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AMT Datasouth Codewriter 4500 Series Operator's Manual

Amt datasouth printers operator's manual
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CodeWriter
4500 Series
Operator's
Manual
Manual Part No. 108738
Rev. C

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Summary of Contents for AMT Datasouth Codewriter 4500 Series

  • Page 1 CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator’s Manual Manual Part No. 108738 Rev. C...

  • Page 2: Communication Cables

    NOTICE There are no user-servicable parts inside the side access panel on the Codewriter 4500 Series products. Do not attempt to open the side access panel without first turning off the power to the unit, disconnecting the power cord from the unit, and disconnecting all communication cables.
  • Page 3 WARNING Any alteration or modification to this equipment may cause non-compliance to: WARNUNG Jede Abänderung oder Modifizierung dieses Geräts kann eine Zuwiderhandlung gegen folgende Bestimmungen darstellen: ADVERTENCIA Cualquier alteración o modificación de este equipo podría resultar en la infracción ATTENTION Tout changement ou modification apporté...
  • Page 4 WARNING The operator must disconnect the printer from the AC power supply before performing any corrective action procedure that requires reaching into the printer. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Connect 115V (230V) units to 115V (230V) outlets only! The printhead gets hot during use.
  • Page 5 ADVENTERCIA El usuario debe desconectar la impresora de la corriente alterna AC antes de proceder con cualquier arreglo que requiera meter la mano dentro de la impresora. Los cambios o modificaciones llevados a cabo en esta unidad, no aprobados explicitamente por la parte responsable de cumplir con el reglamento, podrían invalidar la autoridad del usuario para utilizar el equipo.
  • Page 6 Datasouth CodeWriter 4500 Disclaimer of Warranties Software All software is licensed “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Datasouth Computer and it’s authorized sales agent have no liability or responsibility to you or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss, or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by the software system...
  • Page 7 CodeWriter is a trademark of Datasouth Computer. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Datasouth 4216 Stuart Andrew Boulevard Charlotte, North Carolina 28217 • Phone: • Service: • Sales: • Internet: 704.523.8500 800.476.2450 800.476.2120 www.datasouth.com...

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction ...1 CodeWriter 4500 Series Models ... 1 CodeWriter 4500 Series Features ... 3 Guide to the Operator’s Manual... 5 Quick Start Guide ...7 Unpacking and Power Up ... 7 Media Loading ... 9 Operator Panel Media Settings... 11 Printing Test Labels ...
  • Page 9 Troubleshooting Guide ... 49 Response to Display Messages ...49 Print Quality Issues...53 Data Communications Issues ...55 Hex Dump Mode...56 Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity ...57 Verifying the Sensor Operation ...63 Applications Overview ... 65 Printer Application Language – PAL...65 Label Genesis...65 PAL Fonts and Bar Codes...66 PAL Quick Start ...69 Specifications ...
  • Page 10 Figure 3 – Label Roll Feed Path ... 9 Figure 4 – Thermal Transfer Ribbon Feed Path ... 10 Figure 5 – CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator Panel ... 11 Figure 6 – Identification of Label Dimensional Features ... 11 Figure 7 – 4500 Series Printer to DTE Host System Cable Diagram ... 20 Figure 8 –...

  • Page 11: Introduction

    Take a moment now to become familiar with CodeWriter 4500 Series product features and the assistance available in this manual. CodeWriter 4500 Series Models The CodeWriter 4500 Series product line consists of the following printer models and options: 4505 4.25 inch Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Printer, 5 IPS Print Speed...

  • Page 12: Figure 1 – Codewriter 4505 Front/Side View

    Operator Panel Document Exit and Tear Bar Figure 1 – CodeWriter 4505 Front/Side View External Media Feed Slot Figure 2 – CodeWriter 4505 Rear View Communications Option (not installed) Keyboard Interface (not installed) RS232 Communications Port Media and Printhead Access Cover...

