SATO GT424 Operator's Manual
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SATO GT424 Operator's Manual

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Summary of Contents for SATO GT424

  • Page 1 GT Series ’ OPERATOR S MANUAL...
  • Page 2 SATO Asia PacificPte. Ltd. The materials in this document are provided for general information andare subjected to change without prior notice. SATO...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper 2.3.2 Loading Fanfold Paper ... 2-17 2.3.3 Loading Fanfold Paper under the printer ... 2-19 2.3.4 Adjusting the paper sensor ... 2-21 Replacing the Print Head... 2-22 Turning the printer ON/OFF ... 2-23 3 C O N F I G U R A T I O N A N D O P E R A T I O N Operating Modes...
  • Page 4 Overview of All Modes ...3-27 3.13 Restoring Factory DeFault Settings ...3-37 3.13.1 Entering Default Mode ...3-37 3.13.2 If You Chose to Reset Printer Settings ...3-38 3.13.2 If You Chose Alt Protocol Code ...3-38 3.13.3 Completion of Default Setting ...3-38 3.14 Understanding Continuous Print and Tear Off Operations...3-39...
  • Page 5 4 C L E A N I N G A N D M A I N T E N A N C E Introduction ... 4-1 Cleaning The Print Head, Platen and Rollers ... 4-1 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SET)... 4-2 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SHEET)... 4-3 Adjusting Print Quality ... 4-4 4.5.1...
  • Page 6 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Initial Checklist ...6-1 Using the Centronics (Parallel) Interface ...6-1 Using the RS232C (SERIAL) Interface...6-3 Understanding the STATUS INDICATORS ...6-4 Understanding the LCD Error Messages ...6-5 LCD Warning Messages ...6-10 Troubleshooting Guide...6-11 O P T I O N A L A C C E S S O R I E S...
  • Page 7 It is recommended that you become familiar with each section before installing and main- taining the printer. Refer to the Table Of Contents at the front of this manual to search for the relevant information needed. All page numbers in this manual consist of a section number followed by the page number within the stated section.

  • Page 8: General Specifications

    Section 1: Introduction 1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS The SATO GT4xx “e” series of dual use (Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal) printers are complete, high-performance labeling systems designed for printing tags and labels. The key features of the GT series are: • Faster print speed and better print quality than ever •...
  • Page 9 Features of SATO GT4xxe Series Printers Feature GT408e Print resolution 203dpi for economical labeling solution (user upgradable to higher resolution print assembly) Print method Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal Label sizes supported 4 inches (W) by 9.4 inches (using default internal...
  • Page 10 Paper Thickness 0.060 mm to 0.268 mm supported. Note: Be sure to use only printer supplies manufactured or certified by SATO. Standard Width: 22 to 128 mm (25 to 131 mm) Label size Pitch: 5 to 397 mm (9 to 400 mm)
  • Page 11 OCR-A GT408 15 x 22 dots (alphanumeric and symbol) GT412 22 x 33 dots (alphanumeric and symbol) GT424 44 x 66 dots (alphanumeric and symbol) OCR-B GT408 20 x 24 dots (alphanumeric and symbol) GT412 30 x 36 dots (alphanumeric and symbol)
  • Page 12 All the GT printers use the same command codes. The only differences are the allowable values repre- senting print positions on the label. These values are specified in “dots” and will vary depending upon the resolution of the printer and the amount of memory available for imaging the label. Page 1-6 GT408 •...
  • Page 13 INSTALLATION This section assists you in unpacking and installing the printer from the shipping container. You will also be guided through a familiarization tour of the main parts and controls. The following information is provided: • Safety Precautions • Unpacking and Parts Identification •...

  • Page 14: Safety Precautions

    Continued use of such a cable may cause fires or electric shocks. • If the printer emits any smoke or peculiar odors at any time, turn it OFF and prevent further usage until you have contacted a qualified service personnel.
  • Page 15 When replacing paper or cleaning the printer, be careful not to hurt yourself. • If the printer will not be used for extended periods of time, disconnect the power cable for safety. • When releasing and locking down the printer head, be careful not to catch any other foreign in it except label paper.

  • Page 16: Unpacking

    Remove the accessory items from their protective containers. Note The following illustrations are representative only. Your printer may not be packed exactly as shown, but the unpacking steps are similar. Page 2-4 If the printer was been stored in the cold, allow it to reach room temperature before turning it on.

