Zebra Technologies P330I-UHF Thermal Card Printer User Manual 980459 P330i Printer
Zebra Technologies Corporation Thermal Card Printer 980459 P330i Printer
User Manual
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
User’s Manual
Zebra® P330i
Card Printer
980459-001 Rev C P330i User’s Manual iii
Foreword
This manual contains installation and operation information for the Zebra P330i Card
Printers manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California.
Return Materials Authorization
Before returning any equipment to Zebra Technologies Corporation for in-warranty or out-
of-warranty repair, contact Repair Administration for a Return Materials Authorization
(RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the original packing material and mark the RMA
number clearly on the outside. Ship the equipment, freight prepaid, to the address listed
below:
• For USA, Latin America, and Asia / Pacific:
Zebra Technologies Corporation
Zebra Card Printer Solutions
1001 Flynn Road
Camarillo, CA. 93012-8706.USA
Phone: +1 (805) 578-5001
FAX: +1 (805) 579-1808
• For Europe and Middle East:
Zebra Technologies Corporation
Zebra Card Printer Solutions
Pittman Way, Fulwood
Preston, PR2 9ZD
Lancashire, U.K.
Phone: +44 - 1 - 772 - 797555
FAX: +44 - 1 - 772 - 693000
Copyright Notice
© 2004, 2005 ZIH Corp.
iv P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C
Foreword
This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This
document and the information contained within is Copyrighted by Zebra Technologies
Corporation and may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written
approval from Zebra. While every effort has been made to keep the information contained
within current and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarantee is given that the
document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to any specification. Zebra reserves the
right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.
Trademarks
P330i is a trademark and Zebra is a registered trademark of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Windows and MS.DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks or
registered trademarks are marks of their respective holders.
Product Disposal
Declarations of Conformity
For a formal certificate, please contact the Compliance Office at Zebra’s Camarillo facility.
Product Disposal Information • Do not dispose of this product in unsorted municipal
waste. This product is recyclable, and should be recycled according to your local
standards. For more information, please see our web site at:
http://www.zebra.com/environment
89/336/EEC
modified by
92/31/EEC and
93/68/EEC
EMC Directive EN 55022 (1998) RF Emissions control
EMC Directive EN 301489-3 V1.4.1 RF Emissions and Immunity for radio
equipment
EMC Directive EN55024 (2001) Immunity to Electro-Magnetic
Disturbances
73/23/EEC modified
by 93/68/EEC Low voltage
Directive EN 60950-1 (2001) Product safety
1999/5/CE R&TTE Directive EN300330-2 V1.1.1 Radio Frequency Interferences
Foreword
980459-001 Rev C P330i User’s Manual v
EUROPE: Norway Only: This product is also designed for IT power system with phase to phase
voltage 230V. Earth grounding is via the polarized, 3-wire power cord.
FI: “Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan”
SE: “Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag”
NO: “Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt”
FCC Regulations
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
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 interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to this equipment not
expressly approved by Zebra may cause harmful interference and void the FCC authorization
to operate this equipment.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement (applicable to 15.247 device only)
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum 20 cm between
the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be collocated or operating in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter unless authorized to do so by the FCC.
Industry Canada Notice
This device complies with Industry Canada ICES-003 requirements.
Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICES-003 de la norm Industrielle Canadian.
vi P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C
Foreword
P330i Printer Model
The Zebra Product Number tells a story:
Here is a quick review of the Zebra Card Printer Series numbering and lettering system to help
you.
Model numbers include identifiers that specify options using the following lettering
conventions:
Part Number Description
P 3 3 0 i - _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ Base Printer
P330i Color Card Printer
_ _ _ _ _ - 0 _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - A _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - B _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - C _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - D _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - E _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - F _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - G _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - H _ _ _ _ - _ _ _
Smart Card Options
None
Contact encoder & MIFARE contactless & HID iCLASS
Contact Encoder
Contact encoder & HID iCLASS
Contact encoder & MIFARE contactless
Contact station
HID iCLASS
MIFARE contactless & HID iCLASS
MIFARE contactless
_ _ _ _ _ - _ 0 _ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - _ M _ _ _ - _ _ _
Magnetic Encoder
None
Yes (select defaults below)
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ 0 _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ 1_ _ _ - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ 3 _ _ - _ _ _
Magnetic Encoder Defaults
None
Stripe Down, HiCo
Stripe Up, HiCo
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ 0 _ - _ _ _
Memory Expansion
None
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ A - _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ C - _ _ _
Interface
USB Only
USB and Ethernet
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ - I _ _
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ - U _ _
Power Cords
U. S. and Europe
U. K. and Australia
_ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ _ - _ D 0
Windows Drivers and User Documentation / Training CD
Windows Drivers and User Documentation / Training
included on one CD (Software & Documentation Package)
which contains Multi-language documentation.
Foreword
980459-001 Rev C P330i User’s Manual vii
Icons
Throughout this manual, different icons highlight important information, as follows:
Note • Indicates information that emphasizes or supplements important points of the main
text.
Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task, or points out the
importance of specific information in the text.
Provides an example or scenario to demonstrate or clarify a section of text.
Electrostatic Discharge Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic
discharge.
Electric Shock Caution • Warns you of a potential electric shock situation.
Caution • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause a burn.
Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in
physical harm to you, or could result in physical damage to the hardware.
viii P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C
Foreword
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual ix
Table of Contents
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement (applicable to 15.247 device only) v
1 • Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 • Installation and Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Unpacking the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installing the Print Driver Software and Setting Driver Options . . . . . . . . 10
Installing the P330i Print Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Loading a Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Setting the Card Thickness Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Loading Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Card Output Hopper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connecting the Printer to your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Printing a Test Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Packing the P330i Printer for Shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3 • Printing a Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting Printer Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Printing a Sample Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Feeding One Card at a Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4 • Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
When to Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
How to Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
x P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Table of Contents
Card Cleaning Cartridge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
When to Replace the Cleaning Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
How To Replace the Cleaning Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Print Quality Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Resetting to Factory Defaults. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Ethernet Adapter Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Network Status/Activity Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
6 • Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Ribbon Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Card Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Card Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Bi-Directional Communications Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Appendix A • Magnetic Card Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Media Loading Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sample Encoding Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Magnetic Encoder Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
When to Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
How to Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
ISO Standard Encoding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Appendix B • Smart Card Contact Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Media Loading Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Smart Card Contact Station Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Appendix C • Connecting to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Printer Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
External Print Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Internal Print Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Table of Contents
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual xi
Appendix D • Worldwide Sales & Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Sales and Support Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
xii P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Table of Contents
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 1
1
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Zebra P330i Card Printer. This manual guides you to efficient
start up and operation of your new Card Printer.Printer Features
The following shows the main functional features found on your P330i Printer.