  • Page 13: Codewriter 4500 Series Features

    CodeWriter 4500 Series Features The Datasouth CodeWriter 4500 Series printers are compact, rugged, direct thermal/thermal transfer label printers designed for the bar code industry. The printers’ high speed and high dot density offer the ability to create quality labels, tickets, and tags containing text, graphics and bar codes.
  • Page 14 Features Host or Standalone operation Printer Application Language (PAL programs residing on the printer. Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer operation High dot resolution (300 dpi) Windows drivers with printer fonts and barcode fonts included allowing any Windows application to print barcodes. 4 MB standard on-board RAM Memory expandable to 16 MB Metal cabinet Maximum Print speed: 4505 and 4505+, 5 IPS;...

  • Page 15: Guide To The Operator's Manual

    Guide to the Operator’s Manual The CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator’s Manual documents all printer features, controls and specifications. The following suggestions will help guide you quickly to the most useful manual section. Note: Viewing this document electronically with Adobe Acrobat links to move to the desired section.
  • Page 16 Introduction (This Page Intentionally Blank)

  • Page 17: Quick Start Guide

    Equipment Checklist In addition to this manual, the printer box will contain the items listed below. Datasouth CodeWriter 4500 Series printer and Power Cord Quick Start CD Cleaning Pen Warranty and Registration Return Envelope Depending on your order, additional items may have been shipped separately from the printer.
  • Page 18 Quick Start Guide Applying Power to the Printer Connect the AC power cord to the printer. Note: 230V units have a label near the Printer’s AC Input. Plug the power cord into grounded AC outlet and turn the printer on. The power switch is located on the printer’s left side.

  • Page 19: Media Loading

    Media Loading Loading and Feeding Label Roll Figure 3 outlines the media path for loading the label stock. Printhead Lock Lever Printhead Bracket Label Guide Blocks Figure 3 – Label Roll Feed Path 1. Lift the Media Access Cover using the tab in the bottom center side of the cover.

  • Page 20: Figure 4 – Thermal Transfer Ribbon Feed Path

    Loading and Feeding the Ribbon Thermal transfer applications require a ribbon. Direct Thermal users go to the next step. Figure 4 shows the feed path for the ribbon. Ribbon Take-Up Figure 4 – Thermal Transfer Ribbon Feed Path NOTE: If installing a ribbon with width less than the maximum ribbon width, both the ribbon supply and the take-up core must be centered on the shafts.

  • Page 21: Operator Panel Media Settings

    PAUSE ENTER PRINT Figure 5 – CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator Panel Printing a label requires that the printer understand the exact dimension of each feature that makes up the label. Figure 6 diagrams a die cut label with a translucent backing.
  • Page 22 Set Label Parameters ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will display the sub-menus. MENU 3. Press the key until the Label Parameters option is displayed. ITEM 4.
  • Page 23 ONLINE 8. Press the key. If any parameters were changed, the display will read PAUSE ENTER to save new defaults. Press the The display will then read Interface Status Online. [The remaining parameters under the Label Parameters menu will not require adjustment at the this time.] NOTE: In step 8, pressing the will avoid saving the settings.

  • Page 24: Set Print Parameters

    Set Print Parameters The factory settings for the printer will include a setting for print darkness for effective printing on media shipped with the printer. If the media you’ve selected for the printer was not included with the printer, the following procedure provides a print setting that will image most media.

  • Page 25: Printing Test Labels

    Printing Test Labels The Operator Panel menus include features to print test labels. The following procedures demonstrate how to print these labels. Feature/Settings Label ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus.

  • Page 26: Quick Start Cd

    Quick Start CD The Quick Start CD provides the following features to help connect the printer to the host system application. Windows 95/98 drivers Label Genesis Label Generation Program PAL Programmer’s Manual PAL Sample Labels Connecting the Printer NOTE: When installing interface cables the printer should be powered OFF Before installing the Quick Start CD, connect the printer to your computer using a standard modem cable with a DB25 male connection to the printer and...

