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.
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Agency Compliance and Approvals: UL60950-1; 1 Edition, 2006-07-07 CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03 1 Edition; 2006-07 EN60950-1 (2001) 1 Edition IEC60950-1 (2001) 1 Edition As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms to the following standards or other normative documents: EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B...
Congratulations on your M-Class Mark II printer purchase. The M-Class Mark II printer family, hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the rugged durability of die-cast construction with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to redefine the standard in industrial thermal printers. Available in direct and...
Power Connection Before connecting the AC Power Cord or interface cables to the printer, ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position. 1. Place the printer on a firm, level surface. 2. Ensure that the Power Switch on the Printer is in the ‘Off’ position. 3.
Interface Connection The printer can be connected to the host via the parallel, USB, serial, or optional network interface. The printer will automatically connect to the first port that delivers valid data. Once established, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change an interface connection. A couple of Optional Ethernet Print Server (wired and wireless) are available.
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. Printhead Latch Media Guide Media Hub Guide 3.
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5. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place. 6. Close the cover and press the button several times to position the media and ensure FEED proper tracking. Printhead Assembly If the printer does not correctly sense the top of each label, it may be necessary to calibrate the printer.
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. To adjust: 1. With media loaded, as described in Section 2.2, grasp the Slide Tab and move the Sensor Eye Mark into position over media according to the table below.
Ribbon is required with thermal transfer media. It is recommended that the width of the ribbon be slightly wider than the media being used. The printer can use either ribbons with the ‘coating side in’ or ribbons with the ‘coating side out’. To load: Using a ribbon that is slightly wider than your media (and liner, if any) will help protect against printhead wear.
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3. Route the ribbon under the Ribbon Idler and then out the front of the printer approximately 12 inches. Ribbon Roll Ribbon Supply Hub Ribbon Idler 4. Close the Printhead Assembly and press down until it locks into place. Printhead Assembly Chapter 2 - Printer Setup...
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5. Route the ribbon up and then around to the Ribbon Take-Up Hub, winding it several times in a clockwise direction to secure it in place. Ribbon Take-up Hub 6. Close the cover and press the Feed button several times to position the ribbon and ensure proper tracking.
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Ribbon Routing (Coated Side In & Coated Side Out) 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’. Ensure the inked side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the printhead.
The Front Panel consists of three indicator lights and three function buttons. The functions of these lights and controls are listed in the following sections. Non-display printers can be configured using the DMXConfig Utility (see section 3.4). The printer can also be configured using the Paper Menu Setup, (see Appendix C) for users that do not have a host connection available.
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3.1.2 Buttons The three buttons, , and perform different functions based on the CANCEL PAUSE FEED printer’s operational mode. Ready Mode Functions These functions can be performed at any time when the printer is at idle. Function Button(s) Description Pause Pause Pauses and un-pauses the printer Feed / Clear Fault...
The Control Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic display and keyboard. In addition to providing current printer information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the Main Display Area and the keyboard functions to change as operational events require. Icons &...
Driver" from the main menu and follow the instructions on the screen to install. When prompted, select your printer from the list, (i.e. Datamax M-Class MarkII). Continue to follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver. Chapter 3 - Printer Operation...
Important Notes: The Windows driver functions the same as any other Windows printer. A built in help file is available for complete information on all settings, however there are some important settings that should be observed for trouble free printing. Page Setup Tab: Stock Options Tab: Print Speed &...
DMXConfig (located on the Accessories CD-ROM) is a windows based configuration utility that allows the user to make changes to the existing printer setup via a direct connection to the host computers serial and parallel connection. DMXConfig Features: Allows Real-Time Control/Query of Printer Configuration Define and Save Optimal Configurations for Applications Saved Configurations can be Shared with other Printers and Sent via Email Download Files, Formats and Fonts...
3.5.1 Quick Calibration Quick Calibration should be performed as part of the media loading routine to fine-tune the sensing parameters. (1) This calibration is not necessary when using continuous stock. (2) Media containing large gaps may require a change in the PAPER OUT DISTANCE before proceeding. Calibrate the printer as follows: 1.
3.5.2 Standard Calibration The Standard Calibration can be performed using the DMXConfig Utility, (see section 3.4 for more information on DMXConfig) and using the front panel buttons (see Appendix C for more information). On display equipped printers the Standard Calibration routine can also be initiated via the printer’s menu, see section 4.5.
