TLP 3844-Z
Thermal Printers
User's
Guide
980441-001 Rev. A
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Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and
maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose
without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies Corporation. All specifications and signs are subject to change without notice.
FCC Compliance Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
■
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
■
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
■
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different than that to which the receiver is connected.
■
Consult the dealer or an experienced Radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE: This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded cables must be used with the unit to insure compliance.
“The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies Corporation could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.”
Liability Disclaimer
Zebra Technologies Corporation takes steps to assure that its published Engineering specifications and Manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra
Technologies Corporation reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
No Liability for Consequential Damage
In no event shall Zebra Technologies Corporation or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including
hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of
business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies
Corporation has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or
incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you.
Trademarks
The Zebra logo and the zebra head design are both registered trademarks and TLP 3844-Z is a service mark of ZIH Corp. Windows and MS-DOS are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyrights
This copyrighted manual and the label printer described herein are owned by Zebra Technologies Corporation. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized
reproduction of this manual or the software in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506).
Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability.
©2003 ZIH Corp. All rights reserved.
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Battery
The main printed circuit board assembly includes a three-volt lithium
battery.
CAUTION—Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
Note—Recycle batteries according to local your guidelines and regulations.
Shock Hazard
The printer and power supply should never be operated in a location where
either one can get wet. Personal injury could result.
Media and Ribbon
Always use high-quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive
backed labels are used that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the
exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer,
causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Permanent
damage to the print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it
may be wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to
the print head. Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer.
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, DO NOT turn the power switch
OFF (0) while reloading or data loss may result. After loading new
supplies, press the feed button to resume printing.
Static Discharge
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the
human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or
electronic components used in this device. DO NOT TOUCH the print
head or the electronic components under the top cover.
Thermal Printing
The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the
print head and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use
only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance.
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Contents
Introduction
Hello!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What’s in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Inspecting the Printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Opening the printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Closing the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reporting Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Getting Started
Modes of Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Attaching Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Loading Roll Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Adjusting the Guides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Loading Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Install the Ribbon Supply Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Install the Take-Up Core. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Attach and Tighten the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Auto Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Operator Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Feed Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Status Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Printing a Test Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Hooking Up the Printer and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Interface Cable Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
USB Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Parallel Interface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ethernet Interface Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Serial Interface Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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Communicating with the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Parallel Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Internal ZebraNet® PrintServer IITM Communications. . . . . . . . . . . 18
Serial Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Adjusting the Print Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjusting the Print Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjusting the Print Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Operation & Options
Thermal Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Replacing Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adding a New Transfer Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Printing in Peel-Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Printing on Fan-Fold Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using the Cutter Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Maintenance
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Print Head Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Media Path Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cleaning Card Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Platen Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Replacing the Platen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Replacing the Print Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Thermal-Transfer TLP Model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Troubleshooting
Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Manual Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Troubleshooting Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Printing a Configuration Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Recalibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Resetting the Factory Default Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Communications Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Feed Button Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Appendix
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
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Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Serial (RS-232) Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
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980441-001 Rev. A
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Introduction
This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an
overview of printer parts. This section also has procedures that describe
how to open and close the printer and report any problems.
Hello!
Thank you for choosing a Zebra® TLP 3844-Z™ printer, a high-quality
on-demand printer manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service,
and value—Zebra Technologies Corporation. For over 25 years, Zebra
Technologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber
of products and support.
The TLP 3844-Z printer provides thermal-transfer printing (which uses
ribbon) and direct-thermal printing.
This manual provides all of the information you will need to operate your
printer on a daily basis. To create label formats, refer to the ZPL II
Programming Guide. This guide is available by contacting your distributor
or Zebra Technologies Corporation.
NOTE: Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s
driver or label preparation software. Refer to the driver or
software documentation for more information.
Zebra TLP 3844-Z printers, when connected to a host computer, function as
a complete system for printing labels and tags.
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What’s in the Box?
Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store
the printer later. After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the
procedures for inspecting the printer to familiarize yourself with printer
parts so you can follow the instructions in this book.
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Inspecting the Printer
Look at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present.
Opening the printer
To access the media compartment, you
must open the printer.
Pull the release levers towards you and lift
the cover.
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INSPECTING THE PRINTER (continued)
After opening the printer, check the media compartment.
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Closing the printer
Hold the top cover and press the
“kick-stand” cover lock to release.
MOVIE
Lower the top cover. The ribbon
carriage automatically folds up into place.
Press down until the cover snaps closed.
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Reporting Damage
If you discover damage or missing parts:
■
Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company.
Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage
incurred during shipment of the printer and will not cover the repair of
this damage under its warranty policy.
■
■
Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection.
Notify the authorized reseller
Related Documentation
Depending on the options you have ordered or choose to use with your new
printer, you will find the following documents helpful:
■
ZPL II® Programming Guide
TM
■
ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks Installation and
Operation Guide
■
Universal Serial Bus Specification available from the USB
Implementation Forum
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Getting Started
This section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and use
the most common operating procedures for loading media in tear-off mode
and loading ribbon.
Modes of Printing
You can operate this printer in different modes:
■
Standard tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of
labels) after it is printed.
■
In optional peel-off mode, the backing material is peeled away from the
label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.
■
In optional cutter mode, an attached unit cuts through the media.
The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other
continuous media as well.
