Zebra Z Series Z6M Thermal Label Printer
Contents
1. gt NOTE This procedure must be performed when the printer is first installed or _ if it cannot properly detect the top of the label To calibrate the printer you must perform the following procedures e Determine the type of media labels being used e Choose the print method e Position the media sensor if necessary e Configure the printer and software or driver based on the label being used e Print a test label Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 5 Types of Media Non Continuous Web Media Non continuous web media refer to Figure 3 refers to individual labels that are separated by a gap notch or hole When you look at the media you can tell where one label ends and the next one begins Mi Hole Notch Non continuous media with a hole or notch TT Label gap Label gap Non continuous media with gaps between the labels individual labels on a continuous liner Figure 3 6 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Non Continuous Black Mark Media Non continuous black mark media has black marks printed on the back of the liner material that indicate the start and end of each label refer to Figure 4 X Black mark Black mark Non continuous media for black mark sensing Figure 4 Continuous Media Continuous media refer to Figure 5 is one uninterrupted roll of material that allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label Continuous media no gaps holes notches or black2. 2 Rotate the take up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is in the 12 o clock position 3 Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take up spindle 4 Slide the core with the roll of media from the take up spindle Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 31 Fanfold Media Loading Fanfold media feeds through either the bottom or rear access slot Refer to Figure 20 l 2 3 4 5 32 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Pass the fanfold media over the media supply hanger Flip up the media supply guide Slide in the media supply guide so that 1t just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media Thread the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor under the ribbon sensor and out the front of the printer Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Then slide in the media guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media Close the printhead assembly Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Rear Feed Media Supply Guide Printhead E U Assembly I I Transmissive 1 f E hum I E NE KEY Dancer Ribbon Media Guide Sensor Printhead Open Lever Bottom Feed Media Supply Guide Printhead
3. Assembly Transmissive Sensor Ribbon Media Guide Sensor Printhead Open Lever Figure 20 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 33 Ribbon Loading NOTE The r bbon supply spindle in your printer is a dual tension variety Most applications require the spindle to be in the normal position The low tension position is recommended only when a wide ribbon is used and normal tension hampers the ribbon movement NOTE To place this spindle in the normal position firmly pull out the spindle end cap until it clicks into place as shown in Figure 21 To place the spindle in the low tension position firmly push in the end cap until 1t clicks into place Spindle End Cap Spindle End Cap Pen Retracted A cay CR SN TW N Normal Position Low Tension Position Figure 21 Loading the R bbon CAUTION Always use r bbon that s wider than the media The smooth liner of the r bbon protects the printhead from wear For direct thermal printing do not load r bbon in the printer Refer to Figure 22 1 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up 2 Orient the ribbon as shown Push the ribbon roll completely onto the ribbon supply spindle 3 Pull the end of the ribbon over the ribbon sensor under the printhead assembly and out the front of the printer 4 Hold the ribbon snug and free of wrinkles and in line with the guide mark near the left e
4. Ribbon a z Printhead Guide Plate O Assembly Ribbon Supply Spindle Printhead Open Lever Figure Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 11 Auto Calibration During auto calibration the printer determines the label length and media ribbon sensor settings Auto calibration occurs when the printer is turned on and each time the printer recovers from an error condition To clear an error open and close the printhead assembly and then press the PAUSE key The printer begins auto cal bration when all errors have been cleared The results of the auto calibration are stored in the printer s memory and are retained even if printer power is removed These parameters remain in effect until the next calibration is performed gt NOTE The auto calibration process does not take place if the ZPL command or front panel setting for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE is set either to feed or no motion In these cases the printer assumes the media is correctly positioned and starts printing without auto calibrating 12 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Operator Controls POWER Switch The POWER switch is located at the back of the printer above the power cord Turn on the printer Front Panel For a more detailed explanation of the front panel keys and lights shown in Figure 9 refer to the instructions that begin on page 19 POWER PAUSE ERROR DATA SELECT SETUP EXIT CANCEL
5. Figure 9 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 13 Configuring the Printer The configuration procedure in Table 1 contains the information you need to get your printer up and running but it is not comprehensive Refer to page 37 for more information 1 Press the SETUP EXIT key at the PRINTER READY display to enter the configuration mode gt NOTE You need to press the INCREMENT key more than once to advance to some of the displays 2 Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT E key to scroll to the setting you wish to change 3 Press the SELECT key to toggle the functionality of the INCREMENT and DECREMENT gt keys 4 Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT keys to increase or decrease the value answer yes or no print a label or select the digit you wish to change 5 Press the SELECT key again to use the INCREMENT and DECREMENT E keys to scroll to the desired menu item Table 1 Parameter Selections Explanation PRINTER READY You are ready to configure the printer DARKNESS 0 to 30 default setting is 10 PRINT MODE Tear off peel off liner take up cutter rewind default setting is tear off MEDIA TYPE Non continuous continuous default setting is non continuous SENSOR TYPE Web mark default setting is web PRINT METHOD Thermal transfer direct thermal default setting is thermal transfer 6 After you have configured the print method press
