Battery ... 9 Battery Safety ... 9 Installing the Battery ... 9 Charging the Battery ... 9 Model LI 72 Single Battery Charger ... 9 Model UCLI72-4 Quad Charger ... 10 Charger Safety ... 10 Loading the Media ... 12 Loading Media in the RW 420 Printer ...
Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
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Figure 1: RW 420 Overview Platen Roller Bar Sensor Media Support Disks Printhead Latch Release Button Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) Slot Communications Port Door “D” Rings Control Panel 10. Smart Card Slot 11. Gap Sensor 12. Bottom Media Feed Slot (external media models only) 13.
If you discover shipping damage: • Immediately notify and file a damage report with the ship- ping company. Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during shipment of the printer and will not cover the repair of this damage under its warranty policy.
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Figure 2: Installing the Battery Insert this end of the Battery Pack into the printer Rock the Battery Pack into the Printer until the latch clicks into place. Figure 3: Single Charger LI72 Charger Rotate Belt Clip out of the way. Charger Jack RW 420 User Guide For best...
(see “Charging the Battery” below and “Operator Controls.”) Charging the Battery Model LI 72 Single Battery Charger Refer to Figure 3. Your battery charger may look slightly dif- ferent from the one illustrated. 1. Plug the Charger into the appropriate A.C. wall receptacle.
The battery may have an internal short, or its charge monitoring circuitry may be malfunctioning. The battery should not be used any further. NOTE: While the LI 72 Charger allows Battery Packs to be charged when installed in the printer, best results are obtained with the battery removed.
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Note: A fault condition is caused by a problem with the battery. The charger may indicate a fault because the battery is too hot or cold to charge reliably. Try to charge the battery again when it returns to the room’s ambient temperature. If the Amber indicator starts flashing on the second attempt, the battery should be discarded.
Loading the Media The RW 420 printer is designed to print either continuous (journal) media or label stock. Loading Media in the RW 420 Printer 1. Open the printer: Refer to Figure 5. • Press the latch release button on the side of the printer as shown at “1”...
Loading Media From An Internal Supply • Refer to Figure 6. Pull the media supports apart, insert the roll of media between them, and let the media sup- ports close. Ensure that the media pulls off the core in the direction shown in Figure 6. The supports will adjust themselves to the width of the media, and the roll of me- dia should be able to spin freely on the supports.
Loading Media From An External Supply Refer to Figure 7. The RW 420 configured with the Ex- ternal Media option has a loading slot in the rear of the media compartment allowing you to use standard 4 in. (101.6 mm) wide fanfold media from an external supply. The external supply must be designed such that it does not exert excessive drag as media is fed through the printer, which could result in distorted printing.
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4. Close the Media Cover: Refer to Figure 8. • Pull the media out of the printer as shown at “1.” • Close the media cover as shown at “2”, ensuring that it latches securely into place. • Turn the printer on or press the Feed button if the printer is already on.
Operator Controls Control Panel The control panel has buttons for the power on/off and media feed functions and a display for providing information regarding printer functions. Two keys provide easy navigation and selection of menu options affecting many printer func- tions.
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The LCD has a backlighting option which allows viewing of the screen in a dark environment, or provides better contrast in a very bright environment. Use of the display backlight will decrease the time the printer will run between charges. Refer to the section “Extending Battery Life”...
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Extended LCD Functions Function Sensor Type Baud Rate Data Bits Parity LCD Contrast No-activity Timeout Flip Screen Audio Volume Media Type LCD Backlight Factory Reset (Resets all to factory set values) Default setting Scroll & Select Options • Bar • Gap 19200 •...
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Display Functions Not Accessible from the Keypad Function WLAN ID Tear-off Position (Top of Form) Network & RF Settings Bridge Mode DTR/VBUS-Power Off Present-at Bluetooth parameters 802.11b WLAN parameters Media Type Smart Card or MSR Card Reader Status NOTES: 1. LCD Backlight turns on when any key other than FEED is pressed 2.
Verify the Printer Is Working Before you connect the printer to your computer or portable data terminal, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration label using the “two key reset” method. If you can’t get this label to print, refer to “Troubleshooting.”...
Connecting the Printer The printer must establish communications with a host terminal which sends the data to be printed. Communications occur in three basic ways: • By a cable between the printer and its host terminal using either RS232C or USB protocols. •...
terminal as shown in Figure 12, or to a serial port on a com- puter as shown in Figure 13. Communications between the terminal and the printer are controlled by the applications run- ning on the terminal and the printer. RW 420 Printers also can communicate by cable via the USB protocol.
vices. (USB drivers are included in the Zebra Universal Driver which can be downloaded from www.zebra.com/drivers .) Other terminals or communications devices may require the installa- tion of special drivers to use the USB connection. Consult the factory for further details. Wireless Communications Wireless Communications with Bluetooth The following section only applies when the ZBR3 Bluetooth Radio...
