Brady BP-1244 Operator's Manual
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Brady BP-1244 Operator's Manual

Brady BP-1244 Operator's Manual

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BP-1244/BP-1344
Operator's Manual
DO NOT PRINT

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Summary of Contents for Brady BP-1244

  • Page 1 BP-1244/BP-1344 Operator’s Manual DO NOT PRINT...
  • Page 2 DO NOT PRINT...

  • Page 3: Copyright Information

    Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Brady Worldwide, Inc. 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 Brady Worldwide, Inc.
  • Page 4 Agency Compliance and Approvals: UL1950 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 5: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the printer: • Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your printer.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Printer Overview 1.0 Introduction ..............1 1.1 About this Printer............2 1.1.1 Standard Features........2 1.1.2 Optional Features ........3 Getting Started 2.0 Before using the Printer..........5 Setting Up the Printer 3.0 Introduction ..............7 3.1 Connecting the Printer..........7 3.1.1 Power Connection ........
  • Page 8 4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO......29 4.5.3 Label Alignment = NO ......... 29 4.5.4 Label Alignment Recommended Settings..30 4.5.5 Label Alignment Troubleshooting ....31 4.6 Calibration Mode ............34 4.6.1 Media Sensor Calibration Procedure... 35 4.6.2 Auto Media Calibration Procedure....36 4.7 Internal Labels............
  • Page 9 Appendix B Embedded Fonts and Barcodes ............. B-1 Appendix C Warranty Information..............C-1...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    1.0 Introduction The BP-1244 and BP-1344 (hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’) are user-friendly devices that blend 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 RS232 serial and parallel interfaces allow easy connection to your host system.

  • Page 12: About This Printer

    1.1 About this Printer This printer offers the following standard and optional features: 1.1.1 Standard Features Printing Thermal Transfer Printing On Demand and Batch Printing 203 or 300 DPI Printhead (model dependant) AGFA Scalable Font Engine Memory 1 MB FLASH memory 2 MB DRAM Memory Interfaces This printer is equipped with an RS-232 serial interface and a...

  • Page 13: Optional Features

    1.1.2 Optional Features External Cutter (option) The External Cutter provides ease of automatic cutting for tags and labels after a label is printed. This feature attaches easily to the front of the printer. FLASH Memory Expansion (option) The FLASH Expansion cartridges are used for permanent storage of custom fonts, formats and graphics.
  • Page 14 BP-1244/BP-1344...

  • Page 15: Before Using The Printer

    2.0 Before using the Printer Removing the Packaging Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if damage is evident notify the shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage. 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.

  • Page 16: 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 supply Any special or additionally purchased items. Additional Requirements The following items are necessary for generating labels from your printer.

  • Page 17: Introduction

    3.0 Introduction This chapter explains how to connect your printer, load media (and ribbon, if equipped for thermal transfer), and print a configuration label. 3.1 Connecting the Printer 3.1.1 Power Connection The printer is powered by an external power supply that connects as shown below.

  • Page 18: Interface Connection

    3.1.2 Interface Connection The printer can be connected to the host via a serial or parallel cable. 3.1.3 Interface Cables An interface cable is necessary to connect the printer to the host. The interface between the printer and the host will be either a serial RS-232C or parallel cable.

  • Page 19: Adjusting The Media Sensor

    3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor The printer is available with a Fixed Media Sensor or an Adjustable Media Sensor (AMS). To identify the type of sensor in your printer: 1. Open the cover. 2. Push down the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly.
  • Page 20 To properly position the sensor you will need to know where the TOF mark is located on your media. (For more information on media, see Specifications). Depending of your media type, take a measurement from the left- justified media edge across to the center of the TOF mark. The following example illustrates the measurement of notched media.
  • Page 21 Position the Adjustable Media Sensor as follows: 1. Based on the measurement that you made earlier, choose the Reference Letter that best corresponds to the location of your TOF mark. Reference Letters Setting Window Top Slide Bottom Slide Setting Window Reference Letters 2.

