Zebra Technologies RFID-R402-2 Thermal Printer with RFID Capability User Manual Part 3
Zebra Technologies Corporation Thermal Printer with RFID Capability Users Manual Part 3
Contents
- 1. Users Manual Part 1
- 2. Users Manual Part 2
- 3. Users Manual Part 3
- 4. Revised Pages for Users Manual 042402
Users Manual Part 3
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1.png)
Operator Controls
Power Switch
Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer.
CAUTION: The power should be turned off before connecting or
disconnecting the communications and power cables.
Feed Button
Forces the printer to feed one blank label.
Takes the printer out of a “pause” condition. (The printer is put into
“pause” by either a ZPL II command or an error condition.) See “What the
Status Light is Telling You” on page .
Used for printer setup and status (see “Feed Button Modes” on page ).
Status Light
Functions as a printer operational indicator (see “What the Status Light is
Telling You” on page ).
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg2.png)
Printing a Test Label
Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer
is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration
label
1. Make sure the media is properly loaded and the top cover of the printer
is closed. Then, turn the printer power on if you have not already done
so.
2. When the status light is solid green, press and hold the feed button until
the status light flashes once.
3. Release the feed button. A configuration label will print.
If you cannot get this label to print, refer to Troubleshooting.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg3.png)
Hooking Up the Printer and Computer
This printer comes with a bidirectional parallel data interface. You must
supply the required interface cable for your application.
CAUTIONS:Keep the power switch in the OFF position when
attaching the interface cable.
The power supply barrel connector must be inserted
into the power supply receptacle on the back of the
printer before connecting or disconnecting the com-
munications cables.
This printer complies with FCC “Rules and Regula-
tions,” Part 15, for Class B Equipment, using fully
shielded six-foot data cables. Use of longer cables or
unshielded cables may increase radiated emissions
above the Class B limits.
Parallel Interface Requirements
The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a
standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the
parallel port located on the back of the printer. The other end of the parallel
interface cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer.
For pinout information, refer to page .
Interface Cable Requirements
Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with metal or
metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to
prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise.
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:
Keep data cables as short as possible (6’ [1.83 m] recommended).
Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.
Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg4.png)
Communicating with the Printer
When using the parallel port, typically there is no setup is required once the
cable is plugged in. If you should encounter any problems, consult the
user’s guide that came with your computer.
Adjusting the Print Width
Print width must be calibrated when:
■You are using the printer for the first time.
■There is a change in the width of the media.
Print width may be set by way of the five-flash sequence in “Feed Button
Modes” (see page ) or refer to the Print Width (^PW) command (consult
your ZPL II Programming Guide).
Adjusting the Print Darkness
The relative darkness setting is controlled by either the six-flash sequence in
“Feed Button Modes” (see page ) or the Set Darkness (~SD) ZPL II
command (follow the instructions in the ZPL II Programming Guide).
Adjusting the Print Speed
Print quality is affected by print speed and the media you are using. Only
by experimenting will you find the optimal mix for your application.
If you find that the print speed needs to be adjusted, refer to the Print Rate
(^PR) command in the ZPL II Programming Guide.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg5.png)
Operation & Options
This section helps you get the most from your printer.
You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. For
example, the ~JL command controls label length. For detailed information
about creating labels using ZPL II, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide
or visit our web site at www.zebra.com.
To improve print quality, changing both print speed and density may be
required to achieve the desired results. Your application’s printer driver
provides control of the speed and heat (density).
Thermal Printing
The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the
print head and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use
only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance.
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the
human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or
electronic components used in this device. You must observe static-safe
procedures when working with the print head or the electronic components
under the top cover.
You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When
printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using
ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer’s ribbon sensor
detects motion of the supply spindle.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg6.png)
Replacing Supplies
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while
reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). The printer
automatically restarts after you load a new label or ribbon roll.
Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive
backed labels are used that don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed
edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the
label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Permanent damage to the
print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be wound
incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to the print head.
Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer.
Adding a New Transfer Ribbon
If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the indicator lights orange
and the printer waits for you to add a fresh roll.
1. Keep the power on as you change ribbon.
2. Open the top cover, then cut the used ribbon so you can remove the
cores.
3. Load a new ribbon roll. Refer to page for this procedure.
4. Close the top cover.
5. Press the Feed button to restart printing.
Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon
To remove used transfer ribbon, perform the following steps.
1. Cut the ribbon from the take-up roll.
2. Remove the take-up roll and discard used ribbon.
3. Remove the supply roll and tape the end of any fresh ribbon to prevent
it from unwrapping.