Panel
Button
Print
Head
(Optional)
Smart Card
Contact Station
Output
Hopper
(shown in
open
position)
Card
Feeder
Cover
(shown
open)
Card
Thickness
Control
Card
Cleaning
Cartridge
LCD Display Panel
Print Head
Carriage Latch
Print Head Carriage
(shown in open
position)
Main Cover
(shown open)
(Optional)
Magnetic
Encoding
Station
Ribbon
Supply
Spindle
Ribbon
Take-Up
Spindle
2 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Introduction
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
Your P330i Printer has an LCD Display Panel and a Panel Button on the front and a power
connector, power switch, and interface connector(s) on the rear panel.
LCD Display
Panel
Panel Button
Power
Switch
Power
Connector
Network
Status /
Activity
LED *
Ethernet
Adapter
Status
LED *
10/100base-T
Connector * Ethernet Switch *
USB Connector
* These
are on the
optional
Ethernet
Adapter.
Optional DB-9
Connector location
for Smart Card
Contact Station
Introduction
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 3
LCD Panel
The LCD Panel can display the following messages:
Message Mode
Operational
INITIALIZING Scrolling
READY Fixed
DOWNLOADING DATA Fixed
PRINTING MONO Fixed
MAG ENCODING Fixed
CONTACT ENCODING Fixed
PRINTING CYAN Fixed
PRINTING YELLOW Fixed
PRINTING MAGENTA Fixed
PRINTING BLACK Fixed
PRINTING OVERLAY Fixed
DOWNLOADING FW Fixed
CLEANING PRINTER Fixed
Warnings
CLEAN PRINTER Scrolling
REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE HEAD Scrolling
EMPTY FEEDER & PRESS BUTTON Scrolling
LOAD CLEANING CARD IN FEEDER Scrolling
PRESS BUTTON TO CONTINUE Scrolling
FEED LONG CLEANING CARD IN EXIT Scrolling
CLEANING PRINTER Scrolling
ENCODING ERROR (printing stops) Blinking
INVALID MAGNETIC DATA
(encoding stops) Scrolling
REMOVE RIBBON Fixed
Errors (Printer will not operate)
OUT OF RIBBON Blinking
MECHANICAL ERROR Blinking
OUT OF CARDS Blinking
PRINT HEAD OPEN Blinking
4 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Introduction
Controls, Connectors, and Indicators
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 5
2
Installation and Setup
General Information
This section will guide you through the installation and setup of your P330i Card Printer.
This consists of the following procedures, which should be performed in the order
presented.
• Unpacking the Printer
• Installing the Print Driver Software and Setting Driver Options
• Loading a Ribbon
• Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge
• Setting the Card Thickness Control
• Loading Cards
• Connecting the Printer to your Computer
• Connecting Power
• Printing a Test Card to verify printer operation
The procedure to be followed for Packing the Printer for Shipment is given at the end of
this section.
The printer should be placed in a location that allows easy access to all sides. The printer
should never be operated while resting on its side or upside down.
6 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Unpacking the Printer
Unpacking the Printer
Your P330i Card Printer ships in a carton and protective anti-static bag. Keep all packaging
material in case you need to move or re-ship the printer.
1. Inspect the shipping container to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipment. If
any damage is apparent, file a claim with the shipper.
2. Unlatch and remove the handles on either end of the shipping container, as shown in the
figure below.
3. (See the figure on the next page as you perform the following steps.) Lift the upper part of
the shipping container off of the lower part (which will still hold the printer and its
packing material).
4. Remove the packing material around the top of the printer.
Electric Shock Caution • Limit AC power supplied to the P330i Printer to 110 ~ 230
volts, 60 ~ 50 Hertz. Limit excess current draw to 16 amps or less, using an associated
circuit breaker or other such device. Never operate the printer in a location where
operator, computer, or printer can get wet. Personal injury could result. The printer must
be connected to an earthed electrical power source and properly protected against
electrical surges and grounding faults; the electrical reliability of the printer is based on
the reliability of the mains power source and with the earth connection.
The printer’s power supply is an internal unit that can only be serviced or replaced by
trained and authorized personnel.
U
P
Installation and Setup
Unpacking the Printer
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 7
5. Lift the printer out of the carton by holding it with both hands.
6. Please ensure that you have a clean and nearly dust free environment for proper operation
and storage of the printer.
7. Make sure the following items are included with your P330i printer:
8 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Unpacking the Printer
If any items are missing, please contact your dealer. To reorder, please refer to
Appendix D of this manual.
8. Remove packing tape securing the printer’s Main Cover and Card Feeder Cover.
9. Your P330i Printer ships with warning tape where the Card Cleaning Cartridge will be
installed, and a pad that protects the print head from possible damage in shipment. To
remove the tape and pad, follow the following steps:
a. Open the printer’s main cover by lifting at its lower front lip.
Power Cables (2)
Cleaning Kit
CD-ROM with Driver Wizard
and User’s Manual
Card Cleaning Cartridge
USB Cable
Installation and Setup
Unpacking the Printer
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 9
b. Locate the Print Head protection pad and the Card Cleaning Cartridge location tape
(see below).
c. Release the Print Head Carriage by pushing the Print Head Carriage Latch to the left,
and raise the Print Head Carriage. It will remain open at about a 45° angle.
I
N
S
T
A
L
L
Remove me
Print Head
Protection Pad Card Cleaning Cartridge
Location Tape
Print Head
Carriage
Latch
10 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Installing the Print Driver Software and Setting Driver Options
d. Remove the print head protection pad. Keep the pad, as well as the other packing
material and the shipping carton, in case the printer is shipped or moved. If the
original material is lost, a replacement Shipping Kit can be ordered from Zebra;
please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD
supplied with this printer.
Installing the Print Driver Software and Setting Driver
Options
Printing with the P330i Printer requires the Windows Printer Driver and your card design/
issuing software or printer command level programming through the printer interface.
The P330i Card Printer can be used with any Windows 2000 or Windows XP computer, using
the drivers provided on CD with the printer.
This section contains information on the printing of a sample card in color (using the 5-panel
color ribbon YMCKO and the Windows Printer Driver).
Installing the P330i Print Driver
To install the P330i Printer Driver automatically on all Operating Systems, use the Zebra
Install Wizard.
The Install Wizard will walk you through the appropriate installation steps. The Wizard will:
• Automatically launch when the driver CD is inserted.
Note • If updating the printer driver from a previous version, before installing the updated
printer driver version, always delete the existing version from your computer.
Note • Ensure that you have administrative privileges to perform this installation, or contact
your IT department.
Installation and Setup
Loading a Ribbon
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 11
• From the main menu of your documentation CD, select your desired language and then
select “DRIVERS” from the subsequent menu. The Install Wizard will walk you through
the appropriate steps.
• Delete previous versions of the driver and clean up any necessary Registry entries. You
must select “Remove” from the install options to remove any previous driver versions.