  • Page 27: Data Communications

    Data Communications The CodeWriter 4500 Series printer provides a RS232 serial port for communications to host systems. The DB25 female connector is located on the rear of the unit (see Figure 2). The Operator Panel provides access to the serial ports operating parameters.

  • Page 28: Table 2 - Windows 95/98/Nt4.0 Port Settings

    Configuring the Personal Computer This portion of the procedure will set up the Personal Computer based on the CodeWriter 4500 Series factory default settings. (If changes have been made in the printer’s default I/O Configuration parameters, please make the corresponding changes in the following procedure) Windows 95/98/NT4.0 Configuration...

  • Page 29: Sending Data To The Printer

    Sending Data to the Printer After configuring the communications link between the Personal Computer and the printer, a label application program will be used to send data to the printer. This program may be Datasouth’s Label Genesis Label Generation package included on the Quick Start CD. Installation of the Windows Driver may also be required to successfully print with your label application program.

  • Page 30: Serial Port Specifications

    Signal Ground Data Set Ready Ring Indicator Table 3 - CodeWriter 4500 Series RS-232 Signals Cable Examples Connecting to DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) host systems with a DB25 connector requires a cable with pin-to-pin wiring and a male DB25 for the printer (Figure 7).

  • Page 31: Figure 8 – 4500 Series Printer To Dce (Modem) Device Cable Diagram

    4500 Series Printer DB25 Connector Shield DSR 20 Figure 8 – 4500 Series Printer to DCE (Modem) Device Cable Diagram DCE (Modem) DB25 Connector 1 Shield 2 TXD 3 RXD 4 RTS 5 CTS 6 DSR 7 GND 20 DTR...

  • Page 32: Flow Control

    Flow Control The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers provide two methods to control the flow of data between the host system and the printer. Hardware or Xon/Xoff flow control is selected from the Operator Panel. Hardware Flow Control The printer uses the CTS, RTS, DTR, and DSR signals during hardware flow control.

  • Page 33: Figure 9 – Three-Wire Printer To Dte Host Cable Diagram

    Xon/Xoff Flow Control Host systems that use a simple three-wire RS232 connection (TXD, RXD, GND) accomplish flow control by using Xon/Xoff or Robust Xon/Xoff. The printer supports these modes and may be selected from the Operator Panel. When using a three-wire RS232 connection, the printer must still detect the DSR signal as ON.

  • Page 34: Operator Panel Settings For Data Communications

    Operator Panel Settings for Data Communications The following procedure guides the operator through setting data communications parameters on the printer. Setting the Baud Rate ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. With the Interface Status Off-Line displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus.

  • Page 35: Setting The Parity

    Setting the DTR Polarity ITEM 10. Press the key. DTR Polarity is displayed. FEED 11. Use the keys to set the DTR Polarity CANCEL [Ready = High, Ready = Low]. Complete the selection process by pressing the will appear in front of the selected option. Setting the Parity ITEM 12.
  • Page 36 Data Communications (This Page Intentionally Blank)

  • Page 37: Media Settings

    Media Settings This section examines the CodeWriter 4500 Series printer settings related to the document (labels) and ribbon, and obtaining the desired print quality. Following these instructions carefully will result in a trouble-free initial setup and repeatable results. Setting the Document Dimensions...

  • Page 38: Figure 11 – Black Bar Label Dimensions

    Media Settings Black Bar Labels Figure 11 show the front view of a black bar label with the dimensions required for setting up the printer. Label Width Label Gap = Black Bar Figure 11 – Black Bar Label Dimensions Notch or Hole Label Figure 12 shows a label with a hole as the mark between labels (Contact Datasouth for Notch or Hole Location Specifications) Label Width...
  • Page 39 Programming the Label Dimensions The following procedure guides the operator through programming the label dimensions into the printer via the Operator Panel. ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus.
  • Page 40 ONLINE pressing the key. If problems occurred return to step 2 to verify the PAUSE settings. If after verifying the settings the labels are not feeding correctly, turn to the Troubleshooting Guide section in this manual for information on adjusting the media sensor sensitivity.

