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Zebra TLP 3844-Z User Manual

Zebra technologies printer user manual
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TLP 3844-Z
Thermal Printers
User s
'
Guide
980441-001 Rev. A

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Table of Contents
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  • Page 1 TLP 3844-Z Thermal Printers User s Guide 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 2 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • 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

    Battery The main printed circuit board assembly includes a three-volt lithium battery. CAUTION—Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Note—Recycle batteries according to local your guidelines and regulations. Shock Hazard The printer and power supply should never be operated in a location where either one can get wet.
  • 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 Interfaces ..........49 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector.
  • Page 8 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 9: Introduction

    NOTE: Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label preparation software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information. Zebra TLP 3844-Z printers, when connected to a host computer, function as a complete system for printing labels and tags. 980441-001 Rev. A Introduction ®...
  • 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 980441-001 Rev. A 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. 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 13: Closing The Printer

    Closing the printer 980441-001 Rev. A 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 Zebra-supplied 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: Adjusting The Guides

    Adjusting the Guides 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 19: 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 supply and take-up rolls, then tighten the ribbon on the carriage. MOVIE Install the Ribbon Supply Roll Install the Take-Up Core 980441-001 Rev.
  • Page 20: Attach And Tighten The Ribbon

    Attach and Tighten the Ribbon 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. Turn the ribbon take-up gear counter-clockwise (top moves toward rear) to remove slack from the ribbon.
  • Page 21: Auto Calibration

    Auto Calibration NOTE: If you are using pre-printed labels, pre-printed label backing, or continuous media, see “Manual Calibration” on page 40. An auto calibration is performed when the printer is turned on (if media is loaded) or after a media error is cleared. When it is auto calibrating, the printer sets the sensor levels for, and determines the length of, the label you are using.
  • Page 22: Operator Controls

    Operator Controls Power Switch Press up to turn ON or down 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: Printing A Test Printout

    Printing a Test Printout 980441-001 Rev. A Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration printout. 1. Make sure the media is properly loaded and the top cover of the printer is closed.
  • Page 24: Hooking Up The Printer And Computer

    Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Your printer will have one of two combinations of interfaces: Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel and serial ■ USB, Ethernet (using the Internal ZebraNet® PrintServer II™) and ■ serial Each specific interface option—USB, parallel, Ethernet, serial—is discussed individually.
  • 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 (Continued) ^SC Command Use the Set Communications (^SC) 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 ^SC 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 are using the printer for the first time. ■ There is a change in the width of the media. ■ Print width may be set by way of the five-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes”...
  • 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 ~JL command controls label length. ■ The ^XA^MTD^XZ command changes the printing mode to direct ■...
  • 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, the printer flashes double-green until you press the Feed button to restart .
  • Page 31: Printing In Peel-Mode

    Printing in Peel-Mode 980441-001 Rev. A 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. Before using peel-mode, you must send the programming commands ^XA ^MMP ^XZ ^XA ^JUS ^XZ...
  • 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. Lock-down 1. Open the top cover. Screw 2. With a sample of your media, adjust the media hangers to the width of the media.
  • 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 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • 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, 4-in wide (25) Save-a-Print Head film, 4-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 980441-001 Rev. A The new print head comes with the clip and ground screw attached. 1. Align the print head and bracket to plug the left and right connectors into the black and white wire bundles. 2.
  • Page 42 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 43: Troubleshooting

    Status LED Condition and Color Solid Green Flashing Amber Flashing Green Flashing Red Double Flashing Green Solid Amber Alternately Flashing Green and Red Resolutions 1. The printer is not receiving power. Have you turned on the printer power? ■ Check power connections from the wall outlet to the power supply, and ■...
  • Page 44 3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST). If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an ■ authorized reseller for assistance. There is a shortage of memory. If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power ■...
  • Page 45 7. The print head is under temperature. Continue printing while the print head reaches the correct operating ■ temperature. The print head is over temperature. Printing will stop until the print head cools to an acceptable printing ■ temperature. When it does, the printer will automatically resume operation.
  • 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. MOVIE 1. Make sure media is loaded. 2. Turn on the printer power. 3. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once, then twice.
  • Page 49: Troubleshooting Tests