6. ACK_NACK Protocol is a type of error checking system Depending on the selection an PROTOCOL indicator may be sent from the printer to the host computer signifying that data has been received Select the protocol that is requested by the host computer Further details on protocol can be found in the ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I NOTE Zebra is the same as ACK_NACK except that with Zebra the response messages are sequenced NOTE If Zebra is selected printer must use DTR DSR host handshake protocol Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 47 Display Shows Action Explanation Setting Network ID Press the DECREMENT key to move to the next digit position press the INCREMENT key to increase the value of the digit Default 000 Range 000 999 NETWORK ID Network ID is used to assign a unique number to a printer used in an RS 422 RS 485 network This gives the host computer the means to address a specific printer If the printer is used in a network you must select a network ID number This does not affect TCP IP or IPX networks Setting Communications Mode Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Normal mode Selections Normal mode diagnostics The communication diagnostics mode is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer When diagnostics is selected all data sent from the host computer to the printer is print
7. but does not restrict the edge of the media Close the printhead assembly 10 If the printer is paused the PAUSE light is on press the PAUSE key to enable 22 printing Media Supply Guide Transmissive Sensor Printhead Assembly Ribbon Media Guide Sensor ea Printhead Open Lever Figure 14 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Cutter Mode Cutter option required Refer to Figure 15 A Or A WO N e 9 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide Slide n the media supply guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the roll Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor under the ribbon sensor and through the cutter module Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Then slide in the media guide so that 1t just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media Close the printhead assembly 10 If the printer is paused the PAUSE light is on press the PAUSE key to enable printing Media Supply Guide Printhead Assembly y Ribbon T Sensor Guide Transmissive en Printhead Sensor anger Open Lever Figure 15 Zebra Z4M Z6M Print
8. PaneL Lions euere 21 Roll Media LoS aid 22 Tear ff Mode a ana 22 Cutter Mode eek 23 Value Pecko Modena aa seine 24 Bier sFr VE od Ode are een 26 Power Peel Rewind Peel Mode anna 28 Power Peel Rewind Rewind Mode occcoocccccnccnnnccnnoccnnnccnnncconaccnnnccnonoconacanonocono 30 F nfold Media L 6311 nn ee u 32 a A eater tim nore oroner a arate 34 Loading he IDO a eier 34 Ribbonr REMOVAL A a 36 OM VOU A WOM See 37 Enterino the Setup Mod nia ea a een 37 Changing Password Protected Parameters occccccccnnoononcncnnnnnnnonononnconnnononononannnnnss 38 Leavin tine Setup MO ua E E dass 39 Configuration and Calibration Sequence cccccccccnoocncncnnnncnonononnnnnncnnnnnonnnanccnnnnnnnos 40 Routine Care and AdjustMents ocnonnonninnnnoniancon J Cea a E 55 Cleaning the Extenor ss 56 camne dover a Horse ee ee 56 Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller occccccoonooconnncnnnnnnonononononos 56 Cleanine TNC SENSORS Sursee ios 57 Cleaning the Power Peel Rewind Module oooooonnccncccnononononiocncnnnnnnonononononoss 62 Cleaning the Value Pe lsott Module 2 4 aa a 63 Cleans the Cutter Mod Su aaa 64 vi Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide MAAC A A A 65 Printhead Pressure AJUSTE 65 Rewind Media Ah snnent eure ee ee 67 Fase Replacement za 68 LEOUDLESNOOLNE unseren 69 LCD Error Conditions and Warnings era 69 Print Ouah Problems sen ae eben 71 Commutication Proba 73 Printer Dia no sos
9. always use a SS three prong plug with an earth ground connection gt NOTE Depending on how your printer was ordered a power cord may or may not be included If one is not included or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements refer to Power Line Cord Specifications on page 85 1 Make sure that the POWER switch see Figure 1 is in the off O position before connecting the power cord 2 Plug the female end of the power cord AS l P into the connector at the rear of the SR printer 3 Plug the male end of the power cord into a live AC outlet Connector TA Figure 1 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Printer Overview Figure 2 shows the basic components of your printer Depending on installed options your printer may look slightly different u Media Supply Guide Transmissive Sensor Printhead Front Assembly Housing Assembly Media Supply Hanger Take up Spindle Printhead Rewind Open Lever Media Media Alignment Guide Spindle Thumbscrew Figure 2 4 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Calibrating the Printer This chapter of the user s guide is so important that we ve printed t on a different color paper That way it will be easy for you to find when you must calibrate set up the printer for your particular application Purpose e To calibrate the printer e To verify that the printer is properly set up by printing a test label
10. not restrict the edge of the roll 7 Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor and under the ribbon sensor 8 Pull approximately 36 915 mm of media through the front of the printer 9 Remove the labels from the first 18 of media so that only the liner remains 10 Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Slide in the media guide so that 1t just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media 11 Pull down the value peel lever to open the value peel assembly 12 Feed the media over the tear off peel off bar and through the slot in the value peel assembly 13 Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take up spindle 14 Slide an empty core onto the take up spindle wrap the liner around the core and turn the take up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess liner material gt NOTE The liner must be attached to the take up spindle for the printer to operate properly Make sure the edge of the liner s flush against the backplate of the take up spindle see Rewind Media Alignment on page 67 for details 15 Slide the rewind media guide against the liner material and tighten the thumbscrew to lock 1t into position 28 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 16 Close the printhead assembly 17 Close the value peel assembly using the value peel lever 18 If the printer is paused the PAUSE light is o
