10259-004 RL3/3e & RL4/4e User Guide
Copyright Information This manual and any examples contained herein are provided “as is” and are subject to change without notice. Datamax-O’Neil makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Datamax-O’Neil shall not be liable for any errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this manual, or the examples herein.
Important Safety Instructions This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe, reliable performance.
Agency Compliance and Approvals UL60950-1; 2nd Edition CSA C22.2 No.
1 Getting Started 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Unpacking ............................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Carry Accessories ..................................................................................................... 2 2 Printer Setup 2.1 Charging Your Battery ....................................................................
4 Maintenance and Adjustments 4.1 Cleaning Intervals ................................................................................................... 32 4.2 Cleaning the Printhead ............................................................................................ 33 5 Troubleshooting 5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................... 35 5.2 Troubleshooting Tips .............................................................
Congratulations on your RL3e/RL4e printer purchase. The RL Series printer family, hereafter referred to as “the printer,” blends the rugged durability with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to redefine the standard in portable thermal printers. The printer’s RS-232 serial, USB, or optional wireless LAN or Bluetooth® wireless technology allows easy interfacing to any host system. This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the printer.
Several accessories are available for the printer to allow for ease of use and portability. Belt Clip Included with printer, the Belt Clip allows easy attachment to a belt or similar object. Shoulder Strap/Hand Strap Belt Clip Attachment Points (Optional Items) Choose either a hand or longer shoulder strap for maximum comfort and flexibility. Each strap incorporates heavy-duty clasps for an easy and secure attachment; however, these are not OSHA-approved safety straps.
IP54 Soft Case (Optional Available Accessory) Proper use of this case will allow the printer to be used in harsh, dusty or rainy environments. This case is certified to an IP54 rating, so when properly used, it will protect your product against particles as small as dust, and water from any direction. This case can be used in conjunction with the hand/shoulder straps, as well the belt-loop and belt-clip accessories.
Your printer utilizes an external auto-ranging power supply to charge its battery. Before using your printer, the battery should be fully charged. The printer cannot be operated through AC power alone and requires the battery to be installed. Ensure that the operating ranges of the power supply are compatible with your electrical service (see Appendix A) then follow these instructions: The maximum operating temperature of the printer is 50°C (122ºF).
3) Connect the Power Supply to Power Jack of the printer. 4) Connect the AC Power Cord to the Power Supply. 5) Connect the AC Power Cord to an Electrical Outlet. Do not operate the printer while it is connected to the AC Power Supply. 312 Power Supply AC Power Cord Electrical Outlet Power Jack Battery Guidelines: • DO NOT store batteries in cold or hot conditions • DO NOT drop the battery pack. In the event of a drop carefully inspect the battery plastic and contacts for damage.
Connecting your printer to a host device can be set up using various connection options that are available for your printer. If your RL model has the available feature, you can connect via Serial, USB, Wireless 802.11 LAN or Wireless via Bluetooth®. The printer will automatically connect to the first available port that provides valid data. If you wish to change that connection once established, you will need to power the printer off and back on again.
Load media into the printer as follows: 1) Slide the Thumb Latch rearward and then lift up on the printer’s Cover. Thumb Latch Supply Hubs Cover 2) Slide and hold open the Supply Hubs. www.datamax-oneil.
3) Orient the Roll of Media (paper or labels) as shown and insert it into the printer. Roll of Media 4) Allow the Supply Hubs to retract onto the Roll of Media. Then close the printer’s Cover and press downward until latched. Supply Hubs Roll of Media Cover 5) Press the button two or three times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the media to the start of the next label for each press. www.datamax-oneil.
2.3.1 þ Loading for Presenter Mode The printer must be configured for use in “Presenter Mode.” See Section 3.6 for connecting and configuring the printer’s settings. 1) Load media as described in Section 2.3 (steps 1-3). 2) Remove about eight (8) inches (203 mm) of labels from the Media Backing. 3) Open the Peeler Door. Route the media as shown below. 312 Media Backing Peeler Door 4) Pull the media backing tight and then close the Peeler Door.
2.3.2 External Media Loading Load media into the printer as follows: 1) Slide the Thumb Latch rearward and then lift up on the printer’s Cover. Thumb Latch Cover 2) Open the External Media Door located in the bottom of the printer. www.datamax-oneil.
