Zebra Technologies Printer GX420D User Manual

Zebra® GX420d™ / GX430d™  
Desktop Thermal Printer  
User Guide  
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iii  
©2010 ZIH Corp. G-Series,GX420d, GX430d, ZBI, ZBI 2.0, ZBI-Developer,  
ZebraDesigner, Uni-Ribbon, ZebraNet, EPL, EPL2, ZPL, ZPL II, OpenACCESS and all  
product names and numbers are Zebra trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra head graphic, and  
ZebraNet are registered trademarks of ZIH Corp. All rights reserved. All other trademarks  
are the property of their respective owners.  
This product may contain ZPL®, ZPL II®, and ZebraLink™ programs; Element Energy  
Equalizer™ Circuit; E3®; and Monotype Imaging fonts. Software ©ZIH corp. All rights  
reserved worldwide.  
ZebraLink and all product names and numbers are trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo,  
ZPL, ZPL II, Element Energy Equalizer circuit, and E3 Circuit are registered trademarks  
of ZIH Corp. All rights reserved worldwide.Monotype®, Intellifont® and UFST® are  
trademarks of Monotype Imaging, Inc. registered in the United States Patent and  
Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.  
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Monotype Imaging, Inc. and may be registered in some  
jurisdictions.  
TrueType® is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the United States Patent  
and Trademark Office and may be registered in certancertain jurisdictions.  
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.  
Product Improvements  
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies. All specifications  
and designs are subject to change without notice.  
Liability Disclaimer  
Zebra Technologies takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering specifications and  
manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to  
correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.  
Limitation of Liability  
In no event shall Zebra Technologies 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 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.  
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.  
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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.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B Digital  
Devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable  
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential  
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if  
not installed and used in accordance with the product manuals, may cause harmful interference  
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a  
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, the user is encouraged to do one or more of the following measures:  
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver  
is connected.  
• Consult the dealer or an experienced RF service technician for help.  
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra  
Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance,  
this printer must be used with fully shielded communication cables.  
Caution • The optional RTC assembly has a three volt lithium battery. Battery replacement  
must be performed by a qualified service technician. Only use a Zebra approved replacement  
battery.  
Important • Recycle batteries according to local your guidelines and regulations. Wrap the  
battery when disposing (or storing) to avoid a short circuit.  
DO NOT short circuit the battery. Short circuiting the battery may result in heat  
generation, fire or bursting.  
DO NOT heat, disassemble or dispose of battery in fire.  
Environmental Management  
Do not dispose of this product in unsorted municipal waste. This product is recyclable, and  
should be recycled according to your local standards.  
For more information, please see our website at:  
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About This Document  
Who Should Use This Document  
vi  
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  
This section describes what you get in your  
shipping box and provides an overview of printer  
features. This section also has procedures that  
describe how to open and close the printer and  
report any problems.  
This section describes how to set up your printer  
for the first time and use the most common  
operating procedures for loading media.  
This section provides media and print handling,  
font and language support, and the set up of less  
common printer configurations.  
This section covers the common printer options  
and accessories with brief descriptions and how to  
get you started using or configuring your printer  
option or accessory.  
This section describes the operation, navigation  
and parameters displayed by printers equipped  
with the LCD control panel option.  
This section provides routine cleaning and  
maintenance procedures.  
This section provides information about printer  
error reporting that you might need for printer  
troubleshooting. Assorted diagnostic tests are  
included.  
This section provides additional interface  
information and wiring diagrams to assist with  
printer to host system integration (typically a PC).  
This section provides external printer dimensions  
for the standard printer and printer with options.  
This section briefly covers printer configuration  
and includes a cross-reference to ZPL printer  
configuration commands.  
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About This Document  
vii  
Contacts  
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?  
Europe, Africa,  
Middle East, India  
The Americas  
Asia Pacific  
Zebra Technologies International, LLC Zebra Technologies Europe Limited Zebra Technologies Asia  
Regional Headquarters  
333 Corporate Woods Parkway  
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3109  
U.S.A.  
Dukes Meadow  
Millboard Road  
Bourne End  
Buckinghamshire, SL8 5XF  
United Kingdom  
Pacific Pte. Ltd.  
120 Robinson Road  
#06-01 Parakou Building  
Singapore 068913  
T: +1 847 793 2600  
Toll-free +1 800 423 0422  
F: +1 847 913 8766  
T: + 65 6858 0722  
F: +65 6885 0838  
T: +44 (0) 1628 556000  
F: +44 (0) 1628 556001  
T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)  
F: +1 847 913 2578  
T: +44 (0) 1628 556039  
F: +44 (0) 1628 556003  
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,  
contact us.  
All other areas:  
Please have your model and  
serial numbers available.  
T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)  
F: +1 847 821 1797  
T: +44 (0) 1772 693069  
F: +44 (0) 1772 693046  
T: +65 6858 0722  
F: +65 6885 0838  
Repair Service  
Department  
For back-to-base service and E: repair@zebra.com  
New requests: ukrma@zebra.com  
Status updates:  
All other areas:  
repair.  
To request a repair in the U.S.,  
T: +1 847 793 6868  
T: +1 847 793 6864  
F: +1 847 913 2578  
T: +44 (0) 1628 556000  
F: +44 (0) 1628 556001  
T: + 65 6858 0722  
F: +65 6885 0838  
Technical Training  
Department  
For Zebra product training  
courses.  
All other areas:  
T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)  
T: +44 (0) 1628 556037  
F: +44 (0) 1628 556005  
All other areas:  
Inquiry Department  
For product literature and  
distributor and dealer  
information.  
T: +1 877 ASK ZEBRA (275 9327)  
T: +44 (0) 1628 556032  
F: +44 (0) 1628 556001  
T: +65 6858 0722  
F: +65 6885 0836  
Customer Service  
Department (US)  
Internal Sales  
Department (UK)  
All other areas:  
For printers, parts, media,  
and ribbon, please call your  
distributor or contact us.  
Key:  
T: Telephone  
F: Facsimile  
E: E-mail  
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About This Document  
Document Conventions  
viii  
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.  
Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in CourierNew font. For  
example, type ZToolsto get to the Post-Install scripts in the bindirectory.  
Files and Directories File names and directories appear in Courier Newfont. For  
example, the Zebra<version number>.tarfile 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.  
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Contents  
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xi  
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xii  
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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Introduction  
GX Series Thermal Printers  
2
GX Series Thermal Printers  
The Zebra® GX models are the Best in Class™ desktop thermal printer with the widest range  
of features. The GX420d™ printer provides direct thermal printing at speeds up to 6 ips  
(inches per second) at a 203 dpi (dots per inch) print density. The GX430d™ printer provide  
direct thermal printing at speeds up to 4 ips at a 300 dpi print density. Both the GX420d™ and  
GX430d™ support both ZPL™ and EPL™ Zebra printer programming languages and a wide  
variety of interface and feature options.  
The G-Series™ printer features:  
• Automatic printer language detection and switching between ZPL and EPL programming  
and label formats.  
• OpenAccess™ design for simplified media loading.  
• The industry’s easiest ribbon loading design.  
• Color-coded operator controls and media guides.  
• Zebra™ Global Printing Solution – supports Microsoft Windows keyboard encoding (and  
ANSI), Unicode UTF-8 and UTF 16 (Unicode Transformation Formats), XML, ASCII (7  
and 8 bit used by legacy programs and systems), basic single and double byte font  
encoding, JIS and Shift-JIS (Japanese International Standards), Hexadecimal encoding,  
and custom character mapping (DAT table creation, font linking, and character  
remapping).  
• On–The –Fly OpenType and TrueType font scaling and import, Unicode, preloaded Swiss  
721 Latin 1 font, one resident scalable font, and a selection of resident bitmap fonts.  
• Improved printer performance: faster print speeds and a 32-bit processor.  
• Adaptive auto serial port cable sensing and configuration for plug-and-play integration.  
• A complete suite of free software applications and drivers to configure printer settings,  
design and print labels and receipts, get printer status, import graphics and fonts, send  
programming commands, update firmware, and download files. Clone printer settings and  
send graphics, files, fonts, and firmware (updates) to one or more Zebra® Ethernet and  
locally connected printers with ZebraNet™ Bridge.  
• Printhead test and maintenance reporting enabled and customizable by the user.  
• The G-Series™ direct thermal printer models also include support for Line Mode printing  
to support EPL1 legacy programming based printing applications.  
The GX printers offer a wide range of printer options:  
• Label Dispense (Peel-Off).  
• Internal 10/100 Print Server and Ethernet Interface.  
• Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) with user display.  
• Bluetooth with user display.  
• Moveable Blackline Sensor: A full width moveable black mark sensor and multi position  
transmissive (label gap) sensor.”  
• General purpose media cutter.  
• On-board RTC (Real Time Clock) and 68MB Full Flash memory  
(12MB Full Flash Memory prior to July 24, 2009).  
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Introduction  
GX Series Thermal Printers  
3
• Asian Language support with printer configuration options for the large Simplified and  
Traditional Chinese, Japanese, or Korean character sets.  
• Zebra® ZBI™ 2 (Zebra BASIC Interpreter) programming language. ZBI allows you to  
create custom printer operations that can automate processes, use peripherals (i.e.  
scanners, scales, keyboards, Zebra® KDU or KDU Plus™, etc.) all without being attached  
to a PC or network.  
This users guide provides all the information you need to operate your printer on a daily basis.  
To create label formats, refer to your programming guides or label design applications such as  
ZebraDesigner™.  
Your printer, when connected to a host computer, functions as a complete system for printing  
labels and tags.  
Note • Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label design  
software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information.  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
4
What’s in the Box?  
Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store the printer later.  
After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the procedures for inspecting the  
printer to familiarize yourself with printer parts so you can follow the instructions in this book.  
Printer  
Documentation  
and Software  
Cleaning  
Pen  
USB Cable  
Power Cord  
varies by locale or region  
Power  
Supply  
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.  
Open the printer 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. Zebra  
Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage to the printer incurred  
during shipment, and will not cover the repair of this damage under its warranty  
policy.  
Keep all packaging material for shipping company inspection.  
Notify your authorized Zebra® reseller.  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
5
Your Printer  
Release  
Latches  
Status  
Light  
Feed  
Button  
Fan-Fold  
Media  
Entry Slot  
Interface  
Connectors  
DC Power  
Receptacle  
Release  
Latches  
Power  
Switch  
Opening the printer  
To access the media compartment, you must open the printer. Pull the release latches towards  
you and lift the cover. Check the media compartment for loose or damaged components.  
Caution • The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the  
human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the printhead or electronic  
components used in this device. You must observe static-safe procedures when working  
with the printhead or the electronic components under the top cover.  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
6
Printer Features  
Printhead  
Gap  
Sensor  
Roll Holder and  
Media Guides  
Black-Line  
Sensor  
Dispenser Option  
Platen  
Roller  
Head-Up Sensor  
(inside)  
Dispenser Door  
(open)  
Pinch Roller  
Sensor  
Peel Bar  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
7
Moveable Blackline  
Sensor (Option)  
Media Cutter  
(Option)  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
8
Wireless Printer Display and Controls  
(Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Options)  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
9
Operator Controls  
Power Switch  
Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer.  
Caution • The printer power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the  
communications and power cables.  
Power Switch  
Power ON  
Power OFF  
Power Switch  
Feed Button  
• Tap the Feed button once to force the printer to feed one blank label.  
• Press the Feed button to take the printer out of a “pause” condition. The printer is put into  
“pause” by either a programming command or an error condition. See What the Status  
Light is Telling You on page 86 in the Troubleshooting chapter.  
• Use the Feed button for printer setup and status (see Feed Button Modes on page 96 in the  
Troubleshooting chapter).  
Scroll Button (Wireless Printers Only)  
Press the Scroll button to step through the menu, displayed printer parameters or settings.  
Select Button (Wireless Printers Only)  
Press the Select button to choose a menu branch or select a printer setting.  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
10  
Status Light  
Located on the top case next to the feed button, the status light functions as a printer  
operational indicator (see Status Light Descriptions on page 86).  
Feed  
Button  
Status  
Light  
Wireless Printer Display and Controls (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Options)  
Display  
Status Light  
Feed Button  
Scroll Button  
Select Button  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
11  
Closing the printer  
1. Lower the top cover.  
2. Press down until the cover snaps closed.  
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Introduction  
What’s in the Box?  
12  
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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Getting Started  
Attaching Power  
14  
Attaching Power  
Important • Set up your printer so that you can handle the power cord easily if needed. To  
make certain the printer cannot carry electrical current, you must separate the power cord  
from the power supply receptacle or AC electrical outlet.  
Caution • Never operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet.  
Serious personal injury could result!  
1. Make sure the printer’s power switch is in the off position (down).  
2. Insert the AC power cord into the power supply.  
3. Plug the other end of the cord into an appropriate AC electrical outlet. Note: The active  
power light will go on if power is on at the AC outlet.  
4. Insert the power supply’s power connector into the printer’s power receptacle.  
Printer  
Plug Varies  
by Country  
Power  
Switch  
AC  
Power  
Cord  
Power  
Connector  
Power  
Supply  
Power  
Receptacle  
Active Power Light  
IEC 60320  
C-13  
Note • Ensure the appropriate power cord with a three (3) prong plug and an IEC 60320-C13  
connector are used at all times. These power cords must bear the relevant certification mark of  
the country in which the product is being used.  
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Getting Started  
Loading Roll Media  
15  
Loading Roll Media  
When you load media, you must place the roll onto the media hangers.  
You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require.  
Preparing Media  
Whether your roll media is inside or outside wound, you load it into the printer the same way.  
• Remove the outside length of media. During shipment, handling, or storage, the roll may  
become dirty or dusty. Removing the outside length of media avoids dragging adhesive or  
dirty media between the printhead and platen.  
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Getting Started  
Loading Roll Media  
16  
Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment  
1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release latch levers toward the front  
of the printer.  
