Print Speeds specifications 49 Print Width setting 14 Printer Information Barcodes 16 POS adhoc 4k Be ES 16 Formats 4 2s or RR 16 Images oem Rom e 16 Initializing the card 17 SEID 3 4 4 ausum E bab ged 16 Printer Interface Technical Information 55 Applicator interface connector 60 Cabling Requirements RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 Serial Data Port56 System considerations Printer Language Designating the display screen language32 Printer Power 22222222 2 Printer Self Tests CANCEL key 42 Communications diagnostics 46 FEED key and PAUSE key 45 FEED key self test 44 Introduction
63. et the parameter for 6 inches 152 mm If the label length is 7 5 inches 190 mm set the parameter for 8 0 inches 202 mm 1 4 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration NOTE Before you begin the media and ribbon calibration procedure be sure the Maximum Length is set to a value one step greater than the actual media If the Maximum Length is set to a lower value the printer will assume that continu ous media is loaded MAXIMUM LENGTH 39 0IN 988MM NOTE If the Maximum Label Length is changed to a value that is lower than the length of the media being used the printer will not calibrate Press the left oval key to decrease the value or press the right oval key to increase the value Default 39 0 inches 988 mm Range 2 0 inches 50 mm to 39 0 inches 988 mm in 1 0 inch 25 4 mm increments Press the NEXT key to display LIST FONTS LABEL LENGTH LABEL LENGTH LABEL FEED AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 Q N amp 4 2 55 lt gt IL AaBbCcDdEeF fGgHhliJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQgkRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 75 amp 0 YE AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQgRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 N amp 2 55 lt gt HL AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhliJjKkLI MmNnOoPpQgRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz1234567890 95 amp 12 5 31 er en a ee Ep n e Figure 8 Maximum Label Length
64. gnment See Printhead Pressure adjustment on page 35 Call a service technician Misregistration skips labels Media Sensor is not positioned correctly Perform Media Sensor position adjustment Printer not calibrated Recalibrate printer Improper label format Use correct label format Misregistration and misprint of one to three labels Media Sensor is not positioned correctly Place Media Sensor in proper position Dirty Platen Clean the Platen Media does not meet specifications Use media that meets specifications Vertical drift in top of form registration A plus or minus 4 6 dot row approximately 0 5 mm vertical drift is acceptable due to the different toler ances of the mechanical parts and printer modes First calibrate the printer then use the Label Top Position setting to correct See Configuration and Calibration Printer out of Calibration Recalibrate printer Platen dirty Clean Platen Missing LCD characters or parts of characters Liquid Crystal Display may be bad and need replacing Call a service technician Changes in parameter settings did not take effect 40 Parameters are set incorrectly Set parameters and save permanently Cycle the printer power OFF and back ON If problem continues there may be a problem with the main logic board Call a service technician
65. he Appendix of the ITA EIA 485 specification Applicator Interface Connector Refer to Table 4 An external DB 15 connector is present on the rear panel of the print engine for communication with the applicator An optional DB 15 to DB 9 adapter cable is available to accommodate existing DB 9 interfaces SIGNAL SIGNAL NAME TYPE FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION SIGNAL Ground JP1 IN Ground return for Internal 5v power source and is GROUND available here for remote opto isolators if required JP2 IN pe i JP1 OUT Ground return for External 5v power source JP2 OUT urn 5V JP2 IN Internal 5v power source supplies power to internal Fused at opto isolators and is available here for remote opto isolators JP2 OUT External 5v power source must be connected here to supply power to internal opto isolators JP1 OUT PULSE MODE The label printing process begins on the HIGH to LOW transition of this signal if a format is ready De assert this signal HIGH to inhibit printing of a new label LEVEL MODE Assert LOW to enable the printer to begin printing if a format is ready The printer will print new labels as long as the signal is asserted When de asserted the currently printing label will be completed and the printer will stop and wait for this input to be reasserted LOW When the printer is in an Idle state or has been PAUSED assert this input LOW to trigger repeated feeding of blank labels De assert HIGH
66. he labels has been removed See non continuous media direct thermal A printing method in which the printhead presses directly against the media Heating the printhead elements causes a discoloration of the heat sensitive coating on the media By selectively heating the printhead elements as the media moves past an image is printed onto the media No ribbon is used with this printing method Contrast this with thermal transfer direct thermal media Media that is coated with a substance which reacts to the application of direct heat from the printhead to produce an image dynamic ram DRAM is the term used to describe the memory devices used to store the label formats in electronic form while they are being printed The amount of DRAM memory available in the printer determines the maximum size and number of label formats that can be printed This is volatile memory which loses the stored information when power is turned off 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 71 Glossary fanfold media Media that comes folded in a rectangular stack Contrast this with roll media firmware This is the term used to specify the printer s operating program This program is downloaded to the printer from a host computer and stored in FLASH memory Each time the printer power is turned on this operating program starts This program controls when to feed the media forward or backward when to print a dot on the label stock when to activate the cutter et
