No Liability for Consequential Damage In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,...
Hello! Thank you for purchasing this high-quality Zebra XiIII -Series printer, manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value -- Zebra Technologies Corporation. For over 25 years, Zebra has provided customers with the highest caliber of products and support.
Reporting Damage If you discover shipping 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 equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty.
Since print quality is affected by media and ribbon, printing speeds, and printer operating modes, it is very important to run tests for your applications. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND the use of Zebra Technologies Corporation-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to ensure against premature printhead wear.
Determine the type of media (labels) being used. Choose the print method. Position the media sensors (if necessary). Configure the printer and software or driver based on the label being used. Perform a media and ribbon calibration. Print a test label. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Hole Non-continuous media with a hole or notch Label gap (2-4 mm) Non-continuous media with gaps between the labels (individual labels on a continuous liner) Figure 2 Notch Label gap (2-4 mm) Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Continuous media (refer to Figure 4) is one uninterrupted roll of material that allows the image to be printed anywhere on the label. Continuous media (no gaps, holes, notches, or black marks) Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Figure 3 Figure 4...
After this label is removed from the printer, the next one is printed. When in cutter mode, the printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed. In rewind mode, the media and backing are rewound onto a core as the labels are printed. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Anywhere along the width of the media if there is a gap between labels. NOTE: If you are using continuous media, position the upper media sensor over the media so that the printer can detect an out-of-paper condition. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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3. Slightly loosen the upper media sensor adjustment screw (Phillips head). 4. Using the tip of the screwdriver, slide the upper sensor along the slot to the desired position. 5. Secure the upper media sensor adjustment screw. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Upper media sensor adjustment screw Figure 6...
Black Mark Sensor The black mark sensor is in a fixed position and enabled via the front panel (details in “Configuring the Printer” Lower media sensor Figure 7 on page 15). Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
To load ribbon, refer to Figure 8 (for the 90XiIII, 96XiIII, and 140XiIII) and Figure 9 (for the 170XiIII and 220XiIII). For more detailed information, refer to the instructions Printhead Closed Printhead Closed Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide that begin on page 39. Ribbon take-up lever spindle Open Figure 8...
(LCD) during the calibration procedure. For a more detailed explanation of the front panel keys and lights (as shown in Figure 10), refer to the that begin on page 24. instructions Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Figure 10...
LEFT BLACK OVAL key. NOTE: When changing parameters, an asterisk (*) in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates that you have changed this setting from what is currently stored in memory. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide more information.
Press the BLACK OVAL keys to select: PERMANENT -- saves the changes when the power is turned off. Press NEXT/SAVE to accept the selection. You have exited the configuration mode and are now ready to calibrate the printer. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
4. Open the printhead. Remove approximately 8” (203 mm) of labels from the media roll, enough so that only the backing material is threaded between the media sensors when the media is loaded (refer to Figure 11). Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Figure 11 Remove labels...
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“MEDIA AND RIBBON CALIBRATE” displays. The printer is calibrated when the media stops feeding. 13. Press the SETUP/EXIT key to leave the programming mode. Choose “permanent” when SAVE CHANGES displays. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
If you encounter any problems while you are configuring or calibrating the printer or printing a test label, refer to Troubleshooting, which starts on page 75. Otherwise, refer to up the communication parameters. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Establishing Communication Figure 12 on page 21 to set...
Parity only applies to data transmitted by the printer since the parity of received data is ignored. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide ® Twinax or IBM Coax Printer Computer Male...
Class A limits. RS-422 and RS-485 applications should use twisted shielded pairs as recommended in the Appendix of the TA/EA.-485 Specification. Printer Computer 36-pin male 25-pin female 10’ maximum Figure 14 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 25-pin male...
External influences, such as lightning storms or noise on the power or data cables, may cause erratic printer behavior. Turning the printer’s power off and back on may re-establish proper printer operation. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Printer Basics...
Front Panel Display The front panel display communicates operational status and programming modes and parameters. Figure 15 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Common uses are: to increase/decrease a value, answer “yes” or “no,” indicate “on” or “off,” scroll through several choices, input the password, or set up the printer for a firmware download. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Function...
Data processing or printing is taking place. No data is being received. The printer is receiving data from or sending status information to the host computer. Flashing slows when the printer cannot accept more data, but returns to normal once data is again being received. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
4. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media guide and media supply guide so they just touch, but not restrict, the edge of the roll. 5. Close the printhead. Printhead lever Open Closed Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Media guide Figure 16 Media supply...