Loading a Ribbon
i Series Printers require the use of i Series ribbons for full color printing. The Resin Thermal
Transfer and Dye Sublimination ribbons for P330i are specifically designed for your P330i
Printer.
1. Place the printer power switch in the OFF (0) position.
2. If the printer’s Main Cover is closed:
a. Open the printer’s Main Cover; lift it by the lip at the bottom front as shown in the
figure below left.
b. Raise the Print Head Carriage by pressing the release latch to the left (toward the
output hopper) and lifting as shown below to about a 45° angle. The Print Head
Carriage will stay in that position, as shown at the right below.
Electrostatic Discharge Caution • DO NOT TOUCH the Print Head or the electronic
components on the Print Head Carriage. Discharges of electro-static energy that
accumulate on the human body or other surfaces can damage the Print Head or other
electronic components used in the printer.
Note • Avoid any direct contact with the print head to prevent transfer of oils or
contamination. Outside of normal operation, only the Zebra-approved cleaning materials
should come in contact with the print head.
12 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Loading a Ribbon
3. Locate the Ribbon Supply Spindle and the Ribbon Take-up Spindle (see above). Load
ribbon onto the supply spindle (under the print head carriage) flange side in, and load the
empty core (with tape attached) onto the take-up spindle. Make sure the ribbon comes off
the top of the supply spindle and feeds to the top of the take-up spindle.
Ribbon Supply
Spindle
Ribbon Take-up
Spindle
Flange
Supply Spool
Take-up
Spool
Installation and Setup
Loading a Ribbon
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 13
4. Gently press the print head carriage down until it is fully lowered, as shown below. Very
little force is neccessary to perform this step.
Caution • Do not touch the print head if the printer has been in service within the last 10
minutes. It could be very hot and cause a burn.
Electrostatic Discharge Caution • A static discharge is possible if you touch any
exposed metal parts. Use of an anti-static wrist strap or comparable anti-static protection is
required.
Note • During normal operation (with power connected and turned on), the ribbon would
automatically synchronize when the Print Head is restored to its fully-down position. The
ribbon would be identified and the corresponding parameters sent to the driver.
Since power is not connected at this point in the Installation and Setup Procedure, nothing
will happen when the Print Head Carriage is closed. The ribbon will synchronize when
power is turned on.
14 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge
Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge
The Card Cleaning Cartridge cleans the cards entering the printer. The Card Cleaning
Cartridge consists of a Cartridge Frame and an Adhesive Roller, which are packed together.
1. Remove the Cartridge Frame and the Adhesive Roller from their packaging. Insert the
Adhesive Roller into the Cartridge Frame, as shown below. To avoid contamination,
always hold the frame and the roller by the ends.
.
2. Peel the protective wrapper from the Adhesive Roller.
3. If the printer’s main cover is closed, open it. Locate the area where the Card Cleaning
Cartridge will be installed (initially, this area was covered by a warning tape).
Card Cleaning
Cartridge Mounting
Location
Installation and Setup
Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 15
4. Locate the slot at the rear of the Card Cleaning Cartridge mounting location; see below.
5. Hold the Card Cleaning Cartridge by the extended “handle” (so the large arrow on the top
is pointing away from you). With the cartridge at about a 30° angle (pointing downward),
insert the lip of the cartridge into the slot, until the cartridge seats against the back wall.
Then press the front of the cartridge down until it seats all the way down and latches with
an audible “click”. See below.
6. Close the printer’s Main Cover.
Card Cleaning
Cartridge
Positioning Slot
Slot
Card Cleaning Cartridge in final position
16 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Setting the Card Thickness Control
Setting the Card Thickness Control
The Card Thickness Control is set by the user to adjust the gap as cards enter the printer, to
prevent double-feeds (which could cause a jam) or mis-feeds.
1. Open the Card Feeder cover. The cover is hinged; lift it by the lip at the right front corner.
2. The Card Thickness Control Lever is at the front of the left-side opening of the Card
Feeder area.
Note • Set the Card Thickness Control before loading cards.
Note • To reduce contamination and ensure better print quality, minimize the time the Card
Feeder cover is open.
Installation and Setup
Setting the Card Thickness Control
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 17
3. There are four detents to set the position of the Card Thickness Control. Slide the Card
Thickness Control to the position corresponding to the following:
Detent Position Card Thickness
Highest 50 mil (1.27 mm) to 60 mil (1.52 mm)
3rd position 30 mil (0.76 mm) to 50 mil (1.27 mm)
2nd position 20 mil (0.51 mm) to 40 mil (1.02 mm)
Lowest 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 20 mil (0.51 mm)
Card Thickness
Control
Note • The overlap in settings above accomodates variations in environmental conditions
(especially humidity) and cards from different manufacturers. In general, start at the lowest
position and move the lever up until cards feed reliably.
Note • “60 mil” (“1.524 mm”) cards may have a significant variation (over 10%) in the
actual thickness of the cards; do not use these cards unless each card has been measured to
have a thickness less than 66 mil (1.676 mm).
18 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Loading Cards
Loading Cards
This section shows how to load plastic cards into the P330i Printer. The P330i can use cards
with a range of thickness from 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 60 mil (1.5 mm).
The P330i Printer can also load and print cards fed individually. Information on this is given in
the next chapter.
The plastic cards generally come in decks of 100 cards; the Card Feeder can hold a full deck of
100 30-mil cards. Cards sometimes will stick together; this can cause mis-feeding or double-
feeding. To avoid this, separate the cards before loading, as described in steps 2 through 4
below.
1. If the Card Feeder cover is closed, open it. The cover is hinged; lift it by the lip at the right
front corner.
Note • Do not mix cards of different thicknesses!
Note • DO NOT bend cards or touch print surfaces as this can reduce print quality. The
surface of the cards must remain clean and dust free. Always store cards in an enclosed
container. Ideally, use cards as soon as possible.
Note • For cards with magnetic stripe, refer to Appendix A for loading instructions.
Note • To reduce contamination and ensure better print quality, minimize the time the Card
Feeder cover is open.
Installation and Setup
Loading Cards
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 19
2. Remove all wrapping from the card deck.
3. Holding the card deck by the sides, hold it vertically against a flat surface such as a
desktop. If the deck is too thick for your hand to hold it comfortably, use about half a deck
at a time.
4. Push the stack back and forth to an angle of about 45° from vertical, so as to separate all of
the cards.
5. Restore the card stack to its original squared-off condition, and place the cards in the input
hopper.
6. Note that there will be a “gap” in the card stack, with several cards lying flat and the cards
above angled upward, as shown in the exaggerated drawing below. This is normal and
ensures proper feeding.
