Zebra Rz400 Users Manual Z Series / RZ User Guide

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Declaration of Conformity
- Compliance Information
Contents
About This Document
Introduction
Printer Setup
Operations
Configuration
Routine Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Index

79695L-003 Rev. A

Z Series®/RZ™ Series

Industrial/Commercial Printer

User Guide

ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 printers

therein are owned by ZIH Corp. and Zebra’s licensors. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software

and/or firmware in the printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000

(17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.

This product may contain ZPL®, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy Equalizer® Circuit; E3®; and

ZebraLink and all product names and numbers are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, Element

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. For additional trademark

information, please see “Trademarks” on the product CD.

Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its

subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and

maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed

to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

Product Improvements Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation.

All specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

Liability Disclaimer Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering

specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies Corporation reserves the right

to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.

Limitation of Liability In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation,

production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages

whatsoever (including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits, business

interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability to use such

product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some

jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation

or exclusion may not apply to you.

Part Number: 79695L-003

Declaration of Conformity

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Declaration of Conformity

We have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the

Z Series® and RZ™ Series

Z4M, Z6M, Z4Mplus, Z6Mplus, ZM400, ZM600, R4Mplus, RZ400, RZ600

manufactured by:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

475 Half Day Road, Suite 500

Lincolnshire, IL 60069 USA

Have been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of the FCC

For Home, Office, Commercial, and Industrial use

If no unauthorized change is made in the equipment,

and if the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

Compliance Information

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Compliance Information

FCC Compliance Statement

This device complies with Part 15 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.

The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra

Technologies Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure

compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

(for printers with radios or RFID encoders)

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled

environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm

between the radiator and your body.

This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or

transmitter.

Canadian DOC Compliance Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Contents

Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Document Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

External View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Printer Media Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Control Panel Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Control Panel Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Printer Language Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Firmware Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Additional Printer Language Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2 • Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Store the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ship the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Contents

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Select a Site for the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Select a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide Proper Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide a Data Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide a Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Select a Data Communication Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Data Cables and Wireless Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Power Cord Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Types of Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Ribbon Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

When to Use Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Coated Side of Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3 • Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Print Modes and Printer Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Media Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Load Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Load Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Remove Used Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

4 • Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Enter and Use Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Exit Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Default Password Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Print a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Print a Network Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Standard Control Panel Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Additional Control Panel Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Contents

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

5 • Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Replacing Printer Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Recycling Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Clean the Exterior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Clean the Cutter Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

6 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Troubleshooting Checklists. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

LCD Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Calibration Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Communications Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Ribbon Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

RFID Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Miscellaneous Printer Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Power-On Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

FEED Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

FEED and PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Sensor Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

7 • Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Printing Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Media Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Ribbon Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

Contents

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

About This Document

This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and

additional reference documents.

Contents

Who Should Use This Document. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

About This Document

Who Should Use This Document

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Who Should Use This Document

This User Guide is intended for use by any person who needs to operate or to troubleshoot

problems with the printer.

How This Document Is Organized

The User Guide is set up as follows:

Section Description

Introduction on page 15 This section shows the operational controls and

location of major components used when loading

media.

Printer Setup on page 23 This section provides the tasks that you must

complete and the issues that you must consider

before you load and configure your printer.

Operations on page 39 This section provides the procedures for loading

and calibrating the printer.

Configuration on page 67 This section describes the control panel parameters

that are used to configure the printer for operation.

Routine Maintenance on page 99 This section provides routine cleaning and

maintenance procedures.

Troubleshooting on page 111 This section provides information about errors that

you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted

diagnostic tests are included.

Specifications on page 139 This section provides the features of and

specifications for the printer.

About This Document

Contacts

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Contacts

Technical Support via the Internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Web Site: www.zebra.com

E-mail Back Technical Library:

E-mail address: emb@zebra.com

Subject line: Emaillist

Self Service Knowledge Base: www.zebra.com/knowledgebase

Online Case Registration: www.zebra.com/techrequest

Which Department

Do You Need? The Americas Europe, Middle East,

and Africa Asia Pacific

and India

Regional Headquarters Zebra Technologies Corporation

475 Half Day Road, Suite 500

Lincolnshire, IL 60069 USA

T: +1 847 634 6700

Toll-free +1 866 230 9494

F: +1 847 913 8766

Zebra Technologies Europe Limited

Dukes Meadow

Millboard Road

Bourne End

Buckinghamshire, SL8 5XF

United Kingdom

T: +44 (0) 1628 556000

F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

Zebra Technologies Asia

Pacific Pte. Ltd.

120 Robinson Road

#06-01 Parakou Building

Singapore 068913

T: + 65 6858 0722

F: +65 6885 0838

Technical Support

For questions on the

operation of Zebra

equipment and software,

please call your distributor.

For additional assistance,

Please have your model and

serial numbers available.

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)

F: +1 847 913 2578

Hardware: ts1@zebra.com

Software: ts3@zebra.com

Kiosk printers:

T: +1 866 322 5202

E: kiosksupport@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556039

F: +44 (0) 1628 556003

E: Tseurope@zebra.com

T: +65 6858 0722

F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

Repair Service

Department

For back-to-base service and

repair.

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)

F: +1 847 821 1797

E: repair@zebra.com

To request a repair in the U.S.,

go to www.zebra.com/repair.

T: +44 (0) 1772 693069

F: +44 (0) 1772 693046

New requests: ukrma@zebra.com

Status updates:

repairupdate@zebra.com

T: +65 6858 0722

F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

Technical Training

Department

For Zebra product training

courses.

T: +1 847 793 6868

T: +1 847 793 6864

F: +1 847 913 2578

E: ttamerica@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556000

F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

E: Eurtraining@zebra.com

T: + 65 6858 0722

F: +65 6885 0838

E: China: tschina@zebra.com

All other areas:

tsasiapacific@zebra.com

Inquiry Department

For product literature and

distributor and dealer

information.

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)

E: inquiry4@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556037

F: +44 (0) 1628 556005

E: mseurope@zebra.com

E: China: GCmarketing@zebra.com

All other areas:

APACChannelmarketing@zebra.com

Customer Service

Department (US)

Internal Sales

Department (UK)

For printers, parts, media,

and ribbon, please call your

distributor or contact us.

T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)

E: clientcare@zebra.com

T: +44 (0) 1628 556032

F: +44 (0) 1628 556001

E: cseurope@zebra.com

T: +65 6858 0722

F: +65 6885 0836

E: China: order-csr@zebra.com

All other areas:

csasiapacific@zebra.com

Key: T: Telephone

F: Facsimile

E: E-mail

About This Document

Document Conventions

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Document Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this document to convey certain information.

Alternate Color (online only) Cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this

guide. If you are viewing this guide online in .pdf format, you can click the cross-reference

(blue text) to jump directly to its location.

LCD Display Examples Text from a printer’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) appears in

Bubbledot ICG font.

Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in Courier New font. For

example, type ZTools to get to the Post-Install scripts in the bin directory.

Files and Directories File names and directories appear in Courier New font. For

example, the Zebra<version number>.tar file and the /root directory.

Icons Used

Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.

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.

Caution • (No icon) Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in

physical harm to the hardware.

Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task.

Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important

points of the main text.

Example • Provides an example, often a scenario, to better clarify a section of text.

About This Document

Document Conventions

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Illustration Callouts Callouts are used when an illustration contains information that needs

to be labeled and described. A table that contains the labels and descriptions follows the

graphic. Figure 1 provides an example.

Figure 1 • Sample Figure with Callouts

1FEED button

2CANCEL button

About This Document

Document Conventions

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Introduction

This section shows the operational controls and location of major components used when

loading media.

Contents

External View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Printer Media Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Control Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Control Panel Lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Printer Language Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Firmware Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Additional Printer Language Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Introduction

External View

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

External View

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the components and connections on the outside of the printer.

Figure 2 • Front of Printer

1Control panel

2Media door

Introduction

External View

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Figure 3 • Rear of Printer

1Power switch (O = off, I = on) 5Serial port

2AC power connector 6Internal wired print server port

(Ethernet option)

3Wireless card ejector button 7USB port

8Parallel port

4Wireless Plus print server card slot

(Ethernet option) 9Antenna for wireless print server with

integrated radio (Ethernet option)

(All Standard Connectors, Internal 10/100 Wired Print Server,

and Wireless Print Server with Integrated Radio Shown)

(All Standard Connectors, Internal 10/100 Wired Print Server,

and Wireless Plus Print Server Shown)

Introduction

Printer Media Compartment

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Printer Media Compartment

Figure 4 shows the components inside the media compartment of your printer. Depending on

installed options, your printer may look slightly different.

Figure 4 • Printer Components

Note • For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product line,

Zebra strongly recommends the use of genuine Zebra™ supplies as part of the total solution.

Specifically, the ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 are designed to work only with

genuine Zebra™ printheads, thus maximizing safety and print quality.

1Printhead assembly 6Media supply guide (newer models)

2Control panel 7Media supply hanger (newer models)

3Media door 8Media supply guide (older models)

4Ribbon supply spindle 9Media supply hanger (older models)

5Ribbon take-up spindle 10 Dancer assembly

11 Printhead release latch

Introduction

Control Panel

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Control Panel

The control panel contains the lights that indicate basic operation and the buttons that you may

need to press during basic operation. The control panel buttons and lights are labeled in

Figure 5. Descriptions for each are located in Table 1 and Table 2.

Figure 5 • Control Panel

1Power LED

2Pause LED

3Error LED

4Data LED

5LCD

6CANCEL button

7PLUS (+) button

8SETUP/EXIT button

9MINUS (–) button

10 SELECT button

11 FEED button

12 PAUSE button

1 2 3 4

Introduction

Control Panel

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Control Panel Buttons

Table 1 • Control Panel Buttons

Button Function

FEED Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the button is pressed.

•Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds.

•Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete.

PAUSE Starts and stops the printing process.

•Printer not printing: no printing occurs. (Press PAUSE again to resume printing.)

•Printing: printing stops after the current label is complete.

CANCEL Cancels print jobs when the printer is paused.

•Printer not printing: the next stored label format does not print.

•Printing: current label completes printing, and the next label format is cancelled.

Press and hold for several seconds to cancel all print jobs in memory.

SETUP/EXIT Enters and exits the configuration mode.

SELECT Toggles the function of PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) between the Scroll and Change

Modes.

•Press once to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to change the values of the selection.

•Press again to use PLUS (+) and MINUS (–) to scroll through the menu items.

PLUS (+)

(scroll mode) Scrolls to the next selection.

PLUS (+)

(change mode) •Increases the value.

•Performs the action on the bottom right of the LCD.

MINUS (–)

(scroll mode) Scrolls to the previous selection.

MINUS (–)

(change mode) •Decreases the value.

•Moves to the next available digit in a number.

•Performs the action on the bottom left of the LCD.

Introduction

Control Panel

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Control Panel Lights

Table 2 • Control Panel Lights

Light Status Indication

POWER Off The printer is off, or no power is applied.

On The printer is on.

PAUSE Off Normal printer operation.

On The printer has stopped all printing operations.

Flashing The Pause light flashes when initializing FLASH memory and in

Peel-Off Mode when the label is available.

ERROR Off Normal printer operation (no errors).

