Zebra 2844 Printer Users Manual IH 970

2844 Printer to the manual 983382ef-65b6-4ba5-8ba0-a83da5479667

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Thermal Printer
User’s Manual

2844

User’s Manual No. 980348-001 Rev. A
©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation

FOREWORD
This manual provides installation and operation information for the LP 2844 and the TLP 2844
series printers, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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 Technologies Corporation. 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 or implied that the document
is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to any specification. Zebra Technologies Corporation
reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose of product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS
LP 2844 and TLP 2844 are service marks of Zebra Technologies Corporation. Windows and
MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

LP 2844 and TLP 2844 Thermal Printers
European Council Directive
89/336/EEC

Compliance to Standards

EMC Directive

EN 55022-B 1998

RF Emissions control

EMC Directive

EN 55024 1998

Immunity to Electromagnetic Disturbances

92/31/EE

EMC Directive

EN 61000-3-2

Harmonic Emissions

92/31/EE

EMC Directive

EN 61000-3-3

Voltage Variation

CB Scheme

EN 60950 1991
A1, A2, A3, A4

Safety

FCC - DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY:
Models: LP 2844 and TLP 2844 conform to the following specification:
FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a) Class B
digital device
Supplemental Information:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following Two
Conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:
This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class B requirements.
Cet equipement est conforme a l’ICS-003 classe B de la norm Industrielle Canadian

980348-001 Rev. A

iii

SHOCK HAZARD WARNING:
The printer and power supply should never be operated in a
location where either one can get wet. Personal injury could
result.

MEDIA AND RIBBON WARNING:
Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If
adhesive backed labels are used that DO NOT 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.

RELOADING HINT:
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, DO NOT turn the
power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may result.
The printer automatically restarts after you load a new label or
ribbon roll.

STATIC DISCHARGE:
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. DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components under the top cover.

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.

980348-001 Rev. A

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation and Operation . . . .
Unpack Your Printer . . . . . .
Know Your Printer . . . . . . .
Installation . . . . . . . . . . .
AutoSense Media Gap Sensing
Operation . . . . . . . . . . .

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1
2
2
4
9
12

Using Options . . . . . . . . .
Using Transfer Ribbon . . . .
Using the Label Dispenser . .
Using Fan-Fold Media . . . .
Using the Media Cutter . . .

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13
14
19
20
21

Appendix A - Troubleshooting . .
Serial Interface Cable Wiring. .
Parallel Interface Cable Wiring .
Universal Serial Bus (USB). . .
Cleaning the Print Head . . . .
Cleaning the Platen . . . . . .

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31

980348-001 Rev. A

1
Installation and Operation
This section provides information on the
installation and operation of the printer.
The printer is a low cost, desktop thermal
printer. The printer is specifically designed for
printing labels, tags or continuous receipts (with
or without bar codes) from any DOS™, Windows™or ASCII-based compatible host. There
are two models of the printer.

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Unpack Your Printer

Know Your Printer

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Installation The following steps will guide you through the
installation of the printer and software.

Step ➊ Attach Power Supply To The Printer
Power OFF

Check Voltage
Plug in
Power
Module

Plug in
Power
Cord

Plug Power Cord
into a Suitable
AC Outlet

See the SHOCK HAZARD WARNING on page
iv.
4

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Step ➋ Attach Interface Cable
Serial

Parallel

Universal Serial Bus
(USB)

See Appendix A for cable wiring information.
980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Step ➌ Load Media
Power ON
MOVIE

Open Cover

Open Guides

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Load Media - continued
Remove the outside
length of media

MOVIE

For more information on media
preparation, refer
to Appendix A.

Install Roll
Note: Find the
instructions for
preparing media in
Appendix A.

Close Guides to the
Width of the Media
Note: When using
linerfree labels,
adjust the guides to
the widest position

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Load Media - continued
Release Cover
MOVIE

Note: This step
applies to thermal
transfer printers

Close Cover

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Step AutoSense Media Gap Sensing
Perform this procedure when loading a new
roll. If your printer has the label dispenser
option, turn OFF the label taken sensor.

MOVIE

Power OFF

Hold
Feed Button

Power ON

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

AutoSense Gap Sensor Adjustment - continued
When Indicator
Flashes, Release
Feed Button

Printer Advances
Media and Prints
Status Summary
Note: Printer is in
diagnostic dump mode

UKQ1935
16 V3.21
Serial port : 96,N,8,1
Image buffer size:1032K
Fmem:000.0K,016.4K avl
Gmem:000K,0593K avl
Emem:000K,0593K avl
I8,0,001 rY
S2 D10 R016,000 ZT UN
q800 Q01225,026
Option:
04 08 13
now in DUMP

Tap Feed Button
To Begin Normal
Operation
Note: Printer prints
“out of DUMP”
4
ge
0,
vl
Ima em:00 00K,02 41K a
Fm em:0 0K,02
UN
ZT
Gm em:00 rY
00
01
Em
16,0 5
,0
0
I8,0 D10 R 29,02
S2 0 Q10
q80 tion:
Op 08 13 UMP
04
in D
now

If the indicator remains orange or red, see the
troubleshooting steps.