Caution • Do not touch print surfaces of the cards; this can reduce print quality
Note • Static charges and edge burrs from the card die-cutting process can render individual
cards stuck together with significant adhesion force. These cards must be physically
separated from each other before inserting into the feeder; if not separated, feeding or
printing problems may occur.
20 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Card Output Hopper
Card Output Hopper
The card output hopper is normally extended to receive the printed cards. The printer may be
operated with the card output hopper in its closed position; in this case the cards will not be
collected in the output hopper.
1. Pull the card output hopper out to place it in its functional position.
2. When not using the printer, slide the card output hopper back into its closed position to
protect the printer from dust and protect the output hopper from damage.
3. The output hopper can be completely removed from the printer if necessary by inserting a
thin, blunt object (such as a pencil) up through the hole in the bottom of the printer
enclosure and pressing (up) to release the hopper while simultaneously pulling the hopper
out. To re-install the output hopper, simply slide the output hopper in until it locks in
place.
Note • Do not try to eliminate the gap by pressing down on the card stack in the input
hopper; this can cause misfeeds.
Note • The output hopper is a very snug fit to prevent it from moving during shipping or
operation; firm force is required to change its position.
Installation and Setup
Connecting the Printer to your Computer
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 21
Connecting the Printer to your Computer
The P330i Printer includes a standard USB interface.
As an option, the printer can be ordered with a 10/100base-T Ethernet Adapter (in addition to
the USB interface). The Ethernet Adapter can also be ordered as an add-on option and
installed in the field by a Zebra factory certified technician.
1. If using the USB interface, use the supplied USB cable to connect between the USB
connector on the printer and a USB port on the computer, as shown below. (Note that the
figure below shows the optional Ethernet Adapter directly above the USB Connector; this
may not be present on your printer.)
2. If your printer includes the optional Ethernet Adapter as well as the standard USB
connection, use either the supplied USB cable or a standard Ethernet cable to connect the
printer to a corresponding port on the computer or network.
USB Connector
Power
Connector
Power
Switch (Optional)
Ethernet
Connector
Important • Do not use both USB and Ethernet connections at the same time!
Important • Intermittent or unpredictable operation may occur from unsecured connectors.
If damaged, the power cable must be replaced by an exact equivalent.
22 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Connecting Power
Connecting Power
The P330i Printer includes an internal AC power supply that accepts nominal input voltage in
the range from 110 to 230 volts at 50 to 60 Hertz. The power source must be grounded.
Depending on specific model number, your P330i Printer will include one or two power cords;
use the one that is appropriate for the AC power source connection at your location. If neither
has an appropriate connector, AC power cords may be purchased locally; make sure it is a
three-wire (grounded) cord.
1. Place the Printer’s power switch in the OFF ( O ) position.
2. Depending on your local AC voltage, plug the appropriate power cord into the printer’s
power connector and a grounded AC power source connection.
3. To turn the Printer on, set the Printer’s power switch to the ON ( | ) position.
Power
Connector
Power
Switch
Caution • If the power cord appears damaged in any way, or if the power cord will not
securely plug into the Printer’s power connector or the AC power source connection,
STOP! Use of a damaged or incorrect power cord could cause equipment damage,
result in an electrical fire, or possibly cause injury.
Installation and Setup
Printing a Test Card
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 23
Printing a Test Card
With ribbon and cards loaded, your P330i Printer is ready to print. To check the operation of
the printer, you should print a test card. (Printing a test card does not require that the printer be
connected to your computer or network, but power must be applied.)
1. Set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O ) position.
2. While pressing the Printer’s front panel button (next to the LCD display panel), switch the
printer ON ( | ).
3. Hold the panel button until the LCD display panel reads “SELF TEST”.
4. Release the panel button, and the test card will print.
This is an example of the test card:
Packing the P330i Printer for Shipment
If the P330i Printer is to be shipped, it is important to use the original packing and shipping
material to prevent damage to the Printer. If the original material is lost, a replacement
Shipping Kit can be ordered from Zebra; please refer to the Media List on the Windows
Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.
1. Remove cards in the card feeder:
a. While the printer still has power applied and is turned on, and is still connected to the
host computer, remove cards from the card feeder. The last card may be difficult to
remove. If so, use the Eject Card command available through the driver on the host
computer to eject the last card that is staged in the feeder.
b. Close the Card Feeder Cover.
PRINTER: P330iM
Serial N°: XXXXX
Firmware: XXXXXXX
Head resistance: XXXX
Offset: XXXX-XXXX
EC:XX
Printing counter: XXXXX
300 dpi
PLASTIC CARD PRINTER
TEST CARD
Note •
The specifics of the shipment and the printer’s condition may influence which of the
following steps are followed; common sense should prevail.
Caution • Do not physically pull the last card out of the feeder staging area. This could
damage the printer and void the warranty, as well as damage the card.
24 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Installation and Setup
Packing the P330i Printer for Shipment
2. If the printer still has power applied and is turned on, and is still connected to the host
computer, set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O )
position, and disconnect the interface and power cables to the printer.
3. Open the Main Cover. Open the Print Head Carriage and remove the Ribbon. (If you wish
to save the ribbon for future use, you may want to put it in a plastic bag for storage.)
4. Insert the print head protection pad, and close the Print Head Carriage. Remove the Card
Cleaning Cartridge and place it in the upper foam insert. Close the Main Cover.
5. Slide the Output Hopper in all the way against the Printer.
6. Place the Printer in its protective plastic bag.
7. Place the lower foam insert in the lower part of the shipping carton.
8. Use both hands to carefully place the Printer into the recess in the lower foam insert.
9. Place the upper foam insert onto the Printer and gently press it down so it makes a snug fit
on the Printer; the top of the upper foam insert should be even with the upper edge of the
lower part of the shipping carton.
10. Slide the upper part of the shipping carton down over the lower part.
11. Insert and close the handles/latches.
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 25
3
Printing a Card
Printing with the P330i Card Printer is similar to printing with any other printer in a
Windows environment.
• The Printer Driver Software is installed on your computer (see Chapter 2).
•The P330i Printer is connected to the power source and the computer (see Chapter 2).
•The P330i Printer is selected by either the Operating System or the appropriate
application software program.
• Printer Properties are set (the factory default values will be appropriate for many
applications).
• Card printing is directed by the appropriate application software program.
Setting Printer Properties
Printer Properties can be set either at the Operating System level or within the application
software program used for printing cards.
Preferences settings can configure the P330i Card Printer for Landscape (wide) or Portrait
(tall) printing orientation, and allow the user to verify that the desired ribbon is installed in
the printer. (Monochrome ribbons are selected via the drop-down menu.)
If the P330i Printer includes the optional magnetic card stripe encoder, encoding
parameters and coercivity can be set.
Printer cleaning can be initiated from the Tools window (printer cleaning can also be
initiated at the printer; see Chapter 4).