  • Page 22: Loading Media

    3.3 Loading Media 1. Slide the Roll Media, (up to 8” O.D.) onto the Media Spindle. 2. Insert the Media Spindle (with media) into the External Media Stand. 3. Slide the Media Guide Flange against the Roll Media. 4. Position the External Media Supply so it is square to the back...
  • Page 23 5. Slide the Internal Media Guide and Internal Media Hub Flange to the edge of the media. 6. Close the Printhead Carrier Assembly and press down until it locks into place. 7. Close the Cover and press the ‘Feed’ button several times to position the media and ensure proper tracking.

  • Page 24: Loading Media For Peel Configuration

    3.3.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration 1. Open the cover. 2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly. 3. Place a roll of media (labels facing up) on the Media Hub and insert them into the printer. Slide the Media Hub Flange with its smooth side towards media onto the Media Hub.

  • Page 25: Loading Ribbon

    3.4 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer) 1. Open the cover. 2. Remove both ribbon hubs. Push in and lift to remove the Hubs 3. Slide a roll of Ribbon onto one of the Ribbon Slide a Ribbon onto a Hub and Ribbon an Empty Core onto a Hub Hubs and an...
  • Page 26 6. Place the Ribbon Hubs back into the printer and route the ribbon through the printhead carrier assembly as shown below. Note: Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the printhead. 7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to ‘Thermal Transfer’...

  • Page 27: Flash Memory Expansion

    3.5 Flash Memory Expansion The printer can be equipped with an optional Flash Memory Expansion. This flash expansion can be used for storage of label formats and fonts. For font downloading instructions, refer to Section 5.8. To install the Flash Memory Expansion: 1.
  • Page 28 BP-1244/BP-1344...

  • Page 29: Introduction

    4.0 Introduction The Front Panel consists of three lights and three dual- function buttons. The functions of these lights and controls are listed below. 4.1 Lights Both the POWER and PAUSED lights will be on during power-up initialization, or “warm reset”. BP-1244/BP-1344...

  • Page 30: Buttons

    4.2 Buttons The three buttons perform different functions based on the printer’s operational mode. The printer operates in one of the following modes: Normal: Normal printer functions (i.e., Pause, Feed, and Cancel). See Section 4.3. Printer Setup: Allows setting of the printer’s operating menu items (i.e., Media Settings, Communications, and Options).

  • Page 31: Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions

    4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions In ‘Printer Setup Mode’ the printer’s buttons control the setting of the printer’s operating menu items such as Media Settings, Communications, and Options. Note: It is recommended that the Printer Setup Mode not be entered while in Peel Mode or with the optional Present Sensor enabled.

  • Page 32: Printer Setup Menu List

    4.4.1 Printer Setup Menu List The sample label below is the Printer Setup Menu List. This label shows all of the printer’s current values for each menu item that can be modified using the front panel. The number far left of the Menu Item corresponds to its position in the Menu List, for selection by pressing For example to “Direct Select”...

  • Page 33: Menu Items And Values

    4.4.2 Menu Items and Values The table below lists all the menu items and their possible values in the ‘Printer Setup Procedure’. 1) MEDIA TYPE 2) SENSOR TYPE Sets printing for either direct Select the sensor type that matches your thermal (no ribbon) or thermal media’s top-of-form mark.
  • Page 34 9) CONTROL CODES 10) CONT FORM LENGTH Allows code selection listed in This command sets the page size (label Programmer’s manual. length) when the printer’s ‘SENSOR TYPE’ is set to continuous media. Possible Values: Possible Values: (STD) STANDARD CODES Range: 0 – 9999; default = *100 (ALT) ALTERNATE CODES Units: .01 inch 11) OOS MAXVOLT...
  • Page 35 17) INTERNAL MODULE 18) LABEL ALIGNMENT (see Section 4.5 for more information) Sets the number of 4K Byte blocks Sets Label Alignment Method. allocated for the internal RAM module. Possible Values: Possible Values: (printer uses ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ or host sent value) 0 –...