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7. The Calibration Wizard will now prompt you to ‘Load Backing’. Peel off a few labels and position the backing material in the media sensor. Close the printhead and click “OK”. 8. The Calibration Wizard will now prompt you to ‘Remove Stock’. Remove all media and backing from the printer.
The Menu System contains three primary branches, each with a differing level of access to secondary menus or functions: The User Menu accesses basic printer settings and functions; The Advanced Menu accesses all operational settings, functions, and diagnostics; and, The Test Menu accesses a menu of test, user-defined, and previous label printing functions. (1) Entering the Menu System takes the printer OFF-LINE and stops the processing of new data.
The User Menu contains basic selections in these menus: Media Settings Print Control Printer Options System Settings (1) Some setting changes will only become effective (and saved) after selecting YES at the Save Changes prompt. (2) Labeling software may, in some cases, override the printer menu settings; see Advanced Menu for details.
The Test Menu contains test and informational label selections: Print Quality Label Ribbon Test Label Test Label Validation Label Print Configuration Print Last Label User Defined Label Internally generated, these labels are printed at pre-selected media type, speed, and heat settings.
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DISPLAYED ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION MEDIA TYPE Selects the method used to print labels and should be set according to the type of media being used, where: DIRECT THERMAL Sets use for media that is heat reactive to produce an image. THERMAL Sets use for media that requires a ribbon to produce an image.
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SENSOR Selects the method used to calibrate the media sensor, where: CALIBRATION PERFORM Sets the values via internal printer calculations, as described in the STANDARD CALIBRATION CALIBRATION procedure. ADVANCED ENTRY Sets the values via manual entry (typically for hard to calibrate label stocks), as described in the ADVANCED ENTRY CALIBRATION where: PAPER SENSOR Establishes the threshold for the paper value (0 - 255), where 170 is the default...
Print Control The Print Control menu contains printing throughput, offset and custom setup functions: Heat Print Speed Feed Speed Reverse Speed * Slew Speed * Row Offset Column Offset Present Distance Custom Adjustments * Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are only accessible through the Advanced Menu. The menu selections are defined as follows: DISPLAYED ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION...
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PRESENT DISTANCE Sets the label stop position (0 - 4.00 inches) past the start of print position upon output. When subsequent label formats are received, the printer will automatically back up the label to position it at the start of print position, where: AUTO Is the default setting (Auto Mode).
Printer Options The Printer Options menu contains file-handling, module, and optional equipment settings: Modules Present Sensor Cutter RFID Rewinder Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are only accessible through the Advanced Menu; also, certain selections will appear only when equipped with that option. The menu selections are defined as follows: DISPLAYED ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION...
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DELETE FILE * Selects from the list of available files for deleting. (See File Handling Messages.) COPY FILE * Selects from the list of available files for copying, prompting you for the destination module before execution. (See File Handling Messages.) UNPROTECT Selects from the list of available modules to unprotect, and then prompting you MODULE *...
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DSFID VALUE Data Storage Format Identifier (00 - FF), where 00 is the default value. DSFID LOCK Data Storage Format Identifier lock (ENABLED / DISABLED), where DISABLED is the default setting. EAS VALUE Electronic Article Surveillance value (00 - FF), where 00 is the default value. AUDIO Controls the buzzer (ENABLED / DISABLED), where DISABLED is the default INDICATOR...
System Settings The System Settings menu contains label formatting, operation, and control functions: Menu Mode Configuration File Internal Module D * Default Module * Scaleable Font Cache * Single Byte Symbols * Double Byte Symbols * Time And Date Media Counters * Print Configuration * Configuration Level * Set Factory Defaults *...
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INTERNAL MODULE D Sets the number of 1KB blocks (100 - 5120) allocated for the internal DRAM ‘D’ module, where: 1088 Is the Default Setting. DEFAULT MODULE Designates the memory module to be used for file storage when none are specified, where: Is the Default Setting (DRAM module).
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DOUBLE BYTE Selects the optional ILPC code page used to print double byte fonts, where: SYMBOLS Japanese Industry Standard SHIFT JIS Shift Japanese Industry Standard Extended UNIX Code UNICODE Unicode (including Korean) Government Bureau Industry Standard; Chinese (PRC) BIG 5 Taiwan encoded Reference the Class Series Programmer’s Manual for the code page symbol set details.