2. Open the media roll holders. Pull the media guides open with your free hand and place the  
media roll on the roll holders and release the guides. Orient the media roll so that its  
printing surface will face up as it passes over the platen (drive) roller.  
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Getting Started  
Loading Roll Media  
17  
3. If your printer includes the moveable blackline sensor option, verify that the sensor is  
aligned in the center default position. This is the standard operating position for media  
sensing. When the sensor is moved from the default label web (gap) sensing area, the  
printer will only detect blackline, black mark and die-cut notched media. See Moveable  
Blackline Sensor Option on page 49 for more details on adjusting this sensor option.  
Printer Optional:  
Moveable  
Blackline Sensor  
Off Center  
Blackline Sensing Only  
Default - Gap (Web) Sensing  
Standard Operating Position  
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Getting Started  
Loading Roll Media  
18  
4. Pull the media so that it extends out of the front of the printer. Verify the roll turns freely.  
The roll must not sit in the bottom of the media compartment. Verify that the media’s  
printing surface is facing up.  
5. Push the media under both of the media guides.  
Under Media  
Guides  
6. Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed.  
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Getting Started  
Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label  
19  
Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label  
Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper  
working order.  
You can do this by printing a configuration status label.  
1. Make sure the media is properly loaded and the top cover of the printer is closed. Then,  
turn the printer power on if you have not already done so. If the printer initializes with the  
status light blinking green (pause mode), press the Feed button once to set the printer in  
Ready (to print) mode. See the Troubleshooting on page 85 if the printer’s status light  
does not turn solid green (Ready).  
2. Press the Feed button two to three times to allow the printer to calibrate the printer for the  
installed media. The printer may feed several labels during this process.  
3. When the status light is solid green, press and hold the Feed button until the status light  
flashes once.  
4. Release the Feed button. A configuration label will print.  
If you cannot get this label to print, refer to Getting Started on page 13.  
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Getting Started  
Pre-install Windows® Printer Drivers  
20  
®
Pre-install Windows Printer Drivers  
Zebra is changing the way you install and use your printer with your Windows based PC  
systems. We recommend that at minimum, the ZebraDesigner™ Windows® driver be pre-  
installed to take advantage of the advancements in ease of use and simplicity of the Windows  
operating systems since the release of Windows XP® SP2.  
Zebra provides the Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU); a suite of Zebra® printer drivers, utilities, and  
communications and installation tools for use with most Windows PC operating systems.  
Zebra Setup Utilities and Zebra Windows printer drivers are available on the user’s CD and the  
Zebra web site (www.zebra.com) for latest versions.  
ZebraDesigner™ Driver and Zebra Setup Utilities (includes the driver): Supports  
Windows 7®, Windows Vista®, Windows XP®, Windows® 2000®, Windows Server® 2008,  
and Windows Server® 2003 operating systems. The driver supports 32 bit and 64 bit Windows  
operating systems and is Microsoft Certified. Zebra Setup Utilities and the ZebraDesigner  
driver support the following G-Series printer communication interfaces: USB, parallel, serial,  
Wired and Wireless Ethernet and Bluetooth (using a Bluetooth virtual printer port).  
Install the Zebra Setup Utilities before applying power to the printer connected to the PC  
(running a Zebra driver supported Windows operating system). The Zebra Setup Utility will  
prompt you to apply the printer power. Continue to follow the instructions to complete your  
printer installation.  
Plug’N’Play (PnP) Printer Detection and Windows® operating systems  
More recent Windows operating systems automatically detect the printer when it is connected  
via the USB interface. Depending on the hardware configuration and the Windows version,  
your printer may be Plug-and-Play (PnP) detected when connecting to the USB, parallel, or  
serial port interfaces. The printer drivers do not support serial port PnP installation at this  
time.The printer’s PC interface configuration for the parallel port must support and have  
bidirectional communications for PnP operations.  
The operating system automatically starts a “Add new hardware’ wizard when connecting the  
printer for the first time to the PC. If you have pre-loaded the driver suite with the Zebra Setup  
Utility, then the printer driver will automatically install. Go to your Windows printer directory  
and right-click and select ‘Properties’. Click on the ‘Print test page’ button to verify a  
successful installation.  
The Windows operating system will detect and re-link a previously installed printer if it is  
reconnected to the USB interface or if printer power is turned on after the PC has finished its  
restart of the operating system. Ignore the new device detected warnings and close the Task bar  
prompts. Wait several seconds for the operating system to match the printer to the driver  
software. The warnings will quit and the printer now should be ready to begin printing.  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Device Communications  
The printer is a terminal device (not a host or hub) when using a USB interface. You can refer  
to the USB Specification for details regarding this interface.  
Note • Scanners, scales or other data input (terminal) devices must use the serial port (not the  
USB port) to send data to the printer.  
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Getting Started  
Pre-install Windows® Printer Drivers  
21  
Serial Port and Windows® operating systems  
The Windows operating system default settings for the serial port communication closely  
match the printer’s defaults settings with one exception; the data Flow Control settings. The  
Windows default data Flow Control setting is NONE. The G-Series printer requires data Flow  
Control set to Hardware.  
Note • The G-Series™ printer does not support Windows® Serial Port Plug and Play (PnP)  
device detection at this time.  
Ethernet  
This printer option has a variety of methods and utilities to assist with printer connection to a  
network (WAN or LAN) and to configure Wired and Wireless (WiFi) printers. The Zebra  
Setup Utility configuration wizards support creating a connection to the printer on a shared  
network with Windows based systems by using the printer’s IP address. The printer includes  
internal Web pages to provide easy access to printer and network configuration. The web  
pages are accessible via the printers IP address using any web browser. The free version of  
ZebraNet™ Bridge software allows you to centrally deploy, manage, and monitor your Zebra®  
printers with automatic Zebra® printer discovery up to 3 printers from a single PC screen  
anywhere on your global network. ZebraNet™ Bridge Enterprise is available for purchase to  
manage larger numbers of Zebra® printers.  
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Getting Started  
Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
22  
Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
The Zebra® G-Series™ printers support a variety of interface options and configurations.  
These include: Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, RS232 Serial, Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)  
and 10/100 Ethernet.  
USB, Serial and Parallel  
Optional: USB, Serial, and Ethernet (Wired)  
Optional: USB, Serial, and Ethernet (Wireless-WiFi) with LCD display  
Optional: USB, Serial, and Bluetooth with LCD display  
The Zebra Setup Utility is designed to assist you with installing these interfaces. The  
cabling and unique parameters for each of these physical printer communication interfaces is  
discussed in the following pages to assist you with making configuration setup choices prior to  
and immediately following applying power. The Zebra Setup Utilities configuration wizards  
will instruct you to turn the printer’s power on at the appropriate time to complete the  
installation of your printer.  
For Connecting to Wireless Communication Interfaces:  
Wi-Fi (Ethernet), see the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server manual.  
Bluetooth, see the Bluetooth Option on page 61.  
Caution • Keep the power switch in the OFF position when attaching the interface cable.  
The power cord must be inserted into the power supply and the power receptacle on the  
back of the printer before connecting or disconnecting the communications cables.  
Interface Cable Requirements  
Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with metal or metallized  
connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and  
reception of electrical noise.  
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:  
Keep data cables as short as possible (6 foot [1.83 m] recommended).  
Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.  
Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.  
.
Important • This printer complies with FCC “Rules and Regulations,” Part 15, for Class B  
Equipment, using fully shielded data cables. Use of un-shielded cables may increase radiated  
emissions above the Class B limits.  
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Getting Started  
Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
23  
USB Interface Requirements  
Universal Serial Bus (version 2.0 compliant) provides a fast interface that is compatible with  
your existing PC hardware. USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy. Multiple  
printers can share a single USB port/hub.  
When using a USB cable (not supplied with your printer), verify that the cable or cable  
packaging bears the “Certified USB™” mark (see below) to guarantee USB 2.0 compliance.  
.
USB Cable  
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Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
24  
Serial Communications  
The printer automatically detects and switches the serial port to match common serial port  
cabling and signal connection configurations for DTE and DCE communications. The required  
cable must have a nine-pin “D” type (DB-9P) male connector on one end which plugs into the  
mating (DB-9S) serial port located on the back of the printer. The other end of this signal  
interface cable connects to a serial port on the host computer. This allows for the use of two  
common cable types and drop-in replacement for Zebra and other printer models. Zebra®  
printers use a Null Modem (cross-over) cable. Early models of Zebra® printers (a DCE device)  
running the EPL programming utilized a straight through (no cross-over) signal connections  
cable. For pinout information, refer to Appendix A.  
The serial port communication settings between the printer and host (typically a PC) must  
match for reliable communication. The Bits per second (or Baud rate) and Flow control are the  
most common settings that get changed. The host (typically a Windows PC) needs to have the  
data Flow control changed to match the printer’s default communication method: Hardware  
and is noted by the Host Handshake setting DTR/Xon/Xofffor legacy printer. This  
combined hardware (DTR) and software (Xon/Xoff) mode may need to change depending  
upon the non-Zebra application software and the serial cable variation in use.  
Serial communications between the printer and the host computer can be set by:  
Autobaud synchronization  
ZPL programming ^SCcommand  
EPL programming Ycommand  
Resetting the printer to its default printer configuration.  
Autobaud  
Autobaud synchronization allows the printer to automatically match the communication  
parameters of the host computer. To autobaud:  
1. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once, twice, and then  
three times.  
2. While the status LED flashes, send the ^XA^XZcommand sequence to the printer.  
3. When the printer and host are synchronized, the LED changes to solid green. (No labels  
will print during autobaud synchronization.)  
ZPL ^SC Command  
Use the Set Communications (^SC) command to change the communications settings on the  
printer.  
1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send the  
^SCcommand to change the printer to the desired settings.  
2. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.  
Refer to the ZPL Programming Guide for more information about this command.  
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Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
25  
EPL Y Command  
Use the serial port setup (Y) command to change the communications settings on the printer.  
1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send the  
Ycommand to change the printer to the desired settings. Note: the Y command does not  
support setting the data flow control, use the Xon/Xoffsetting.  
2. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.  
Refer to the EPL Page Mode Programming Guide for more information about this command.  
Resetting the Default Serial Port Parameters  
Do the following to reset the communications parameters on the printer to the factory defaults  
(serial communication settings are: 9600baud, 8bit word length, NOparity, 1stop bit, and  
DTR/XON/XOFFdata flow control).  
1. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once, waits a moment  
and flashes twice, and then waits again before flashing three times (release  
immediately).  
2. While the status LED rapidly flashes amber and green, press the feed button. Serial  
communications between the printer and the host computer can be set by the ZPL ^SC  
command or the EPL Ycommand.  
Note • Early models of Zebra® printers running the EPL programming language had 9600  
baud, NOparity, 8data bits, 1stop bit and a HARDWAREand SOFTWARE(merged) data  
control (essentially DTR/Xon/Xoff) as the default serial port settings. The Windows operating  
system flow control setting was Hardware for most applications.  
Tighten  
Serial Cable  
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Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
26  
Parallel Port  
The required cable must have a 25 pin “D” type (DB-25P) male connector on one and a  
Centronics on the end (IEEE 1284 A-B parallel interface specification). Early models of G-  
Series printers originally supported parallel cables with two 25 pin “D” type (DB-25P) male  
connectors on both ends (IEEE 1284 A-A parallel interface specification).  
Parallel Cable  
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Connecting your Printer to a Computer  
27  
Ethernet  
The printer requires UTP RJ45 Ethernet cable rated CAT-5 or better.  
For more information on configuring your printer to run on a compatible Ethernet based  
network, see the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server manual. The printer must be  
configured to run on your LAN (local area network) or WAN (wide area network). The print  
server on board your printer can be accessed through the printer’s Web pages.  
Ethernet Cable  
(RJ45 Connector)  
Ethernet Status/Activity Indicators  
LED Status  
Both OFF  
Green  
Description  
No Ethernet link detected  
100 Mbps link detected  
Green with the Amber  
flickering on and off  
100 Mbps link and Ethernet activity detected  
Amber  
10 Mbps link detected  
Amber with the Green  
flickering on and off  
10 Mbps link and Ethernet activity detected  
Green LED  
Amber LED  
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Getting Started  
After Your Printer is Connected  
28  
After Your Printer is Connected  
Now that you have basic communication to your printer, you may want to test printer  
communications and then install other printer related applications, drivers or utilities.  
Testing Communications by Printing  
Verifying the print system’s operation is a relatively simple process. For Windows operating  
systems, the Zebra Setup Utility or the Windows ‘Printers and Faxes’ Control Panel to access  
and print a test label. For non-Windows operation systems, coping a basic ASCII text file with  
a single command (~WC) to print a configuration status label.  
Test Printing with Zebra Setup Utility:  
1. Open the Zebra Setup Utility.  
2. Click on the newly install printer’s icon to select the printer and active the printer  
configuration buttons below it in the window.  
3. Click the ‘Open Printer Tools’ button.  
4. In the ‘Print’ tab window, click on the ‘Print configuration label’ line and click on the  
‘Send’ button. The printer should print a configuration status label.  
Test Printing with Windows ‘Printer and Faxes’ menu:  
1. Click on the Windows ‘Start’ menu button, to access the ‘Printers and Faxes’ menu or  
‘Control Panel’ to access the ‘Printers and Faxes’ menu. Open the menu.  
2. Select the newly install printer’s icon to select the printer and right-click the mouse to  
access the printer ‘Properties’ menu.  
3. From the printer’s ‘General’ tab window, click on the ‘Print Test Page’ button. The printer  
should print a Windows test print page.  
Test Print on a Ethernet printer connected to a network (LAN or WAN) with a  
(MS-DOS) ‘Command Prompt’ (or ‘Run’ from the Windows XP Start menu):  
1. Create a text file with the following ASCII three characters: ~WC  
2. Save the file as: TEST.ZPL (an arbitrary file name and extension name).  
3. Read the IP address off the printer’s Configuration Status Label’s Network Status printout.  
On a system that is connected to the same LAN or WAN as the printer, type the following  
in the Web browser window’s address bar and enter:  
fpt (IP address)  
(for IP address 123.45.67.01 it would be: ftp 123.45.67.01)  
4. Type the word ‘put’ followed by the file name and enter. For this ‘test print’ file, it would  
be:  
put TEST.ZPL  
The printer should print a new Print Configuration Status label.  