The media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway when wound onto the rewind spindle/core. 9. Close the printhead. 10. To discard the label backing from the rewind spindle, refer to “Removing the Label Backing Material” on page 38. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Printhead lever Media supply Open guide Media Label Closed Media guide Tear-off/ peel-off Label backing Rewind spindle Rewind plate Hook Guide plate Figure 17 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
10. Wind the label backing around either the 3” (76 mm) core or the rewind spindle and reinstall the hook. 11. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media guide and media supply guide so they just touch, but not restrict, the edge of the roll. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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The media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway when wound onto the rewind spindle/core. 12. Close the printhead. Printhead lever Open Closed Side plate Rewind plate Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Media guide Guide Hook Figure 18 Media supply guide Media...
4. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media guide and media supply guide so they just touch, but not restrict, the edge of the roll. 5. Close the printhead. 6. The printer will automatically feed out and cut one label when the printer is turned on. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Printhead lever Media supply Open guide Media Closed Media guide Cutter Figure 19 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
10. Wind the label backing around either the 3” (76 mm) core or the rewind spindle and reinstall the hook. 11. Flip up the media supply guide. Slide in the media guide and media supply guide so they just touch, but not restrict, the edge of the roll. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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The media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway when wound onto the rewind spindle/core. 12. Close the printhead. Printhead lever Open Closed Side Cutter plate Rewind plate Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Media guide Guide Hook Figure 20 Media supply guide Media Rewind...
3. Load media as shown. If in cutter mode, route media through the cutter. 4. Slide in the media guide so it just touches, but not restricts, the edge of the roll. 5. Close the printhead. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Bottom supply Printhead lever Open Closed Media guide Media Figure 21 Rear supply Printhead lever Open Closed Media guide Media Figure 22 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
2. Pull out the hook. Slide the backing material off of the rewind spindle and discard. 3. Wind the media around the rewind spindle once or twice and reinstall the hook. Continue winding to remove any slack in the media. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
This acts as a ribbon leader. 6. Thread the ribbon (with leader, if used) as shown without creasing or wrinkling it. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Figure 23 (for the 90XiIII, 96XiIII, and 140XiIII) (for the 170XiIII and 220XiIII) and follow the procedure...
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9. Close the printhead. Closed Closed Ribbon Printhead take-up lever spindle Open Figure 23 Ribbon Printhead take-up lever spindle Open Figure 24 Figure 25 Ribbon supply spindle Ribbon supply spindle Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
(see Figure 25 inset). 4. Remove the empty core from the ribbon supply spindle. 5. Follow the Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide ribbon loading procedure Figure 25 on page 39 to load the new ribbon.
An asterisk (*) in the upper left-hand corner of the display indicates that the value displayed is different than the currently stored value. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Configuration POST, refer to page 81.) You may now set printer on page 85.
“x” can be any number, one to four digits in length, except Ø. you are sure you know what you are doing! If they are set incorrectly, these parameters could cause the printer to function in an unpredictable way. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
(if they were changed). LOAD DEFAULTS - Loads factory defaults. The factory defaults are shown on the following pages. NOTE: Loading factory defaults will require printer calibration. LOAD LAST SAVE - Loads values from the last permanent save. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you wish to use. Be sure to select a print mode that your hardware configuration supports since some selections displayed are for optional printer features. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Press Display Shows MEDIA TYPE SENSOR TYPE PRINT METHOD Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Setting Media Type Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to display other choices. Default: Continuous Selections: Continuous, non-continuous This parameter tells the printer the type of media you are using.
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Always set the value that is closest to, but not lower than, the length of the label you are using. For example, if the length of the label is 14.5 inches (368 mm), set the parameter for 15.0 inches (381 mm). “Printing Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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LIST IMAGES LIST FORMATS LIST SETUP LIST ALL Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation List Fonts Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to print a label listing all of the available fonts. This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer, including standard printer fonts plus any optional fonts.
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When initialization is complete, the printer will automatically exit the configuration mode and the front panel will display “PRINTER READY.” NOTE: Depending on the amount of free FLASH memory, initialization may take up to one minute to complete. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Press Display Shows SENSOR PROFILE Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Sensor Profile Press NEXT/SAVE to skip this standard calibration procedure and continue with the media and ribbon calibration parameter which follows. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to initiate this standard calibration procedure and print a media sensor profile.
