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Datamax PE Operator's Manual

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Operator's Manual

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  • Page 1 PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 3 Firmware (Software). Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax Corporation.
  • Page 5 Agency Compliance and Approvals UL: UL1950 Safety of Information Technology Equipment 1. Nur für Gebrauch innerhalb eines Gebäudes geeignet. Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR" markiert ist, bestehend mindestens aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.

  • Page 6: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions This printer has been carefully designed to give you many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the printer.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    About This Printer... 2 1.1.1 Standard Features... 2 1.1.2 Optional Features... 3 Getting Started Before Using This Printer... 5 General Overview... 7 Setting Up the Printer Introduction ... 9 Connecting the Printer... 9 Loading Media ...10 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer)...13 Ribbon Removal ...15...
  • Page 8 Using Your Printer Using the Printer’s Front Panel ...28 Accessing the Menu Tree ...30 4.1.1 Basic Functions ...30 4.1.2 Advanced Setup ...32 Printer Adjustments Introduction ...42 Media Sensor Adjustment...42 Media Width Adjustment...43 Label Start of Print ...44 Label Presentation...44 Setting Start of Print and Peel Position...45 Controlling Print Quality...46...
  • Page 9 Cable Listing ...C-1 Appendix D Applicator Port Test Box...D-1 Appendix E Error Codes ... E-1 Appendix F Printer Specifications... F-1 Printer Dimensions ... F-4 Media Specifications ... F-5 Media and Ribbon Basics ... F-6 Appendix G Menu Tree...G-1 Appendix H Warranty Information...H-1...

  • Page 11: Printer Overview

    Printer Overview 1.0 Introduction The PE Series, hereafter referred to as the printer, is a high quality, high volume, extremely durable print engine, designed exclusively for use with label applicator systems. Available in a wide range of configurations, the printer offers both...

  • Page 12: About This Printer

    1.1.1 Standard Features Advanced Technology This printer utilizes the Intel I960 32 Bit RISC Microprocessor and Datamax application specific integrated circuitry (ASIC). The ASIC design includes highly integrated components, along with the Datamax proprietary SEAQ Circuit, which printhead thermal control to provide consistent print quality.

  • Page 13: Optional Features

    A removable module used for permanent storage of custom fonts, format and graphics. Available in 256K, 512K, 1 MB and 2 MB sizes. Ribbon Saver This factory installed option eliminates ribbon waste when feeding past non-printed label areas. PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 14 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 15: Getting Started

    In order to operate the printer you will need to remove the packaging materials that are placed inside the printer for shipment. Complete the following steps before connecting power. It may be helpful to refer to Figure 2-2 when removing the packing material.

  • Page 16: Inspecting The Printer

    Inspecting the Printer After removing the printer from the box, check the remaining contents of the package. In addition to this manual, the following items should be present: label printer installation guide sample print labels power cord any special or additional items purchased...

  • Page 17: General Overview

    2.1 General Overview The following illustrations show the major components of your printer. It may be helpful to refer back to this section for the names and locations of the printer’s various parts. Figure 2-1 Right-Hand Model, External Front View...
  • Page 18 Figure 2-2 Right-hand Model, Interior Front View Figure 2-3 Right-Hand Model, Media Path PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 19: Setting Up The Printer

    Note: Ensure that the printer’s power switch is ‘off’ when connecting the AC power cord or any interface cable. Connect the AC power cord to the back of the printer before plugging into a properly grounded outlet. The printer can be connected to the host computer with a parallel or serial cable, (see Appendix C).

  • Page 20: Loading Media

    Push ‘up’ on the hinged Drive Plate at the point shown in Figure 3-3. This will release the plate, allowing it to swing down. Figure 3-3 Opening and Closing the Drive Plate Figure 3-2 Head-Lift Lever PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 21 Hinge Pin (see Figure 3-5). Pull through removing any slack. Note: When using narrow media, it may be necessary to adjust the position of the Label Edge Sensor to ensure detection. This is done by turning the Edge Sensor Adjustment Knob (see Figure 2-3). PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 22 Figure 3-5 Media Loading (detail) To close, raise the Drive Plate back up, until the plate snaps into place. See Figure 3.3. Lower the Head-Lift Lever until the printhead is locked in the down position. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 23: Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer)