On An error condition is preventing printing. This includes MEDIA

OUT and RIBBON OUT errors.

Flashing An error condition exists, but printing is allowed to continue. This

includes RIBBON IN warning, HEAD UNDER TEMP warning,

and HEAD OVER TEMP error.

DATA Off Normal operation. No data being received or processed.

On The printer is processing data or is printing. No data is being

received.

Blinking quickly The printer is receiving data from or sending status information to the

host computer.

Introduction

Printer Language Modes

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Printer Language Modes

Depending on how your printer was ordered, it came from the factory with firmware that

operates in or allows you to use certain commands for one of the following printer languages:

• Zebra Programming Language (ZPL®), which includes XML

•Eltron

® Programming Language (EPL™)

Firmware Downloads

You may download firmware to the printer at any time to change from one printer language to

another. For the latest firmware versions and instructions for downloading them, go to

http://www.zebra.com/firmware.

Additional Printer Language Information

The following manuals contain specific information about the different printer language

modes. Copies of these manuals are on the CD that came with your printer and at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals.

• Zebra Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML

• EPL2™ Programming Guide

•

Note • The following restrictions apply:

•EPL is supported only on 203 dpi printers.

•With older firmware, RFID functionality is available only with R53.X firmware, which

operates in ZPL mode with XML.

Note • When the printer changes from one printer language to another, error messages may

appear on the LCD, and some control panel lights may activate in error mode. You may

ignore these error messages and lights. When the firmware download is complete, reboot the

printer and then load printer defaults to return the printer to Operating mode.

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Printer Setup

This section provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider

before you load and configure your printer.

Contents

Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Store the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Ship the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Select a Site for the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Select a Surface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide Proper Operating Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Allow Proper Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide a Data Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Provide a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Select a Data Communication Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Data Cables and Wireless Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Connect the Printer to a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Power Cord Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Types of Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Ribbon Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

When to Use Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Coated Side of Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Printer Setup

Before You Begin

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Before You Begin

Review this checklist, and resolve any issues before you set up or use your printer.

Unpack and Inspect the Printer Have you unpacked the printer and inspected it for

damage? If you have not, see Unpack and Inspect the Printer on page 25.

Select a Site Have you selected an appropriate location for the printer? If you have not,

see Select a Site for the Printer on page 26.

Connect to a Data Source Have you determined how the printer will connect to a

data source (usually a computer)? For more information, see Select a Data

Communication Interface on page 27.

Attach a Power Cord Do you have the correct power cord for your printer? If you are

unsure, see Power Cord Specifications on page 33. To attach the power cord and connect

the printer to a power source, see Connect the Printer to a Power Source on page 32.

Select Media Do you have the correct media for your application? If you are unsure,

see Types of Media on page 34.

Select Ribbon Do you need to use ribbon, and is the appropriate ribbon available, if

needed? If you are unsure, see Ribbon Overview on page 36.

Printer Setup

Handling the Printer

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Handling the Printer

This section describes how to handle your printer.

Unpack and Inspect the Printer

When you receive the printer, immediately unpack it and inspect for shipping damage.

• Save all packing materials.

• Check all exterior surfaces for damage.

• Raise the media door, and inspect the media compartment for damage to components.

If you discover shipping damage upon inspection:

• Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report.

• Keep all packaging material for shipping company inspection.

• Notify your authorized Zebra reseller

Store the Printer

If you are not placing the printer into immediate operation, repackage it using the original

packing materials. You may store the printer under the conditions shown in Table 3.

Ship the Printer

If you must ship the printer:

• Turn off (O) the printer, and disconnect all cables.

• Remove any media, ribbon, or loose objects from the printer interior.

• Close the printhead.

• Carefully pack the printer into the original container or a suitable alternate container to

avoid damage during transit. A shipping container can be purchased from Zebra if the

original packaging has been lost or destroyed.

Important • Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred

during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty.

Table 3 • Storage Temperature and Humidity

Temperature Relative Humidity

–40°F to 140°F (–40° to 60°C) 5% to 85% non-condensing

Printer Setup

Select a Site for the Printer

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Select a Site for the Printer

Consider the following when selecting an appropriate location for your printer.

Select a Surface

Select a solid, level surface of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the printer and

other equipment (such as a computer), if necessary. The choices include a table, countertop,

desk, or cart. For the printer’s weight and dimensions, see General Specifications on page 140.

Provide Proper Operating Conditions

This printer is designed to function in a wide range of environmental and electrical conditions,

including a warehouse or factory floor. For more information on the required conditions, see

General Specifications on page 140.

Table 4 shows the temperature and relative humidity requirements for the printer when it is

operating.

Allow Proper Space

The printer should have enough space around it for you to be able to open the media door. To

allow for proper ventilation and cooling, leave open space on all sides of the printer.

Provide a Data Source

If the printer will be located away from the data source (such as a computer), the selected site

must provide the appropriate connections to that data source. For more information on the

types of communication interfaces and their limitations, see Select a Data Communication

Interface on page 27.

Provide a Power Source

Place the printer within a short distance of a power outlet that is easily accessible.

Table 4 • Operating Temperature and Humidity

Mode Temperature Relative Humidity

Thermal Transfer 40° to 105°F (5° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing.

Direct Thermal 32° to 105°F (0° to 40°C) 20 to 85% non-condensing

Caution • Do not place any padding or cushioning material behind or under the printer

because this restricts air flow and could cause the printer to overheat.

Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Select a Data Communication Interface

Table 5 provides basic information about data communication interfaces that you can use to

connect your printer to a computer. You may send label formats to the printer through any data

communication interface that is available. Select an interface that is supported by both your

printer and your computer or your Local Area Network (LAN).

Table 5 also shows how to connect the different types of data cables to your printer and

computer. The connectors on the back of your computer may be in different locations than on

the sample computer shown in this section.

Caution • Ensure that the printer power is off (O) before connecting data communications

cables. Connecting a data communications cable while the power is on (I) may damage the

printer.

Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces

Interface Standard or

Optional Description

RS-232 Serial Standard Limitations and Requirements

•Maximum cable length of 50 ft (15.24 m).

•You may need to change printer parameters to match the host

computer.

•You need to use a null-modem adaptor to connect to the printer

if using a standard modem cable.

Connections and Configuration The baud rate, number of

data and stop bits, the parity, and the XON/XOFF or DTR control

must match those of the host computer. See Standard Control

Panel Parameters on page 73 to view or change these parameters.

Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

IEEE 1284

Bidirectional Parallel Standard Limitations and Requirements

•Maximum cable length of 10 ft (3 m).

•Recommended cable length of 6 ft (1.83 m).

•No printer parameter changes required to match the host

computer.

Connections and Configuration No additional

configuration is necessary.

USB Standard Limitations and Requirements

•Maximum cable length of 16.4 ft (5 m).

•No printer parameter changes required to match the host

computer.

Connections and Configuration No additional

configuration is necessary.

Caution • Be careful not to plug the USB cable into the wired

Ethernet print server connector on the printer because doing so

will damage the connector.

Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces (Continued)

Interface Standard or

Optional Description

Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Twinax/Coax Optional Limitations and Requirements

•Acts as an EBCDIC to ASCII converter.

•Allows for the ability to communicate with the printer in an

IBM® AS/400® environment.

Connections and Configuration No additional

configuration is necessary. To purchase this option, contact your

authorized Zebra reseller.

Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces (Continued)

Interface Standard or

Optional Description

Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Internal wired

Ethernet print server Optional Limitations and Requirements

•Can print to the printer from any computer on your LAN.

•Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web

pages when in ZPL mode.

•The printer must be configured to use your LAN.

Connections and Configuration Refer to the ZebraNet

10/100 Print Server User and Reference Guide for configuration

instructions. A copy of this manual is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with

your printer.

Note • To use this connection, you may need to remove a

factory-installed plug that is designed to keep someone

from accidentally plugging a USB connector into this port.

Wireless Ethernet

print server Optional Limitations and Requirements

•Can print to the printer from any computer on your Wireless

Local Area Network (WLAN).

•Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web

pages when in ZPL mode.

•The printer must be configured to use your WLAN.

Configuration Refer to the ZebraNet Wireless User Guide for

configuration instructions. A copy of this manual is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with

your printer.

Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces (Continued)

Interface Standard or

Optional Description

Printer Setup

Select a Data Communication Interface

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Data Cables and Wireless Cards

You must supply all data cables or removeable radio cards for your application. (Some

wireless print servers come with an integrated radio card.)

Data Cables Ethernet cables do not require shielding, but all other data cables must be fully

shielded and fitted with metal or metallized connector shells. Unshielded data cables may

increase radiated emissions above the regulated limits.

To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:

• Keep data cables as short as possible.

• Do not bundle the data cables tightly with the power cords.

• Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.

Wireless Cards For supported wireless cards, refer to the ZebraNet Wireless User Guide. A

copy of the manual is available at http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came

with your printer.

Printer Setup

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

The AC power cord must have a three-prong female connector on one end that plugs into the

mating AC power connector at the rear of the printer. If a power cable was not included with

your printer, refer to Power Cord Specifications on page 33.

To connect the printer to a power source, complete these steps:

1. Toggle the printer power switch to the off (O) position.

2. Plug the power cord into the AC power connector (1) on the rear of the printer.

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a power outlet near the printer.

4. Turn on (I) the printer.

The control panel LCD and lights activate, indicating that the printer is booting up.

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor

power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an

IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific three-conductor grounded

plug configuration.

Printer Setup

Connect the Printer to a Power Source

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Power Cord Specifications

Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included. If one

is not included or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, see Figure 6 and

refer to the following guidelines:

• The overall cord length must be less than 9.8 ft. (3 m).

• The cord must be rated for at least 10 A, 250 V.

• The chassis ground (earth) must be connected to ensure safety and reduce electromagnetic

interference.

Figure 6 • Power Cord Specifications

Figure 7 • International Safety Organization Certifications

Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor

power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation. This cord must use an

IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific, three-conductor grounded

plug configuration.

1AC power plug for your country—This should bear

the certification mark of at least one of the known

international safety organizations (Figure 7).

23-conductor HAR cable or other cable approved for

your country.

3IEC 320 connector—This should bear the

certification mark of at least one of the known

international safety organizations (Figure 7).

4Length  9.8 ft. (3 m). Rating 10 Amp, 250 VAC.

Printer Setup

Types of Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Types of Media

Your printer can use various types of media:

•Standard media—Most standard media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual

labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.

•Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper. Tag stock does not have adhesive

or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.

•Radio frequency identification (RFID) “smart” media—RFID

media can be used in a printer that is equipped with an RFID

reader/encoder. RFID labels are made from the same materials and

adhesives as non-RFID labels. Each label has an RFID transponder

(sometimes called an “inlay”), made of a chip and an antenna,

embedded between the label and the liner. The shape of the transponder varies by

manufacturer and is visible through the label. All “smart” labels have memory that can be

read, and many have memory that can be encoded.

Table 6 describes roll and fanfold media. Roll media is loaded into the printer while fanfold

media may be located inside or outside of the printer.

Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous

high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has

been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent

premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.

