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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen User's Guide For the Zebra Z4000™ and Z6000™ Printers Customer order # 77460L Manufacturer part # 77460LB Rev. 2 H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:49:04 1998...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Getting Started Communications Printer Power Z Series™ Configuration Loading Media Loading Ribbon Removing Ribbon Media Sensor Operation Media Sensor Position Printer Operational Check Operator Interface Front Panel Keys Front Panel LEDs Additional Front Panel Controls H:...uspiran2.vp Wed Jul 08 11:23:52 1998...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Auto-Calibration Calibration Control Cleaning Lubrication Printhead Pressure Adjustment Power Rewind/Power Peel Media Alignment LCD Display (Deluxe Front Panel) Power Rewind/Power Peel Option Value Peel Option Cutter Option Electronics Options Communication Options Power On Self-Test Troubleshooting Tables Printer Self-Tests Resetting Factory Defaults...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen General Specifications Printing Specifications Ribbon Specifications Media Specifications Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II ® ) Bar Codes Standard Printer Fonts Optional Printer Fonts Printer Configuration Printer Configuration Communication Interfaces Serial Data Communications Parallel Data Communications AC Power Cord Fuse Replacement Shipping...
Congratulations! You have just purchased a high-quality thermal de- mand printer manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value. For over 25 years, Zebra Technologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber of products and support. This user’s guide provides all the information you will need to operate the printer on a daily basis.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen For shipping information, refer to Appendix C. Communications Refer to Figure 1. The Z Series™ printer comes standard with both an Electronics Industries Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface(a) and a bi-directional parallel interface(b) compliant with the IEEE1284 standard.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Roll Media Loading Fanfold Media Loading Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jul 02 09:48:45 1998...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Loading the Ribbon CAUTION: Always use ribbon that is wider than the media. The smooth backing of the ribbon protects the printhead from wear. (For Direct Thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.) Removing Ribbon Z Series™...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Media Sensor Operation Non-Continuous (Labels, Notched Tags) Media Continuous Media Media Sensor Position Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:54:02 1998...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Printer Operational Check Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:54:04 1998 Release the CANCEL key once the front panel indica- tors begin to turn OFF.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Front Panel LEDs POWER LED DATA LED ERROR LED PAUSE LED Additional Front Panel Controls Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:54:52 1998 ™ printers .
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Auto-Calibration Calibration Control NOTE: If your printer has the standard front panel, the Calibration function is controlled by a ZPL II command sent from the host computer. No front panel calibration control is available. Z Series™...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:55:18 1998...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Cleaning CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technolo- gies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on the Z Series™ printer. Table 1 provides a recommended cleaning schedule. Cleaning Swabs saturated with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol are available from your Zebra distributor as a Preventive Maintenance Kit (part # 01429).
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Cleaning the Interior Remove any accumulated dirt and lint from the interior of the printer using a soft bristle brush and/or vacuum cleaner. Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, may indicate a dirty printhead.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Cleaning the Cutter Module (For printers equipped with the Cutter option.) The Cutter Module requires periodic cleaning to remove paper dust and gummed label residue. If labels are not being cut properly, or if the cutter jams with labels, this is an indication that the cutter probably needs cleaning.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen NOTE: Disassembly of the Cutter module should only be performed by a Service Technician. Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 15:57:54 1998 Figure 11. Cutter Cleaning...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Cleaning the Peel Blade (For printers equipped with the Value Peel or Power Peel option.) 1. Open the Media Door and press the Printhead Open Lever to raise 2. Refer to Figure 12. Open the Peel Mechanism by gently lifting up 3.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Lubrication CAUTION! No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some commercially available lubricants, if used, will damage the finish and the mechanical parts inside the printer. Printhead Pressure Adjustment Printhead pressure is adjustable to insure maximum print quality.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Power Rewind/Power Peel Media Alignment (For printers equipped with the Power Rewind/Power Peel option.) An adjustment to the Media Alignment Spindle allows the user to in- sure that the media or backing material is properly winding onto the Take-up Spindle.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen LCD Display (Deluxe Front Panel) The Z Series™ printers include the option of replacing the standard front panel with a deluxe front panel containing a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The LCD shows several types of information. When the printer completes its Power ON Self Test, the LCD displays an “idle”...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Power Rewind/Power Peel Option The Z Series™ printer supports a rewind option, with the capability of rewinding an entire roll of printed labels (Rewind mode) or backing material only (Peel mode). This option is available as both a factory installed feature and a field-installable kit.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Media Loading Refer to Figure 15 (Power Rewind) or Figure 16 (Power Peel) while loading media. 