  • Page 17: Included Accessories

    2.1.1 INCLUDED ACCESSORIES After unpacking the printer, verify that the following materials are in the accessories or packaging: Global Warranty document Information leaflet* Operator’s Manual Items marked with an asterisk may be different from what you see here, or may be excluded.

  • Page 18: Parts Identification

    Consists of an liquid crystal dis- play screen, five status indica- tors and the LINE and FEED buttons. Power switch Pushing the I side turns the printer ON. Pushing the O side turns the printer OFF. Front Cover (lifted up) Ribbon take-up shaft Head pressure...

  • Page 19: Rear View

    2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D) IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Release screw Rear access cover When using fanfold media, remove the release screw of the rear cover and lift up the front cover. The hinged rear cover will drop down- wards to a vertical position.

  • Page 20: Side View

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Connector for optional memory card Ribbon take-up shaft Ribbon feeder Head lock lever Print head* Head pressure knob Head release lever Platen roller* (under the print head) Maintenance screw Stopper screw Print head...
  • Page 21 2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D) IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Light Emitting Diodes POWER LED: Lights up when power is supplied to the printer. ONLINE LED: Lights up when commu- nication is available. Flashes with com- munication fails. STATUS LED: Lights up and flashes to indicate exchange of data.

  • Page 22: Loading The Carbon Ribbon

    2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands. 2. Release the purple head release lever by pushing it downwards.

  • Page 23: Removing The Carbon Ribbon

    2.2 LOADING THE CARBON RIBBON (CONT’D) 2 . 2 . 1 R e m o v i n g t h e C a r b o n R i b b o n Pull the purple knob on the ribbon take-up shaft outwards.
  • Page 24 2 . 2 . 2 O P T I O N : U s i n g A P a p e r T u b e t o W i n d U s e d R i b b o n Under certain circumstances, instead of using the GT printer’s ribbon take-up shaft to collect used ribbon, users may prefer to use paper tubes to form a core for winding the used ribbon.

  • Page 25: Loading Labels And Tags

    For optimal print performance and durability, please use SATO-certified label and ribbon supplies on this printer. Using supplies not tested and approved for use by SATO can result in unnecessary wear and damage to vital parts of the printer, and may void the warranty.

  • Page 26: Loading Roll Paper

    2 . 3 . 1 L o a d i n g R o l l P a p e r 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 27 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 5. Pull out the purple label damper to release the label guide assembly. The label guide will drop downwards. 6. Insert the paper into the label guide from a sideways angle, so that the paper passes under the label guide and paper sensor.
  • Page 28 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) Adjusting for the paper width This printer is adjusted so that quality printing can be obtained without any adjustments. However, in certain situations, better results can be obtained if you adjust the “head pressure balance”...

  • Page 29: Loading Fanfold Paper

    2 . 3 . 2 L o a d i n g F a n f o l d P a p e r 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 30 SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 6. Pull out the purple label damper to release the label guide assembly. The label guide will drop downwards. 7. Insert the paper so that it passes under the label guide and paper sensor.

  • Page 31: Loading Fanfold Paper Under The Printer

    2 . 3 . 3 L o a d i n g F a n f o l d P a p e r u n d e r t h e p r i n t e r 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 32 SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 6. Pull up the Label Damper by the purple knob in a counterclockwise direction until it locks into place vertically. If it is already in a vertical position proceed to the next step. 7. Pass the paper under the label guide and paper sensor.
  • Page 33 Adjustment of the paper sensor is usually not necessary, but the procedure is described here. 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.

  • Page 34: Replacing The Print Head

    Before attempting to replace the print head, it is advisable to contact your local dealer or service center so that they can assist you in case of problems. 1. Make sure the printer has been turned off for at least 30 minutes so that the print head is not hot. Lift up the main cover.

  • Page 35: Turning The Printer On/Off

    • Always use a grounded power cable to protect against electrical leakage and electrical shocks. 4. To turn the printer ON, press the power switch to the “I” side. When the printer is successfully turned on, the LCD screen will display something similar to that shown here.
  • Page 36 SECTION 2: INSTALLATION This page is intentionally left blank Page 2-24 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 37: Operating Modes

    CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION Before using the printer, it is best to read this manual thoroughly first. Otherwise, you may disturb default settings around which the instructional procedures in this manual are based upon. 3.1 OPERATING MODES The operating status of this printer can be set to one of five modes:...

