Advantage RFID Thermal Printer HF (13.
Copyright © 2004, Cognitive. Cognitive™ and Advantage™ are trademarks of Cognitive. Microsoft® and Windows™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product and corporate names used in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and are used only for explanation and to their owner’s benefit, without intent to infringe. All information in this document is subject to change without notice, and does not represent a commitment on the part of Cognitive.
Table of Contents RFID and the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer..................................... 1 What is RFID? ..................................................................................... 1 Active Versus Passive RFID Tags....................................................... 2 RFID Frequencies ............................................................................... 3 Uses for HF RFID................................................................................ 3 RFID Standards........
Printing RFID Tags ................................................................................ 28 RFID Tag Overview........................................................................... 28 Using Label Software ........................................................................ 30 Using CPL Programming................................................................... 30 Creating a Text File..................................................................... 30 Stored Formats ................
!RFID RDAFTWT ........................................................................ 58 !RFID RETRY ............................................................................. 59 !RFID SSONCMD ....................................................................... 60 !RFID TAGTYPE......................................................................... 61 !RFID TIMEOUT ......................................................................... 62 !RFID TXAFTER .............................................
Chapter 1 RFID and the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer Cognitive’s Advantage barcode label printers provide an integrated solution for traditional barcode labeling and writing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Using an RFID label, the printer can simultaneously write RFID data and print a barcode label. The printer will also perform either operation independently.
R F I D A N D T H E A D V A N T A G E R F I D P R I N T E R Refer to Figure 1-1, RFID Overview. The RFID tag contains an antenna (A) that allows the tag to receive and respond to radio-frequency queries from an RFID reader. The reader transmits radio waves (B). The radio waves are reflected back from the RFID tag (C) and converted into digital information. This information is then passed on to computers (D) that can make use of the data. Figure 1-1.
R F I D A N D T H E A D V A N T A G E R F I D P R I N T E R RFID Frequencies RFID tags operate at a specific frequency and both the reader and the tag must be tuned to the same frequency to transfer information. The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer is designed for RFID tags that operate at 13.56 Megahertz. This frequency is referred to as High Frequency, or HF.
Chapter 2 Drivers and Label Software Printer drivers are software tools that translate information from an external system into an acceptable format for the printer. Older DOSbased systems do not require special drivers. Other systems may use a generic text driver to communicate with the printer. The companion CD contains drivers for the Microsoft Windows operating system. You can also download current drivers from the Cognitive website at http://www.cognitive.com.
D R I V E R S A N D L A B E L S O F T W A R E 4. Click the hyperlink for your operating system. The Welcome window appears. 5. Click Next. The Selecting the Printer window appears. 6. Choose your printer from the Printers: list. 7. Click Next. The Options window appears. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
D R I V E R S A N D L A B E L S O F T W A R E 8. Choose the port that the printer is connected to from the Available ports: list. Keep the default (LPT1) if you are not sure how the printer is connected. 9. Click Finish. The proper files will be copied to your computer and the installation wizard will close. This may take several minutes. The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer driver is now installed and available for use. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
Chapter 3 Setup Setting up the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer is simple. This chapter describes printer requirements, printer controls, loading thermal transfer ribbon and loading print media. The printer self test is also described. Printer Requirements The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer has the following operational requirements.
S E T U P Controls, Indicators, and Connectors Controls and indicators for the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer are conveniently located on the front panel and right side of the unit. Figure 3-1.
S E T U P Figure 3-2. Advantage RFID Thermal Printer (Rear View) Connections and Power Connector Use A - Parallel port (optional) Parallel data communications port B - Serial port (RS232) Serial data communications port C - Ethernet connector (optional) Ethernet communications port for network connectivity D - POWER connector Connection for power adapter E – Universal Serial Bus (USB) port USB communications port NOTE: Printer port options are dependent upon printer model.