For procedures to use optional modes and features, refer to the Operation
and Options section.
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Attaching Power Supply
Check the power supply to make certain it is appropriate for your input
voltage.
Warning: Use the Zebra-supplied power supply that came
with your printer.
Never operate the printer and power supply in an
area where they can get wet. Serious personal
injury could result!
1. Make sure the power switch is in the off position (down).
2. The DC power supply has a barrel connector on one end that must be
inserted into the power supply receptacle on the back of the printer.
3. Insert the separate AC power cord into the power supply.
4. Plug the other end of the cord into an appropriate AC electrical outlet.
Plug
Varies by
Country
AC
Power
Cord
Barrel
Connector
Power
Switch
Power
Supply
Power
Supply
Receptacle
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Loading Roll Media
When you load media, you must place the roll on the media hangers and
then adjust the media guides.
MOVIE
You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When
printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using
ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor
detects motion of the supply spindle.
Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment
Whether your roll media is inside or
outside wound you load it into the printer
the same way.
MOVIE
1. Open the printer. Remember that you
need to pull the release levers toward
the front of the printer.
2. Remove the outside length of media.
During shipment, the roll may become
dirty when handled or dusty when
stored. Removing the outside length
avoids dragging adhesive or dirty
media between the print head and
platen.
3. Separate and hold open the media
hangers.
4. Orient the media roll so that its
printing surface will be up as it passes
over the platen.
5. Lower the roll between the hangers
and close them onto the core.
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Adjusting the Guides
The adjustable guides direct the media
toward the platen and print head.
1. Open the media guides by turning the
guide adjuster knob to the rear.
2. Thread the media through the guides.
3. Close the media guides by turning the
guide adjuster knob to the front. They
should just touch, but not restrict, the
edges of the media.
4. Unless you need to load ribbon, close
the top cover. Remember that you
need to release the cover lock, lower
the top cover, and press down until the
latches snap into place.
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Loading Ribbon
You must use thermal transfer media (accepts wax and/or resin transferred
off a ribbon) when you use a ribbon. When loading ribbon, you install the
supply and take-up rolls, then tighten the ribbon on the carriage.
MOVIE
Install the Ribbon Supply Roll
Before following these steps, prepare the
ribbon by removing its wrapping and
pulling its adhesive strip free.
1. Thread the ribbon through the
carriage.
2. Press the right side onto the supply
hub.
3. Align the notches on the left side and
mount onto the spokes of the left hub.
Install the Take-Up Core
1. Press the right side onto the take-up
hub.
2. Align the notches on the left side and
mount onto the spokes of the left hub.
You can find your first ribbon take-up
core in the packing box. Subsequently,
use the empty supply core to take up the
next roll of ribbon.
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Attach and Tighten the Ribbon
You must align the ribbon so that it will
be taken straight onto the core.
1. Attach the ribbon to the take up core.
Use the adhesive strip on new rolls;
otherwise, use tape.
2. Turn the ribbon take-up gear
counter-clockwise (top moves toward
rear) to remove slack from the ribbon.
3. Close the top cover. Remember that
you need to release the cover lock,
lower the top cover, and press down
until the latches snap into place.
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Auto Calibration
NOTE: If you are using pre-printed labels, pre-printed label backing, or
continuous media, see “Manual Calibration” on page 40.
An auto calibration is performed when the printer is turned on (if media is
loaded) or after a media error is cleared. When it is auto calibrating, the
printer sets the sensor levels for, and determines the length of, the label you
are using.
If the status light flashes red, refer to “Manual Calibration” on page 40.
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Operator Controls
Power Switch
Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer.
CAUTION: The power should be turned off before connecting or
disconnecting the communications and power cables.
Feed Button
Forces the printer to feed one blank label.
Takes the printer out of a “pause” condition. (The printer is put into
“pause” by either a ZPL II command or an error condition.) See “What the
Status Light is Telling You” on page 35.
Use the Feed button for printer setup and status (see “Feed Button Modes”
on page 43).
Status Light
Functions as a printer operational indicator (see “What the Status Light is
Telling You” on page 35).
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Printing a Test Printout
Before you connect the printer to your
computer, make sure that the printer is in
proper working order. You can do this by
printing a configuration printout.
1. Make sure the media is properly
loaded and the top cover of the printer
is closed. Then, turn the printer
power on if you have not already done
so.
2. When the status light is solid green,
press and hold the feed button until
the status light flashes once.
3. Release the feed button. The printer
prints configuration information on
the available media.
If you cannot get this printout, refer to
Troubleshooting on page 35.
MOVIE
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Hooking Up the Printer and Computer
Your printer will have one of two combinations of interfaces:
■
MOVIE
Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel and serial
■
USB, Ethernet (using the Internal ZebraNet® PrintServer II™) and
serial
Each specific interface option—USB, parallel, Ethernet, serial—is
discussed individually.
You must supply the required interface cable for your application.
CAUTIONS:Keep the power switch in the OFF position when
attaching the interface cable.
The power supply barrel connector must be inserted
into the power supply receptacle on the back of the
printer before connecting or disconnecting the com-
munications cables.
This printer complies with FCC “Rules and Regula-
tions,” Part 15, for Class B Equipment, using fully
shielded six-foot data cables. Use of longer cables or
unshielded cables may increase radiated emissions
above the Class B limits.