  • Page 38: The Operation Panel

    3.2 THE OPERATION PANEL Overview of the Operation Panel Overview of the Display for Printer Setting Page 3-2 Status Icon display area Up to five icons can appear here to indicate the current printer status. The same area can also display two lines of alphanumeric text instead.

  • Page 39: Screen Icons And Their Meaning

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.3 SCREEN ICONS AND THEIR MEANING GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-3...
  • Page 40 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.3 SCREEN ICONS AND THEIR MEANING (CONT’D) Page 3-4 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 41: Online And Offline Modes

    Pressing the LINE button causes the printer to go ONLINE or OFFLINE alternately. When the printer is ONLINE, the following activities will be possible: • The printer is ready to receive print data from the computer or other connected devices • The printer is ready to start printing 3 .

  • Page 42: User Mode

    3 . 5 . 1 E n t e r i n g U s e r M o d e 1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE. 2. Pull down the cover of the Operation Panel and press ENTER.
  • Page 43 If quality printing cannot be obtained due to the quality of the paper or the printing contents, lower the speed accordingly. On the GT408 and GT412, the print speed can be set in 11 steps. On the GT424, the print speed can be set in five steps in GT424. The table below shows the factory default print speed for different print resolutions.

  • Page 44: Setting Print Darkness

    V: +/- 000 to 1424 dots, H: +/- 000 to 832 dots GT412 V: +/- 000 to 2136 dots, H: +/- 000 to 1248 dots GT424 V: +/- 000 to 4272 dots, H: +/- 000 to 2496 dots After setting the Vertical and Horizontal OFFSET, press ENTER to proceed to the next setting.
  • Page 45 3 . 5 . 6 S e t t i n g J I S K a n j i C o d e C h a n g e o v e r * * option is only valid for printing in Japanese The printer can be set to use either JIS code or Shift JIS code. Use the buttons to select JIS or SJIS.
  • Page 46 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3 . 5 . 7 S e t t i n g P r o p o r t i o n a l P i t c h This setting determines whether the space surrounding each text character is of a fixed width, or whether that space is to be varied to be visually more pleasant.

  • Page 47: Interface Mode

    3 . 6 . 1 E n t e r i n g I n t e r f a c e M o d e 1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE. 2. Pull down the cover of the Operation Panel and press ENTER.
  • Page 48 The other card is then presumed to be a mini LAN card, which is intended for transmitting printer status information to a LAN. The card selected by default for bidirectional communication is the one that is not a mini LAN card. Card2 is assumed to be a mini LAN card.

  • Page 49: Cartridge Mode

    3 . 7 . 1 E n t e r i n g C a r t r i d g e M o d e 1. Press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE. 2. Pull down the cover of the Operation Panel and press ENTER.
  • Page 50 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3 . 7 . 4 C a r t r i d g e F o r m a t t i n g P r o g r e s s If you selected YES at the FORMAT START screen, this next screen lets you monitor the progress of the formatting.

  • Page 51: Sembl Mode

    BASIC language to be loaded into the printer and executed without any further connection to a computer. For more details consult a qualified SATO sales person. In this mode you can control the operation of BASIC programs loaded into memory.
  • Page 52 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3 . 8 . 3 T h e S E M B L S t a t u s S c r e e n This screen indicates the number of labels that remain to be processed by the program.

  • Page 53: Advanced Mode

    3.9 ADVANCED MODE Advanced Mode lets you configure the more advanced features of the printer hardware. 3 . 9 . 1 E n t e r i n g A d v a n c e d M o d e 1.
  • Page 54 3 . 9 . 5 B a c k f e e d O p e r a t i o n S e t t i n g s The printer can be set to apply or not apply a backfeed to the label before or after printing each label.
  • Page 55 3 . 9 . 7 S e t t i n g t h e P r i n t M o d e The printer can be switched to operate in Thermal Transfer or Direct Thermal mode with this setting.
  • Page 56 3 . 9 . 1 0 T u r n i n g H e a d C h e c k F u n c t i o n O N / O F F The printer can be set to perform a check of the print head when printing each label.
  • Page 57 3 . 9 . 1 2 E n a b l i n g / D i s a b l i n g E x t e r n a l S i g n a l O u t p u t Set this option to enable or disable the printer’s external signal communication port.
  • Page 58 3 . 9 . 1 6 E n a b l i n g A u t o F e e d The printer can be set to feed one label upon being turned on. Press the buttons to select YES or NO. The default setting is Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting and proceed to the next screen.
  • Page 59 3 . 9 . 1 9 S p e c i f y i n g T h e S E M B L S t a r t M o d e The printer can be set to go into SEMBL Mode automatically (to execute a preloaded BASIC program) upon being turned on.