  • Page 41: Setting The Printing Method

    Setting the Printing Method The CodeWriter 4500 Series Printers offer Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal print methods. Thermal Transfer printers use a ribbon which transfers ink to the label during the printing process. Direct Thermal printers use specially treated labels that darken in the heated areas while printing.

  • Page 42: Setting The Print Parameters

    Print Speed and Darkness The Print Speed and Darkness parameters control the quality of a printed label. The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers will print effectively with many different types of ribbons and label stocks when these parameters are programmed correctly.

  • Page 43: Table 5 - Suggested Initial Settings For Print Speed And Darkness

    Note that accurately assessing bar code label quality will require bar code validation equipment to determine a bar code’s ANSI grading. See the Bar Code Quality in this section for more information. Printing Method Speed Thermal Transfer Wax Ribbon 100% Wax/Resin Ribbon 100% Resin Ribbon...

  • Page 44: Adjusting Print Position

    Adjusting Print Position The Operator Panel menu includes a feature for adjusting the print position in the X (label width) and Y (along the feed direction) directions. Use the following procedure when the label requires a minor adjustment (+ or - 1.0 inch) to improve the position of the printed image.
  • Page 45 Presentation Distance After printing each label, the printer advances the label a preset presentation distance. This allows the label to be presented at a convenient distance for the application. The following procedure demonstrates how to change this value from the Operator Panel. ONLINE 1.

  • Page 46: Bar Code Quality

    Bar Code Quality Printing bar codes represents one of the primary applications of the CodeWriter 4500 Series printers. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides a standard by which bar code image quality is measured. This section provides assistance toward obtaining ANSI ‘A’ Grade bar codes by identifying favorable bar code printing settings.

  • Page 47: Figure 14 – Poor Quality Bar Code Samples

    Media Settings Increasing the ladder bar code’s narrow width feature size will reduce the heating modulation’s geometric impact. The 4500 Series printers will generate ANSI Grade ‘A’ and ‘B’ ladder bar codes when using a narrow feature size of 3 dots (3/300 inches, 0.0099 inches) .
  • Page 48 Media Settings (This Page Intentionally Blank)

  • Page 49: Operator Panel Reference

    Operator Panel Reference This section serves as a reference for all Operator Panel features. Each panel key function and the underlying menus will be detailed in this section. ONLINE PAUSE ENTER PRINT Display and Panel Keys Panel Feature Toggles the printer’s On-line status. ONLINE Pauses active print jobs.

  • Page 50: Off-Line Menu Reference

    Operator Panel Reference Off-line Menu Reference ONLINE The operator may access the off-line menu by pressing the key and pressing the PAUSE MENU MENU key. The first menu item is Print Parameters. Continue pressing the to access Label Parameters, I/O Config., and System Params. menu items. The Operator may avoid saving changes made to parameter values prior to going back online by pressing the key.

  • Page 51: Print Parameters

    Print Parameters Parameter Values 4505/4505+ Print Speed (%) 80% – 100% 4510 40% – 100% Print Darkness (%) 0% – 100% Gap Sense (%) 0% – 100% Bar Sense (%) 0% – 100% Ribbon Sense (%) 0% – 100% Pres. Dist. (in) 0 –...
  • Page 52 Label Parameters Parameter Values Media Type Direct Thermal Thermal Transfer Label Width (in) 0.25 – 4.25 inches Label Len. (in) 0.25 – 99 inches Label Gap (in) 0.00 (Continuous) 0.01 (Black Bar) 0.02 – 4.99 inches (Gap) X Offset -1.00 – 1.00 inches Y Offset -1.00 –...
  • Page 53 I/O Config. Parameter Values Baud Rate 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, or 57600 Flow Control Hardware, Xon/Xoff Normal, or Xon/Xoff Robust RTS Polarity Online = High Online = Low DTR Polarity Ready = High Ready = Low Parity None, Even or Data Bits...
  • Page 54 System Params. Parameter Values Units Inches or Millimeters Media Alignment Automatic or Manual ENTER to recall defaults ENTER to Select Diagnostics Firmware Part No. XXXXXXYY Hex Dump Mode ON or OFF Settings Label Press Enter Key Description Selects the units for parameter values Automatic: Printer will align the label prior to printing first...