Important • Transponder placement within a label depends on the transponder type and

the printer model. Make sure that you are using the correct “smart” media for your printer.

For more information, refer to the RFID Programming Guide. A copy is available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your printer.

Printer Setup

Types of Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Table 6 • Roll and Fanfold Media

Media Type How It Looks Description

Non-Continuous

Roll Media Roll media is wound on a 3-in. (76-mm) core. Individual

labels are separated by one or more of the following methods:

•Web media separates labels by gaps, holes, or notches.

•Black mark media uses pre-printed black marks on the

back side of the media to indicate label separations.

•Perforated media has perforations that allow the labels or

tags to be separated from each other easily. The media may

also have black marks or other separations between labels

or tags.

Non-Continuous

Fanfold Media Fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can

have the same label separations as non-continuous roll media.

The separations would fall on or near the folds.

Continuous

Roll Media Roll media is wound on a 3-in. (76-mm) core.

Continuous roll media does not have gaps, holes, notches, or

black marks to indicate label separations. This allows the

image to be printed anywhere on the label. Sometimes a cutter

is used to cut apart individual labels.

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Ribbon Overview

Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is

transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether

you need to use ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be.

When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is

narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.

When to Use Ribbon

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not.

To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.

To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps:

1. Scratch the print surface of the media rapidly with your fingernail.

2. Did a black mark appear on the media?

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside. The ribbon used must

match the Thermal Transfer option installed. The standard Thermal Transfer option (black

ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the outside, and the alternate Thermal Transfer option

(gray ribbon spindle, available on the ZM400 and RZ400 only) uses ribbon coated on the

inside. If you are unsure which side of a particular roll of ribbon is coated, perform an adhesive

test or a ribbon scratch test to determine which side is coated.

Adhesive Test

If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is

coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed.

To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:

1. Peel a label from its liner.

2. Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon.

3. Peel the label off of the ribbon.

If a black mark... Then the media is...

Does not appear on the media Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required.

Appears on the media Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

4. Observe the results. Did flakes or particles of ink from the ribbon adhere to the label?

Ribbon Scratch Test

Perform the ribbon scratch test when labels are unavailable.

To perform a ribbon scratch test, complete these steps:

1. Unroll a short length of ribbon.

2. Place the unrolled section of ribbon on a piece of paper with the outer surface of the

ribbon in contact with the paper.

3. Scratch the inner surface of the unrolled ribbon with your fingernail.

4. Lift the ribbon from the paper.

5. Observe the results. Did the ribbon leave a mark on the paper?

If ink from the ribbon... Then...

Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be

used with the standard Thermal Transfer

option (black ribbon spindle). In the ribbon

loading procedure, instructions are marked

with this symbol.

Did not adhere to the label The ribbon is coated on the inside and can be

used with the alternate Thermal Transfer

option (gray ribbon spindle). In the ribbon

loading procedure, instructions are marked

with this symbol.

If the ribbon... Then...

Left a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be used with

the standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon

spindle).

Did not leave a mark on the

paper The ribbon is coated on the inside and can be

used with the alternate Thermal Transfer

option (gray ribbon spindle). In the ribbon

loading procedure, instructions are marked

with this symbol.

Printer Setup

Ribbon Overview

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Operations

This section provides the procedures for loading and calibrating the printer.

Note • Complete the tasks and resolve the issues in Printer Setup on page 23 before

operating the printer.

Contents

Print Modes and Printer Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Media Paths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Load Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Load Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Remove Used Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Calibrate the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Manual Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Adjust Printhead Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Print Modes and Printer Options

The printer can use different print modes and options for label removal (Table 7). Use a print

mode that matches the media being used and the printer options available. For more

information on the types of media, see Types of Media on page 34. To select a print mode, see

Select Print Mode on page 76.

Print Mode Descriptions and Printer Requirements

Table 7 • Print Modes and Printer Options

Print Mode When to Use/Printer Options Required Printer Actions

Tear-Off

(default setting) Use for most applications. This mode can

be used with any printer options and most

media types.

The printer prints label formats as it

receives them. The printer operator can tear

off the printed labels any time after they

print.

Peel-Off Use only if the printer has the Peel-Off,

Liner Take-Up, or Rewind option. The printer peels the label from the liner

during printing and then pauses until the

label is removed.

In Peel-Off mode, the liner exits the front of

the printer. In Peel-Off mode with Liner

Take-Up, the liner winds onto the liner

take-up spindle or the rewind spindle.

Cutter Use if the printer has a cutter option when

you want the labels to be cut apart. The printer prints a label and then cuts it

free.

Delayed Cut Use if the printer has a cutter option when

you want the printer to cut the labels apart

at a signal.

The printer prints a label, pauses, and cuts

the label when it receives the ~JK (delayed

cut) ZPL command.

Rewind Use if the printer has the Rewind option and

you want the labels to rewind on a core. The printer prints without pausing between

labels. The media or liner is wound onto a

core after printing.

RFID Use when printing RFID labels with

RZ Series printers or with Z Series printers

that have an optional RFID reader/encoder

installed.

The printer increases throughput time when

printing batches of RFID labels by

eliminating backfeed between labels

Linerless Peel Reserved for future options. Reserved for future options.

Linerless

Rewind Reserved for future options. Reserved for future options.

Linerless Tear Reserved for future options. Reserved for future options.

Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Media Paths

Table 8 shows the media paths for print mode and printer option combinations using roll

media. Fanfold media uses the same print modes and printer options as roll media. RFID

printers can use all of these printer options and have the same media paths.

Table 8 • Media Paths for Print Modes with Various Printer Options

Print Mode Printer Option Media Path

Tear-Off Printers with any

printer options can

use Tear-Off mode

Peel-Off Peel, Liner take-up,

or Rewind

Peel-Off (with Liner

Take-Up) Liner take-up

Rewind

Red solid lines = media, Blue dotted lines = backing only

Operations

Print Modes and Printer Options

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Cutter or

Delayed Cut Cutter (shown with

an optional catch

tray)

Rewind Rewind

Table 8 • Media Paths for Print Modes with Various Printer Options (Continued)

Print Mode Printer Option Media Path

Red solid lines = media, Blue dotted lines = backing only

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Load Media

The beginning steps for loading media apply to all printers, including those that have the

peel-off, liner take-up, cutter, or rewind option. When you have completed these beginning

steps, continue with the media loading instructions for the print mode and printer options that

apply to you. For more information about print modes and printer options, see Print Modes

and Printer Options on page 40.

Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options

To begin loading media for all print modes and printer options, complete these

steps:

1. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it

latches open.

2. Slide out the media guide.

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the

printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open

printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose

all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume

printing.

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

3. Insert media into the printer. Follow the instructions for roll or fanfold media, as

appropriate.

Roll Media Fanfold Media

a. Remove and discard any tags or

labels that are dirty or that are held by

adhesives or tape.

a. Pull out and, if applicable, flip down

the media supply guide.

b. Pull out and, if applicable, flip down

the media supply guide. b. Feed the media through the rear or

bottom access slot.

Rear Feed

Bottom Feed

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

c. Place the roll of media on the media

supply hanger. Push the roll as far

back as it will go.

c. Drape the media over the media

supply hanger.

d. If applicable, flip up the media supply

guide. d. If applicable, flip up the media supply

guide.

Roll Media (Continued) Fanfold Media (Continued)

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

4. Feed the media under the dancer assembly (1), the upper media sensor (2), and the ribbon

sensor (3). Slide the media back until it touches the inside back wall of the upper media

sensor.

5. Continue with the final instructions for the desired print mode. The print mode must be

compatible with the media being used and the printer options installed. See Print Mode

Descriptions and Printer Requirements on page 40 for more information.

•Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode on page 47

•Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) on page 48

•Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode on page 53

•Additional Steps for Rewind Mode on page 54

e. Slide in the media supply guide until

it touches the edge of the roll. e. Slide in the media supply guide until

it touches the edge of the media.

Roll Media (Continued) Fanfold Media (Continued)

13 2

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Additional Steps for Tear-Off Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 43,

continue with this section to operate the printer in Tear-Off mode.

To operate the printer in Tear-Off mode, complete these steps:

1. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

2. Set the printer to Tear-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 76 for instructions.

3. Close the printhead assembly.

4. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing.

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Additional Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up)

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 43,

continue with this section to operate the printer in Peel-Off mode with or without liner take-up.

Your printer must have the Peel option, the Liner Take-Up option, or the Rewind option

installed. See Print Modes and Printer Options on page 40 for more information.

For additional procedures related to the rewind option, see Routine Maintenance for the

Rewind Option on page 108.

To operate the printer in Peel-Off mode, complete these steps:

1. Extend the media approximately 18 in. (500 mm) out of the printer.

2. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains.

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

3. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly.

4. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar (1) and behind the peel assembly (2). Make

sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer.

5. Complete this step only if you want to use Peel-Off mode with liner take-up. Your printer

must have the Liner Take-Up option or the Rewind option installed. Follow the

instructions for your printer option.

Rewind Option Liner Take-Up Option

a. Feed the liner under the media

alignment roller (1). a. Slide the liner into the slot in the liner

take-up spindle (1).

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

b. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind

media guide. b. Push the liner back until it touches the

back plate of the liner take-up spindle

assembly.

c. Slide the rewind media guide all the

way out, and then fold it down.

d. Slide an empty core onto the rewind

spindle. c. Wrap the liner around the liner

take-up spindle and turn the spindle

counterclockwise to tighten the liner.

Rewind Option (Continued) Liner Take-Up Option (Continued)

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

e. Wrap the liner around the core and

turn the rewind spindle

counterclockwise to tighten the liner.

(No additional steps for the liner take-up

option.)

f. Fold up the rewind media guide, and

then slide it in until it touches the

liner.

g. Tighten the thumbscrew on the

rewind media guide.

Rewind Option (Continued) Liner Take-Up Option (Continued)

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

7. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

8. Set the printer to Peel-Off mode. See Select Print Mode on page 76 for instructions.

9. Close the printhead assembly.

10. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing. Peeling and

liner take-up (if used) begin automatically.

Caution • Use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly.

Do not use your left hand to assist in closing. The top edge of the peel roller/assembly

could pinch your fingers.

Close the peel assembly using the peel-off mechanism release lever.

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Additional Steps for Cutter or Delayed Cut Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 43,

continue with this section to operate the printer in Cutter or Delayed Cut mode.

To operate the printer in Cutter or Delayed Cut mode, complete these steps:

2. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

3. Set the printer to Cutter or Delayed Cut mode. See Select Print Mode on page 76 for

instructions.

Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers.

Feed the media through the cutter (1).

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

4. Close the printhead assembly.

5. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing. Cutting

begins automatically.

Additional Steps for Rewind Mode

After completing Beginning Steps for all Print Modes and Printer Options on page 43,

continue with this section to operate the printer in Rewind mode. For additional procedures

related to the rewind option, see Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option on page 108.