  • Page 60: Hex Dump Mode

    During the HEX Dump, the following screen appears. The number of labels printed will be shown. When printing is done, press the LINE button to take the printer OFFLINE. The press ENTER to return to the main HEX DUMP Mode screen.

  • Page 61: Test Print Mode

    3 . 1 1 . 1 E n t e r i n g T e s t P r i n t M o d e 1. Make sure the printer is turned OFF. 2. Press and hold down the FEED button while turning the printer ON. The display will show TEST PRINT MODE.
  • Page 62 The test print will start, and it will cycle continuously. During printing, the ENTER button can be used to suspend and resume the test printing. To exit the Test Print mode, turn of the printer. Page 3-26 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 63: Overview Of All Modes

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-27...
  • Page 64 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D) Page 3-28 GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 65 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D) GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-29...
  • Page 66 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D) Page 3-30 GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 67 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ALL MODES (CONT’D) GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-31...
  • Page 68 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS (CON’TD) Page 3-32 GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 69 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS (CON’TD) Chart continued on next page GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-33...
  • Page 70 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS (CON’TD) Page 3-34 GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 71 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS (CON’TD) Chart continued on next page GT Series Operator’s Manual Page 3-35...
  • Page 72 Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.12 OVERVIEW OF ADVANCED INTERFACE MODE CONFIGURATIONS (CON’TD) Page 3-36 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 73: Restoring Factory Default Settings

    The printer is configured with default settings at the factory. During use, some of the default settings may be changed in a way that causes the printer to act in an undesirable manner. However, there is special Default Mode in which you can quickly restore all printer settings to the original factory settings as shown here: 3 .
  • Page 74 3 . 1 3 . 2 I f Y o u C h o s e t o R e s e t P r i n t e r S e t t i n g s In the previous menu, if you chose PRINTER SETTINGS, the following screen appears.

  • Page 75: Understanding Continuous Print And Tear Off Operations

    3.14 UNDERSTANDING CONTINUOUS PRINT AND TEAR OFF OPERATIONS The Continuous Print and Tear Off operations are available for use if the printer is not connected to a cutter or peeler. The difference between the two operations is in the way the label paper is ejected.
  • Page 76 Section 3: Configuration and Operation This page is intentionally left blank Page 3-40 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 77: Introduction

    Therefore, it is important to clean these important components periodically. A printer cleaning set and a set of cleaning sheets is provided with every printer. If any of the cleaning items need replacement, contact your authorized SATO dealer.

  • Page 78: How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning Set)

    2. Unlatch the print head unit using the head release lever. The print head is now accessible. 3. Wipe off the dirt on the printer head and paper sen- sor using a cleaning pen. (See figure on the right) 4. Moisten the cotton cloth with cleaning liquid, and use the cloth to wipe any dirt or accumulated adhesive off the platen roller.

  • Page 79: How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning Sheet)

    • The suggested cleaning schedule here are just guidelines. If necessary, clean as appropriate depending on the degree of contamination. • Use a cleaning pen or cotton cloth to clean the printer units. • Use only soft, lint-free materials for cleaning. Avoid using hard objects for the cleaning process, as they will damage the components.

  • Page 80: Adjusting Print Quality

    Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance 4.5 ADJUSTING PRINT QUALITY Print quality can be optimized with regular cleaning and maintenance of the print head and components along the label path. Additionally, you can fine-tune print quality by adjusting print darkness and print speed settings. 4 .
  • Page 81 On the GT408 and GT412, there are 11 settings, from 02 ip/s (slowest) to 12 ip/s (faster). The default setting is 6. On the GT424, there are five settings, from 02 ip/s to 06 ip/s, and the default setting is 3 ip/s.
  • Page 82 Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance This page is intentionally left blank Page 4-6 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 83: Interface Types

    Additionally, an optional Mini-LAN card can be installed in the GT series to provide printer status information to a LAN. The following are the different types of interface boards available:...