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Step ➎ Install Software

Start your computer and follow the installation
instructions on the compact disc (CD).

980348-001 Rev. A

Installation and Operation

Operation The following information helps you get the
most from your printer.

Programming You must use programming to control many of
Commands the printer's functions. See the EPL2 programmer's manual for details. For example, the Q
command controls form length and gap.

Printer Driver The printer driver provides a convenient control
to improve print quality. For example, Print
density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy
(density setting) applied and by the print speed.
Changing both Print Speed and Density may be
required to achieve the desired results.

Thermal Printing: You must use the correct media for the type of
Direct or printing you require. When printing without a
Transfer? 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.

Replacing Supplies When replacing media or ribbon, do not turn off
the printer or data loss occurs. The printer automatically resumes printing after you load new
supplies.

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

2
Using Options
This section provides information on the
printer's optional features:
• thermal transfer printing
• label dispenser
• fan-fold media
• media cutter

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Using The TLP printer supports both direct thermal
Transfer media (chemically treated to darken when
Ribbon heated) and thermal transfer media (accepts
wax and/or resin transferred off a ribbon).

Step ➊ Prepare Ribbon

MOVIE

Pull Adhesive
Strip Free

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Step ➋ Install Supply Roll
Thread
Ribbon
Through
Carriage

Press
onto Hub

Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Step ➌ Install Take-Up Core
Press
onto Hub

Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Step ➍ Tighten Ribbon
Attach Ribbon to
Take-Up Core
Note: Use the adhesive
strip on new rolls;
otherwise, use tape

Remove Slack
From Ribbon

When using ribbon, make sure you also use
thermal transfer media.

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Adding a New If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the
Transfer Ribbon indicator lights orange and the printer waits for
you to add a fresh roll. Keep the power on as
you change ribbon. Open the top cover, then
cut the used ribbon so you can remove the
cores. Load a new ribbon roll (refer to the previous procedure if necessary). Close the top
cover. Press the Feed button to restart printing.

Replacing a To remove used transfer ribbon, cut the ribbon
Partially Used from the take-up roll. Remove the take-up roll
Transfer Ribbon and discard used ribbon. 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.

Cut Used
Ribbon
from Supply

Push Supply
Roll Out

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Using the Label Dispenser
Open
Door

MOVIE

Switch On
the Label
Taken Sensor

Remove
Several
Labels

Push
Liner
Through
Slot

Close
Door

Close
Top Cover
and Press
Feed Button

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Using Fan-Fold Media
Insert
Media

Adjust Holders
to Width of Media
Tighten Screw
(use a small
Phillips driver #1)

Adjust Guides
to Width of Media

980348-001 Rev. A

Using Options

Using the Printers that have a bezel with a motorized
Media Cutter blade can dispense one or more forms that are
then automatically cut from the media supply.

This option cuts through continuous paper from
rolls and liner between labels. The media can
be up to 0.0055 inch (0.095mm) thick, 1.12
inch (28mm) to 4.25 inches (108mm) wide,
and at least 0.75 inch (19.1mm) long. The density of media can be up to 120 grams/meter2.
Blade life is 1,000,000 cuts.
Use the OC command to activate the cutter and
the Q command to set the form length and gap
distance. See the EPL2 programmer's manual.

980348-001 Rev. A

Clearing the If the blade cuts through labels, adhesive can
Media Cutter jam the cutter.
Turn OFF (O) printer power and unplug the power
and interface cables before clearing the cutter.
Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or
solvents to clean the blade.

After removing debris, plug in the power and
interface cables, turn on the printer, then test for
normal operation.

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem

Solution or Reason
STATUS Indicator

Does not light after turning
ON ( I ) printer.

1. Check power connections from A.C.
outlet to power supply to printer.
2. Check that media or ribbon is present.

Blinks GREEN.

1. Printer receiving data through interface.
2. Signal to begin AutoSense after turning
ON printer. Release the FEED button.

Blinks GREEN-RED-RED.

1. Operator has paused the printer during
a batch job. Tap the FEED button to
continue.

Lights ORANGE.

1. Ribbon is out. Reload a new supply.
2. The optional cover open sensor is active. Press top cover to close and lock.
3. Printer has a syntax or command error.
Check program and resend print job.

Blinks ORANGE.

1. Firmware download in process. Indicator lights red, then green.

Lights RED.