When reinstalling a partially used supply roll, tape the cut end onto the
empty take-up roll.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg7.png)
Printing in Peel-Mode
The optional dispenser allows you to print
in “peel-mode” where the label backing
follows a different path and the labels are
presented one at a time for subsequent
placement.
1. Remove several labels from the
backing material.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Open the dispenser door.
4. Switch on the label-taken sensor.
5. Insert the backing in front of the peel
bar and behind the peel roller.
6. Close the dispenser door.
7. Close the top cover.
8. Press the Feed button to advance the
label.
During the print job, the printer will peel
off the backing and present a single label.
Take the label from the printer so it will
print the next label.
ON OFF
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg8.png)
Printing on Fan-Fold Media
Printing on fan-fold media requires you to
set both the media hangers and the media
guides in position.
1. Open the top cover.
2. With a sample of your media, adjust
the media hangers to the width of the
media. The hangers should just touch,
but not restrict, the edges of the
media.
3. Tighten the screw using a small
Phillips driver #1.
4. With a sample of your media, adjust
the guides to the width of the media.
The guides should just touch, but not
restrict, the edges of the media.
5. Insert the media through the slot at the
rear of the printer.
6. Run the media between the hangers
and guides.
7. Close the top cover.
Lock-down
Screw
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg9.png)
RFID Guidelines
RFID is an abbreviation for radio frequency identification. To use the
RFID capabilities of this printer, you will need the appropriate media which
have incorporated into them a transponder.
These RFID transponders have coils built into them. You can write data to
(encode) and read data from the transponder’s memory, and obtain certain
information regarding the status of the RFID subsystem. This printer has an
antenna that encodes the transponder within the media. When a transponder
lines up over the antenna, you are able to communicate to it to get
information and write to the transponder.
Following your Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) commands, the
printer first transfers data to the RFID transponder in the media, then prints
bar code and human-readable data on the media.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bga.png)
Each transponder has blocks that are written and read through ZPL
commands. The ZPL commands allow you to adjust the number of retries
to get a successful execution of the command. If a block cannot be written
within the number of retries, then the media is fed out with a VOID type
error message.
After the printer feeds the failed media, the printer attempts to write to
another transponder in the next label, tag, or ticket. The rewriting follows
the same series of commands, and the same number of retries for each
block. If the printer fails to program this transponder, then the printer also
feeds this media with a VOID message. The printer attempts one final
attempt time to write (encode), and if unsuccessful, prints a third VOID
media.
No customer format information appears on media that fails to be written.
After three VOID feeds, the printer removes the customer format from the
print queue, and proceeds with the next format (if one exists in the buffer).
Supported Transponders
The R402 supports several transponder types:
■Tag-it
■I•Code
■Picotag 2K
■ISO 15693
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bgb.png)
Tag-it Transponders
Tag-it labels are high frequency (13.56MHz) devices. Tag-it is a read/write
RFID transponder with 256 bits of storage capacity for user data. Data is
addressed in eight blocks of 32 bits, each block containing four bytes.
Tag-It Blocks
Block # Description Bytes
0 User Data
32 User
1 User Data
2 User Data
3 User Data
4 User Data
5 User Data
6 User Data
7 User Data
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bgc.png)
I Code Transponders
I-Code transponders are high frequency (13.56MHz) devices but have 512
bits of storage capacity. Data is addressed in sixteen blocks of 32 bits, each
block containing four bytes. The first two blocks of data (block 0 and 1) are
used for storage of a unique 64 bit serial number. The next two blocks
(blocks 2 and 3) are used for storage of configuration information; block 4
is used for family or application identification and blocks 5 to 15 are free
for user application use.
If you are using I-Code transponders for your own use, and don’t require
universal special function or family codes, then you can program blocks 3
through 15.
I-Code Blocks
Block # Description Bytes
0 Serial Number (write protected)
1 Serial Number (write protected)
2 Write Protect Block (Caution*)
3 Special Function Block 8 Optional
4 Family Code
5 User Data
40 User
6 User Data
7 User Data
8 User Data
9 User Data
10 User Data
11 User Data
12 User Data
13 User Data
14 User Data
15 User Data
* The bits in block 2 determine the write access conditions for itself and
each of the remaining blocks. You can leave blocks 2 through 15 open or
you can write-protect them. Write-protected blocks (included block 2) can
never be written to from the moment they are locked
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bgd.png)
Picotag Transponders
Picotag transponders use 13.56 MHz frequency. For details regarding this
transponder, refer to the INSIDE TECHNOLOGIES specification.