67. he 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 ofthe 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 The copyrights in this
68. ht Side View of Right Hand Printer 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 67 Appendix E Consideration must be given to the current rating of the printer during installation so that when power is applied to the printer and the enclosing equipment an overload condition is not effected on enclosing equipment circuits or supply wiring Reliable earthing of the printer must be maintained Particular attention must be given to the AC power supply connections so that earth ground is maintained through the AC power input connector 5 MOUNTING SCREWS 2 218 THRU COUNTERBORE j 350 X 197 DEEP 197 SOCKET HEAD CAP SCREW M5 OR 10 32 10 433 265 mm 550 13 97 mm 15 LABEL ORIENTATION Figure 30 Front View of Right Hand Printer 68 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix E Cr NOTE Mounting hole locations are identical for both the right hand and B left hand print engines Clearance at the rear panel of the electronics enclosure must provide ample space for electronic connectors and dressing of the following cables IEC power cord serial and or parallel host communication cable optional host communication cable Coax Twinax Ethernet and the discrete signal applicator interface cable The IEC power cord does not have a strain relief on the printer If the operating characteristics of the applicator include vibration or strain on the power cord then the installation shall provide an appropriate clamping mechanism
69. ibbon it should not be necessary to change the burn temperature or the Cr NOTE If print quality has degraded and you have not changed to a different type toggle pressure To clean the printhead and platen roller refer to Figure 14 and perform the following steps 1 Open the printhead assembly C by lifting the printhead lock lever D upward away from the locking pin E and remove the media and ribbon 2 Brush vacuum or air blow any accumulated lint and paper dust away from the rollers It is good practice to clean the various media ribbon and door open sensors at this time See Figure 13 3 Use a cleaning swab saturated with alcohol and wipe the print elements from end to end The print elements form the grayish black strip 1 just behind the chrome strip on the underside of the printhead Allow a few seconds for the solvent to evaporate 4 Use a lint free cloth moistened with alcohol to clean the platen roller 2 and other rollers Rotate the rollers while cleaning 5 Reload the ribbon and or media latch the printhead and continue printing Turn the printer ON 1f previously turned OFF 34 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Care amp Adjustments lt A E N AR BA N A Y Qe Figure 14 Printer Cleaning Right Hand Unit Shown CF NOTE If print quality has not improved try cleaning the printhead with the c Save a Printhead cleaning film This specially coated material removes contamina
70. isplay other selections Default ZPL II Selections ZPL II ZPL Press the NEXT key to display RIBBON TENSION Setting Ribbon Tension Qe This parameter sets the tension applied to the Ribbon Supply Spindle A setting of Low Medium or High is determined by the combination of ribbon width and length Use the tables below to determine the recommended setting for your specific application If ribbon wrinkle or smudging or scuffing of ink on the label material is evident reduce the tension to the next lower setting RIBBON TENSION lt HIGH gt Ribbon Tension Setting Ribbon Width 300 Meter Roll 450 Meter Roll 600 Meter Roll 900 Meter Roll 3 to 5 LOW LOW LOW LOW 4 to 6 LOW LOW MEDIUM LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM 5 to 7 LOW MEDIUM MEDIUM MEDIUM HIGH HIGH Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default High Selections Low Medium High Press the NEXT key to display MEDIA POWER UP Power Up and Head Close Parameters Media Power Up UD Determines the action of the media when the printer is turned ON Calibration recalibrates the media sensors Feed feeds the label to the first web Length calculates the length of the label and No Motion means the media does not move No Motion is the recommended mode for an applicator 24 MEDIA POWER UP FEED gt 170PA
71. l 3117e ALL DLL said Vae ABIDE PEL MPG E TOOLIGHT M TE METEN eC ATIE 73e AF A surrey cer MINON aCODE 39x I SPEC E AAN RACODE 3 oe SLIGHTLY DARK AMAT NN N CODE 39 100 DARK AA LONN Figure 28 Bar Code Darkness Comparison 4005 uva IVINHON 66 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix E Installation Information Ventilation openings of the printer mounting enclosure shall be provided by the installer to remove heat and ensure uninterrupted trouble free operation of the printer Ambient air temperature surrounding the printer must not exceed 40 degrees Centigrade or 104 degrees Fahrenheit When the printer is mounted consideration must be given to the stability of the complete assembly so that when a full roll of media is loaded the equipment does not become physically unstable 11 008 Be 279 6 mm 0 613 15 6 mm MAINFRAME RIBBON AND MEDIA EDGE 4 35 REF 19 700 00000000000 00 500 4 mm 000000000 0 0 0 0000000000000 0000000009000 0000000020000 o000 000 f0000 o000000 9200000 000000 200000 000000 0000000 000000000000 0000900000000 000900000000 o00P2000000000 o0o 2000000000 oO0o RX 0000000000 o 00000000000 10 398 264 1 mm 8 500 215 9 mm N a MAX LABEL WIDTH 177 8 mm 7 201 MAX BACKING WIDTH 182 9 mm 394 10 0 mm 17 024 432 4 mm Figure 29 Rig