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Getting Started  
After Your Printer is Connected  
29  
Test Print with a Copied ZPL Command File for Non-Windows Operating Systems:  
1. Create a text file with the following ASCII three characters: ~WC  
2. Save the file as: TEST.ZPL (an arbitrary file name and extension name).  
3. Copy the file to the printer. For DOS, a file sent to a printer connected to the system’s  
parallel port would be as simple as:  
COPY TEST.ZPL LPT1  
Other interface connection types and operating systems will have different command  
strings. See your operating system documentation for detailed instructions to copy to the  
appropriate printer interface for this test.  
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Getting Started  
After Your Printer is Connected  
30  
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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3
Print Operations  
This section provides media and print handling, font and language support, and the setup of  
less common printer configurations.  
Contents  
Adjusting the Print Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35  
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Print Operations  
Determining Printer Configuration  
32  
Determining Printer Configuration  
The G-Series™ printer uses a ZPL printer configuration status label to report the printer’s  
configuration status for both EPL and ZPL operations.The ZPL style label provides a more  
intuitive and functionally descriptive naming conventions than the EPL style printer status  
label. Operational status (darkness, speed, media type, etc.), installed printer options (network,  
interface settings, cutter, etc.) and printer description information (serial number, model name,  
firmware version, etc.) are all includes on the status label. See Printing a Test (Printer  
on page 109 for detail on printer configuration and the ZPL commands that control the printer  
settings listed on the Printer Configuration Status Label.  
To get an EPL style printer configuration status label, send the printer the EPL Ucommand.  
See the EPL programmer’s guide for more information on the various EPL Ucommands and  
interpreting the settings displayed on these labels.  
Localizing the Printer Status Configuration Label  
The printer configuration status label can be localized for up to 16 languages. Use the ZPL  
programming command ^KDto modify the displayed language for most status items on this  
label.  
on page 96 for information on accessing the printer configuration status label.  
Long Term Printer In-activity or Storage  
Overtime the printhead may stick to the platen (drive) roller. To prevent this, always store the  
printer with a piece of media (a label or paper) between the printhead and platen roller. Do not  
ship the printer with a roll of media installed or damage to the printer or media may result.  
Thermal Printing  
Caution • The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the  
printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the printhead. Only use the cleaning  
pen to perform printhead maintenance.  
Caution • The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the  
human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the printhead or electronic  
components used in this device. You must observe static-safe procedures when working  
with the printhead or the electronic components under the top cover.  
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Print Operations  
Modes of Printing  
33  
Modes of Printing  
You can operate this printer in many different modes and media configurations:  
• Direct thermal printing (which uses heat sensitive media to print).  
• Standard Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each label (or batch print a strip of labels)  
after it is printed.  
• Label Dispense Mode: If an optional dispenser is installed, the backing material can be  
peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is  
printed.  
• Media Cutting: If an optional media cutter is installed, the printer can cut the label liner  
between labels, receipt paper or tag stock depending upon the cutter option purchased.  
• Stand-alone: The printer can print without being connected to a computer using the  
printer’s auto running label form feature (programming based) or by using a data input  
device connected to the printer’s serial port. This mode accommodates data input devices,  
such as scanners, weigh scales, Zebra® KDU Plus™ or KDU (Keyboard Display Unit)  
with a KDU Adapter, etc.  
• Shared network printing: Printers configured with the Ethernet interface option include an  
internal print server with ZebraLink™ printer configuration web page and ZebraNet™  
Bridge software for managing and monitoring status of Zebra® printers on a network.  
Print Media Types  
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.  
Your printer can use various types of media:  
Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that  
sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.  
Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to  
FAX paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.  
Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick).  
Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.  
For more information on basic media types, see Table 1.  
The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too.  
Use the correct media for the type of printing you require. You must use direct thermal media.  
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Print Operations  
Print Media Types  
34  
Table 1 • Types of Media Roll and Fanfold Media  
Media Type  
How It Looks  
Description  
Non-Continuous  
Roll Media  
Roll media is wound on a core that can be 0.5 to 1.5 in. (12.7 to  
38.1 mm) in diameter. Labels have adhesive backing that sticks  
them to a liner, and they are separated by gaps, holes, notches, or  
black marks. Tags are separated by perforations. 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  
Fan-Fold 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 core that can be 0.5 to 1.5 in. (12.7 to  
38.1 mm) in diameter. 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. A cutter  
can be used to cut apart individual labels. With continuous media,  
use the transmissive (gap) sensor so the printer can detect when  
the media runs out.  
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Print Operations  
Replacing Supplies  
35  
Determining Thermal Media Types  
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 with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and  
quickly while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically  
treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose  
the media.  
2. Did a black mark appear on the media?  
If a black mark...  
Then the media is...  
Does not appear on the media  
Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required. Your printer  
does not support this media.  
Appears on the media  
Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.  
Replacing Supplies  
If media runs out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss results if  
you turn off the printer). After you re-load media, press the Feed button to restart.  
Always use high quality, approved labels and tags. If adhesive backed labels are used that  
don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers  
inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer.  
Adjusting the Print Width  
Print width must be set when:  
You are using the printer for the first time.  
• There is a change in media width.  
Print width may be set by:  
• The Windows printer driver or application software such as ZebraDesigner™.  
• The five-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 96.  
• Controlling printer operations with ZPL programming; refer to the Print Width (^PW)  
command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).  
• Controlling printer operations with EPL Page Mode programming, refer to the Set Label  
Width (  
q
) command (consult your EPL Programmers Guide).  
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Print Operations  
Adjusting the Print Quality  
36  
Adjusting the Print Quality  
Print quality is influenced by the heat (density) setting of the printhead, the print speed, and the  
media in use. Experiment with these settings to find the optimal mix for your application. Print  
quality can be set with the Zebra Setup Utility’s ‘Configure Print Quality’ routine.  
Note • Media manufactures may have specific recommendations for speed settings for your  
printer and the media. Some media types have lower maximum speeds than your printer’s  
maximum speed.  
The relative darkness (or density) setting can be controlled by:  
• The six-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 96. This will overwrite any ZPL  
and EPL programmed darkness/density settings.  
• The Set Darkness (~SD) ZPL command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).  
• The Density (D) EPL command (consult your EPL Programmers Guide).  
If you find that the print speed needs to be adjusted, use:  
• The Windows printer driver or application software such as ZebraDesigner™.  
• The Print Rate (^PR) command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).  
• The Speed Select (S) command (consult your EPL Programmers Guide).  
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Print Operations  
37  
Media Sensing  
Media Sensing  
The G-Series™ printer has automatic media sensing capability. The printer is designed to  
continuously check and adjust media length sensing for minor variations. Once the printer is  
printing or feeding media, the printer continually checks and adjusts the media sensing to  
accommodate for minor changes in media parameters from label to label on a roll and from  
roll to roll of media. The printer will automatically initiate a media length calibration if the  
expected media length or the label to label gap distance has exceeded the acceptable variation  
range when starting a print job or feeding media. The automatic media sensing in the G-Series  
printers works the same for printer operations that use EPL and ZPL label formats and  
programming.  
If the printer does not detect labels or black marks (or notches with blackline sensing) after  
feeding the media the default maximum label length distance of 39 inches (1 meter), then the  
printer will switch to continuous (receipt) media mode. The printer will keep these settings  
until changed by software, programming or a manual calibration with different media.  
Optionally, the printer can be set to do a short media calibration after printer power up or when  
closing the printer with power on. The printer will then feed several labels while calibrating.  
The printer’s media settings can be verified by printing a Printer Configuration label. See the  
The maximum distance that the automatic media type detection and sensing will check can be  
reduced by using the ZPL Maximum Label Length command (^ML). It is recommended that  
this distance be set to no less than two times the longest label being printed. If the largest label  
being printed was a 4 by 6 inch label, then the maximum label (media) length detection  
distance can be reduced from the default distance of 39 inches down to 12 inches.  
If the printer has difficulty automatically detecting the media type and auto-calibrating, see  
Manual Calibration on page 92 to perform an extensive calibration. It includes a printed graph  
of sensor operation for your media. This method disables the printer’s automatic media  
sensing capability until the printer’s default parameters are reset to the factory defaults with  
the four flash Feed button mode. See the Feed Button Modes on page 96 for more details.  
The automatic media calibration can be modified, turned on or turned off to meet your needs.  
Sometimes print job conditions require that the printer use all the media on a roll. The two  
automatic media conditions, power up with media loaded and closing the printer with power  
on, can be controlled individually with the ZPL Media Feed command, ^MF. The feed action  
discussed in the ZPL programmers guide for the ^MFcommand is primarily for automatic  
media sensing and calibration. The automatic media calibration that controls the dynamic  
media (label to label) calibration is the ^XScommand. If multiple media types of different  
lengths, material or detection methods (web/gap, black mark, notches or continuous) are used,  
you should not change these settings.  
The media calibration and detection process can also be refined to match the media type  
loaded into the printer. Use the ZPL Media Tracking command (^MN) to set the media type.  
Sometimes the printer can detect preprinted media as the gap between labels or the liner  
backing with print as a black marks. If the ^MNparameter for continuous media is set, then the  
print does not preform the automatic calibration. The ^MNcommand also includes an  
automatic calibration parameter (^MNA) to return the printer to its default setting to  
automatically detect all media types.  
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Print Operations  
Printing on Fan-Fold Media  
38  
Printing on Fan-Fold Media  
Printing on fan-fold media requires you to adjust the media guide’s stop position.  
1. Open the top cover.  
Fan-Fold  
Media Path  
2. Adjust the media guide stop position with the green thumb wheel. Use a piece of the fan-  
fold media to set the stop position. Rotate the wheel toward you to open the guides wider.  
Rotate the wheel away from you to make the media guide narrower.  
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Print Operations  
Printing on Fan-Fold Media  
39  
3. Insert the media through the slot at the rear of the printer.  
4. Run the media between the media guide and roll holders.  
5. Close the top cover.  
After printing or feeding several labels: If the media does not track down the center (moves  
from side to side) or the sides of the media (liner, tag, paper, etc.) are frayed or damaged when  
exiting the printer, then the media guides may need further adjustment. If this does not correct  
the problem, then the media can be routed over the two roll holding pins on the media guide.  
An empty roll core of the same width as the stack of the fan-fold media can be placed between  
the roll holders to provide additional support for thin media.  
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Print Operations  
Printing with Externally Mounted Roll Media  
40  
Printing with Externally Mounted Roll Media  
The G-Series printer accommodates externally mounted roll media similar to the printer’s  
support of fan-fold media. The printer requires the media roll and stand combination to have a  
low initial inertia to pull the media off the roll. The G-Series™ motor has 30% more torque  
than the Zebra® 2800™ Series desktop printers to provide improved media handling and  
speed.  
Zebra at this time does not offer an external media option for the G-Series™ printer.  
Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations:  
• The media ideally should enter the printer directly behind the printer through the fan-fold  
media slot in the rear of the printer. See Printing on Fan-Fold Media on page 38 for media  
loading.  
• Lower the print speed to decrease the chance of motor stalls. The roll typically has the  
highest inertia when trying to start the roll moving. Larger media roll diameters require the  
printer to have more torque applied to get the roll moving.  
• The media should move smoothly and freely. The media should not slip, skip, jerk, bind  
and then move, etc. when mounted on your media stand.  
• The printer should not touch the media roll.  
• The printer should not slip or lift up off the operating surface.  
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Print Operations  
Fonts and Your Printer  
41  
Fonts and Your Printer  
The G-Series™ printer supports your language and font requirements with a variety of internal  
fonts, on-board font scaling, international font sets and character code page support, Unicode  
support, and font download.  
The G-Series™ printer’s font capabilities are programming language dependent. The EPL™  
programming language provides for basic bitmapped fonts and international code pages. The  
ZPL™ programming language provides advanced font mapping and scaling technology to  
support outline fonts (TrueType™ or OpenType™) and Unicode character mapping as well as  
basic bitmapped fonts and character code pages. ZPL and EPL programming guides describe  
and document the fonts, code pages, character access, listing fonts, and limitations for their  
respective printer programming languages. See the printer programming guides for  
information on Text, Fonts and Character support.  
The G-Series printer includes utilities and application software that support font download into  
the printer for both printer programming languages.  
Identifying Fonts in Your Printer  
Fonts and memory are shared by the programming languages in the printer. Fonts can be  
loaded in many memory areas in the G-Series printer. ZPL programming can recognize EPL  
and ZPL fonts. EPL programming can only recognize EPL fonts. See the respective  
programmer guides for more information on fonts and printer memory.  
ZPL Fonts:  
• To manage and download fonts for ZPL print operation, use the Zebra Setup utility or  
ZebraNet™ Bridge.  
• To display all of the fonts loaded in your G-Series printer, send the printer the ZPL  
command ^WD. See the ZPL Programmers Guide for details.  
Bitmap fonts in the various printer memory areas are identified by the .FNT file  
extension in ZPL.  
Scalable fonts are identified with the .TTF, .TTE or .OTF file extensions in ZPL.  
EPL does not support these fonts.  
EPL Fonts:  
• To download fonts for EPL print operations, use the Zebra Setup Utility or ZebraNet™  
Bridge to send files to the printer.  
• To display Soft Fonts (ext.) available to EPL, send the printer the EPL command EI.  
Optional Asian Fonts in G-Series printers are displayed as Soft Fonts, but are still  
accessible as documented in the Acommand in the EPL programmer’s guide.  
All EPL fonts displayed are bitmap fonts. They do not include the .FNT file extension  
or the horizontal (H) or vertical (V) designators that are displayed with the ZPL  
command ^WDas described above in ZPL Fonts.  
