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GL4xxe Series
'
OPERATOR
S MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for SATO GL4 Series

  • Page 1 GL4xxe Series ’ OPERATOR S MANUAL...
  • Page 2 All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in any form whatsoever without the express permission of SATO. The materials in this document are provided for general information and are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW 1.1 General Specifications ..................1-1 INSTALLATION Safety Precautions..................... 2-2 2.1 Unpacking......................2-4 2.1.1 Included Accessories ..................2-5 2.1.2 Parts Identification.................... 2-6 2.2 Loading the Carbon Ribbon (For Thermal Transfer Printing)......2-10 (Note: Ribbon is not needed for Direct Thermal printing)........2-10 Adjusting the Ribbon Guide ..................
  • Page 4 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 4.1 Introduction ......................4-1 4.2 Cleaning The Print Head, Platen and Rollers ............4-1 4.3 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SET) ............4-2 4.4 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SHEET) ............4-3 4.5 Adjusting Print Quality ..................4-4 4.5.1 Adjusting Print Darkness ................4-4 4.5.2 Adjusting Print Speed ..................4-4 TROUBLESHOOTING 5.1 Initial Checklist .....................5-1...
  • Page 5: Overview

    Section 1: Introduction OVERVIEW Thank you for your investment in this SATO printer product. This Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the installation, setup, configuration, operation and maintenance of the printer. A total of seven topics are covered herein, and they are organized as follows:...
  • Page 6 Section 1: Introduction The SATO GL4XX “e” series of dual use (Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal) printers are complete, high-performance labeling systems designed for printing tags and labels. The key features of the GL series are: • Availability in 203 dpi or 305 dpi models •...
  • Page 7 Maximum speed may be further dependent on the type of print layout, paper, or carbon ribbon in use. Paper Thickness 0.060 mm to 0.268 mm supported. Note: Be sure to use only printer supplies manufactured or certified by SATO. Standard Width: 22 to 128 mm (25 to 131 mm) Note: Label size...
  • Page 8 ISO 8859-1 (Latin 1), ISO 8859-2 (Latin 2), ISO 8859-9 (Latin 5), CP 855 (DOS Cyrillic), CP 864 (DOS Arabic), CP 850 (Multi-Latin 1), CP 737 (DOS Greek), OCR-A, OCR-B Host Sato Label Management Software, Firmware Tool, Font/Logo tool Applica-...
  • Page 9 • • Line and Box graphics primitives JIS/Shift JIS switching (where applicable) • • SATO Barcode Programming JIS/Shift JIS switching (where applicable) Language (SBPL)/SATO Graphics • Emulations for Printronix, Zebra, TEC, Inter Language (STGL) support mec and Datamax Graphics Languages...
  • Page 10 Section 1: Introduction 1.1 General Specifications (Cont’d) Specification/ GL408e GL412e Model Name RFID • U.S./Canada UHF RFID FCC15B/FCC15C • Europe R&TTE (EN300-220-1/EN302-208-1) • Singapore Regulatory • China compliance • Korea RFID UHF RFID • EPC Class 0+ (TBD) Tag options •...
  • Page 11 Section 1: Introduction 1.1 General Specifications (Cont’d) Specification/ GL408e GL412e Model Name Americas • USA: Underwriters Laboratories - UL60950-1, First Edition - Safety of Information Technology Equipment, Including Electrical Business Equipment by a Nationally Recognized Test Lab (NRTL). • Canada: UL/C-UL 60950-1 First Edition. •...
  • Page 12 Section 1: Introduction This page is intentionally left blank GL Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-8...
  • Page 13 Section 2: Installation INSTALLATION This section assists you in unpacking and installing the printer from the shipping container. You will also be guided through a familiarization tour of the main parts and controls. The following information is provided: • Safety Precautions •...
  • Page 14: Safety Precautions

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Please read the following information carefully before installing and using the printer SAFETY PRECAUTIONS THE CAUTION SYMBOL Whenever the triangular Caution logo appears in this manual, pay special attention to the warning(s) cited below it. Failure to abide by the warnings may result in injury or damage to property. PRINTER PLACEMENT TIPS •...
  • Page 15 Section 2: Installation GENERAL PRECAUTIONS • The supplied head cleaning liquid is flammable. • Do not disassemble or perform modifications to Never heat it or throw it into a fire. Keep it out of chil- the printer, as this renders the product unsafe. dren’s reach to avoid accidental consumption.
  • Page 16: Unpacking

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.1 UNPACKING When unpacking the printer, take note of the following: The box should stay right-side up. If the printer was been stored in the Lift the printer out of the box carefully. cold, allow it to reach room temperature before turning it on.
  • Page 17: Included Accessories