72. licator s user s manual 2 Grasp the thumb nut A and slide the outer media edge guide B as far out from the printer frame as possible The thumb nut does not have to be loosened 3 Open the printhead assembly C by unlatching the printhead lock lever D from the locking pin E 4 Raise the pinch roller F by pressing down on the pinch roller assembly latch G Thread the media under the upper guide post H between the pinch roller and the associated rubber pinch roller and under the printhead assembly C until approximately 30 75 cm of media extends out of the print engine DETAIL MEDIA PATH MEDIA BACKING Figure 2 Media Loading Right Hand Units 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 3 Media amp Ribbon Loading 5 Ensure the media is aligned within the print path then close the printhead assembly C by rotating the printhead lock lever D until it latches onto the locking pin E 6 Secure the pinch roller F in position by pressing down on the top of the pinch roller latch G until the assembly snaps closed 7 Position the outer media edge guide B so it just touches the outer edge of the media 8 Raise the peel roller latch I and the peel roller assembly J will pivot down to a vertical position 9 Thread the backing material around the peel bar K under the platen roller L and through the peel roller assembly J See DETAIL Cr NOTE Ifthe appli
73. ll be either off on or blinking depending on the feature being monitored lock up This is the term generally used to describe a fault condition that for apparently unknown reasons causes the printer to stop working media Material onto which data is printed by the printer Types of media include tag stock die cut labels continuous with and without backing material fanfold and roll media sensor This sensor is located behind the printhead to detect the presence of media and for non continuous media the position of the web hole or notch used to indicate the start of each label media supply hanger The stationary arm that supports the media roll non continuous media Consumable printing stock which contains an indication of where one label printed format ends and the next one begins Examples are die cut labels notched tag stock and stock with black mark registration marks non volatile memory Electronic memory that retains data even when the power to the printer is turned OFF notched media A type of tag stock containing a cutout area that can be sensed as a start of label indicator by the printer This is typically a heavier cardboard like material which is either cut or torn away from the next tag See non continuous media peel off A mode of operation in which the label is separated from the backing material by a mechanical process The backing material may be rewound onto a spindle or allowed to fall fre
74. manual and the label printer described therein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation All rights are reserved Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to 10 000 17 U S C 506 Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability Zebra 170PAXT M 174PAX 175PAX ZebraNet ProPlus Platinum and Z Tools are trademarks and ZPL ZPL II and BAR ONE are registered trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation D Centronics is a registered trademark of Genicom Corporation IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation 1999 Zebra Technologies Corporation All rights reserved Contents Introduction Zebra 170PAX2 Print Engine llle 1 Getting Started s a sose ee 1 Print Engine Mounting 2 e 1 Communications se 2 eee lees 1 Printer POWOE im 2 lla od id ls SR 2 Media Ribbon Loading Media Loading o 3 Ribbon Loading s ca seana a SR OR Ee ERES 5 Removing Used Ribbon ahe ea pae a 6 Media Sensor Position Reflective Media Sensor s s i a soan esae ag aop pe T Transmissive Media Sensor o oo 0000 ee eee 7 Printer Operation Power On Off Switch 2 2 aoaaa ee ee 9 Front Panel Keys 2 22 ees 9 Liquid Crystal Display 0 000004 10 Control Panel Keys 2 2 2 Emm nn 10 Front Panel Indicator Lights LEDs
75. maximum speed of the printer This self test can be used to provide the test labels required when making adjustments to the printer s mechanical assemblies See Figure 17 sel 1234567890123 4 567890123456789801 23 45678901234567890123 456 23 45 Figure 17 Pause Key Test Sample Printout 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 43 Troubleshooting FEED Key Self Test Press and hold the FEED key while turning the printer power ON Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF tr NOTE The CANCEL Key Self Test should be performed prior to this self test f Information on the printed configuration label can be used with the results of this self test to determine the best darkness setting for a specific media ribbon combination The labels printed during this print quality test depends on the dot density of the printhead e 300 dpi printers 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 8 ips print speeds e 200 dpi printers 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 12 ips print speeds Each label is printed at a different darkness setting starting at three settings below the currently configured value and continuing to increase until it is three settings darker than the configured value The relative darkness and speed are printed on each label The bar codes on these labels can be ANSI graded to check print quality Compare these labels to determine which has the best prin
76. mmended action which should result in proper printer operation If you are in need of technical assistance contact your equipment supplier Power On Troubleshooting SYMPTOM All lights on but nothing displays on the LCD and the printer locks up DIAGNOSIS Internal electronic Or firmware failure ACTION Call a service technician Printer locks up while running the Power On Self Test Main Logic Board failure Call a service technician EEPROM TEST FAILED EEPROM checksum is incorrect Printer Troubleshooting SYMPTOM ERROR CONDITION RIBBON OUT Printer stops RIBBON light ON ERROR light flashes DIAGNOSIS For Thermal Transfer Ribbon not loaded or incorrectly loaded Ribbon Sensor not detect ing ribbon that is loaded correctly Call a service technician ACTION Load ribbon correctly See Ribbon Loading on page 5 Perform Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 18 WARNING RIBBON IN RIBBON light ON ERROR light flashes For Direct Thermal Ribbon loaded Or Media blocking the Ribbon Sensor Remove ribbon Load media correctly Perform Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 18 ERROR CONDITIO PAPER OUT Printer stops MEDIA light ON ERROR light flashes No media loaded or incorrectly loaded Load media correctly See