    3.3 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer) The printer can use two methods to create an image on the media. The first method, called direct thermal, uses specially treated label stock containing dyes that turn black with heat and pressure. The second method is thermal transfer, which involves the transfer of ink from a ribbon substrate onto the media with heat and pressure.
  • Page 24 While holding the Ribbon Take-up Hub, rotate the J-Hook until it latches. Turn the Ribbon Take-up Hub several times to secure the ribbon. Lower the Head Lift Lever until the printhead is locked in the down position. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 25: Ribbon Removal

    Ribbon Take-up Hub. Discard the used ribbon. Grasp the roll of unused ribbon, pull and slide the unused ribbon from the Ribbon Supply Hub, storing it for future use. Figure 3-8 Ribbon Cutting Point PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 26 Grasp the roll of used ribbon and pull it straight off of the Ribbon Take-up Hub and discard. Pull the empty ribbon supply core from the Ribbon Supply Take-Up Hub. Save the core for later use on the Ribbon Hub or discard. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 27: Installing A Flash Cartridge

    To install a memory cartridge: Turn ‘off’ and unplug the printer. Remove the two screws securing the Electronics Access Panel and open to reveal the connector, see figure below. Figure 3-9 FLASH Cartridge Connector Location PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 28 Figure 3-10 Inserting the Memory Cartridge Close the Panel and secure it with the screws. Plug in and turn ‘on’ the printer. The printer will refer to the FLASH Cartridge as Module B. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 29: Printing A Configuration Label

    3.6 Printing a Configuration Label Before beginning, load the printer with 4” wide media or configure the Label Width Adjustment in the Advanced Setup Menu to meet your label width, (for thermal transfer, also use a matching ribbon. For direct thermal labels, be sure that “Direct” has been selected in the "Print Method").
  • Page 30 CUTTER 0 in PE SIGNALLING PE APPLY HW _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DISABLE PE EXT SIGNAL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ LOW PULSE RIBBON LOW ACTIVE _ _ _ _ LOW BACKFEED CONTROL _ _ _ _ 20ms...
  • Page 31 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 32: Configuration Label Explanation

    Memory Configuration--Lists the amount of Printer memory allocated for Internal Modules or Scaleable Fonts in 4 KB blocks. Label Options--Lists label related settings. PE Information--Specifies Printer model and the Low Ribbon Warning setting. Hardware--Lists the current readings of some Printer sensors.

  • Page 33: Test Pattern Label

    The second of the labels is the Test Pattern Label, see Figure 3-12. This matrix is useful to determine the Printhead condition. For more information concerning maintenance, see Section 6. Figure 3-12 Test Pattern Label PE Series Operator’s Manual Good test label indicates Printhead is operating normally.

  • Page 34: Applicator Connection

    LOW RIBBON INCH setting in the setup menu. See Section 4 for more information. Pin 3 - The signal goes low when the Printer detects a Cover Open, Head Open, or Buffer Full error condition. It stays low until the error condition is corrected.
  • Page 35 Disabled. Figure 3-13 "End Print" Signal Options Pin 7 - The Label Out signal goes low when the Printer is out of stock. Pin 8 - The Ribbon Out signal goes low when the Printer is out of ribbon. (When this signal goes low, the Ribbon Low signal on Pin 2 resets to high.)

  • Page 36: Options Port

    The Options Port is used for external control of the printer via discrete lines. The Port consists of +5V, Ground, three outputs, and four inputs. This port can be manipulated via DPL (Datamax Programming Language). For more information consult the Programmer’s Manual.
  • Page 37 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 38: Using Your Printer

    Cancel Pressing this button one time will clear the current job, pause the printer, and prepare the next job (if any). When more than one job has been sent to the printer, only the current job is canceled, all other jobs are unaffected.

  • Page 39: Lcd Contrast

    Lights Power This illuminates when the printer is powered ‘on’. A delay of up to one second is normal at ‘power up’ or ‘power down’. Ribbon/Paper This illuminates to indicate a fault in the media or ribbon path. Rapid flashing indicates a low-ribbon condition.

  • Page 40: Accessing The Menu Tree

    There are nine basic functions including a gateway to the advanced setup level. Print Method Sensor Top of Form Darkness Start of Print LCD : From the Printer Ready screen, enter the Basic Function screen by pressing the key : Qsjou!Nfuipe Direct *Transfer Tfmfdu!UPG...
  • Page 41 0-128 QF!Bqqmjdbups!I Enable *Disable Bewbodfe!Tfuvq PE Series Operator’s Manual Fine tunes the print contrast level. Used to match print contrast level when replacing the printhead. Selectable with 64 indicating maximum darkness. Fine tunes the horizontal print position on the label.