  • Page 84: Interface Card Dip Switch Settings (Rs-232C)

    Protocol setting C a u t i o n Always turn the printer OFF before attaching or detaching an interface card. Otherwise, severe electrical damage may be incurred, or bodily injury may be sustained. Note: Check the setting seal of the serial interface card.

  • Page 85: Interface Card Dip Switch Settings (Wireless Lan)

    The GT400 series Wireless Local Area Network interface card (optional) contains DIP switches for initializing LAN configuration, LAN printing configuration, LAN card self-diagnosis and wireless mode settings. The DIP switch settings must be made before installing the card into the printer. The DIP switch functions are: Switch No. Unused...

  • Page 86: Interface Card Dip Switch Settings (Mini Lan)

    The GT400 series Local Area Network interface card (optional) contains DIP switches for initializing LAN configuration, LAN printing configuration, and LAN card self-diagnosis. The DIP switch settings must be made before installing the card into the printer. The DIP switch functions are: Switch No.

  • Page 87: Serial Interface Specifications (Rs-232C)

    5.6 SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS (RS-232C) The serial interface of this printer conforms to the RS-232C standard. There are two types of receive modes: 1. Single Job Buffer These can be set using the dip switches. Basic Specifications Standard Interface Inside the printer...

  • Page 88: Ready/Busy

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.7 READY/BUSY Ready / Busy is the hardware flow control method for the serial interface on the printer. Data received cannot be guaranteed, when print data (ESC+"A"~ESC+"Z") is sent from the host, under the following conditions:...

  • Page 89: Single Job Buffer

    Re ce iv e, a n aly ze , e dit (2) P rint (1) td: delay from when the printer recognizes the com pletion of an item until control of the E R . (about 10µs) P ressing S tart / S top K ey S T X ·...

  • Page 90: Multi Job Buffer

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.9 MULTI JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Processing P o w e r O N P rin t e r sid e In itia l S T X · · ET X (1 ) P rin te r s ta tu s R e c e iv e , a n a ly z e , e d it ( 1 ) Timing Chart —...

  • Page 91: X-On/X-Off

    5.10 X-ON/X-OFF This transmission protocol informs the host if the printer can receive data or not, by sending the "XON" (Hex 11H) or "XOFF" (Hex 13H) code. Data received cannot be guaranteed, when print data (ESC+"A"~ESC+"Z") is sent from the host,...

  • Page 92: Single Job Buffer

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.11 SINGLE JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Processing P ow er ON P rinter side X ON Initial 500m s P rinter status N ote: T his protocol w ill execute an “X ON ” polling at an interval of 500m s, from the m om ent the power is turned on until the recepti Timing Chart —...

  • Page 93: Multi Job Buffer

    5.12 MULTI JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Processing P o we r O N P rin te r s id e XO N X O N In itia l 5 0 0 m s P rint er s ta tu s N o te : T his p ro to c o l w ill e xe cu te a n “XO N ”...