  • Page 55: Default Parameter Values

    Default Parameter Values This section lists the default parameter values. The Operator may restore these values using the ENTER to recall defaults feature in the System Parameters menu. Print Parameters Print Speed: 4505/4505+ – 100%, 4510 – 60% Print Darkness: 4505/4505+ – 80%, 4510 – 90% Gap Sense: 50% Bar Sense: 50% Ribbon Sense: 50%...

  • Page 56: Off-Line Menu Map

    Off-Line Menu Map Figure 15 provides a map to assist in locating features in the menu system. Print Parameters Label Parameters → → → → ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Print Speed (%) ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Print Darkness (%) Label Width (in) ↓...

  • Page 57: Maintenance

    Maintenance The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers require very little operator maintenance. The routine tasks involve keeping the media paths clear of paper dust and debris. NOTE: Turn off power while performing maintenance tasks. Removing the Ribbon Take-up Roll Use the following procedure to remove the ribbon take up roll: 1.

  • Page 58: Printhead Cleaning

    Printhead Cleaning Clean the printhead with every ribbon change or after every 10,000 linear inches of direct thermal label media. Use the cleaning pen supplied with the printer or a Q-tip soaked in alcohol. Three to four swipes along the heater line should be sufficient to remove any collected material (Figure 16) WARNING: The printhead may be extremely HOT.

  • Page 59: Troubleshooting Guide

    Troubleshooting Guide This section serves to guide the operator through successfully resolving issues that might occur during normal printer operation. If the printer issue is not resolved using the information in this guide, please contact Datasouth Service for additional assistance. Response to Display Messages The printer will detect situations requiring assistance from the operator.
  • Page 60 Remove Ribbon PRINT or CANCEL? The ribbon sensor indicates a thermal transfer ribbon is present while in direct thermal mode. If direct thermal mode is desired and the ribbon is removed, then one of the following conditions has occurred. (This procedure only applies to Thermal Transfer printers operating in Direct Thermal mode.
  • Page 61 Media Feed Fault PRINT or CANCEL? The printer cannot resolve the relationship between the detected media size (the space between gaps) and the programmed size. One of the following conditions has occurred to cause this message. 1. If the label is behind the contact point between the platen and the printhead, the label will not feed.
  • Page 62 Head Overheat... PRINT or CANCEL? The printer has detected an abnormally high temperature on the printhead. The following conditions have caused this problem. 1. If the printer has been printing labels continuously, allow the printer to cool for a few minutes and press the error reoccurs regularly improve the ventilation around the printer or reduce the temperature around the printer.

  • Page 63: Print Quality Issues

    Print Quality Issues The problems and solutions listed here presume the printer was setup properly using the procedure in this manual’s Media Settings section. If the printer is displaying any messages, see Response to Display Messages in this section before proceeding.
  • Page 64 Troubleshooting Guide Missing Dots in Label See Printhead Cleaning in the Maintenance section to see if this procedure will solve the problem. Thermal Printheads reaching the end of their operational life will exhibit this symptom. Although you may continue printing without damaging the printer, make arrangements to obtain a new printhead.

  • Page 65: Data Communications Issues

    Data Communications Issues The following information presumes the serial communications link has been set up using the procedures in Data Communications section. Resolving wiring or hardware handshaking issues usually requires a RS232 Breakout Box or RS232 Signal Mini-Tester. PC Reports “Write Fault Error Writing to Device COMx” When sending a file using commands in a DOS window, the PC will expect the proper assertion of the hardware control signals DSR and CTS.

