Download  Print this page

Zebra TLP 2824 User Manual

Desktop printer
Hide thumbs

Advertisement

TLP 2824
TM
Zebra
®
Desktop Printer

User Guide

Part #980485-001 | Rev. A

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

  Also See for Zebra TLP 2824

  Related Manuals for Zebra TLP 2824

  Summary of Contents for Zebra TLP 2824

  • Page 1: User Guide

    TLP 2824 Zebra ® Desktop Printer User Guide Part #980485-001 | Rev. A...
  • Page 2 980485-001A...
  • Page 3: Proprietary Statement

    (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
  • Page 4: Media And Ribbon

    Shock Hazard The printer and power supply should never be operated in a location where either one can get wet. Personal injury could result. Media and Ribbon Always use high-quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Introduction Hello!........... . . 1 What’s in the Box? .
  • Page 6 Communicating with the Printer ....... 18 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications ....18 Parallel Communications .
  • Page 7 980485-001A...
  • Page 8 980485-001A...
  • Page 9: Introduction

    Hello! Thank you for choosing a Zebra on-demand printer manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value—Zebra Technologies Corporation. For over 25 years, Zebra Technologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber of products and support. Your printer is a high-quality on-demand printer. The printer provides thermal-transfer printing (which uses ribbon) and direct-thermal printing.
  • Page 10: What's In The Box

    What’s in the Box? Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store the printer later. After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the procedures for inspecting the printer to familiarize yourself with printer parts so you can follow the instructions in this book.
  • Page 11: Inspecting The Printer

    Inspecting the Printer Look at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present. Opening the printer 980485-001A To access the media compartment, you must open the printer. Pull the release levers towards you and lift the cover.
  • Page 12 INSPECTING THE PRINTER (continued) After opening the printer, check the media compartment. 980485-001A...
  • Page 13: Closing The Printer

    Closing the printer 980485-001A Hold the top cover and press the “kick-stand” cover lock to release. Lower the top cover. The ribbon carriage automatically folds up into place. Press down until the cover snaps closed. MOVIE...
  • Page 14: Reporting Damage

    Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping 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.
  • Page 15: Getting Started

    This section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and use the most common operating procedures for loading media in tear-off mode and loading ribbon. Modes of Printing You can operate this printer in different modes: Standard tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of ■...
  • Page 16: Attaching Power Supply

    Attaching Power Supply Check the power supply to make certain it is appropriate for your input voltage. Warning: Use the power supply that came with your printer. Never operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet. Serious personal injury could result! 1.
  • Page 17: Loading Roll Media

    Loading Roll Media When you load media, you must place the roll on the media hangers and then adjust the media guides. MOVIE You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.
  • Page 18: Placing The Roll In The Media Compartment

    Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment MOVIE Whether your roll media is inside or outside wound you load it into the printer the same way. 1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release levers toward the front of the printer.
  • Page 19: Adjusting The Guides

    Adjusting the Guides 980485-001A The adjustable guides direct the media toward the platen and print head. 1. Open the media guides by turning the guide adjuster knob to the rear. 2. Thread the media through the guides. 3. Close the media guides by turning the guide adjuster knob to the front.
  • Page 20: Loading Ribbon

    Loading Ribbon You must use thermal transfer media (accepts wax and/or resin transferred off a ribbon) when you use a ribbon. When loading ribbon, you install the MOVIE supply and take-up rolls, then tighten the ribbon on the carriage. Install the Ribbon Supply Roll Install the Take-Up Core Before following these steps, prepare the ribbon by removing its wrapping and...
  • Page 21: Attach And Tighten The Ribbon

    Attach and Tighten the Ribbon 980485-001A You must align the ribbon so that it will be taken straight onto the core. 1. Attach the ribbon to the take up core. Use the adhesive strip on new rolls; otherwise, use tape. 2.
  • Page 22: Operator Controls