Note • In the following description of setting Printer Properties, only those properties
and options that are suitable for being set by the User are described. The User should not
make selections or set parameters unless they are specifically described in this section
26 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Printing a Card
Printing a Sample Card
Also from the Tools window, the Test Card can be selected from several pre-loaded styles.
“Single Feed Options” allows Disabling or Enabling Single Feed Support.
• If “Disable Single Feed Support” is selected, when the P330i Card Printer runs out of
cards in the feeder, the LCD display will read OUT OF CARDS. To continue, press
the panel button.
• If “Enable Single Feed Support” is selected, when the P330i Card Printer runs out of
cards in the feeder it will wait until a card is inserted in the single-card slot or cards
are loaded in the feeder, and then will automatically continue.
Printing a Sample Card
Sample card designs are installed with the printer driver. Sample cards require Microsoft Word
or Microsoft Paint application software. The cards are accessed via the Start menu. Select
Start, select Programs, select Zebra Card Printers, and select a sample card, or follow the
directions below to design a card.
Follow these steps to design and print your first card:
1. Launch Microsoft Word Software. Depending on your computer configuration this may be
done by double-clicking an icon on your desktop, or by clicking the Windows Start icon,
selecting Programs, and navigating to Microsoft Word
2. Go to the File menu and choose Page Setup.
3. Select the Paper Size tab, choose Card. Under orientation, select Landscape.
4. Select the Margins tab, and set the Top, Bottom, Left, and Right margins to 0 (zero).
5. Click OK to close the Page Setup window.
6. The card appears on the screen.
7. Design a card with both black and colored text and with colored pictures (see example
below).
us!
http://www.zebracard.com
Printing a Card
Feeding One Card at a Time
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 27
8. Once you are ready to print, go to the File menu and select Print.
9. If the printer was not selected as the default printer, go to the File menu, select Print
Setup and choose Zebra P330i Card Printer from the printer names list. Then Close the
Print Setup dialog box.
10. The printer will feed in a card and start printing (the data download time will vary
depending on the complexity of the card design and the processing speed of your
computer).
11. Once the printing job is complete, the card is ejected from the printer.
Feeding One Card at a Time
A Manual Feed Slot is available below the Card Input Hopper for feeding single cards. The
Card Input Hopper must be empty for single-card feeding to work properly.
1. Open the Card Feeder cover. Verify that there are no cards in the feeder, then close the
Card Feeder cover.
2. Insert a single card into the slot below the Card Feeder. Do not feed more than one card at
a time.
Note • For cards thinner than 20 mils (0.51 mm), the card design must be limited to (1) no
more than two 30 mm x 30 mm areas of full color, (2) black information (text and barcode,
for example) must cover no more than 50% of the card area, and (3) there must be at least a
5mm unprinted border along all edges.
For cards thicker than 40 mils (1.02 mm), the card design must have at least a 5mm unprinted
border along all edges.
For cards with thickness between 20 mils (0.51 mm) and 40 mils (1.02 mm), these
restrictions do not apply; full color printing is permitted edge to edge in both directions.
Note • If single-card feeding will be the normal mode of operation, you may select that mode
through the driver software. In single-card feed mode, the card will not be printed until the
print job has been sent to the printer and the card to be printed has been inserted into the
single-card feed slot
28 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Printing a Card
Feeding One Card at a Time
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 29
4
Cleaning
Cleaning the Printer
Clean your P330i Printer using Pre-Saturated Cleaning Cards provided. The regular use of
these cards will clean and maintain important parts of your printer that cannot be reached,
including the Print Head, Transport Rollers, and optional Magnetic Encoder Station.
When to Clean
When the LCD Panel displays the message CLEAN PRINTER.
Approximately every 1000 cards when using 5-panel color ribbon, or every 5000 cards
when using a monochrome ribbon.
Caution • PROTECT YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY!
The recommended cleaning procedures must be performed to maintain your
factory warranty. Other than the recommended cleaning procedures described in
this manual, allow only Zebra authorized technicians to service the P330i Printer.
NEVER loosen, tighten, adjust, bend, etc., any part or cable inside the printer.
NEVER use a high pressure air compressor to remove particles in the printer.
30 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Cleaning
Cleaning the Printer
How to Clean
1. Leave the Printer power on, or turn it on if it was off.
2. Initiate the cleaning process by either of the following methods:
• At the printer, press and hold the panel button for several seconds, until the LCD
Panel displays the message REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE HEAD.
• From the computer, enter the P330i Printer Tools software, and click on the CLEAN
button. The LCD Panel will display the message REMOVE RIBBON THEN
CLOSE HEAD.
3. Open the Main Cover, release the Print Head Carriage, and remove the ribbon. Then close
the Print Head Carriage. (For details, see Chapter 2.) The LCD Panel will display the
message EMPTY FEEDER & PRESS BUTTON.
4. Open the Card Feeder Cover and remove cards from the Card Feeder. The last card is
difficult to remove; leave it in place. Press the Panel Button on the front of the printer. The
card remaining in the feeder will be ejected. The LCD Panel will then display the message
LOAD CLEANING CARD IN FEEDER.
5. Place a pre-saturated Cleaning Card into the Card Feeder. The Cleaning Card will
automatically feed into the printer and the cleaning process will start (there is a several
second delay after the Cleaning Card feeds before the cleaning movement starts). While
the cleaning process is underway, the LCD Panel will display the message CLEANING
PRINTER.
6. At the conclusion of this part of the cleaning process, the Cleaning Card will be ejected,
and the LCD Panel will display the message PRESS BUTTON TO CONTINUE.
7. After the user presses the panel button, the LCD Panel will display the message FEED
LONG CLEANING CARD IN EXIT. Insert the long end of the long cleaning card into
the card exit (directly above the Output Hopper). If the user inserts a “regular” cleaning
card into the card exit, the LCD Panel will display the message INVALID CARD, PRESS
BUTTON until the user presses the panel button and inserts the long cleaning card into
the card exit.
Note • This cleaning procedure uses two cleaning cards. One cleaning card is the size of a
regular plastic card, and is referred to as the “cleaning card.” The other is elongated, with a
wider section at one end; it is referred to as the “long cleaning card.”
Note • If the user does nothing at this point (i.e., does not insert the long cleaning card), after
a timeout the LCD Panel display will change to CLEAN PRINTER. The printer will be able
to print, but the LCD Panel will continue to display CLEAN PRINTER.
This limited cleaning does not do a thorough cleaning, but may be performed if no “long
cleaning cards” are available.
To restore the display to READY, you will need to perform a complete cleaning process,
using both short and long cleaning cards, from step 2 above through step 9 below.
Cleaning
Cleaning the Print Head
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 31
8. The long cleaning card will automatically feed into the printer and the printing process
will continue. The LCD Panel will again display the message CLEANING PRINTER.