To operate the printer in Rewind mode, complete these steps:

1. Pull approximately 18 in. (500 mm) of media through the front of the printer.

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

2. Feed the media over the peel assembly (1).

3. Feed the media under the media alignment roller (1).

4. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

5. Slide the rewind media guide all the way out, and then fold it down.

Operations

Load Media

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

6. Slide an empty core onto the rewind spindle.

7. Wrap the media around the core and turn the rewind spindle counterclockwise to tighten

the media. Ensure that the edge of the media is flush against the backplate of the rewind

spindle.

8. Fold up the rewind media guide, and then slide it in until it touches the media.

9. Tighten the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

Operations

Load Media

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

10. Slide in the media guide until it touches the outer edge of the media.

11. Set the printer to Rewind mode. See Select Print Mode on page 76 for instructions.

12. Close the printhead assembly.

13. If the printer is paused (the Pause light is on), press PAUSE to enable printing. Rewinding

begins automatically.

Operations

Load Ribbon

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Load Ribbon

Always use ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the printhead from wear. For direct

thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.

The standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the

outside, and the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on

the inside. To avoid damaging your printer, follow the directions for the Thermal Transfer

option installed in your printer.

Figure 8 shows the ribbon paths for ribbon coated on the outside and ribbon coated on the

inside. The coated surfaces of the ribbon are shown in gray when they are visible. To

determine which side of a ribbon is printed, see Coated Side of Ribbon on page 36.

Figure 8 • Ribbon Path

Ribbon Coated Outside

(black ribbon spindle) Ribbon Coated Inside

(gray ribbon spindle)

1Tension blade

2Ribbon take-up spindle

3Ribbon supply spindle

4Printhead assembly

5Printhead release latch

Operations

Load Ribbon

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

To load ribbon, complete these steps:

1. Set the ribbon supply spindle for normal or low tension.

• To place the ribbon supply spindle in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle

end cap until it extends and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting for

most applications.

• To place the ribbon supply spindle in the low-tension position, firmly push in the end

cap until it retracts and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting when

using a narrow ribbon or if normal tension hampers ribbon movement.

Figure 9 • Ribbon Spindle—Normal and Low Tension

2. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it

latches open.

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the

printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open

printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose

all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume

printing.

1Normal Position (Spindle End Cap Extended)

2Low-Tension Position (Spindle End Cap Retracted)

1 2

Operations

Load Ribbon

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

3. Insert the ribbon into the printer. In this step, follow the instructions for the Thermal

Transfer option installed in your printer.

Ribbon Coated Outside

(black ribbon spindle) Ribbon Coated Inside

(gray ribbon spindle)

a. Hold the ribbon with the loose end unrolling

clockwise. a. Hold the ribbon with the loose end unrolling

counterclockwise.

b. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply

spindle (1) and push it all the way back. b. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply

spindle (1) and push it all the way back.

c. Pull the end of the ribbon under the printhead

assembly (1) and out the front of the printer.

Extend the ribbon approximately 24 in.

(610 mm) out of the printer.

c. Pull the end of the ribbon under the printhead

assembly (1) and out the front of the printer.

Extend the ribbon approximately 24 in.

(610 mm) out of the printer.

Operations

Load Ribbon

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

4. Close the printhead assembly.

5. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle (1).

Ribbon Coated Outside

(black ribbon spindle) Ribbon Coated Inside

(gray ribbon spindle)

Operations

Load Ribbon

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Remove Used Ribbon

To remove used ribbon, complete these steps:

2. To loosen the ribbon, squeeze it against the ribbon take-up spindle tension blades (1). At

the same time, turn the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counterclockwise (2).

The tension blades collapse into the ribbon take-up spindle, loosening the ribbon.

3. Slide the used ribbon off of the ribbon take-up spindle and discard.

Caution • Do not cut the ribbon directly on the ribbon take-up spindle. Doing so may

damage the spindle.

If the ribbon has not run out, cut or break it before the ribbon take-up spindle (1).

Operations

Calibrate the Printer

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Calibrate the Printer

The printer can be set to calibrate automatically, or you can calibrate it manually.

Auto Calibration

When the control panel setting for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE is set to

CALIBRATION, the printer automatically calibrates on power up or when the printhead is

closed. During auto calibration, the printer determines the label length and sensor settings. The

results of the auto calibration are stored in the printer’s temporary memory. These parameters

remain in effect until the next calibration is performed or until the printer is power cycled.

Manual Calibration

Perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration to reset the sensitivity of the sensors so the

media and ribbon are detected more accurately. If you change the type of ribbon or media,

your printer may operate better if you perform this calibration.

For instructions, refer to Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

Important • To retain calibration settings in the printer’s memory when the printer is power

cycled, you must save the changes permanently. See Exit Setup Mode on page 69.

Note • If the control panel settings for MEDIA POWER UP or HEAD CLOSE are set to

LENGTH, NO MOTION, or FEED, the printer starts printing without auto calibrating. See

Select Media Power-Up Option on page 92 or Select Head Close Option on page 92.

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Adjust Printhead Pressure

You may need to adjust printhead pressure if printing is too light on one side, if you use thick

media, or if the media drifts from side to side during printing.

See Figure 10. The ZM400 and RZ400 pressure adjustment dials have four possible settings

designated by blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest block

(fully counterclockwise) is considered position 1, and the largest block (fully clockwise) is

considered position 4. The ZM600 and RZ600 dials have seven settings instead of four.

Figure 10 • Printhead Pressure Adjustment Dials

To set printhead pressure, complete these steps:

1. Use Table 9 or Table 10 to select the initial dial settings for your media, depending on

which printer you have.

1Outside dial

2Inside dial

Table 9 • ZM400 and RZ400 Printhead Pressure

Media Width Inside Dial Outside Dial

1 in. (25.4 mm) 31

2 in. (51 mm) 41

3 in. (76 mm) 32

3.5 in. and up (89 mm and up) 33

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

2. If necessary, adjust the pressure adjustment dials as follows:

Table 10 • ZM600 and RZ600 Printhead Pressure

Media Width Inside Dial Outside Dial

2 in. (50 mm) 6 1

3 in. (75 mm) 6 2

4 in. (100 mm) 7 3

5 in. (125 mm) 7 4

5.5 in. and up (140 mm and up) 6 6

If the media... Then...

Requires higher pressure to

print well Increase both dials one position.

Shifts left while printing Increase the outside dial setting one position, or

decrease the inside dial setting one position.

Shifts right while printing Increase the inside dial setting one position, or

decrease the outside dial setting one position.

Prints too lightly on the left side

of the label. Increase the inside dial setting one position.

Prints too lightly on the right

side of the label. Increase the outside dial setting one position.

Operations

Adjust Printhead Pressure

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Notes • ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Configuration

This section describes the control panel parameters that are used to configure the printer for

operation.

Contents

Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Enter and Use Setup Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Exit Setup Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Change Password-Protected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Default Password Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Disable the Password Protection Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Print a Configuration Label. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Print a Network Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Standard Control Panel Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Additional Control Panel Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Configuration

Setup Mode

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Setup Mode

After you have installed the media and ribbon and the Power-On Self Test (POST) is complete,

the control panel displays PRINTER READY. You may now set printer parameters for your

application using the control panel display and the buttons directly below it. If it becomes

necessary to restore the initial printer defaults, see FEED and PAUSE Self Test on page 135.

Enter and Use Setup Mode

Use the LCD on the control panel to view and adjust printer settings through Setup mode.

When a parameter is changed, an asterisk (*) appears in the upper left corner of the display to

indicate that the value is different from the one currently active in the printer.

Important • Certain printing conditions may require that you adjust printing parameters,

such as print speed, darkness, or print mode. These conditions include (but are not

limited to):

• printing at high speeds

• peeling the media

• the use of extremely thin, small, synthetic, or coated labels

Because these and other factors affect print quality, run tests to determine the best

combination of printer settings and media for your application. A poor match may limit print

quality or print rate, or the printer may not function properly in the desired print mode.

Note • If the printer is operating on an IP network and you have a ZebraNet wired or

wireless print server, you can change the printer’s parameters in these additional ways:

•with ZebraLink™ WebView. For information, see the appropriate print server user guide.

•with ZebraNet Bridge. For information, see the ZebraNet Bridge Enterprise Printer

Management User Guide.

Press this key... To do the following...

SETUP/EXIT enter or exit Setup mode.

SELECT select or deselect a parameter.

PLUS (+) continue to the next parameter.

MINUS (-) return to the previous parameter in the cycle.

Configuration

Setup Mode

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Exit Setup Mode

When you exit setup mode, you have several options for saving, changing, or not changing

parameters.

To leave Setup mode, complete these steps:

1. While in Setup mode, press SETUP/EXIT.

The LCD displays SAVE CHANGES.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to display the save options:

3. Press SETUP/EXIT to select the displayed choice.

When the configuration and calibration sequence is done, PRINTER READY displays.

LCD Description

PERMANENT Stores values in the printer even when power is turned off.

TEMPORARY Saves the changes until power is turned off.

CANCEL Cancels all changes made since you entered Setup mode,

except for changes made to the darkness and tear-off settings,

which go into effect as soon as they are made.

LOAD DEFAULTS Restores all parameters other than the network settings back to

the factory defaults. Use care when loading defaults because

you will need to reload all settings that you changed manually.

Note • On non-RFID printers, loading factory defaults

causes the printer to auto-calibrate.

LOAD LAST SAVE Loads values from the last permanent save.

DEFAULT NET Restores the wired and wireless network settings back to

factory defaults.

Configuration

Change Password-Protected Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Change Password-Protected Parameters

Certain parameters, including the communication parameters, are password-protected by

factory default.

The first time that you attempt to change a password-protected parameter, the printer displays

ENTER PASSWORD. Before you can change the parameter, you must enter the four-digit

numeric password. After you have entered the password correctly, you do not have to enter it

again unless you leave Setup mode by pressing SETUP/EXIT or by turning off (O) the printer.

To enter a password for a password-protected parameter, complete

these steps:

1. At the password prompt, use MINUS (-) to change the selected digit position.

2. When you have selected the digit that you wish to change, use PLUS (+) to increase the

selected digit value. Repeat these two steps for each digit of the password.

3. After entering the password, press SELECT.

The parameter you selected to change is displayed. If the password was entered correctly,

you can change the value.

Default Password Value

The default password value is 1234. The password can be changed using the Zebra

Programming Language (ZPL) command ^KP (Define Password) or using the printer’s web

pages (ZebraNet wired or wireless print server required).

Disable the Password Protection Feature

You can disable the password protection feature so that it no longer prompts you for a

password by setting the password to 0000 via the ^KP ZPL command. To re-enable the

password-protection feature, send the ZPL command ^KPx, where x can be any number from

1 to 9999.

Caution • Do not change password-protected parameters unless you have a complete

understanding of the parameters’ functions. If the parameters are set incorrectly, the printer

may function unpredictably.

Configuration

Print a Configuration Label

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Print a Configuration Label

A configuration label lists the printer settings that are stored in configuration memory. After

you load the media, print a configuration label as a record of your printer’s current settings.

Keep the label to use when troubleshooting printing problems.

To print a configuration label, complete these steps:

1. On the control panel, press SETUP/EXIT.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the parameters until you reach

LIST SETUP.

3. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

4. Press PLUS (+) to confirm printing.

A configuration label prints (Figure 11).

