Datamax M-Class Mark II M-4206 Operator's Manual
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Datamax M-Class Mark II M-4206 Operator's Manual

Datamax operator's manual printer m-4206
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M-4206
Operator's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Datamax M-Class Mark II M-4206

  • Page 1 M-4206 Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 2: Copyright Information

    Firmware (Software). Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax Corporation.
  • Page 3 Agency Compliance and Approvals: UL60950 Information Technology Equipment C22.2 No. 950-M93 Listed EN60950 For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of a min H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR"...

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    Do not place the printer on or near a heat source. Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it. Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on your printer. If you are unsure, check with your dealer or with your local power company.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    4.5 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions ... 19 4.5.1 Printer Setup Menu List ... 20 4.5.2 Menu Items and Values ... 21 4.5.3 Step by Step Modification of the Printer Setup ... 24 4.6 Label Alignment ... 26 4.6.1 Label Alignment = YES... 26 4.6.2 Label Alignment = AUTO...
  • Page 6 4.7 Calibration Mode – Button Functions ... 30 4.7.1 Auto Media Sensor Calibration... 31 4.7.2 Manual Media Sensor Calibration ... 32 4.8 Internal Labels ... 33 4.8.1 Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels... 33 4.8.2 Test Label ... 35 4.8.3 Hex Dump Label... 36 Maintenance and Adjustments 5.0 Introduction...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    1.0 Introduction The M-4206 (hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’) is a user-friendly printer that blends quality and durability into an affordable package. The printer, available in direct and optional thermal transfer configurations, uses a unique front panel design to simplify operation, while its USB, RS232 serial, and IEEE 1284 compliant parallel interfaces allow easy connection to your host system.

  • Page 8: About This Printer

    (256K available to user, designated: Module B) 4 MB DRAM Memory Interfaces USB interface DB-9 RS-232 serial interface IEEE 1284 Centronics parallel interface Operational Simple Media Loading Media Tearbar Fan-fold media compatible from the bottom and rear of printer M-4206...

  • Page 9: Optional Features

    A portable keyboard / display terminal, the DMX Passport™, for stand-alone printing. External Ethernet Connectivity (uses printer’s parallel port) The DMX100 External Print Server is an external Network Interface Controller (NIC) that enables the printer to provide Ethernet connectivity. FLASH Memory Expansion (requires new main PCB) An optional main PCB assembly is available with 4MB Flash memory expansion for International Language Printing Capability (ILPC) and/or additional fonts and graphics.
  • Page 10 M-4206...

  • Page 11: Before Using The Printer

    The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In order to operate the printer you will need to remove the packaging materials (i.e., tape and foam) that were placed in the printer for shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or attempting to load media.

  • Page 12: Inspecting The Printer

    Inspecting the Printer After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents. The following items should be included: Printer Power Cord CD-ROM and Documentation Any special or additionally purchased items. Additional Requirements The following items are necessary for generating labels from your printer. Contact your customer support or sales representative for advice on which media and software may best be suited for your application.

  • Page 13: Introduction

    2. Ensure that the Power Switch on the Printer is in the ‘Off’ position. 3. Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer, and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The power supply automatically detects and then adjusts to the applied line voltage; see Section 7.0 for the acceptable voltage ranges.)

  • Page 14: Interface Connection

    3.1.2 Interface Connection The printer can be connected to the host via a USB, serial or parallel cable. The Printer will automatically connect to the first port (USB, serial or parallel) that transmits valid data. After this connection has been made, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’...

  • Page 15: Loading Media

    3.2 Loading Media Load media into the printer as follows: 1. Open the media cover and lower the Media Hub Guide and Media Guide. 2. Press in on the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Assembly. M-4206...
  • Page 16 Roll Media. 4. Route the Media through the printer as shown. Raise the Media Guide. The Media Guide should be pushed inward so that it is just touching the edge of the Media.
  • Page 17 ERROR perform the Calibration Procedure, see section 4.7.1. Note: The printer is factory set to use 4-inch media (and ribbon, if thermal transfer equipped). When using a different width of media/ribbon, please refer to section 5.2. M-4206...