77. n when printing in the Air blow thermal transfer mode Transmissive Media Sensor 3 After every roll of media when printing in the Reflective Media Air blow direct thermal mode Sensor 4 Ribbon Sensor 5 Air blow Door Open Sensor 6 Air blow Peel Bar 7 Alcohol After every roll of media or more often if needed Table 1 Recommended Cleaning Schedule Cleaning the Exterior The exterior surfaces of the printer may be cleaned with a lint free cloth Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents If necessary a mild detergent solution or desktop cleaner may be used sparingly Cleaning the Interior Remove any accumulated dirt and lint from the interior of the printer using a soft bristle brush and or vacuum cleaner This area should be inspected after every roll of ribbon Cleaning the Sensors To ensure proper operation of the printer all sensors should be cleaned on a regular basis To locate the position of these sensors refer to Figure 13 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 33 Care amp Adjustments Figure 13 Sensor Locations Right Hand Unit Shown Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller Inconsistent print quality such as voids in the bar code or graphics or light print may indicate a dirty printhead Media movement problems may indicate a dirty platen For optimum print quality perform the following cleaning procedure after every roll of ribbon of media or r
78. oned above the media To properly align the position of this sensor refer to Figure 6 and turn the adjustment knob R on the media guide shelf assembly until the sensor S is aligned with the notch or hole in the media If your media uses an interlabel gap position the media sensor approximately at the center of the media width Figure 6 Media Sensor Adjustment Right Hand Unit Shown 170PAX2 Series User s Guide T 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Printer Operation Power On Off Switch The Power On Off Switch is located just to the left or right of the printer s control panel When this switch is placed in the ON 1 position the POWER light goes ON and the printer automatically performs a Power On Self Test POST The Liquid Crystal Display validates the steps in the self test Cr NOTE Refer to the Troubleshooting section of this manual if the printer stops due to failing a test in the Power On Self Test Front Panel Keys Four keys are used to control the various printer operations FEED Key If you press the FEED key while the printer is idle or paused a blank label is fed immediately If you press the FEED key while the printer is printing one blank label is fed after the completion of the current batch of labels Once the blank label has been fed pressing the FEED key again will feed a second label PAUSE Key The PAUSE key stops and restarts the printing process When the printer is paused the
79. pi 0 0049 mil to 0 049 300 dpi 0 0033 mil to 0 033 Ladder rotated orientation 203 dpi 0 0049 mil to 0 049 300 dpi 0 0039 mil to 0 039 2 dimensional bar codes Code 49 Maxi Code PDF 417 QR Code Codablock DataMatrix Micro PDF417 Communications Specifications High speed parallel interface Centronics compatible High speed serial interfaces RS 232C and RS422 with DB25S Female connector RS 485 multi drop capability Configurable baud rate 110 57 6 K bits sec parity data bits and stop bits Software XON XOFF or hardware DTR DSR communications handshake protocols 50 o o o o o o o o o o o o o o Format inversion white on black Mirror image printing Four position field rotation normal 0 90 180 and 270 Slew command Programmable label quantities with print and pause control Automatic serialization of fields User programmable password Status messages to host upon request Linear bar codes Code 11 Code 39 Code 93 Code 128 with subsets A B C and UCC Case Codes ISBT 128 UPC A UPC E EAN 8 EAN 13 UPC and EAN 2 or 5 digit extensions Plessey Postnet Standard 2 of 5 Industrial 2 of 5 Interleaved 2 of 5 LOGMARS MSI and Codabar Bar code ratios 2 1 7 3 5 2 and 3 1 ZebraNet MPS ethernet network print server 10Base T IBM Twinax interface emulates IBM System 3X and AS 400
80. printers IBM Coax interface emulates IBM System 3270 printers Applicator interface with DB15S Female connector 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Printer Specifications Standard Printer Fonts Font Matrices for 12 dot mm 300 DPI Printhead Matrix Character Size in dots Inches Millimeters Inter character Gap Char inch Char mm 9 11 18 U L D 0 030 U 0 037 U L D 0 060 41 OCR B 0 137 26 U L D 0 087 60 40 U L D 0 200 30 19 OCR A 0 100 24 24 10 SYMBOL 0 080 Default 15 X 12 U L D Scalable U Uppercase L Lowercase D Descenders o o N Width N Co Font Matrices for 8 dot mm 203 DPI Printhead Matrix Character Size in dots Inches Millimeters character Char inch Char mm Inter gap 9 U L D 0 044 0 029 11 U 0 054 0 044 18 U L D 0 088 0 059 28 OCR B 0 138 0 098 26 U L D 0 128 0 079 60 U L D 0 295 0 236 21 OCR A 0 103 0 093 24 0 SYMBOL 0 118 0 118 Default 15 X 12 U L D Scalable U Uppercase L Lowercase D Descenders Bitmap fonts A through H and GS symbols are expandable up to 10 times height and width independent Smooth scalable font CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed is expandable dot by dot height and width independent BM Code Page 850 International Characters 170PAX2 Series
81. r Configuration and ZPL Media Sensor Configuration and ZPL Ribbon Sensor Configuration and ZPL Mark Sensor Configuration and ZPL Mark Media Sensor Configuration and ZPL Media LED Configuration and ZPL Ribbon LED Configuration and ZPL Mark LED Configuration and ZPL 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 45 Troubleshooting LCD Adjust Configuration Modes Enabled ZPL Modes Disabled ZPL Resolution Fixed head type switch Socket 1 ID Fixed option EPROMS Firmware Fixed code EPROMS Configuration Configuration Memory Fixed SIMM size and 1 MB standard B Memory Fixed option card J12 Interface Fixed J11 Interface Fixed J10 Interface Fixed J9 Interface Fixed J8 Interface Fixed J7 Interface Fixed Twinax Coax ID ZPL Communications Diagnostics Test The following test cannot be performed until all configuration and calibration parameters have been set For information refer to Configuration and Calibration This test is performed via the control panel Refer to Setting the Communications Mode in Configuration and Calibration A typical printout from this test is shown in Figure 19 Cr NOTE This label will be inverted when printed FS FO394 25 AA SE 46 53 5E 46 4F 33 39 34 2C 32 35 5E 41 41 N 18 10 FDcOoOO0 4E 2C 31 38 2C 31 38 5E 46 44 28 38 36 30 30 PIII HT TIT To 29 39 39 39 2D 39 39 39