Figure 11 • Sample Configuration Label

Z Series RZ Series

Configuration

Print a Network Configuration Label

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Print a Network Configuration Label

If you are using a print server, you can print a network configuration label after the printer is

connected to the network.

To print a network configuration label, complete these steps:

1. On the control panel, press SETUP/EXIT.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the parameters until you reach

LIST NETWORK.

3. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

4. Press PLUS (+) to confirm printing.

A network configuration label prints (Figure 12). An asterisk designates whether the

wired or wireless print server is active. If no wireless print server is installed, the wireless

portion of the label does not print.

Figure 12 • Sample Network Configuration Label

(with a Wireless Print Server installed)

asterisk

indicating the

active print

server

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Standard Control Panel Parameters

Table 11 shows parameters in the order in which they are displayed when you press PLUS (+)

after entering Setup mode. For parameters that do not appear in this table, see Additional

Control Panel Parameters on page 98.

Note • Your label preparation software or the printer driver may override adjustments made

through the control panel. Refer to the software or driver documentation for more

information.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 1 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Adjust Print Darkness

Darkness (burn duration) settings depend on a variety of factors, including

ribbon type, media type, and the condition of the printhead. You may adjust

the darkness for consistent high-quality printing.

Important • Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides

good print quality. If the darkness is set too high, the ink may

smear, the ribbon may burn through, or the printhead may wear

prematurely.

If printing is too light or if there are voids in printed areas, increase the

darkness. If printing is too dark or if there is spreading or bleeding of

printed areas, decrease the darkness.

The FEED Self Test on page 132 can be used to determine the best darkness

setting. You may want to adjust darkness while performing the PAUSE Self

Test on page 131. Because the darkness setting takes effect immediately,

you can see the results on labels that are currently printing. Darkness

settings also may be changed by the driver or software settings.

Default Value (ZPL): +10

Range (ZPL): 00 to +30

Default Value (EPL): +7

Range (EPL): 00 to +15

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase darkness.

3. Press MINUS (-) to decrease darkness.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Adjust Print Speed

Adjusts the speed for printing a label (given in inches per second). Slower

print speeds typically yield better print quality. Print speed changes take

effect upon exiting Setup mode.

Default Value (ZPL): 2 IPS

Default Value (EPL): 6 IPS

Range:

•200 dpi: 2 to 10 IPS

•300 dpi: 2 to 8 IPS

•600 dpi: 1 to 4 IPS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value.

3. Press MINUS (-) to decrease the value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 2 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Adjust the Tear-Off Position

This parameter establishes the position of the media over the

tear-off/peel-off bar after printing.

See Figure 13. Higher numbers move the media out (the tear line moves

closer to the leading edge of the next label), and lower numbers move the

media in (the tear line moves closer to the edge of the label just printed).

Figure 13 • Tear-Off Position Adjustment

Default Value: 0

Range: -120 to +120

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value. Each press adjusts the tear-off

position by four dot rows.

3. Press MINUS (-) to decrease the value. Each press adjusts the tear-off

position by four dot rows.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 3 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

1Media direction

2Factory-set tear line location at position 00

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Select Print Mode

This parameter tells the printer how printed labels will be removed. Make

sure that you select a print mode that is compatible with your printer and

printer options. For information about how the print modes work with

different printer options, see Print Modes and Printer Options on page 40.

Default Value (non-RFID printers): TEAR-OFF

Selections (non-RFID printers): TEAR-OFF, PEEL-OFF, CUTTER,

DELAYED CUT, LINERLESS-P, LINERLESS-R, LINERLESS-T,

REWIND

Default Value (RFID printers): RFID MODE

Selections (RFID printers): TEAR-OFF, PEEL-OFF, CUTTER,

DELAYED CUT, LINERLESS-P, LINERLESS-R, RFID MODE,

LINERLESS-T, REWIND

Note • The linerless selections apply only to printers that have the

Linerless option.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Media Type

This parameter tells the printer the type of media that you are using (see

Types of Media on page 34 for more information). Selecting continuous

media requires that you include a label length instruction in your label

format (^LLxxxx if you are using ZPL or ZPL II).

When non-continuous media is selected, the printer feeds media to

calculate label length (the distance between two recognized registration

points of the inter-label gap, webbing, or alignment notch or hole).

Default Value: GAP/NOTCH

Selections: GAP/NOTCH, MARK, CONTINUOUS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 4 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Select Print Method

The print method parameter tells the printer the method of printing that you

want to use: direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (using thermal

transfer media and ribbon).

Default Value: THERMAL TRANSFER

Selections: THERMAL TRANSFER, DIRECT THERMAL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Print Width

This parameter specifies the printable area across the width of the label.

Table 12 shows the ranges and default values for print width, which are

based on the printer model and the printhead resolution.

Note • Setting the width too narrow can result in portions of a label

format not being printed on the media. Setting the width too wide

wastes formatting memory and can cause printing off of the label

and on the platen roller. This setting can affect the horizontal

position of the label format if the image was inverted using the

^POI ZPL II command.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to change the value shown.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 5 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Table 12 • Print Width Ranges and Maximum Values

Printhead

Resolution

Printer

ZM400/RZ400 ZM600/RZ600

200 dpi Default Value: 832

Range: 2 to 832 dots

Default Value: 1344

Range: 2 to 1344 dots

300 dpi Default Value: 1248

Range: 2 to 1248 dots

Default Value: 1984

Range: 2 to 1984 dots

600 dpi Note • 600 dpi is

not available on the

RZ400.

Default Value: 2496

Range: 2 to 2496 dots

N/A

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Set Maximum Label Length

This parameter is used during the media portion of the calibration process.

Always set maximum label length to a value that is at least 1.0 in.

(25.4 mm) greater than the actual label length (Figure 14). If the value is set

to a smaller value than the label length, the printer assumes that continuous

media is loaded, and the printer cannot calibrate.

For example, if the label length is 5.0 inches (126 mm) including the

interlabel gap, set the parameter for 6.0 inches (152 mm). If the label length

is 7.5 inches (190 mm), set the parameter for 9.0 inches (229 mm).

Figure 14 • Label Length

Default Value: 39.0 inches (988 mm)

Selections: Values are adjustable in one-inch (25.4 mm) increments

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to change the value shown.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 6 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

1Label length (including interlabel gap)

2Interlabel gap

3Set maximum label length to approximately this value

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Set Early Warning for Maintenance

When this feature is enabled, the printer provides warnings when the

printhead needs to be cleaned.

Default Value: MAINT. OFF

Selections: MAINT. OFF, MAINTENANCE ON

To change the Early Warning settings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. When the LCD displays EARLY WARNING MAINTENANCE, press

PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between OFF and ON. (If you are

prompted for a password, enter your password using the instructions in

Change Password-Protected Parameters on page 70.)

3. Exit Setup mode and save changes to enable additional parameters

related to the early warning system.

4. Enter Setup mode again and go to the following parameters to enter the

printhead cleaning interval and the printhead life.

5. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Printhead Cleaning Interval for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is

enabled. This value should correspond to the length of the media or ribbon

roll that you are using.

Default Value: 450 M/1476 FT

Selections: 100 M/328 FT to 450 M/1476 FT in 50 M increments

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to set the printhead cleaning interval to the

desired number of inches of media or ribbon.

When the printhead reaches the set length, WARNING CLEAN

PRINTHEAD appears on the LCD. If the alert function is enabled, the

printer generates an alert.

1. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Reset Printhead Cleaning Counter for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is

enabled.

To reset the printhead cleaning counter:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Did you clean the printhead?

•If you cleaned the printhead, press PLUS (+) to select YES.

•If you did not clean the printhead, press MINUS (-) to select NO.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 7 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Set Printhead Life for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is

enabled. Set this value to the number of inches of media that the printhead

is expected to print.

Default Value: 1,000,000 inches

Range: 100 to 1,000,000 inches

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move the cursor.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

When the printhead reaches the set length, WARNING REPLACE

HEAD appears on the LCD. If the alert function is enabled, the printer

generates an alert.

1. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Reset Printhead Life Counter for Early Warning

This parameter appears only when Early Warning for Maintenance is

enabled.

To reset the printhead life counter:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Did you replace the printhead?

•If you replaced the printhead, press PLUS (+) to select YES.

•If you did not replace the printhead, press MINUS (-) to select NO.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

View Non-Resettable Counter

This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer has

printed. You can use ZPL commands to change the unit of measure for this

counter. For the commands, refer to the Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI,

Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML.

View User-Controlled Counter 1

This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer has printed

since this parameter was last reset. You can use ZPL commands to change

the unit of measure and reset this counter. For the commands, refer to the

Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML.

View User-Controlled Counter 2

This parameter displays the total length of media that the printer has printed

since this parameter was last reset. You can use ZPL commands to change

the unit of measure and reset this counter. For the commands, refer to the

Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 8 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Print Counter Readings

Prints a label that lists the odometer readings for the following:

•the non-resettable counter

•the two user-controlled counters

•the Early Warning for Maintenance counters, which indicate when the

printhead was last cleaned and the printhead life

If the Early Warning for Maintenance feature is disabled, the counters

related to it do not print.

To print a list of the odometer readings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to print the odometer readings.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Fonts

This option prints a label that lists the available fonts in the printer,

including standard printer fonts plus any optional fonts. Fonts may be

stored in RAM or Flash memory.

To print a list of the available fonts:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

ZPL only List Bar Codes

This option prints a label that lists the available bar codes in the printer. Bar

codes may be stored in RAM or Flash memory.

To print a list of the available bar codes:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Images

This option prints a label that lists the available images stored in the

printer’s RAM, Flash memory, or optional memory card.

To print a list of the available images:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Formats

This option prints a label that lists the available formats stored in the

printer’s RAM, Flash memory, or optional memory card.

To print a list of the available formats:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 9 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

List Setup

This option prints a configuration label (see Figure 11 on page 71), which

lists the current printer configuration.

To print a configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List Network Settings

This option prints a network configuration label (see Figure 12

on page 72), which lists the settings for any print server that is installed.

To print a network configuration label:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

List All

This option prints labels that list the available fonts, bar codes, images,

formats, and the current printer and network configurations.

To print labels for all settings:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select PRINT.

3. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 10 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Format Memory Card

Note • This parameter appears only when a Wireless Plus option

board with the flash chip populated is installed.

This option erases all previously stored information from the 64 MB flash

chip.

Caution • This option completely erases the flash chip.

To format a memory card:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to select A: or OPT:MEM (APL-D only).

If your printer is set to require a password, you are prompted to enter

the password.

3. Enter the password. For instructions, see Change Password-Protected

Parameters on page 70.

4. Press the appropriate button again to select the desired card.

The display shows ARE YOU SURE?.

5. Do you want to continue?

•Press MINUS (-) to select NO to cancel the request and return to

FORMAT CARD prompt.

•Press PLUS (+) to select YES and begin initialization.

When initialization is complete, the control panel displays

FORMATTING CARD COMPLETED.

Note • Depending on the amount of memory in the memory card,

initialization may take up to 5 minutes to complete.