  • Page 36: Example Of Changing Baud Rate

    4.4.3 Example of Changing Baud Rate The following is a step by step example for modifying the Printer Setup. Although this example will show how to modify only the Baud Rate value from a default of 9600 bps to 19200 bps the same procedure can be used to change any of the printer’s menu items.
  • Page 37 6. To confirm that your changes have been made press the buttons simultaneously, this will print the Database Configuration Label. The label should show the new Baud Rate value of 19200. FRI AUGUST 024, 2001 19:29 236 CONFIGURATION VER: E4204 - 04.06 08/24/01 THERMAL TRANSFER BOOT 83-2329-04A SERIAL PORT SELECTED...

  • Page 38: Label Alignment

    4.5 Label Alignment The Label Alignment function is intended for applications with short label lengths that result in wasted labels (between the media sensor and printhead) when printing the first label after changing media or at power- up. This is accomplished with providing the printer with a ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’...

  • Page 39: Label Alignment = Auto

    4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO In this mode the printer can calculate the ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ by performing a FORCED ALIGNMENT. This eliminates the need to physically measure the ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ as in 4.5.1 Label Alignment = YES. This feature is usually preferred for applications requiring frequent changing of media of different label lengths.

  • Page 40: Label Alignment Recommended Settings

    4.5.4 Label Alignment Recommended Settings Label Alignment is intended for use with label length less than the distance between the printhead and the edge sensor, or where label wastage at power-up is a concern. Label Alignment is not recommended for label stock lengths greater than 6.5” or for label stock containing 2 or more form lengths.

  • Page 41: Label Alignment Troubleshooting

    4.5.5 Label Alignment Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause Solution Description Attempting to With the Present Set Label Alignment to AUTO, perform Label Sensor enabled, press and hold FEED till paper Alignment results Label Alignment moves for automatic Label in no paper can not be Alignment Length movement.
  • Page 42 Problem Possible Cause Solution Description Label Alignment is Label Alignment Set Label Alignment to AUTO, incorrect. Pressing Length is not press and hold FEED till paper FEED successively correct. The moves for automatic Label results in a short default Label Alignment Length label length, 1- Alignment...
  • Page 43 Problem Possible Cause Solution Description Tear Mode selected Another present Disable the Present Sensor. but label stop position has been ~OR~ position (present determined. Ensure the host computer is not position) is not far Enabling the providing a Present Distance enough forward.

  • Page 44: Calibration Mode

    4.6 Calibration Mode In ‘Calibration Mode’ the printer’s buttons allows the printer to ‘calibrate’ the media for sensing of the Top of Form either automatically or manually. Notes: If at any time you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous calibration simply turn off power to the printer.

  • Page 45: Media Sensor Calibration Procedure

    4.6.1 Media Sensor Calibration Procedure The ‘Media Sensor Calibration Procedure’ allows the operator to recalibrate the selected media sensor (gap or reflective) for a particular media. Follow the steps below to calibrate your sensor. Note: Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set for the appropriate media type, see Section 4.4.2;...

  • Page 46: Auto Media Calibration Procedure

    4.6.2 Auto Media Calibration Procedure The ‘Auto Media Calibration Procedure’ allows the operator to automatically obtain the optimum (TOF Low and TOF Delta) values for a particular media. These values are useful for media (usually preprinted media) that continues to suffer sensing problems after the Media Sensor has been manually calibrated.

  • Page 47: Internal Labels

    4.7 Internal Labels The following sections explain each of the printer’s internally generated test and configuration labels. 4.7.1 Database Configuration and Dot Check Label 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 in thermal-transfer).
  • Page 48 The second label printed is the Dot Check Label. This label is used to determine whether the printhead is in need of replacement. 'Good' and 'Faulty' Dot Check Labels are shown below: Good Test Label: Even pattern consistency indicates that the printhead is operating normally.

  • Page 49: Test Label

    4.7.2 Test Label This label is intended to be used to evaluate the current printer setup for print quality, and label tracking and positioning. To print the Test Label: With the printer loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing in thermal-transfer), simultaneously press the buttons.
  • Page 50 BP-1244/BP-1344...