Interface Cable Requirements
Data cables must be of fully shielded construction and fitted with metal or
metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to
prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise.
To minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable:
Keep data cables as short as possible (6’ [1.83 m] recommended).
Do not tightly bundle the data cables with power cords.
Do not tie the data cables to power wire conduits.
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USB Interface Requirements
Universal Serial Bus (version 1.1) provides a high-speed interface that is
compatible with your existing PC hardware. USB’s “plug and play” design
makes installation easy. Multiple printers can share a single USB port/hub.
Parallel Interface Requirements
The required cable (IEEE 1284-compliant is recommended) must have a
standard 36-pin parallel connector on one end, which is plugged into the
parallel port located on the back of the printer. The other end of the parallel
interface cable connects to the printer connector at the host computer.
For pinout information, refer to page 50.
Ethernet Interface Requirements
Ethernet provides a powerful networking capability that can be of use in a
variety of internet/intranet printing solutions. After you load media and
close the top cover, you can press the test button next to the connector on
the rear of the printer to get an ethernet configuration label.
You can refer to the ZebraNet® PrintServer IITM for Ethernet Networks
Installation and Operation Guide for details regarding this interface.
Serial Interface Requirements
The required cable must have a nine-pin “D” type (DB-9P) male connector
on one end, which is plugged into the mating (DB-9S) serial port located on
the back of the printer. The other end of this signal interface cable connects
to a serial port at the host computer. Depending on the specific interface
requirements, this will most likely be a null modem cable.
For pinout information, refer to page 52
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Communicating with the Printer
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications
The printer is a terminal device when using a universal serial bus interface.
You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding
this interface.
Parallel Communications
When using the parallel port, typically there is no setup is required once the
cable is plugged in. If you should encounter any problems, consult the
user’s guide that came with your computer.
Internal ZebraNet® PrintServer IITM Communications
You can refer to the ZebraNet® PrintServer IITM for Ethernet Networks
Installation and Operation Guide for details regarding this interface.
Serial Communications
Serial communications between the printer and the host computer can be set
by either autobaud synchronization or the ^SC command.
Autobaud
Autobaud synchronization allows the printer to automatically match the
communication parameters of the host computer. To autobaud:
1. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once,
twice, and then three times.
2. While the status LED flashes, send a ZPL II format to the printer.
3. When the printer and host are synchronized, the LED changes to solid
green. (No labels will print during autobaud synchronization.)
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Serial Communications (Continued)
^SC Command
Use the Set Communications (^SC) command to change the
communications settings on the printer.
1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the
printer, send the ^SC command to change the printer to the desired
settings.
2. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.
Refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide for more information about this
command.
Defaulting the Serial Parameters
To reset the communications parameters on the printer to the factory
defaults (9600 baud, 8 bit word length, no parity, 1 stop bit, and
XON/XOFF), do the following:
1. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once,
twice, and then three times.
2. While the status LED rapidly flashes amber and green, press the feed
button.
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Adjusting the Print Width
Print width must be calibrated when:
■
You are using the printer for the first time.
■
There is a change in the width of the media.
Print width may be set by way of the five-flash sequence in “Feed Button
Modes” (see page 43) or refer to the Print Width (^PW) command (consult
your ZPL II Programming Guide).
Adjusting the Print Darkness
The relative darkness setting is controlled by either the six-flash sequence
in “Feed Button Modes” (see page 43) or the Set Darkness (~SD) ZPL II
command (follow the instructions in the ZPL II Programming Guide).
Adjusting the Print Speed
Print quality is influenced by print speed and the media you are using.
Only by experimenting will you find the optimal mix for your application.
If you find that the print speed needs to be adjusted, refer to the Print Rate
(
^PR) command in the ZPL II Programming Guide.
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Operation & Options
This section helps you get the most from your printer.
You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. A
few examples:
■
The ~JL command controls label length.
■
The ^XA^MTD^XZ command changes the printing mode to direct
thermal; the ^XA^MTT^XZ command changes the printing mode to
thermal transfer.
■
The ^XA^JUS^XZ command saves the new settings to flash memory.
For detailed information about creating labels using ZPL II, refer to the ZPL
II Programming Guide or visit our web site at www.zebra.com.
To improve print quality, changing both print speed and density may be
required to achieve the desired results. Your application’s printer driver
provides control of the speed and heat (density).
Thermal Printing
The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the
print head and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use
only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance.
The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the
human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or
electronic components used in this device. You must observe static-safe
procedures when working with the print head or the electronic components
under the top cover.
You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When
printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using
ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer’s ribbon sensor
detects motion of the supply spindle.
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Replacing Supplies
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while
reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you load a
new label or ribbon roll, the printer flashes double-green until you press the
Feed button to restart .
Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive
backed labels are used that don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed
edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the
label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Permanent damage to the
print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be wound
incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to the print head.
Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer.
Adding a New Transfer Ribbon
If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the indicator flashes red and
the printer waits for you to add a fresh roll.
1. Keep the power on as you change ribbon.
2. Open the top cover, then cut the used ribbon so you can remove the
cores.