    Section 2: Installation 2.1.1 INCLUDED ACCESSORIES After unpacking the printer, verify that the following materials are in the accessories or packaging: Global Warranty Cleaning document Sample paper* Information Head cleaning sheet leaflet* (wrapping sheet) Power cable* Operator’s Manual Accessory CD-ROM* Two-pole adaptor* and/or Quick Guide* Items marked with an asterisk may be different from what you see here, or may be excluded.
  • Page 18: Parts Identification

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Front View Operation Panel Label Output area Consists of an liquid crystal dis- play screen, five status indica- This is where the label feeds tors and the LINE and FEED out of the printer after being buttons.
  • Page 19: Rear View

    Section 2: Installation 2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D) IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Rear View Release screw Slot for optional EXT connector Slot for Fanfold Paper Slot for additional interface card (LAN/ WLAN) IEEE1284 and USB 2.0 interfaces 9-pin Serial Interface AC power connector Power cable hook Provides a neat and...
  • Page 20 SECTION 2: INSTALLATION IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS Side View (Media assembly) Label Supply Arm Memory Card slot cover Paper sensor Ribbon take-up spindle Ribbon suppy spindle Head pressure knob Label Guide Head lock latch position knob Print head* Platen roller* Label Guide * Clean and maintain this part regularly Angled Front View...
  • Page 21 Section 2: Installation 2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D) IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS View of Front Panel LCD screen Icons, prompts and system messages are displayed here. Light Emitting Diodes POWER LED: Lights up when power is supplied to the printer. ONLINE LED: Lights up when communication is available.
  • Page 22: Loading The Carbon Ribbon (For Thermal Transfer Printing)

    Push it inwards all the way, with the ribbon winding in a clockwise direction around the print head, as shown. Note: Use only genuine SATO carbon ribbons for maximum print quality and printer durability. 4. Pass the carbon ribbon under the...
  • Page 23: Adjusting The Ribbon Guide

    Section 2: Installation ADJUSTING THE RIBBON GUIDE (Note: Ribbon is not needed for Direct Thermal printing) If the ribbon is not spread smoothly when it makes contact with the media, print voids will occur. This could be due to either the ribbon supply spindle, ribbon take-up spindle, printhead or ribbon guide rollers not being parallel.
  • Page 24: Loading Labels And Tags

    For optimal print performance and durability, please use SATO-certified label and ribbon supplies on this printer. Using supplies not tested and approved for use by SATO can result in unnecessary wear and damage to vital parts of the printer, and may void the warranty.
  • Page 25: Loading Roll Paper

    Section 2: Installation 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper Label Supply Arm Label Stopper 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 26 SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) Adjusting for the paper width and print head balance This printer is adjusted so that quality printing can be obtained without any adjustments. However, in certain situations, you will need to adjust printhead pressure because of variations in media width.
  • Page 27: Loading Fanfold Paper From The Rear

    Section 2: Installation 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 2.3.2 Loading Fanfold Paper from the rear 1. Lift up the printer cover. Make sure that the cover Fanfold paper rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 28: Loading Fanfold Paper From Under The Printer

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 2.3.3 Loading Fanfold Paper from under the printer 1. Lift up the main cover. Make sure that the cover Label Supply Arm rests firmly on the top of the printer so that it will not Label Stopper fall forward and injure your hands.
  • Page 29: Adjusting The Paper Sensor

    Section 2: Installation 2.3 LOADING LABELS AND TAGS (CONT’D) 2.3.4 Adjusting the Paper Sensor Adjustment of the paper sensor is usually not necessary, but the procedure is described here. 1. Lift up the cover. Make sure that the cover rests firmly Lift up the cover on the top of the printer so that it will not fall forward...
  • Page 30: Replacing The Print Head2-18

    SECTION 2: INSTALLATION 2.4 REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD Before attempting to replace the print head, it is advisable to contact your local dealer or service center so that they can assist you in case of problems. 1. Make sure the printer has been turned off for at least 30 minutes so that the print head is not hot.
  • Page 31: Turning The Printer On/Off

    Section 2: Installation 2.5 TURNING THE PRINTER ON/OFF 1. After removing the cable cover at the rear of the printer, you can proceed to install the interface and power cables as shown. 2. To limit movement of the cables, you can optionally channel the cables through the cable hook area at the base of the printer.
  • Page 32 Section 2: Installation This page is intentionally left blank GL Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-20...
  • Page 33: Configuration And Operation