  • Page 51: Introduction

    5.0 Introduction This chapter covers the cleaning, adjusting, and some troubleshooting tips involved with your printer. In addition, the following table provides a recommended cleaning schedule for the various parts of your printer. Area Method Interval Printhead Turn off the printer before cleaning After every roll the printhead.

  • Page 52: Cleaning The Printhead

    5.1 Cleaning the Printhead Turn ‘off’ the printer and unplug the unit from the AC outlet before cleaning the printhead. Warning 1. Turn ‘off’ the printer and open the cover. 2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly.

  • Page 53: Media Width Adjustment

    5.2 Media Width Adjustment A Thumbwheel on the side of the printhead carrier assembly allows the printhead to be adjusted for various sizes of media. When adjusting for narrow media move the Thumbwheel to the left (clockwise); conversely, when adjusting for wide media move it to the right (counterclockwise). Note: The numbers on the Thumbwheel are meant to serve only as reference points and do not correspond to media widths.

  • Page 54: Ribbon Width Adjustment

    5.3 Ribbon Width Adjustment The adjustable ribbon handler feature allows adjustment to the ribbon supply hub that provides optimum tension when using different widths and/or types of media and ribbon. To adjust: 1. Turn ‘off’ the printer. 2. Hold the Hub and rotate the Ribbon Tension Adjustment Knob to meet your media/ribbon widths based on the table below.

  • Page 55: Fine Printhead Adjustment

    5.4 Fine Printhead Adjustment A fine printhead adjustment set screw is located on top of the printhead carrier assembly that can be used for adjusting print quality. This adjustment is set at the factory and should not need further adjusting; however, with different types and thickness of media some adjustment may be necessary.

  • Page 56: Printhead Replacement

    5.5 Printhead Replacement Removal: Notes: It is recommended that the printhead only be replaced by a certified repair technician. Always follow proper Electro Static Discharge procedures when replacing the printhead. If equipped, it is not necessary to remove the Ribbon Handler Assembly (if equipped).

  • Page 57: Darkness Adjustment

    5.6 Darkness Adjustment The Darkness Adjustment (located on the rear of the printer) allows the operator to adjust the print contrast on the printed label. Turning the Darkness Adjustment clockwise will make the print darker, while turning it counterclockwise will lighten the print. Note: Large increases in the ‘Darkness Adjustment’...

  • Page 58: Downloading Firmware And Fonts

    PCB. This configuration allows updates and/or new features to the printer. 1. Identify the desired firmware revision from the Brady website and download the desired version on to your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk.

  • Page 59: Introduction

    While not every situation is addressed, you may find some of these tips helpful. After the correction action is taken press the FEED button to clear the alarm. Contact Brady Technical Support for problems that persist or are not covered in this section:...

  • Page 60: Unacceptable Print Quality

    Unacceptable print quality: • Dirty printhead. Clean the printhead (see Chapter 5). • The printhead temperature is too high. Use the software control to adjust the Heat Setting, Print Speed, or adjust the darkness adjustment located on the back of the printer. •...

  • Page 61: Skips Every Other Label

    Skips every other label (Print quality is good but skips every other label). • The label is formatted too close to the top edge of the form. Leave white space equal to 8-dot rows at the top of the label, approximately .02"...

  • Page 62: Label Advances 1-2 Inches Before A Fault Indication

    Label advances 1-2 inches before a fault indication • The ribbon is installed incorrectly. Make sure that the dull side (side with ink) is facing the paper. • A bad ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an insufficient amount of friction between paper and ribbon. Ensure that the correct type of ribbon is being used.

