Thermal Printer
User’s Manual
2844
User’s Manual No. 980348-001 Rev. A
©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation
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SHOCK HAZARD WARNING:
The printer and power supply should never be operated in a
location where either one can get wet. Personal injury could
result.
MEDIA AND RIBBON WARNING:
Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If
adhesive backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the
backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides
and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from
the liner and jam the printer. Permanent damage to the print
head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be
wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals
corrosive to the print head. Approved supplies can be ordered
from your dealer.
RELOADING HINT:
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, DO NOT turn the
power switch OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may result.
The printer automatically restarts after you load a new label or
ribbon roll.
STATIC DISCHARGE:
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the
surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or
destroy the print head or electronic components used in this
device. DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components under the top cover.
THERMAL PRINTING:
The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from
damaging the print head and risk of personal injury, avoid
touching the print head. Use only the cleaning pen to perform
maintenance.
iv
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation and Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Unpack Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Know Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
AutoSense Media Gap Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Using Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the Label Dispenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using Fan-Fold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using the Media Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Appendix A - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Serial Interface Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Parallel Interface Cable Wiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Universal Serial Bus (USB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning the Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cleaning the Platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
980348-001 Rev. A
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1
Installation and Operation
This section provides information on the
installation and operation of the printer.
The printer is a low cost, desktop thermal
printer. The printer is specifically designed for
printing labels, tags or continuous receipts (with
or without bar codes) from any DOS™, Win-
dows™or ASCII-based compatible host. There
are two models of the printer.
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Installation and Operation
Unpack Your Printer
Know Your Printer
2
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Installation and Operation
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Installation and Operation
Installation The following steps will guide you through the
installation of the printer and software.
Step ➊ Attach Power Supply To The Printer
Power OFF
Check Voltage
Plug in
Power
Module
Plug in
Power
Cord
Plug Power Cord
into a Suitable
AC Outlet
See the SHOCK HAZARD WARNING on page
iv.
4
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Installation and Operation
Step ➋ Attach Interface Cable
Serial
Parallel
Universal Serial Bus
(USB)
See Appendix A for cable wiring information.
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Installation and Operation
Step ➌ Load Media
Power ON
MOVIE
Open Cover
Open Guides
6
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Installation and Operation
Load Media - continued
Remove the outside
length of media
For more infor-
mation on media
preparation, refer
MOVIE
to Appendix A.
Install Roll
Note: Find the
instructions for
preparing media in
Appendix A.
Close Guides to the
Width of the Media
Note: When using
linerfree labels,
adjust the guides to
the widest position
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Installation and Operation
Load Media - continued
Release Cover
MOVIE
Note: This step
applies to thermal
transfer printers
Close Cover
8
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Installation and Operation
Step ™ AutoSense Media Gap Sensing
Perform this procedure when loading a new
roll. If your printer has the label dispenser
option, turn OFF the label taken sensor.
MOVIE
Power OFF
Hold
Feed Button
Power ON
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Installation and Operation
AutoSense Gap Sensor Adjustment - continued
When Indicator
Flashes, Release
Feed Button
Printer Advances
Media and Prints
Status Summary
UKQ1935 16 V3.21
Serial port : 96,N,8,1
Note: Printer is in
diagnostic dump mode
Image buffer size:1032K
Fmem:000.0K,016.4K avl
Gmem:000K,0593K avl
Emem:000K,0593K avl
I8,0,001 rY
S2 D10 R016,000 ZT UN
q800 Q01225,026
Option:
04 08 13
now in DUMP
Tap Feed Button
To Begin Normal
Operation
Note: Printer prints
“out of DUMP”
n
o w
i n
0 4
O p
D
U
M P
0
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t i o
n :
q 8
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1
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m
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U N
0
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:
m
2 4
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e m
a
g
0
K
I m
0
0 0
0
2 4
a
v l
,
e
If the indicator remains orange or red, see the
troubleshooting steps.
10
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Installation and Operation
Step ➎ Install Software
Start your computer and follow the installation
instructions on the compact disc (CD).
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Installation and Operation
Operation The following information helps you get the
most from your printer.
Programming You must use programming to control many of
the printer's functions. See the EPL2 program-
mer's manual for details. For example, the Q
command controls form length and gap.
Commands
Printer Driver The printer driver provides a convenient control
to improve print quality. For example, Print
density (darkness) is affected by the heat energy
(density setting) applied and by the print speed.
Changing both Print Speed and Density may be
required to achieve the desired results.
Thermal Printing: You must use the correct media for the type of
printing you require. When printing without a
ribbon, you must use direct thermal media.
When using ribbon, you must use thermal trans-
fer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects
motion of the supply spindle.
Direct or
Transfer?