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SET FACTORY Returns the printer settings to the factory-programmed values (except CUSTOM DEFAULTS ADJUSTMENTS and calibrations); or, if selected, to the Factory Setting File, where selecting YES at the prompt causes the configuration to be restored. FORMAT Defines the manner in which overlapping text and graphics appear when printed, ATTRIBUTES where: TRANSPARENT...
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Gives length information in millimeters and counter information in centimeters. INPUT MODE Defines the type of processing that will occur when data is received, where: Datamax programming language processing will be used. (Default Setting) LINE Line Mode processing will be used, where data terminated by a carriage return will be extracted and inserted for template printing.
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COLUMN Allows the column dots per inch to be adjusted (153 - 203 dots), so that numbers EMULATION smaller than the printhead resolution reduce the printed output from right to left, where: XXX Dots ROW EMULATION Allows the row dots per inch to be adjusted (103 - 303), so that numbers smaller than the printhead resolution enlarge the height of the printed output and numbers larger reduce it, where: XXX Dots...
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FAULT HANDLING Determines the intervention required and the disposition of the label in process when a fault occurs, where: LEVEL Selects the user action and the reprint status upon declaration of a fault, where: NO REPRINT Printing stops and a fault message is displayed. Following correction of the problem, the FEED Key must be pressed to clear the fault, but the label in process is not reprinted.
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Communications The Communications menu contains interface and host control functions: Serial Port A Parallel Port A NIC Adapter (Ethernet) Host Settings The menu selections are defined as follows: DISPLAYED ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION SERIAL PORT A Controls the RS-232 communications settings for Serial Port A, where: BAUD RATE Sets the serial communication rate, where: 1200 -...
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IP ADDRESS Specifies the static IP Address of the interface in the standard octet format. SUBNET MASK Specifies the static Subnet assigned to the interface, for example: 255.255.255.000. GATEWAY Specifies the Gateway Address the interface will use, for example: 010.001.001.001. SNMP TRAP Specifies the network IP Address where SNMP traps will be sent when SNMP service DESTINATION...
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SPEED Determines the way DPL Print, Feed, Slew, and Reverse commands are handled, COMMANDS where: ENABLED Processes commands normally. (Default Setting) DISABLED Ignores DPL speed commands; instead, the speeds are controlled via the menu setting. TOF SENSING Determines the way in which DPL Gap, Continuous, and Reflective commands are COMMANDS handled, where: ENABLED...
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Diagnostics The Diagnostics menu contains testing functions and printhead reporting selections: Hex Dump Mode Options Testing Print Test Rate (min) Sensor Readings Ribbon Sensor Limits iPH Report The menu selections are defined as follows: DISPLAYED ITEM ITEM DESCRIPTION HEX DUMP MODE Determines how the printer handles the data received from a host, where: ENABLE The printer outputs the raw ASCII data it receives without interpretation;...
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RIBBON SENSOR Displays the values from the ribbon sensor readings (see example below) for LIMITS printers equipped with the thermal transfer option, where: RIBBON ADC LOW RIBBON ADC HIGH iPH REPORT Displays the IntelliSEAQ™ printhead report data, including the printer key, printhead serial number, installation date, and printhead maintenance dates, where: VIEW Outputs the data to the front panel display.
This Section details the cleaning, adjusting, and troubleshooting tips for the printer. The following table outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for the various printer parts. Area Method Interval Printhead Turn off the printer before cleaning the After every roll of media. printhead.
If print quality declines (symptoms include non-compliant bar codes, print dropouts, and streaks; see sample label below), the typical cause is debris build-up on the printhead. Furthermore, when the build-up is not removed it may lead to element failure, greatly reducing the service life of the printhead.
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(printers with display, only) 1. Remove media and ribbon. 2. Place a Datamax Cleaning Card, part number 70-2013-01 under the printhead. Lower and lock the printhead. Ensure that the Media Width Adjustment is not engaged. 3. Press and hold the TEST Key for approximately four seconds.
When printing on less than full width media, adjust for even pressure distribution, as follows: 1. With media loaded in the printer, print a label and examine it. Non-display printers: Simultaneously press the buttons PAUSE FEED Display printers: See Section 4.4 2.