• To remove non Asian EPL fonts with EPL programming, use the EKcommand.  
• To remove EPL Asian fonts from the printer, use the ZPL ^IDcommand.  
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Print Operations  
Fonts and Your Printer  
42  
Localizing the Printer with Code Pages  
The G-Series™ printer supports two sets of language, region and character sets for permanent  
fonts loaded into the printer for each printer programming language, ZPL and EPL. The printer  
supports localization with common international character map code pages.  
• For ZPL code page support, including Unicode, see the ^CIcommand in the ZPL  
programmer’s guide.  
• For EPL code page support, see the Icommand in the EPL programmer’s guide.  
Asian fonts and Other Large Font Sets  
Asian language pictographic fonts have large character sets with thousands of characters that  
support single language code page. In order to support the large Asian character sets, the  
industry adopted a double-byte (67840 maximum) character system instead of the single-byte  
characters (256 maximum) used by Latin based language characters to address large font sets.  
In order to address multiple languages with a single font set, Unicode was invented. A  
Unicode font supports one or more code points (relate these to code page character maps) and  
is accessed in a standard method that resolves character mapping conflicts. The ZPL  
programming language supports Unicode; EPL does not. Both of the printer’s programming  
languages support the large pictographic double-byte character Asian font sets.  
Asian language support requires additional memory support by the G-Series printer configured  
with the RTC and Full Flash Memory factory option. The number of fonts that can be  
downloaded is dependent upon the amount of available flash memory not already in use and  
the size of the font to be downloaded.  
Some large Unicode fonts are too large to be installed in the early model G-Series printers  
(12MB Full Flash Memory prior to July 24, 2009) with the RTC and Full Flash Memory  
factory option such as MS (Microsoft) Arial Unicode font (23MB) available from Microsoft or  
the Andale font (22MB) offered by Zebra. These large font sets typically support a large  
number of languages as well.  
Getting Asian Fonts  
Asian bitmap font sets are downloaded into the printer by the user or integrator. The ZPL fonts  
are purchased separately from the printer. EPL Asian Fonts are available for free to download  
from the Zebra Web site.  
Simplified and Traditional Chinese (ZPL and EPL)  
Japanese — JIS and Shift-JIS mappings (ZPL and EPL)  
Korean (ZPL including Johab and EPL)  
Thai (ZPL only)  
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Print Operations  
Stand Alone Printing  
43  
Stand Alone Printing  
Your printer can be configured to work without being attached to a computer. The printer has  
the ability to automatically run a single label form. One or more downloaded label forms can  
be accessed and run with a terminal or wedge device or a Zebra® KDU (keyboard display unit)  
to call a label form. These methods allow the developer to incorporate data input devices, such  
as scanners or weight scales, to the printer via the serial port.  
Label formats can be developed and stored in the printer to support labels that have:  
• No data entry required and print when the Feed button is pressed.  
• No data entry required and print when a label is removed from the printer’s optional label  
dispenser.  
• One or more data variables to be entered via the terminal or wedge device. The label will  
print after the last variable data field has been input.  
• One or more label formats that are called by scanning bar codes containing programming  
to run a label form.  
• Label forms designed to work as a process chain with each label including a bar code  
containing the programming to run the next label in the process sequence.  
Both printer programming languages support special label forms that will automatically run  
after a power cycle or reset. The ZPL looks for a file named AUTOEXEC.ZPL and EPL  
looks for a label form named AUTOFR. If both files are loaded in the G-Series printer, then  
only the AUTOEXEC.ZPL will run. The EPL AUTOFR form runs until it is disabled. Both  
files must be deleted from the printer followed by a reset or a power cycle to completely  
remove the files.  
Note • The G-Series EPL AUTOFRcommand can only be disabled with NULLcharacter  
(00 hex or ASCII 0). The G-Series™ printer will ignore the other character that normally  
disables the AUTOFFR form operation in most other EPL printers, the XOFF character (13  
hex or ASCII 19).  
The G-Series™ printer can source up to 750mA through the serial port’s 5 volt line; see  
Appendix A for more information on the printer’s serial port interface.  
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Print Operations  
Sending Files to the Printer  
44  
Sending Files to the Printer  
Graphics, fonts and programming files can be sent to the printer from the Microsoft Windows  
operating systems by using the Zebra Setup Utilities (and driver), ZebraNet™ Bridge or  
Zebra® ZDownloader found on the user's CD or at www.zebra.com. These methods are  
common for both programming languages and the G-Series printers.  
Print Meter  
The G-Series printer has the capability to report printhead maintenance alerts. The printer can  
provide cleaning and early warning of end of calculated printhead life alerts. If the RTC (Real  
Time Clock) is installed in the printer, the printhead life and history reporting will also include  
the date. By default, print metering alerts are disabled.  
Many of the print meter messages and reports are customize able. See the ZPL or EPL  
Programming Guides for more information on the Print Meter.  
To active the Print Meter Alerts, send one of the following commands to the printer:  
EPL command oLY  
ZPL command ^JH,,,,,E  
EPL Line Mode  
Your direct thermal printer supports Line Mode printing. EPL Line Mode printing is designed  
to be command compatible with EPL1 programming language used in early model LP2022  
and LP2042 printers. The Zebra 2800 series direct thermal printers also included Line Mode  
printer language support. The G-Series continues Zebra’s support of Line Mode.  
Line mode printing is ideal for basic retail (point of sale - POS), shipping, inventory, work  
flow control, and general labeling. EPL printers with Line Mode, are versatile and are capable  
of printing a wide range media and bar codes.  
Line Mode printing only prints single lines the height of the largest element present in the line  
of text and data - bar code, text, a logo or simple vertical lines. Line mode has many  
limitations due to the single line of print: no fine element placement, no overlapping elements,  
and no horizontal (ladder) bar codes.  
• Line Mode printer operation is entered by sending the printer the EPL OEPL1command.  
See the EPL Programmers Guide (Page Mode) or the EPL Line Mode Programmers  
Guide.  
• Line Mode printer operation is exited by sending the printer the escOEPL2Line Mode  
command. See the EPL Line Mode Programmers Guide.  
• With Line Mode active, ZPL and EPL (EPL2) Page Mode programming will be processed  
as Line Mode programming and data.  
• With the default ZPL and EPL (EPL2) Page Mode active, Line Mode programming will  
be processed as ZPL and/or EPL programming and data.  
Verify printer programming modes by printing out a printer configuration.  
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4
Printer Options  
This section covers the common printer options and accessories with brief descriptions and  
how to get you started using or configuring your printer option or accessory.  
Contents  
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Printer Options  
Label Dispenser Option  
46  
Label Dispenser Option  
The factory installed label dispenser option allows you to print a label with backing  
(liner/web) being removed from the label as it prints, ready for application. When printing  
multiple labels, removing the dispensed (peeled) label notifies the printer to print and dispense  
the next label.  
To use dispenser-mode correctly, use your printer driver to activate the label (taken) sensor  
along with these typical label settings which include but are not limited to length, non-  
continuous (gap), and web (liner). Otherwise, you must send the ZPL or EPL programming  
commands to the printer.  
When programming in ZPL, you can use the following command sequences shown below  
and refer to your ZPL Programming Guide for more information on ZPL programming.  
^XA ^MMP ^XZ  
^XA ^JUS ^XZ  
When programming in EPL, send the Options (O) command with the ‘P’ command  
parameter (OP) to enable the Label Taken sensor. Other printer option parameters may also be  
included with the Options command string. Refer to your EPL Programmers Guide for more  
information on programming with EPL and the Options (O) command behaviors.  
1. Load your labels into the printer. Close the printer and press the Feed button until a  
minimum of 4 inches or 100 millimeters of exposed labels exit the printer. Remove the  
exposed labels from the liner.  
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Printer Options  
Label Dispenser Option  
47  
2. Lift the liner over the top of the printer and open the dispenser door.  
3. Insert the label liner between the dispenser door and the printer body.  
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Printer Options  
Label Dispenser Option  
48  
4. Close the dispenser door.  
5. Press the Feed button to advance the media.  
6. During the print job, the printer will peel off the backing and present a single label. Take  
the label from the printer to allow the printer to print the next label. Note: If you did not  
activate the label taken sensor to detect the removal of the dispensed (peeled) label with  
software commands, the printer will stack and eject peeled labels.  
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Printer Options  
Moveable Blackline Sensor Option  
49  
Moveable Blackline Sensor Option  
The factory installed moveable blackline sensor option allows the printer to use media with  
black marks or notches (holes) on the back side of the media (or media liner) that are not  
located in the center of the media.  
The moveable sensor’s second functional feature is adjustable transmissive web (gap) sensing  
to positions that match legacy Zebra® desktop printer sensor locations and in between. This  
provides for use of some non standard media variations or irregularly shaped media.  
The moveable blackline sensor can not properly sense continuous media or labels (for inter-  
label gap sensing) if the sensor is not in the default sensing area for web (gap) sensing. See  
Printer Optional:  
Moveable  
Blackline Sensor  
Default - Web (Gap) Sensing  
Standard Operating Position  
Off Center  
Blackline Sensing Only  
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Printer Options  
Moveable Blackline Sensor Option  
50  
Adjusting the Moveable Sensor for Black Marks or Notches  
The blackline sensor looks for non-reflective surfaces such as black marks, black lines,  
notches or holes in the media which do not reflect the sensor’s beam back to the sensor’s  
detector. The sensor and it’s black mark detector are next to each other under the sensor cover  
(dark plastic cover translucent to the sensor’s non-visible light).  
The sensor can be adjusted by two methods:  
1) Preferred - Aligning the movable sensor’s alignment arrow to the right side of a black mark  
or notch located in the center or left side of the printer, or  
2) Align the center of the sensor cover under the oval notch or a right hand black mark (or  
notch).  
The sensor should be set as far as possible from the edge of media. The media can move from  
side to side and notches cut into the side of the media can become damaged.  
Load the media. Before closing the printer, adjust the moveable blackline sensor as follows:  
1. Flip the media back over the roll to expose the black marks or notches on the backside  
(non printing side) of the media.  
Black Marks  
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Printer Options  
Moveable Blackline Sensor Option  
51  
2. Slide the moveable sensor from the center default position to align with the black marks.  
The arrow on the moveable sensor should line up with the right edge of the black mark.  
This is true for marks or notches located on either side of the media (left side shown).  
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Printer Options  
Moveable Blackline Sensor Option  
52  
Adjusting the Moveable Sensor for Web (Gap) Sensing  
The moveable sensor supports the web/gap positions used by the legacy Zebra® desktop  
printer models and for some non standard media configurations. The G-Series™ printer’s web  
(gap) sensing in the standard (fixed position) or the moveable sensor’s default position are  
offset from the center of the printer to allow for gap sensing of labels that are side by side on a  
roll - see below.  
Default Gap  
Sensing Position  
C
L
Web (Gap) sensing with the movable sensor can only function when the sensor’s alignment  
arrow points to any position on the alignment key. The sensor must be aligned with the labels  
(or other media) to sense the gap between the labels. The example above shows where the  
sensor is set if center aligned positioning is used. It will miss sensing labels with a 2-up label  
configuration and with the sensor in the ‘default’ position, it will be able to the detect labels  
and the gaps between them.  
Adjustment Range - Left to Right  
Center Aligned  
Default  
Default — Zebra Models: G-Series™ fixed position sensors, LP/TLP 2842™,  
LP/TLP 2844™, LP/TLP 2042™  
Center Aligned — Zebra Model: LP/TLP 2742™  
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Printer Options  
53  
Cutter Option  
Cutter Option  
The printer supports a factory installed media cutter option for full width cutting of label liner,  
tag or receipt media. These cutter options are all supported in a single cutter housing design.  
The type of cutter option installed in your printer can be verified by printing a printer  
configuration status label. The cutter options are:  
A medium duty cutter for cutting label liner and light tag media (LINER/TAG)  
Maximum Paper Weight (thickness): up to 180 g/m2 (0.0077 in.)  
Life*: 2 million cuts: 0.5 mil to 5 mil stock (10-120 g/m2)  
1 million cuts: 5 mil to 7.5 mil stock (120-180 g/m2)  
750,000 cuts: 7.5 mil to 10 mil (180-200 g/m2)  
* - Exceeding the maximum media weight (density/hardness) and thickness will  
shorten the cutters usable life or can cause the cutter to fail (jam or other error).  
Cut Width: 4.25 inches (108 mm) maximum to 0.75 inches (19 mm) minimum  
Minimum distance between cuts (label length): 1 inch (25.4 mm). Cutting shorter  
media lengths between the cuts may cause the cutter to jam or error.  
By default, the cutter operations include a self cleaning preventive maintenance  
cleaning cut after every twenty-fifth cut. This feature can be disabled via ZPL or EPL  
SGD (Set/Get/DO) programming command (cutter.clean_cutter) but is not  
recommended.  
Warning • There are no operator serviceable parts in the cutter unit. Never remove the  
cutter cover (bezel). Never attempt to insert objects or fingers in to the cutter mechanism.  
Important • Tools, cotton swabs, solvents (including alcohol), etc. all may damage or shorten  
the cutter’s usable life or cause the cutter to jam.  
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Printer Options  
Cutter Option  
54  
Loading Media with the Cutter Option  
1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release latch levers toward the front  
of the printer.  
2. Open the media roll holders. Pull the media guides open with your free hand and place the  
media roll on the roll holders and release the guides. Orient the media roll so that its  
printing surface will be up as it passes over the platen (drive) roller.  
.
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Printer Options  
55  
Cutter Option  
3. If your printer includes the moveable blackline sensor option, verify that the sensor is  
aligned in the slightly right of center default position. This is the standard operating  
position for media sensing. When the sensor is moved from the default position, the  
printer will only detect blackline, black mark and notched marked media.  