82. reen Language 32 E Electrical Specifications 52 F FEED Key and PAUSE Key 45 FEED Key Self Test 44 Fonts specifications 51 Fonts printingalist 16 Format Prefix Character selecting 23 Formats printing a list 16 G Glossary o4 op ERE Re S 71 H Head Close o eed 2 40 ou 25 Head Resistance 2 2 2 22 2020 28 Head Resistance setting the value 28 Head Test Count setting 28 Head Test function Head testcount 28 Head Test Function 28 Host Handshake setting 21 Host Port setting 20 75 Index IBM Coax Interface 22 2 IBM Twinax Interface Images printingalist Initializing the Card In Spec Bar Codes adjusting darkness L Label Positioning Parameters Backfeedsequence Label top position Left position LCD adjusting brightness darkness Maintenance Maximum Length setting Media specifications Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity Media Loading Media Power Up Media Type setting Memory specifications Network ID setting Options Communication interfaces ZebraNet Micro Print Server Parity setting Pass Wolds du
83. rial only is passing by the sensor When a notch or hole in the media passes by the sensor the level will go above the point labeled MEDIA If the level remains above the MEDIA point for longer than 5 seconds this signifies a Media Out condition The Ribbon Profile indicates Ribbon IN if the black level is above the point labeled RIBBON Press the NEXT key to display MEDIA AND RIBBON Figure 9 Sensor Profile Sample Label 1 8 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Media and Ribbon Calibration Changing the type of ribbon and or media may require adjustments to the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors Indications that the sensitivity may need to be adjusted would be a RIBBON light ON with the ribbon properly installed or non continuous media being treated as continuous media The following procedure is used to adjust the sensitivity of both the media and ribbon sensors To be sure this procedure is required first read the information presented on the previous page This procedure must be followed exactly as presented To bypass this procedure press the NEXT key MEDIA AND RIBBON CALIBRATE Press the right oval key to start the calibration procedure LOAD BACKING will be displayed LOAD BACKING CANCEL CONTINUE 2 Press the left oval key to cancel the operation or do the following Open the printhead Remo
84. s reset the printer by turning the printer power OFF and then ON NOTE When performing these self tests the operator must manually remove the labels as they become available CANCEL Key Self Test Press and hold the CANCEL key while turning the printer power ON Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF This self test prints a label that contains a listing of the printer s current configuration parameters stored in configuration EEPROM memory refer to Figure 16 To enable this test press the CANCEL key while turning on the power switch The configuration may be changed either temporarily for specific label formats or ribbon and label stock or permanently by saving the new parameters in EEPROM memory Saving new parameters occurs whenever a printer calibration procedure is performed Refer to Configuration and Calibration for further details 42 170PAX2 Series User s Guide PRINTER CONFIGURATION V2e3 8 0P11 CUSTOMIZED DARKNESS TEAR OFF PRINT MODE LABEL LENGTH MAXIMUM LENGTH HOST PORT BAUD DATA BITS PARITY STOP BITS HOST HANDSHAKE NETWORK ID COMMUNICATIONS CONTROL PREFIX FORMAT PREFIX DELIMITER CHAR ZPL MODE RIBBON TENSION MEDIA POWER UP EAD CLOSE LABEL TOP LEFT POSITION AD TEST COUNT HEAD RESISTOR VERIFIER PORT APPLICATOR PORT START PRINT SIG RESYNCH MODE 211 RIBBON LOW MODE REPRINT MODE WEB S MED
85. s the dispense position in Peel Off Applicator and Cutter modes TEAR OFF 0 O Press the right oval key to increase the value or the left oval key to decrease the value Each press of the key moves the tear off position by four dot rows positive values move the media farther out over the peel bar Default 0 Range 120 to 120 Press the NEXT key to display PRINT MODE Selecting the Print Mode Print Mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you wish to use Be sure to select a print mode your hardware configuration supports since some selections displayed are optional Applicator is the recommended mode for an applicator PRINT MODE lt TEAROFF gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Tear Off Selections Tear Off Applicator Rewind Press the NEXT key to display MEDIA TYPE Selecting the Media Type The Media Type parameter specifies the kind of media being used Continuous media requires that a label length instruction LLxxxx be included in your ZPL or ZPL II label format With non continuous the printer feeds media to calculate label length the distance between two detections of the inter label webbing or alignment notch or hole Non Continuous is the recommended mode for an applicator MEDIA TYPE NON CONTINUOUS Press the right or left oval key
86. se the language selected Setting Print Parameters Setting Darkness Darkness burn duration settings are dependent upon a variety of factors including ribbon type media and the condition of the printhead You may adjust the darkness for consistent high quality printing Cr NOTE The FEED Key Self Test described in Troubleshooting can also be a used to determine the best darkness setting print quality Darkness set too high for a given ribbon may cause ink JAN CAUTION Set the darkness to the lowest setting possible for the desired smearing and or the printhead to burn through the ribbon If printing is too light you should increase the darkness If printing 1s too dark or if there is spreading or bleeding of printed areas you should decrease the darkness If there are voids in printed areas adjust the toggle pressure Cr NOTE The darkness setting takes effect right away If labels are being printed L results can be seen immediately DARKNESS 410 Press the right oval key to increase darkness or press the left oval key to decrease darkness Default 10 Range 0 to 30 Press the NEXT key to display TEAR OFF 1 2 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Setting the Tear Off Position The Tear Off Position adjusts the position of the media over the peel bar after printing The label and backing can be torn off or cut between labels This also affect