3. Load a new ribbon roll. If necessary, review the Ribbon Loading steps.
4. Close the top cover.
5. Press the Feed button to restart printing.
Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon
To remove used transfer ribbon, perform the following steps.
1. Cut the ribbon from the take-up roll.
2. Remove the take-up roll and discard used ribbon.
3. Remove the supply roll and tape the end of any fresh ribbon to prevent
it from unwrapping.
When reinstalling a partially used supply roll, tape the cut end onto the
empty take-up roll.
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Printing in Peel-Mode
The optional dispenser allows you
to print in “peel-mode” where the
label backing follows a different path and
the labels are presented one at a time for
subsequent placement.
ON
OFF
Before using peel-mode, you must send
the programming commands
^XA ^MMP ^XZ
^XA ^JUS ^XZ
to the printer. Refer to your ZPL II
Programmer’s Manual.
1. Remove several labels from the
backing material.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Open the dispenser door.
4. Switch on the label-taken sensor.
5. Insert the backing in front of the peel
bar and behind the peel roller.
6. Close the dispenser door.
7. Close the top cover.
8. Press the Feed button to advance the
label.
During the print job, the printer will peel
off the backing and present a single label.
Take the label from the printer so it will
print the next label.
MOVIE
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Printing on Fan-Fold Media
Printing on fan-fold media requires you to
set both the media hangers and the media
guides in position.
Lock-down
Screw
1. Open the top cover.
2. With a sample of your media, adjust
the media hangers to the width of the
media. The hangers should just touch,
but not restrict, the edges of the
media.
3. Tighten the screw using a small
Phillips driver #1.
4. With a sample of your media, adjust
the guides to the width of the media.
The guides should just touch, but not
restrict, the edges of the media.
5. Insert the media through the slot at the
rear of the printer.
6. Run the media between the hangers
and guides.
7. Close the top cover.
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Using the Cutter Option
Printers that have a bezel with a motorized blade can dispense one or more
forms that are then automatically cut from the media supply. This option
cuts through continuous paper from rolls and liner between labels. Keep
the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or solvents to clean the blade.
Use the ^MM command to activate the cutter and the ^LL command to set
the form length and gap distance. See the ZPL II programmer's manual.
If the blade cuts through labels, adhesive
can jam the cutter.
1. Turn OFF (O) printer power and
unplug the power and interface cables
before clearing the cutter.
2. After removing debris, plug in the
power and interface cables, turn on
the printer, then test for normal
operation.
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Maintenance
Cleaning
When you clean the printer, use one or more of the following supplies that
best suits your needs:
DESCRIPTION
Cleaning pens (12)
Cleaning swabs (25)
Cleaning cards, 4-in wide (25)
Save-a-Print Head film, 4-in wide (3)
The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined
below.
Printer Part
Method
Interval
Let the print head to cool for one minute, then use a new
cleaning pen to swab the print elements (the thin gray
line on the print head) from end to end. NOTE: You do
not have to turn off the printer to do this.
As
Print head
necessary
or after
every five
rolls of
If print quality remains poor after cleaning, try the
Save-a-Print Head cleaning film to remove buildup
without damaging the print head. Call your authorized
reseller for more information.
media
Manually rotate the platen roller. Clean it thoroughly
with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a cleaning swab,
cleaning card, or lint-free cloth.
Platen roller
Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.
Peel bar
Tear bar
Clean it thoroughly with 70% isopropyl alcohol and a
cotton swab.
As needed
Exterior
Interior
Cutter
Water-dampened cloth
Brush or air blow
Use tweezers to remove scraps
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Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printer
components along the media path including the platen and print head.
This build-up can accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the print
head, media path and platen roller could result in inadvertent loss of labels,
label jams and possible damage to the printer.
Print Head Considerations
Always use a new cleaning pen on the print head (an old pen carries
contaminants from its previous uses that may damage the print head).
MOVIE
Media Path Considerations
Use a cleaning swab or pen to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up
on the holders, guides and media path surfaces.
1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab or pen to soak the debris so that it
breaks up.
2. Wipe the area with the cleaning swab or pen to remove the debris.
3. Discard the cleaning swab or pen after use.
Cleaning Card Considerations
Use a cleaning card to remove debris that has built-up on the platen. Avoid
scrubbing or vigorously rubbing the platen; otherwise, the surface could be
damaged.
1. Open the printer and remove labels.
2. Place the cleaning card into the label path so that it is under the guides
and it extends between the print head and platen roller.
3. Close and latch the printer.
4. With the power switch on, press the feed switch to move the cleaning
card through the printer.
5. Discard the card after use.
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Platen Considerations
The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper
and liner dust can accumulate without effecting print operations.
Contaminates on the platen roller can damage the print head or cause the
media to slip when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust, oils and other
contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.
Keep a new platen available as a spare and install it whenever the printer
has significantly poorer performance, print quality or media handling. If
sticking or jamming continues even after cleaning, you must replace the
platen.
The platen can be cleaned with a fiber-free swab (such as a Texpad swab)
or a lint free, clean, damp cloth very lightly moistened with medical grade
alcohol (70% pure or better).
1. Open the media door and remove the media.
2. Clean the platen surface with the alcohol moistened swab. Rotate the
platen while swabbing. Repeat this process two to three times with a
new swab to remove residual contaminates. Adhesives and oils, for
example, may be thinned by the initial cleaning but not completely
removed.