Picotag 2K
Block Byte number within a block
01234567
0 Serial Number (64 bits)
1FFh Application
16-bit OTP
Area
Block
Write
Lock
Tun-
ing
Cap 1Fh E.A.
S. Fuses
2 Application Issuer Area
3
Application Area4
5
6
Block Write Lockable Application Area
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Application Area...
31
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bge.png)
ISO-15693 Transponders
You can use up to 256 blocks or use one block size up to 256 bits (32
bytes). There is no definite memory map organization as it depends on
what you might implement.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bgf.png)
ZPL II Commands for RFID
^WT – Write Tag
The format for the ^WT instruction is:
^WTb,r,m,w,s
where
^WT = Write Tag command
b = Block Number
Default value: 0
Other values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of
blocks for the tag
This is the starting block number. If the user sends more than a block of
data it will overflow into the next block. If the user overflows the block and
subsequent blocks cause errors (write protects, beyond range, etc.), the
write will be aborted, but blocks already written will not revert to original
contents. It’s up to the caller to ensure blocks aren’t accidentally
overwritten.
r = Retries
Default value: 0
Other values: 1 to 10, number of retries
m = motion
Default value: 0 (Feed label after writing)
Other value: 1 (No Feed after writing, other ZPL may cause
a feed)
w = Write protect
Default value: 0 (NOT write protected)
Other value: 1 (Write protect)
s = Special mode
Reserved
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg10.png)
^RT – Read Tag
The format for the ^RT instruction is:
^RT#,b,n,f,r,m,s
where
^RT = Read Tag command
# = Number to be assigned to the Field
Default value: 0
Other Values: 1 to 9999
b = Starting Block Number
Default value: 0
Other values: 1 to n, where n is the maximum number of
blocks for the tag
n = Number of blocks to read
Default value: 1
Other values: 2 to n, where n is maximum number of blocks
minus starting block number. In other words, if the tag has 8
blocks (starting with block 0) and you’re starting with block 6,
n can be 2. This would give you block 6 and block 7
information.
f = Format
Default value: 0 ASCII
Other values: 1 Hexadecimal
r = Retries
Default value: 0
Other values: 1 to 10, number of retries
m = motion
Default value: 0 (Feed label after writing)
Other value: 1 (No Feed after writing, other ZPL may cause
a feed)
s = Special Mode
Default value: 0
Other values: 1 to 255, to specify more detailed mode control.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg11.png)
^RT – Read Tag (continued)
Example: This reads a block from a tag, and prints it on a label:
^XA
^FO20,120^A0N,60^FN1^FS
^FO20,100^A0N,20^FN2^FS
^RT1,0,7,3,0,5,0,0^FS
^RT2,0,2,2,0,5,0,0^FS
^XZ
The first ^RT command automatically detects the tag type, starting at block
7, reads three blocks of data in ASCII format. It will retry the command 5
times if necessary. A “void” label will be generated if the read is
unsuccessful after ‘r’ retries. The data read will go into the ^FN1 location
of the recalled format.
The second ^RT command automatically detects the tag type, string at
block 2, reads two blocks of data in ASCII format. It retries up to 5 times.
The data read will go into the ^FN2 location of the recalled format.
The data can be sent back to the host via the ^HV command.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg12.png)
^RS – RFID Setup
The format for the ^RS instruction is:
^RSt
where
t = tag type
Default value: 0 –NONE (No tags available)
Other values:
1- Auto detect (automatically determine the
tag type, by querying the tag)
2- Tag-it (Texas Instruments Tag-it tags)
3- I •Code (Philips I·Code tags)
^RI – RFID Get Tag Unique ID
The format for the ^RI instruction is:
^RIn
where
n = field number to store the unique ID
The unique ID will be read from the tag and available to
print or return to the host computer.
Example: This reads a block from a tag, and prints it on a label:
^XA
^FO100,100^A0N, 60^FN0^FS
^RI0^FS
^XZ
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg13.png)
Sample of RFID Programming
ZPL IITM is Zebra Technologies Corporation’s Zebra Programming
Language II label design language. ZPL II lets you create a wide variety of
labels from the simple to the very complex, including text, bar codes, and
graphics.
This section is not intended as an introduction to ZPL II. If you are a new
ZPL II user, order a copy of the ZPL II Programming Guide (part# 46530L)
or go to the internet address http://support.zebra.com and select the
Documentation Button to download the guide.