Moveable Sensor  
Off Center  
Blackline Sensing Only  
Default - Gap (Web) Sensing  
Standard Operating Position  
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Printer Options  
Cutter Option  
56  
4. Thread the media through the cutter’s inside slot so that it extends out of the front of the  
printer. Verify the roll turns freely. The roll must not sit in the bottom of the media  
compartment. Verify that media’s printing surface is facing up.  
5. Push the media under both of the media guides.  
Under Media  
Guides  
6. Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed.  
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Printer Options  
ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal (Wired) Print Server Option  
57  
®
ZebraNet 10/100 Internal (Wired) Print Server Option  
The ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server (PS) is an optional factory installed device that  
connects the network and your ZebraLinkTM-enabled printer. The print server provides you  
with a browser interface for printer and print server settings. If you use the ZebraNetTM Bridge  
Zebra network printer management software, you can easily access the specialized features of  
a ZebraLinkTM enabled printer.  
Printers with the 10/100 Internal PS provide the following features:  
Print server and printer setup using a browser  
Remote monitoring and configuration capability of the 10/100 Internal PS using a  
browser  
Alerts  
The ability for you to send unsolicited printer status messages via E-mail-enabled  
devices  
ZebraNetTM Bridge — ZebraNetTM Bridge is a software program that works with the  
10/100 Internal PS and enhances the features of ZebraLink resident within ZPL-based printers.  
The features include the following:  
ZebraNetTM Bridge allows you to locate printers automatically. ZebraNetTM Bridge  
searches on parameters such as IP address, subnet, printer model, printer status, and  
many other user-defined characteristics.  
Remote Configuration — Manage all your Zebra label printers throughout the  
enterprise without having to travel to remote sites or physically handle any printers.  
Any Zebra printer connected to the enterprise network can be accessed from the  
ZebraNetTM Bridge interface and configured remotely through an easy-to-use  
graphical user interface.  
Printer Alerts, Status, Heartbeat Monitoring and event Notification — ZebraNetTM  
Bridge lets you configure multiple event alerts per device with different alerts directed  
to different people. Receive alerts and notifications by e-mail, cell phone/pager, or  
through the ZebraNetTM Bridge Events tab. View alerts by printer or group, and filter  
by date/time, severity, or trigger.  
Configure and Copy Printer Profiles — Copy and paste settings from one printer to  
another or broadcast them to an entire group. ZebraNet™ Bridge allows you to copy  
printer settings, printer-resident files (formats, fonts, and graphics), and alerts with a  
click of the mouse. Create printer profiles — virtual “golden printers” — with desired  
settings, objects, and alerts, and clone or broadcast them as if they were real printers,  
providing extensive savings in setup time. Printer profiles are also an excellent way to  
back up a printer’s configuration for crisis recovery.  
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Printer Options  
ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal (Wired) Print Server Option  
58  
Printer Network Configuration Status Label  
G-Series™ printers with the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server option on-board print an  
additional printer configuration status label for information needed to establish and trouble  
shoot network printing. The following printout is printed with the ZPL ~WLcommand.  
The regular printout of the configuration status label has some of the printer’s network settings  
such as IP Address, on the lower half of the printout.  
The printer’s IP address is needed to identify and configure the printer for operations on your  
network. See the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server manual for more information.  
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Printer Options  
ZebraNet® Internal Wireless Print Server Option  
59  
®
ZebraNet Internal Wireless Print Server Option  
The ZebraNet® Internal Wireless Print Server (PS) is an optional factory installed device that  
connects to Wi-Fi network access point on your network and your ZebraLinkTM-enabled  
printer. The print server provides you with a browser interface for printer and print server  
settings. If you use the ZebraNetTM Bridge, Zebra® network printer management software,  
you can easily access the specialized features of a ZebraLinkTM enabled printer.  
Printers with an Internal Wireless Print Server provide the following features:  
A printer status display for alerts, configuration settings and network settings.  
Print server and printer setup using a browser  
Remote monitoring and configuration capability of the Internal Wireless PS using a  
browser  
Alerts  
The ability for you to send unsolicited printer status messages via E-mail-enabled  
devices  
ZebraNetTM Bridge — ZebraNetTM Bridge is a software program that works with the  
10/100 Internal PS and enhances the features of ZebraLink resident within ZPL-based printers.  
The features include the following:  
ZebraNetTM Bridge allows you to locate printers automatically. ZebraNetTM Bridge  
searches on parameters such as IP address, subnet, printer model, printer status, and  
many other user-defined characteristics.  
Remote Configuration — Manage all your Zebra label printers throughout the  
enterprise without having to travel to remote sites or physically handle any printers.  
Any Zebra printer connected to the enterprise network can be accessed from the  
ZebraNetTM Bridge interface and configured remotely through an easy-to-use  
graphical user interface.  
Printer Alerts, Status, Heartbeat Monitoring and event Notification — ZebraNetTM  
Bridge lets you configure multiple event alerts per device with different alerts directed  
to different people. Receive alerts and notifications by e-mail, cell phone/pager, or  
through the ZebraNetTM Bridge Events tab. View alerts by printer or group, and filter  
by date/time, severity, or trigger.  
Configure and Copy Printer Profiles — Copy and paste settings from one printer to  
another or broadcast them to an entire group. ZebraNet Bridge allows you to copy  
printer settings, printer-resident files (formats, fonts, and graphics), and alerts with a  
click of the mouse. Create printer profiles — virtual “golden printers” — with desired  
settings, objects, and alerts, and clone or broadcast them as if they were real printers,  
providing extensive savings in setup time. Printer profiles are also an excellent way to  
back up a printer’s configuration for crisis recovery.  
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Printer Options  
ZebraNet® Internal Wireless Print Server Option  
60  
Printer Network Configuration Status Label  
G-Series™ printers with the ZebraNet® Internal Wireless Print Server option on-board print  
an additional printer configuration status label for information needed to establish and trouble  
shoot network printing. The following printout is printed with the ZPL ~WLcommand.  
The regular printout of the configuration status label has some of the printer’s network settings  
such as IP Address, on the lower half of the printout.  
The printer’s IP address is needed to identify and configure the printer for operations on your  
network. See the ZebraNet® Internal Wireless Print Server manual for more information.  
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Printer Options  
Bluetooth Option  
61  
Bluetooth Option  
Bluetooth is an optional factory installed (internal wireless) device that can connect to other  
Bluetooth enabled devices and computers. The Bluetooth radio inside G-series printers  
complies with Bluetooth Specification 2.0 and supports the Serial Port Profile (SPP), a  
Windows virtual serial port. All print jobs sent to the printer on Windows PC’s will be done  
through the SPP, which is basically a Bluetooth emulation of an RS-232 serial communication.  
This printer option includes a LCD display to provide connection status and configuration  
information to assist with installation and connection to a Bluetooth enabled host system.  
Microsoft has supported most Bluetooth devices since the release of Windows XP Service  
Pack 2 (SP2). Prior to that, Bluetooth devices for earlier versions of Windows required drivers  
to be supplied with the device. Windows XP SP2 and above also include ‘Add a Printer’  
wizard support for printers. The G-Series printer is accessed via a Bluetooth virtual serial port  
connection (SPP). The printer only needs Bluetooth 2.0 driver that supports SPP to be able to  
communicate with the Windows PC’s Bluetooth devices.  
In the Windows environment, the printer requires the ZebraDesigner™ driver to be installed  
on the computer to enable printing after Bluetooth communication has been established. Use  
the Zebra Setup Utility’s printer install wizards to help you configure your Bluetooth  
connection.  
Printer Network Configuration Status Label  
G-Series printers with the ZebraNet® Internal Bluetooth option on-board prints an additional  
printer configuration status label for information needed to establish and trouble shoot network  
printing. The following printout is printed with the ZPL ~WLcommand.  
The printer’s Bluetooth settings help identify the printer for installation and print operations.  
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Printer Options  
Bluetooth Option  
62  
Preparing the Windows PC for Bluetooth communication.  
• Install a Bluetooth dongle or verify that the existing Bluetooth is enabled. Note that some  
systems with on-board Bluetooth share the Bluetooth radio with Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi maybe  
disabled, which may disable Bluetooth also.  
Preparing the Printer for Bluetooth Printing  
• The printer must have the factory option Bluetooth installed. The printer will include a  
LCD display. The printer’s main menu screen will display the word Bluetooth.  
Shows Disconnected or  
Connected Status  
The printer should have media loaded to print configuration status labels (and Windows  
test print labels later).  
Install the printer using the Zebra Setup Utility (ZSU) using the USB interface cable  
(or a standard serial port cable). Verify printing using the printer properties or the ZSU to  
print a printer configuration status label.  
• With the ZSU installed and open, select your printer. The buttons below the installed  
Zebra® printers will activate. Click on the ‘Configure Printer Connectivity’ button to start  
the ‘Connectivity Setup Wizard’.  
Select Bluetooth and click ‘Next’.  
Enter an unique name for the printer to the ‘Friendly name’ text input box.  
Leave ‘Enabled’ checked, Discoverable’ On, and ‘Authentication’ to Off.  
Click ‘Next’ to continue.  
The window will display the SGD (Set/Get/Do) commands to be sent to the printer.  
Click ‘Next’.  
Leave the printer selected and click ‘Finished’. The printer will reset to activate all the  
new Bluetooth commands.  
®
Bluetooth - Installing the Printer with a Windows XP SP2  
This process covers the printer installation for Windows XP SP2 (or above)  
1. From the Windows ‘Start’ menu, open the ‘Printers and Faxes’ window. Click on  
‘Add Printer’ and a wizard will start. Click ‘Next’ when the “Welcome” window displays  
to continue.  
2. Leave the ‘Local’ radio button with the ‘Automatic detect ...’ checkbox (checked) selected  
and click ‘Next’.  
3. No printer should be found. If there is one or more new printers detected, then do not  
select any of those printers and click ‘Next’.  
4. Select the ‘Create a new port’ radio button and select ‘Bluetooth Printer Port’ from the  
associated pull down menu.  
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Printer Options  
Bluetooth Option  
63  
5. From the new ‘Bluetooth Printer Port’ window, select your printer from the Bluetooth  
devices in the list. This may take several minutes. Click on the ‘Connect’ button.  
6. The ‘Install Printer Software’ window will open. Select ‘ZDesigner’ as ‘Manufacture’ to  
select supported Zebra printer models, and then select your printer model in the ‘Printers’  
selection. Click ‘Next’ to continue.  
7. Select ‘Keep the existing drivers’ and click ‘Next’.  
8. Name your printer and choose your default printer setting as desired. Click ‘Next’.  
9. Answer ‘Yes’, you want to print a test page. Click ‘Next’ to continue.  
10. Click ‘Finish’ on the ‘Completing the Add Printer Wizard’ window and the Bluetooth  
printer will complete installation and print a Windows test print page (a Windows logo at  
minimum).  
®
®
Bluetooth - Installing the Printer with a Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7  
The Windows Vista (SP2 or higher) and Windows 7 bluetooth install differs from the XP  
install.  
Windows Vista: Open the ‘Add Printer’ wizard by clicking the ‘Start’ button,  
clicking ‘Control Panel’, clicking ‘Hardware and Sound’, clicking ‘Printers’, and then  
clicking ‘Add a printer’.  
Windows 7: Open Devices and Printers by clicking the Start button Picture  
of the Start button, and then, on the Start menu, clicking Devices and  
Printers  
Some non-Microsoft Bluetooth dongles and built-in Bluetooth devices in the host  
PC’s have marginal driver support for SPP printing and may not complete the ‘Add  
printer’ wizard normally. You may need to go to the ‘Bluetooth Devices’ in the  
‘Control Panel’ or from the system tray on the Windows ‘Start’ bar and activate SPP  
for the ‘device’, your Bluetooth printer you are installing. Install the printer to a local  
printer (USB or Serial Port for your G-Series printer) and then change the ‘Port’ after  
the install has completed to the SPP (virtual serial port) COM port.  
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Printer Options  
RTC and Full Flash Memory Option  
64  
RTC and Full Flash Memory Option  
Printers with the factory installed RTC (Real Time Clock) and Full Flash Memory option  
allow you to create highly customizable printer applications, improve printer productivity and  
flexibility, and provide extra memory to store more forms, graphics (logos), fonts, and the  
large Asian font sets.  
The RTC allows the label form developer to include:  
Time Date Stamping  
Pre or Post Dating  
Allows Date/Time date to be included on printed form without altering the form  
Provide dates and times without needing to generate them with the host system,  
application software or programmatically by another process (e.g. a database report).  
The RTC enhances the printer’s ability to operate in a stand-alone configuration (e.g. not  
connected to a host or PC). A common use would be to provide a date stamp to a tag, ticket,  
label or receipt printed on demand. See Stand Alone Printing on page 43 for more details.  
The RTC feature supports both ZPL and EPL printer programming. The two programming  
behaviors that display the time and date are independent of each other. The commands that set  
time and date change them for both printer languages.  
Caution • The optional RTC assembly has a three volt lithium battery. You can discern a low or  
flat battery if the printer provides a consistently delayed date stamp. Battery replacement must  
be performed by a qualified service technician. Only use a Zebra approved replacement  
battery.  
Important • Recycle batteries according to local your guidelines and regulations. Wrap the  
battery when disposing (or storing) to avoid a short circuit.  
DO NOT short circuit the battery. Short circuiting the battery may result in heat  
generation, fire or bursting.  
DO NOT heat, disassemble or dispose of battery in fire.  
The Full Flash Memory provides an additional 64 Megabytes to the printer’s standard  
4 Megabytes of printer memory for a total of 68 Megabytes printer memory. This option  
originally supported only 12MB of Full Flash Memory for printer built prior to July 24, 2009.  
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Printer Options  
Asian Fonts - Printer Accessory  
65  
Asian Fonts - Printer Accessory  
Asian font sets are downloaded into the printer by the user or integrator. Your G-Series printer  
must have the RTC and Full Flash Printer Memory option installed to support the large Asian  
font files. The fonts are obtained separately from the printer.  