    Operator Controls Power Switch Press backward to turn ON or forward to turn OFF the printer. CAUTION: The power should be turned off before connecting or Feed Button Forces the printer to feed one blank label. Takes the printer out of a “pause” condition. (The printer is put into “pause”...
  • Page 23: Media Length Sensing

    Media Length Sensing Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by making the printer measure MOVIE media and print a status printout. UKQ2933H U V4.28.19 Serial port : 96,N,8,1 Image buffer size: 1032...
  • Page 24: Hooking Up The Printer And Computer

    Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Your printer will have one of three combinations of interfaces: Parallel ■ Universal Serial Bus (USB) and DB-9 serial ■ Ethernet and RJ-11 serial ■ Each specific interface option—USB, parallel, ethernet, serial—is discussed individually. You must supply the required interface cable for your application.
  • Page 25: Usb Interface Requirements

    USB Interface Requirements Universal Serial Bus (version 1.1) provides a high-speed interface that is compatible with your existing PC hardware. USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy. Multiple printers can share a single USB port/hub. Parallel Interface Requirements The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the parallel port located on the back of the printer.
  • Page 26: Communicating With The Printer

    Communicating with the Printer Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications The printer is a terminal device when using a universal serial bus interface. You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding this interface. Parallel Communications When using the parallel port, typically there is no setup is required once the cable is plugged in.
  • Page 27: Serial Communications

    Serial Communications Serial communications between the printer and the host computer can be set by the Y command. Y Command Use the serial port setup (Y) command to change the communications settings on the printer. 1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send the Y command to change the printer to the desired settings.
  • Page 28: Adjusting The Print Width

    Adjusting the Print Width Print width must be calibrated when you use a roll with a different width from previous media. Print width may be set by using the Set Label Width (Q) command (described in the programming guide). Adjusting the Print Quality Print quality is influenced by the heat of the print head, the speed of the media and the type of media you are using.
  • Page 29: Operation & Options

    This section helps you get the most from your printer. You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. A few examples: The Q command (set form length) controls label length. ■ The O command (hardware options) has a parameter "D" that changes ■...
  • Page 30: Replacing Supplies

    Replacing Supplies If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you load a new label or ribbon roll, press the Feed button to restart . Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons.
  • Page 31: Printing In Peel-Mode

    Printing in Peel-Mode 980485-001A The optional dispenser allows you to print in “peel-mode” where the label backing follows a different path and the labels are presented one at a time for subsequent placement. 1. Remove several labels from the backing material. 2.
  • Page 32: Printing On Fan-Fold Media

    Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on fan-fold media requires you to set both the media hangers and the media guides in position. 1. Open the top cover. 2. Open the hangers to their widest position. 3. Snap the holder-open lock towards the front of the printer.
  • Page 33: Using The Cutter Option

    Using the Cutter Option Printers that have a bezel with a motorized blade can dispense one or more forms that are then automatically cut from the media supply. This option cuts through continuous paper from rolls and liner between labels. Keep the cutter dry.
  • Page 34 980485-001A...
  • Page 35: Maintenance

    Cleaning When you clean the printer, use one or more of the following supplies that best suits your needs: Cleaning pens (12) Cleaning swabs (25) Cleaning cards, 2-in wide (25) Save-a-Print Head film, 2-in wide (3) The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.
  • Page 36: Print Head Considerations

    Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printer components along the media path including the platen and print head. This build-up can accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the print head, media path and platen roller could result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams and possible damage to the printer.
  • Page 37: Platen Considerations

    Platen Considerations The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper and liner dust can accumulate without effecting print operations. Contaminates on the platen roller can damage the print head or cause the media to slip when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust, oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.
  • Page 38: Replacing The Platen

    Replacing the Platen Removal Open the printer and remove any media. 1. Using a pointed stylus (such as tweezers, small slot-head screwdriver, or razor-knife), unhook the tabs on the right and left sides. Then rotate them forward. 2. Lift the platen out of the printer’s bottom frame.
  • Page 39: Replacing The Print Head