S E T U P Releasing the Print Mechanism Refer to the figure below to release the print mechanism. Figure 3-3. Releasing the Print Mechanism 1. Open the dust cover. 2. Refer to Figure 3-3. Slide the black latches towards the rear of the unit to release the print mechanism. 3. Raise the printhead mechanism in preparation for loading the print media and/or ribbon. This also provides access to the printhead for cleaning purposes. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
S E T U P Loading a Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Only) Refer to the figure below to load thermal transfer ribbon. Figure 3-4. Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon 1. Release the print mechanism. 2. Unwind a few inches of the new ribbon from the supply core. 3. Pull gently on the supply core mount flexible arm and insert the ribbon supply roll. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
S E T U P Figure 3-5. Loading Thermal Transfer Ribbon (continued) 4. Refer to Figure 3-5. Turn the ribbon take-up core to align the slotted end with the take-up mount. 5. Gently push the flexible arm out and snap the take-up core into place. NOTE: The printer automatically takes up the slack in the ribbon. 6. Lower the print mechanism and press down firmly to secure the latches. NOTE: The latches click into place when properly closed.
S E T U P Loading Print Media Refer to the figures and instructions below to load print media. Figure 3-6. Loading Print Media onto the Spindle 1. Release the print mechanism. 2. Lift out the media spindle. 3. Load the media onto the spindle, keeping the black media guide to the right of the media roll. IMPORTANT! The label surface must face UP as it passes under the print mechanism. The label roll must be left justified on the label spindle. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
S E T U P Figure 3-7. Feeding Media Under the Print Mechanism 4. Place the loaded media spindle into the printer with the black guide to the right. 5. Feed the media under the open print mechanism. NOTE: The media spindle should fit securely with the black guide pressed against the media roll. The label roll must be left justified on the label spindle. 6. Lower the print mechanism and press down firmly to secure the latches. NOTE: The latches click into place when properly closed.
S E T U P Performing the Self Test The self test checks the printer’s overall operability. Refer to the figures and instructions below to perform the printer self test. Figure 3-8. Performing the Printer Self Test IMPORTANT! The printer should be loaded with media, connected to AC power, and turned off. 1. Press and hold the FEED button. 2. Turn the printer ON while holding the FEED button. 3. Release the FEED button when the self test starts to print. 4.
S E T U P The output from the self test is described in the table below. Setting Description Example S/N Printer serial number S/N: A123456789 F/W Firmware version F/W: 195-150-320 REVISION and BUILD Firmware revision and build number REVISION: 3.
S E T U P Setting Description RECALIBRATE If a label travels the No Media Timeout RECALIBRATE: ON distance without seeing an index mark, the printer will attempt to recalibrate the printer if RECALIBRATE: ON. If RECALIBRATE: OFF, the printer will error out with a red ready light. PRINT MODE DT indicates direct thermal printing, PRINT MODE: DT (AUTO) TT indicates thermal transfer printing and AUTO indicates automatic print mode switching.