3. Discard the cleaning swab or pen after use.
Allow the printer to dry for one minute before loading labels.
Lubrication
No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some
commercially available lubricants, if used, will damage the finish and the
mechanical parts inside the printer.
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Replacing the Platen
MOVIE
Removal
Open the printer and remove any media.
1. Using a pointed stylus (such as
tweezers, small slot-head screwdriver,
or razor-knife), unhook the tabs on the
right and left sides. Then rotate them
forward.
2. Lift the platen out of the printer’s
bottom frame.
Assembly
Make sure the right bearing is on the shaft
of the platen.
1. Align the platen with the gear to the
left and lower it into the printer’s
bottom frame.
2. Rotate the tabs back and snap them
into place.
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Replacing the Print Head
In the event you need to replace the print head, read the procedure and
review the removal and installation steps before actually replacing the print
head.
Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge. Your work
area must be static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive
cushioned mat to hold the printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.
MOVIE
NOTE: Turn the printer power off and unplug the power cord before
replacing the print head.
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Thermal-Transfer TLP Model
MOVIE
Before following the steps in this
procedure, open the printer by
pulling the release latches forward then
lifting the top cover. Remove any ribbon
from the carriage.
Removal
1. Grasp the print head spring and pull it
to the left; then, slide it free of the
carriage.
2. Use the spring to pry the print head
clip off the right side of the carriage.
3. Pull the print head and bracket
forward.
4. Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the
screw that holds the ground wire.
5. Unplug both bundles of print head
wires from their connectors.
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Replacing the TLP Print Head (Continued)
Assembly
The new print head comes with the clip
and ground screw attached.
1. Align the print head and bracket to
plug the left and right connectors into
the black and white wire bundles.
2. Attach the ground wire and secure it
with the screw. Use a #2 Phillips
driver to tighten it.
3. Insert the bracket pegs into the left
side of the carriage.
4. Align the right side of the bracket and
insert the print head clip through the
right side of the ribbon carriage into
the bracket.
5. Slip the left end of the print head
spring into the left side of the ribbon
carriage; then slide the right end into
the other side. The angle of the “V”
fits into the indent on top of the print
head bracket.
6. Clean the print head with the cleaning
pen.
Reload media and ribbon. Plug in the
power cord, turn on the printer and run an
automatic or manual calibration to ensure
proper function.
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Troubleshooting
What the Status Light is Telling You
Printer
Status LED
For a Resolution,
Refer to number:
Condition and Color
Status
Off
Solid Green
Off
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
On
Flashing Amber
Stopped
Normal Operation
Stopped
Paused
Flashing Green
Flashing Red
Double Flashing Green
Solid Amber
Various
Alternately Flashing Green and Red
Needs Service
Resolutions
1. The printer is not receiving power.
■
Have you turned on the printer power?
■
Check power connections from the wall outlet to the power supply, and
from the power supply to the printer.
2. The printer is on and in an idle state.
■
No action necessary.
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3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST).
■
If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an
authorized reseller for assistance.
There is a shortage of memory.
■
If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power
off and on. Then, resume printing.
4. The printer is receiving data.
■
As soon as all of the data has been received, the status LED will turn
green; then, the printer will automatically resume operation.
5. Either the media or ribbon is out.
■
Load a roll of media, following the instructions in “Loading the Media”
on page 9. Then, press the feed button to resume printing.
■
Load a roll of ribbon, following the instructions in “Loading the
Ribbon” on page 11. Then, press the feed button to resume printing.
The print head is open.
■
Close the top cover. Then, press the feed button to resume printing.
6. The printer is paused.
■
Press the feed button to resume printing.
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7. The print head is under temperature.
■
Continue printing while the print head reaches the correct operating
temperature.
The print head is over temperature.
■
Printing will stop until the print head cools to an acceptable printing
temperature. When it does, the printer will automatically resume
operation.
8. FLASH memory is not programmed.
■
Return the printer to an authorized reseller.
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Print Quality Problems
No print on the label.
■
You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require.
When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media.
When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's
ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spindle.
■
Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions in “Loading the
Media” on page 9.
The printed image does not look right.
■
The print head is dirty. Clean the print head according to the
instructions on page 27.
■
■
The print head is under temperature.
Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed. Refer to the six-flash
sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 43, or the ^PR and ~SD
commands in the ZPL II Programming Guide.
■
The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use
the recommended media for your application, and always use
Zebra-approved labels and tags.
There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on
several labels.
■
The print head is dirty. Clean the print head according to the
instructions on page 27.
■
The print head elements are damaged. Replace the print head (see
“Replacing the Print Head” on page 31).
The ribbon sensor settings did not print.
■
The printer is set for direct thermal printing; use the ^XA^MTT^XZ
command to reset the printer for thermal transfer printing and calibrate
again.
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The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting of
one to three labels.
■
The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refer to
“Loading the Media” on page 9.
■
The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to “Auto Calibration” on page
13.
■
The correct media sensor may not be activated. Manual calibration
selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the
^MN command in the ZPL II Programming Guide).
■
Verify that the Label Top (^LT) command is correctly set for your
application (consult the ZPL II Programming Guide).