  • Page 18: Media Sensor Adjustment

    3.3 Media Sensor Adjustment The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect the presence of media and the top-of-form (except for continuous stock, where the TOF is set through the front panel, (see ‘ adjust: With media loaded, as described in Section 3.2, grasp the Slide Tab and move the Sensor Eye Mark into position over...

  • Page 19: Loading Ribbon

    Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. It is recommended that the width of the ribbon be slightly wider than the media being used. Depending upon the type of Ribbon Supply Hub (see 3.4.1 for examples), the printer must use either ribbons with the ‘coating side in’...
  • Page 20 6. Close the cover and press the 7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to ‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using a ribbon, see section 4.5.2. button several times to position the ribbon and ensure proper tracking.

  • Page 21: Ribbon Routing

    Note: Directional Arrows near the Ribbon Supply Hub indicate the correct ribbon route. Ribbon types are available with the ink (coating) layer wound ‘in’ or ‘out’. These types are NOT interchangeable for use with the printer. Note: Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the printhead.

  • Page 22: Introduction

    Indicates a top of form or mechanical error has occurred Solid On: Indicates the printer is on and ready for printing Flashing: Indicates the printer is receiving data from the host STOP Lights will be on during power-up initialization and a warm reset.

  • Page 23: Buttons

    Allows the ‘calibration’ of the media being used for the correct sensing of the top of form. See Section 4.7. 4.3 Normal Mode - Button Functions In ‘Normal’ mode, the printer’s buttons control normal operations such as pause, feed, and cancel, as well as the test and reset functions by using button combinations as detailed below.

  • Page 24: Express Setup Mode - Button Functions

    4.4 Express Setup Mode - Button Functions The Express Setup is a unique printer feature that allows users quick access to the most commonly used printer settings. The selected setting is represent by a specific combination of the printer’s indicator lights for each of the three items, (Sensor Type, Media Type, and Option Control).

  • Page 25: Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions

    Printer and cutter faults are disabled during If at any time you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous values, simply turn off power to the printer. If you wish to restore Factory Defaults see Section 5.7.

  • Page 26: Printer Setup Menu List

    4.5.1 Printer Setup Menu List The Printer Setup Menu List label, shown below, contains the printer’s current values for each menu item that can be modified via the front panel (See Section 4.5.2 for a detailed item description.) The Menu Item Numbers correspond to the item’s position in the Menu List for selection when pressing the during the Printer Setup Procedure (see Section 4.5).

  • Page 27: Menu Items And Values

    4.5.2 Menu Items and Values The table below details the Printer Setup Menu List items with a brief description of the item’s function, and the possible values. A “*” denotes the default setting. 1) MEDIA TYPE Sets printing for direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (ribbon) media.
  • Page 28 Range: 0 – 128; default = *64 (Units = 4K Bytes) 18) LABEL ALIGNMENT Sets the label alignment method (see Section 4.6) Possible Values: (user manually determines ‘ALIGN LENGTH’) AUTO (printer determines ‘ALIGN LENGTH’) * NO (no Label Alignment used) M-4206...
  • Page 29 Host commands are ignored.) HOST (Sets stop position according to options installed. If no options are installed the printer sets stop location to the next label’s start of print. Host commands will override.) 22) DPL EMULATION...

  • Page 30: Step By Step Modification Of The Printer Setup

    PAUSE Note: If you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous values simply turn off power to the printer before Step 5. Now you can save your changes and resume buttons. Wait until the CANCEL light turns off, then release it.
  • Page 31 6. To confirm that your changes have been made press the Database Configuration Label. The label should show the new Baud Rate value of 19200. FRI JANUARY 10, 2003 19:29 010 VER: M4206 - 05.03 01/07/03 BOOT 83-2383-05C CODE 83-2385-05C FPGA 83-2384-05A FONT 83-2386-05C 256K FLASH MODULE B...