11. printer 9 Remove the labels from the first 18 of media so that only the liner remains 10 Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Slide in the media guide so that 1t just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media 11 Feed the media over the value peel assembly and through the rewind base assembly 12 Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take up spindle 13 Slide an empty core onto the take up spindle wrap the media around the core and turn the take up spindle counterclockwise to wind up the excess material gt NOTE The liner must be attached to the take up spindle for the printer to operate properly Make sure the edge of the liner s flush against the backplate of the take up spindle see Rewind Media Alignment on page 67 for details 30 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 14 Slide the rewind media guide against the media and tighten the thumbscrew to lock it into position 15 Close the printhead assembly 16 If the printer is paused the PAUSE light is on press the PAUSE key to enable printing Transmissive Sensor Value Peel Lever Printhead Assembly Printhead Open Lever Ribbon Media Sensor Alignment Spindle Media Guide Media Supply Guide Spindle Rewind Media Guide Thumbscrew Figure 19 Media Removal l Cut the media between the media alignment spindle and the take up spindle
12. the enhanced operating system features of your printer There are three ways to obtain this guide on the accessory CD ROM supplied with the printer on our web site www zebra com or by ordering printed manuals from your distributor The ZebraNet Networking PrintServer I M Installation and User s Guide part 45537L explains how you can quickly set up your printer on an IP network and experience ZebraLink our E VOLLBODAEY real time connectivity and control solution for Zebra printers optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required e The maintenance manual for your printer part 77259L contains the information you need to maintain your printer Unpacking and Inspection Carefully unpack and inspect the printer for shipping damage e Check all exterior surfaces e Raise the media access door and inspect the media compartment Save the carton and all packing material in case the printer needs to be shipped Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for instructions Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 1 Reporting Damage If you discover shipping damage e Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty e Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection e Notify your local Zebra reseller Storage If you are not placing the printer in
13. DECREMENT key for the previous value Default Thermal transfer Selections Thermal transfer direct thermal The print method parameter tells the printer the method of printing you wish to use direct thermal no ribbon or thermal transfer using thermal transfer media and ribbon NOTE Selecting direct thermal when using thermal transfer media and ribbon creates a warning condition but printing continues Setting Print Width Press the INCREMENT key to increase the value press the DECREMENT key to decrease the value To change the unit of measurement press the DECREMENT key until the unit of measurement is active then press the INCREMENT key to toggle to a different unit of measure inches mm or dots Default Range The default and range of acceptable values may vary depending on what printer you have Refer to Printing Specifications on page 82 for further information about the ranges available for your model Print width determines the printable area across the width of the label Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Listing Printer Information Display Shows Action Explanation List Fonts Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing all of the available fonts LIST FONTS This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer including standard printer fonts plus any optional fonts Fonts may be stored in RAM FLASH memory font EPROMs or font car
14. ONVERT OPTION IP RESOLUTION 5 PROTOCOL SUBNET MASK 000 2 2 DEFAULT GATEWAY 2000 12 18 12 18 18 TIME STAMP FIRMWARE IN THIS PRINTER IS COPYRIGHTED FIRMWARE IN THIS PRINTER IS COPYRIGHTED Figure 10 15 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Establishing Communication System Considerations Interfaces The method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed n the printer The standard interfaces are an RS 232 RS 422 RS 485 serial data port and an IEEE 1284 compliant bi directional parallel port The optional ZebraNet PrintServer II enables printers to be connected to 10Base T Ethernet networks Data Specifications When communicating via an asynchronous serial data port refer to Figure 11 the baud rate number of data and stop bits parity and handshaking are user selectable default settings are 9600 baud 8 data bits 1 stop bit no parity and XON XOFP Parity only applies to data transmitted by the printer since the parity of received data is ignored Refer to page 46 to configure the communication parameters for the printer The values selected must be the same as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Printer Computer Null modem adapter if using a standard modem cable ee 50 15 m maximum Figure 11 17 When communicating via the parallel port re
15. OR DATA SELECT SETUP EXIT CANCEL Figure 13 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 19 Front Panel Keys PSA E EI Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the key is pressed FEED e Printer not printing one blank label immediately feeds e Printing one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete Starts and stops the printing process PAUSE e Printer not printing no printing occurs Press PAUSE again to resume printing e Printing printing stops after the current batch is complete When in the pause mode this key cancels print jobs CANCEL e Printer not printing the next stored label format does not print e Printing the label format currently printing is cancelled Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in the printer s memory LSETNBIEXI SETUP EXIT Enters and exits the configuration mode Toggles the function of the INCREMENT and DECREMENT keys between the scroll and change modes SELECT e Press once to use the INCREMENT and DECREMENT keys to change the values of the selection e Press again to use the INCREMENT and DECREMENT keys to scroll through the menu items INCREMENT Scrolls to the next selection scroll mode INCREMENT Increases the value change mode Answers yes e Prints a label when applicable DECREMENT Scrolls to the previous selection scroll mo
