Datamax RL4 User Manual
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Datamax RL4 User Manual

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  • Page 1 User Guide...

  • Page 3: Copyright Information

    Datamax-O’Neil hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product. In no event shall Datamax-O’Neil be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Datamax-O’Neil in the delivery or installation of the computer hardware, supplies or software or in the performance of any services.

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

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

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    1 Getting Started 1.1 Introduction ......................1 1.2 Unpacking ....................... 1 1.3 Carry Accessories ..................... 2 2 Printer Setup 2.1 Charging ......................... 5 2.2 Interface Connections ....................7 2.3 Loading Media (Labels or Paper) ................. 8 2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode ................10 3 Printer Operation 3.1 Front Panel......................
  • Page 6 4 Maintenance and Adjustments 4.1 Cleaning Intervals ....................29 4.2 Cleaning the Printhead .................... 30 5 Troubleshooting 5.1 Introduction ......................33 5.2 Troubleshooting Tips....................33 Appendix A: Specifications Appendix B: Wireless LAN and Bluetooth Setup B.1 Introduction ......................1 B.2 Static IP/DHCP Setting ....................1 B.3 Infrastructure/Ad-hoc Setting ..................

  • Page 7: Introduction

    A Windows printer driver can be found on our website (www.datamax-oneil.com). If you wish to write a ® custom program, a copy of the Programmer’s Manual can also be found on our website.

  • Page 8: Carry Accessories

    Several accessories are available for the printer to allow for ease of use and portability. Belt Clip Included with printer, the Belt Clip allows easy attachment to a belt or similar object.  Belt Clip Shoulder Strap/Hand Strap Choose either a hand or longer shoulder strap for maximum comfort and flexibility.
  • Page 9 IP54 Soft Case Optional, proper use of this case will allow the RL4 printer to be used in harsh, dusty, or rainy environments. This case is certified to an IP54 rating, so when properly used, it will protect your product against particles as small as dust, and water from any direction.

  • Page 11: Printer Setup

    The maximum operating temperature of the printer is 50° C. However, the maximum operating temperature when used with a Datamax-O’Neil power supply for charging is limited to 40° C. Please charge the printer in a suitable location that meets this temperature requirement.
  • Page 12 Replacement batteries come in individual boxes, store this way. • Batteries do have a shelf life of 1 year. The printer is also designed with external charging capabilities using Datamax-O’Neil approved charging accessories. For more information, see the instructions included with the accessory.

  • Page 13: Interface Connections

    The printer can be connected to the host via the USB, serial, optional wireless LAN 802.11 A/B/G, or Bluetooth. The printer will automatically connect to the first port that delivers valid data. Once established, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change an interface connection. Once the cable connection has been made see section 3.3 for information on using the configuration software (NETira CT).

  • Page 14: Loading Media (Labels Or Paper)

    Load media into the printer as follows: 1) Slide the Thumb latch rearward and then lift up on the printer’s Cover.  Thumb-Latch  Cover 2) Slide and hold open the Supply hubs.  Supply Hubs...
  • Page 15 3) Orient the Roll of Media (paper or labels) as shown and insert it into the printer.  Roll of Media 4) Allow the Supply Hubs to retract onto the Roll of Media. Then close the printer’s Cover and press downward until latched.

  • Page 16: Loading For Presenter Mode

    2.3.1 Loading for Presenter Mode  The printer must be configured for use in “Presenter Mode”. See section 3.5 for connecting and configuring the printer’s settings. 1) Load media as described in Section 2.3, (steps 1-3). 2) Remove about 8 inches (200mm) of labels from the Media Backing. 3) Open the Peeler Door.

  • Page 17: Printer Operation

    The Front Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic display and four buttons. In addition to providing current printer information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the main display area and the button functions to change as operational events require.

  • Page 18: Buttons

    3.1.3 Buttons Ready Mode Button Function Short Press: Wakes the printer from sleep mode Long Press (10s): Resets the printer Short Press: Feeds one label or a preset paper length Long Press (6s): Prints the Configuration Label Enters the printer’s menu system Long Press (4s): Toggles the Wireless LAN/Bluetooth radio on and off Menu Mode Button...

  • Page 19: Configuration Label

    Initiation of this mode causes the printer to print its Configuration Label. The Configuration Label provides valuable printer information including the firmware version, memory allocations, enabled options, communications settings, and label-counter data. To print the Configuration Label: 1) Be sure the printer is properly loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and that the power to the printer is off.