Chapter 4 Printing Standard Labels and Tags The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer prints both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels and tags in a host or network environment. The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer also has the capability to program and read RFID tags placed within special media as well as print on certain areas of that media.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S Creating a Text File Use the following instructions with Windows-based computers. 1. Click Start. 2. Choose Run. 3. In the Open: text box, type command. 4. Click OK. The Command window appears. 5. In the Command window, at the prompt, type edit and press ENTER. The DOS Editor window appears. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S 6. In the DOS Editor window, type the commands and data to be sent to the printer. NOTE: If you are using a printer with a serial port (COM port), it may be necessary to save the file and print directly from the Command window. Refer to If using a printer with a serial port. 7. On the File menu, choose Print. 8. In the Print dialog, verify that the Complete document option is selected. Then, click OK. The label is sent to the printer. 9.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S 3. In the Save As dialog, type a name for the file. Then, click OK. NOTE: The file name must be eight characters or less. The name cannot contain spaces or symbols. 4. On the File menu, click Exit. This returns you to the Command window. 5. At the prompt, type mode com1 9600,N,8,1. Press ENTER. 6. At the prompt, type copy filename com1. Replace filename with the file name that you used in step three. Press ENTER. 7. The label prints on the printer. 8.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S Sample Label This is a sample label and the programming used to create it. ! 0 100 100 1 WIDTH 224 PITCH 200 DRAW_BOX 20 0 200 30 2 TEXT 2 20 0 TEST LABEL BARCODE CODE39 20 70 40 1234567894567 END Using Third-Party and Proprietary Applications Labels are frequently printed from commercial software or proprietary applications. Printing from Microsoft Word The instructions below describe how to create both simple and complex labels using Microsoft Word software.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S 2. Press CTRL+P or, on the File menu, choose Print. The Print dialog appears. 3. Select a Cognitive printer. 4. Click Close to close the Print dialog. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S Setting Label Size Set the printer driver for the label size. 1. On the File menu, click Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog appears. 2. Set all margins to 0. 3. Click the Paper tab. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S 4. Set the correct width and height for your label. The example shows a 2.4” wide by 1” tall label. 5. Click OK and, if necessary, Fix to reset the margins. The Word document should look similar to the figure below. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S Creating a Label and Barcode Design the label as you would any Word document. Use the following steps to design a barcode. 1. Select the desired font. 2. Enter the numbers for the barcode. A barcode will not display on the screen, but is printed on the label. 3. Set the height of the barcode by adjusting the font size. Use trial and error to adjust the size correctly. Printing a Label Make sure that the printer is connected to the computer and powered on.
P R I N T I N G L A B E L S A N D T A G S Printing from Proprietary Applications There are a variety of applications that are industry or function specific. Some of these require a generic text printer driver. Others have built-in printer drivers. Refer to your software documentation or contact the software vendor to determine the appropriate method for printing labels with proprietary software. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
Chapter 5 Printing RFID Tags Printing RFID tags may include printing information on the tag, writing data to the tag, reading data from the tag, or a combination these actions. While tags may differ in appearance and storage capacity, programming the tag properly depends on understanding how the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer writes to and reads from the RFID tag. NOTE: Cognitive highly recommends the use of Cognitive-certified RFID tags with the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S Figure 5-1. Data Blocks The write tag (WT) command ASCII string is limited to 63 characters. Each WT command ASCII string is limited to a maximum of 63 characters. For a 256 byte RFID tag, a maximum of four WT commands containing 63 characters of data may be used. NOTE: It is the user’s responsibility to track the 63 character maximum. If more than 63 characters are included in a WT command, the command will fail.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S Using Label Software A version of NiceLabel labeling software, designed specially for Cognitive printers, is included on the Companion CD. This software provides label printing, label design, RFID write and RFID read capabilities. Refer to the NiceLabel help files for information on how to use this product with your Cognitive printer. Using CPL Programming RFID commands have been added to the CPL programming language.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S 5. In the Command window, at the prompt, type edit and press ENTER. The DOS Editor window appears. 6. In the DOS Editor window, type the commands and data to be sent to the printer. NOTE: If you are using a printer with a serial port (COM port), it may be necessary to save the file and print directly from the Command window. Refer to Stored Formats. 7. On the File menu, choose Print. 8. In the Print dialog, verify that the Complete document option is selected.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S 9. On the File menu, click Exit. 10. At the prompt, type exit. The Command window closes. Stored Formats Stored formats are tag formats that are saved as a text file. This file can be reused to create tags without having to retype all of the required commands. Use the following instructions with Windows-based computers. 1. Click Start. 2. Choose Run. 3. In the Open: text box, type command. 4. Click OK. The Command window appears. 5.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S 6. In the DOS Editor window, type the commands and data to be sent to the printer. 7. On the File menu, choose Save. 8. In the Save As dialog, type a name for the file. Then, click OK. NOTE: The file name must be eight characters or less. The name cannot contain spaces or symbols. 9. On the File menu, click Exit. This returns you to the Command window. 10. At the prompt, type mode com1 9600,N,8,1. Press ENTER. 11. At the prompt, type copy filename com1.