16. Zebra 4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Customer order 11356L Manufacturer part 11356LB Rev 1 Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein Such proprietary information may not be used reproduced or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation Product Improvements Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation All specifications and signs are subject to change without notice FCC Compliance Statement NOTE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 ofthe FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by o
17. ages 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 1f Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages the above limitation may not apply to you Copyrights This copyrighted manual and the label printers described herein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation All rights are reserved Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to 10 000 17 U S C 506 Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability All products and brand names are trademarks of their respective companies All rights reserved 2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation All rights reserved 11 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY I have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the Z4M and Z6M manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills Illinois 60061 3109 U S A have been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of the FCC for Home Office Commercial and Industrial use if no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and if the equipment is properly maintained and ope
18. ayed choice e PERMANENT Permanently saves the changes Values are stored in the printer even when power is turned off e TEMPORARY Saves the changes until you change them again or until power is turned off e CANCEL Cancels all changes from the time you pressed the SETUP EXIT key except for darkness and tear off settings if they were changed e LOAD DEFAULTS Loads factory defaults e LOAD LAST SAVE Loads values from the last permanent save Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 39 Configuration and Calibration Sequence Display Shows Action Explanation PRINTER READY Normal printer operation Setting Print Parameters Adjusting Print Darkness Press the INCREMENT key to increase darkness Press the DECREMENT key to decrease darkness Default 10 Range 0 to 30 Darkness 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 If printing is too light or if there are voids in printed areas increase the darkness If DARKNESS printing is too dark or if there is spreading or bleeding of printed areas decrease the darkness The FEED Key Self Test on page 78 can also be used to determine the best darkness setting Since the darkness setting takes effect immediately you can see the results on labels that are currently printing CAUTION Set the darkness to the lowest setting that pr
19. bbon Media Sensor Guide Printhead Open Lever Value Peel Assembly Figure 16 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 25 Liner Take up Mode Liner take up option required gt NOTE This option is available on the Z4M printer only Refer to Figure 17 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide DD Or A U N e Slide in the media supply guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the roll 7 Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor and under the ribbon sensor 8 Pull approximately 18 500 mm of media through the front of the printer 9 Remove the labels from the exposed media so that only the liner remains 10 Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Slide in the media guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media 11 Pull down the value peel lever to open the value peel assembly 12 Feed the media over the tear off peel off bar and behind the value peel assembly 13 Close the printhead assembly 14 Close the value peel assembly using the value peel lever 15 Slide the liner into the slot see inset in the spindle of the liner take up as s
20. de DECREMENT Decreases the value change mode Selects the digit you wish to change e Answers no 20 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Front Panel Lights AA OOO OOOO In peel off mode the PAUSE light flashes when the label is available for removal and when initializing FLASH or PCMCIA memory Normal printer operation no errors Slow flashing RIBBON IN warning HEAD UNDER TEMP warning or HEAD OVER TEMP error HEAD OPEN error On PAPER OUT RIBBON OUT or CUTTER JAM errors i One Tash we On A partial format has been received and there has been no subsequent data activity Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 21 Roll Media Loading Tear off Mode Refer to Figure 14 N aa A Q N e 9 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide Slide in the media supply guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the roll Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor under the ribbon sensor and out the front of the printer Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Slide in the media guide so that 1t just touches
21. dge of the ribbon guide plate Close the printhead assembly 5 Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take up spindle 34 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Release Tension Blades Ribbon Take up Spindle Ribbon Printhead Guide Plate Assembly Ribbon upply Spindle Printhead Open Lever Ribbon Sensor Ribbon Loaded Release Tension Blades Knob Ribbon Take up Spindle Ribbon Printhead Guide Plate Assembly upply Spindle Printhead Open Lever Ribbon Sensor Figure 22 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 35 Ribbon Removal To remove the r bbon 1 If the ribbon has not run out break it between the ribbon guide plate and the ribbon take up spindle 2 While turning the ribbon take up spindle release knob counterclockwise squeeze the ribbon against the ribbon take up spindle tension blades 3 When the tension blades collapse into the ribbon take up spindle hold the release knob and rotate the spent ribbon toward the rear of the printer Then slide off the ribbon 36 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Configuration After you have installed the media and ribbon and the Power On Self Test POST is complete the front panel display shows PRINTER READY If the printer fails its POST refer to page 75 Use the front panel display and the four keys directly below 1t to set printer parameters for your application gt NOTE Printers operating on an IP network can be quic