  • Page 32: Label Alignment

    The measured value must be sent to the printer via the host computer or entered using the Printer Setup Mode (see Section 4.5). Then, in Normal Mode, press and hold the seconds).

  • Page 33: Label Alignment = Auto

    Auto Alignment with the Present Sensor enabled: If the printer is equipped with the Present Sensor option and that feature is enabled, while the label length is calculated the printer will pause and illuminate the light after each movement.

  • Page 34: Label Alignment Troubleshooting

    Set Label Alignment to AUTO, press and hold media moves for the automatic length measurement. Re-measure the Label Alignment Length. Use Printer Setup mode to enter the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.
  • Page 35 Problem Possible Cause Label Alignment is Label Alignment Length is incorrect. Pressing not correct. The default Label Alignment Length is successively FEED 1.00”, and will result in results in a label length this behavior when any longer than actual, one- larger label length is used inch.

  • Page 36: Calibration Mode - Button Functions

    4.7 Calibration Mode – Button Functions In ‘Calibration’ mode, the buttons allow the printer to adjust to the media being used. Calibration can be performed either automatically or manually, as detailed below. Notes: Before calibrating, ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is latched down, that the cover is closed, and that the media sensor has been set for the appropriate media type, see Section 4.5.2.

  • Page 37: Auto Media Sensor Calibration

    = Unsuccessful calibration, try again. If the calibration continues to fail proceed to Section 4.7.2. ERROR Note: If you wish to discard the changes and revert back to the previous calibration simply turn off the printer before Step 4. Now save the changes and resume briefly. Wait until the...

  • Page 38: Manual Media Sensor Calibration

    (feeds a label), and the FEED Note: If you wish to discard the changes and revert back to the previous calibration simply turn off the printer before Step 7. 7. Now save the changes and resume briefly. Wait until the...

  • Page 39: Internal Labels

    The Database Configuration Label provides valuable printer information including the firmware version, memory allocations, enabled options, and label-counter data. To print the Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels: With the printer on, loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide) and ribbon (if printing with thermal transfer media), press buttons simultaneously. FEED CANCEL The first label printed will be the Database Configuration Label.
  • Page 40 The second label printed is the Dot Check Label. This label is used to test the condition of the printhead, as shown below: Good Dot Check Label: Even pattern consistency indicates that the printhead is operating normally. Faulty Dot Check Label: Streaks in the patterns indicate a dirty or faulty printhead (see Chapter 5).

  • Page 41: Test Label

    4.8.2 Test Label The Test Label is used to evaluate the current printer setup for print quality, label tracking, and print positioning. To print the Test Label: With the printer loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing with thermal transfer media), simultaneously press the buttons.

  • Page 42: Hex Dump Label

    The Hex Dump Label is a useful tool in the diagnosis of problems including communications handshaking and DPL syntax errors. To generate a Hex Dump Label the printer enters into Hex Dump Mode. In this mode, all data sent to the printer will be immediately output in hexadecimal code, along with the printable ASCII equivalents.

  • Page 43: Introduction

    5.0 Introduction This chapter details the cleaning, adjusting, and troubleshooting tips for the printer. The following table outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for the various printer parts. Area Printhead Platen Roller Peel-Off Roller Media Path Peel/Tear Bar Media Sensor Exterior Interior * It is recommended that a solvent containing isopropyl alcohol be used.

  • Page 44: Cleaning The Printhead

    Burn Line. Allow the printhead to dry. 5. Replace the ribbon and media. Lower the Printhead Assembly back to the locked position. 6. Close the cover. Plug in and turn ‘On’ the printer. Feed several labels to normalize tracking. M-4206...

  • Page 45: Media Width Adjustment

    5.2 Media Width Adjustment When printing on less than full width media, the printer has a printhead-leveling cam to adjust the right side of the printhead for even pressure distribution. To adjust the leveling cam: 1. With media loaded in the printer, print a label (press the...