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The process is now complete! To see the new readings on the new scale, print a sensor profile. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Press Display Shows PARALLEL COMM SERIAL COMM BAUD DATA BITS Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Setting Parallel Communications BLACK OVAL key to display other choices. Default: Parallel Selections: Parallel, twinax/coax Select the communications port that matches the one being used by the host computer.
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ZPL II Programming Reference Volumes I and II. NOTE: Zebra is the same as ACK/NACK except that with Zebra the response messages are sequenced. NOTE: If Zebra is selected, printer must use “DTR/DSR” host handshake protocol. Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Press Display Shows NETWORK ID COMMUNI- CATIONS Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Setting Network ID Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to move to the next digit position, press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase the value of the digit.
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The delimiter character is a 2-digit hex value used as a parameter place marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. Refer to the ZPL II Programming Reference Volumes I and II for more information. Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key to Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Press Display Shows ZPL MODE Power-Up and Head Close Parameters MEDIA POWER HEAD CLOSE Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Selecting ZPL Mode Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to display other choices. Default: ZPL II Selections: ZPL II, ZPL The printer will remain in the selected mode until it is changed by this front panel instruction or by using a ZPL/ZPL II command.
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This parameter establishes how far from the left edge of a label the format will begin to print by adjusting horizontal positioning on the label. Positive numbers adjust the printing to the left by the number of dots selected, negative numbers shift printing to the right. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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Display Shows HEAD TEST COUNT HEAD RESISTOR VERIFIER PORT Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Setting the Head Test Count key to move to the next digit position, press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to change the value of the digit.
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They should only be changed by a qualified service technician. Refer to the maintenance manual for more information on these parameters. Press the NEXT/SAVE key repeatedly to skip these parameters. Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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FORMAT CONVERT IDLE DISPLAY* RTC DATE* RTC TIME* * Option required Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation LCD Display Adjustment decrease the value (reduce brightness), press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase the value (increase brightness). Range: 00 to 19 This parameter allows you to adjust the brightness of your display if your display is difficult to read.
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RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to increase the value of the digit. This parameter allows you to select the IP address that the network traffic is routed through if the destination address is not part of the local network. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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You have now completed the entire configuration and calibration sequence. You may either press the NEXT/SAVE key or the SETUP/EXIT key. DARKNESS SAVE SETTINGS PRINTER READY Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Action/Explanation Selecting the Display Language Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key to display other choices. Default: English...
Ribbon sensor Label available sensors Tear-off/peel-off bar Snap plate Cutter * Zebra recommends using a solvent containing 90% isopropyl alcohol. CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Method Solvent* Solvent* Air blow Air blow Solvent*...
(The print elements are on the brown strip just behind the chrome strip on the printhead.) Allow a few seconds for the solvent to evaporate. Figure 27 and follow these steps: Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
The media, ribbon, and label available sensors should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure proper operation of the printer. To locate these sensors, refer to Figure 27, Brush/vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust off of these sensors. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Ribbon sensor Tear-off/peel-off...
5. To reinstall the snap plate, insert the two tabs on the bottom of the snap plate into the two slots of the media pathway. 6. Slide the snap plate toward you. 7. Press down on the loops to lock the snap plate into place. loops! Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
“in-circuit.” If you use the spare fuse, be sure to order a replacement fuse (fuses can be ordered from your Zebra distributor). this printer! Some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the mechanical parts if used. certification mark Figure of a known Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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If the new fuse fails right away, the printer has an internal component failure and must be repaired. Fuse AC power holder entry module Small blade screwdriver Figure 30 Spare fuse Fuse holder In-circuit fuse Figure 31 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
The toggles are positioned by sliding them to the desired location. On media too narrow to accommodate both toggles, or if you are using a 90 or 96 XiIII printer, position one toggle over the center of the media and decrease the pressure on the unused toggle.
2. Print some labels at 2.4"/61 mm per second (1”/25.4 mm for the 96 XiIII) by running the 3. While printing labels, lower the darkness setting until a gray level of printing is seen.
The media sensor is not adjusted properly. The printer is set for non-continuous media, but continuous media is loaded. The incorrect media sensor is being used. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Troubleshooting Solution Load the ribbon correctly. See page 39. Perform the media and ribbon sensor calibration page 17).
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Remove the ribbon and set the printer to direct thermal mode. Ensure that the printer driver and/or software settings are correctly set (if applicable). Solution Allow the printer to cool. Printing automatically resumes when the printhead elements cool to an acceptable operating temperature. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide error, disable...