22. ds List Bar Codes Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing all of the LIST BAR CODES available bar codes This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the bar codes currently available in the printer List Images Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing all of the available images LIST IMAGES This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the images currently stored in the printer s RAM FLASH memory optional EPROM or optional memory card List Formats Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing all of the available formats LIST FORMATS _ This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the formats currently stored in the printer s RAM FLASH memory optional EPROM or optional memory card List Setup Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing the current printer LIST SETUP configuration This selection is used to print a label that lists the current printer configuration information Same as the CANCEL Key Self Test on page 76 List All Press the INCREMENT key to print a label listing all of the available LIST ALL fonts bar codes images formats and the current printer configuration This selection is used to print a label that lists the five previous selections as described Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 43 Display Shows Action Explanation Initialize Memory Card CAUTION Perform this operation only when it is necessary to era
23. e caused when the media sensor detects preprinted areas on the media or experiences difficulty in determining web location If the sensitivity of the media and or ribbon sensors MUST be adjusted use the manual calibration procedure Manual Calibration Press the INCREMENT key to start the calibration MANUAL procedure CALIBRATION This procedure is used to reset the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors The manual calibration is then performed 100 80 MEDIA RIBBON _ 060__ 040 ___ WEB _ 020___ ME 000__ _ L RIBBON MEDIA MEDIA MEDIA MEDIA MEDIA Figure 23 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 45 Setting Communication Parameters Communication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to communicate with the host computer These parameters make sure that the printer and host computer are speaking the same language All communication parameters are password protected Display Shows Action Explanation Setting Serial Communications Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices SERIAL COMM _ Default RS 232 Selections RS 232 RS 422 485 RS 485 multidrop Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the host computer Setting Baud Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default 9600 BAUD Selections 600 1200 2400 4800 9600 14400 19200 28800 38400 The baud setting of the
24. ed as straight ASCII hex characters The printer prints all characters received COMMUNICATIONS including control codes like CR carriage return A sample printout is shown in Figure 33 on page 79 NOTES on diagnostic printouts e FE indicates a framing error e OE indicates an overrun error e PE indicates a parity error e NE indicates noise For any errors check that your communication parameters are correct Set the print width equal to or less than the label width used for the test See page 42 for more information 48 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide
25. ers User s Guide 23 Value Peel off Mode Value peel off option required Refer to Figure 16 N Or A WO N e Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide Slide in the media supply guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the roll Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor under the ribbon sensor and through the cutter module Pull approximately 12 305 mm of media through the front of the printer Ensure that the media is against the back of the transmissive sensor Slide in the media guide so that 1t just touches but does not restrict the edge of the media 10 Pull down the value peel lever to open the value peel assembly 11 Feed the liner over the tear off peel off bar and behind the value peel assembly 12 Close the printhead assembly 13 Close the value peel assembly using the value peel lever 14 If the printer is paused the PAUSE light is on press the PAUSE key to enable printing Peeling starts automatically Press the FEED key to test 24 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Tear off Media Supply Guide Transmissive Peel off Bar Se Value Peel Printhead 4 Ri
26. fer to Figure 12 the previously mentioned parameters are not Printer Computer considered _ For serial and parallel pinout and Co o j technical information refer to gt pin Appendix beginning on page 87 female H 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 Figure 12 10 3 m maximum 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 NOTE Zebra printers comply with FCC Rules and Regulations Part 15 for Class B Equipment using fully shielded data cables Use of unshielded cables may increase radiated emission above the Class B limits NOTE RS 422 and RS 485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as recommended in the Appendix of the TIA EIA 485 Specification 18 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Printer Basics Front Panel This section discusses the functions of the controls and indicators on the printer Become familiar with each of these functions before operating the printer Front Panel Display The front panel display shown in Figure 13 communicates operational status and programming modes and parameters POWER PAUSE ERR
27. he printer to function in an unpredictable way A Lear The first attempt to change a password protected parameter requires you to enter a four digit password at the ENTER PASSWORD display The DECREMENT key changes the selected digit position The INCREMENT key increases the selected digit value After entering the password press the SELECT key The parameter you wish to change is displayed If the password was entered correctly you can now change the value The default password value is 1234 The password can be changed using the KP Define Password ZPL II instruction NOTE Once the password has been entered correctly it does not have to be entered again unless you leave and re enter the programming mode using the SETUP EXIT key NOTE You can disable the password protection feature so that it no longer prompts you for a password by setting the password to via the KPO ZPL ZPL II command To re enable the password protection feature send the ZPL ZPL I command KPx where x can be any number that is one to four digits in length except 38 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Leaving the Setup Mode You can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP EXIT key The SAVE CHANGES display appears There are five choices which are described below Pressing the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key displays other choices and pressing the SELECT key selects the displ