For your programming, do the following:
1. Set up the printer and turn the power on.
2. Use any word processor or text editor capable of creating ASCII-only
files (ex: Microsoft Word® and save as a .txt file) and type in the label
format exactly as shown in the sample label format that follow.
3. Save the file in a directory for future use. Use the “.zpl” extension.
4. Copy the file to the printer.
From the DOS command window, use the “COPY” command to send a
file to the Zebra printer. For example, if your file name is
format1.zpl
then type, “COPY FORMAT 1.ZPL XXXX”, where “XXXX” is the
port to which your Zebra printer is connected, for example, “COM1” or
“LPT1.”
5. Compare your results with those shown. If your printout does not look
like the one shown, confirm that the file you created is identical to the
format shown, then repeat the printing procedure. If nothing prints,
refer to the “Getting Started” section to make sure your system is set up
correctly, otherwise refer to the “Troubleshooting and Diagnostics”
section.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg14.png)
Line # Type this label format Resulting printout
1.
^XA
ZEBRA
5A65627261000000
2.
^WT6^FDZebra^FS
3.
^FO100,100^A0n,60^FN0^FS
4.
^FO100,200^A0n,40^FN1^FS
5.
^RT0,6,2^FS
6.
^RT1,6,2,1
7.
^XZ
Line 1 Indicates start of label format.
Line 2 Writes the data “Zebra” to block 6 for the tag (one byte will
spill into block 7, since we have 4 bytes/block.
Line 3 Print field number ‘0’ at location 100,100.^FN0 is replaced
by what we read on line #5.
Line 4 Print field number ‘1’ at location 100,200. ^FN1 is replaced
by what we read on line #6.
Line 5 Read Tag into field number 0, starting at block 6, lasting for 2
blocks in ASCII format (default).
Line 6 Read Tag into field number 1, starting at block 6, lasting for 2
blocks in hexadecimal format.
Line 7 End of label format.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg15.png)
Maintenance
Cleaning
Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technologies Corporation
will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials
used on this printer.
Printer Part Method Interval
Print head
After allowing the print head to cool for approximately
one minute, use 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton
swab to clean the print elements from end to end (the
print elements are located in the thin gray line on the
print head). NOTE: You do not have to turn off the
printer to do this.
If print quality has not improved after performing this
procedure, try cleaning the print head with Save-a-Print
Head cleaning film. This specially coated material
removes contamination buildup without damaging the
print head. Call your authorized reseller for more
information.
After every
five rolls of
media
Platen roller Manually rotate the platen roller. Clean it thoroughly
with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab or
lint-free cloth.
Peel bar Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.
As needed
Tear bar Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.
Exterior Water-dampened cloth
Interior Brush or air blow
Lubrication
No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some
commercially available lubricants, if used, will damage the finish and the
mechanical parts inside the printer.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg16.png)
Parts List
ITEM DESCRIPTION PART
NUMBER
1 Latch Assembly 105910-052
2 Feed Switch/Sensor Assy (set of 3) 105910-064
3 Upper Cover Support (set of 3) 105910-066
4Print Head Assy - 4” TLP
Print Head Cable Assy. 105910-053
105910-065
5 Head Up Sensor 105910-072
6 Gap/Blackline Sensor PCBA (set of 3) 105910-054
7Platen Kit (standard set of 3)
Platen Kit, Liner Free 105910-055
105910-056
8Front Bezel (standard set of 10)
Front Bezel, Dispenser (single) 105910-057
105910-022
9 Housing, Base (set of 3) 105910-058
10 Rubber Foot Kit (set of 24) 105910-007
11 Main Control PCBA (RFID)
12 Bottom Frame Assy 105910-059
13 Upper Cover Assy 105910-060
14 Ribbon Out Sensor (set of 3) 105910-067
15 Ribbon Carriage w/o printhead 105910-061
Not
Shown Motor (set of 2)
Power Supply, 100V-240V
Power Cord, U.S. 120V IEC320C13 (set of 5)
User’s Manual, R402
ZPL II Programmer’s Manual 980389-001
46530L
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg17.png)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg18.png)
Replacing the Print Head
In the event you need to replace the print
head, make sure your work area is
prepared by protecting against static
discharge. Your work area must be
static-safe and include a properly
grounded conductive cusioned mat to hold
the printer a conductive wrist strap for
yourself.
Removal
Before following the steps in this
procedure, open the printer by pulling the
release latches forward then lifting the top
cover. Remove any ribbon from the
carriage.