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION Before using the printer, it is best to read this manual thoroughly first. Otherwise, you may disturb default settings around which the instructional procedures in this manual are based upon. 3.1 THE LCD AND OPERATION PANEL The printer can be monitored and controlled and set via the LCD screen and the buttons below.
  • Page 34: The Icon-Based Main Menu

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.2 THE ICON-BASED MAIN MENU Screen icons and menu options USER Mode (See pg 3-4) Settings of Print Speed/Darkness, Offsets, Label Setup, etc. INTERFACE Mode (See pg 3-8) Settings of USB, Parallel, Serial and other interface options RFID Mode (Check Service Manual) Setting of the optional RFID Kit (or ODV Kit) if installed.
  • Page 35: Printer Operation Modes

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.3 PRINTER OPERATION MODES ONLINE AND OFFLINE MODES 3.3.1 ONLINE Mode Pressing the LINE button causes the printer to go ONLINE or ONLINE OFFLINE alternately. When the printer is ONLINE, the following activities will be possible: PARL/SBPL+ •...
  • Page 36: User Mode

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.4 USER MODE The following settings are available in User Mode: DISPLAY SUB-MENU RANGE DEFAULT DESCRIPTION Print Speed 2 to 10 (50.8 - 254.0 4 ips (101.6 mm/ Selects the printing speed. mm/sec) sec) Lower speeds usually yield bet- ter print quality.
  • Page 37: Setting The Pitch Offset

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.4 USER MODE (CONT’D) 3.4.1 Setting the Pitch Offset This setting adjusts where printing begins vertically, relative to the bottom edge (nearest the print head) of each label. The maximum Print head value allowed is 3.75 mm. Adjusting the OFFSET potentiometer adjusts the tear-off stop position for use with a cutter, peeler.
  • Page 38: Setting Ver/Hor Print Offsets

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.4 USER MODE (CONT’D) 3.4.3 Setting Ver/Hor Print Offsets This setting allows you to set the Print Position Offset—which refers Ver Print Offset to the vertical and horizontal shifting of the entire print area, relative to the start position of printing (V=0, H=0), defined by default to be 0.00 inches the bottom right hand corner of the label.
  • Page 39: Specifying The Ver/Hor Base Reference Points

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.4 USER MODE (CONT’D) 3.4.5 Specifying the Ver/Hor Base Reference Points Ver BaseRefPoint The Vertical or Horizontal Base Reference Point defines the origin 0 dots* 0,0 of a label (Reference Point). Press the ^ and v cursor keys to change the value in Dots, to the desired quantity.
  • Page 40: Interface Mode

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.5 INTERFACE MODE The following settings are available in Interface Mode: DISPLAY SUB-MENU RANGE DEFAULT DESCRIPTION Ignore CR/LF No/Yes Appears only if Comm. Protocol is set Item No. Check Disable/Cancel/ Disable to Status 5 Resume Appears only if Comm.
  • Page 41 Section 3: Configuration and Operation Appears only if LAN interface is Job Control Off/Standard/ Standard selected. Standard: NIC waits for entire Enhanced job to be received before indicating that a job is done. Enhanced: Waits for entire job to be printed before a similar indication.
  • Page 42 Section 3: Configuration and Operation Appears only if WLAN interface is Transmit Power 0 to 100% 100% selected Appears only if WLAN interface is Internat.Mode Disable/Enable Disable selected. When enabled, the printer adapts to international frequency requirements in Europe. Appears only if WLAN interface is Auth.Method Open/Shared Open...
  • Page 43 Section 3: Configuration and Operation *Parallel Port Port Type IEEE 1284/Disable/ IEEE 1284 (This option only Centronics appears if this is The Enable option (factory default) means Data Bit 8 Enable/Disable Enable the active port to the PI line is not passed directly from host to printer;...
  • Page 44 Section 3: Configuration and Operation E.g., if the printer is printing a job from the Trickle Time 1/4,1/2, 1,2,4,8,16,Off 1/4 sec serial port, and then receives a second print When the printer is printing job from the parallel port, the data from the data from a host and a second parallel port will “trickle”...
  • Page 45: Baud Rate

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation This option configures the amount of mem- *USB Port Buffer Size in K 1 to 16 ory allocated for the serial port buffer. The (This option only range is 1-16 KB, in 1-KB increments. appears if this is the active port to NOTE: If you select a baud rate that is be used)
  • Page 46 Section 3: Configuration and Operation When the printer is printing data from a host Trickle Time 1/4,1/2, 1,2,4,8,16,Off 1/4 sec and a second job is received by the printer from a different host, Trickle Time prevents the second host from timing out while it is waiting for its data to be printed.
  • Page 47 Section 3: Configuration and Operation This option is for the Series1 protocol. Poll Character 00 to FF 00 Hex Whenever the printer receives this charac- ter, it sends a response to the host indicat- ing the current state of the printer (see Series1 protocol).
  • Page 48: Advanced Mode