P R I N T I N G R F I D T A G S 13. At the prompt, type exit. The Command window closes. Sample RFID Tag This is a sample RFID tag and the programming used to create it.
Chapter 6 Maintenance and Calibration The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer is designed to provide exceptional service with a minimum of preventive maintenance. Maintenance Printer maintenance should be performed with each media roll. Figure 6-1. Performing Printer Maintenance 1. Open the print mechanism. 2. Clean the printhead (A), drive roller (B), and the index sensors (C and D) with a soft, lint-free cloth saturated with 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
M A I N T E N A N C E A N D C A L I B R A T I O N 3. Press the FEED button to clean all sides of the roller CAUTION! Incorrectly cleaning the printer will cause permanent damage and void the printer’s warranty. Cognitive recommends using a certified cleaning pen for all your printer’s cleaning requirements, P/N 60-14-00-0002. Calibration Calibration is the process of configuring the printer with a specific set of parameters.
Chapter 7 Programming The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer, like other Cognitive printers, is programmable using ASCII commands. Additional commands have been added to support the RFID functionality. This chapter provides an explanation of the new RFID commands used by the Advantage RFID Thermal Printer. Programming Overview Most Cognitive printers use the same command language, which has become an industry standard.
P R O G R A M M I N G Programming Rules Use blank spaces exactly as shown in the command descriptions, examples, and syntax. Blank spaces are the delimiters between parameters. Omitting a necessary space may result in incorrect programming or a failure to recognize commands. In CPL-RFID programming, the RFID specific directives are casesensitive and must be fully spelled-out. Certain CPL-RFID commands operate outside of the standard label formatting.
P R O G R A M M I N G RFID Command Structure Example The following listing is an example of RFID command usage. ! 0 100 1200 1 DELIMIT $ RF VAR_CLEAR WT 0 "COGNITIVE SOLUTIONS RFID xxxxxx" WT 16 "PATIENT ID:xxxxxx" RF HOST "RFID TAG WRITTEN" RF ID_GET RT 0 10 "A" 11 RT 16 31 "A" 21 RF HOST “$RF_IDNUM$” RF HOST "$RF 11$" RF HOST "$RF 21$" END Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R O G R A M M I N G RFID Commands Use the following commands to program RFID features of the Advantage RDIF printers. Standard Commands Variable Definitions Setup/Debug Commands RF ID_GET RF_TYPE !RFID ? RF HOST RF_IDNUM !RFID CONFIRM RF VAR_CLEAR RF_BLKSZ !RFID HOST RT RF LOCATION !RFID LEDFLSH WT !RFID LEDTIME WTLOCK !RFID MARK !RFID RDAFTWT !RFID RETRY !RFID SSONCMD !RFID TAGTYPE !RFID TIMEOUT !RFID TXAFTER !RFID VOID Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF ID_GET Function This command is defined as "RFID Function", ID GET. This command retrieves the current RFID tag's unique identification number and returns it to the host. Explicit Form RF ID_GET Parameters None Response This command will automatically transmit the detected ‘Tag_ID’s numeric value to the Host Machine via the printer’s serial port.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF HOST Function This command instructs the Printer to transmit the specified ASCII string to the Host Machine using the serial port. When used in conjunction with the printer "Delimit" command in a label format, certain variable values can also be returned to the host. Explicit Form RF HOST "ASCII-string-to-send-to-host" Parameters The data placed inside the " " can be either a variable such as RF TYPE or other ASCII data.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF VAR_CLEAR Function This command instructs the Printer to clear and reset all of the internal RFID Read-Tag DataHandler Variables.
