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Online Data Validator User’s Manual SL5000r™ and T5000r™ RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers...
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SL5000r and T5000r RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers Online Data Validator Administrator’s Manual...
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Limited Software Product Warranty Printronix, Inc. warrants that for ninety (90) days after delivery, the Software will perform in accordance with specifications published by Printronix, Inc. Printronix, Inc. does not warrant that the Software is free from all bugs, errors and omissions.
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CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 3. Printronix, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by delay in furnishing a Software Product or any other performance under this Agreement.
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Operating Frequency: 902 to 928 MHz Typical RF Power: 25 to 100 milliwatts (SL5x04 MP) or 25 to 205 milliwatts (SL5x04 C1) Maximum RF Power: 1 Watt under abnormal conditions Printronix SL5000r and T5000r Tested To Comply With FCC Standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE...
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(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication. CE Notice (European Union) Marking by the CE symbol indicates compliance of this Printronix system to the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive of the European Union. Such marking is indicative that this Printronix system meets the following technical standards: ...
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Printronix makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding this material, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Printronix shall not be held responsible for errors contained herein or any omissions from this material or for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, in connection with the furnishing, distribution, performance or use of this material.
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Printronix Online Data Validator (ODV) Compliance Statement The Printronix Online Data Validator gathers data per the ISO/ANSI method of verification to perform practically all the industry standard bar code quality parameter calculations. These include all ISO/ANSI method parameters, PCS, ratio, X dimension calculation, modulo check digit calculations, average bar deviation, etc., along with decoding the symbol.
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Exceptions to the ISO/ANSI Method 1. The Defects calculation does not include the quiet zone area. A separate quiet zone check is implemented to more easily isolate print problems vs. setup problems in an on-line environment. 2. A laser spot is used instead of a round aperture. The spot size is dependent on the focus distance of the unit’s optical system.
Installation Instructions Overview The online data validator (ODV) is an external bar code scanning device attached above the paper exit of the printer. When activated, it scans the printed output looking for bar codes. When it finds a bar code, it determines what type of bar code it is and monitors the bar code quality as it passes through the scan area.
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Chapter 1 8 inch 8.5 inches 13 mil Tools and Materials You will Need SL5000r/T5000r Administrator’s Manual Static wrist strap* 2.5 mm hex key* #2 Phillips Screwdriver* Parts List 3 mm hex key Validator and mounting screws ...
Safety Notices The validator is a Class 2 laser product. The following notices apply at all times when the printer is powered on and the validator is active: WARNING Class 2 laser light. Do not stare into the laser beam or a reflected image of the laser beam.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal This section describes how to install the validator. To remove the validator, reverse the steps of this procedure. Prepare the Printer 1. Set the printer power switch to O (Off). WARNING Always unplug the printer power cord from the printer or power outlet before doing any installation procedure.
Install the Ferrite 1. Loosen the two captive screws securing the top of the frame side cover. (Figure 2.) 2. Tilt the frame side cover back from the top and lift it until the tabs along the lower edge disengage from the slots in the printer frame. Captive Screw (2) Frame Side Cover Figure 2.
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Chapter 1 DB15 Connector Figure 3. Locating the Ferrite Position on the Power/Data Cable 3. Stretch the Power/Data cable out straight on a flat surface. 4. Measure back 20.0 ± 0.5 inches from the DB15 connector and mark the cable with a pencil line.
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P10 Connector Frame Opening Plastic Plug Figure 4. Routing the Power/Data Cable CAUTION To prevent electrostatic damage to electronic components, always wear a properly grounded static wrist strap when you handle circuit boards. 5. Put on a static wrist strap and ground it to an unpainted part of the printer frame. Touch the frame with the hand wearing the wrist strap.
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Chapter 1 P10 Connector (to controller board) Pencil Line Ferrite Figure 5. Wrapping the Power/Data Cable Around the Ferrite 8. Using the P10 connector end of the power/data cable, insert the cable through the ferrite. (Figure 5.) 9. Wrap the power/data cable around the ferrite twice. 10.
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Frame Boss Wire Saddle Figure 6. Inserting the Wire Saddle Into the Frame Boss 11. Insert the wire saddle into the frame boss. (Figure 6.)