87. t quality Then add or subtract the value printed on that label from the darkness value specified on the configuration label The resulting numeric value 0 to 30 is the best darkness value for that specific media ribbon combination Use the front panel configuration process to set the Print Darkness parameter to the new value Refer to Figure 18 for an example of the label Relative Darkness 0 Print Speed 2 in sec alge RO PEZ Te ZAXMANLSYOdONW DIC IHS 430389 zFixmoanisabdouuT3f tu6 yepoqe SETOESLISPIZTE E A Fa t4 a m oo wo Do E nd X 123456789 ABCDEFGHI JKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghi jk1mnopqrstuvwxyz Figure 18 FEED Key Self Test 44 170PAX2 Series User s Guide FEED Key and PAUSE Key Troubleshooting Press and hold these two keys while turning the printer power ON The printer configuration will be temporarily reset to the factory default values These values will be active until power is turned OFF If the factory default values are permanently saved a media calibration procedure must be performed You must also reset the head resistance value and the verifier and applicator port settings to their required values see Configuration and Calibration The following chart indicates which printer function controls each of the configuration parameters Parameter Controlled by Darkness Configuration and ZPL Tear Off Configuration and ZPL Print Mode Media Type
88. ta output from printer RXD RS 232 receive data input to printer RTS RS 232 request to send output from printer DSR data set ready input to printer Signal ground for RS 232 5 VDC source output 750 mA maximum Signal ground reference for RS 422 RS 485 RS 422 RS 485 data input B RS 422 RS 485 data output B RS 422 RS 485 data input A RS 422 RS 485 data output A DTR RS 232 data terminal ready output from printer NOTE Pins 5 8 10 12 15 17 18 21 25 are not used and are unterminated Table 2 RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 Pinouts 56 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Appendix B RS 232 Interconnections The printer is configured as Data Terminal Equipment DTE Figure 23 illustrates the connections required to interconnect the printer with the standard 9 pin serial port connector on a PC Figure 24 illustrates the internal connections of the printer s RS 232 connector Cr NOTE If using a 9 pin to 25 pin adapter plug attached to the computer use a a null modem cable between the adapter plug and the printer To connect the printer to other DTE devices with DB25 connectors such as an optional serial port of a PC an RS 232 null modem crossover cable should be used DB9 Female DB25 Male Connector Connector to P C to Printer o OND OB W nm Figure 23 9 Pin to 25 Pin Interconnecting Cable Rear Panel DB25
89. ter you wish to set PRINTER READY 1 0 MB EBEN Changing Password Protected Parameters Certain parameters indicated by an illustration of a key Qe after the title are password protected The first attempt to change one of these parameters pressing one of the black oval keys will require a password to be entered This is done via the ENTER PASSWORD display ENTER PASSWORD gt 0000 The left oval key changes the digit position The right oval key increases the digit value After entering the password press the NEXT key The parameter you were trying to change will be displayed If the password was entered correctly you can now change the value The default password value is 1234 A new password can be configured by sending an appropriate AKP Define Password ZPL Il instruction to the printer T NOTE Once the password has been entered correctly it will not have to be entered B again until leaving and re entering the programming mode using the SETUP EXIT key Leaving the Program Mode Press the SETUP EXIT key to leave the Program Mode The display will show SAVE SETTINGS There are five choices Permanent Temporary Cancel Load Defaults and Load Last Save SAVE SETTINGS lt PERMANENT gt Pressing the left or right oval key changes the choices Pressing the NEXT key activates the displayed choice Pressing PREVIOUS returns you to the last prompt
90. the horizontal position of the label format if you invert the image via the POI ZPL command Setting the width too wide wastes formatting memory and in the case of right hand printers can cause printing to occur on the platen to the left of the actual label The units of measure can be changed from millimeters to inches to dots Inches and millimeters are shown as fractions of the dots per inch for example 4 101 203 IN is the value for 4 2 PRINT WIDTH 168 00 12 MM Press the right oval key to increase the value or change the unit of measure and press the left oval key to change the selected character position Select a print width that is at least as wide as your media Default 6 62 168 mm Range 1 dot 1 8 mm or 1 12 mm to 6 62 168 mm Press the NEXT key to display MAXIMUM LENGTH Setting the Maximum Label Length Maximum Label Length specifies the distance from the leading edge of one label to the leading edge of the next label Refer to Figure 8 The interlabel gap is considered part of the label length Setting this parameter serves two functions e The value of this setting determines the maximum label length value to be used during the media portion of the calibration process e Only a few labels are required to set the media sensors Always set the length to a value that is one step above the actual length of the label you are using For example if the label length is 5 inches 126 mm s