P R O G R A M M I N G RT Function Read Tag. This command retrieves RFID-tag data from the tag currently positioned over RFID Reader/Writer H/W. Explicit Form RT ss ee “fmt” vv Parameters ss Starting block to begin reading octets (bytes) ee Ending block. Stop on this block after reading the contents. “fmt” Format of the data being read. Use A for ASCII.
P R O G R A M M I N G WT Function Write Tag. This command stores the quoted data to the RFID-Tag currently positioned over RFID Reader/Writer H/W. The data will begin storage at the ss Tag-block and extend to and Zero pad any unused bytes within the ending block. Explicit Form WT ss “data” Parameters ss Starting block to begin reading octets (bytes) “data” Collection of data octets to be written to the RFID tag. The size of "data" must be in the range of 1-255 octets.
P R O G R A M M I N G WTLOCK Function Write and Lock Tag. The command permanently writes data to a tag. As with the WT command, the user is responsible for maintaining the 63 byte requirement. Approximately 15 seconds, with no retries, is required to write lock a full blank tag. NOTE: This command will overwrite any non-locked portion of a tag. Attempting to overwrite a locked portion of the tag will result in a failure.
P R O G R A M M I N G Example To Printer: ! 0 100 800 0 DELIMIT $ WTLOCK 0 "123-1234-123" WT 4 "John Q. Public" WT 10 "Medical Mumbo Jumbo" RT 0 3 "A" 33 RF HOST "$RF 33$" END From Printer: 123-1234-123 NOTE: Individual Read or Write transfers to/from the RFID-Tags are limited to 64 bytes maximum. CPL command lines are naturally limited to 256 bytes. Therefore, 4 separate 64-byte WT commands must be executed to fill a 256-byte RFID-Tag, Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF_TYPE Function This is an RFID reserved and internal variable contains the last RFID-Tag’s Type. This variable is often used in conjunction with the RF HOST command.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF_IDNUM Function This command is defined as "Reference Find" ID Number. This command returns the unique tag identification number and is often used in conjunction with the RF HOST command. Explicit Form $RF_IDNUM$ Parameters None Response The Printer’s parser will replace any Static or Derived Variables with valued string associated with variable and then attempt to execute the CPL or CPL-RFID command.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF_BLKSZ Function This command is defined as "Reference Find", Block Size. The command returns the block size for a specific tag type. This variable is often used in conjunction with the RF HOST command to return the tag block size to the host. Explicit Form $RF_BLKSZ$ Parameters None Response The printer’s parser will replace any Static or Derived Variables with valued string associated with variable and then attempt to execute the CPL or CPL-RFID command.
P R O G R A M M I N G RF LOCATION Function This command is defined as "Reference Find", Variable at Location #. The command returns the value that was stored in a printer variable with the RT command where nn is an argument to be specified. Explicit Form $RF nn$ Parameters nn Response The printer’s parser will replace any Static or Derived Variables with valued string associated with variable and then attempt to execute the CPL or CPL-RFID command.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID ? Function This command queries the printer for a summary of the existing printer settings for RFID functionality. Explicit Form !RFID ? Parameters None Response See example below.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID CONFIRM Function Controls the transmission of a ‘Success’ or ‘Failure’ indication at the very end of any CPL-RFID command’s execution. Explicit Form !RFID CONFIRM on/off Parameters ON When the setting is ON, the printer will return RFID:SUCCESS or RFID :FAILURE for every command issued to the printer. OFF When set to OFF, no messages are sent to the host.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID HOST Function This command instructs the Printer to transmit the specified ASCII string to the Host Machine using the serial port. When used in conjunction with the printer "Delimit" command in a label format, certain variable values can also be returned to the host. Explicit Form RF HOST "ASCII-string-to-send-to-host" Parameters The data placed inside the " " must be ASCII data. Data length must be between 0 and 240 characters.