  • Page 94: Driver Protocol

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.13 DRIVER PROTOCOL This transmission protocol responds the status from the printer by using Enquire commands from the host to check the printer status. The status is immediately responded after the Enquire command has been received.
  • Page 95 5.13 DRIVER PROTOCOL (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Normal Processing P o w e r O N P rin te r s id e E N Q S TX · · E TX (1 ) In it ia l S ta tu s P rin te r s ta tu s R ec eive , a na ly ze , ed it (1) Timing Chart —...
  • Page 96 Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.13 DRIVER PROTOCOL (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Error Processing Pow er O N P rinter side S T X · · E TX (1) E N Q Initial S tatus P rinter status R ec eive , an aly ze , edit (1) Timing Chart —...
  • Page 97 5.13 DRIVER PROTOCOL (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Status Response Processing P ow er O N P rinter side S T X · · E T X (1) EN Q S tatus P rinter status Re ce iv e , an alyz e, edit (1) GT Series Operator’s Manual EN Q EN Q...
  • Page 98 In receiving this command, the ID number of received data currently being printed and the printer's condition, as well as the remaining quantity of print jobs and their names, are responded to the host. Furthermore, after printing or if no data has been received, or if the ID command has not been specified, the ID number will be responded back as spaces (Hex 20H), and the quantity of print jobs will be responded back as all zeroes (Hex 30H).
  • Page 99 (4) Print Start Request In receiving this command, Print Stop Request is cancelled and printing starts. The status response is the status of the printer after the receiving process has been completed. a) Command DC1 (Hex 11H) b) Status Byte Definition...
  • Page 100 5.13 DRIVER PROTOCOL (CONT’D) 3) Other Status Responses (1) Operating Status request In receiving this command, the printer settings are responded to the host. a) Command SOH (01H) + MG b) Responded status definition STX + the following status (30 bytes) + ETX...
  • Page 101 Reserved Reserved Buzzer settings (2) System Version Data Request In receiving this command, the printer system version information is responded. a) Command SOH (01H) + SB b) Responded Status Definition STX + Printer System Version + ETX c) Status Byte Definition...
  • Page 102 Registration number Registration name (4) Font Configuration Status request In receiving this command, the printer font data is echoed. a) Command SOH (01H) + FG b) Responded Status Definition STX + the following echo statuses (The echo byte number changes depending on the font...
  • Page 103 c) Status Byte Definition Item Font ID number Logo /Character selection Font name Font Style (character decoration) Font size (points) Character width Character height Font size (1 character byte) Font registration number Font data top address Total size Vertical writing flag Character pitch Family Character set...
  • Page 104 Status = Reception standby Printing amount = “000000” Job name = space ID number = “05” Printing amount = 100 Receive, Analyze, Edit Job name = “SATO” ID number = “05” Status = Analyzing, Editing Printing amount =”000000” Printing Job name = “SATO”...
  • Page 105 Printing amount = “000000” STATUS Job name = space ID number = “12” PRINT Printing amount =50 command Job name = “SATO” (Status request command) ID number = “12” Status = printing Printing amount = “0000050” STATUS Job name = “SATO”...

  • Page 106: Status 3

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.14 STATUS 3 This transmission protocol responds the status from the printer using requested commands from the host and targets printer status control in the host. Furthermore, the status is sent immediately after the request command has been received.

  • Page 107: Multi Job Buffer

    S TX · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ETX (1) Printer status Receive, analyze, edit (1) GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 108 S TX · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ETX (1) Printer status...
  • Page 109 5.15 MULTI JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Error Processing P o we r O N P rinter s ide EN Q S T X · · E TX (1 ) S ta tu s Prin te r s tatu s R ece iv e, a nalyze , edit ( 1) GT Series Operator’s Manual P a p e r E nd...
  • Page 110 5.15 MULTI JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Status Response This transmission protocol responds to the host, the printer's condition or response as a status by receiving 2 types of printing or requested commands. The details of each request or echo command are explained below.
  • Page 111 NAK (Hex 15H) (3) Print command In receiving the printing command (ESC+”A” – ESC+”Z”), printing commences. The status echoed is the status of the printer after the receiving process has been completed. i) Responded Status Definition Echo Status ACK (Hex 06H) NAK (Hex 15H) GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 112 Status = Reception standby STATUS Printing amount = “000000” PRINT ID number = “05” command Printing amount = 100 (Printer Normal) (Status request command) ID number = “05” Status = analyzing, editing STATUS Printing amount = ”000000” (Status request command) ID number = “05”...
  • Page 113 Job name = space PRINT command (Status request command) ID number =”12” Status = printing Printing amount = “000050” STATUS Job name = “SATO” (Cancel request command) (Printer Normal) PRINT command (Status request command) ID number = “13” Status = printing Printing amount = “000100”...

  • Page 114: Reference Flowchart

    Cancel? Sending print data Loop Time out? Note: In the event that an error is detected in the printer status, make sure to send the following data after clearing the error using ENQ. Page 5-32 Status display Cancel? Sending CAN...

  • Page 115: Parallel Interface Specifications (Centronics)

    5.17 PARALLEL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS (CENTRONICS) The parallel interface of this printer conforms to Centronics standards. Basic Specifications Interface board Connector Signal level Communication settings Maximum Reception buffer capacity Timing chart GT Series Operator’s Manual Printer Amphenol (DDK) 57 to 40360 (Equivalent)
  • Page 116 Output “High” will be maintained when the Reception buffer has reached full or when an error occurs in the printer, and “Low” will be output when the printer is ready to receive. Output The level will become “High”...