In extreme cases, however, if media of a different thickness or rigidity is used (for example, heavy tag stock), print quality can change. If you have questions, contact a qualified technician or Datamax Technical Support before proceeding.
To accommodate a variety of media types, printhead pressure 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. When adjusting, use only the minimum pressure necessary for better imaging.
To replace a damaged printhead, follow the procedure below. 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.
Non-display printers: The Darkness Adjustment allows the operator to match the print contrast following a printhead replacement. Turning the Darkness Adjustment clockwise will darken the print, while turning it counterclockwise will lighten the print. Compare a label printed with the old printhead and make this adjustment so that the new printhead matches the darkest portion of that label.
Depending upon the method used, there are three reset levels possible: Soft Reset - To reset the printer and clear any temporary host settings: 1. With the printer ‘On’, press and hold the PAUSE and CANCEL buttons for approximately four seconds. Level One Reset - To return the printer to the factory default settings or, if saved, to restore the Factory Setting File: 1.
When program updates and/or new features are added, they can be downloaded to the printer as follows: 1. Identify the new version for your model of printer from the Datamax Web site at www.datamaxcorp.com and download it onto your computer’s hard drive or a floppy disk.
Should a problem arise, the information in this section will help you resolve it. The following table lists problems that may not necessarily generate an error condition. Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are only for printers with displays. Try this solution… If experiencing this problem…...
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Try this solution… If experiencing this problem… ™ Intellifont format is Little/Big Endian specific. The printer ™ Intellifont will not print: uses Big Endian. Refer to your font supplier for information. • The Media Width Adjustment may be incorrectly adjusted; see Section 5.3.
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Try this solution… If experiencing this problem… Examine the used ribbon for an image: If there is an image on the used ribbon: Verify that the ribbon was properly loaded per Section 2.4. If properly loaded, the wrong coating configuration was used.
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Try this solution… If experiencing this problem… • The printhead may need cleaning; see Section 5.2. • Adjust the Heat and Print Speed settings through the Front Panel or by host commands; non-display printers see Section 3.4, display printers see Section 4.5. •...
All printer functions are internally monitored. If a problem (Fault) or a potential problem (Warning) is detected, the Error Indicator will be illuminated. A corresponding message will be displayed. These messages, along with possible solutions, are described below. Fault Messages: Fault Messages receive the highest display priority.
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Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) HBQ!NPEF! Consistently high sensor Press any key to continue. Ensure that GBVMUZ!TFOTPS! readings were detected. media was removed from the media sensor during the appropriate calibration steps; also ensure that no labels are stuck in the media sensor.
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Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) SFGMFDUJWF!NPEF! Consistently low sensor Press any key to continue. Ensure that the DBOOPU!DBMJCSBUF! readings were detected. reflective mark was inserted facedown in the media sensor during the appropriate calibration step; also, ensure that the reflective mark is made of carbon based ink, and that the sensor is free of debris.
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Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) The printer could not find If media is moving: UPQ!PG!GPSN!GBVMU! the TOF mark within the maximum label length 1) Press the FEED Key. It may be setting or it found a TOF in necessary to re-calibrate the printer;...
Warning Messages: Warning Messages are displayed for a period of five seconds. If multiple warnings are detected, the display will reflect the highest priority message. Printer Warning Messages Displayed Message Description Action(s) The printer has detected Replace the printhead if the print quality EPU!GBJMVSF! defective printhead elements.
The figure below is a sample Hex Dump Label. After sending a label format to the printer, the hex code output will be immediate. As a final note, many software programs use bit mapping to construct the label, making diagnosis difficult. Contact Datamax Technical Support with any questions.
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Mechanical Width 9.8” (24.9 cm) Depth 18.06” (45.9 cm) Height 10.3” (26.2 cm) Weight 27.0 lbs. (12.2 kg) Operating Temperature 40° F to 95° F (4° C to 35° C) Humidity 10% − 95% non-condensing AC Input Voltage 90 – 132 or 180 – 264 VAC @ 47–63 Hz, auto-ranging. Printing Print Method Direct Thermal;...
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Media/Ribbon Media Types Roll-Fed, Die-Cut, Continuous, Fan-Fold Max. Media Width 4.65" (118 mm) Min. Media Width 1.0" (25 mm) Max. Print Width 4.25” (108 mm) Print Length Range .25 - 99" (6 - 2475 mm) Media Thickness Range .0025 - .01" (.064 mm - .254 mm) Media Supply Roll Capacity 8"...