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.6 ADVANCED MODE Advanced Mode lets you configure the more advanced features of the printer hardware. The following settings are available in Advanced Mode: (Menus marked with an asterisk * in front are only available in Admin User has been enabled in this menu. DISPLAY SUB-MENU RANGE...
  • Page 49 Section 3: Configuration and Operation Allows you to enable and dis- *Pwr Save Control Enable/Disable Enable able Power Saver mode. If enabled, the menu for Power Saver Time is in effect. Sets the language used for all Display Language English/German/ French/ English LCD text communication.
  • Page 50 Section 3: Configuration and Operation Reclaims flash space from *Optimize&Reboot deleted flash files. After press- ing ENTER, wait for the printer to reboot. NOTE: The Optimize feature will optimize both the Main and Extd file system (if present). Prints a summary of the files Print File List Disable/Enable Enable...
  • Page 51 Section 3: Configuration and Operation The Maximum Cache Memory *Max Cache Mem- 50 to 2000 900 Kbytes option specifies the size of the memory block that can be allo- cated to the font cache. The NOTE: font cache stores bitmaps that HS = Horizontal resolution are created on demand from VS = Vertical resolution...
  • Page 52 Section 3: Configuration and Operation Displays the number of pages *Batch Counter Disable/Enable Disable remaining in a print job. Enable (factory default): The # Disable: The # Pages remain- NOTE: If the correct execute Pages remaining to be printed will ing to be printed will not dis- command is absent from the display on the second line of the...
  • Page 53: Diagnostics Mode

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.7 DIAGNOSTICS MODE The following settings are available in Diagnostics Mode: DISPLAY SUB-MENU RANGE DEFAULT DESCRIPTION Selects whether software commands can Priority Setting LCD (Internal) Command override printer settings, or whether settings via the LCD have priority. Checkerboard: This pattern helps identify Printer Tests Checkerboard...
  • Page 54 Section 3: Configuration and Operation This is the reference number which includes Software Build the program file part number and revision number of the software installed in the printer, e.g., 358186 V1.07G. If enabled, this option prints out data sent Hex Dump Mode Enable/Disable Disable...
  • Page 55: Configurations Mode

    Delete Config. 3.9 EMULATIONS SETUP MODE The following settings are available in Emulations Setup: DISPLAY SUB-MENU RANGE DEFAULT DESCRIPTION Selects SATO Barcode Programming Lan- Select SBPL SBPL guage as the standard language for host commands. Selects Datamax Printer Language as the standard language for host commands.
  • Page 56: Understanding Continuous Print And Tear Off Operations

    Section 3: Configuration and Operation 3.10 UNDERSTANDING CONTINUOUS PRINT AND TEAR OFF OPERATIONS The Continuous Print and Tear Off operations are available for use if the printer is not connected to a cutter or peeler. The difference between the two operations is in the way the label paper is ejected.
  • Page 57: Cleaning And Maintenance

    GL4xxe series printer was bought, a cleaning set and/or a set of cleaning sheets may be provided with the unit. If any of the cleaning items need replacement, contact your authorized SATO dealer. (if supplied) When to clean with the cleaning set ♦...
  • Page 58: How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning Set)

    Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance 4.3 HOW TO CLEAN THE PRINTER (CLEANING SET) If you are using a carbon ribbon, be sure to remove it before cleaning. Follow the instructions supplied with the cleaning set. Use the items to clean the following parts. Print head Paper Sensor and Label Guide sensor...
  • Page 59: How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning Sheet)

    Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance 4.4 HOW TO CLEAN THE PRINTER (CLEANING SHEET) The cleaning sheet is used for cleaning the print head and platen roller. 1. Lift up the main cover. Using the Cleaning Sheet 2. Unlatch the print head unit using the head release lever.
  • Page 60: Adjusting Print Quality

    Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance 4.5 ADJUSTING PRINT QUALITY Print quality can be optimized with regular cleaning and maintenance of the print head and components along the label path. Additionally, you can fine-tune print quality by adjusting print darkness and print speed settings. 4.5.1 Adjusting Print Darkness This adjustment allows the user to control (within a specified range) the amount of power applied to the individual print head heat elements.
  • Page 61: Troubleshooting