1. Grasp the print head spring and pull it
to the left; then, slide it free of the
carriage.
2. Use the spring to pry the print head
clip off the right side of the carriage.
3. Pull the print head and bracket
forward.
4. Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the
screw that holds the ground wire.
5. Unplug both bundles of print head
wires from their connectors.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg19.png)
REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD (Continued)
Assembly
The new print head comes with the clip
and ground screw attached.
1. Align the print head and bracket to
plug the left and right connectors into
the black and white wire bundles.
2. Attach the ground wire and secure it
with the screw. Use a #2 Phillips
driver to tighten it.
3. Insert the bracket pegs into the left
side of the carriage.
4. Align the right side of the bracket and
insert the print head clip through the
right side of the ribbon carriage into
the bracket.
5. Slip the left end of the print head
spring into the left side of the ribbon
carriage; then slide the right end into
the other side. The angle of the “v”
fits into the indent on top of the print
head bracket.
6. Clean the print head with the cleaning
pen.
Reload media and ribbon. Plug in the
power cord, turn on the printer and run an
automatic or manual calibration to ensure
proper function.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1a.png)
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1b.png)
Troubleshooting
Resolutions
1. The printer is not receiving power.
■Have you turned on the printer power?
■Check power connections from the wall outlet to the power supply, and
from the power supply to the printer.
2. The printer is on and in an idle state.
What the Status Light is Telling You
Status LED
Condition and Color Printer
Status For a Resolution,
Refer to:
Off Off 1
Solid Green On 2
Flashing Yellow Stopped 3
Flashing Green Normal
Operation 4
Flashing Red Stopped 5
Double Flashing Green Paused 6
Solid Yellow Various 7
Alternately Flashing Green and Red Needs Service 8
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1c.png)
3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST).
■If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an
authorized reseller for assistance.
There is a shortage of memory.
■If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power
off and on. Then, resume printing.
4. The printer is receiving data.
■As soon as all of the data has been received, the status LED will turn
green; then, the printer will automatically resume operation.
5. The media is out.
■Load a roll of media, following the instructions in “Loading the Media”
on page . Then, press the feed button to resume printing.
The print head is open.
■Close the top cover. Then, press the feed button to resume printing.
6. The printer is paused.
■Press the feed button to resume printing.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1d.png)
7. The print head is under temperature.
■Continue printing while the print head reaches the correct operating
temperature.
The print head is over temperature.
■Printing will stop until the print head cools to an acceptable printing
temperature. When it does, the printer will automatically resume
operation.
8. FLASH memory is not programmed.
■Return the printer to an authorized reseller.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1e.png)
Print Quality Problems
No print on the label.
■You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require.
When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media.
When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's
ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spindle.
■Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions in “Loading the
Media” on page .
The printed image does not look right.
■The print head is dirty. Clean the print head according to the
instructions on page .
■The print head is under temperature.
■Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed. Refer to the six-flash
sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 50, or the ^PR and ~SD
commands in the ZPL II Programming Guide.
■The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use
the recommended media for your application, and always use
Zebra-approved labels and tags.
There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on
several labels.
■The print Head is dirty. Clean the print Head according to the
instructions on page .
■The print Head elements are damaged. Replace the print Head (see
“Replacing the Print Head” on page ).
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg1f.png)
The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting of
one to three labels.
■The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refer to
“Loading the Media” on page .
■The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to “Auto Calibration” on page .
■The correct media sensor may not be activated. Manual calibration
selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the
^MN command in the ZPL II Programming Guide).
■Verify that the Label Top (^LT) command is correctly set for your
application (consult the ZPL II Programming Guide).
A label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.
■Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the feed button.
■If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to “What the Status LED is
Telling You” on page 50.
■Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.
■A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the
correct communications port on the computer is selected. Next, verify
that the same handshaking is in use by both the printer and the computer.
Then, ensure that the baud rates of the printer and the computer match.
Refer to “Communicating with the Printer” on page .
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg20.png)
RFID Symptoms
RFID tags generally not programmed
■Is the printer set up correctly? Print a status page to verify RFID
version.
■Check if supported RFID media is loaded correctly.
VOID messages are printed across media.
■Verify tag type is properly selected in ZPL II. Use RFID media with
supported tag type. Edit ZPL II to select proper tag type or increase
retries.
■ZPL II is attempting to write to a non-existent block. Some tags’ blocks
are identified as 0-7. If ZPL II attempts to write to block “8,” it will fail.