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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. For a current list of approved media and ribbons for use in direct thermal and thermal transfer applications, please contact a Media Representative at (407) 523-5650.
The printer can easily be programmed to interface with most applicator devices. The GPIO functions can be enabled and configured via the menu system of the printer via the DMXConfig program or on through the front panel on display equipped printers. Configured parameters are stored in non-volatile memory and saved for subsequent power-ups.
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Each GPIO pin function is detailed in the table below: M-Class GPIO Port Connections and Functions Signal Signal Signal Pin # Direct Signal Description Name State +5 VDC Output Printer +5 VDC 2.5 Amp (fused) Printer Fault Output Goes low upon printer detection of a fault condition. Spare Reserved Input...
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In ‘Printer Setup’ mode, the buttons control the setting of the printer’s operational items such as media settings, communications, and options as detailed below. It is recommended that the Printer Setup Mode not be entered while in Peel Mode or with the optional Present Sensor enabled.
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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. The Menu Item Numbers correspond to the item’s position in the Menu List for selection when pressing the button during the Printer Setup Procedure.
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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 2) SENSOR TYPE 3) PRESENT SENSOR Sets printing for direct thermal Selects the sensor type used to Enables/Disables the optional...
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13) LABEL WIDTH 14) SCALABLE FONT 15) INTERNAL MODULE Sets the label width. Sets the number of memory Sets the number of memory blocks to allocate for scalable blocks to allocate for the internal Possible Values: fonts. RAM module. Range: 75 – 426; default = Possible Values: Possible Values: *426...
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21) HEAT 22) IMAGING MODE Controls the ‘burn-time’ of the printhead. This is This command instructs the printer whether to pre- the equivalent of Heat Setting on most label image the label format: software programs. Possible Values: Possible Values: Range: 0 – 30; default = *10 * Multiple label (The printer images multiple labels as memory permits, achieving the fastest throughput;...
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Step by Step Modification of the Printer Setup The following is an example of Printer Setup modification. Although this example will detail how to modify the serial Baud Rate, the same method can be used to change any of the printer’s menu item settings.
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6. To confirm that your changes have been made press the buttons FEED CANCEL simultaneously, this will print the Database Configuration Label. The label should show the new Baud Rate value of 19200. Label 1 Label 2 WED NOVEMBER 10, 2003 21:41:31 323 CONFIGURATION VER: M4206 - 05.08 11/07/03 SERIAL PORT SELECTED...
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The Label Alignment function is intended for use when the label length is less than the distance between the printhead and the media sensor or where label waste at power-up is a concern. Label Alignment (see table below) is not recommended for label lengths greater than 6.5 inches or for media containing 2 or more form lengths.
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Label Alignment = AUTO In this mode, the printer automatically calculates the ‘ALIGN LENGTH’ thus eliminating the need to physically measure the label. This mode is usually preferred in applications that require frequent media changes to labels of different lengths. To perform an Auto Alignment, in Normal Mode press and hold the button (about 4 FEED...
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Label Alignment Troubleshooting If you experience label alignment problems, the following table offers possible causes and solutions. Problem Possible Cause Solution Attempting to With the Present Set Label Alignment to AUTO, press and hold perform Label Sensor enabled, Label until media moves for the automatic FEED Alignment results in Alignment cannot be...
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Problem Possible Cause Solution Label Alignment is Label Alignment Set Label Alignment to AUTO. Press and hold incorrect. Pressing Length is not correct. until paper moves for automatic Label FEED The default Label successively Alignment length measurement. FEED Alignment Length is results in a label 1.00”, and will result in length longer than...
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– – – 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. 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.
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Auto Media Sensor Calibration Auto Media Sensor Calibration automatically establishes the optimum sensing values for the media you are using. Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set for the appropriate media type, also ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is latched down and the cover is closed. To automatically calibrate the media sensor: 1.
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Manual Media Sensor Calibration The Manual Media Sensor Calibration procedure should be used in cases where the printer continues to suffer from media sensing problems after performing or attempting to perform the Auto Media Sensor Calibration. Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set for the appropriate media type, also, ensure that the Printhead Carrier Assembly is latched down and the cover is closed.
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Mark II thermal printhead. 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.
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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.
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