    Replacing the Print Head In the event you need to replace the print head, read the procedure and review the removal and installation steps before actually replacing the print head. Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge. Your work area must be static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.
  • Page 40: Thermal-Transfer Tlp Model

    Thermal-Transfer TLP Model Before following the steps in this procedure, open the printer by pulling the release latches forward then lifting the top cover. Remove any ribbon from the carriage. Removal 1. Grasp the print head spring and pull it to the left;...
  • Page 41 Replacing the TLP Print Head (Continued) Assembly 7. Slip the left end of the print head spring (G) into the left side of the ribbon carriage; then slide the right end into the other side. The angle of the "v" fits into the indent on top of the print head bracket. 8.
  • Page 42 980485-001A...
  • Page 43: Troubleshooting

    Color Status None Green constant Amber constant blinking constant 980485-001A Troubleshooting What the Status Light is Telling You Solution or Reason Check power connection from the A.C. outlet to power supply to printer. Printer printing (normal operation). Printer paused; ready to receive data (normal operation). Printer paused;...
  • Page 44 Problem Media does not advance. Media moves but nothing is printed. Printing is faded or poor. Prints only partial label or skips a label. Printing stops and indicator lights Amber or Red. Printer Operation Solution or Reason Check interface cable connections from computer to printer.
  • Page 45 Problem Printing continues between labels. Prints one label and then stops. Blade cuts through labels instead of cutting liner between labels. Media jammed in cutter. Blade fails to cut direct thermal paper or label liner. 980485-001A Media Handling Solution or Reason Label Dispenser Make sure label-taken sensor is on.
  • Page 46: Print Quality Problems

    Print Quality Problems No print on the label. You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require. ■ When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spindle.
  • Page 47 The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting of one to three labels. The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refer to ■ “Loading the Media” on page 9. The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to “Auto Calibration” on page ■...
  • Page 48: Manual Calibration

    Manual Calibration Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed media or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate. 1. Make sure the printer power is off and that media is loaded. 2. Press and hold the feed button then turn on the printer power. 3.
  • Page 49: Resetting The Factory Default Values

    Resetting the Factory Default Values Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the problems. For troubleshooting and to overwrite all stored parameters, send the ^default command. Communications Diagnostics If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode.
  • Page 50: Feed Button Modes

    Feed Button Modes Printer Condition Printer is off. Tapping or holding the button has no result. Cover is open Tapping or holding the button has no result. Tap the button once to perform a "form feed." Labels, tags or fan-fold forms are Hold the button to perform a "continuous feed."...
  • Page 51: Appendix

    Interfaces Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface. For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at: 980485-001A Http://www.usb.org Appendix Signal Vbus - N/C Ground Shell Shield/...
  • Page 52: Parallel Interface

    Parallel Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer's Centronics parallel interface. DB-25 HOST Pin No. STROBE~ DATA 0 DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA 7 ACK~ BUSY PAPER ERR.
  • Page 53: Internal Ethernet Printserver

    Internal Ethernet PrintServer This interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table below provides the pinout assignments. Signal — — — — 980485-001A Pin 4 Pin 3 Pin 2 Pin 1 Looking into the Printer’s RJ-45 Modular Connector Signal —...
  • Page 54: Serial (Rs-232) Connector

    Serial (RS-232) Connector The printer operates as a Data Communication Equipment (DCE) and normally connects via a standard RS-232 modem cable to a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) such as a computer or terminal with a default configuration of 9600 baud, 8 bit data, 1 stop bit and No parity. Host Host Female DB-25 to Male DB-9...
  • Page 55: Serial (Rj-11) Alternative Connector

    Serial (RJ-11) Alternative Connector The printer operates as a Data Communication Equipment (DCE) and those printers with ethernet connectors also have an alternative serial RJ-11 interface used to connect to a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) such as a computer or terminal with a default configuration of 9600 baud, 8 bit data, 1 stop bit and No parity.
  • Page 56 980485-001A...

This manual is also suitable for:

Tlp 2844Lp 2824