  • Page 46: Printhead Burn Line Adjustment

    (for example, heavy tag stock), print quality can change. Typically, thicker media requires a slight forward adjustment, while thinner media requires a slight backward adjustment. If you have questions, contact a qualified technician or Datamax Technical Support before proceeding. To adjust the Burn Line: 1.

  • Page 47: Printhead Pressure Adjustment

    5.4 Printhead Pressure Adjustment To accommodate a variety of media types, the pressure applied by the printhead assembly is adjustable. This pressure is factory set to work with most media types, so this adjustment should only be performed after attempting to improve print quality through the use of the (1) heat and/or (2) print speed.

  • Page 48: Printhead Replacement

    Note: Printheads are fragile; use extreme care when handling and never use a sharp object on the surface. If you have questions, contact a qualified technician or Datamax Technical Support before proceeding. 1. Touch a bare metal part of the printer’s frame to discharge any static electricity that may be present on your body.

  • Page 49: Darkness Adjustment

    5.7 Resetting to the Factory Defaults With the printer power ‘Off,’ press and hold all three buttons while turning ‘On’ the printer. Continue to hold the buttons down until the light turns off (approximately 17 seconds). The printer will now be set to the ‘Factory Defaults.’...

  • Page 50: Downloading Firmware And Fonts

    1. Identify the new version for your model of printer from the Datamax Web site at it onto your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk. 2. Ensure that the printer is connected to the host, (via parallel port only) and that the power is ‘On.’ Using the DOS copy command enter: copy filename.dlf lpt1/b...

  • Page 51: Introduction

    6.1 Troubleshooting Tips The following table lists the symptoms of the topics covered in the troubleshooting section. Unacceptable print quality The printer does not print or prints several labels at once The ribbon does not advance Skips every other label...

  • Page 52: Unacceptable Print Quality

    The printer does not print or prints several labels at once: The labels are incorrectly loaded: See the loading instructions on the inside cover of the printer or Chapter 3. The media is not calibrated: Calibrate it (see Chapter 4).
  • Page 53 A fuse may be blown: Call for service. The power supply may be faulty: Call for service. A defective power switch may exist on the printer: Call for service. Label advances 1-2 inches before a fault indication The ribbon may be incorrectly installed. Ensure that the ribbon’s inked side faces the paper. With most ribbons this can be verified by rubbing paper against the ribbon;...

  • Page 54: Tracking Problems

    When the printer is equipped with the Peel and Present Options the presented to the operator. This is considered normal. If the printer is configured to use the Peel and Present option and yet the option is not installed or the option is removed with power on, the Tracking Problems The media may not be properly loaded: Reload it (see Chapter 3).
  • Page 55 Mechanical Width Depth Height Weight Operating Temperature Humidity AC Input Voltage Printing Print Method Print Speed Resolution Tear Bar DRAM Memory FLASH Memory M-4206 9.8” (24.9 cm) 18.06” (45.9 cm) 10.3” (26.2 cm) 21.5 lbs. (9.77 kg) 40 F to 95 F (4 C to 35 C) 95% non-condensing 90 –...

  • Page 56: Embedded Bar Codes

    Media/Ribbon Media Types Max. Media Width Min. Media Width Max. Print Width Print Length Range Media Thickness Range Media Supply Roll Capacity Ribbon Width Range Ribbon Roll Capacity Ribbon Core: Communications Interface Baud Speed Handshaking Parity Stop Bits Data Bits Fonts 9 Bit Map Fonts;...

  • Page 57: Specifications

    To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax specifies the use of DATAMAX brand media and ribbons. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of non-Datamax supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components.
  • Page 58 M-4206...

  • Page 59: Ascii Control Code Chart

    ASCII Control Code Chart Char Char Ctrl @ Ctrl A “ Ctrl B Ctrl C Ctrl D Ctrl E Ctrl F & ‘ Ctrl G Ctrl H Ctrl I Ctrl J Ctrl K Ctrl L Ctrl M Ctrl N Ctrl O Ctrl P Ctrl Q Ctrl R...
  • Page 60 Notes: For the hardware handshake XON/XOFF commands: Ctrl Q (DC1) XOFF Ctrl S (DC3) The Euro character has been added to the table above at 255 (FF) as a Datamax standard for resident bit-mapped fonts 0,1,2,3,4,5,6, and 9 (CG Triumvirate). Char Ó ß...