28. he width of the media if there is a gap between labels The glow of the red light through the media helps you to accurately position the reflective sensor gt NOTE If you are using continuous media position the reflective sensor anywhere under the media so that the printer can detect an out of paper condition NOTE The reflective sensor is compatible with most types of media However if you encounter difficulties with calibration use the transmissive sensor For details see Transmissive Sensor on page 10 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 9 Adjusting the Reflective Sensor Refer to Figure 7 1 Open the printhead assembly by pressing the printhead open lever 2 Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever 3 Move the reflective sensor positioning lever across the width of the media until the reflective sensor aligns with the start of label indicator The glow of the red light assists in the proper placement of the reflective sensor 4 Close the printhead assembly Printhead Assembly Reflective Sensor Positioning Printhead Open Lever Figure 7 Transmissive Sensor The transmissive sensor is in a fixed position and enabled via the front panel refer to SENSOR SELECT on page 41 for details 10 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Loading the Ribbon Refer to Figure 8 For more detailed information refer to the instructions that begin on page 34 Ribbon Take up Spindle
29. hown in Figure 17 Make sure the liner is resting against the back plate of the spindle assembly 16 Turn the spindle assembly counterclockwise a few times so that the liner is snug 26 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 17 1f the printer is paused the PAUSE light is on press the PAUSE key to enable printing Peeling starts automatically Press the FEED key to test Media Supply Guide off Off Bar Transmissive Sensor Printhead 4 Assembly X y cria OS SF EL Dancer Ribbon Media Sensor Guide Printhead Open Lever Liner Take up Value Peel Assembly Figure 17 Liner Removal 1 Pull the liner slide toward you see inset until it stops about a third of the way down the liner take up spindle 2 Slide the liner from the take up spindle Liner Slide Tab gt NOTE The liner slide moves smoothly back into place on the liner take up spindle once the liner has been removed Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 21 Power Peel Rewind Peel Mode Power peel rewind option required Refer to Figure 18 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide DD Or A 0 N e Slide n the media supply guide so that it just touches but does
30. kassel 75 POWeF A 75 Additonal Printer Self Tess ad 75 CANCEL koy SEH Teste RE E 76 PAUSE Key Self Test nee 71 FEED Eey SCH Test nennen 18 Communications Diagnostics Test cooooooonononnnnncnnnnnnonnnnnnnnnonnnnnnanncnnncnnnnnnnonos 79 Loading Factory Detalla ii RR heads 79 SPELLILCALLONS 2er ee 81 General SspeciHealons ara ee 81 Printing Specifications ie ai 82 BTID OBS o AAA E a aa 82 Media Specitie llonsun msn 83 OPON dro 83 Zebra Programming Language ZPL I sauna a a 84 BACON 84 AC POWELL CO iii 85 Power Line Cord Special iia 85 AD OY GL CLE Wee RC PO o Cr TT Tere O O 87 Printer Interface Technical InfOrMati0ON ooocoococnccncncnncncnnnncnnononocnonocnonocnoncnnonccnnos 87 Serial Data Communications eee ee aaia 87 Parallel Data Communications ccccccscsscoccscecsscaccsceccscecsscescscensncecescs 91 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide vil Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Welcome Hello e This user s guide provides all the information you need to operate the Z4M or Z6MTM printer TheZPLI Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II part 45540L details how to create the perfect label format for your application The guide explains how the optional ZBI extends the power of ZPL II by allowing custom programs to be written that operate within the printer directly interfacing with bar code scanners keyboard display devices etc The guide also contains information about
31. kly configured using ZebraLink WebView optional ZebraNet PrintServer II required For information refer to ZebraNet Networking PrintServer II Installation and User s Guide NOTE Unless otherwise noted all parameters are listed in the order they are displayed starting with DARKNESS Entering the Setup Mode To enter the programming mode press the SETUP EXIT key e Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT E key to scroll to the setting you wish to change e Press the SELECT key to toggle the functionality of the INCREMENT and DECREMENT keys e Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT keys to increase or decrease the value answer yes or no print a label or select the digit you wish to change e Press the SELECT key again to use the INCREMENT and DECREMENT keys to scroll to the desired menu item gt NOTE An asterisk in the upper left hand corner of the display indicates that the value displayed is different than the currently stored value Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 37 Changing Password Protected Parameters Certain parameters are password protected by factory default NOTE You have the option of making all parameters password protected See PASSWORD LEVEL on page 52 for details CAUTION Do not change password protected parameters unless you are sure you know what you are doing If set incorrectly these parameters could cause t
32. marks Figure 5 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Choosing the Print Mode e In tear off mode each label or a strip of labels can be torn off after it is printed e In peel off mode liner material is peeled away from the label as it is printed After this label is removed from the printer the next one is printed e In cutter mode the printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed e In rewind mode the media and or liner are rewound onto a core as the labels are printed Loading the Media Figure 6 illustrates one method of media loading For more detailed instructions as well as information about how to load the different types of media and the various printing modes refer to the instructions that begin on page 22 u Media Supply Guide Transmissive Sensor Printhead Assembly Ribbon Media Guide Sensor Printhead Open Lever Figure 6 8 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Positioning the Media Sensor The correct positioning of the media sensor 1s important it can make the difference between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support There are two media sensors in this printer reflective and transmissive Reflective Sensor The reflective sensor detects the start of label indicator the notch hole black mark or gap between die cut labels The reflective sensor must be positioned e directly under the notch hole or black mark or e anywhere along t