  • Page 20: Netira Ct Printer Configuration Utility

    The NETira CT printer configuration utility (available for download at www.datamax-oneil.com) is a Windows based configuration utility that allows the user to make changes to the existing printer setup via a serial or Wireless LAN connection. Utility Features: Allows Real-Time Control/Query of Printer Configuration ...
  • Page 21 For Wireless LAN Connections: Close the ‘Open a configuration file…’ dialogue box. a) In the toolbar, Click on the ‘ TCP/IP Configuration’ Icon b) In the ‘TCP/IP Configuration’ dialogue box enter the IP address of the printer and click ‘OK’. (The IP address should be displayed on the printers LCD).

  • Page 22: Media And Calibration

    3.4.1 Selecting Media Type To accommodate a variety of media types the printer is equipped with two sensors. A transmissive sensor (for gap and notch type label media) and a reflective sensor (for “black mark” type label media). Several media types and their proper sensor settings are shown below: Media Notch Media Notch Media...

  • Page 23: Common Settings

    Launch the NETira CT configuration utility, and query (connect) to the printer. 1) Click on the ‘Media Label Settings’ printer component. 2) To change the different parameters, click on the New value box and select from the pull down values or key in a value.

  • Page 24: Quick Media Calibration

    3.4.2 Quick Media Calibration The printer is factory calibrated for operation with most media types (both gap and black mark). Try your media without performing any calibration adjustments first, this will determine if the factory settings are compatible. Only perform the calibration adjustments if you are experiencing media registration issues. The Quick Media Calibration should be performed first, if it fails to detect your label media proceed to the Manual Media Calibration procedure, see section 3.4.3.

  • Page 25: Manual Media Calibration

    3.4.3 Manual Media Calibration The Manual Media Calibration is intended for use when Quick Media Calibration printer has failed to detect the start of each label. This procedure performs a complete recalibration of the sensors and will optimize the printer to your media. In some instances you may need to perform a Quick Media Calibration after the Manual Media Calibration to further optimize the printer’s sensor.
  • Page 26 7) NETira CT will display a message indicating the process has finished. In case of any error, a FAILED CALIBRATION message will be displayed. Repeat the process. 8) To confirm changes, observe that Gap Back Value and Gap Paper Value have changed. Procedure for Black Mark Media: (be sure the printer is set to sense Black Mark media, see Section 3.4.1).
  • Page 27 Note: A special media with black marks is needed to perform this calibration. See the image to the right. A sample image is included at the end of this document, it can be printed and used for this calibration procedure. 4) Load Stock: Place a white section of media under the sensor, close the door then...
  • Page 28 7) NETira CT will display a message indicating the process has finished. In case of any error, a FAILED CALIBRATION message will be displayed. Repeat the process. 8) To confirm changes, observe that the Black Mark values have changed.

  • Page 29: Presenter Mode

    To set the printer to work in Presenter Mode, follow the following steps: Set the “Presenter Sensor Equipped” parameter to enable the presenter sensor. Set the “Advance After Qmark” parameter to instruct the printer to advance n/100 inches after the Black Mark or Gap is found (only change if necessary, default value will work for most media).
  • Page 30 4) Type the number 6 as the Advance Distance after QMark/Gap. Click the ‘OK’ button. This value may vary if Datamax-O’Neil media is not used. 5) The following screen will be shown. Click the ‘OK’ button to start the process.

  • Page 31: Printer Input Mode (Emulation)

    The printer supports several printer languages such as CPCL, ZPL, DPL, etc. However, the printer has an AUTO input mode that will detect the type of script and switch to the desired printing language. By default the printer is configured as an AUTO mode. To manually change the printer language used, perform the following steps.

  • Page 32: Saving & Loading Configuration Files

    & & & The NETira CT configuration program allows printer configuration files to be saved to a file. These files can be useful for saving a printer configuration for a particular application or media. Saved configuration files can be shared with other printers/users. Saving and Loading a Configuration file can be performed using the NETira CT configuration utility, (see section 3.3 for more information on NETira CT).

  • Page 33: Printer Demo

    There are two ways to send demo label formats to the printer, NETira CT and the standalone Printer Demo program available for download at www.datamax-oneil.com. NETira CT Printer Demo: 1) Launch the NETira CT configuration utility, select Tools, then Printer Demo.