91. to avoid unintentional disconnection of the power cord from the printer 9 646 245 mm 197 b mm 197 117 5 mm mmy 10 433 265 mm 11 811 300 mm 451 8 748 11 45 mm 222 2 mm Figure 31 Rear View of Right Hand Printer 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 69 70 170PAX2 Series User s Guide alphanumeric Indicating letters numerals and characters such as punctuation marks backfeed When the printer pulls the media and ribbon 1f used backward into the printer so that the beginning of the label to be printed is properly positioned behind the printhead Backfeed occurs when operating the printer in tear off peel off or cutter mode bar code A code by which alphanumeric characters can be represented by a series of adjacent stripes of different widths Many different code schemes exist such as the universal product code UPC or Code 39 black mark A registration mark found on the underside of the print media which acts as a start of label indication for the printer See non continuous media calibration of a printer A process in which the printer determines some basic information needed to print accurately with a particular media and ribbon combination To do this the printer feeds some media and ribbon if used through the printer and senses whether to use the direct thermal or thermal transfer print method and if using non continuous media the length of individual lab
92. to display other selections Default Non Continuous Selections Non Continuous Continuous Press the NEXT key to display SENSOR TYPE Selecting the Sensor Type The Sensor Type parameter selects the appropriate sensor for the type of media being used SENSOR TYPE lt WEB gt 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 1 3 Configuration and Calibration Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Web used to sense notches or holes in media or liner between labels Selections Web Mark used to sense black marks on the back of the media or liner Press the NEXT key to display PRINT METHOD Selecting the Print Method The Print Method parameter specifies the method of printing direct thermal no ribbon or thermal transfer using thermal transfer media and ribbon ISIN WARNING Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media ED and ribbon will create a warning condition Verify that ribbon is correctly Nay installed or not installed in the printer as required PRINT METHOD THERMAL TRANS Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Selections Thermal Transfer Direct Thermal Press the NEXT key to display PRINT WIDTH Setting the Print Width Print Width selects the media width Setting the width too narrow may result in portions of your label not being printed on the label material In addition this setting can affect
93. to the next digit position and press the right oval key to increase the value of the selected digit Default 000 Range 000 999 Press the NEXT key to display COMMUNICATIONS Setting the Communications Mode QQ The Communications Diagnostics Mode is a tool to check the interconnection between the printer and the host When DIAGNOSTICS is selected all data sent from the host to the printer will be printed as an ASCII hex printout The printer prints all ASCII characters received including ASCII control codes for example CR Carriage Return A sample printout is shown in Figure 10 lt NORMAL MODE gt COMMUNICATIONS Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Normal Mode Selections Normal Mode Diagnostics FS FO394 25 AA NOTES on diagnostic printouts 5E 46 53 5E 46 4F 33 39 34 2C 32 35 5E 41 41 An FE indicates a framing error An OE indicates an overrun error N 1 8 1 Y A F D C eo eo o o A PE indicates a parity error 4E 2C 31 38 2C 31 30 5E 46 44 28 30 30 30 38 An NE indicates noise IRA RT TIPOS For any errors check that your commun 29 39 39 39 2D 39 39 39 39 5E 46 53 6D BA ication parameters are correct Set the print width equal to or less than the label F O o 5 o A A N 1 8 l width used for the test BE 46 4F 30 2C 35 30 BE 41 41 4E 2C 31 38 2C 10 FDCENTER STA 31 30 5E 46 44 43 45 4E 54 45 52 20 53 54 41 Figure 10 Diagnostics Sample Label
94. ty Improperly loaded ribbon or media Verify that the ribbon and media are properly loaded Incompatible media 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Assure the inter label gaps or notches are 2 mm 4 mm and constantly placed Also media must not exceed minimum specifications for mode of operation 41 Troubleshooting Printer Self Tests Introduction These self tests illustrated on the following pages produce sample labels and provide specific information that help determine the operating conditions for the printer Each self test is enabled by pressing a specific control panel key or combination of keys while turning the power switch ON Keep the key pressed until the first indicator light turns OFF The selected self test will automatically start at the end of the Power On Self Test NOTE When performing these self tests do not send data to the printer from the Host NOTE Full width media should be used when performing Printer Self Tests If your media is not wide enough the test labels may print on the label and the platen roller or in the case of narrow media not on the label at all To prevent this from happening check the configuration parameter Setting the Print Width and insure it is correct for the media you are using T NOTE If your media is too short the test label will continue on the next label NOTE When canceling a self test prior to its actual completion alway
95. ufacturer Order 49861LB Zebra Technologies Corporation Zebra Technologies Europe Limited Zebra House The Valley Centre Gordon Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP 13 6EQ UK Phone Number 44 0 1494 472872 Fax Number 44 0 1494 450103
96. ult Feed Mode Selections Feed Mode Error Mode Press the NEXT key to display RIBBON LOW 30 170PAX2 Series User s Guide Configuration and Calibration Selecting the Ribbon Low Feature Qu When the Ribbon Low feature is enabled the Ribbon Low output signal Pin 9 on the applicator port is functional When the amount of ribbon on the supply spindle reaches a specific low level the output signal will assert HIGH to provide a Ribbon Low warning When the Ribbon Low feature is disabled the output signal Pin 9 will not function the Low Ribbon warning is not displayed and the printer will continue to print until it runs out of ribbon RIBBON LOW MODE ENABLED gt Press the right or left oval key to display other selections Default Enabled Selections Enabled Disabled Press the NEXT key to display REPRINT MODE Reprint Mode EA When the Reprint feature 1s enabled the Reprint input signal Pin 6 on the applicator port is functional When the input signal is asserted the last label printed will be printed again This includes non printing labels When the Reprint feature is disabled the Reprint input signal is ignored Cr NOTE The SP command is ignored when the Reprint feature is enabled a When the Reprint feature is disabled the SP command can be used In addition when a received label format is canceled prior to printing the reprint function for th