33. n press the PAUSE key to enable Peeling starts automatically Press the FEED key to test Transmissive Media Supply Guide Sensor Value Peel Printhead Lever Assembly Media Supply Hanger Take up Spindle Printhead 4 Rewind Media Open Lever Guide Ribbon Media Thumbscrew i edia Sensor Alignment Guide Spindle Figure 18 Liner Removal L Cut the liner material between the media alignment spindle and the take up Rotate the take up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is in the 12 o clock position Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take up spindle Slide the core with the liner material from the take up spindle Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 29 Power Peel Rewind Rewind Mode Power rewind option required Refer to Figure 19 Press the printhead open lever The printhead assembly springs up Flip down the media supply guide Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger and orient the media properly Flip up the media supply guide DD Or A 0 N e Slide in the media supply guide so that it just touches but does not restrict the edge of the roll 7 Feed the media under the dancer through the slot in the transmissive sensor and under the ribbon sensor 8 Pull approximately 36 915 mm of media through the front of the
34. ne or more of the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna e Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver e Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected e Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio TV technician for help NOTE This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices Shielded cables must be used with the unit to ensure compliance The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Canadian DOC Compliance Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that 1ts published Engineering Specifications and Manuals are correct however errors do occur Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom No Liability for Consequential Damage In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation production or delivery of the accompanying product including hardware and software be liable for any damages whatsoever including without limitation dam
35. ous media is selected the printer feeds media to calculate label length the distance between two detections of the inter label gap webbing or alignment notch or hole Setting the Sensor Type Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Web Selections Web mark SENSOR TYPE This parameter tells the printer whether you are using media with a web gap space between labels notch or hole to indicate the separation between labels or if you are using media with a black mark printed on the back Ifyour media does not have black marks on the back leave your printer at the default setting web Setting the Sensor Select Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Auto select Selections Auto select reflective transmissive SENSOR SELECT This parameter tells the printer the sensor you wish to use Auto select is compatible with most types of media However if you encounter difficulties with calibration refer to Types of Media on page 6 to help you choose the appropriate sensor for your media Select the reflective sensor with either continuous or non continuous black mark media choose the transmissive sensor if you are using non continuous web media Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Al Display Shows 42 PRINT METHOD PRINT WIDTH Action Explanation Selecting Print Method Press the INCREMENT key for the next value press the
36. ovides good print quality Darkness set too high may cause ink smearing and or it may burn through the ribbon Darkness settings may also be changed by the driver or software settings Adjusting the Tear off Position Press the INCREMENT key to increase the value press the DECREMENT key to decrease the value Each press of the key adjusts the tear off position by four dot rows TEAR OFF Default 0 Range 120 to 120 This parameter establishes the position of the media over the tear off peel off bar after printing The label and liner can be torn off or cut between labels AO Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Display Shows Action Explanation Selecting Print Mode Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Tear off PRINT MODE Selections Tear off cutter peel off liner take up rewind Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you wish to use Be sure to select a print mode that your hardware configuration supports as some selections displayed are for optional printer features Setting Media Type Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Continuous Selections Continuous non continuous MEDIA TYPE This parameter tells the printer the type of media you are using Selecting continuous media requires that you include a label length instruction in your label format LLxxxx if you are using ZPL or ZPL Il When non continu
37. printer must match the baud setting of the host computer for accurate communications to take place Select the value that matches the one being used by the host computer Setting Data Bits Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default 7 bits DATA BITS Selections 7 bits 8 bits The data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host computer for accurate communications to take place Set the data bits to match the setting being used by the host computer NOTE Must be set to 8 data bits to use Code Page 850 46 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Display Shows Action Explanation Setting Parity Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default Even PARITY Selections Even odd none The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host computer for accurate communications to take place Select the parity that matches the one being used by the host computer Setting Host Handshake Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default XON XOFF HOST HANDSHAKE Selections XON XOFF DTR DSR The handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host computer for communications to take place Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host computer Setting Protocol Press the INCREMENT or DECREMENT key to display other choices Default None Selections None Zebra