  • Page 34: Firmware Update

    When program updates and/or new features are added, they can be downloaded to the printer as follows: 1) Identify the new version for your model of printer from the Datamax-O’Neil Web site at www.datamax-oneil.com and download it onto your computer’s hard drive.

  • Page 35: Cleaning Intervals

    Datamax-O’Neil brand media and ribbons. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of non-Datamax-O’Neil supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components. For a current list of approved media and ribbons for use in direct thermal and thermal...

  • Page 36: Cleaning The Printhead

    Streaks in printed labels usually indicate a dirty or faulty printhead. To clean the printhead (using Datamax-O’Neil cleaning card):  The following procedure is for “standard configuration” printers. Linerless printers should only be cleaned with the Datamax-O’Neil Cleaning Pen #770172-000.
  • Page 37 To clean the printhead (using Datamax-O’Neil Cleaning Pen #770172-000): The Cleaning Pen is typically intended for use on linerless model printers. It is used to clean components that are exposed directly to adhesive. The pen is dual-sided and has a two-step process. The first step “Step 1”...

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    Occasionally, situations arise that require troubleshooting. Possible problem situations and potential solutions are listed below. Contact a qualified technician for problems that persist or problems not covered in this section. The following section lists the symptoms and the associated page numbers of the topics covered. While not every situation is addressed, you may find some tips helpful.
  • Page 40 Light print on the right side of the label: The printer’s cover is not latched down: Latch it.  The printhead is not properly aligned: Call for service.  Printer fails to power ON: The battery may need to be charged: Charge the battery (see Section 2.1). ...

  • Page 41: Physical Characteristics

    Physical Characteristics Width 6.52” (166mm) Depth 3.18” (81mm) Height 7.87” (200mm) Weight (Printer Only) 2.16 lbs (0.98kg) Drop Specifications 6ft (1.8m) User Interface 128x64 LCD display with white LED backlighting. Four (4) button user interface User Environment Operating Temperature -4° F to 122° F (-20° C to 50° C) 40°...

  • Page 42: Power Source

    Communications Serial Interface RS232, up to 460.8 kbps USB Interface 2.0 (full speed) Bluetooth Interface Supported versions: Version 2.1, Class 2; Serial port profile Wireless LAN Network standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g Wireless access modes: Infrastructure and ad-hoc Security Protocols: WEP (64/128), WPA (TKIP/RC4), WPA2 (CCMP/AES) Authentication: LEAP, EAP-PEAP, EAP-FAST, EAP-TTLS, EAP-LEAP: Network Support DHCP, TCP, UDP, DNS, BOOTP...

  • Page 43: Approved Media

    To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax-O’Neil specifies the use of Datamax-O’Neil brand media. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of non- Datamax-O’Neil supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components.

  • Page 45: Introduction

    The printer makes IP requests at power-up, so before making a network connection to the printer consider how your IP addressing needs to be assigned. The IP addressing of the printer can be configured in one of two ways: Using a static IP Address or Using IP Discovery (DHCP, BootP, or RARP). 1) Turn the printer ON and connect it to the computer using the serial cable.

  • Page 46: Infrastructure/Ad-Hoc Setting

    Using Static IP Address: 1) Click on the ‘Wireless General Network’ printer component. 2) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: IP address method: Static Static IP address: According to your network IP range. Static Subnet mask: According to your network subnet mask. 3) After updating the “New Value”...

  • Page 47: Wireless Lan Security Settings

    The printer can be configured to utilize several Wireless LAN security protocols. The following sections outline the most popular configurations. B.4.1 WEP 64 & 128 Bit 1) Click on the ‘WIFI’ printer component. 2) Click the ‘Static WEP’ radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: WEP Selected Key: Select the key...

  • Page 48: Wpa2-Psk W/Ccmp

    B.4.2 WPA2-PSK w/CCMP 1) Click on the ‘WIFI’ printer component. 2) Click the ‘Click the WPA/WPA2’ radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Group Cipher: CCMP Network Authentication Type: WPA2-PSK 4) Type the Pass Phrase under the “WPA_PSK_TKIP/ WPA2_PSK settings”...