9. When the cleaning process is completed, the long cleaning card will be ejected and the
LCD Panel will display the message READY, indicating that the printer is ready to resume
normal printing operations.
10. Discard both cleaning cards after a single use.
Cleaning the Print Head
A cleaning using the Cleaning Cards usually suffices. However, a separate Print Head cleaning
can remove more stubborn deposits when print anomalies persist. To avoid deposits, only use
foam-tipped swabs.
1. Place the printer power switch in the OFF ( O ) position.
2. Open the Main Cover, release the Print Head Carriage, and remove the ribbon. Leave the
Print Head Carriage in its raised position. (For details, see Chapter 2.)
3. Clean Print Head by moving an alcohol-moistened swab tip side-to-side across the Print
Head elements. Only use moderate force. To re-order swabs, please refer to the Media List
on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.
4. The swabs can also be used in a similar manner to clean the optional magnetic encoding
head.
Note • Do not use previously used cleaning cards.
Caution • Never use a sharp object or any abrasive to scrape deposits from the print
head. Permanent damage to the print head will result.
Caution • Do not touch the print head if the printer has been in service in the last 10
minutes. It could be very hot and cause a burn.
32 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Cleaning
Card Cleaning Cartridge
Card Cleaning Cartridge
Your P330i Printer includes a Card Cleaning Cartridge. This item cleans the cards entering the
printer through the card feeder. To ensure print quality, the cleaning roller requires periodic
replacement. New cleaning rollers are included with each ribbon or may be purchased
separately. (To reorder, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User
Documentation CD supplied with this printer.)
Installation of the Card Cleaning Cartridge is described in Chapter 2 and is not repeated in
detail here.
When to Replace the Cleaning Roller
Replace the Cleaning Roller each time you install a new ribbon.
How To Replace the Cleaning Roller
1. Open the main cover and locate the Card Cleaning Cartridge.
2. Gently remove the Card Cleaning Cartridge. Lift the “handle” end, and then pull it away
from the printer.
Note • Before replacing the Card Cleaning Cartridge or its cleaning roller, clean the Printer
using the Cleaning Cards as described earlier in this chapter.
Card Cleaning
Cartridge
Cleaning
Card Cleaning Cartridge
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 33
3. Remove the cleaning roller from the Card Cleaning Cartridge and discard.
4. Install new cleaning roller into the Card Cleaning Cartridge. To avoid contamination,
always hold the cleaning roller by the ends. (For replacement cleaning rollers, please refer
to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this
printer.)
5. Peel protective wrapper from the cleaning roller by gently pulling on the tape.
34 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Cleaning
Card Cleaning Cartridge
6. Replace the Card Cleaning Cartridge into the printer:
7. Close the printer main cover.
Note • DO NOT touch the adhesive roller surface that contacts the cards.
Card Cleaning
Cartridge in final
position
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 35
5
Troubleshooting
The table on the next page offers causes and solutions to symptoms related to improper
operation. Check the table when experiencing any loss of operation or print quality.
36 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Troubleshooting
Problem / Description Cause / Solution
The LCD Panel displays OUT
OF CARDS message. 1. Check for cards in the card
feeder. If no cards present, load
cards.
2. Check that Card Thickness
Control lever is properly adjusted
(see Loading Cards in Chapter 2).
3. Press the Panel Button for 1
second. The printing job will
restart.
The LCD Panel displays OUT
OF RIBBON message. 1. Check ribbon. Replace if
defective or entirely used.
Ribbon will automatically
synchronize and printing will
restart with a new card.
The LCD Panel displays PRINT
HEAD OPEN message. 1. Check that Print Head Carriage
is closed and latched. If not, close
and latch it.
The LCD Panel displays
MECHANICAL ERROR
message.
1. Check that you are using the
correct card type (see Technical
Specifications).
2. Check that Card Thickness
Control lever is properly adjusted
(see Loading Cards in Chapter 2).
3. If 2 cards are fed into the
printer at the same time:
Open cover and remove Card
Cleaning Cartridge, empty the
Card Feeder, and pull the jammed
cards out. Replace the Card
Cleaning Cartridge.
Remove cards from Card Feeder,
separate them as shown in
Loading Cards in Chapter 2, and
replace.
4. Check that ribbon is loaded
correctly.
The LCD Panel displays
ENCODING ERROR message. 1. Check that you are using the
correct magnetic card type (for
low or high coercivity encoding).
2. Verify command syntax.
3. Contact Zebra technical
support.
The LCD Panel displays
CLEAN PRINTER message. 1. Printer cleaning required (see
Chapter 4).
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Issues
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 37
Print Quality Issues
This section will help you resolve print quality problems. The print quality is dependent on
several factors. The two most important factors that will increase your print quality are
cleanliness and card stock. To diagnose and fix print quality problems, follow the
troubleshooting procedures below:
Possible Cause:
• Contamination on the card surface.
Solutions:
• Check that cards are stored in a dust free environment.
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Dust inside the printer and/or dirty Cleaning Roller.
Solutions:
• Perform a Cleaning of the printer (see Chapter 4).
• Replace Cleaning Roller (see Chapter 4).
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge is not correctly positioned.
Solutions:
• Ensure that the ribbon is properly rolled onto the ribbon cores of the cartridge and that
there are no wrinkles in the ribbon.
• Replace ribbon cassette, making sure it locks in place.
Example 1 • Small spots appear on the printed card with a non-printed area or a different
color.
Example 2 • There are non-printing horizontal lines (white) on the card surfaces.
38 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Issues
Possible Cause:
• Print Head is dirty.
Solution:
• Clean the Print Head
Possible Cause:
• Print Head elements are damaged (e.g., scratched or burnt).
Solution:
• Call Zebra Customer Service for Print Head replacement information.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon has been stored improperly or is damaged.
Solution:
• Change ribbon and print again.
Possible Cause:
• Cards may not meet specifications.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Contrast and/or Intensity may be set to incorrect values.
Solution:
• Adjust Contrast and/or Intensity values in software.
Possible Cause:
• Head Settings are too low / high.
Solution:
• Adjust Head Settings higher / lower.
Example 3 • Printing shows very pale, very dark, or inconsistent results
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Issues
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 39
Possible Cause:
• Dust or embedded contamination on elements of the Print Head.
Solution:
• Perform a Cleaning of the Print Head (see Chapter 4).
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon cartridge may not be correctly positioned.
Solution:
• Check that the ribbon is properly rolled onto the ribbon cores of the cartridge.
• Replace ribbon cartridge, making sure it locks in place, and print again.
Possible Cause:
• Ribbon may not be synchronized on the correct color panel position.
Solution:
• Open the Print Head Carriage, then close it. This will cause the ribbon to re-
synchronize.