1. Media is out. Reload a new supply.
2. Power-up failure.
3. Printer ready to receive flash programming during firmware download.
Printer Operation

Lights GREEN, but printer
will not print.

980348-001 Rev. A

1. Check interface cable connections from
computer to printer.
2. Make sure top cover is locked closed.
3. Check that labels are correct.
4. Verify media has print surface up for
printing.
5. Check that transfer ribbon is correctly
routed and has the ink side out for thermal transfer printing.

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Problem

Solution or Reason
Printer Operation--continued

Printer appears to be
working (media is being fed
out), but nothing is printed.

1. Verify that the labels are the correct
type.
2. Check that the roll is loaded with the direct thermal side facing up.
3. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
4. Ensure top cover is locked closed.

Printing is faded or poor
quality.

1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software.
3. Check the media and verify that print
surface is facing up.
4. Check the correct combination thermal
transfer ribbon and media are in use.

Prints only partial label or
skips a label.

1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor
adjustment on page 8.
2. Label caught on print head.
3. Top cover is not properly latched.
4. Possible software problem. Check the
printer memory configuration. Refer to
the EPL2 Programming manual.

Printing stops and STATUS
indicator lights ORANGE or
RED.

1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor adjustment on page 8.
2. Possible problem with label stock. Use
only approved labels and tags.
3. Possible label jam.
4. Insufficient memory for label size. Check
the printer memory configuration.
5. Possible software problem. Refer to the
EPL2 Programming manual.

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Media Handling
Problem

Solution or Reason
Label Dispenser

Printing continues between
labels.

1. Make sure label-taken sensor is on.
2. The label-taken sensor is blocked or
dirty. Remove any scraps or dust.
3. Continuous media may be set. Verify
form length setting through programming Q command. See the EPL2 programmer's manual.

Prints one label and stops.

1. Verify the quantity has been correctly
set.
Cutter Operation

Blade cuts through labels
instead of cutting liner
between labels.

1. Verify form length setting through programming.

Media jammed in cutter.

1. Unplug power and interface cables. Use
tweezers to remove scraps from cutter
opening.

Media fails to cut direct
thermal paper or label liner.

1. Use programming C command to cycle
cutter several times without media to
perform a self-cleaning. See the EPL2
programmer's manual.
2. Cutter must be replaced.

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Serial Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring
Cable Wiring required to use the printer's RS-232 serial
interface.

Host
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI

DB-9
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Printer
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C

Female DB-9 to Male DB-9
Cable P/N 300017-006 (6') or 300017-010 (10')

Host
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI

DB-25
Pin #
8
3
2
20
7
6
4
5
22

DB-9
Pin #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Printer
+5 Volts*
TxD
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C

Female DB-25 to Male DB-9
Cable P/N 300018-006 (6')
*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Parallel Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring
Cable Wiring required to use the printer's Centronics parallel
interface.

HOST

DB-25
Pin No.

STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
N/A
N/A
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Centronics
Pin No. PRINTER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
N/A
+5V
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND

Female DB-25 to Male Centronics
(Cable)
+5 volts at 300 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Universal Serial The table below provides the contact terminatBus (USB) ing assignments by number and electrical value
for the cable connectors.
Contact Number

Signal Name

Typical Wiring
Assignment

VBUS

Red

D-

White

D+

Green

GND

Black

Shell

Shield

Drain Wire

You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding this interface.

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Cleaning the When you load new media, you can also clean
Print Head the print head.
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure.

MOVIE

Rub
Cleaning
Pen Across
Dark Area
of Print Head

Wait
One Minute
Before Closing
Printer

Do Not Clean Roller
With Cleaning Pen

980348-001 Rev. A

Cleaning the The platen, over time, picks up adhesive and
Platen dust which requires occasional cleaning.
To follow these steps, you require a clean,
lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl
alcohol.
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure.

Gently Wipe
Top of Platen

Advance Platen
One-Sixth (1/6) Turn
(about 60°)

Repeat Steps Until
Platen is Clean

Let the platen dry for at least one minute before
loading media.

980348-001 Rev. A

Appendix A - Troubleshooting

Preparing Media, During shipment, the outside length of media
Paper, and Labels may become dirty when handled or dusty when
Before Loading stored. A preparation before loading media
makes sure both the print head and platen stay
cleaner for more time.

Label Rolls
Find the tape and
pull off both labels
held by the tape

MOVIE

Tag Stock Rolls
Find the tape
and detach the
bottom tag

You must avoid dragging adhesive or dirty
media between the print head and platen. Such
an occurance damages the print head and is not
covered under your warranty.

980348-001 Rev. A

980348- 001 A

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Zebra 2844 Printer Users Manual IH 970

2844 Printer to the manual 983382ef-65b6-4ba5-8ba0-a83da5479667

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