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Chapter 1 Wire Saddle Ferrite Frame Opening Figure 7.Routing the Power/Data Cable From the Hole in the Frame Wall 12. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle.
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Split DB15 Grommet Connector Inserted Split Grommet (media side) Power/Data Cable (approximately 17 inches exposed) Figure 8. Adding the Grommet to the Power/Data Cable 13. On the media side of the printer, slide the split grommet onto the power/data cable and insert it into the frame opening.
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16. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle as shown in Figure 9. 17. Plug the P10 connector end of the power/data cable into the J10 receptacle on the controller board. NOTE: For SL5000r/T5000r Energy Star models see Figure 10 on page 25 .
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ODV Interface PCBA Power/Data Cable Figure 10. SL/T5000r Energy Star Models – Plugging the Power/Data Cable into the ODV Interface PCBA and then into the Controller Board...
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Chapter 1 NOTE: the media cover is removed for clarity in this view. Do not remove the media cover for this pro- cedure. Media Damper Extended Media Width Guide Figure 11. Replacing the Media Width Guide 18. Replace the standard (blue) media width guide on the media damper with the extended media width guide (Figure 11.)
Install the Validator Validator Bracket 6-32 Phillips Screw (2) Figure 12. Attaching the Validator to the Bracket 1. Using two 6-32 Phillips head screws, attach the validator to the bracket as shown in Figure 12. 2. Use the appropriate holes on the bracket, depending on the media width.
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Chapter 1 Figure 13. Positioning the Validator on the Bracket 1. Apply even pressure to the side of the validator as you tighten the screws on the bracket as shown in Error! Reference source not found.. 2. Make sure the validator is firmly seated against both screws to insure proper beam alignment.
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Validator/Bracket Unit M4x10mm Screw (4) Figure 14. Attaching the Validator/Bracket Unit to the Printer 3. Face the front of the printer while installing the validator/ bracket unit. 4. Using four M4x10mm screws, attach the validator/bracket unit to the printer frame as shown in Figure 14.
Chapter 1 Attach the Power/Data Cable Power/Data Cable DB15 Connector Bracket Tie Wrap (2) First Upper Slot Validator Figure 15. Attaching the Power/Data Cable 1. Plug the DB15 connector end of the power/data cable into the validator. 2. Route the power/data cable along the inside of the bracket, as shown in Figure 15. 3.
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Tie Wrap Head Bracket Tab Power/Data Cable Figure 16. Securing the Power/Data Cable 4. Route the tie wrap back through the second upper slot and underneath the power/data cable and then through the tie wrap head, as shown in Detail A of Figure 5.
Chapter 1 Restore the Printer to Operation 1. Lower the media cover. 2. Engage the tabs on the bottom of the frame side cover in the slots in the printer frame. 3. Rotate the cover into position. 4. Tighten the two captive screws. (Figure 2.) 5.
Adjust the Scanning Beam NOTE: Make sure the printer is on and the scanning beam is on. If the beam is off, press the RESET button for less than 2 seconds to turn on the beam. Continuous, Tear-Off, and Tear-Off Strip When the validator is first installed, the scanning beam may need to be aligned with the two notches on the sides of the tear bar, as shown in Detail A of Figure 17.
Chapter 1 Scanning Beam Notch in Tear Bar Figure 18. Scanning Beam Location Peel-Off Media Handling Mode If your printer is configured for Peel-Off Media Handling mode (use of optional internal rewinder), you may need to align the beam further behind the notches (0.14 to 0.20 inches [3.56 mm to 5.07 mm] from the front edge of the tear bar) so that the peeled label remains on the tear bar and the trailing edge of the last bar code can still pass completely under the scanning beam.
0.20 inches (5.07 mm) Figure 19. Aligning the Scanning Beam: Peel-Off Media Handling Mode Only Cut Media Handling Mode If your printer has a cutter installed and is configured for Cut Media Handling Mode, align the beam at the notches at each side of the opening on the upper enclosure, as shown in Detail A of Figure 20.
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Chapter 1 Scanning Beam From Figure 20 on page 35. Notch in the Upper Enclosure Cutter Figure 21. Scanning Beam Location: Cutter Installed...