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against the body and the front of the printer (where paper exits) away from the body, then the 2.5 cm distance between the antenna and the users body will be met. Do not use the printer in an unauthorized manner. The internal Bluetooth radio operates within guidelines found in radio frequency safety standards and recommendations.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Module Using CF Radio The following section only applies when the CF (Compact Flash) WLAN module (With FCC ID: I28MD-RW4137) is installed in a RW 420 printer (note that only one of the radio options can be installed in the printer at one time). The FCC ID number is on the serial number label on the back of the printer and can be read with the module installed.
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Europe – EU Declaration of Conformity This device complies with the essential requirements of the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/ EC. The following test methods have been applied in order to prove presumption of compliance with the R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC: • EN 60950: 2000 Safety of Information Technology Equipment •...
Wireless Local Area Network Overview RW 420 printers can be equipped with several radio options which use the industry standard 802.11b protocol. • RW 420 printers with a Compact Flash (CF) radio module can be identified by the FCC ID number “I28MD-RW4137” and other regulatory information on the serial number label on the back of the unit.
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You can also use Label Vista™, Zebra’s Windows™ based label creation program which uses a graphical in- terface to create and edit labels in the CPCL language. Label Vista is available on-line from Zebra’s Web site at: http://www.zebra.com/SD/product _ LabelVista.htm RW 420 printers also support an interpreter for ZPL II EPL programming languages.
Card Reader Options The RW 420 can be equipped with optional Magnetic Stripe and Smart Card readers. The magnetic stripe card reader al- lows the user to swipe magnetic stripe cards such as credit cards through a slot in the printer and then read and process the data contained in the card.
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The MSR is used as follows: 1. When the reader is enabled, place the card into the reader slot as shown. The magnetic stripe (typically on the back of the card) must face the bottom of the printer, and be inserted into the bottom of the card reader slot as shown in Figure 15.
Smart Card Reader The optional Smart Card reader is used as follows: 1. The LCD will display “RDR” to indicate the Smart Card reader is active. (Some reader applications may flash the display backlight and/or chime three times to indicate the reader status is “ready.”) At this time, the Printer is acting only as a Smart Card reader connected to the host termi- nal;...
Using the Accessories Belt Clip Refer to Figure 17. All RW 420 printers are equipped with a belt clip as standard. To use: hook the clip over your belt, and ensure that the clip is securely attached to the belt. The belt clip will pivot to allow you to move freely while wearing the printer.
Adjustable Shoulder Strap Refer to Figure 18. If your printer is equipped for the shoul- der strap option: snap each end of the shoulder strap into the “D” rings in the top of the printer. Slide the buckle away from or towards the printer until you achieve the desired length.
Cradle The RW 420 can be used in conjunction with a docking Cradle. When the printer is “docked” the Cradle will charge the printer’s battery and allow the printer to print, receive and transmit data as usual. The Cradle can provide power from a 12 VDC power supply either from a power take-off point in a vehicle or from an external power supply running off A.C.
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Figure 20: Installing the Printer into the Cradle Charge Indicator Rock the Printer into the Cradle to latch it in position. Power Indicator Always Green when power is on RW 420 User Guide Remove retain the Docking Connector Cover Place the Printer over the retaining pins in the...
mounted vertically. Refer to Figure 19. Removing the Printer from the Cradle Refer to Figure 21. • Turn the Printer off. • Push on the latch on the Cradle and rock the top of the printer away from the Cradle. •...
Always dispose of used batteries properly. Refer to Appendix D for more information on proper bat- tery disposal. • Don’t print while the LI 72 Wall Charger is plugged into the unit. Unreliable battery charging can result. Cleaning Instructions CAUTION- Use only cleaning agents specified.
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RW 420 Cleaning Area Use the supplied cleaning pen or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a Printhead cotton swab to clean the print (Figure 22) elements from end to end (the print elements are located in the thin gray line on the printhead).
Troubleshooting LCD Control Panel Indicators The top of the display shows several icons which indicate various printer functions. Check the indicator status, then refer to the Troubleshooting topic referenced in the chart to resolve the problem. Status Icon Condition Steady Steady Flashing Flashing...
Troubleshooting Topics 1. No power • Check that battery is installed properly • Recharge or replace battery as necessary. ( of used batteries properly. Refer to Appendix D for more information on proper battery disposal.) 2. Media does not feed: •...
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9. Flashing • Check that media is loaded. • Ensure Media Cover is properly closed and latched. 10. Skips labels (only when using label stock): • Check media for top of form sense mark or label gap. • Check that the maximum print field has not been exceeded on label.