  • Page 42: Advanced Setup

    #6. High to low signals end of print cycle. Low to high signals end of print cycle. Steady low signal during printing. Steady high signal during printing. No print and apply function. PE Series Operator’s Manual key:...
  • Page 43 Absolute Values Ebuf0Ujnf Mbcfm!Pqujpot Heat Setting Value range: 0-30 PE Series Operator’s Manual Controls the timing associated with the backfeeding of a presented label. 20 millisecond delay before printing the next label. 40 millisecond delay before printing the next label.
  • Page 44 PE 42; 2 to 10 ips (51 - 254 mm/sec) PE 43; 2 to 8 ips (51 - 203 mm/ sec) Allows the selection of different rates that the printer will feed during non-printed portions of each label.
  • Page 45 *0000 Value range: 0 - 1000 Symbol Set *PC-850 modified PE Series Operator’s Manual Allows access to eight system level options. Returns all printer settings to factory defaults, with the exception of Serial Number, Top-of-Form Adjust, Printer Model and Darkness.
  • Page 46 Selects from two different Start of Print positions. This command sets the point where printing starts, relative to the Top-of-Form Adjust value. The printer will feed from the Offset Bias and the Top- of-Form Adjust value to begin printing. Allows the selection of the column position calculation based upon one of two different values.
  • Page 47 *9600 *8 *N *1 *BOTH Control Codes *Standard Codes Alternate Codes PE Series Operator’s Manual Causes the printer to send debug characters back to the host. See Appendix E for listings. Controls an external cutter mechanism. Enables an external cutter.
  • Page 48 Serial Loopback tests the internal transmit, receive and CTS/DTR signals. A special loopback plug must be installed on the port under test (see Figure 4- 1). When complete, the printer will respond with the results. Tests Port A. Tests Port B. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 49: Print Directory

    Format Module B Test Module Test Module A Test Module B PE Series Operator’s Manual There are two installed options to choose from: Modules contain a set of five memory function routines. Some of these memory tests are destructive, in this case, the printer will prompt “Are you sure?”...
  • Page 50 Thermistor Reflective Transmissive Paper Out Sensor Definitions Serial Loopback Test Plug Connections PE Series Operator’s Manual Possible Condition D = Down, U = Up D = Down, U = Up Y = Blocked, N = Not Blocked D = Down, U = Up...
  • Page 51 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 52: Printer Adjustments

    5.1 Media Sensor Adjustment To detect the label’s edge, notch or black stripe, the printer uses a label edge sensor that is adjustable across half the media path. The position of this sensor may need to be adjusted when changing types of labels or when going from wide to narrow labels.

  • Page 53: Media Width Adjustment

    5.2 Media Width Adjustment The printer is able to use a wide variety of media types, widths and thickness. The printhead mechanism has a feature that allows the user to make a leveling adjustment. This adjustment is required when using labels that are less than 4” wide.

  • Page 54: Label Start Of Print

    Basic Function Menu. 5.4 Label Presentation Following the printing of a label, the printer will position the label according to it’s programmed Present Distance. The value will be dependent upon the needs of the applicator system. The Present Distance value can be input using the <STX>...

  • Page 55: Setting Start Of Print And Peel Position

    Concentrate on getting any printed fields aligned on your label media. a. (Only required on Right Handed printer models). Select the LABEL OPTIONS/LABEL WIDTH to the proper value. A value larger is better than smaller. b. (Up/Down Adjustment). Modify the BASIC FUNCTION/START of PRINT parameter until print is horizontally aligned.

  • Page 56: Controlling Print Quality

    The printer provides adjustments for quality, but limits them to prevent possible damage to the printer. For example, low cost direct thermal stocks have very high reaction temperatures, therefore it takes a great deal of energy to make clear images on this type of media.
  • Page 57 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 58: Introduction

    AINTENANCE 6.0 Introduction The chapter covers the cleaning recommendations for your printer. The following items will help clean your printer safely and effectively. Isopropyl alcohol Cotton swabs Clean, soft and lint-free cloth Soft-bristle brush or compressed air Mild detergent For your safety and to avoid damaging the Printer, always power off and unplug the unit before cleaning.