38. rated Cw Pude Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide 111 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Table of Contents E E T 1 A A E E EI EA EE A E E E E l Unpackins and TAS POCO ei l REPORME DAM oersten EE R T 2 SOLE een 2 Media and Ribbon Requirements a2 2 PP ee es ee 3 PANTEON WT A add 4 CAlbraline the PUA asia J Purpose zes ga deat antes beca lec 5 Types of Melissa teas ous eliaaseldican dl E am sal iat RE 6 INOn ContinuOus Web Melanie sei 6 Non Continuous Black Mark Media ooocccccnnnccccnnnonocnnnnnnnnnnnonononncnnnnnnnnnnonnnnos 7 Continuous Medida a r A 7 Choosine the Print Modes er ee een 8 Loading the Melissa 8 Positioning the Media SCOSOF it una 9 Retlective DENSON se u a iets 9 Adjusting the Reflective Sensor min ii 10 Transmissive SENSOR ess E aid 10 Estuco RIDD a re ee es ee ee 11 AMO AMOO ti 12 Operator C ontroer 13 POW ERS Wei eana a a a s 13 Fon Panel ee a ehe 13 Connie mme Me PONE a een 14 Configuring the Software or Printer Driver sessin e EEE ERE 15 Printne a Test Label een 15 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide y Establishing Communicalion oee 17 SEIS 10H 8101115010 Loa 5210107 1 secre a e eee alate eks 177 otra dto y AAC un are ere sree eter e te ene nee eer eet a Stee here Pee renee 17 Data Specie AUIONIS arena iia debian 17 Cabli o Requieren oli aos lekiee 18 EINER DOSICS nenne een 19 Front Alice ensure el 19 Front Panel DISPO ee 19 PRONG PAC VK CVS seba precia 20 Eront
39. ress the SELECT key The display asks INITIALIZE FLASH Press the INCREMENT key to select YES INIT FLASH MEM The front panel LCD asks ARE YOU SURE Press the INCREMENT key YES to begin initialization or Press the DECREMENT key NO to cancel the request and return to the INITIALIZE FLASH prompt Press the SETUP EXIT key followed by the SELECT key If initialization is still in process the front panel display flashes back and forth between the two phrases CHECKING E MEMORY and PRINTER IDLE When initialization is complete the printer automatically exits the configuration mode and the front panel displays PRINTER READY NOTE Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory initialization may take up to one minute to complete BI Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Performing the manual calibration procedure resets the sensitivity of the sensors to detect the media and ribbon you are using more accurately With the sensors at their new sensitivity the printer then performs the manual calibration Changing the type of ribbon and or media may require resetting the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors Display Shows Action Explanation Sensor Profile Press the INCREMENT key to print a media sensor profile See Figure 23 The media sensor profile may be used to troubleshoot registration SENSOR PROFILE problems that may b
40. se all previously stored information from the optional memory card Press the SETUP EXIT key to bypass this function 1 Press the INCREMENT key to select YES If your printer is set to require a password you are prompted to enter the password Enter the password and then press the SELECT key The display asks INITIALIZE CARD Press the INCREMENT key to select YES The front panel LCD asks ARE YOU SURE INITIALIZE CARD 4 Press the INCREMENT key YES to begin initialization or Press the DECREMENT key NO to cancel the request and return to the INITIALIZE CARD prompt Press the SETUP EXIT key followed by the SELECT key If initialization is still in process the front panel display flashes back and forth between the two phrases CHECKING B MEMORY and PRINTER IDLE When initialization is complete the printer automatically exits the configuration mode and the front panel displays PRINTER READY NOTE Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card initialization may take up to five minutes to complete Initialize Flash Memory CAUTION Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all previously stored information from the FLASH memory Press the SETUP EXIT key to bypass this function 1 Press the INCREMENT key to select YES If your printer is set to require a password you are prompted to enter the password Enter the password and then p
41. the SETUP EXIT key to save the changes and exit the configuration mode 14 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Configuring the Software or Printer Driver Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer s driver or label preparation software Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information Printing a Test Label To print a test label 1 Turn off the printer 2 Press and hold the CANCEL key while turning on the printer 3 Release the CANCEL key after the DATA light turns off approximately five seconds A configuration label prints showing the printer s currently stored parameters similar to the labels shown in Figure 10 If you encounter any problems while you are configuring the printer or printing a test label refer to Troubleshooting beginning on page 69 Otherwise refer to See Establishing Communication beginning on page 17 to set up the communication parameters Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide ZAM Test Label Z6M Test Label PRINTER CONFIGURATION PRINTER CONFIGURATION i Zebra Technologies Zebra Technologies g ZTC 24x 200dpi ZTC Z6X 300dpi 10 _BITS HOST HANDSHAKE PROTOCOL z COMMUN I CAT I ONS CONTROL PREFIX FORMAT PREFIX COMMUNICATIONS DELIMITER CHAR CONTROL PREFIX FORMAT PREF IX DELIMITER CHAR MO 1984 12 MM FULL 39 10 5P02 lt RDWARE ID CONF IGURAT ION MEMORY CARD ONBOARD FLASH FORMAT C
42. to operation immediately repackage 1t using the original packing materials The printer may be stored under the following conditions e Temperature 40 F to 140 F 40 C to 60 C e Relative humidity 5 to 85 non condensing Media and Ribbon Requirements Since print quality is affected by media and ribbon printing speeds and printer operating modes it is very important to run tests for your applications We strongly recommend the use of Zebra Technologies Corporation brand supplies for continuous high quality printing A wide range of paper polypropylene polyester and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to ensure against premature printhead wear e Continuous roll media fanfold media or card stock with optional perforations and registration holes may be used e Printhead life may be reduced by the abrasion of exposed paper fibers when using perforated media e The ribbon MUST be as wide as or wider than the media being used If the ribbon is narrower than the media areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear When printing in direct thermal mode ribbon is not used and should not be loaded in the printer 2 Zebra Z4M Z6M Printers User s Guide Printer Power The power supply n the printer automatically detects the applied line voltage and works in the 90 to 265 VAC range WARNING For personnel and equipment safety
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