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID LEDFLSH Function Controls the transmission of a ‘Success’ or ‘Failure’ indication to the LED display during and at the very end of any CPL-RFID command’s execution. Explicit Form !RFID LEDFLSH ON/OFF/ACCUM Parameters ON Flashes LED (Green for Success) or (Red for Failure) after any CPL-RFID command completion OFF Does NOT flash any LED after CPLRFID command completions.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID LEDTIME Function Regulates the interval of LED illumination and LED OFF time used in generation of an LED Flash on ‘Success’ or ‘Failure’. Explicit Form !RFID LEDTIME nn Parameters nn Response No specific response Command Type RFID Setup/Debug Command Example To Printer: Determines the LED illumination interval. Range is 0 to 65535.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID MARK Function This command sets whether or not to print a defined mark on a label that fails to write expected data to an RFID tag. Explicit Form !RFID MARK ON/OFF Parameters ON Response No specific response Command Type RFID Setup/Debug Command Example To Printer: When the setting is ON, the printer will mark a label that fails a RT, WT, or WTLOCK command.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID RDAFTWT Function This command initiates an integrity test following a WT command. Data is read and undergoes a byteby-byte comparison with the initial data. The comparison occurs before the WT command is returned as successful or failed. Explicit Form !RFID RDAFTWT ON/OFF Parameters ON Byte-by-byte comparison with initial data is performed. OFF No comparison is performed.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID RETRY Function This command sets the number of retries that the printer will perform on a RT, WT, or WTLOCK command. To enter the retry loop, the printer must fail a specific command after reading the tag identification and type. Explicit Form !RFID RETRY nn Parameters nn Response No specific response Command Type RFID Setup/Debug Command Example To Printer: Number of retries allowed. There are no range limitations.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID SSONCMD Function This command controls the automatic execution of a Select-Tag command prior to the Host Command to RT, WT, or WTLOCK an RFID tag. Explicit Form !RFID SSONCMD ON/OFF Parameters ON Causes automatic Select-Tag command executions before any RT, WT or WTLOCK command.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID TAGTYPE Function This command verifies a tag type. Enter the tag type and verify the change with the !RFID ? command. Explicit Form !RFID TAGTYPE ISO/TI/PHILPS Parameters ISO Sets the industry standard ISO-15693 tag type TI Sets Texas-Instrument’s ‘Tag-it HF’ tag type. PHILPS Sets Philips ‘I-Code1 (SL1)’ tag type.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID TIMEOUT Function This command sets the time delay, in milliseconds, to wait before considering a command a failure. NOTE: The parameters are part of a calculation and do not translate into exact execution time differences. Explicit Form !RFID TIMEOUT bb,ss,rr,ww,ll Parameters bb Base Time Out – Specifies the time delay in milliseconds. The range of this parameter is 0 through 65535. ss Base Time Out – Specifies the time delay in milliseconds.
P R O G R A M M I N G Example To Printer: !RFID 20,,,,50 !RFID ? From Printer: Setup/Config Parameters: | | | Base Cmd Timeout: 20 Msecs Select Tag Timeout: 70 Msecs Read Tag Timeout: 16 MSecs Write Tag Timeout: 32 MSecs Lock Tag Timeout: 50 Msecs NOTE: All CPL-RFID Configuration-Setup Commands are processed outside the context of a standard CPL Label-Format (i.e. CPL beginning with a header-line ‘! 0 100 nnn 1’ and ending with ‘END’).
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID TXAFTER Function This command controls the state of the hardware’s RF carrier transmission after any Host Command to read, write or write and lock an RFID-Tag Explicit Form !RFID TXAFTER ON/OFF Parameters ON Causes hardware to keep RF carrier transmission ON after CPL-RFID TagInterface command completion.
P R O G R A M M I N G !RFID VOID Function This command instructs the printer to use this specified ASCII string to stamp or print on failing RFID-Tags if and only if !RFID MARK ON is selected. Explicit Form !RFID VOID “ASCII-String-to-Stamp-BadTags” Parameters “ASCIIString-toStamp-BadTags” Command Type RFID Setup/Debug Command Example To Printer: Text string to stamp or print on failed tags. String must be 0-240 characters in length.