1. Place the roll of media on the Media Supply Hanger(i) and push it 2. Fold the Media Supply Guide(g) up and slide it against the outer 3.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen 8. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide the Rewind Media Guide(x) out 9. Place an empty media core on the Rewind Spindle(y), wrap the 10. Rotate the Rewind Media Guide to its vertical position, slide it in 11.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Media Loading Refer to Figure 17 while loading media. 1. Place the roll of media on the Media Supply Hanger(i) and push it 2. Fold the Media Supply Guide(g) up and slide it against the outer 3.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Cutter Option The Z Series™ printer also features a cutter option. This option is avail- able as both a factory installed feature and a field installable kit. A label catch tray is included which holds up to 10 labels up to 6” in length. Label Movement in Cutter Mode When the label is completely printed, the printer feeds the media into the cutter mechanism.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Wed Jul 08 11:39:02 1998 Feed the media under the Media Spindle(j), under the Ribbon Sen- Feed the media under the Media Spindle(j), under the Ribbon Sen- sor(k), through the Cutter Module, and out the front of the printer. sor(k), through the Cutter Module, and out the front of the printer.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Electronics Options PCMCIA Option An optional PCMCIA Port is available for the Z Series™ printer. This option is available as both a factory installed feature and a field installable kit. Access to the PCMCIA port is from the rear of the printer. Optional PCMCIA Memory Cards will provide non-volatile storage for label formats, downloadable fonts, graphics files, etc.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Once the option is installed in the printer, information to be stored in Flash Memory is downloaded to the printer from the host computer. A specific ZPLcommand is then sent to the printer which causes the information to be stored in the Flash Memory.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Power On Self-Test A Power On Self Test (POST) is performed each time the printer is turned ON. During this test, the front panel LEDs will turn ON and OFF to ensure proper operation. At the end of this self test, only the POWER LED will remain lit.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Table 3. Printer Troubleshooting Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 16:02:05 1998...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Printer Self-Tests The Z Series™ printer is designed to work with most Zebra media and ribbon combinations, right out of the box. However, in some applica- tions, changes to the printer’s configuration and mechanical settings may be required.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Make sure that your print width is set correctly for the media you are using before you run any self-tests, otherwise the test may print out on the platen. If your media is not wide enough or long enough to display a complete test label, unexpected and/or undesired results may occur.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen PAUSE Key Self-test Press and hold the PAUSE key while turning the printer power ON. Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF. The PAUSE key self-test prints a series of labels which can be used when making print quality adjustments.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen FEED Key Self-test Press and hold the FEED key while turning the printer power ON. Re- lease the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF. The quantity of labels printed during this print quality test depends on the dot density of the printhead.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen PAUSE and CANCEL Key Self-test Press and hold both the PAUSE key and CANCEL key while turning the printer power ON. Release both keys anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF. The PAUSE and CANCEL key self-test prints a sequentially numbered series of 500 labels.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Communications Diagnostic Self-test The Communications Diagnostic Mode is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection between the printer and the host com- puter.When “Diagnostics” is selected, all data sent to the printer will be printed as straight ASCII hex characters.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Media and Ribbon Sensor Profile The Media and Ribbon Sensor Profile may be used to troubleshoot reg- istration problems that may be caused when the Media Sensor experi- ences difficulty in determining web location between labels. To print a Media and Ribbon Sensor Profile, you must press and hold the PAUSE key, FEED key, and CANCEL key while turning the printer power ON.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Initializing the Flash Memory and PCMCIA Card As of Firmware release V22.8.4, a new procedure is used to initialize the optional on-board Flash Menory device and the optional PCMCIA Card. Prior to uploading new contents into the Flash Memory and/or the PCMCIA Card, it is first necessary to initialize these devices.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Print Error Conditions There are several error conditions that effect printing. Some actually stop the printing process completely, while others are only reported to the operator or host system. A printhead open error condition stops any media movement, while the printhead under temperature error has no effect on media movement.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen NOTE: Printer specifications are subject to change without notice. Your printer may not have all of the options described in these specifications. If you have questions as to the ability of the Z Series™ printer to meet the needs of your application, contact either your Zebra Distributor or Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Media Specifications Pressure sensitive media: release liner must be free of preprint (with the exception of black mark registration) and is recommended to not exceed .0035" (.089 mm) thickness (60 lb stock). Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 16:02:49 1998 Table 7.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II ® ) Downloadable graphics (with data compression) Bit image data transfer and print- ing, mixed text/graphics Format inversion Mirror image printing Four-position field rotation (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) Slew command Serialized fields Bar Codes Code 11...