■Verify voided tag on external reader. Discard bad tags if this is a media
problem.
Nothing is printed.
■See if the correct media is loaded or load new, fresh media.
■See if tags can be read/programmed using other hardware.
■Verify ZPL II RFID commands. Debug the printing program.
■Tag is out of reach of the antenna or too close. Verify tag alignment.
■Wrong type of tag was selected. Check ZPL II.
■Block is write protected. Ensure that the tag is not write protected.
■Aluminum and other metals within tag may interfere with read/write.
Make sure media meet requirements.
■Increase the number of retries in the ZPL II commands.
■Time out may have occurred during internal communication. Cycle
power and try printing label again.
Call a service technician if you have been unsuccessful in getting your
expected print out and data.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg21.png)
Manual Calibration
Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed
labels (or label backing) or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate.
1. Turn on the printer power.
2. Remove approximately 4" (102 mm) of labels from a section of backing
material. Load the media so that only the backing material is threaded
through the printer and under the print Head.
3. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once,
then twice. Release the feed button.
4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used.
After it is done making this adjustment, the roll will automatically feed
until a label is positioned at the print Head.
5. A profile of the media sensor settings (similar to the example below)
will print. Upon completion, the printer will save the new settings in
memory and the printer is ready for normal operation.
6. Press the feed button. One entire blank label will feed. If this does not
happen, try defaulting (refer to the four-flash sequence in “Feed Button
Modes” on page 50) and recalibrating the printer.
NOTE: Performing a manual calibration disables the auto calibration
function. To return to auto calibration, default the printer (see the
four-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 50).
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg22.png)
Troubleshooting Tests
Printing a Configuration Label
To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the
one-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 50.
Recalibration
Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display unusual symptoms, such as
skipping labels. See “Auto Calibration” on page .
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg23.png)
Resetting the Factory Default Values
Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the
problems. Follow the four-flash sequence instructions in “Feed Button
Modes” on page 50.
Communications Diagnostics
If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try
putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode. The printer
will print the ASCII characters and their respective hexadecimal values (a
sample is shown in Figure 23) for any data received from the host
computer. To find out how, refer to the power off mode procedure in “Feed
Button Modes” on page 50.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg24.png)
Feed Button Modes
Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode)
With the printer power off, press and hold the feed button while you turn on the power. The printer
prints out a listing of its current configuration (see Figure 22). After printing the label, the printer will
automatically enter a diagnostic mode in which the printer prints out a literal representation (see Figure
23) of all data subsequently received. To exit the diagnostic mode and resume printing, turn off and then
turn on the printer.
Power On Modes
With the printer power on and top cover closed, press and hold the feed button for several seconds. The
green status LED will flash a number of times in sequence. The explanation at the right (Action) shows
what happens when you release the key after the specific number of flashes.
Flash
Sequence Action
* A configuration label prints.
*
**
The media sensor calibrates and a media sensor profile prints (see “Manual
Calibration” on page 47).
*
**
***
To reset the communication parameters: Press and release the feed button while
the LED rapidly flashes yellow and green. The serial communication parameters
reset to 9600 baud, 8 bits per character, no parity, 1 stop bit, and XON/XOFF.
For autobaud synchronization: Send a ZPL II format to the printer while the LED
rapidly flashes yellow and green. When the printer and host are synchronized, the
LED changes to solid green. NOTE: No labels will print during autobaud
synchronization.
*
**
***
****
Resets the factory defaults, auto calibrates, and saves settings into memory.
*
**
***
****
*****
The print width calibrates. While the status LED alternately flashes green and
yellow, a series of stacking rectangles print on the label. When the rectangle prints
to the outer edges of the label, press and release the feed button. The label width
and current communication parameters will be saved into memory.
*
**
***
****
*****
******
The print darkness calibrates. A series of nine samples print, starting with the
lightest and ending with the darkest image. When the desired print darkness is
achieved, press and release the feed button. The print darkness will be saved into
memory.
If the feed button remains pressed after a 7-flash sequence, the printer will ignore the button when it
is released.
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg25.png)
![](/img.php?id=238848&img=bg26.png)
Index
C
Calibration
Manual45
Cleaning35
Communications diagnostics47
Configuration label46
D
Defaulting the printer47
F
Factory defaults, resetting47 - 48
Feed button modes48
L
Lubrication35
M
Maintenance35
Manual calibration45
P
Print darkness, adjusting48
Print width, adjusting48
R
Recalibrating the printer46
Resetting the factory defaults47 - 48