    Section 5: Troubleshooting TROUBLESHOOTING Observations If you are unable to produce printouts on the GL Series printers, use this section to make sure the basics have been checked, before deciding you are unable to proceed any further. The section is divided into seven parts: •...
  • Page 62 Section 5: Troubleshooting 5.2 USING THE CENTRONICS (PARALLEL) INTERFACE (CONT’D) Observations When you send the print job to the printer and it does not respond, and there is no error message on the PC: A. Check your data stream for some of the basics. Is your job framed as follows? For SBPL: <ESC>A—DATA—<ESC>Z B.
  • Page 63: Using The Rs232C (Serial) Interface

    Stop Bits in relation to your host computer. If you are confused as to what the printer’s current RS232 set- tings are, you may choose the SATO defaults (all DIP switches in the OFF position) to achieve 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.
  • Page 64: Understanding The Status Indicators

    Section 5: Troubleshooting 5.4 UNDERSTANDING THE STATUS INDICATORS The LED indicators flash to indicate the current status of the printer. Another indicator is the built- in buzzer which sounds audible beeps to alert the user. Indicator Activity Cause Remedy Illustration The receive You can continue buffer is get-...
  • Page 65: Understanding The Lcd Error Messages

    DOWNLOADER Cause: An attempt to access the printer firmware beyond the ERROR allowed area. Remedy: BEYOND __ MB EFC Contact your SATO technical service centre for correc- tive action. Repeat Download DOWNLOADER Cause: Insufficient memory remaining for the download. ERROR...
  • Page 66 Section 5: Troubleshooting LCD Message Description DOWNLOADER Cause: Writing to the flash memory resulted in an error. ERROR FLASH WRITE #__ Remedy: Repeat the flash download procedure. If the error per- sists, contact a technical support representative. Repeat Download DOWNLOADER Cause: Writing to the flash memory resulted in an error in an ERROR...
  • Page 67 Section 5: Troubleshooting LCD Message Description GAP NOT Cause: The printer is set for Gap or I-mark sensing, but the I- DETECTED mark cannot be detected. Check Sensor and Remedy: 1. Check that the setting of the Gap/Mark Sensor in the Calibrate SENSOR SETUP menu matches the installed media.
  • Page 68 Section 5: Troubleshooting LCD Message Description OPTION NOT Cause: If the printer is turned ON with the cutter enabled in the Media Handling menu, but the cutter itself is in the down INSTALLED position, or the cutter upper enclosure is removed, the printer cannot detect the cutter.
  • Page 69 Section 5: Troubleshooting LCD Message Description SERIAL PARITY Cause: A parity error occurred. ERROR Remedy: Verify that the serial interface parameters for host and printer are identical. SOFTWARE ERROR Cause: An illegal power function was initiated by an application software. Or there are damaged logic circuits on the Cycle Power controller PCBA.
  • Page 70: Troubleshooting Guide

    If glue of the label is stuck to the printer head, wipe it off with the supplied cleaning set. Are you using genuine SATO paper Be sure to use genuine paper and carbon ribbon and carbon ribbons for the printer? specifically designed for the printer.
  • Page 71 Section 5: Troubleshooting 5.6 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE (CONT’D) Symptom: Low quality print What to check Remedy Are the paper and carbon ribbon Check if the paper and carbon ribbon are securely fixed. Also, lower the head-open lever of the printer head unit, set correctly? and check if the paper and carbon ribbon are in the normal position.
  • Page 72 Use new paper/ carbon ribbon which are not deformed. Are you using Be sure to use genuine paper and genuine SATO carbon ribbon specifically paper and designed for the printer. Generic carbon ribbons...
  • Page 73: Optional Accessories

    Section 6: Optional Accessories OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 6.1 INTRODUCTION This section contains details of the optional accessories available for the GL printer series: • Interface boards • Peelers • Cutters • Winders • Barcode Verifier • RFID unit • Additional memory 6.2 AVAILABLE INTERFACE BOARDS The printer comes with the IEEE1284 parallel, serial and USB interfaces as standard.
  • Page 74: Label Management Accessories

    Instructions for installing each of the above accessories are supplied with the respective prod- ucts. An authorized SATO reseller can also arrange to install the products on site. For more information on any of the accessories available for the GL series printers, please con- tact an authorized SATO dealer near you.
  • Page 75: Installing The Memory Card

    6.3 MEMORY CARTRIDGE The GL series features a memory cartridge slot for the addition of optional memory cartridges that are purchased from SATO. The memory cartridge slot is located behind a protective cover found within the printer’s media storage area. Memory cartridges of 16 or 32 MB capacity can be installed for the storage of user data and graphics.
  • Page 76 Section 6: Optional Accessories This page is intentionally left blank Page 6-4 GL Series Operator’s Manual...

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