97. unctionality test performed Option ROM functionality test performed The Option ROM Test Words Not Installed will be added to the display if optional ROM is not used Printhead Test Printhead is checked for proper operation Processor functionality test performed The word TOGBSSD MGSE Failed will be added to the display if the test fails E Cubed Test E cubed functionality test performed The word Failed will be added to the display if the test fails EEPROM Test EEPROM PROM functionality test performed The s Failed will be added to the display if the test ails Optional PCMCIA Memory Card functionality test performed The words Not Installed will be added to the display if no card is present Depending on how the MF Media Feed instruction is set the printer will feed to the first web or label length calibrate ribbon and media sensors or set label length and feed one or more labels PRINTER READY Printer is ready for operation Refer to 7 xxMB VXxxx Configuration and Calibration to set specific parameters Designate prompt language with the KL command or from the menu Memory Card Test 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 37 Troubleshooting The following tables provide trouble symptoms a diagnosis of specific causes and a reco
98. used to support multiple printers connected to a single host Advantages Longer cable length up to 4000 feet 1219 2 m greater immunity to data corruption caused by industrial motors and fluorescent lights two way communication between the host and the printer Disadvantages Not commonly available on standard PCs without additional hardware slower than the parallel connection Centronics compatible Parallel This is a common communication method available on most PCs and other hosts Advantages Fastest of the four communication interfaces cables and connectors are readily available from computer equipment stores and suppliers easy to connect Disadvantages One way communication the serial port is used to send printer status to the host shorter recommended cable length of 6 feet 1 83 m 170PAX2 Series User s Guide 55 Appendix B amp 3 WARNING Connecting a data communications cable while the power A is ON may damage the PAX2 print engine RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 Serial Data Port The connections for these standard interfaces are made through the DB25 Female connector on the rear panel Refer to Table 2 For all RS 232 input and output signals the printer follows both the Electronics Industries Association s EIA RS 232 and the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone CCITT V 24 standard signal level specifications PIN NO DESCRIPTION Frame ground for cable shield TXD RS 232 transmit da
99. ve a sufficient number of labels from the backing material to ensure that only backing material is threaded through the entire media path 3 Press the right oval key to continue REMOVE RIBBON will be displayed REMOVE RIBBON CANCEL CONTINUE 4 Press the left oval key to cancel the operation or press NEXT to display HOST PORT or remove the ribbon sliding it away from the mainframe will have the same effect as removing it 5 Close the printhead 6 Press the right oval key to continue start the calibration process or the left oval key to cancel the operation If you choose to continue CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT will be displayed CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT The sensitivity adjustments for the media and ribbon sensors are now being made This process takes only a few seconds RELOAD ALL CONTINUE 7 When RELOAD ALL is displayed open the printhead and pull the media forward until a label is positioned under the media sensor Move the ribbon back to its proper position 8 Close the printhead 9 Press the right oval key to continue the calibration procedure Label Length will be calibrated and MEDIA AND RIBBON will be displayed MEDIA AND RIBBON CALIBRATE The sensitivity adjustments for the media and ribbon sensors are now completed Press the NEXT key to display HOST PORT or turn to page 11 to exit the programming mo
100. your eyes and or the system scanner are the best bet for choosing the optimal darkness setting What follows 1s a simple yet effective method for adjusting the darkness to print in spec bar codes 1 Load media according to the appropriate media loading and ribbon loading instructions in Getting Ready to Print Insure the proper print method has been selected see Configuration and Calibration 2 To print a label for evaluation turn the power off then press and hold the FEED key Next turn the printer power on and release the FEED key The printer will begin printing test labels 3 Print a label then press the PAUSE key The label will contain two bar codes as well as other printer information Normal bar codes are printed in a horizontal picket fence format as they feed out of the printer Rotated bar codes are printed in a vertical stepladder format 4 Compare the test label printed to the bar codes in Figure 28 If the test label appears too dark or too light refer to Configuration and Calibration and increase or decrease the darkness setting accordingly 5 Resume printing by pressing the PAUSE key again Print a few labels at the new setting and verify that proper in spec bar codes are being printed Repeat steps 3 4 and 5 until satisfied 6 To terminate the printing of the test labels first press the PAUSE key and then press the CANCEL key Too Dark Labels that are too dark are f

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