  • Page 66: Hex Dump Mode

    Hex Dump Mode The Hex Dump Mode assists in verifying the Data Communications function by providing a printed record of all data received by the printer. The Hex Dump mode presents the data in hexadecimal format, explicitly displaying the serial port data as received.

  • Page 67: Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity

    Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity The Operator Panel off-line menu includes a feature to adjust the sensor sensitivity. The default sensor sensitivity settings will detect the majority of media types. This procedure is only applicable to situations where the printer is unable to properly detect a ribbon or label stock.
  • Page 68 If this procedure fails to produce a working sensor sensitivity that stops the Media Out messages contact qualified service personnel. Printer is Displaying “Media Feed Fault” Message The printer displays this message when the Gap Sensor sensitivity level is less than required.
  • Page 69 Adjusting the Black Bar Sensor Sensitivity The printer uses the Black Bar Sensor system to detect black bar on the back of label stock. Setting the Label Gap parameter value to Black Bar (0.01 inches) causes the printer to use this method. Verify that the Label Gap is set to this value prior to continuing with this procedure (see Media Settings section, Programming the Label Dimensions).
  • Page 70 this issue involves lowering the Black Bar Sensor Sensitivity to a level that will allow the sensor to detect the black bars between labels. ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the Print Parameters menu.
  • Page 71 Adjusting the Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity The Ribbon Sensor system detects the presence of a ribbon in the system. The Media Type parameter value determines how the printer uses the sensor (see Media Settings section, Setting the Printing Method). In Direct Thermal mode, the printer uses the sensor to verify a ribbon is not installed.
  • Page 72 Printer Displays “Ribbon Out” Message in Thermal Transfer Mode The printer displays this message when Ribbon Sensor sensitivity level is greater than required. The Ribbon Sensor is receiving light reflecting from the back of the ribbon, or through the ribbon from the back of the printhead bracket.

  • Page 73: Verifying The Sensor Operation

    Verifying the Sensor Operation The Operator Panel off-line menu provides a diagnostic tool to verify the operation Gap Sensor operation. ONLINE 1. Press the key. This takes you to the off-line menu. PAUSE 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the System Params.
  • Page 74 Troubleshooting Guide (This Page Intentionally Blank)

  • Page 75: Applications Overview

    Applications Overview This section identifies the applications development resources available, the printer’s fonts and bar code symbologies, and a Quick Start Guide to PAL (Printer Architecture Language) Printer Application Language – PAL PAL distinguishes Datasouth’s CodeWriter printers from other thermal printers in the marketplace.

  • Page 76: Pal Fonts And Bar Codes

    PAL Fonts and Bar Codes CodeWriter 4500 Series printers include following fonts and bar codes for application development. Fonts Font Point Size Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif Sans Serif OCRB OCRB...
  • Page 77 Bar Codes Bar Code Identifier Code 39 /Code39 Code 93 /Code93 Code 128 /Code128 A, B and C Interleave /I2of5 2 of 5 UPC-A /UPCA UPC-E /UPCE EAN-8 /EAN8 EAN-13 /EAN13 Codabar /Codabar Postnet /Postnet Maxicode /Maxicode Sample...

  • Page 78: Table 8 – Pal Bar Code List And Samples

    MSI Plessy /MSI PDF-417 /PDF417 Table 8 – PAL Bar Code List and Samples...