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M4 x 6 mm NOTE: Only needed if laser beam Screw skew adjustment is required. Pivot Screw NOTE: Loosen all four screws to adjust the beam forward or back Figure 22. Scanning Beam Adjustment Screws Figure 22 shows the screws used to adjust the position of the scanning beam. The positions of the screws assume that you are in front of the validator unit and facing the printer.
Chapter 1 Scanning Beam Vertical Alignment Correct vertical alignment of the scanning Tear Bar beam. The beam lines up with the end notches and is parallel to the long edge of the tear bar. Raise the validator/bracket unit to move the scanning beam forward.
Shifting the Scanning Beam This option enables you to shift the scanning beam horizontally to the left or right. The left edge of the beam should be approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) past the left edge of the tear bar or the upper enclosure of a cutter assembly. After you set this value, save it as part of the configuration for future use.
Chapter 1 Calibration WARNING Class 2 laser light. Do not stare into the laser beam or a reflected image of the laser beam. WARNING Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. The validator should be calibrated when it is first installed or when the printer displays Calibration warning.
CALIBRATION Light RESET Button Calibration Bar Deck Lock Code Card Lever Figure 23. Calibrating the Validator 6. Within a few seconds the CALIBRATION and READ light will turn off. This indicates a successful calibration. NOTE: If the calibration light is still on or flashing, the calibration has failed. In this case, refer to Table 2 on page 40 to repeat the calibration procedure or to reset the validator settings back to the last good calibration settings.
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Chapter 1 If Label Length is less than 0.5 inches or Label Width is less than 2.0 inches, no demo page will print. To print and validate the bar code validation demo page: 1. Load the factory default configuration. (Refer to the Administrator’s Manual.) 2.
Operation Basic Validator Setup Unit Positioning The validator must be positioned so that the scanning beam covers the entire area containing the bar codes, including the area required for quiet zones. The beam width can be moved horizontally to the left or right (see “Shifting the Scanning Beam” on page 39).
Chapter 2 VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR Validator Funct. Enable* Disable page 48 Auto Report Disable* Enable page 49 Auto Report Time 1 second* 1 to 10 seconds page 49 Clear Data page 50 Good Barcodes page 51 Notes: *= Default Good Forms Italicized items appear page 52 only when Admin User is...
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VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Min. Code Height 0.30 inches* 0.13 to 1.00 inches page 72 Min. Code Gap 0.30 inches* 0.15 to 1.00 inches page 73 Skip Labels Minimum* Maximum page 53 F/W Revision Version: xxxx page 53 Overstrike Style Grid* Grey Checkerboard...
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Chapter 2 VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Modulation 0% to 100% page 58 EC Min 0% to 100% page 59 Rmin 100%* 0% to 100% page 59 Symbol Contrast 0% to 100% page 60 Gain 0 to 255 page 60 Offset 0 to 255 page 60...
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VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Beam Width 1800, 2550, or 3100* 250 to 3100 page 69 Beam Shift -99 to 99 page 70 Comm Error Clearable* Not Clearable page 70 Notes: *= Default Italicized items appear only when Admin User is set to Enable (in the PRINTER CONTROL menu). Depends on the printer model: 4, 6, and 8 inch printers respectively.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Setting validator options is done through the printer configuration menu. The validator comes equipped with a default setting for each configuration option, and it works without having to change any of these options. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust these options, which are described below.
Validator Reporting After any completed print job or Bar Code Demo page, you can request a report from the printer which describes the validation statistics since the printer was turned on, or since the last data reset (for information on resetting data, see page 50). Requesting a Validator Report This procedure prints a summarized validator report.
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Chapter 2 1. Press to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press and at the same time to unlock the key. 3. Press until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press until Auto Report Time displays. 5.
• Network Port. The printer outputs the bar code analysis and underlying data from the validator to a device connected to the network port so the validator data can be seen and analyzed with the optional remote management software. 6.
Chapter 2 • Good Forms: The number of good (non-overstruck) forms printed since the last Clear Data command. • Overstrike Forms: The number of forms containing a bar code that fell below the minimum acceptable level since the last Clear Data command. •...
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The validator requires a minimum distance of 1/2” or 20 times the minimum NOTE: element width (x-dimension), whichever is greater, between bar codes. When set to Enable (the default), then the bar code quiet zone is included as part of the pass/fail criteria.