  • Page 59: Cleaning Schedule

    Compressed air, isopropyl alcohol if needed. Interior Soft-brush or compressed air. Exterior Mild detergent. Table 6-1 Printer Cleaning Schedule PE Series Operator’s Manual Method Interval Clean after each roll of ribbon or each roll of direct- thermal labels. Clean after each...

  • Page 60: Cleaning The Printhead

    Re-install ribbon and media, if necessary. Lower the printhead by turning the Head-Lift Lever ‘down’ until it locks into position. Close the cover. Plug in and turn ‘On’ the printer. Feed several labels to normalize label tracking. Figure 6-1 Note: NEVER use a sharp object when cleaning the printhead.

  • Page 61: Cleaning The Platen Roller

    Lower the printhead by turning the Head-Lift Lever ‘down’ until it locks into position. Close the cover. Plug in and turn ‘On’ the printer. Feed several labels to normalize tracking. Note: If the platen has excessive build-up that cannot be removed with isopropyl alcohol, you may use acetone sparingly.

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting

    Verify that the AC power outlet being used is operating correctly. Test the outlet by connecting another device to it. The AC power cord may be damaged; replace. The Printer’s power switch may be defective or the fuse may be blown; call for service. PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 63 The display contrast may be set too low. Using a small screwdriver use the access opening on the front panel and increase the setting. The printer may have a bad connection to the display or the display may be faulty; call for service. Black boxes in display: The printer has failed to initialize.

  • Page 64: Poor Print Quality

    The Printhead may need adjusting; call for service. Erratic Printing (prints strange characters instead of the format): The printer may be in the Character Dump Mode. Power the Printer ‘Off and On’ and retry. Verify all the communications parameters have been correctly set to match the host.
  • Page 65 For rotated fields, ensure that enough label space exists in that orientation to apply the format. Ensure that enough memory space is available for the label format size, graphic image and/or scaleable font. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 66: Error Messages

    If it does not clear, call for service. Alarm Description The system detected an Analog-to-Digital Converter failure. Try to clear the fault by cycling the printer off and on again. If it does not clear, call for service. PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 67 PE Series Operator’s Manual System is waiting for control of the Print Cycle from the applicator. Printer applicator enable control may be incorrectly configured. Verify setup; see Section 4, Advanced Setup/PE Options/PE Apply HW. Possible defective applicator output control. Possible defective printer applicator port.
  • Page 68 The printer’s Label Edge Sensor does not detect labels. Ensure the labels are properly fed through the Label Edge Sensor. Loose connection or possible defective sensor; call for service. The system has detected a printhead control circuit failure; call for service. PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 69 SJCCPO!GBVMU SJC!TBWFS!GBVMU SJCTWS!OpuFRQ PE Series Operator’s Manual The system has detected a fault in ribbon motion. The ribbon may be incorrectly installed or the wrong type for the printer (emulsion out), verify that the dull side (in most cases) is facing the label.
  • Page 70 Re-configure the printer for the label type being used. Possible defective Label Edge Sensor; call for service. Listen for drive motor operation and verify that the platen roller is turning. If not, call for service. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 71: Character Dump Mode

    Support Representative with any questions. With the printer ‘Off’, print a Configuration Label using the power- up method: Press and hold in the Feed button while turning the printer ‘On’. Release the Feed button when the printer display reads 'DYNAMIC RAM DIAGNOSTICS'...

  • Page 73: Ascii Control Chart

    Appendix A ASCII Control Chart Char Hex Char " & › < > PE Series Operator’s Manual Char Char Dec Hex...
  • Page 74 Note: For the software handshake XON/XOFF commands: XON = (DC1), XOFF = (DC3) Char ã Ã ð Ð Ê Ë È Í Î Ï Ì PE Series Operator’s Manual Char Ó ß Ô Ò õ Õ µ þ Þ Ú Û Ù...

  • Page 75: Available Fonts And Barcodes

    Appendix B Available Fonts and Barcodes All character fonts and bar codes available with the Printer are described in this section. Each font and barcode have a name associated with it for use in programming. Human-readable fonts have numeric names while bar code fonts have alpha names.