  • Page 117: Single Job Buffer

    AC K BU SY SE LECT F AUL T Printer status O n lin e R e ce iv e , an a lyze , e dit (1) GT Series Operator’s Manual P re ssing the S tart / S to p ke y P re ssing th e S tart / S to p k ey E S C A ·...
  • Page 118 Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.18 SINGLE JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Error Processing Po wer O N In itia l D AT A E SC A · · · · · E SC Z (1 ) ST R O BE AC K BU SY SE LEC T...

  • Page 119: Multi Job Buffer

    5.19 MULTI JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Processing P ower O N Initia l D ATA E S C A · · · · · · · · · E SC Z (1) S TRO BE A CK B US Y S ELEC T FA ULT P rinter S tatus...
  • Page 120 Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.19 MULTI JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Procedure during Paper End D AT A ES C A · · · · · · · · · · · · E SC Z (1) S TR O BE A CK B US Y S ELEC T...
  • Page 121 5.19 MULTI JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Error Processing D AT A E SC A · · · · · · · · · · · · E SC Z (1 ) S T RO BE A CK B US Y S ELE CT F A UL T P rin ter sta tu s...

  • Page 122: Ieee 1284 Interface

    Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.20 IEEE 1284 INTERFACE The IEEE 1284 Interface on the printer complies with IEEE1284 standards. The ECP mode is recommended for LPT1 port settings. Make sure to change the LPT1 port settings through the BIOS settings.
  • Page 123 5.20 IEEE 1284 INTERFACE (CONT’D) Pin Assignment Make sure to use a IEEE1284 compliant cable D-SUB 25P GT Series Operator’s Manual Micro-ribbon 36 P Page 5-41...

  • Page 124: Interface Signals

    The +5V voltage on the printer side. Connects to the ground for each signal Input LOW active signal that requests printer initialization. Output LOW active pulse signal that indicates a printer error. Input Signal for when using the IEEE1284 standard. Signal Type Content...

  • Page 125: Single Job Buffer

    5.22 SINGLE JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Processing P ower ON Initial E SC A · · · · ES C Z (1) D AT A S TR OBE A CK B US Y S ELEC T FA U LT P rinter Status Receive, analyze, edit (1) GT Series Operator’s Manual...
  • Page 126 Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.22 SINGLE JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Procedure during Paper End P ow er O N Printe r s id e E SC A · · · · · · · · · · ES C Z (1) D AT A S T RO B E A CK...

  • Page 127: Multi Job Buffer

    5.23 MULTI JOB BUFFER Timing Chart — Normal Process P ow er O N P rinter side E S C A · · · · · · · · · · E S C Z (1) D A T A S T R O BE A C K B U S Y...
  • Page 128 Section 5: Interface Specifications 5.23 MULTI JOB BUFFER (CONT’D) Timing Chart — Procedure during Paper End P ow er ON P rinter side D A T A E S C A · · · · · · · · · · · · · E S C Z (1) S TR OB E A C K B U S Y...

  • Page 129: Driver Protocol

    5.24 DRIVER PROTOCOL This transmission protocol responds to the host, the printer's condition or response as a status by receiving 2 types of printing or requested commands. The details of each request command or echo status are explained below. 1) Status Response...
  • Page 130 In receiving this command, printing is stopped and the contents of the reception buffer are all cleared. The status responded is the status of the printer after this procedure has been completed. After sending the cancel request command, the next data should be sent after a lapse of more than 100ms.
  • Page 131 (4) Print Start Request In receiving this command, Print Stop is cleared and the printer commences printing. The status responded is the status of the printer after reception has been completed. a) Command DC1 (Hex 11H) b) Status Byte Definition...
  • Page 132 5.24 DRIVER PROTOCOL (CONT’D) 2) Other Status responses (1) Operating Status request In receiving this command, the printer settings are responded to the host. a) Command SOH (01H) + MG b) Responded Status Definition STX + the following Status (30 bytes) + ETX...
  • Page 133 Reserved Reserved Buzzer settings (2) System Version Data Request In receiving this command, the printer system version information is echoed. a) Command SOH (01H) + SB b) Responded Status Definition STX + Printer System Version + ETX c) Status Byte Definition...
  • Page 134 Registration number Registration name (4) Font Configuration Data Request In receiving this command, the printer font data is responded. a) Command SOH (01H) + FG b) Responded Status Definition STX + the following statuses (The response byte number changes depending on the font...