Possible Cause:
• Cards may not meet specifications.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause:
• Dust or embedded contamination inside the printer and/or dirty Cleaning Roller.
Solution:
• Clean the Print Head.
• Replace the Cleaning Roller.
Example 4 • Printing shows blurry printed image.
40 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Issues
Possible Cause
• Ribbon may not be installed in the printer.
Solution:
• Check for ribbon in the printer.
Possible Cause
• Cards may not meet specifications.
Solution:
• Use a different supply of cards.
Possible Cause
• Print Head elements may be scratched or burnt.
Solution
• Call Service for Print Head replacement information.
Possible Cause
• Using the wrong type of ribbon.
Solution:
•Use only i Series ribbons for full color printing.
Example 5 • No printing on the card.
Example 6 • Only one panel of a color ribbon prints.
Note • For optimum print quality, always keep the Main Cover and the Card Feeder Cover of
the printer closed.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 41
Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter
Resetting to Factory Defaults
To reset the Ethernet Adapter configuration parameters to the factory defaults, press the
Ethernet Switch
and hold it in while turning the printer power on. Keep the Panel Button pressed until the
Status Indicator light turns green, then release the Ethernet Switch. To print a configuration
card, press and hold the Ethernet Switch until a card starts to print.
Ethernet Adapter Status Indicator
A bi-color Status Indicator displays the operational status of the Ethernet Adapter.The
following conditions might occur:
1. During normal operation, the LED is solid green for more than 30 seconds. This indicates
all the hardware is functioning properly and the Ethernet Adapter has detected the
presence of the network. It does not mean the Ethernet Adapter has an IP address or is
attached to a printer queue.
2. If the LED is rapidly flashing green (9 times/sec), the Ethernet Adapter has not detected
the presence of a network cable. To solve the problem:
• Verify that the network cable is appropriate for the network and has an RJ-45
connector.
• Turn the printer power off (O). Remove the network cable from the Ethernet Adapter.
Plug the network cable back in until you hear a positive click. Check the other end of
the cable in the same manner. Turn the printer power on; if the Ethernet Adapter still
does not detect a cable, continue.
• Connect the Ethernet Adapter to a known good network connection. If the Ethernet
Adapter is still unable to detect the network cable, contact Technical Support for
assistance.
3. If the LED is slowly flashing green (1 time/sec), the Ethernet Adapter is trying to print a
job. If the job does not print, check the following:
• Verify that the printer has media and ribbon. If the printer is showing any errors, it is
unlikely that the Ethernet Adapter can send data to the printer. The LED continues to
blink until the printer malfunction is resolved or until the printer is turned off (O).
• Flashing red indicates the Power On Self Test (POST) is in progress.
4. If the LED is solid red for more than 30 seconds, the Ethernet Adapter has failed the
POST. A failed POST can be caused by any of the following:
• The printer attached to the Ethernet Adapter device is malfunctioning. Turn the
printer power off, wait 10 seconds, then turn the printer back on ( | ).
• If the Ethernet Adapter still fails the POST, the Ethernet Adapter has a hardware
problem that can be fixed only by replacing or returning the unit. Contact Technical
Support for repair or replacement information.
Important • Cables with a rating higher than CAT-6 have not been tested.
42 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter
5. If the LED is alternately flashing red and green for longer than 2 minutes, the Ethernet
Adapter is in firmware-download mode. This means it is waiting for new firmware data to
be sent before it continues normal functioning. Perform the following:
• If the Ethernet Adapter was purposely put into firmware-download mode, finish the
download with the proper update utility. Contact the Zebra web site at
http://www.zebra.com to download this utility.
• Contact Technical Support for help recovering this unit.
Network Status/Activity Indicator
A bi-color Status/Activity LED indicates network speed, established link, and network
activity.
1. If the LED is off, no link was established.
2. If the LED is solid green, a 100Base link is established.
3. If the LED is flashing green, a 100Base link is established and network activity has been
detected.
4. If the LED is solid orange, a 10Base link is established.
5. If the LED is flashing orange, a 10Base link was established and network activity has
been detected.
Network activity detected by this LED does not mean the activity is data for the print server.
The activity is all activity on the network seen on the Ethernet Adapter.
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 43
6
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
• Full color dye-sublimation card printing
• 25 seconds per card single-sided color printing (YMCKO)
• Monochrome thermal transfer printing
• 4 seconds per card monochrome
Ribbon Specifications
• Patented ribbon core and spindle system
•i Series technology featuring RFID
Card Specifications
• Types: PVC or Composite
• Card Width/length ISO CR-80 - ISO 7810, 2.125" (54 mm) x 3.375" (86 mm)
• Option: Magnetic Stripe - ISO 7811
• Card thickness: 10-60 mil (0.25-1.5 mm) ± 10%
• Card feeder capacity: up to 100 cards (30mil) (Optional high-capacity feeder: up
to 220 cards)
• Card output hopper capacity: 100 cards (30mil)
Note • "i Series" Printers require the use of "i Series" ribbons for full color printing. For
more information about Card Media and Ribbons available from Zebra Technologies Corp.,
please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied
with this printer.
44 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Technical Specifications
Bar Codes
Bar Codes
• Code 39, Code 128 B & C with & without check digit
• 2 of 5 and 2 of 5 interleaved
• UPC-A, EAN8, and EAN13
• PDF-417 2D bar code and other symbologies available via Windows printer driver
Fonts
• Arial and Arial Bold
• True Type fonts available via Windows Driver
Card Dimensions
ISO Standard 7810 Dimensions for Plain Card
ISO Standard 7811 Dimensions for Magnetic Stripe Card
0.125 in
Radius
(3.18 mm)
3.375 ± 0.01 in
(85.72 ± 0.25 mm)
2.125 ± 0.002 in
(53.98 ± 0.050 mm)
0.009 ~ 0.033 in
(0.23 ~ 0.84 mm)
0.218in (5.54mm) m
a
0.623in (15.82mm) min
0 ~ 0.115in (2.92m
m
0 ~ 0.115in (2.92mm) max
Technical Specifications
Bi-Directional Communications Interfaces
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 45
Contact Location for Smart Card ISO Standard 7816
Bi-Directional Communications Interfaces
•USB
• Built-in Ethernet (optional)
Mechanical Specifications
• Width: 18.2 in (462 mm)
• Depth: 9.4 in (239 mm)
• Height: 10.1 in (256 mm)
• Weight: 15.5 lbs (7 kg)
Electrical
• 110 ~ 230 Volts AC ± 10% (100 - 254 V), 60 ~ 50 Hz ± 3Hz (47 - 63 Hz)
• FCC, CE, UL, and CUL approved
Environmental
• Operating Temperature: 60°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• Operating Humidity: 20% to 65% non condensing
• Storage Temperature: 23°F to 158°F (-5°C to 70°C)
• Storage Humidity: 20% to 70% non-condensing
• Ventilation: Reasonably dust free air environment
Options
• Built-in Ethernet network communications
• Three track magnetic stripe encoder (standard and reverse)
• High capacity feeder (220 30-mil cards)
• Contactless encoding (MIFARE and HID iCLASS)
• Contact encoding (Station and encoder)
0.403 in (10.25 mm)
0.782 in (19.87 mm)
0.757 in
(19.23 mm) 1.124 in
(28.55 mm)
46 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Technical Specifications
Options
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 47
APPENDIX A
Magnetic Card Encoder
Introduction
This Appendix includes operation and maintenance requirements for the P330i Printer
with the optional magnetic card stripe encoder. (See Chapter 2 for location of the Magnetic
Card Stripe Encoder.)