  • Page 76: Human-Readable Fonts

    32-126, 128-169, 171-173, 181-184, 189, 190, 198, 199, 208- 216, 222, 224-237, 241, 243, 246-250 Table B-2 Valid Human-Readable Font ASCII Characters Font Matrix Sizes Height Width Spacing PE Series Operator’s Manual Charac. Per Inch 33.83 22.56 16.92 12.69 9.67 9.67...
  • Page 77 4 - Identifies a 62-character alphanumeric uppercase font. 5 - Identifies a 62-character alphanumeric upper case font. PE Series Operator’s Manual 1 - Identifies a 145-character uppercase and lowercase alphanumeric font that includes descenders and ascenders.
  • Page 78 6 - Identifies a 62-character alphanumeric uppercase font. 8 - Identifies a font that prints OCR- B, size III. 9 - Identifies the internal Triumvirate font. 7 - Identifies a font that prints OCR- A, size I. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 79: Barcode Fonts

    NON EDI UCC/EAN Code 128 Random Weight Telepen UPS MaxiCode PDF-417 Table B-3 Valid Bar Code Font ASCII Characters PE Series Operator’s Manual Length Cksum Valid Characters Varies 0-9, A-Z, -. *$/+% and space char. 11 digits 6 digits Varies...
  • Page 80 PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 81 Barcode O PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 82 Barcode S Barcode T Barcode z PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 83: Appendix C Cable Listing

    Appendix C Cable Listing When a serial interface between the Printer and host is used, a serial cable meeting specific pin assignments is required. Configurations for typical interfaces are shown below, (contact your distributor for ordering information). The parallel interface connection can be made using a Centronics®...
  • Page 84 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 85: Applicator Port Test Box

    The schematic for this test circuit is shown below. Be sure to enable the Applicator Port through the Front Panel Menu to permit the use of SW 1. SW 1 can be a normally open, momentary, or combination of both. Figure D-1 Applicator Port Test Circuit PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 86 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 87: Appendix E Error Codes

    Printer. The Printer did not understand the command sequence and terminated the command interpreter. Upper case “R” This code will be sent every time the Printer is turned on, this means there was a hardware reset. Upper case “T”...
  • Page 88 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 89: Printer Specifications

    Minimum Print Length Communications Protocols Speeds Word Length Handshaking PE Series Operator’s Manual Direct thermal or thermal transfer. PE42: 203 dots per inch (8 dots/mm) PE43: 300 dots per inch (12 dots/mm) PE42: 10 i.p.s. PE43: 8 i.p.s. PE42: 4.1 in. (104 mm) PE43: 4.16 in.
  • Page 90 Transmissive and Reflective On a 1 inch core: 25 mm, 38 mm, 51 mm, 64 mm, 76 mm, 89 mm, 102 mm, 110 mm, 114 mm, in standard 1182 ft. (360m) or 1476 ft. (450m) lengths. PE Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 91 Label Material Fonts and Bar Codes Resident Fonts Font Expansion Bar Codes PE Series Operator’s Manual Thermal-transfer plain-coated papers, vinyl, Mylar, metalized paper, non- woven fabric, fine-woven fabric, thermal-visible light scannable paper, infrared scannable paper, thermal ticket/tag stock, thermally sensitive plastic.

  • Page 92: Printer Dimensions

    Printer Dimensions Figure F-1 Print Engine Critical Dimensions. PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 93: Media Specifications

    Distance between reflective mark Reflective sensor mark length Table F-1 Acceptable Media Specifications Note: The reflective sensor mark must be carbon based ink. The infrared light will not be absorbed by a plain black mark. PE Series Operator’s Manual Max. Min. (inches) (inches) 1.000...

  • Page 94: Media And Ribbon Basics

    Tag Stock, Some Synthetics, Films Synthetics Films Table F-2 Media and Ribbon Overview Print Print Speed Energy 2 - 10 ips 2 - 8 ips Medium 4-6 ips High Image Ribbon Type Durability Medium Wax/Resin High Resin PE Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 97: Appendix H Warranty Information

    PE42/PE43 Print Engine thermal printhead. This one year warranty is valid only if a Datamax - approved thermal or thermal transfer label media is used, as defined in the then current Datamax list of approved Thermal/thermal transfer Media, a copy of which is available from Datamax.
  • Page 98 Include a contact name, action desired, a detailed description of the problem(s), and examples when possible with the defective unit. Datamax shall not be responsible for any loss or damages incurred in shipping. Any warranty work to be performed by Datamax shall be subject to Datamax’s confirmation that such product meets...

  • Page 99: Limitation Of Liability

    Limitation of Liability In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any indirect, special or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Datamax’s products, or the performance or a breach thereof, even if Datamax has been advised of the possibility thereof.
  • Page 100 PE Series Operator’s Manual...

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