  • Page 135: Initial Checklist

    PC (LPT1, LPT2, etc.)? If so, make sure you are send- ing data out the correct port. When you send the print job to the printer, and it does not respond, do you get an error message on your PC that says “Device Fault”...
  • Page 136 Non-Standard and your data stream is con- sistent with these. 5. If you’ve checked all of the above and the printer still isn’t printing, you may want to try a Receive Buffer Hex Dump to determine what (if anything) the printer is receiving from your computer.

  • Page 137: Using The Rs232C (Serial) Interface

    Stop Bits in relation to your host computer. If you are confused as to what the printer’s current RS232 set- tings are, you may choose the SATO defaults (all DIP switches in the OFF position) to achieve 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.

  • Page 138: Understanding The Status Indicators

    6.4 UNDERSTANDING THE STATUS INDICATORS The LED indicators flash to indicate the current status of the printer. Another indicator is the built- in buzzer which sounds audible beeps to alert the user. Indicator Activity STATUS Flashes (green) RIBBON Flashes (red)

  • Page 139: Understanding The Lcd Error Messages

    6.5 UNDERSTANDING THE LCD ERROR MESSAGES Error No. LCD Message GT Series Operator’s Manual Description Machine Error Cause: Circuit board problem Remedy: Contact a sales outlet, dealer, or service center Alarm sound: One long beep External signal: Machine error Flash ROM Error Cause(s): 1.
  • Page 140 Error No. LCD Message Page 6-6 Description Head Open error Cause(s): 1. The head unit is not properly locked in place 2. The micro switch that detects the head lock status is malfunctioning Lock the head unit properly. If the same error message Remedy: persists, contact a sales outlet, dealer, or contact the ser- vice center...
  • Page 141 Error No. LCD Message GT Series Operator’s Manual Description Memory Writing error Cause(s): 1. The memory cartridge is not inserted 2. There is no space left for copying 3. The writing or reading operation has failed for some reason 4. The memory has not been properly formatted 1.
  • Page 142 1. The print head has not been mounted properly in the printer 2. An unsupported print head has been mounted Remedy: Check that the print head is suitable for use with this printer, and that the print head is mounted properly Alarm sound: Three short beeps External signal: No output...
  • Page 143 Error No. LCD Message GT Series Operator’s Manual Description RFID Tag error Cause: Writing into RFID tag could not be performed normally Remedy: Write information in another RFID tag Alarm sound: Three short beeps External signal: Machine error RFID Tag error Cause: Writing into the RFID tag could not be performed normally...

  • Page 144: Lcd Warning Messages

    Alarm sound: One long beep External signal: No output Warning: Ribbon Near End Cause: The amount of ribbon remaining in the printer is low Remedy: Be ready to replenish the ribbon Alarm sound: One long beep External signal: Ribbon near end...

  • Page 145: Troubleshooting Guide

    What to check Is the printer head dirty, or is there any label stuck to the printer head? Are you using genuine SATO paper and carbon ribbons for the printer? Is the paper sensor dirty? Is the carbon ribbon wound...
  • Page 146 Page 6-12 Remedy Check if the paper and carbon ribbon are securely fixed. Also, lower the head-open lever of the printer head unit, and check if the paper and carbon ribbon are in the normal position. Check the paper and carbon ribbon. Set the print density again.
  • Page 147 Are the pitch correction (variable po- tentiometer) or base point correction (User Mode setting) correct? C a u t i o n Pull out the power cable before cleaning the printer. GT Series Operator’s Manual Remedy Fix the paper and carbon ribbon securely. Also,...
  • Page 148 Section 6: Troubleshooting This page is intentionally left blank Page 6-14 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 149: Available Interface Boards

    Before installing or removing interface boards, be sure to turn off the printer first. Discharge static electricity from your body before touching any of the electronic parts. Failure to observe these precautions can result in severe damage to the components.

  • Page 150: Label Management Accessories

    Instructions for installing each of the above accessories are supplied with the respective prod- ucts. An authorized SATO reseller can also arrange to install the products on site. For more information on any of the accessories available for the GT series printers, please con- tact an authorized SATO dealer near you.

  • Page 151: Pcmcia Memory Cartridge

    C a u t i o n • If a memory access command is sent to the printer that does not have a memory cartridge present, an error will occur. In that case, make sure to install a memory cartridge before issuing any commands to access a memory cartridge.
  • Page 152 Section 7: Optional Accessories This page is intentionally left blank Page 7-4 GT Series Operator’s Manual...

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