Troubleshooting Techniques Printing a Configuration Label To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration fol- low these steps: 1. Turn the printer off. Load the media compartment with journal media (media with no black bars printed on the back) 2.
3. Press the FEED key. The printer will print: “Entering DUMP mode.” NOTE: If the FEED key is not pressed within 3 seconds, the printer will print “DUMP mode not entered” and will resume normal operation. 4. At this point, the printer is in DUMP mode and will print the ASCII hex codes of any data sent to it, and their text representation (or “.”...
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Figure 23: Configuration Label Example RW 420 User Guide Print Head Test End of First Report Unit Serial Number Software and Firmware installed Settings for RS232 and USB communications via cable Report appears only on units with wireless options installed. Units with no wireless options will print an empty...
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1. Dual radio units as illustrated above are not yet offered for sale. This option will be offered after initial product release. Figure 23a: Configuration Label Example (continued) RW 420 User Guide Information on any installed 802.11b wireless devices In this example, an 802.11b WLAN card has been detected.
Specifications NOTE.- Printer specifications are subject to change without notice. Printing Specifications Print Width Print Speed Distance from Print Element to Tear Edge Print Head Life, calculated Print Density Memory/Communications Specifications Flash Memory RAM Memory Standard Communications Optional Wireless Communications Up to 4.09 in.
Communications Ports Signal Pin# Name VBUS USB - USB + USB_ID Return RS232 Signal Pin# Name Type Description USB Bus Power bi-directional I/O signals bi-directional I/O signals Identifies A/B connector Ground Type Description no connect no connect input Receive Data output Transmit Data output...
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RS232 Figure 24: Communication Ports RW 420 User Guide...
Media Specifications Media Width Max. continuous receipt (w/std. memory) Inter-label Gap. Label Thickness Max. Label Roll dia. Label Inner Core Black Mark Dimensions Media Requirements Use Zebra brand direct thermal media that is outside wound. Media may be reflective (black mark) sensing, or transmissive (gap) sensing, die-cut, or continuous.
Font/Bar Code Specifications Fonts Available Linear Bar Codes Available 2-D Bar Codes Available Rotation Angles Standard Fonts: 25 bit-mapped fonts; 1 scalable font (CG Trimvirate Bold Condensed*) Downloadable optional bit-mapped & scalable fonts via Label Vista software. Optional International character sets: Chinese 16 x 16 (trad), 16 x 16 (simplified), 24 x 24 (simplified);...
Physical/Environmental/Electrical Specifications Weight w/ battery, 2.0 lbs. (.91 kg. ) excluding media* Operating: -4° to 131° F (-20° to 55° C) Temperature Storage: -22° to 149° F (-30° to 65° C) Range Operating:10% to 90% (non-condensing) Relative Humidity Storage: 10% to 90% (non-condensing) Battery 7.4V Lithium-Ion 4 AHr.
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6.9” [175 mm] 3.7” [94 mm] max. 3.1” [76 mm] max. 7.4” [188 mm] Notes: 1. Dimensions shown are for units with the MSR/Smart Card option installed. Subtract .08” 1.8” [46 mm] .25” [6 mm] [2 mm] from these dimen- sions for units without this option.
Model RCLI-DC Mobile Chargers DC-DC run/charge units Model RCLI-AC Mobile Charger- 12 VDC input w/ cigarette lighter adapter Model LI 72- Single Battery Charger 120-230 VAC input Model UCLI72-4-Four Battery Charger 100-240 VAC input (U.S./ Japan) Model UCLI72-4-Four Battery Charger 100-240 VAC input (U.K.)
Appendix A Interface Cables RS232 Download Cable Part Number BL17205-1; RW Mod Plug to 9-Pin DB PC Cable PIN 9 PIN 1 SHIELD USB Cable Part Number AT17010-1; USB A to USB Mini B Cable RW Series User Guide Appendices 10 PIN MOD Plug (Printer Signals) (TXD)
• Media products that meet or exceed industry standards. For more information call Zebra Technologies Corporation at +1.866.230.9495 (U.S., Canada and Mexico) and ask to speak to a Media Sales Representative.
• Product Configuration Code (PCC)-15 digit number start- ing with “RW4” Product Configuration Code Serial Number For product support, contact Zebra Technologies at: www.zebra.com Zebra Technologies International, LLC 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 USA Phone: +1.847.793.2600 or +1.800.423.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Li-Ion bat- tery recycling and disposal bans/restrictions in your area. Zebra Technologies Corporation’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources.
Patent Numbers This product and/or its use may be covered by one or more of the following US patents and corresponding international patents worldwide D275,286 5,029,183 D347,021 5,047,617 D389,178 5,103,461 D430,199 5,113,445 D433,702 5,140,144 3,964,673 5,132,709 4,019,676 5,142,550 4,044,946 5,149,950 4,360,798 5,157,687 4,369,361...