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Standard Printer Fonts For more information on fonts, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide. Bit-mapped fonts A, B, D, E, F, G, H, and GS are expandable up to 10 times, height- and width-independent. However, fonts E and H (OCR-B and OCR-A) are not considered in-spec when expanded.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Optional Printer Fonts There are many optional character fonts that can be purchased for your Z Series™ printer, in addition to those which are standard in the unit. From time to time, additions may be made to the list of available fonts. Contact your sales representative for further information.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Printer Configuration NOTE: To configure a Z Series™ printer having the optional deluxe front panel, refer to the information found later in this section. Serial Communications Parameters Refer to Figure 25. When using serial communication, the Bank One (left) switches inside the front panel door must match the communica- tion parameters of the printer with those of your host computer.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Refer to Table 8 if the settings need to be changed to match those of your host computer. If you do not know the settings of your host com- puter, refer to the instruction manual provided with the computer. The serial port supports an Error Detection Protocol which sends and receives data in packets.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Operating Modes Use the Bank Two (right) switches to select printer operating modes. When shipped from the factory, all switches are in the ON position. This presets the printer to match the most commonly used modes of operation - Tear-Off Mode, Non-continuous Media, Thermal Transfer Operation, and RS-232 Serial Communications.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Standard Front Panel Control Keys If you need to adjust the print darkness, label position or the image po- sition on the label, use the following control keys located inside the front panel door to configure these parameters. Print Darkness Key Press this key (LED turns ON) to change the print darkness setting by pressing the PLUS (+) or MINUS (-) keys.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Printer Configuration NOTE: To configure a Z Series™ printer having the standard front panel, refer to the information found earlier in this section. Deluxe Front Panel Control Keys Refer to Figure 26. Opening the door on the front panel provides access to the control keys used for configuring the printer’s operating features.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen NEXT MENU Key Press this key to increment through the major menu headings, showing the top level of each configuration section. When the end of the menu listing is reached, the list repeats automatically. NEXT ITEM Key Once the appropriate major menu is visible on the LCD display, the NEXT ITEM key can be used to sequence through the configuration...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Table 10. Deluxe Front Panel Configuration Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 18 16:03:36 1998...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Exiting the Configuration mode When you are finished changing or reviewing the necessary parame- ters, press the START/SAVE key. Use the NEXT ITEM key to select one of the “SAVE” choices shown below; then press the START/ SAVE key again to end the configuration process.
Communication Interfaces Serial Data Communications Table 11. Rear Panel Serial Data Port Pinout Z Series™ User’s Guide...
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RS-232 Interface RS-232 Interface 9-pin to 25-pin cable 9-pin to 25-pin cable 25-pin to 25-pin cable 25-pin to 25-pin cable Z Series™ User’s Guide DB-9S DB-25P Connector Connector to P.C. to Printer Figure 27. 9-Pin to 25-Pin Cable DB-25S DB-25P Connector Connector to P.C.
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Hardware Control Signal Descriptions NOTE: When Xon/Xoff handshaking is selected, data flow is controlled by the ASCII Control Codes DC1 (XON) and DC3 (XOFF). The DTR Control lead will have no effect. CAUTION: The Z Series™ printers comply with FCC “Rules and Regulations”, Part 15 for Class B Equipment, using fully shielded six-foot data cables.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen AC Power Cord Since many areas of the world have specific power requirements, an AC Power Cord may not be included with your printer. Refer to Figure 30. A power cord must be provided by you that meets your local elec- trical requirements.
Whenever possible, use the original “carton within a carton” packing materials from the factory. A shipping container can be purchased from Zebra Technologies Corporation if the original packaging is lost or de- stroyed. If you use a different container, package the printer carefully to avoid damage.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Printing Conditions Too Dark - Dark labels are fairly obvious. The normal bar code bars increase in size, and the openings in small alphanumeric characters may fill in with ink. It may be readable but not “In Spec”. Rotated bar code bars and spaces will run together.
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Slightly Light - Slightly light labels are, in some cases, preferred to slightly dark for “In Spec” bar codes. Both normal and rotated bar codes will be “In Spec”, but small alphanumeric characters may not be complete.
Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen ASCII Code Chart Z Series™ User’s Guide H:...uspiran2.vp Thu Jun 25 11:20:51 1998 NOTE: NOT recommended for use as a Command Prefix, Format Prefix, or Delimiter Character...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen AC Power 2 Adjustments Media Sensor Position 9 Printhead Pressure 24 ASCII Control Codes XOFF (DC3) 71 XON (DC1) 71 Calibration 17 Caution Ribbon Width 8 Shipping 74 Unshielded Cables 71 CCITT V.24 71 Cleaning 19 Cutter Module 22 Platen 20...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Damage Report 1 DIP Switches 55 DTR (Data Terminal Ready) 71 EIA RS232 71 Electrical Noise 69 Error Conditions 46 LCD Display 27 Factory Defaults 44 FCC Rules and Regulations 71 Front Panel Deluxe 27, 59 Standard 55 Front Panel Control Keys 58 Front Panel Keys 13...
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Color profile: Disabled Composite Default screen Maintenance 1 Media Continuous 9 Fanfold 6 Non-Continuous 9 Roll 6 Media Alignment Power Peel 25 Power Rewind 25 Media Guide 6, 29, 31, 32 Media Loading 5 Media Sensor Operation 9 Position 9 Media Sensors 9 Media Supply Guide 6, 29, 31, 32 Media Supply Hanger 6, 29, 31, 32...