Simplified and Traditional Chinese (ZPL and EPL)  
Japanese — JIS and Shift-JIS mappings (ZPL and EPL)  
Korean (ZPL including Johab and EPL)  
Thai (ZPL only)  
See Fonts and Your Printer on page 41 for more details on Asian fonts.  
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Printer Options  
Zebra® KDU — Printer Accessory  
66  
®
Zebra KDU — Printer Accessory  
The Zebra KDU (keyboard display unit) is a small terminal unit that interfaces with the printer  
for accessing EPL label forms stored in the printer.  
The KDU is strictly a terminal and does not have the capability to store data or set up  
parameters. The KDU is used for the following functions:  
List label forms stored in printer  
Retrieve label forms stored in printer  
Input variable data  
Printing labels  
v
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Printer Options  
KDU Plus™ — Printer Accessory  
67  
KDU Plus™ — Printer Accessory  
The KDU Plus is a terminal device with memory for storing files and maintaining one or more  
remote printers. The KDU Plus has a larger laptop style keyboard than the Zebra’s original  
KDU design.  
The KDU Plus is designed for the following functions:  
List label forms stored in printer  
Retrieve label forms stored in printer  
Input variable data  
Printing labels  
File storage and transfer  
The KDU Plus is designed to work with ZPL and EPL printers by dynamically detecting and  
switching the printer’s communications configuration (DTE or DCE) to match your Zebra  
printer. By default, the KDU Plus will start up forms mode. This is compatible with the  
operation of Zebra’s original KDU. The KDU Plus is configurable to work in ZPL or terminal  
modes too.  
The KDU Plus has file transfer and storage capabilities. This is great for maintaining remote  
and stand alone printers with label forms, logos and smaller font sets.  
The KDU Plus has two configurable serial port and a PS/2 port to connect to other data input  
devices such as scanners, weigh scales, etc..  
The +5 volts from the printer’s serial (pin 9) provides power for the KDU Plus and any  
additional input devices attached to the KDU Plus.  
Maximum total current draw for the G-Series printer’s serial port: 750mA  
The KDU Plus’s current without external input devices attached is: 50mA  
25mA*  
120mA*  
Current Draw  
45mA*  
50mA  
* - Not real values  
( 45mA + 120mA + 25mA ) + 50mA  
<
Max. Current  
Caution • The KDU Plus’s input ports (AUX1, AUX2, and PS/2 style) are not fused.  
Exceeding the total current draw available could damage an input device, KDU Plus, or  
the printer.  
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Printer Options  
ZBI 2.0™ — Zebra Basic Interpreter  
68  
ZBI 2.0™ — Zebra Basic Interpreter  
Customize and enhance your printer with ZBI 2.0 optional programming language,  
ZBI 2.0 allows Zebra printers to run applications, prompt users through LCD  
menu commands & take input from scales, scanners and other peripherals—all  
without a PC or network connection. ZBI 2.0 works with the ZPL printer  
command language so that printers can understand non-ZPL data streams and  
convert them into labels. That means the Zebra printer can create bar codes and  
text from input received, non-ZPL label formats, sensors, keyboards and  
peripherals. Printers can also be programmed to interact with PC based database  
applications to retrieve information to be used on printed labels.  
the ZBI 2.0 store at www.zebrasoftware.com.  
the Zebra Web site: www.zebra.com.  
An intuitive ZBI-Developer™ programming utility is used to create, test and  
www.zebra.com.  
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Introduction  
LCD Display Overview  
70  
LCD Display Overview  
The LCD display for G-Series printers with the Wi-Fi (Wireless) or Bluetooth options provide  
user feedback for printer operations, some basic controls for printer functionality, printer  
display controls, and wireless connectivity information.  
The control panel features three operator controls: the Feed button, the Scroll button and the  
Select button. The Feed button is used to advance one label or a pre-set length of continuos  
media. You can control display operation by using the Scroll and Select buttons. The Scroll  
button allows scrolling through the various options and settings. The Select button allows  
selection of the option or function displayed on the screen.  
Printer Status and  
Alert Messages  
Feed Button  
100  
OOOPRINTEROOREADY  
OOOOOOOOMENU  
Select Button  
Wireless Connection  
Status Messages  
Scroll Button  
Note • While the control panel can be used to change some printer settings, many settings  
can only be changed using Set / Get / Do (SGD) commands. Refer to the ZPL II  
Programming Guide for information on the use of SGD commands.  
When the number of selections are too numerous to be displayed on one screen, MORE will be  
listed at the bottom of the display. To access the additional selections, use the Scroll button to  
move down through the current screen and the display will list the next set of choices.  
Menu Customization and WML  
The G-Series™ printers allows for the use of Zebra’s WML menu customization language.  
The WML languge features both display and command abilities. See the WML section in the  
ZPL Programmer’s guide (for this printer) for details.  
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Introduction  
Normal Operation Display  
71  
Normal Operation Display  
When the printer is On and Ready, the LCD display will resemble one of the examples shown  
in the figure below.  
Bluetooth Installed  
Indicator  
Bluetooth Enabled  
Normal Operation Display  
Wi-Fi Installed  
Indicator  
802.11 WiFi Enabled  
Normal Operation Display  
Display Settings  
The display has a back light feature which allows viewing the display in dark environments.  
The back light will illuminate the display when the Select button is pressed, entering the  
printers option menus. If there is no activity, the back light will extinguish after a selectable  
time-out. You can also adjust the display contrast as well as select an appropriate language for  
the display. The user selectable Display settings and are shown in the table below.  
Display Settings  
Setting  
BACK LIGHT  
TIMEOUT  
Default Value  
Optional Values  
ON / OFF  
10 / 20 / 30  
1 - 7  
ON  
10  
4
LCD CONTRAST  
LANGUAGE  
ENGLISH  
ENGLISH  
ESPANOL  
FRANCAIS  
DEUTSCH  
ITALIANO  
NORSK  
PORTUGUES  
SVENSKA  
DANSK  
EASANOL2  
NEDERLANDS  
SUOMI  
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Introduction  
Printer Settings  
72  
Printer Settings  
The user selectable and programmable Printer settings are shown in the table below.  
Printer Settings  
COMM. (user selectable COM port settings)  
Setting  
BAUD  
Default Value  
9600  
Optional Values  
300  
600  
1200  
9600  
14400  
19200  
28800  
32400  
57600  
115200  
DATA BITS  
PARITY  
8
7
8
NONE  
NONE  
EVEN  
ODD  
FLOW  
DTR & XON / XOFF  
XON / XOFF  
DTR & XON / XOFF  
DSR / DTR  
RTS / CTS  
MEDIA (display only)  
Setting  
Default Value  
GAP  
Optional Values  
MEDIA  
GAP  
MARK  
RECEIPT  
RIBBON  
YES  
YES  
NO  
PRINT (display only)  
Setting  
Default Value  
6 IPS  
Optional Values  
SPEED  
2 IPS  
3 IPS  
4 IPS  
5 IPS  
6 IPS  
ZPL Darkness  
10.0  
0.0 - 30.0  
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Introduction  
802.11 WLAN Settings  
73  
802.11 WLAN Settings  
The programmable 802.11 WLAN settings are shown in the table below.  
802.11 WLAN Settings (display only)  
Setting  
IP ADDRESS  
DEFAULT GATEWAY  
SUBNET MASK  
WLAN SECURITY  
ESSID  
Default Value  
000.000.000.000  
000.000.000.000  
000.000.000.000  
OPEN  
Optional Values  
125  
Bluetooth Settings  
The programmable Bluetooth settings are shown in the table below.  
Bluetooth Settings (display only)  
Setting  
Default Value  
Optional Values  
ADDRESS  
DISCOVERABLE  
AUTHENTICATION  
ON  
OFF  
ON / OFF  
ON / OFF  
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Introduction  
Bluetooth Settings  
74  
Notes • __________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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Maintenance  
Cleaning  
76  
Cleaning  
When you clean the printer, use one of the following supplies that best suits your needs:  
Order  
Cleaning Supplies  
Intended Purpose  
Quantity  
Set of 12  
Set of 25  
Cleaning pens (105950-035)  
Cleaning swabs (105909-057)  
Clean printhead  
Clean media path, guides and sensors  
You can obtain cleaning supplies at www.zipzebra.com  
.
The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.  
Printer Part  
Method  
Interval  
Printhead  
Let the printhead to cool for a minute, then use a After every roll of  
new cleaning pen to swab the dark line on the  
printhead cleaning from the center to the outside  
edges of the printhead.  
media.  
Platen roller  
Remove the platen roller to clean. Clean the  
roller thoroughly with 90% medical-grade  
alcohol and a cleaning swab or lint-free cloth.  
As needed.  
Peel bar  
Clean it thoroughly with 90% medical-grade  
alcohol and a fiber-free cleaning swab.  
Media path  
Let alcohol dissipate and the printer dry  
completely.  
Exterior  
Interior  
Water-dampened cloth.  
Gently brush out printer.  
Caution • Adhesives and media material can over time transfer onto the printer  
components along the media path including the platen and printhead. This build-up can  
accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the printhead, media path and platen roller  
could result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams and possible damage to the printer.  
Important • Using too much alcohol can result in contamination of the electronic  
components requiring a much longer drying time before the printer will function properly.  
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Maintenance  
77  
Cleaning  
Cleaning the Printhead  
Always use a new cleaning pen on the printhead (an old pen carries contaminants from its  
previous uses that may damage the printhead).  
Caution • The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the  
printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the printhead. Use only the cleaning  
pen to perform maintenance.  
When you load new media, you can also clean the printhead.  
1. Rub the cleaning pen across the dark area of the printhead. Clean from the middle to the  
outside. This will move adhesive transferred from the edges of media to the printhead  
outside of media path.  
2. Wait one minute before closing the printer.  
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Maintenance  
Cleaning  
78  
Media Path Considerations  
Use a cleaning swab to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the holders, guides and  
media path surfaces.  
1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab to soak the debris to break up the adhesive.  
2. Wipe the ridges to remove accumulated debris.  
3. Wipe the inside edges of both edge guides to remove any built-up residue.  
4. Wait one minute before closing the printer.  
Discard the cleaning swab after use.  
Media  
Guides  
Ridges  
Platen  
Peel  
Bar  
Pinch  
Roller  
Ridges  
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Maintenance  
79  
Cleaning  
Sensor Cleaning  
Dust can accumulate on the media sensors.  
1. Gently brush away dust; if necessary, use a dry swab to brush away dust. If adhesives or  
other contaminates remain, use an alcohol moistened swab to break it up.  
2. Use a dry swab to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning.  
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as required until all residue and streaks are removed from the sensor.  
.
Gap  
Sensor  
Black-Line  
Sensor  
Label Taken  
Sensor  
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Maintenance  
Cleaning  
80  
Platen Cleaning and Replacement  
The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper and liner dust can  
accumulate without effecting print operations. Contaminates on the platen roller can damage  
the printhead or cause the media to slip or stick when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust,  
oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.  
Clean the platen (and media path) whenever the printer has significantly poorer performance,  
print quality or media handling. The platen is the print surface and drive roller for your media.  
If sticking or jamming continues even after cleaning, you must replace the platen.  
The platen can be cleaned with a fiber-free swab (such as a Texpad swab) or a lint free, clean,  
damp cloth very lightly moistened with medical grade alcohol (90% pure or better).  
1. Open the cover (and dispenser door). Remove media from platen area.  
2. Press the tabs on the right and left sides out. Then rotate them up.  
3. Lift the platen out of the printer’s bottom frame.  
4. Clean the platen with the alcohol moistened swab. Clean from the center out. Repeat this  
process until the all of the roller surface has been cleaned. If there has been heavy  
adhesive build-up or label jam, repeat with a new swab to remove residual contaminates.  
Adhesives and oils, for example, may be thinned by the initial cleaning but not completely  
removed.  
5. Install the platen in the printer. Discard the cleaning swabs after use - do not reuse.  
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Maintenance  
81  
Cleaning  
6. Make sure the bearings are on the shaft of the platen.  
7. Align the platen with the gear to the left and lower it into the printer’s bottom frame.  
8. Rotate the tabs back and snap them into place.  
Allow the printer to dry for one minute before closing the dispenser door, media cover or  
loading labels.  
Other Printer Maintenance  
There are no user level maintenance procedures beyond those detailed in this section. See the  
Troubleshooting on page 85 for more information on diagnosing printer and print problems.  
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Maintenance  
Replacing the Printhead  
82  
Replacing the Printhead  
If you need to replace the printhead, read the procedure and review the removal and  
installation steps before actually replacing the printhead.  
Caution • Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge. Your work area  
must be static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the  
printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.  
Caution • Turn the printer power off and unplug the power cord before replacing the  
printhead.  
Before following the steps in this procedure, open the printer by pulling the release latches  
forward then lifting the top cover.  
Printhead Removal  
1. Push the printhead’s right side catch to the right.  
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Maintenance  
Replacing the Printhead  
83  
2. Pull the printhead forward and pull it free of the top case if necessary.  
3. Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors.  
1. Align the printhead to plug the left and right connectors into the wire bundles.  
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Maintenance  
Replacing the Printhead  
84  
2. Slide the printhead into the left side and jog it into the right side catch.  
Clean the print head as described under Cleaning the Printhead on page 77.  
3. Reload media. Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer and print a status report to  
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Troubleshooting  
Status Light Descriptions  
86  
Status Light Descriptions  
What the Status Light is Telling You  
Fora Resolution,  
Refer to Number:  
LED Status and Color  
Printer Status  
Off  
Solid Green  
Off  
On  
1
2
Solid Amber  
Stopped  
3
Flashing Green  
Normal Operation  
Stopped  
4
Flashing Red  
5
Double Flashing Green  
Flashing Amber  
Paused  
6
Paused  
7
Alternately Flashing Green and Red  
Flashing Red, Red and Green  
Needs Service  
Needs Service  
8
9
Flashing Red, Amber Green  
Memory  
10*  
(* - Do NOT reset or turn off power!)  