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Chapter 2 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: Minimum or Maximum. The default is Minimum. 6. Press to select the desired value. 7. Press and at the same time to lock the key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline.
Num Retry This option allows you to set the number of times a form will be reprinted before the printer stops. After you clear the error message, the printer will print the same form or the next form, depending on the setting for Max Retry Action (see “Max Retry Action” below).
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Chapter 2 Decodeability NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). You can determine how strict the validator grades the wide/narrow bars and spaces which compose the bar code by setting the Decodeability parameter to a percentage value from 30% to 90%. The higher the percentage value chosen, the stricter the validator grades.
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validator gives the bar code a failing grade. You can set the Defects parameter to a percentage value from 0% to 100%. The lower the percentage value chosen, the stricter the validator grades. 1. Press to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. ...
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Chapter 2 based on the lowest grade on any scan converted to a single digit grade (A to F, 4 to 0) which is then averaged. This usually occurs when a single analysis parameter has a value just above or just below the Overall Grade. Example The Decodeability value of 51 displays as B, but the Overall Grade displays as C.
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7. Press and at the same time to lock the key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. EC Min NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). The higher the value, the stricter the criterion for passing.
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Chapter 2 7. Press and at the same time to lock the key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. Symbol Contrast NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). The higher the value, the stricter the criterion for passing.
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SN Threshold This menu item sets the SN (signal to noise) threshold used by the validator to discriminate between high peak noise and actual bar code transitions. Any reflectance transitions that are below the threshold are ignored and considered noise. You can set the SN Threshold to a value from 5 to 199.
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Chapter 2 Scan Report IMPROTANT To print a Scan Report, Telemetry Data must be set to Full Report. This executable menu item prints a diagnostic printout of bar code analysis parameters calculated by the validator. It allows you to determine which parameter may be the cause of bar code verification failures.
15. Min. Bar Deviation (%) 16. Max. Bar Deviation (%) 17. Ratio 18. Good Scans 19. Total Scans The following is a sample scan report of a Code 39, 10 mil bar code containing "*PTX8702*" with a quiet zone violation: SCAN REPORT ERROR: Bar code quiet zone too small Barcode Data: [ST]PTX8702[ST]...
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Chapter 2 10. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. The length of the scan profile printed is proportional to the Beam Width setting (page 69) and depends on the Profile H Mag setting (page 65). The scan profile will print either a 1.5 inch wide or a 3 inch wide graph depending on the Label Width setting (in the MEDIA CONTROL menu).
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Profile H Mag This menu item selects the horizontal magnification for printing the scan profile. This allows you to zoom in on the profile. Magnification values are multiples of the scan profile length printed for a given Beam Width setting. For example, if the Beam Width setting of 1800 prints a 4 inch scan profile, a Profile H Mag setting of 2 prints an 8 inch scan profile.
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Chapter 2 Print Settings This is an executable menu item that reads and prints the settings used by the validator. The response received from the validator after sending the ~DV (retrieves version), ~HT (retrieves hardware settings), and ~PT8 (retrieves parameter settings) commands are printed.
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[~H###]NTrys= [~OS#]Data_Output= [~Hs#]RunSpeed= [~SS######]CntlChars=013 [~Lm####]DataCmpr= (Locked) [~SW#]NetworkXmit= ~PT8 Response Port Status: Global Global MIRR: PORT STATE: PASS/FAIL PARAMETERS:...
For more in- formation, contact the Printronix Customer Support Center. See “Contact Infor- mation” on page 89.
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Beam Width This menu item allows you to adjust the width of the scanning beam to focus on specific areas where bar codes are expected. This will reduce the amount of data the validator must process. Use this to read bar codes near text or graphics that may interfere with the validator if the text or graphics are scanned.
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Chapter 2 Beam Shift This option enables you to shift the scanning beam horizontally to the left or right. The left edge of the beam should be approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) from the left edge of the tear bar. After you set this value, save it as part of the configuration for future use. The value range is from –99 to 99.
General Process for Barcode Analysis The following flow chart is an overview of how the validator performs the barcode analysis. Edge Determination Min. Edge Contrast (worst Reflectance Minimum <= pair) >= Min. Edge Contrast Threshold percentage of Threshold Reflectance Maximum Symbol contrast >= Sym- Modulation >= Modulation bol contrast Threshold...