6. Press SELECT to deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 11 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Initialize Flash Memory

This option erases all previously stored information from Flash memory.

Caution • This option completely erases the Flash memory.

To initialize Flash memory:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. If prompted for a password, enter the printer password. For instructions,

see Change Password-Protected Parameters on page 70.

The display shows INITIALIZE FLASH?

3. Press PLUS (+) to select YES.

The display shows ARE YOU SURE?.

4. Do you want to continue?

•Press MINUS (-) to select NO to cancel the request and return to the

INITIALIZE FLASH prompt.

•Press PLUS (+) to select YES and begin initialization.

When initialization is complete, the control panel displays

INITIALIZING MEMORY COMPLETED.

Note • Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory,

initialization may take up to 1 minute to complete.

5. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Print Sensor Profile

A sensor profile shows sensor settings compared to actual sensor readings.

This label (which will extend across several actual labels or tags) can be

used to troubleshoot printing problems. To interpret the results of the

sensor profile, see Sensor Profile on page 137.

To print a sensor profile:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to start this standard calibration procedure and print a

media sensor profile.

3. If the sensitivity of the sensors must be adjusted, perform Calibrate

Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 12 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity

Use this procedure to adjust sensitivity of media and ribbon sensors.

Important • Follow this procedure exactly as presented. All of the

steps must be performed even if only one of the sensors requires

adjustment. You may press MINUS (-) at any step in this procedure

to cancel the process.

To perform a media and ribbon sensor calibration:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to start the calibration procedure.

The LOAD BACKING prompt displays.

1. Open the printhead.

2. Remove approximately 8 in. (203 mm) of labels from the backing

(liner), and pull the media into the printer so that only the backing is

between the media sensors.

3. If your printer has the Peel-Off, Liner Take-Up, or Rewind option,

complete the following substeps:

a. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel

assembly.

b. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar (1) and behind the peel

assembly (2). Make sure that the end of the liner falls outside of

the printer.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 13 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

(continued from previous

page) Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity (continued)

Caution • Use the peel release lever and your right hand to close

the peel assembly. Do not use your left hand to assist in closing.

The top edge of the peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers.

c. Close the peel assembly using the peel-off mechanism release

lever.

4. Leave the printhead open.

5. Press PLUS (+) to continue.

The REMOVE RIBBON prompt displays.

1. Remove the ribbon (if used).

2. Close the printhead.

3. Press PLUS (+) to continue.

The message CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT displays.

The printer adjusts the scale (gain) of the signals that it receives from

the media and ribbon sensors based on the specific media and ribbon

combination being used. On the sensor profile, this essentially

corresponds to moving the peak of the graph up or down to optimize the

readings for your application.

When calibration is complete, RELOAD ALL displays.

1. Open the printhead and pull the media forward until a label is

positioned under the media sensor.

2. Reload the ribbon (if used).

3. Close the printhead.

4. Press PLUS (+) to continue.

The printer performs an auto-calibration. During this process, the

printer checks the readings for the media and ribbon based on the new

scale established, determines the label length, and determines the print

mode. To see the new readings on the new scale, print a sensor profile.

1. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 14 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Set Parallel Communications

Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the host

computer.

Default Value: BIDIRECTIONAL

Selections: BIDIRECTIONAL, UNIDIRECTIONAL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

ZPL only Set Serial Communications

Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the host

computer. This setting applies only when the serial port is used.

Note • Select RS232 if you are using an external adapter to enable

RS422/485 operation.

Default Value: RS232

Selections: RS232, RS485 MULTIDROP

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Baud

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The baud setting of

the printer must match the baud setting of the host computer for accurate

communications to take place. Select the value that matches the one being

used by the host computer.

Default Value: 9600

Selections (ZPL, APL-I, APL-D): 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 14400,

19200, 28800, 38400, 57600, 115200

Selections (EPL): 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 15 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Set Data Bits

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The data bits of the

printer must match the data bits of the host computer for accurate

communications to take place. Set the data bits to match the setting being

used by the host computer.

Default Value: 8BITS

Selections: 7BITS, 8BITS

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Parity

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The parity of the

printer must match the parity of the host computer for accurate

communications to take place. Select the parity that matches the one being

used by the host computer.

Default Value: NONE

Selections: EVEN, ODD, NONE

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Host Handshake

This setting applies only when the serial port is used. The handshake

protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host

computer for communication to take place. Select the handshake protocol

that matches the one being used by the host computer.

Default Value (ZPL): XON/XOFF

Selections (ZPL): XON/XOFF, DSR/DTR, RTS/CTS

Default Value (EPL): DTR & XON/XOFF

Selections (EPL): DTR & XON/XOFF, DTR

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 16 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

ZPL only Set Protocol

Protocol is a type of error checking system. Depending on the selection, an

indicator may be sent from the printer to the host computer signifying that

data has been received. Select the protocol that is requested by the host

computer. Further details on protocol can be found in the Programming

Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML.

Default Value: NONE

Selections: NONE, ZEBRA, ACK_NAK

Note • ZEBRA is the same as ACK_NAK, except that ZEBRA

response messages are sequenced. If ZEBRA is selected, the printer

must use DSR/DTR for host handshake protocol.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

ZPL only Set Network ID

This parameter assigns a unique number to the printer when the printer is

operating in an RS422/485 multi-drop network environment (an external

RS422/485 adapter is required). This gives the host computer the means to

address a specific printer. This does not affect TCP/IP or IPX networks.

Default Value: 000

Range: 000 to 999

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set Communications Mode

The communication diagnostics mode is a troubleshooting tool for

checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer.

For more information, see Communications Diagnostics Test on page 136.

Default Value: NORMAL MODE

Selections: NORMAL MODE, DIAGNOSTICS

To select communication diagnostics mode:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 17 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

ZPL only Set Control Prefix Character

The printer looks for this two-digit hex character to indicate the start of a

ZPL/ZPL II control instruction.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to

work properly.

Default Value: 7E ~

Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

ZPL only Set Format Prefix Character

The format prefix is a two-digit hex value used as a parameter place marker

in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. The printer looks for this hex character

to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II format instruction. See the

Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML for more

information.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to

work properly.

Default Value: 5E ^

Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 18 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

ZPL only Set Delimiter Character

The delimiter character is a two-digit hex value used as a parameter place

marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. See the Programming Guide for

ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML for more information.

Note • Do not use the same hex value for the control, format, and

delimiter character. The printer must see different characters to

work properly.

Default Value: 2C ,

Range: 00 to FF

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

ZPL only Select ZPL Mode

The printer remains in the selected mode until it is changed by this

parameter or by using a ZPL/ZPL II command. The printer accepts label

formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II, eliminating the need to rewrite any

ZPL formats that already exist. See the Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI,

Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML for more information on the differences

between ZPL and ZPL II.

Default Value: ZPL II

Range: ZPL II, ZPL

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 19 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Select Media Power-Up Option

This parameter sets the action of the media when you turn on the printer.

Default Value (non-RFID printers): CALIBRATION

Default Value (RFID printers): FEED

Selections: CALIBRATION, SHORT CAL, LENGTH, NO MOTION,

FEED

•Calibration adjusts sensor levels and thresholds, determines length,

and feeds the media to the next web.

•Short Cal sets media and web thresholds without adjusting sensor

gain, determines length, and feeds the media to the next web.

•Length determines label length using current sensor values, and

feeds the media to the next web.

•No Motion tells the printer not to move the media. You must

manually ensure that the web is positioned correctly, or press feed to

position the next web.

•Feed—feeds the labels to the first registration point.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Head Close Option

This parameter sets the action of the media when you close the printhead.

Default Value (non-RFID printers): CALIBRATION

Default Value (RFID printers): FEED

Selections: CALIBRATION, SHORT CAL, LENGTH, NO MOTION,

FEED

•Calibration adjusts sensor levels and thresholds, determines length,

and feeds the media to the next web.

•Short Cal sets media and web thresholds without adjusting sensor

gain, determines length, and feeds the media to the next web.

•Length determines label length using current sensor values, and

feeds the media to the next web.

•No Motion tells the printer not to move the media. You must

manually ensure that the web is positioned correctly, or press feed to

position the next web.

•Feed—feeds the labels to the first registration point.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 20 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Select Backfeed Sequence

This parameter sets when label backfeed occurs after a label is removed in

some print modes. It has no effect in Rewind mode. This setting is

superseded by ~JS when received as part of a label format (see the

Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML for more

information).

Default Value: DEFAULT (90%)

Selections: DEFAULT, AFTER, OFF, BEFORE, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%,

50%, 60%, 70%, 80%

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjust Label Top Position

This parameter adjusts the print position vertically on the label. Positive

numbers adjust the label top position farther down the label (away from the

printhead) by the specified number of dots. Negative numbers adjust the

position up the label (toward the printhead).

Default Value: +000

Range: -120 to +120

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) to increase the value.

3. Press MINUS (-) to decrease the value.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Adjust Left Position

This parameter adjusts the print position horizontally on the label. Positive

numbers adjust printing to the left by the specified number of dots.

Negative numbers shift printing to the right.

Default Value: 0000

Range: –9999 to +9999 dots

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move the cursor.

3. Press PLUS (+) to change between +/- and to increase the value of the

digit. For a negative value, enter the value before changing to the minus

sign.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 21 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

ZPL only Set Reprint Mode

When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last label printed either

by issuing the ~PR ZPL command or by pressing MINUS (-) on the control

panel.

Default Value: DISABLED

Selections: ENABLED, DISABLED

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

See next column View Sensor Settings

These parameters are automatically set during the calibration procedure

and should be changed only by a qualified service technician. Refer to the

Programming Guide for ZPL, ZBI, Set-Get-Do, Mirror, and WML for

information on these parameters.

To skip these parameters:

1. Press PLUS (+) to skip each of the following parameters:

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 22 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

ZPL only Select Format Convert

Selects the bitmap scaling factor. The first number is the original dots per

inch (dpi) value; the second, the dpi to which you would like to scale.

Default Value: NONE

Selections: NONE, 150 300, 150 600, 200 600, 300 600

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Select Idle Display

This parameter selects the LCD options for the real-time clock.

Note • If the default value is not selected, pressing PLUS (+) or

MINUS (-) briefly displays the firmware version of the printer.

Default Value: FIRMWARE (FW) VERSION

Selections: MM/DD/YY (24HR), MM/DD/YY (12HR), DD/MM/YY

(24HR), DD/MM/YY (12HR), FW VERSION

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 23 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Set Real-Time Clock (RTC) Date

This parameter allows you to set the date following the convention selected

in IDLE DISPLAY.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press PLUS (+) to change the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Set RTC Time

This parameter allows you to set the time following the convention selected

in IDLE DISPLAY.

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press the left oval MINUS (-) to move to the next digit position.

3. Press the right oval PLUS (+) to change the value of the digit.

4. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Specify Password Level

This parameter allows you to select whether certain factory-selected menu

items or all menu items are password protected.

Default Value: SELECTED ITEMS

Selections: SELECTED ITEMS, ALL ITEMS

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to toggle between the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 24 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Standard Control Panel Parameters

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Select the Display Language

This parameter changes the language displayed on the LCD. Each language

selection is displayed in the language itself.