Defragmentation  
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Troubleshooting  
Status Light Error Resolutions  
87  
Status Light Error Resolutions  
The following Status Error Light Resolution numbers correspond to the Status Light  
Description table on the previous page. Each error number may have one or more resolution to  
correct that error listed.  
1. The printer is not receiving power.  
• Have you turned on the printer power?  
• Check power connections from the wall outlet to the power supply, and from the power  
supply to the printer. See Attaching Power on page 14.  
• Disconnect the printer from the wall outlet for 30 seconds and then reconnect the printer to  
the wall outlet.  
2. The printer is on and in an idle state.  
No action necessary.  
3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST).  
• If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an authorized reseller for  
assistance. When the printer is operating normally, the printer status light will be amber  
for about 10 seconds before turning green (solid or blinking).  
There is a memory error.  
• If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power off and on, and  
then resume printing.  
The printhead needs to cool down.  
• If this error continues, turn the printer power off for five minutes or more, and then turn  
on. If the amber light persists, then the printer requires service.  
4. The printer is receiving data.  
• As soon as all of the data has been received, the status LED will turn green and the printer  
will automatically resume operation.  
5. The media is out.  
• Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 15 in the Getting Started section,  
and then press the Feed button to resume printing.  
The printhead is open.  
• Close the top cover and then press the Feed button to resume printing.  
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Troubleshooting  
Status Light Error Resolutions  
88  
6. The printer is paused.  
• Press the Feed button to resume printing.  
7. The printhead is over temperature.  
• Printing will stop until the printhead cools to an acceptable printing temperature. When it  
does, the printer will automatically resume operation.  
8. FLASH memory is not programmed.  
• Return the printer to an authorized reseller.  
9. The printhead or motor has had a critical failure.  
• Return the printer to an authorized reseller.  
10. The printer is defragmenting memory.  
Caution • Do NOT turn off the printer power during defragmentation. Doing so can damage  
the printer.  
• Defragmentation is a normal operation of the printer – necessary to manage the memory  
space for optimal use. The printer will defragment its memory both after a factory default  
and when the printer detects that a defragment is required.  
When the printer is in this condition, allow it to finish defragmenting. If this warning occurs  
frequently, check the label formats. Formats that frequently and repeatedly write to and  
erase from memory my cause the printer to defragment often. Using formats that avoid  
frequent and repeated memory write/erase event will minimize the need for  
defragmentation.  
• If this warning condition does not go away, contact Technical Support. The printer  
requires service.  
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Troubleshooting  
Print Quality Problems  
89  
Print Quality Problems  
No print on the label.  
• The media may not be direct thermal media. See the test procedure Determining Thermal  
• Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 15  
in the Getting Started section. For printing using transfer ribbon, see Printing a Test  
The printed image does not look right.  
• The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead.  
• The printhead is under temperature.  
• Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.  
Use the ^PR(speed) and ~SD(darkness) commands referenced in the ZPL  
Programming Guide.  
Use the  
D
(darkness/density) and  
S
(speed) commands in the EPL Programmers  
Guide.  
Manually adjust print darkness with the six-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes  
The Windows printer driver or application software may change these settings and  
may require a change to optimize print quality.  
• The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use the recommended  
media for your application, and always use Zebra-approved labels and tags.  
Verify that the printer power supply in use is rated at 100 Watts of DC output.  
• The printhead has worn out. The printhead is a consumable item and will wear out due to  
friction between the media and printhead. Using unapproved media may shorten life or  
damage your printhead. Replace the printhead.  
• The platen may need cleaning or replacement. The platen (driver) roller maybe losing  
traction due to:  
Foreign objects attached to its surface,  
The rubbery smooth surface has become polished and slippery, or  
There is damage to the normally smooth and flat print surface such as box knife cuts.  
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Troubleshooting  
Print Quality Problems  
90  
There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on  
several labels.  
• The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead.  
• The printhead elements are damaged.  
The printing does not start at the top of the label or misprinting of  
one to three labels.  
• The media may not be threaded correctly. Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media  
on page 15 in the Getting Started section.  
• The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to the two-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes  
on page 96 in this section.  
• ZPL Label Formats - The correct media sensor may not be activated. Manual calibration  
selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the ^MNcommand in  
the ZPL Programming Guide).  
• ZPL Label Formats - Verify that the Label Top (^LT) command is correctly set for your  
application (consult the ZPL Programming Guide).  
• EPL Label Formats - The correct media sensor may not be activated for label dispensing,  
blackline or notch sensing, or for Gap/Web sensing. Manual calibration selects the media  
sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the  
O
and Q commands in the EPL  
Programmers Guide).  
• EPL Label Formats - Verify that the Set Label Length (Q) command is correctly set for  
your application (consult the EPL Programmers Guide).  
A ZPL label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.  
• Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button.  
• If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to What the Status Light is Telling You on page 86.  
• Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.  
• A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the correct  
communications port on the computer is selected. Refer to Connecting your Printer to a  
Computer on page 22 in the Getting Started section.  
Verify the correct Format and Control Prefix on the printer match what you are using in  
your ZPL programmed label format. The default Format (COMMAND CHAR) is Caret  
(^) character and the Control (CONTROL CHAR) is a Tilde (~) character. Verify the  
characters with the Configuration Status label printout. Refer to the one-flash sequence of  
Feed Button Modes on page 96 to print this label.  
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Troubleshooting  
Print Quality Problems  
91  
A EPL label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.  
• Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button.  
• If the printer has label dispensing enabled, the printer may be waiting for the label to be  
removed. The liner/web must be properly threaded through the label dispenser mechanism  
(peeler) to correctly operate in label dispense mode, refer to Label Dispenser Option  
• If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to What the Status Light is Telling You on page 86.  
• Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.  
• A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the correct  
communications port (USB) on the computer is selected. Refer to Connecting your  
Printer to a Computer on page 22 in the Getting Started section.  
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Troubleshooting  
Manual Calibration  
92  
Manual Calibration  
Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed media or if the printer  
will not correctly auto calibrate.  
1. Make sure media is loaded.  
2. Turn on the printer power.  
3. Press and hold the Feed button until the green status light flashes once, then twice and  
then continuing until the flash groups reach the group of seven flashes. Release the Feed  
button.  
4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used. After it is done  
making this adjustment, the roll will automatically feed until a label is positioned at the  
printhead. A profile of the media sensor settings (similar to the example below) will print.  
Upon completion, the printer will save the new settings in memory and the printer is ready  
for normal operation.  
5. Press the Feed button. One entire blank label will feed. If this does not happen, try  
defaulting (refer to the four-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” later in this chapter)  
and recalibrating the printer.  
Note • Performing a manual calibration disables the auto calibration function. To return to  
auto calibration, default the printer (refer to the four-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes  
on page 96 in this section).  
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Troubleshooting  
Troubleshooting Tests  
93  
Troubleshooting Tests  
Printing a Configuration Label  
To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the one-flash sequence in  
to interpret the label.  
Recalibration  
Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display unusual symptoms, such as skipping labels. Refer  
to the two-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 96 in this section.  
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Troubleshooting  
Resetting the Factory Default Values  
94  
Resetting the Factory Default Values  
Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults may solve some problems. Refer to the  
four-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 96 in this section.  
Communications Diagnostics  
If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting the printer  
in the communications diagnostics mode. The printer will print the ASCII characters and their  
respective hexadecimal values (a sample is shown below) for any data received from the host  
computer. To find out how,  
There are multiple ways to enter hex data dump mode:  
• The ~JDZPL command  
• The dumpEPL command  
• On power up with the Feed button pressed. Refer to the power off mode procedure in Feed  
Button Modes on page 96 in this section.  
The printer will print ‘Now in DUMP’ (see below) and advance to the top of the next label.  
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Troubleshooting  
Communications Diagnostics  
95  
The following example of a communications DUMP mode printed out. The printout displays  
hexadecimal data 00h-FFh (0-255 decimal) with a unique character for each hexadecimal  
value displayed above the hexadecimal data.  
The blank lines between the lines of data are where serial port and Bluetooth data handling  
errors get logged. The errors are:  
F = Frame Error  
P = Parity Error  
N = Noise Error  
O = Data Overrun Error  
To exit the diagnostic mode and resume printing, turn off and then turn on the printer. An  
alternate method for exiting the diagnostic mode is to press the Feed button as many times as it  
takes to clear the printer’s command buffer and print ‘Out of DUMP’ on the label.  
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Troubleshooting  
Feed Button Modes  
96  
Feed Button Modes  
Power Off Modes  
With the printer power off, press and hold the Feed button while you turn on the power.  
Flash Sequence  
Action  
Firmware Download Mode - The printer starts rapidly flashing red to denote entry into  
the Firmware Download mode. Releasing the Feed button here will start initializing the  
printer for download. The printer is ready to start downloading firmware when the status  
light begins to slowly flash between red and green.  
Amber - Red  
Flashing  
(and File) Download utility available for use with this printer. Firmware updates for your  
printer, if available, are posted on the Zebra on our web site at:  
www.zebra.com  
Normal Operations Mode - The printer continues into a normal printer initialization.  
Releasing the Feed button here will allow the printer to start normally without firmware  
download or operating in communications diagnostics mode.  
Amber  
Green  
Communications Diagnostic (Dump) Mode - Release the Feed button immediately after  
the printer status light turns green. The printer will print ‘Now in DUMP’ at the top of the  
label and then advance to the next label. After printing the first label, the printer will  
automatically enter into diagnostic mode in which the printer prints out a literal  
representation of all data subsequently received.  
To exit the diagnostic mode and resume printing, turn off and then turn on the printer. An  
alternate method for exiting the diagnostic mode is to press the Feed button as many times  
as it takes to clear the printers command buffer and print ‘Out of DUMP’ on the label.  
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Troubleshooting  
Feed Button Modes  
97  
Power On Modes  
With the printer power on and top cover closed, press and hold the Feed button for several seconds. The green status  
LED will flash a number of times in sequence. The explanation at the right (Action) shows what happens when you  
release the key after the start specific number of flashes and before the next flash sequence starts.  
Flash Sequence  
Action  
Configuration Status - Prints a detailed printer configuration status label. The label can be used  
to verify printing, assist printer to computer communication configuration, maintenance,  
troubleshooting, and help us with customer care communications.  
*
Standard Auto Media Calibration - The printer detects and sets media type and media length,  
and it adjusts the media sensors for optimal performance with the installed media (equivalent ZPL  
command ~JC). The printer will feed one to four labels while calibrating.  
*
**  
Note: Users familiar with the Zebra EPL desktop printer use this Feed mode to replace power-up  
AutoSensing calibration (equivalent EPL command XA).  
Serial Port Configuration - Applies only to printers with serial interface ports.  
To reset the serial port communication parameters, except for Flow Control. Press and release the  
Feed button while the LED rapidly flashes amber and green.  
*
**  
***  
For autobaud synchronization: Send the ^XA^XZcommand sequence to the printer while the LED  
rapidly flashes amber and green. When the printer and host are synchronized, the LED changes to  
solid green. NOTE: No labels will print during autobaud synchronization.  
Factory Defaults - Resets the printer to the factory default settings (equivalent to ZPL command  
^JUN). See Appendix: ZPL Configuration on page 109 for a description of the primary  
configuration settings and their associated ZPL commands. Some configuration settings are not  
returned to their initial ‘out of box’ settings. Other settings are exclusively set, viewed and  
controlled by programming are also reset. The performs a standard media calibration and then.a  
memory defragmentation routine.  
*
Once the printer has entered the Factory Default mode, the status light will turn amber for  
three (3) seconds. During that time you may do two things: Do nothing and the printer will reset  
the factory defaults automatically as described above OR press and hold the feed button to enter a  
factory default reset modes for printers with a network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) printer  
option (equivalent ZPL command ^JUF). Releasing the button after the first flash resets the  
network factory options only (equivalent ZPL command ^JUN). Releasing the button after the  
second flash sequence (two flashes) will reset the printer defaults only. Releasing the button after  
the third flash sequence (three flashes) will reset both printer and network settings (equivalent  
ZPL commands ^JUNand ^JUF)  
**  
***  
****  
Print Width Adjustment - Prints a succession of boxes starting at the minimum print width and  
ending in the printer’s maximum print width in 4mm increments. Press the Feed button once when  
the printer has reached the desired maximum print width. Note that the printer driver and  
applications can override this setting.  
*
**  
***  
****  
*****  
Print Darkness (Density) Adjustment - Prints a succession of bar code simulation patterns  
starting at the minimum darkness (print density/heat) and ending in the printer’s maximum  
darkness in increments of four (4) using the ZPL darkness setting range values. Press the Feed  
button once the pattern is clear and legible. Do not continue to increase the darkness setting or  
bar code line widths may become distorted reducing readability. Note that the printer driver and  
applications can override this setting.  
*
**  
***  
****  
*****  
******  
Manual Media Calibration - The printer runs extensive tests to detect and set media type and  
media length, and then it adjusts the media sensors for optimal performance with the installed  
media (equivalent ZPL command ~JG). Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are  
using pre-printed media, print on the liner or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate. A  
graphical profile of the media sensing will print. See Manual Calibration on page 92 for more  
details and considerations.  
*
**  
***  
****  
*****  
******  
*******  
If the Feed button remains pressed after 7th flash sequence cycle finishes, the printer exits the  
configuration mode when the Feed button is released.  
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Troubleshooting  
Feed Button Modes  
98  
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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100  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface  
The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface.  
The printer requires cable or cable packaging that bears the “Certified USB™” mark to  
guarantee USB 2.0 compliance.  
Pin  
Signal  
1
2
Vbus - N/C  
2
3
1
4
D-  
D+  
3
4
Ground  
Shell  
Shield / Drain Wire  
For printer supported operating systems and drivers, see the software and documentation CD  
or visit the Zebra Web site at:  
http://www.zebra.com  
For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at:  
http://www.usb.org  
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101  
Parallel Interface  
Parallel Interface  
The printer’s parallel interface uses the IEEE 1284-A to 1284-B parallel interface cables. the  
host connector has a DB-25 pin male connector. The printer connector is a Centronics style  
connector. Early model G-Series printers had DB-25 pin connector on the printer side, as well  
as, the host connection side (IEEE 1284-A to A parallel cable).  