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting The Advantage RFID Thermal Printer is a dependable printer that requires little user maintenance. When problems occur, it is important to determine if hardware or programming is the cause. Isolating Problems Programming issues can often make the problem appear hardware related. Use the following steps to determine the source of the problem. Run a Printer Self Test If the printer will not print a self-test label, the problem is most likely a hardware problem.
P R O G R A M M I N G If the printer will not print this label but does print labels that were prepared on another system, your system may not be compatible with the printer. The most common cause of this is improper end-of-line termination. NOTE: Hex dump mode allows you to see every character that reaches the printer. Use of hex dump mode can help resolve some programming problems.
P R O G R A M M I N G READY Light is Red Make sure that the printhead is latched down tightly on both sides. If the printer feeds out multiple blank labels, it will need to be calibrated. Refer to Chapter 6, Maintenance and Calibration, for calibration instructions. Make sure that you have the correct power supply for your printer. Blaster and Advantage model printers use a 19VAC output power supply; Del Sol and Solus model printers have a 24VAC output power supply.
P R O G R A M M I N G Printer Drivers Printer drivers are available for download from the Cognitive web site, http://www.cognitive.com. For a Barcode Blaster or Code Courier model printer, select the legacy model printer driver. For the Advantage, Solus, and Del Sol model printers, select the driver for your Windows operating system. The Code Ranger printer model can use any 2" model printer driver, for example, the Advantage BT2 driver.
P R O G R A M M I N G The ## indicates the number you need to enter to increase the darkness. For example, you would type the line as VARIABLE DARKNESS 20. Start with 20, then gradually increase the number to 30, then 40, and so on. The higher the number, the hotter the printhead and the darker the print. NOTE: A darkness setting of 50 or more may decrease the life of the printhead. Send this file to the printer by going to File->Print.
P R O G R A M M I N G Technical Support Contact Information Hours: 8AM-5PM Mountain Standard Time (MST). Telephone: +1.720.221.9498 Toll Free: +1.800.525.2785 ext 498 Fax: (303) 215-0385 E-Mail: support@cognitive.com Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
Appendix A Appendix A – Specifications RFID Physical Attributes Communications Printing Printer Model LBT24-2043-Hxx LBT42-2043-Hxx Technology Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer Width (max) 2.2” (56mm) 4.
Appendix B Appendix B – Certified RFID Tags Part Number Description 114-001-01 Roll, TT Labels, HF (13.56Mhz) RFID, 2.25” x 2.25” label centered on 2.5” liner. 100 labels, 3” core, wound in, 1” GAP, TI TagIt 114-003-01 Roll, DT Wristbands, HF (13.56Mhz) RFID, 1.1875” x 11.5” 100 bands, 1.5” core, wound in, 1” GAP, TI TagIt Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
Index C N calibrate · 37 calibration · 37 cleaning · 36 connectors · 8 contact · i controls · 8 null modem · 7, 9 D drivers · See printer drivers F FEED · 8 P print mechanism releasing · 10 printer drivers installing · 4 printing · 18 CPL programming · 18, 31 label software · 18, 31 Microsoft Word · 23 proprietary applications · 28 RFID tags · 29 third-party applications · 23, 35 programming · 38 H hex dump · 15, 70 I indicators · 8 L loading print media · 13 thermal transfer ribbon · 13 M mainten
I N D E X RF VAR_CLEAR · 45 RF_BLKSZ · 53 RF_IDNUM · 52 RT · 46 WT · 47 WTLOCK · 49 RFID tag certified · 77 printing · 29 S sample label · 23 RFID tag · 35 self test · 15 setup · 7 specifications · 75 T thermal transfer ribbon · 11 troubleshooting · 69 Copyright © 2004, Cognitive.