Default Value: ENGLISH

Selections: ENGLISH, SPANISH, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN,

NORWEGIAN, PORTUGUESE, SWEDISH, DANISH, SPANISH 2,

DUTCH, FINNISH, JAPANESE, KOREAN, SIMPLIFIED CHINESE,

TRADITIONAL CHINESE

To change the value shown:

1. Press SELECT to select the parameter.

2. Press PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) to scroll through the options.

3. Press SELECT to accept any changes and deselect the parameter.

Table 11 • Printer Parameters (Page 25 of 25)

Language/Parameter Action/Explanation

Configuration

Additional Control Panel Parameters

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Additional Control Panel Parameters

Additional parameters appear in the following situations.

• When a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader is installed. For more information,

refer to the RFID Programming Guide.

• When a wired print server is installed in the printer. For more information, refer to the

ZebraNet 10/100 Print Server User and Reference Guide

• When a wireless print server is installed in the printer. Refer to the ZebraNet Wireless

User Guide.

Copies of the print server manuals and the RFID Programming Guide are available at

http://www.zebra.com/manuals or on the user CD that came with your printer.

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Routine Maintenance

This section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures.

Contents

Replacing Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Ordering Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Recycling Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Cleaning Schedule and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Clean the Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Clean the Cutter Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Routine Maintenance

Replacing Printer Components

100

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Replacing Printer Components

Ordering Replacement Parts

For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product line, Zebra

strongly recommends the use of genuine Zebra™ supplies as part of the total solution.

Specifically, the ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, and RZ600 are designed to work only with genuine

Zebra™ printheads, thus maximizing safety and print quality.

Contact your authorized Zebra reseller for part ordering information, or see Contacts

on page 11 for contact addresses and telephone numbers.

Recycling Printer Components

Lubrication

No lubrication is needed for this printer.

The majority of this printer’s components are recyclable. The printer’s main logic board

includes a battery that you should dispose of properly.

Do not dispose of any printer components in unsorted municipal waste. Please dispose of the

battery according to your local regulations, and recycle the other printer components

according to your local standards. For more information, see

http://www.zebra.com/environment.

Caution • Some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the

mechanical parts if used on this printer.

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Cleaning Schedule and Procedures

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Cleaning Schedule and Procedures

Specific cleaning procedures are provided on the following pages. Table 13 shows the

recommended cleaning schedule. These intervals are intended as guidelines only. You may

have to clean more often, depending upon your application and media.

Clean the Exterior

You may clean the exterior surfaces of the printer with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of a

mild detergent, if necessary. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents.

Important • Zebra is not responsible for damage caused by the use of cleaning fluids on this

printer.

Table 13 • Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Area Method Interval

Printhead Solvent* Direct Thermal Mode: After every roll of

media (or 500 feet of fanfold media).

Thermal Transfer Mode: After every roll of

ribbon or three rolls of media.

Platen roller Solvent*

Media sensors Air blow

Ribbon sensor Air blow

Media path Solvent*

Ribbon path Solvent*

Pinch roller (part of Peel-Off option) Solvent*

Tear-off/peel-off bar Solvent* Once a month.

Take-label sensor Air blow Once every six months.

* Zebra recommends using Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362). In place of this kit, you may use a clean swab

dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%).

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

102

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller

You can minimize printhead wear and maintain print quality with regular preventive measures.

Over time, the movement of media or ribbon across the printhead wears through the protective

ceramic coating, exposing and eventually damaging the print elements (dots). To avoid

abrasion:

• Clean the printhead frequently, and use well-lubricated thermal transfer ribbons with

backings optimized to reduce friction.

• Minimize printhead pressure and burn temperature settings by optimizing the balance

between the two.

• Ensure that the thermal transfer ribbon is as wide or wider than the label media to prevent

exposing the elements to the more abrasive label material.

For best results, clean the printhead after changing every roll of ribbon. Inconsistent print

quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, may indicate a dirty printhead.

Figure 15 • Location of the Printhead and Platen Roller

Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,

hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the

printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open

printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose

all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume

printing.

-Note • For printers with a peel assembly, keep the peel assembly closed while cleaning the

platen roller to reduce the risk of bending the tear-off/peel-off bar.

1Printhead assembly

2Platen roller

103

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

To clean the printhead and platen roller, complete these steps:

1. Open the printhead assembly.

2. Remove the media and ribbon.

3. Using the swab from the Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362), wipe along the

brown strip on the printhead assembly from end to end. In place of the Preventive

Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol

(minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to evaporate.

Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead

to cool.

Caution • Before touching the printhead assembly, discharge any built-up static electricity

by touching the metal printer frame or by using an antistatic wriststrap and mat.

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

104

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

4. While manually rotating the platen roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab. Allow the

solvent to evaporate.

5. Reload media and ribbon, and close the printhead assembly.

Note • If performing this procedure does not improve print quality, try cleaning the

printhead with Save-A-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes

contamination buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra

reseller for more information.

105

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Clean the Media Compartment and Sensors

To clean the media compartment and sensors, complete these steps:

1. Brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the media and ribbon

paths.

2. Brush or vacuum any paper lint and dust away from the sensors (see Figure 16).

Figure 16 • Cleaning the Sensors

1Take-label sensor

2Ribbon sensor

3Media sensor

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

106

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Clean the Cutter Module

If the cutter is not cutting the labels cleanly or if it jams with labels, clean the cutter.

To clean the cutter module, complete these steps:

1. Turn the printer off (O), and unplug the printer from its power source.

Remove the cutter shield (1) by removing the cutter shield thumbscrew and lock

washer (2).

3. To expose the V-shaped cutter blade, turn the cutter motor thumbscrew (1)

counterclockwise to lower the blade.

Caution • For personnel safety, always power off and unplug the printer before performing

this procedure.

Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers.

107

Routine Maintenance

Cleaning Procedures

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

4. See Figure 17. Using the swab from the Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362),

wipe along the upper cutting surface (1) and the cutter blade (2). In place of the

Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl

alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to

evaporate.

Figure 17 • Cleaning the Cutter Module

5. Replace the cutter shield.

6. Plug the printer into its power source, and then turn on (I) the printer.

The lower cutter blade returns to its correct operating position.

7. If the cutter continues to perform unsatisfactorily, contact an authorized service

technician.

Routine Maintenance

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option

108

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option

When you use the Rewind option, you will periodically need to remove printed labels or used

liner from the rewind spindle. You may also need to adjust the media alignment for the Rewind

option.

Remove Printed Labels or Liner from the Rewind Spindle

To remove printed labels or liner from the rewind spindle, complete these

steps:

1. Cut the liner between the media alignment spindle and the rewind spindle.

2. Rotate the take-up spindle counterclockwise until the rewind media guide is fully upright.

3. Loosen the thumbscrew on the rewind media guide.

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Routine Maintenance

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

4. Slide the rewind media guide all the way out, and then fold it down.

5. Slide the core with the liner from the take-up spindle.

Routine Maintenance

Routine Maintenance for the Rewind Option

110

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Adjust Media Alignment for Rewind Option

The instructions below apply only if the printer has a Rewind option. The liner should be

installed flush against the backplate of the rewind spindle to prevent the media/backing from

winding too loosely.

Perform the adjustments in the order given. Do only what is needed to solve the problem.

To adjust the media alignment for printers with the Rewind option, complete

these steps:

1. Turn the adjustment dial (1) clockwise to move the media toward the backplate (2).

2. Turn the adjustment dial (1) counter clockwise to move the media away from the

backplate (2).

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Troubleshooting

This section provides information about errors that you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted

diagnostic tests are included.

Contents

Troubleshooting Checklists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

LCD Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Calibration Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Ribbon Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

RFID Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Miscellaneous Printer Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Printer Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Power-On Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

FEED Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

FEED and PAUSE Self Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Communications Diagnostics Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

Sensor Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Checklists

112

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Troubleshooting Checklists

If an error condition exists with the printer, review this checklist:

Are noncontinuous labels being treated as continuous labels? If yes, see Calibrate Media

and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

Is the printer reporting a ribbon error when ribbon is loaded properly? If yes, see Calibrate

Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

Are you experiencing problems with print quality? If yes, see Print Quality Problems

on page 117.

Are you experiencing communications problems? If yes, see Communications Problems

on page 121.

If the labels are not printing or advancing correctly, review this checklist:

Are you using the correct type of labels? Review the types of label in Types of Media

on page 34.

Are you using a label that is narrower than the maximum print width? See Set Print Width

on page 77.

Review the label- and ribbon-loading illustrations in Load Media on page 43 and Load

Ribbon on page 58.

Does the printhead need to be adjusted? See Adjust Printhead Pressure on page 64 for

more information.

Do the sensors need to be calibrated? See Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity

on page 85 for more information.

If none of the above suggestions correct the problem, review this checklist:

Perform one or more of the self-tests given in Printer Diagnostics on page 129. Use the

results to help identify the problem.

If you are still having problems, see Contacts on page 11 for customer support

information.

113

Troubleshooting

LCD Error Messages

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

LCD Error Messages

The LCD displays messages when there is an error. See Table 14 for LCD errors, the possible

causes, and the recommended solutions.

Table 14 • LCD Error Messages

LCD Display/

Printer Condition Possible Cause Recommended Solution

The ERROR light flashes.

The printhead was replaced with

one that is not a genuine Zebra™

printhead.

Install a genuine Zebra™ printhead.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light flashes.

In thermal transfer mode, ribbon is

not loaded or incorrectly loaded. Load ribbon correctly. See Load

Ribbon on page 58.

In thermal transfer mode, the

ribbon sensor is not detecting

ribbon.

1. Load ribbon correctly. See Load

Ribbon on page 58.

2. Calibrate the sensors. See

Calibrate Media and Ribbon

Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

In thermal transfer mode, media is

blocking the ribbon sensor. 1. Load media correctly. See Load

Media on page 43.

2. Calibrate the sensors. See

Calibrate Media and Ribbon

Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

In thermal transfer mode, the

printer did not detect the ribbon

even though it is loaded correctly.

1. Print a sensor profile. See Print

Sensor Profile on page 84. The

ribbon out threshold (1) is likely

too high, above the black area that

indicates where the ribbon is

detected (2).

2. Calibrate the sensors or load

printer defaults. See Calibrate

Media and Ribbon Sensor

Sensitivity on page 85 or LOAD

DEFAULTS on page 69.

ERROR CONDITION

INVALID HEAD

ERROR CONDITION

RIBBON OUT

Troubleshooting

LCD Error Messages

114

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

The RIBBON light is on; the

ERROR light flashes. The

ERROR light flashes.

Ribbon is loaded, but the printer is

set for direct thermal mode. Ribbon is not required with direct

thermal media. If you are using direct

thermal media, remove the ribbon. This

error message will not affect printing.

If you are using thermal transfer media,

which requires ribbon, set the printer

for Thermal Transfer mode. See Select

Print Method on page 77.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light flashes.

The media is not loaded or is

loaded incorrectly. Load media correctly. See Load Media

on page 43.

Misaligned media sensor. Check position of the media sensor.