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.  
SELECT  
AUTOFD~  
ERROR~  
N/A  
STROBE~  
DATA 0  
DATA 1  
DATA 2  
DATA 3  
DATA 4  
DATA 5  
DATA 6  
DATA 7  
ACK~  
BUSY  
PAPER ERR.  
SELECT  
AUTOFD~  
n/c  
SIG. GND  
CHAS GND  
+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  
n/c  
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  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
32  
33  
34  
35  
36  
N/A  
N/A  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
SIG. GND  
ERROR~  
SIG. GND  
n/c  
n/c  
SELECTIN~  
DB-25 to Centronics  
(Cable)  
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102  
Ethernet Interface  
Ethernet Interface  
This interface requires a UTP RJ45 Ethernet cable rated CAT-5 or better.  
The table below provides the cable’s pinout assignments.  
Signal  
Tx+  
Tx-  
Rx+  
Pin  
1
2
3
4
Pin  
1
2
3
4
Signal  
Tx+  
Tx-  
Rx+  
5
5
Rx-  
6
7
6
7
Rx-  
8
8
5
6
7
8
4
3
2
1
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103  
Serial Port Interface  
Serial Port Interface  
Pin  
1
Description  
Not used  
2
3
RXD (receive data) input to the printer  
TXD (transmit data) output from the printer  
4
DTR (data terminal ready) output from the printer -- controls  
when the host may send data  
5
6
7
Chassis ground  
DSR (data set ready) input to the printer  
RTS (request to send) output from the printer -- always in the  
ACTIVE condition when the printer is turned on  
CTS (clear to send) - Not used by the printer  
+5 V @ 0.75 A fused  
8
9
The maximum current available through the serial and/or parallel port is not to  
exceed a total of 0.75 Amps.  
When XON/XOFF handshaking is selected, data flow is controlled by the ASCII  
control codes DC1 (XON) and DC3 (XOFF). The DTR control lead will have no  
effect.  
Interconnecting to DTE Devices — The printer is configured as data terminal  
equipment (DTE). To connect the printer to other DTE devices (such as the serial  
port of a personal computer), use an RS-232 null modem (crossover) cable. Figure  
31 shows the required cable connections.  
Interconnecting to DCE Devices — When the printer is connected via its RS-232  
interface to data communication equipment (DCE) such as a modem, a STAN-  
DARD RS-232 (straight-through) interface cable must be used. Figure 32 shows  
the connections required for this cable.  
Connecting to the KDU (Keyboard Display Unit) — The KDU was designed for  
DCE printer connections and requires a Zebra custom serial port gender changing  
adapter. The KDU now includes the KDU adapter and the Zebra kit part number  
for the KDU Adapter is 105934-088.  
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104  
Serial Port Interface  
Connecting the Printer to a DTE Device  
DB-9S  
DB-25S  
DB-9P  
DB-9P  
Connector  
to DTE Device (PC)  
Connector  
to DTE Device (PC)  
Connector  
to Printer  
Connector  
to Printer  
Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device  
DB-25S  
DB-9P  
DB-9S  
DB-9P  
Connector  
to DCE Device  
Connector  
to Printer  
Connector  
to DCE Device  
Connector  
to Printer  
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106  
External GX Printer Dimensions  
External GX Printer Dimensions  
7.13  
6.11  
2.84  
8.53  
All dimensions are  
in inches  
11.24  
4.05  
0.53  
8.53  
6.11  
1.52  
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107  
External GX Printer Dimensions  
Label Dispenser  
7.13  
6.11  
2.96  
9.03  
10.50  
Cutter  
7.13  
6.11  
3.01  
10.02  
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108  
External GX Printer Dimensions  
Wireless Printer  
7.13  
6.11  
2.84  
8.53  
Wireless Printer with Label Dispenser  
7.13  
6.11  
2.96  
9.03  
10.50  
Wireless Printer with Cutter  
7.13  
6.11  
2.84  
10.02  
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C
Appendix: ZPL  
Configuration  
This section provides a basic overview of managing printer configuration, the Configuring  
Status Printout, and Printer Memory Printouts.  
Contents  
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110  
Managing the ZPL Printer Configuration  
Managing the ZPL Printer Configuration  
The ZPL printer is designed to allow you to change printer settings dynamically for fast first  
label out printing. Printer parameters that are persistent, will be retained for following formats  
to use. Those settings will remain in effect until they are changed by subsequent commands,  
the printer is reset, power is cycled, or when you restore a parameter that has a factory default  
by using the Feed Button Mode four (4) flash routine. The ZPL Configuration Update  
command (^JU) saves and restores printer configurations to initialize (or re-initialize) the  
printer with pre-configured settings.  
To keep settings after a power cycle or printer reset, a ^JUScan be sent to the printer  
to save all current persistent settings.  
The values are recalled with a ^JURcommand to restore the last saved values to you  
printer.  
ZPL stores all parameters at once with a single command discussed above. The legacy EPL  
programming language (supported by this printer) changes and saves individual commands  
immediately. Most configuration and settings are shared between ZPL and EPL. For example,  
changing the speed setting with EPL will also change the speed set for ZPL operations. The  
changed EPL setting will persist even after a power cycle or reset issued by either printer  
language.  
To assist the developer, the printer has a listing of the operating parameters, a Printer  
Configuration Label. It can be accessed by using the printer’s Feed button and the Printing a  
Test (Printer Configuration) Label on page 19. The Zebra Setup Utility and the  
ZebraDesigner™ Windows driver also print this label and other printer status labels to help  
you manage your printer.  
ZPL Printer Configuration Format  
Managing more than one printer can be done creating a printer configuration programming file  
to send to one or more printers or ZebraNet™ Bridge can be used to clone a printer’s setup.  
Figure 1 below shows the basic structure of a ZPL programming configuration file.  
See the ZPL programmer’s guide and the ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-  
reference on page 111 to create a programming file. The Zebra Setup Utility (ZSU) can be  
used to send programming files to the printer. Windows Notepad (text editor) can be used to  
create programing files.  
Figure 1 • Configuration Parameter Format Structure  
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111  
ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-reference  
ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-reference  
The Printer Configuration Label, shown below, provides a listing of a majority of the  
configurations settings that can be set by ZPL command.  
Figure 2 • Configuration Label Printout  
Sensor Settings  
used for Service  
Purposes  
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112  
ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-reference  
Table 2 • ZPL Commands and Configuration Receipt Callout Cross-Reference  
Command  
~SD  
Listing Name  
DARKNESS  
Description  
Default: 10.0  
^PR  
PRINT SPEED  
TEAR OFF  
Default: 6 IPS / 152.4 mm/s (max.)  
Default: +000  
~TA  
^MN  
MEDIA TYPE  
SENSOR TYPE  
SENSOR SELECT  
PRINT WIDTH  
LABEL LENGTH  
Default: GAP/NOTCH  
Default: WEB  
Default: AUTO (^MNA- Auto-Detect)  
Default: 832 (dots)  
^PW  
^LL  
Default: 1225 (dots) (the value constantly re-  
calibrates with automatic Web-Gap detection  
for label media)  
^ML  
MAXIMUM LENGTH Default: 39.0IN 989MM  
USB COMM.  
PARALLEL COMM.  
BAUD  
Connection Status: Connected / Not Connected  
Connection Available: BIDIRECTIONAL  
Default: 9600  
^SCa  
^SC,b  
^SC,,c  
DATA BITS  
PARITY  
Default: 8 BITS  
Default: NONE  
^SC,,,,e HOST HANDSHAKE  
^SC,,,,,f PROTOCOL  
SER COMM. MODE  
Default: DTR & XON/XOFF  
Default: NONE  
Default: AUTO  
CUTTER TYPE  
Option Present: LINER/TAG FULL (cut)  
Default: <~> 7EH  
^CT / ~CT CONTROL CHAR  
^CC / ~CC COMMAND CHAR  
^CD / ~CD DELIM./CHAR  
Default: <^> 5EH  
Default: <,> 2CH  
^SZ  
^MFa  
^MF,b  
~JS  
ZPL MODE  
Default: ZPL II  
MEDIA POWER UP  
HEAD CLOSE  
BACKFEED  
Default: NO MOTION  
Default: FEED  
Default: DEFAULT  
Default: +000  
^LT  
LABEL TOP  
^LS  
LEFT POSITION  
Default: +0000  
~JD / ~JE HEXDUMP  
Default: NO (~JE)  
From this point in the Configuration Receipt listing, the printout has sensor settings and values  
are displayed to troubleshoot sensor and media operations. These are typically used by Zebra  
Tech Support to diagnose printer problems.  
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ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-reference  
The configuration settings listed here resume after the TAKE LABEL sensor value. These  
listings contain printer features seldom changed from default or provide status information  
(e.g. Firmware Version).  
Table 3 • ZPL Commands and Configuration Receipt Callout Cross-Reference  
Command  
Listing Name  
Description  
^MP  
MODES ENABLED  
Default: CWF (See ^MPCommand)  
(CWFM for wireless printers with display)  
MODES DISABLED  
RESOLUTION  
Default: (nothing set)  
^JM  
Default: 832 8/mm FULL (203 dpi)  
1280 8/mm FULL (300 dpi)  
FIRMWARE  
Lists ZPL Firmware Version  
XML SCHEMA  
HARDWARE ID  
CONFIGURATION  
RAM  
1.3  
Lists Firmware Boot-block Version  
CUSTOMIZED (after first use)  
2104k........ R:  
OPTION MEMORY  
ONBOARD FLASH  
FORMAT CONVERT  
65536k.......B: (only displays this if installed)  
1536k.........E:  
NONE  
^MU  
^JI / ~JI ZBI  
DISABLED (Requires key to enable)  
2.1  
ZBI VERSION  
^JH  
^MA  
~RO  
LAST CLEANED  
HEAD USAGE  
X,XXX IN  
X,XXX IN  
TOTAL USAGE  
RESET CNTR1  
RESET CNTR1  
SERIAL NUMBER  
EARLY WARNING  
X,XXX IN  
X,XXX IN  
X,XXX IN  
XXXXXXXXXXX  
MAINT. OFF  
^JH  
The printer has the ability to set a command or a group of commands once for all receipts (or  
labels) that follow. Those settings will remain in effect until they are changed by subsequent  
commands, the printer is reset, or you restore factory defaults.  
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114  
Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports  
Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports  
To help you manage printer resources, the printer supports a variety format commands to  
manage memory, transfer objects (between memory areas, import and export), object naming,  
and provide various printer operating status reports. They are very similar to the old DOS  
commands like DIR (directory listing) and DEL (delete file). The most common reports are  
also part of the Zebra Setup Utility and ZebraDesigner™ Windows driver.  
Figure 3 • Memory Management Format Structure  
It is recommended that a single command be processed within a this type of format (form). A  
single command is easily reused as a maintenance and development tool.  
Many of the commands that transfer objects, manage and report on memory are control (~)  
commands. They do not need the be within a format (form). They will be process immediately  
upon receipt by the printer whether in a format (form) or not.  
Note • To maximize available printer memory, the printer includes an automatic memory  
defragmentation (defrag). Several factors can trigger a defrag operation. Changing memory  
by deleting or adding objects to memory can cause a defrag. The printer status light will  
begin flashing Red, Amber and Green when a memory defrag is in process. Do not turn off  
the printer’s power while the status light is flashing. This operation may take several minutes  
if memory use and file fragmentation are high.  
ZPL Programming for Memory Management  
ZPL has various printer memory locations that are used to run the printer, assemble the print  
image, store formats (forms), graphics, fonts and configuration settings.  
ZPL treats Formats (Forms), Fonts, and Graphics like files; and memory locations  
like disk drives in the DOS operating system environment:  
Memory Object Naming: Up to sixteen (16) alphanumeric characters followed  
by a three (3) alphanumeric character file extension:  
i.e. 123456789ABCDEF.TTF  
Legacy ZPL printers with V60.13 firmware and earlier can only use the 8.3 file  
name format verses today’s 16.3 file name format.  
Allows moving objects between memory locations and deleting objects.  
Supports DOS directory style file list reports as printouts or status to the host.  
Allows use of ‘wild cards’ (*) in file access  
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115  
Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports  
Table 4 • Object Management and Status Report Commands  
Command  
Name  
Description  
^WD  
Print Directory Label  
Prints a list of objects and resident bar codes and  
fonts in all addressable memory locations  
~WC  
Print Configuration  
Label  
Prints a configuration Status Receipt (Label)  
Same as Feed Button mode one flash routine  
^ID  
^TO  
Object Delete  
Deletes objects from printer memory  
Transfer Object  
Used to copy an object or group of objects from  
one memory area to another.  
^CM  
^JB  
~JB  
~DY  
Change Memory Letter  
Designation  
Reassigns a letter designation to a printer  
memory area.  
Initialize Flash memory  
Similar to formatting a disk - erases all objects  
from the specified memory locations B: or E: .  
Reset Optional Memory Similar to formatting a disk - erases all objects  
from the B: memory (factory option).  
Download Objects  
Downloads and installs wide variety of printer  
usable programming objects: fonts (OpenType  
and TrueType), graphics, and other object data  
types.  
Recommendation: Use ZebraNet™ Bridge for  
downloading graphics and fonts in the printer.  
~DG  
^FL  
Download Graphic  
Font Linking  
Downloads an ASCII Hex representation of a  
graphic image. This is used by ZebraDesigner™  
(label creation application) for graphics.  
Appends secondary TrueType font or fonts to the  
primary TrueType font to add glyphs  
(characters).  
^LF  
^CW  
List Font Links  
Font Identifier  
Prints a list of the linked fonts  
Assigns a single alphanumeric character as an  
alias to a font stored in memory.  
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Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports  
Notes • ___________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
__________________________________________________________________________  
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