A label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.
■
Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the feed button.
■
If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to “What the Status LED is
Telling You” on page 35.
■
Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.
■
A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the
correct communications port on the computer is selected. Refer to
“Communicating with the Printer” on page 18.
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Manual Calibration
Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed
media or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate.
MOVIE
1. Make sure media is loaded.
2. Turn on the printer power.
3. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once,
then twice. Release the feed button.
4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used.
After it is done making this adjustment, the roll will automatically feed
until a label is positioned at the print head.
5. A profile of the media sensor settings (similar to the example below)
will print. Upon completion, the printer will save the new settings in
memory and the printer is ready for normal operation.
6. Press the feed button. One entire blank label will feed. If this does not
happen, try defaulting (refer to the four-flash sequence in “Feed Button
Modes” on page 43) and recalibrating the printer.
NOTE: Performing a manual calibration disables the auto calibration
function. To return to auto calibration, default the printer (see the
four-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 43).
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Troubleshooting Tests
Printing a Configuration Label
To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the
one-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” on page 43.
Recalibration
Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display
unusual symptoms, such as skipping
labels. See “Auto Calibration” on page
13.
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Resetting the Factory Default Values
Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the
problems. Follow the four-flash sequence instructions in “Feed Button
Modes” on page 43.
Communications Diagnostics
If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try
putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode. The printer
MOVIE
will print the ASCII characters and their respective hexadecimal values (a
sample is shown below) for any data received from the host computer. To
find out how, refer to the power off mode procedure in “Feed Button
Modes” on page 43.
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Feed Button Modes
Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode)
MOVIE
With the printer power off, press and hold the feed button while you turn on the power. The printer
prints out a listing of its current configuration. After printing the label, the printer will automatically enter
a diagnostic mode in which the printer prints out a literal representation of all data subsequently
received. To exit the diagnostic mode and resume printing, turn off and then turn on the printer.
Power On Modes
With the printer power on and top cover closed, press and hold the feed button for several seconds. The
green status LED will flash a number of times in sequence. The explanation at the right (Action) shows
what happens when you release the key after the specific number of flashes.
Flash
Sequence
Action
A configuration label prints.
*
MOVIE
*
**
The media sensor calibrates and a media sensor profile prints (see “Manual
Calibration” on page 40).
MOVIE
To reset the communication parameters. Press and release the feed button while
the LED rapidly flashes amber and green.
MOVIE
*
**
***
For autobaud synchronization: Send a ZPL II format to the printer while the LED
rapidly flashes amber and green. When the printer and host are synchronized, the
LED changes to solid green. NOTE: No labels will print during autobaud
synchronization.
*
MOVIE
**
***
****
Resets the factory defaults, auto calibrates, and saves settings into memory.
*
**
***
****
*****
MOVIE
The print width calibrates. While the status LED alternately flashes green and
amber, a series of stacking rectangles print on the label. When the rectangle prints
to the outer edges of the label, press and release the feed button. The label width
and current communication parameters will be saved into memory.
*
MOVIE
**
***
****
*****
******
The print darkness calibrates. A series of nine samples print, starting with the
lightest and ending with the darkest image. When the desired print darkness is
achieved, press and release the feed button. The print darkness will be saved into
memory.
If the feed button remains pressed after a 7-flash sequence, the printer will ignore the
button when it is released.
MOVIE
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Appendix
Specifications
Physical Specifications
Size
7.8 inches wide / 6.8 inches tall / 9.4 inches long (depth)
200 mm wide / 173 mm tall / 240 mm long (depth)
Weight
3.6 pounds / 1.6 kilograms
Environmental Guidelines
Operating temp.
Operating humidity
Storage temp.
Storage humidity
Electrical
40 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit / 5 to 40 degrees Celsius
10 to 90 percent non-condensing
-40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit / -40 to 60 degrees Celsius
5 to 90 percent non-condensing
Autoranging external power supply
Input: 100-240VAC; 50-60 Hz
Output: 20VDC; 2.5A
Printing Specifications
Print Density
Print Speed
Print Width
Print Length
300 dots per inch / 12 dots per millimeter
up to 3.6 inches / 91 millimeters per second
1.0 to 4.25 inches / 25.4 to 107.9 millimeters
0.005 to 39 inches / 0.125 to 990 millimeters
with standard memory
Registration
Tolerance
Horizontal: +/- 0.0591 inches (1.5 millimeters)
Vertical: +/- 0.0393 inches (1.0 millimeters)
FLASH Memory
(user available)
4 Mbyte (2.75 user available)
DRAM Memory
(user available)
8 Mbyte
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Media Specifications
Width
Length
Gap
1 to 4.25 inches / 25.4 to 108 millimeters)
0.5 to 39 inches / 13 to 559 millimeters with standard memory
0.08 to 0.16 inch (2.0 to 4.0 millimeters)
0.118 inch / 3.0 millimeters recommended
Thickness
Roll Size
0.003 to 0.007 inch / 0.08 to 0.18 millimeter
Maximum outer diameter: 5 inches (127 millimeters)
Inner Core diameters: 1 or 1.5 inches (25.4 or 38 millimeters)
Optional media hangers available for larger inner core
diameters
Requirements
✔ User Zebra-brand direct thermal or thermal transfer media
that is outside wound. Media may be reflective (black mark)
sensing or transmissive sensing, die-cut, notched, or
continuous)
✔ For die-cut labels, use only full auto dies.