  • Page 49: Wpa2-Enterprise

    B.4.4 WPA2-Enterprise 1) Click on the ‘WIFI’ printer component. 2) Click the ‘Click the WPA/WPA2’ radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Network Authentication Type: WPA-Enterprise Phase 2 Method: EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP Type: Select EAP-PEAP Note: EAP Type can be variable. Other values supported: EAP-LEAP, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP, EAP-FAST 4) Type the user name and...

  • Page 50: Wpa-Psk Tkip W/Tkip

    B.4.5 WPA-PSK TKIP w/TKIP 1) Click on the ‘WIFI’ printer component. 2) Click the ‘Click the WPA/WPA2’ radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Group Cipher: TKIP Network Authentication Type: WPA2-PSK_TKIP 4) Type the Pass Phrase under the “WPA_PSK_TKIP/WPA2_PSK settings”...

  • Page 51: Resetting The Printer

    In the event of a Wireless LAN communication problem (drop offs, hangs, can’t communicate, ect..), the printer can be reset. To reset the printer: 1) Press and hold the button until the “Radio Off” message is displayed and then release. 2) Next, press and hold the button until the “Turning Radio On”...

  • Page 53: Introduction

    NETira CT Configuration Utility  Seagull Windows Drivers (for Printer and Composite Class installations only)  “Datamax-O'Neil Composite Class.inf” file (for Composite Class installations only)  “Datamax-O'Neil CDC Class.inf” file (for CDC installations only)  Create a new folder on your local computer named “Drivers”. Download the necessary files and place them...

  • Page 54: Printer Configuration

    Before attempting an USB connection the printer must first be configured to use the desired USB class. Set the printer to appropriate USB class for your particular application by using NETira CT configuration utility. 1) Turn the printer ON and connect it to the computer using the serial cable.
  • Page 55 Step A: Driver Extraction: 1) To extract the Windows drivers to your local computer, double click the “Datamax-O’Neil_x.x.x” file that was previously downloaded from the website. The following screen will appear. Click the “Accept” radio button and then click Next to continue.
  • Page 56 5) Check the “Include this location in the search” checkbox and then click Browse. 6) Navigate to the “Driver” folder you created earlier that contains the “Datamax-O'Neil Composite Class.inf” file. 7) Select the folder and then Click ‘OK’. Then Click...
  • Page 57 8) When prompted click “Continue Anyway” 9) Windows will now load the drivers to assign the necessary ports to the printer. 10) Click Finish to close the wizard. Proceed to Step C to begin the installation of the Windows Printer Driver. Step C: Windows Printer Driver Installation: 1) The PC will launch the “Found New Hardware Wizard”...
  • Page 58 3) Select the “Install from a list or specific (Advanced)” radio button and then click Next. 4) Select the “Search for the best driver in these locations” radio button. 5) Check the “Include this location in the search” checkbox and then click Browse. 6) Navigate to “C:\Seagull”...
  • Page 59 9) When prompted click “Continue Anyway” 10) Windows will now install the necessary files for the Windows printer driver. 11) Click Finish to close the wizard. The printer can now be selected for use in the printer dialogue box of any windows application.
  • Page 60 5) Check the “Include this location in the search” checkbox and then click Browse. 6) Navigate to the “Driver” folder you created earlier that contains the “Datamax-O'Neil CDC Class.inf” file. 7) Select the folder and then Click ‘OK’. Then Click...
  • Page 61 8) When prompted click “Continue Anyway” 9) Windows will now load the drivers to assign the necessary ports to the printer. 10) Click Finish to close the wizard. The printer can now be selected for using the virtual com port assigned to the printer.

  • Page 62: Printer Class Only Installation

    Step A: Driver Extraction: 1) To extract the Windows drivers to your local computer, double click the “Datamax-O’Neil_x.x.x” file that was previously downloaded from the website. The following screen will appear. Click the “Accept” radio button and then click Next to continue.
  • Page 63 Step B: Windows Printer Driver Installation: 1) The PC will launch the “Found New Hardware Wizard” again. 2) Select the “No, not this time” radio button and then click Next. 3) Select the “Install from a list or specific (Advanced)” radio button and then click Next. 4) Select the “Search for the best driver in these locations”...
  • Page 64 8) Select the driver that matches your model printer. (there may be multiple models listed) and then click Next. 9) When prompted click “Continue Anyway” 10) Windows will now install the necessary files for the Windows printer driver. 11) Click Finish to close the wizard. The printer can now be selected for use in the printer dialogue box of any windows application.

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