    Troubleshooting Tests Printing a Configuration Label To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the one-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 43. Recalibration 980441-001 Rev. A Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display unusual symptoms, such as skipping labels.
  • Page 50: Resetting The Factory Default Values

    Resetting the Factory Default Values Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the problems. Follow the four-flash sequence instructions in “Feed Button Modes” on page 43. Communications Diagnostics If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode.
  • Page 51: Feed Button Modes

    Feed Button Modes Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode) MOVIE With the printer power off, press and hold the feed button while you turn on the power. The printer prints out a listing of its current configuration. After printing the label, the printer will automatically enter a diagnostic mode in which the printer prints out a literal representation of all data subsequently received.
  • Page 52 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 53: Appendix

    Specifications Physical Specifications Size Weight Environmental Guidelines Operating temp. Operating humidity Storage temp. Storage humidity Electrical Printing Specifications Print Density Print Speed Print Width Print Length Registration Tolerance FLASH Memory (user available) DRAM Memory (user available) 980441-001 Rev. A 7.8 inches wide / 6.8 inches tall / 9.4 inches long (depth) 200 mm wide / 173 mm tall / 240 mm long (depth) 3.6 pounds / 1.6 kilograms 40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit / 5 to 40 degrees Celsius...
  • Page 54: Media Specifications

    Media Specifications Width Length Thickness Roll Size Requirements Always thoroughly test your desired media for your specific application before buying in large quantities. Ribbon Specifications for TLP model Roll Size Length Width Setup Requirements 1 to 4.25 inches / 25.4 to 108 millimeters) 0.5 to 39 inches / 13 to 559 millimeters with standard memory 0.08 to 0.16 inch (2.0 to 4.0 millimeters) 0.118 inch / 3.0 millimeters recommended...
  • Page 55 Font/Code Specifications Fonts 1D Bar Codes 2D Bar Codes Rotation Angles Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II ✔ Downloadable graphics, scalable and bitmap fonts, and label formats ✔ Object copying between memory areas (RAM and internal FLASH) ✔ Code Page 850 character set ✔...
  • Page 56: Agency Approvals

    Agency Approvals The thermal-transfer printer model TLP 3844-Z, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, complies with the applicable requirements: SUBJECT Emissions Susceptibility and Immunity Safety Options TLP 3844-Z ✔ ZebraNet PrintServer II (internal ethernet interface) ✔ Maximum 12 MB total memory ✔...
  • Page 57: Interfaces

    Interfaces Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface. For printer supported operating systems and drivers, see the software and documentation CD or visit the Zebra printer web site at: For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at: 980441-001 Rev.
  • Page 58: Parallel Interface

    Parallel Interface The maximum current available through the interface port is not to exceed a total of 0.75 amps. Pin No. 16-17 19-30 33-34 Description NStrobe/Host Clk Data Bits 1-8 nACK/PtrClk Busy/Per Busy PError/ACK Dat Req. Select/Xflag NAuto Fd/Host Busy Not Used Ground +5 V @ 0.75 A Fused...
  • Page 59: Zebranet® Printserver Ii For Ethernet Networks

    ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks This interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table below provides the pinout assignments. Signal You can refer to the ZebraNet® PrintServer II Installation and Operation Guide for details regarding this interface. 980441-001 Rev. A Pin 4 Pin 3 Pin 2...
  • Page 60: Serial (Rs-232) Connector

    Serial (RS-232) Connector Pin No. Description Not used RXD (receive data) input to the printer TXD (transmit data) output from the printer DTR (data terminal ready) output from the printer -- controls when the host may send data Chassis ground DSR (data set ready) input to the printer RTS (request to send) output from the printer -- always in the ACTIVE condition when the printer is turned on...
  • Page 61 Connecting the Printer to a DTE Device DB-25S Connector to DTE Device (PC) Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device DB-25S Connector to DCE Device 980441-001 Rev. A DB-9P DB-9S Connector Connector to Printer to DTE Device (PC) DB-9P DB-9S Connector Connector to Printer...
  • Page 62 980441-001 Rev. A...
  • Page 63 agencies ..... . . 48 attaching power ....8 auto calibration .
  • Page 64 inspecting printer....3 interface..... . . 16 ethernet.
  • Page 65 recalibrating the printer ... 41 related documentation ... . . 6 release latches ....3 replace the print head .