3) Slide and hold open the Supply Hubs and install the Media Spacer. Supply Hubs Media Spacer 4) Insert the Media through the External Media Door and through the printer as shown: Media 5) Close the printer’s Cover and press downward until latched. 6) Press the button a couple of times to normalize tracking. The printer should advance the media to the start of the next label for each press. www.datamax-oneil.
The Real-Time Clock is powered from a rechargeable coin cell. Once the RTC is set, and as long as the main battery is in place and has a reasonable charge, the RTC will continue to keep time. If the main battery is pulled, you have 2+ days or the time will be lost and will need to be reset once power is restored. Viewing the RTC Setting: 1) 2) Click on “Printer Information.” View the current RTC date and time stamp in “Printer Date Time” section. Resetting the RTC: 1) Click on “Printer Diagnostics.
The Front Panel is an event-driven interface composed of a graphic display and four (4) buttons. In addition to providing current printer information, the mode-dependent panel allows the items in the main display area and the button functions to change as operational events require. The RL Series printer displays will enter sleep mode after one (1) minute of inactivity; press any button to wake. þ 3.1.1 RL Series printers will turn off after 120 minutes of inactivity.
3.1.3 Buttons Ready Mode Button Function Short Press: Wakes the printer from sleep or off mode. Short Press: Puts the printer into sleep mode. Press and hold (~4 seconds) then release: Turns off the printer. Press and hold (~10 seconds): Resets the printer.
Initiation of this mode causes the printer to print its Configuration Label. The Configuration Label provides valuable printer information, including the firmware version, memory allocations, enabled options, communications settings and label-counter data. To print the Configuration Label: 1) Be sure the printer is properly loaded with media [at least four (4) inches wide] and that the power to the printer is off. 2) Turn on the printer and allow it to reach a ready state.
- If the setup operation does not start, locate the Devices and Printers section of the Control Panel and select “Add a Printer.” - Once initiated, select the printer model under Datamax-O’Neil Printers. If the model is not located, follow the steps “Locate Driver thru Windows Update” and follow the instructions to complete the installation. - Once completed, you should see the RL Printer as an available printer from your host PC. - The default setting will set up as a CDC Composite printer type.
The NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility (available for download at www.datamax-oneil.com) is a Windows®-based configuration utility that allows the user to make changes to the existing printer setup via a serial, USB or Wireless LAN connection. NOTE: Information shown for NETira™ CT reflects what is available on the current version of software (v. 1.0.0.64). If you are using a version that is not the most current, some features or options may not be available as shown.
For Wireless LAN Connections: Close the “Open a configuration file…” dialogue box. a) In the toolbar, Click on the “TCP/IP Configuration” Icon . b) In the “TCP/IP Configuration” dialogue box enter the IP address of the printer and click “OK.” (The IP address should be displayed on the home screen of the printer’s LCD). c) In the toolbar, from the dropdown menu box, select “TCP_IP.” Then click on the Query Printer Icon .
3.5.1 Selecting Media Type To accommodate a variety of media types, the printer is equipped with two (2) sensors. A transmissive sensor (for gap and notch-type label media) and a reflective sensor (for “black mark”-type label media).
Common Settings: Name Continuous Label Length (1/100 inch) Value 425 New value Distance the printer will advance after pressing the FEED button. Distance is measured in 1/100 inch, i.e. 1000=10 inches. 2 Label Width (1/100 inch) 425 3 Maximum Label Length (1/100 inch) 800 200 = 2-inch media 300 = 3-inch media 400 = 4-inch media Distance must be greater than the length of your media, i.e.
3.5.2 Quick Media Calibration The printer is factory-calibrated for operation with most media types (both gap and “black mark”). Try your media without performing any calibration adjustments first; this will determine if the factory settings are compatible. Only perform the calibration adjustments if you are experiencing media-registration issues. The Quick Media Calibration should be performed first, if it fails to detect your label media proceed to the Manual Media Calibration procedure, see Section 3.
3.5.3 Manual Media Calibration Manual Media Calibration is intended for use when Quick Media Calibration printer has failed to detect the start of each label. This procedure performs a complete recalibration of the sensors and will optimize the printer to your media. In some instances, you may need to perform a Quick Media Calibration after the Manual Media Calibration to further optimize the printer’s sensor.