✔ Notched media must have a 0.5 inch (13 mm) wide by 0.094
inch (2.5 mm) long cutout located in the center of the roll.
✔ The reflective media black marks must be located in the
center of the roll. Mark width 0.5 inch (13 mm) centered and
perpendicular to the edge of the media; mark length 0.094
inch (2.4 mm) parallel to the bottom edge of the media.
Always thoroughly test your desired media for your specific application
before buying in large quantities.
Ribbon Specifications for TLP model
Roll Size
Maximum outer diameter: 1.3 inches / 33 millimeters
Length
2,900 inches / 74 meter capacity; provides 1:1 media roll to
ribbon ratios
Width
At least as wide as media
Setup
Ink-side out
Requirements
User Zebra-brand ribbon that is outside wound.
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Font/Code Specifications
Fonts
✔ CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed scalable smooth (0)
✔ Zebra fonts A-H, GS, P-V
✔ IBM Code Page 850 international Symbols
1D Bar Codes
✔ Codabar (supports ratios of
✔ Industrial 2 of 5
✔ Standard 2 of 5
✔ Interleaved 2 of 5 (supports
ratios of 2:1 to 3:1,
Modulus 10 Check Digit)
✔ LOGMARS
✔ MSI
✔ Plessey
✔ POSTNET
✔ UPC-E
2:1 to 3:1)
✔ Code 11
✔ Code 128/USD 8 (supports
serialization in all subsets
and UCC Case Codes)
✔ Code 39 (supports ratios of
2:1 to 3:1)
✔ Code 93
✔ EAN 8/JAN 8
✔ EAN 13/JAN 13
✔ EAN 14/UPC-A
✔ UPC-EAN Extensions
✔ RSS composite
✔ RSS 14
2D Bar Codes
✔ Codeblock
✔ Code 49
✔ MicroPDF417
✔ PDF 417
✔ Data Matrix
✔ MaxiCode
✔ QRcode
Rotation Angles
0°, 90°, 180° and 270°
Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II®)
✔ Downloadable graphics, scalable and
✔ Slew command
bitmap fonts, and label formats
✔ Programmable quantity with print and
✔ Object copying between memory areas
pause
(RAM and internal FLASH)
✔ Communicates in printable ASCII
✔ Code Page 850 character set
✔ Adjustable print cache
✔ Data compression
characters
✔ Error-checking protocol
✔ Controlled via mainframe, mini-computer,
PC, portable data terminal
✔ Automatic virtual input buffer
management
✔ User-programmable password
✔ Automatic memory allocation
✔ Format inversion
✔ Status message to host upon request
✔ Mirror image printing
✔ Four-position field rotation
0°, 90°, 180° and 270°
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Agency Approvals
The thermal-transfer printer model TLP 3844-Z, manufactured by Zebra
Technologies Corporation, complies with the applicable requirements:
SUBJECT
AGENCY
FCC
COUNTRIES
United States
Japan
STANDARDS
Part 15, Subpart B
Emissions
VCCI
V-3/93.01
C-Tick
C-Tick
Australia
New Zealand
CE
CE
European
Union
EN55022 Class B
Susceptibility
and Immunity
European
Union
EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3,
EN55024
Safety
UL
United States
Canada
UL60950
C-UL
CSA/CAN C22-2 #950-M89
CB Scheme
Multiple
EN60950:1991;
amendments 1, 2, 3 and 4
EN60950:1992;
amendments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11
IRAM
NOM
Argentina
Mexico
EN60950
019-SCFI-1998
Options
TLP 3844-Z
✔ ZebraNet PrintServer II
(internal ethernet interface)
✔ Maximum 12 MB total memory
✔ Asian fonts
✔ Real-Time Clock
✔ Dispenser for “peel-off mode”
✔ Cutter
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Interfaces
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector
The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s
USB interface.
Pin
Signal
Vbus - N/C
D-
1
2
2
3
1
4
3
D+
4
Ground
Shell
Shield/
Drain Wire
For printer supported operating systems and drivers, see the software and
documentation CD or visit the Zebra printer web site at:
For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at:
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Parallel Interface
The maximum current available through the interface port is not to exceed a
total of 0.75 amps.
Pin No.
1
Description
NStrobe/Host Clk
Data Bits 1-8
2-9
10
nACK/PtrClk
11
Busy/Per Busy
PError/ACK Dat Req.
Select/Xflag
12
13
14
NAuto Fd/Host Busy
Not Used
15
16-17
18
Ground
+5 V @ 0.75 A Fused
Ground
19-30
31
nInit
32
NFault/nData Avail.
Not Used
33-34
35
+5 V throught 1.8 K Ohms Resistor
NSelectin/1284 active
36
50
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ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks
This interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table below
provides the pinout assignments.