The magnetic encoder can be set for either high or low coercivity. Use the printer driver to
change the encoder setting.
Media Loading Orientation
The magnetic encoder may be installed with the read/write head positioned below the card
path. Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder upgrade kits are also available.
When loading cards with magnetic stripes into the card feeder, please ensure that the
magnetic stripe is down and nearer to the rear of the printer.
Also available are Printer models with the Magnetic Read/Write head positioned above the
card path. When loading cards into one of these models, ensure that the magnetic stripe is
up and nearer to the rear of the printer.
48 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Magnetic Card Encoder
Sample Encoding Program
Sample Encoding Program
Refer to the Programmer’s Manual (part number 98001-001).
Magnetic Encoder Cleaning
The Magnetic Encoder Read/Write Head is cleaned as part of the printer cleaning process. If
the frequency of encoding errors increases, the magnetic encoder head may need cleaning.
When to Clean
When the LCD Panel displays the message ENCODING ERROR at an increasing frequency.
How to Clean
1. Leave power on.
2. Press and hold the front panel button for a few seconds.
3. Open the main cover and release the Print Head Carriage latch, raise the Print Head
Carriage, and remove the ribbon. Close the Print Head Carriage.
4. Close the main cover.
5. Open the Card Feeder cover and remove any cards.
6. Insert a Pre-Saturated Cleaning Card (provided) into the slot below the Card Feeder. The
cleaning card will feed into the printer and carry out the cleaning process. Repeat the
process with a new cleaning card if necessary.
7. Additional cleaning of the magnetic head can be accomplished using the alcohol-soaked
swabs provided with the printer. Follow the directions given in Section 4.
Note • ONLY USE cards that comply with ISO 7810 and 7811 standards for magnetic stripe
cards. The magnetic stripe must be flush to the surface of the card to work properly. Never
use cards which have taped-on magnetic stripes.
Magnetic Card Encoder
ISO Standard Encoding
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 49
ISO Standard Encoding
Track # Field
Separator Track
Density Valid
Characters # of
characters
1 ^ 210 BPI* Alphanumeric
(ASCII 20~95†)79‡
2 = 75 BPI* Numeric
(ASCII 48~62)
40‡
3 = 210 BPI* Numeric
(ASCII 48~62)
107‡
*Bits per inch
†Except the “?” character
‡Including Start, Stop, and LRC characters. Also note that these 3 characters are
automatically managed by the magnetic encoder according to the ISO Standard
Norms.
Note • Refer to the Card Printer Programmer’s Manual for complete programming
information.
50 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Magnetic Card Encoder
ISO Standard Encoding
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 51
APPENDIX B
Smart Card Contact Station
This section contains information on the additional operations of a P330i Printer equipped
with the optional Smart Card Contact Station. (See Chapter 2 for location.)
Introduction
Smart Cards can have a built-in microcomputer and/or memory to store fingerprints, voice
recognition patterns, medical records, and other such data. The P330i Printer may be
equipped with an optional contact station for programming Smart Cards (ISO 7816). This
printer model responds to commands that position the card at the contact station, where the
printer connects to the contacts on the Smart Card. All other printer operations remain the
same as the standard P330i model.
Media Loading Orientation
Orient the cards with the gold-plated Smart Card contacts at the top surface of the card and
facing to the left.
52 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Smart Card Contact Station
Smart Card Contact Station Interface
Smart Card Contact Station Interface
When a command to the printer interface sends a card to the Smart Card Contact Station, the
printer connects the Smart Card Contact Station to the female DB-9 connector on the rear of
the printer.
An attached external Smart Card Programmer can be used to program Smart Card chips. The
following table shows the Smart Card Contact Points.
DB-9 Pin Smart Card Contact Points DB-9 Pin Smart Card Contact Points
1C1 (VCC) 6 C6 (Vpp)
2C2 (Reset) 7 C7 (I/O)
3C3 (Clock) 8 C8 (RFU)
4C4 (RFU) 9 (GND when chip is at station)
5C5 (GND)
DB-9 Connector location for
Smart Card Contact Station
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 53
APPENDIX C
Connecting to a Network
Card printers can be connected to an Ethernet network in three ways.
Printer Sharing
In printer sharing, the printer is connected locally to the host computer and configured to
be shared to other client computers. Client computers connect to the printer over the
network through the host computer.
54 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Connecting to a Network
External Print Server
External Print Server
A stand alone device that acts as a server on the network specifically for receiving print jobs
and passing them to the printer. Client computers connect to the print server over a network.
Internal Print Server
Similar to an external print server, except the print server is integrated into the printer. This
removes the need for a separate power supply and separate device drivers. This is the simplest
way to network a printer.
980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1 P330i User’s Manual 55
APPENDIX D
Worldwide Sales & Support
Sales and Support Locations
The Americas:
Zebra Technologies, LLC
Card Printer Solutions Headquarters
1001 Flynn Road
Camarillo, CA 93012-8706 USA
Phone: + 1 (805) 579 1800
Fax: + 1 (805) 579 1808
Toll free in US: (800) 452-4056
e-mail: cards@zebra.com
Europe:
Zebra Technologies Europe Limited
Zebra House
The Valley Centre, Gordon Road
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK
Phone: + 44 (0) 870 241 1527
Fax: + 44 (0) 870 241 0765
e-mail: eurosales@zebra.com
56 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev C Prelim 1
Worldwide Sales & Support
Website
Latin America Sales Office:
9800 NW 41st Street, Suite 220
Doral, FL 33178 USA
Phone: + 1 (305) 558 3100
Fax: + 1 (305) 558-8485
e-mail: latinsales@zebra.com
Asia Pacific:
Zebra Technologies Asia Pacific, LLC
16 New Industrial Road
#05-03 Hudson TechnoCentre
Singapore 536204
Phone: + 65 6858 0722
Fax: + 65 6885 0836
e-mail: asiasales@zebra.com
Website
www.zebracard.com