Chapter 2 Operation There are a number of factors which contribute to successful bar code validation, including printer speed, on-demand print settings, calibration, and ambient light. The following sections describe how to ensure your bar code validator is scanning and reporting properly.
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6. Press to select the desired value. The printing and slew speeds will be changed after is pressed. 7. Press and at the same time to lock the key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline.
Chapter 2 3. Press until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press until Min. Code Gap displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: 0.15 to 1.00 inches in 0.01 inch increments. The default is 0.30 inches. 6. Press to select the desired value.
expected to the number it received. If the printer does not receive enough bar code reports, it enters an error condition. How the printer then reacts is described in “Validator Action (Error Action)” on page 75. The number of bar codes expected is determined one of two ways: ...
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Chapter 2 The number of forms printed after a bad form depends on the Label Length, Print Speed, and Slew Speed settings in the MEDIA CONTROL menu. Shorter forms and faster speeds tend to increase the number of forms printed before the validator has a chance to detect an error.
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NOTE: Select Error Type Message to see the error message printed on the bad form as the Overstrike Style. IMPORTANT If you are using an RFID encoder, set the validator Overstrike Style different than the RFID Overstrike Style (in the RFID CONTROL menu). This will help you differentiate between a validator error and an RFID error.
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Chapter 2 The printer remains in a fault condition until you press the PAUSE key. This clears the error message and takes the printer offline. Correct any condition that may have caused the fault, then press PAUSE to place the printer back online. Rescan Form This mode is similar to the Retry Form mode, however, instead of backing up and overstriking the form, the printer will back up and rescan the bad form and any other...
NOTE: The number of times the printer will attempt to rescan the form and following forms is determined by the Num Rescan setting. See “Num Rescan” on page If the printer scans these forms correctly on any of the rescans, it will continue printing with the next form.
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Chapter 2 Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Data validation error: the Bar code quiet 1. Fix the application. blank zone(s) left or right of zone too small the bar code is not big enough 2. Disable Quiet Zone in the to meet the minimum VALIDATOR menu.
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Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Overall data validation failure: Overall Grade 1. Press PAUSE to clear the decodeability, percent Fail message. decode, defects, modulation, EC Min, Rmin, and/or Symbol 2. Adjust the parameter that Contrast. is causing the failure. To see which parameter is failing, run a Scan Report (62).
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Chapter 2 Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Speed Exceeds Print Speed is set above the This message only appears Validator Limit maximum allowed for bar briefly, and the speed is code printing by the validator automatically reduced. as the Power-Up Make sure Min.
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Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Unscannable: Data validation error: missing 1. Check that paper and xx Missing Codes bar code. An expected bar ribbon are clean, code is missing or was printed unwrinkled, and installed so poorly that the validator correctly.
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Chapter 2 Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Unscannable: 6. Make sure that Min. Read xx Missing Codes Scans (page 61) and Min. (continued) Code Height (page 72) are set correctly. 7. Make sure that all expected bar codes are printing.
Troubleshooting If you are having problems with the validator, consult Table 7 for a list of symptoms and possible solutions. Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom Solution The scanning beam does not 1. Make sure the power/data cable is plugged come on.
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Chapter 2 Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom Solution The printed bar codes are There are a number of factors which could be causing error conditions. causing validation errors: The scanning beam is not properly aligned with the two notches on the tear bar of the printer. See “Adjust the Scanning Beam”...
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Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom Solution The printed bar codes are Bar code type. The validator only recognizes causing error conditions. the following linear, picket fence bar codes: (continued) Codabar, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, In- terleaved 2 of 5, and UPC/EAN.
If the problem with the printer is not fixed by one of these troubleshooting methods, call your authorized service representative or the Printronix Customer Support Center. See “Contact Information” on page 89.
Contact Information Printronix Customer Support Center IMPORTANT Please have the following information available prior to calling the Printronix Customer Support Center: Model number Serial number (located on the back of the printer) Installed options (i.e., interface and host type if applicable to the problem) ...
Appendix A Printronix Supplies Department Contact the Printronix Supplies Department for genuine Printronix supplies. Americas (800) 733-1900 Europe, Middle East, and Africa 33 (0) 1 46 25 19 07 Asia Pacific (65) 6548 4116 or (65) 6548 4182 China (86) 400-886-5598...