  • Page 61: Embedded Fonts And Barcodes

    Embedded Fonts and Barcodes All character fonts and barcodes available with the printer are described in this section. Each font and barcode has a name associated with it for use in programming. Human-readable fonts have numeric names while barcode fonts have alpha names.
  • Page 62 The table below lists the font sizes. The numbers indicate the number of dots. FONT HEIGHT Font 0 Font 1 Font 2 Font 3 Font 4 Font 5 Font 6 Font 7 Font 8 Font 0 96-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case.
  • Page 63 Font 4 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. M-4206 Font 5 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.
  • Page 64 Font 7 OCR-A, size I. Font 8 OCR-B, size III. Font 9 Internal Triumvirate font. Point sizes are selected by the number in the barcode height. Larger point sizes can be obtained by increasing the height and width multipliers, 48pt and 72pt fonts are generated by doubling the 24pt and 36pt fonts respectively (see the Programmer's Manual for more information).
  • Page 65 Barcodes Bar Code fonts have alpha names (left column in the table below). Uppercase alpha names will print barcodes with human-readable interpretations. Lowercase alpha names will print barcodes only. The table is followed by visual samples. Bar Code Type Length A / a Code 3 of 9 Varies...
  • Page 66 Bar Code Type Length UPS MaxiCode with Specified Byte Count PDF417 Varies PDF417 with Byte Specified Count DataMatrix Varies DataMatrix with Byte Specified Count QR Code – Auto Varies format QR Code – Manual Varies format Aztec Varies Aztec with Byte Specified Count TCIF Linked...
  • Page 67 Barcode A Code 3 of 9 Barcode C UPC-E Barcode E Code 128 Barcode G EAN-8 M-4206 Barcode B UPC-A Barcode D Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode F EAN-13 Barcode H Health Industry Barcode (HIBC)
  • Page 68 Barcode I Codabar Barcode K Plessey Barcode M 2 Digit UPC addendum Barcode O Code 93 Barcode J Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum Barcode L Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum and shipping bearer bars Barcode N 5 Digit UPC addendum Barcode p Postnet M-4206...
  • Page 69 Barcode Q UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode R UCC/EAN Code 128 KMART NON EDI Barcode S UCC/EAN Code 128 Random Weight Barcode T Telepen Barcode u UPS MaxiCode M-4206...
  • Page 70 Barcode v FIM Barcode z PDF417 Bar Code W1c: DataMatrix Bar Code W1d: QR Code Bar Code W1f: Aztec Bar Code W1z: MicroPDF417 Bar Code W1T: TCIF Linked Barcode 3 of 9 (TLC39) M-4206...

  • Page 71: Warranty Information

    This one year (365 days) warranty is valid only if a Datamax - approved thermal label media is used, as defined in the then current Datamax list of approved thermal/thermal transfer media, a copy of which is available from Datamax. Failure to use Datamax-approved media is justification for invalidation of this thermal printhead warranty.

  • Page 72: Limitation Of Liability

    Datamax hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product. In no event shall Datamax be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from or related to any failure or delay of Datamax in the delivery or installation of the computer hardware, supplies or software or in the performance of any services.

  • Page 73: Glossary

    The row of thermal elements in the printhead that create the images on the media. calibration The process through which sensor readings are entered into the printer for correct sensor function (for example, detection of a given media type) and TOF positioning.
  • Page 74 A paper or synthetic printing material, typically with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing. label length The distance from the top of the label to the bottom of the label as it exits the printer. label repeat The distance from the top of one label to the top of the next label.
  • Page 75 ‘reflective’ sensor is enabled. registration Repeatable top to bottom alignment of printed labels. reverse speed The backward rate of media motion into the printer during tear-off, peel and present and cutting operations for positioning the label at the start of print position.
  • Page 76 M-4206...

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