Problem *There is not enough memory to perform the function shown on the second line of the error message. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Solution Continue printing while the printhead reaches the correct operating temperature. If the error remains, the environment may be too cold for proper printing.
66. Solution Clean the printhead, platen roller, or both according to the instructions on page 66. Solution Reduce the toggle pressure. Refer to the pressure adjustment on page 73. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide instructions on printhead...
A label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. The DATA light does not flash. Problem The communication parameters are incorrect. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Solution Load the ribbon correctly. See page 39. Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for good print quality.
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Check the printer driver or software communications settings (if applicable). Solution Verify the prefix and delimeter page 56. Ensure that ZPL is being used. Check the communication settings on the computer. Ensure that they match the printer settings. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide characters. See...
See page 48 for information on Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide setting the print width.
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(by saving the new parameters in memory). Saving new parameters occurs whenever a calibration procedure is performed. Refer to page 15 for further information about the configuration procedure. Figure 33 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
2. Press and hold the PAUSE key while turning on the power. The initial self test prints 15 labels at 2.4"/61 mm per second (1”/25.4 mm for the 96 XiIII) per second, then automatically pauses the printer. Each time the PAUSE key is pressed, an additional 15 labels print.
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The value printed on that label is added to (plus) or subtracted from (minus) the darkness value specified on the configuration label. The resulting numeric value (0 to 30) is the best darkness value for that specific media/ribbon combination. Figure 35 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
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NOTE: This label will be inverted when printed. Figure 36 Additional Printer Diagnostics Additional diagnostic tests are available for this printer, however they are beyond the scope of this user’s guide. Refer to the maintenance manual for information about these additional tests. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
In-spec OCR-A and OCR-B UPC/EAN User-programmable password Status message to host upon request ISBT-128 LOGMARS MaxiCode Micro PDF PDF-417 (2-dimensional bar code) Plessey POSTNET QR-Code Standard 2 of 5 UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC extensions Check digit calculation where applicable Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Storage Operating environment Relative humidity Storage Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 90/96XiIII 140XiIII 15.5" 393.7 mm 15.5" 393.7 mm 15.5" 393.7 mm 15.5" 393.7 mm 9.15" 232.4 mm 11.15" 283.2 mm 13.15" 334.4 mm 15.65" 397.5 mm 19.5" 495.3 mm 19.5" 495.3 mm 19.5" 495.3 mm 19.5" 495.3 mm 50 lb 22.7 kg...
984 ft. (300 m) 1476 ft. (450 m) 1476 ft. (450 m) 1.0” (25.4 mm) 1.0” (25.4 mm) 3.2” (81.3 mm) 3.2” (81.3 mm) Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 220XiIII 0.0049” x 0.0049” (.125 x .125 mm) (2.5 mm ± .89 mm)
Media registration and minimum label length are affected by media type and width, ribbon type, print speed, and printer mode of operation. Performance improves as these factors are optimized. Zebra recommends always qualifying any application with thorough testing. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide 90/96XiIII 140XiIII 0.7"...
Figure 38. AC power plug for your country IEC 320 connector 3 conductor <HAR> cable Figure 37 Figure 38 Contact view Neutral Earth Live Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Data output B(-); RS-422/RS-485 Data input A(+); RS-422/RS-485 Data output A(+); RS-422/RS-485 DTR (RS-232 data terminal ready) output from printer NOTE: Pins 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17-18, 21-25 are not used and are unterminated. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Appendix Description...
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Communication Equipment (DCE) such as a modem, use a standard RS-232 (straight-through) interface cable. Figure 41 illustrates the connections required for this cable. NOTE: Pins 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17-18, 21-25 are not used and are unterminated. Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Figure 40 FG (frame ground) TXD (transmit data)
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Data output A(+) Figure 42 RS-422/RS-485 connector rear panel DB-25S +5 VDC source 1 Amp Data output B(-) Data output A(+) +5 V Data input B(-) Data input A(+) Signal ground reference Frame ground Figure 43 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide...
Parallel Port Interconnections The following table shows the pin configuration and function of a standard computer-to-printer parallel cable. 36-pin Connector 16 & 17 33 & 34 Zebra XiIII-Series User’s Guide Description nStrobe/HostClk Data Bits 1-8 nACK/PtrClk Busy/PtrBusy PError/ACKDataReq Select/Xflag...