Replacing Supplies When replacing media or ribbon, do not turn off
the printer or data loss occurs. The printer auto-
matically resumes printing after you load new
supplies.
12
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Using Options
2
Using Options
This section provides information on the
printer's optional features:
• thermal transfer printing
• label dispenser
• fan-fold media
• media cutter
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Using Options
Using The TLP printer supports both direct thermal
media (chemically treated to darken when
heated) and thermal transfer media (accepts
wax and/or resin transferred off a ribbon).
Transfer
Ribbon
Step ➊ Prepare Ribbon
Pull Adhesive
Strip Free
MOVIE
14
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Using Options
Step ➋ Install Supply Roll
Thread
Ribbon
Through
Carriage
Press
onto Hub
Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes
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Using Options
Step ➌ Install Take-Up Core
Press
onto Hub
Align Notches
onto Hub Spokes
16
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Using Options
Step ➍ Tighten Ribbon
Attach Ribbon to
Take-Up Core
Note: Use the adhesive
strip on new rolls;
otherwise, use tape
Remove Slack
From Ribbon
When using ribbon, make sure you also use
thermal transfer media.
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Using Options
Adding a New If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the
indicator lights orange and the printer waits for
you to add a fresh roll. Keep the power on as
you change ribbon. Open the top cover, then
cut the used ribbon so you can remove the
cores. Load a new ribbon roll (refer to the previ-
ous procedure if necessary). Close the top
cover. PresstheFeedbuttontorestartprinting.
Transfer Ribbon
Replacing a To remove used transfer ribbon, cut the ribbon
from the take-up roll. Remove the take-up roll
and discard used ribbon. Remove the supply
roll and tape the end of any fresh ribbon to pre-
vent it from unwrapping. When reinstalling a
partially used supply roll, tape the cut end onto
the empty take-up roll.
Partially Used
Transfer Ribbon
Cut Used
Ribbon
from Supply
Push Supply
Roll Out
18
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Using Options
Using the Label Dispenser
Open
Door
MOVIE
Switch On
the Label
Taken Sensor
Remove
Several
Labels
Push
Liner
Through
Slot
Close
Door
Close
Top Cover
and Press
Feed Button
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Using Options
Using Fan-Fold Media
Insert
Media
Adjust Holders
to Width of Media
Tighten Screw
(use a small
Phillips driver #1)
Adjust Guides
to Width of Media
20
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Using Options
Using the Printers that have a bezel with a motorized
blade can dispense one or more forms that are
then automatically cut from the media supply.
Media Cutter
This option cuts through continuous paper from
rolls and liner between labels. The media can
be up to 0.0055 inch (0.095mm) thick, 1.12
inch (28mm) to 4.25 inches (108mm) wide,
and at least 0.75 inch (19.1mm) long. The den-
sity of media can be up to 120 grams/meter2.
Blade life is 1,000,000 cuts.
Use the OC command to activate the cutter and
the Q command to set the form length and gap
distance. See the EPL2 programmer's manual.
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Clearing the If the blade cuts through labels, adhesive can
jam the cutter.
Media Cutter
Turn OFF (O) printer power and unplug the power
and interface cables before clearing the cutter.
Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or
solvents to clean the blade.
After removing debris, plug in the power and
interface cables, turn on the printer, then test for
normal operation.
22
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem
Solution or Reason
STATUS Indicator
1. Check power connections from A.C.
outlet to power supply to printer.
2. Check that media or ribbon is present.
Does not light after turning
ON ( I ) printer.
1. Printer receiving data through interface.
2. Signal to begin AutoSense after turning
ON printer. Release the FEED button.
Blinks GREEN.
1. Operator has paused the printer during
a batch job. Tap the FEED button to
continue.
Blinks GREEN-RED-RED.
1. Ribbon is out. Reload a new supply.
2. The optional cover open sensor is ac-
tive. Press top cover to close and lock.
3. Printer has a syntax or command error.
Check program and resend print job.
Lights ORANGE.
1. Firmware download in process. Indica-
tor lights red, then green.
Blinks ORANGE.
Lights RED.
1. Media is out. Reload a new supply.
2. Power-up failure.
3. Printer ready to receive flash program-
ming during firmware download.
Printer Operation
1. Check interface cable connections from
computer to printer.
2. Make sure top cover is locked closed.
3. Check that labels are correct.
4. Verify media has print surface up for
printing.
Lights GREEN, but printer
will not print.
5. Check that transfer ribbon is correctly
routed and has the ink side out for ther-
mal transfer printing.
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Problem
Solution or Reason
Printer Operation--continued
1. Verify that the labels are the correct
type.
2. Check that the roll is loaded with the di-
rect thermal side facing up.
3. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
4. Ensure top cover is locked closed.
Printer appears to be
working (media is being fed
out), but nothing is printed.
1. Clean the print head with cleaning pen.
2. Adjust print speed/darkness in software.
3. Check the media and verify that print
surface is facing up.
Printing is faded or poor
quality.
4. Check the correct combination thermal
transfer ribbon and media are in use.
1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor
adjustment on page 8.
2. Label caught on print head.
3. Top cover is not properly latched.
4. Possible software problem. Check the
printer memory configuration. Refer to
the EPL2 Programming manual.
Prints only partial label or
skips a label.
1. Perform AutoSense gap sensor adjust-
ment on page 8.
2. Possible problem with label stock. Use
only approved labels and tags.
Printing stops and STATUS
indicator lights ORANGE or 3. Possible label jam.
RED. 4. Insufficient memory for label size. Check
the printer memory configuration.
5. Possible software problem. Refer to the
EPL2 Programming manual.
24
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Media Handling
Problem
Solution or Reason
Label Dispenser
1. Make sure label-taken sensor is on.
2. The label-taken sensor is blocked or
dirty. Remove any scraps or dust.
3. Continuous media may be set. Verify
form length setting through program-
ming Q command. See the EPL2 pro-
grammer's manual.
Printing continues between
labels.
1. Verify the quantity has been correctly
set.
Prints one label and stops.
Cutter Operation
Blade cuts through labels
instead of cutting liner
between labels.
1. Verify form length setting through pro-
gramming.
1. Unplug power and interface cables. Use
tweezers to remove scraps from cutter
opening.
Media jammed in cutter.
1. Use programming C command to cycle
cutter several times without media to
perform a self-cleaning. See the EPL2
programmer's manual.
Media fails to cut direct
thermal paper or label liner.
2. Cutter must be replaced.
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Serial Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring
required to use the printer's RS-232 serial
interface.
Cable Wiring
DB-9
DB-9
Host
Printer
Pin #
Pin #
1
1
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
+5 Volts*
TxD
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
RDY
N/C
Female DB-9 to Male DB-9
Cable P/N 300017-006 (6') or 300017-010 (10')
DB-25
DB-9
Host
Printer
Pin #
Pin #
8
1
+5 Volts*
TxD
N/C
RxD
TxD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
RI
3
2
20
7
6
4
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RxD
N/C
GND
RDY
N/C
5
22
RDY
N/C
Female DB-25 to Male DB-9
Cable P/N 300018-006 (6')
*+5 volts at 150 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)
26
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Parallel Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring
required to use the printer's Centronics parallel
interface.
Cable Wiring
DB-25
Pin No.
Centronics
Pin No.
HOST
PRINTER
STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
STROBE
DATA 0
DATA 1
DATA 2
DATA 3
DATA 4
DATA 5
DATA 6
DATA 7
ACK/
BUSY
PAPER ERR.
READY
INIT
ERROR/
N/A
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
N/A
N/A
N/A
+5V
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
SIG. GND
Female DB-25 to Male Centronics
(Cable)
+5 volts at 300 mA for external device (e.g. KDU or scanner)
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Universal Serial The table below provides the contact terminat-
ing assignments by number and electrical value
for the cable connectors.
Bus (USB)
Typical Wiring
Signal Name
Contact Number
Assignment
1
2
VBUS
D-
Red
White
3
D+
Green
4
GND
Shield
Black
Shell
Drain Wire
You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Speci-
fication for details regarding this interface.
28
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Cleaning the When you load new media, you can also clean
the print head.
Print Head
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure.
Rub
Cleaning
Pen Across
MOVIE
Dark Area
of Print Head
Wait
One Minute
Before Closing
Printer
Do Not Clean Roller
With Cleaning Pen
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Cleaning the The platen, over time, picks up adhesive and
dust which requires occasional cleaning.
Platen
To follow these steps, you require a clean,
lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl
alcohol.
Turn OFF (O) the printer before performing this
procedure.
Gently Wipe
Top of Platen
Advance Platen
One-Sixth (1/6) Turn
(about 60°)
Repeat Steps Until
Platen is Clean
Let the platen dry for at least one minute before
loading media.
30
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Appendix A - Troubleshooting
Preparing Media, During shipment, the outside length of media
may become dirty when handled or dusty when
stored. A preparation before loading media
makes sure both the print head and platen stay
cleaner for more time.
Paper, and Labels
Before Loading
Label Rolls
Find the tape and
pull off both labels
held by the tape
MOVIE
Tag Stock Rolls
Find the tape
and detach the
bottom tag
You must avoid dragging adhesive or dirty
media between the print head and platen. Such
an occurance damages the print head and is not
covered under your warranty.
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