Signal
Tx+
Tx-
Rx+
---
Pin
1
Pin
1
Signal
Tx+
Tx-
Rx+
---
2
2
3
3
4
4
---
5
5
---
Rx-
---
6
6
Rx-
---
7
7
---
8
8
---
Pin 4
Pin 3
Pin 2
Pin 1
Pin 5
Pin 6
Pin 7
Pin 8
Looking into the Printer’s
RJ-45 Modular Connector
You can refer to the ZebraNet® PrintServer IITM for Ethernet Networks
Installation and Operation Guide for details regarding this interface.
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Serial (RS-232) Connector
Pin No.
Description
1
2
3
Not used
RXD (receive data) input to the printer
TXD (transmit data) output from the printer
DTR (data terminal ready) output from the printer -- controls when the
host may send data
4
5
6
Chassis ground
DSR (data set ready) input to the printer
RTS (request to send) output from the printer -- always in the ACTIVE
condition when the printer is turned on
7
8
9
Not Used
+5 V @ 0.75 A fused
The maximum current available through the serial and/or parallel port
is not to exceed a total of 0.75 Amps.
When XON/XOFF handshaking is selected, data flow is controlled by the
ASCII control codes DC1 (XON) and DC3 (XOFF). The DTR control lead
will have no effect.
Interconnecting to DTE Devices —The printer is configured as data
terminal equipment (DTE). To connect the printer to other DTE devices
(such as the serial port of a personal computer), use an RS-232 null modem
(crossover) cable.
Interconnecting to DCE Devices —When the printer is connected via its
RS-232 interface to data communication equipment (DCE) such as a
modem, a STANDARD RS-232 (straight-through) interface cable must be
used.
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Connecting the Printer to a DTE Device
DB-9P
DB-9S
Connector
to DTE Device (PC)
DB-9P
Connector
to Printer
DB-25S
Connector
Connector
to Printer
to DTE Device (PC)
TXD
RXD
RTS
CTS
DSR
GND
DCD
DTR
DCD
RXD
TXD
DTR
GND
DSR
RTS
CTS
DCD
RXD
DCD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
20
22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
RXD
2
TXD
3
TXD
3
DTR
4
DTR
4
GND
5
GND
5
DSR
6
DSR
6
RTS
7
RTS
7
CTS
8
CTS
8
9
9
Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device
DB-25S
Connector
to DCE Device
DB-9P
Connector
to Printer
DB-9S
Connector
to DCE Device
DB-9P
Connector
to Printer
RXD
TXD
DCD
TXD
DCD
1
DCD
1
1
2
2
3
RXD
2
RXD
2
RXD
3
TXD
3
TXD
3
CTS
4
DSR
4
DTR
4
DTR
4
RTS
5
6
7
8
DTR
GND
DCD
GND
5
GND
5
GND
5
DSR
6
DTR
6
DSR
6
RTS
7
CTS
7
RTS
7
RTS
8
DSR
20
CTS
CTS
8
8
9
9
22
9
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Index
A
D
agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
attaching power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
auto calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
autobaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
damage, reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DCE devices, interconnecting. . . . . . 52
defaulting the printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
dispenser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
documentation, related . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DTE devices, interconnecting . . . . . . 52
B
bar codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
barrel connector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
box, contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
button, feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
E
environmental guidelines . . . . . . . . . 45
ethernet interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ethernet network . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18, 51
C
cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
calibration
F
factory defaults, resetting . . . . . . 42, 43
fan-fold media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
FCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
feed button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 14
feed button modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
fonts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
auto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
cleaning the print head . . . . . . . . . . . 27
closing printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
communicating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
communications diagnostics . . . . . . . 42
configuration label . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 41
controls, operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
copyrights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
cover lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
G
getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
guides, media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
H
holders, media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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I
P
inspecting printer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
ethernet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
serial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
interface connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
parallel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
parallel communication. . . . . . . . . . . 18
parallel interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
peel-mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
peel-off mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
physical characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . 45
pinouts
ethernet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
parallel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
serial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
universal serial bus. . . . . . . . . . . . 49
platen, cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
platen, replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
plug, power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
power supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
power switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 14
print darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
print darkness, adjusting . . . . . . . . . . 43
print head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
replacing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
print head, replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
print quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
print speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
print width. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
print width, adjusting . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
printing modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
printing specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
PrintServer II. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18, 51
programming language . . . . . . . . . . . 47
L
light, status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
loading media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
loading ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
lock-down screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 24
lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
M
maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
manual calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
media guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 10
media specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
media, loading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
media, outside length . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
O
opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
operator contols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
outside length, media . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Q
quality problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
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R
U
recalibrating the printer. . . . . . . . . . . 41
related documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
release latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
replace the print head . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
replacing supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
resetting the factory defaults . . . . 42, 43
ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ribbon carriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
ribbon sensor printout . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ribbon specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
ribbon, loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
universal serial bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
USB communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
USB interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
V
voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Z
ZebraNet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 18, 51
ZPL II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
S
serial communication . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
serial connector pinouts. . . . . . . . . . . 52
serial interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
serial parameters, default . . . . . . . . . 19
set communications (^SC) . . . . . . . . 19
status LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
status light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 14
supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
supply roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
switch, power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
T
take-up core. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
test label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
thermal printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
thermal transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
thermal-transfer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
TLP printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
top cover, closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
top cover, opening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
troubleshooting tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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