  • Page 79: Pal Quick Start

    PAL Quick Start This section contains instructions for establishing communication with the printer to setup a PAL development environment for label applications. The development environment makes use of a terminal emulator program such as HyperTerminal. A text editor, such as Notepad, may also be used for typing and editing sample programs to be sent to the printer.
  • Page 80 If it does, then the communication channel has been setup correctly. If it doesn't, check the cables, the printer I/O Settings and the terminal emulator settings. For developing applications, the printer has an executive mode that incorporates a prompt and provides an echo of characters typed. Basic command line editing is incorporated to allow backspacing etc.
  • Page 81 Applications Overview Label Tutorial This section guides the reader through a examples designed to teach the reader how to create basic labels. The tutorial starts with a simple label with a plain text string. The tutorial builds on this example by introducing a single concept in each subsequent example.
  • Page 82 Label Output Hello World! 1 " 1 " Purpose: Demonstrate how to print simple text on a label. findfont - Establish the font to use The fontname is preceded by a “/”. In this example, a Sans Serif 12 point font was chosen.
  • Page 83 Applications Overview The default coordinate system used by PAL is a traditional Cartesian coordinate system with the origin at the lower left-hand corner of the drawing surface: (0,0) PAL Coordinate System An internal “cursor” is maintained by PAL that keeps track of where to put the next print object, i.e. text or lines, etc.
  • Page 84 Label Output Hello World! 1 " 1 " Purpose: Demonstrate drawing lines on a label. This example underlines the “Hello World!” text from the previous example. moveto - Position the drawing cursor at the desired location The line will be positioned near the same location as the text, a bit lower in the y direction to allow for a small space between the bottom of the text and the line.
  • Page 85 Label Output Hello World! 1 " 1 " Purpose: Demonstrate the drawing of a rectangular box. This example builds on the previous example by drawing a frame around the label. A 4” x 4” (288 points x 288 points) label is used in this example. The frame will be placed within 30 points of the edge of the label.
  • Page 86 Label Output Hello World! 1 " 1 " Purpose: Demonstrate how to rotate text. This example builds on the previous example by placing another instance of “Hello World!” rotated 90 degrees. moveto - Position the drawing cursor at the desired location The text will be located at the same x position and slightly higher in the y direction relative to the previous text.
  • Page 87 Label Output *BARCODE123* Hello World! 1 " 1 " Purpose: Demonstrate how to print a bar code. This example builds on the previous example by placing a bar code near the center of the label. Moveto - Position the drawing cursor at the desired location Position cursor at desired location for bar code.
  • Page 88 Applications Guide (This Page Intentionally Blank)

  • Page 89: Specifications

    Specifications Environmental Operating Temperature: 32 to 104 degrees F (0 to 40 degrees C) Storage Temperature: 0 to 140 degrees F (-17 to 60 degrees C) Relative Humidity: 8 to 80 percent Maximum wet bulb temperature: 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) Physical 4505 Width: 9.1 inches...

  • Page 90: Media

    Media Ribbon Length: 984 feet (300 meters) Maximum Width: 4.375 inches Maximum Ribbon Leader: 12 inches (300 mm) Ribbon Trailer: 6 inches (150 mm) Reflective or Clear Ink Side: Outside Core ID: 1.0 inches Roll OD: 2.68 inches Maximum Document (Label Stock) Roll OD: 4505 –...

  • Page 91: Advanced Features

    Advanced Features Flash Memory Management The CodeWriter 4500 Series printer provides the user with a dedicated 32k area of flash memory to store applications or label formats. To use this area the user must understand how to access the area and copy the application to the printer. The following information is provided to assist the user in understanding the function of the flash memory on this printer and how they can interact with it.
  • Page 92 Advanced Features PAL Application Bootstrap Bypass Hold down the button while turning on power. Do not release until the CANCEL printer displays the Interface Status Online message. The printer supports the downloading of standalone or other user PAL applications into a reserved portion of the internal flash ROM. Given the proper identifier at the start of such an application, the PAL interpreter will automatically start executing any such application once the firmware has completed initialization.

  • Page 93: Print Darkness Control

    Print Darkness Control CodeWriter 4500 Series Printers shipped with this manual Darkness control method. This method replaces the print settings method that involved a Contrast and Preheat setting. The Operator Panel includes access to these former methods to service current customers obtaining satisfactory print quality with those settings.
  • Page 94 Advanced Features...

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