  • Page 63: Specifications

    Mechanical Width 8.5” (21.6 cm) Depth 9.5” (24.1 cm) Height 6.25” (15.9 cm Weight 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) Operating Temperature 40° F to 95° F (4° C to 35° C) AC Input Power 100 to 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz Printer Specifications Print Type Thermal Transfer BP-1244:...
  • Page 64 Media/Ribbon Media Types Roll-Fed, Die-Cut, Continuous, Fan-Fold Max. Media Width 4.3" (109.2 mm) Min. Media Width 1" (25.4 mm) Max. Print Width 4.09" (104 mm) Print Length Range .375-24" (9.52-609.6 mm) Media Thickness .0025-.01" (.064 mm - .254 mm); up to Range .007”...

  • Page 65: Approved Media

    Approved Media To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Brady recommends the use of Brady brand media and ribbons. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of non-Brady supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components.
  • Page 66 BP-1244/BP-1344...

  • Page 67: Ascii Control Code Chart

    ASCII Control Code Chart Char Char 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...
  • Page 68 Char Char Char Ç á Ó ü í ß é ó Ô â ú Ò ä ñ õ à Ñ Õ å ã µ ç ° Ã ê ¿ è ® Ú è Û ï Ù î ´y ì ¡ ´Y Ä...

  • Page 69: 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. Fonts Fonts 0 through 8 use the slash zero (Ø) conventions for distinguishing between the zero and the alphabetic O.
  • Page 70 The table below lists the font sizes. The numbers indicate the number of dots. FONT HEIGHT WIDTH SPACING Font 0 Font 1 Font 2 Font 3 Font 4 Font 5 Font 6 Font 7 Font 8 Font 0 96-character Font 1 145-character upper and alphanumeric, upper and lower lower case alphanumeric w/ case.
  • Page 71 Font 4 62-character Font 5 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. BP-1244/BP-1344...
  • Page 72 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 73 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 Check- Valid ASCII Characters, decimal value...
  • Page 74 Bar Code Type Length Check- Valid ASCII Characters, decimal value representation UPS MaxiCode with Specified Alphanumeric Byte Count A, B, C, D PDF417 Varies PDF417 with Byte Specified Count DataMatrix Varies All 8-bit values DataMatrix with Specified All 8-bit values Byte Count QR Code –...
  • Page 75 Barcode A Code 3 of 9 Barcode B UPC-A Barcode C UPC-E Barcode D Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode E Code 128 Barcode F EAN-13 Barcode G EAN-8 Barcode H Health Industry Barcode (HIBC) BP-1244/BP-1344...
  • Page 76 Barcode I Codabar Barcode J Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum Barcode K Plessey Barcode L Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum and shipping bearer bars Barcode M 2 Digit UPC Barcode N 5 Digit UPC addendum addendum Barcode O Code 93 Barcode p Postnet BP-1244/BP-1344...
  • Page 77 Barcode Q UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode R UCC/EAN Code 128 KMART NON EDI Barcode S UCC/EAN Code 128 Random Weight BP-1244/BP-1344...
  • Page 78 Barcode T Telepen Barcode u UPS MaxiCode Barcode z PDF 417 Barcode v FIM Bar Code W1c: DataMatrix Bar Code W1d: QR Code Bar Code W1z: MicroPDF417 Bar Code W1f: Aztec Bar Code W1T: TCIF Linked Barcode 3 of 9 (TLC39) BP-1244/BP-1344 B-10...

  • Page 79: Limited Warranty Statement

    Limited Warranty Statement Bradyprinter™ 1244/1344 Printer Brady warrants to Purchaser that under normal use and service, 1244/1344 4203/4204/4304 Printer, (with the exception of the thermal printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of (365) days from the date of shipment by Brady.

  • Page 80: Thermal Printhead

    Any warranty work to be performed by Brady shall be subject to Brady’s confirmation that such product meets Brady warranty. In the event of a defect covered by its warranty, Brady will return the repaired or replaced product to the Purchaser at Brady’s cost.

  • Page 81: Limitation Of Liability

    Brady’s products. Limitation of Liability In no event shall Brady be liable to the purchaser for any indirect, special or consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Brady’s products, or the performance or a breach thereof, even if Brady has been advised of the possibility thereof.
  • Page 82 BP-1244/BP-1344...

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