The printer is set for

noncontinuous media, but

continuous media is loaded.

Install proper media type, or reset

printer for current media type and

perform calibration.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light flashes.

The printhead is not fully closed. Close printhead completely.

The head open sensor is not

working properly. Call a service technician.

The ERROR light flashes.

The printhead has a faulty

thermistor. Call a service technician.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light is on; the

printer cycles through these

three messages.

Caution • An improperly connected printhead data or power cable

can cause these error messages. The printhead may be hot

enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.

The printhead data cable is not

properly connected. Caution • Turn off (O) the printer

before performing this procedure.

Failure to do so can damage the

printhead.

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Disconnect and reconnect the data

cable to the printhead.

3. Ensure that the cable connector is

fully inserted into the printhead

connector.

4. Turn on (I) the printer.

The printhead has a faulty

thermistor. Call a service technician.

Table 14 • LCD Error Messages (Continued)

LCD Display/

Printer Condition Possible Cause Recommended Solution

WARNING

RIBBON IN

ERROR CONDITION

PAPER OUT

ERROR CONDITION

HEAD OPEN

THERMISTOR

FAULT

WARNING

HEAD COLD

THERMISTOR

FAULT

ERROR CONDITION

HEAD ELEMENT BAD

115

Troubleshooting

LCD Error Messages

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

The printer prints while the

ERROR light flashes.

Caution • An improperly connected printhead data or power cable

can cause this error message. The printhead may be hot enough to

cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.

The printhead temperature is

approaching its lower operating

limit.

Continue printing while the printhead

reaches the correct operating

temperature. If the error remains, the

environment may be too cold for

proper printing. Relocate the printer to

a warmer area.

The printhead data cable is not

properly connected. Caution • Turn off (O) the printer

before performing this procedure.

Failure to do so can damage the

printhead.

1. Turn off (O) the printer.

2. Disconnect and reconnect the data

cable to the printhead.

3. Ensure that the cable connector is

fully inserted into the printhead

connector.

4. Turn on (I) the printer.

The printhead has a faulty

thermistor. Call a service technician.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light flashes.

Caution • The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe

burns. Allow the printhead to cool.

The printhead is over temperature. Allow the printer to cool. Printing

automatically resumes when the

printhead elements cool to an

acceptable operating temperature.

Table 14 • LCD Error Messages (Continued)

LCD Display/

Printer Condition Possible Cause Recommended Solution

WARNING

HEAD COLD

WARNING

HEAD TOO HOT

Troubleshooting

LCD Error Messages

116

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

The printer stops.

The printer is defragmenting

memory. Caution • Do NOT turn off the printer

power during defragmenting. Doing so

can damage the printer.

Allow the printer to finish

defragmenting. If you get this error

message frequently, check your label

formats. Formats that write to and erase

memory frequently may cause the

printer to defragment often. Using

properly coded label formats usually

minimizes the need for defragmenting.

If this error message does not go away,

contact Technical Support. The printer

requires service.

The printer stops; the

ERROR light flashes.

Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade

with your fingers.

The cutter blade is in the media

path. Turn off the printer power and unplug

the printer. Inspect the cutter module

for debris and clean as needed

following the cleaning instructions in

Clean the Cutter Module on page 106.

There is not enough memory to

perform the function specified on

the second line of the error

message.

Free up some of the printer’s memory

by adjusting the label format or printer

parameters. One way to free up

memory is to adjust the print width to

the actual width of the label instead of

leaving the print width set to the

default. See Set Print Width

on page 77.

Ensure that the data is not directed to a

device that is not installed or is

unavailable.

Refer to the Maintenance Manual for

more information about the specified

function.

Table 14 • LCD Error Messages (Continued)

LCD Display/

Printer Condition Possible Cause Recommended Solution

DEFRAGMENTING

ERROR CONDITION

CUTTER JAM

OUT OF MEMORY

(function)

117

Troubleshooting

Print Quality Problems

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Print Quality Problems

Table 15 identifies problems with print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended

solutions.

Table 15 • Print Quality Problems

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

General print quality

issues The printer is set at the

incorrect print speed. For optimal print quality, set the print speed to

the lowest possible setting for your application

via control panel, the driver, or the software. See

Adjust Print Speed on page 74. You may want to

perform the FEED Self Test on page 132.

You are using an incorrect

combination of labels and

ribbon for your application.

1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon

to try to find a compatible combination.

2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra

reseller or distributor for information and

advice.

The printer is set at an incorrect

darkness level. For optimal print quality, set the darkness to the

lowest possible setting for your application via

the control panel, the driver, or the software. See

Adjust Print Darkness on page 73. You may

want to perform the FEED Self Test on page 132

to determine the ideal darkness setting.

The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. See Clean the Printhead

and Platen Roller on page 102.

Incorrect or uneven printhead

pressure. Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

needed for good print quality.See Adjust

Printhead Pressure on page 64.

The printhead is improperly

balanced. Call a service technician.

Long tracks of

missing print on

several labels

Print element damaged. Call a service technician.

Troubleshooting

Print Quality Problems

118

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Wrinkled ribbon Ribbon was fed through the

ribbon system incorrectly. Load the ribbon correctly. See Load Ribbon

on page 58.

Incorrect burn temperature. Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for

good print quality. See Adjust Print Darkness

on page 73.

Incorrect or uneven printhead

pressure. Set the printhead pressure to the minimum

needed for good print quality. See Adjust

Printhead Pressure on page 64.

Media not feeding properly;

“walking” from side to side. Make sure that media is snug by adjusting the

media guide, or call a service technician.

The strip plate needs adjusting. Call a service technician.

The printhead needs vertical

adjustment. Call a service technician.

The printhead is improperly

balanced. Call a service technician.

The printhead and platen roller

need to be realigned. Call a service technician.

Printing too light or

too dark over the

entire label

The media or ribbon is not

designed for high-speed

operation.

Replace supplies with those recommended for

high-speed operation.

You are using an incorrect

combination of media and

ribbon for your application.

1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon

to try to find a compatible combination.

2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra

reseller or distributor for information and

advice.

You are using ribbon with

direct thermal media. Direct thermal media does not require ribbon. To

check if you are using direct thermal media,

perform the label scratch test in When to Use

Ribbon on page 36.

Incorrect or uneven printhead

pressure. Set the pressure to the minimum needed. See

Adjust Printhead Pressure on page 64.

Smudge marks on

labels The media or ribbon is not

designed for high-speed

operation.

Replace supplies with those recommended for

high-speed operation.

Misregistration/skips

labels The printer is not calibrated. Recalibrate the printer.

Improper label format. Use correct label format.

Misregistration and

misprint of one to

three labels

The platen roller is dirty. See Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller

on page 102.

Media does not meet

specifications. Use media that meets specifications.

Table 15 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

119

Troubleshooting

Print Quality Problems

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Vertical drift in

top-of-form position The printer is out of calibration. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate Media and

Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

Vertical drift occurs during

normal printer operation.

Note • A vertical drift of

± 4 to 6 dot rows

(approximately 0.5 mm)

is within normal

tolerances.

Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate Media and

Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

The platen roller is dirty. Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead

and Platen Roller on page 102.

Vertical image or

label drift The printer is using

non-continuous labels but is

configured in continuous mode.

Configure the printer for non-continuous and run

calibration routine, if necessary.

The media sensor is positioned

incorrectly. Ensure that the media sensor is properly

positioned to read a single/consistent interlabel

gap.

The media sensor is calibrated

improperly. See Calibrate Media and Ribbon Sensor

Sensitivity on page 85.

The platen roller is dirty. Clean the platen roller. See Clean the Printhead

and Platen Roller on page 102.

Improper printhead pressure

settings (toggles). Adjust the printhead pressure to ensure proper

functionality.

Improperly loaded ribbon or

media. Verify that the printer is loaded properly.

Incompatible media. Ensure that the interlabel gaps or notches are 2 to

4 mm and consistently placed. Media must not

exceed minimum specifications for mode of

operation.

The bar code printed

on a label does not

scan.

The bar code is not within

specifications because the print

is too light or too dark.

Perform the FEED Self Test on page 132. Adjust

the darkness or print speed settings as necessary.

Not enough blank space around

the bar code. Leave at least 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) between the bar

code and other printed areas on the label and

between the bar code and the edge of the label.

Table 15 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Troubleshooting

Calibration Problems

120

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Calibration Problems

Table 16 identifies problems with calibration, the possible causes, and the recommended

solutions.

Table 16 • Calibration Problems

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

Loss of printing

registration on labels.

Excessive vertical

drift in top-of-form

registration.

The platen roller is dirty. Clean the platen roller according to the

instructions in Clean the Printhead and Platen

Roller on page 102.

Media guides are positioned

improperly. Ensure that the media guides are properly

positioned.

The media type is set

incorrectly. Set the printer for the correct media type

(gap/notch, continuous, or mark). See Set Media

Type on page 76.

The media is loaded incorrectly. Load media correctly. See Load Media

on page 43.

Auto Calibrate failed. Media or ribbon is loaded

incorrectly. Ensure that media and ribbon are loaded

correctly.

The sensors could not detect the

media or ribbon. Manually calibrate the printer. See Calibrate

Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 85.

The sensors are dirty or

positioned improperly. The

sensors are dirty, or media is

positioned improperly for the

sensors to detect.

Ensure that the sensors are clean and that media

is positioned properly.

The media type is set

incorrectly. Set the printer for the correct media type

(gap/notch, continuous, or mark). See Set Media

Type on page 76.

121

Troubleshooting

Communications Problems

1/11/11 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-003

Communications Problems

Table 17 identifies problems with communications, the possible causes, and the recommended

solutions.

Table 17 • Communications Problems

Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution

A label format was sent to

the printer but was not

recognized. The DATA

light does not flash.

The communication

parameters are incorrect. Check the printer driver or software

communications settings (if applicable).

If you are using serial communication, check

the serial port setting in the control panel

menu. See Set Serial Communications

on page 87.

If you are using serial communication, make

sure that you are using a null modem cable or a

null modem adapter.

Using the control panel menu, check the

protocol setting. It should be set to NONE. See

Set Protocol on page 89.

If a driver is used, check the driver

communication settings for your connection.

A label format was sent to

the printer. Several labels

print, then the printer

skips, misplaces, misses, or

distorts the image on the

label.

The serial communication

settings are incorrect. Ensure that the flow control settings match.

Check the communication cable length. See

Table 5 on page 27 for requirements.

Check the printer driver or software

communications settings (if applicable).

A label format was sent to

the printer but was not

recognized. The DATA

light flashes but no

printing occurs.

The prefix and delimiter

characters set in the printer

do not match the ones in the

label format.

Verify the prefix and delimiter characters. See

Set Format Prefix Character on page 90 and

Set Delimiter Character on page 91 for the

requirements.

Incorrect data is being sent

to the printer. Check the communication settings on the

computer. Ensure that they match the printer

settings.

If the problem continues, check the label

format.

Troubleshooting

Ribbon Problems

122

79695L-003 Z Series®/RZ™ Series User Guide 1/11/11

Ribbon Problems

Table 18 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the

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