General Description; Theory Of Operation - SATO CX400 Service Manual

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INTRODUCTION
This manual is laid out in a manner consistant with the product discussed and provides all of the
information required for general printer setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. For
specialized programming, refer to the Programming Manual also provided with the product.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SATO CX400 printers are compact desktop printers designed especially for bar code labeling
and tagging. The CX uses SATO Command Language, making it simple to integrate with other
SATO models.
Designed for convenience, the CX has many advanced features such as larger media capacity,
user replaceable print head and platen, a high lift print head carriage that makes it easy to clean
and load supplies. The printer is also designed to use eye-mark or gap-label sensing
The CX400 uses a single sensor element for both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.
The printing method may be selected by using configuration settings in the software program or
by sending the commands directly to the printer. The current setup may be determined by
printing a self-test label which identifies all setup parameters.
A slot in the rear of the unit permits external feeding of media for larger rolls with greater linear
feet.

THEORY OF OPERATION

When activated, the media and ribbon (where applicable) are fed conjunctively past the print
head by an integrated drive train. The drive train is electric motor driven, coupled to a gear
configuration located on the left side of the printer chassis. Paper guides within the chassis
assembly ensure that the media remains properly positioned during the printing process and is
fed unimpeded through the front cover. The exhausted ribbon material is rewound onto a take-up
core installed within drive train driven spindles.
A series of strategically located sensors sends signals to the processing unit. The processing unit
in turn sends response signals to the various features based on programmed and recieved data.
Correct signals initiates print head activity.
SATO CX400 Service Manual PN 9001110A Page 1-1