7) NETira™ CT will display a message indicating the process has finished. In case of any error, a “FAILED CALIBRATION” message will be displayed. Repeat the process. 8) To confirm changes, observe that Gap Back Value and Gap Paper Value have changed. Procedure for Black Mark Media: (be sure the printer is set to sense Black Mark media, see Section 3.4.1). 1) Click on the “Sensor Calibration” printer component. 2) Click the “Manual Media” button to start the manualcalibration process.
NOTE: A special media with black marks is needed to perform this calibration. See the image to the right. A sample image is included at the end of this document, it can be printed and used for this calibration procedure. 4) Load Stock: Place a white section of media under the sensor, close the door and then click “OK.” Printing Area Sensor 5) Load Special Q-Mark Media for Reflective Media: Place a black section of the media under the sensor, close the door and then click “OK.
7) NETira™ CT will display a message indicating that the process has finished. In case of any error, a “FAILED CALIBRATION” message will be displayed. Repeat the process. 8) To confirm changes, observe that the Black Mark values have changed. www.datamax-oneil.
To set the printer to work in Presenter Mode, follow these steps: - Set the “Presenter Sensor Equipped” parameter to enable the presenter sensor. - Calibrate the Presenter Sensor to store the media settings (liner and media). These setting changes can be performed using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility (see Section 3.4 for more information on NETira™ CT). Launch the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility and query (connect) to the printer.
Calibrate the Presenter Sensor: ! After calibration is complete, the presenter sensor will be disabled. You must re-enable the presenter before use. 1) Install the media in the printer and route the liner through the peeler door, see Section 2.3.1. 312 When the “FEED” key is pressed, the label will be peeled and presented for the operator. Media Backing Peeler Door 2) Click on the “Sensor Calibration” printer component. 3) Click the “Presenter Sensor” button to start the calibration process.
The printer supports several printer languages, such as CPCL, ZPL, DPL, etc. However, the printer has an AUTO input mode that will detect the type of script and switch to the desired printing language. By default, the printer is configured as an AUTO mode. To manually change the printer language used, perform the following steps. These setting changes can be performed using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility, (see Section 3.4 for more information on NETira™ CT).
The NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility allows printer configuration files to be saved to a file. These files can be useful for saving a printer configuration for a particular application or media. Saved configuration files can be shared with other printers/users. Saving and Loading a Configuration file can be performed using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility (see Section 3.4 for more information on NETira™ CT).
There are two (2) ways to send demo-label formats to the printer, NETira™ CT and the standalone Printer Demo program available for download at www.datamax-oneil.com. NETira™ CT Printer Demo: 1) Launch the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility, select “Tools,” then “Printer Demo.” 2) Browse to folder containing print files, highlight files to be printed and click “Add>.” 3) Click on “Print” to send the file(s) to the printer. Standalone Printer Demo: 1) Launch the Printer Demo utility.
When program updates and/or new features are added, they can be downloaded to the printer as follows: 1) Identify the new version for your model of printer from the Datamax-O’Neil website at www.datamax-oneil.com and download it onto your computer’s hard drive. NOTE: RL3/RL3e and RL4/RL4e firmware files are not interchangeable. 2) Launch the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility and query (connect) to the printer (see Section 3.4 for more information on NETira™ CT).
This section details the cleaning, adjusting and troubleshooting tips for the RL Series printer. Proper cleaning is critical. To maintain peak performance of the printer, Datamax-O’Neil offers a complete line of cleaning products, including pens, cards, films and swabs. Visit www.datamax-oneil.com to learn more. The following table outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for the various printer parts.
If print quality declines (symptoms include non-compliant bar codes, print dropouts and streaks), the typical cause is debris buildup on the printhead. Furthermore, when the buildup is not removed it may lead to reduced service life or printhead failure. Streaks in printed labels usually indicate a dirty or faulty printhead. To clean the printhead (using a Datamax-O’Neil cleaning card): þ The following procedure is for “standard configuration” printers.
3) Close the Cover and then Press the button several times until the cleaning card has been completely fed through the printer. Repeat if necessary. Cleaning Card Cover Feed Button 4) Reload the media. Close the Cover, push down until it latches closed. Press the normalize tracking. button to To clean the printhead (using Datamax-O’Neil Cleaning Pens #770189-000): The Cleaning Pens are typically intended for use on linerless-model printers or any printer with adhesive buildup.
Occasionally, situations arise that require troubleshooting. Possible problem situations and potential solutions are listed below. Contact a qualified technician for problems that persist or problems not covered in this section. Contact Datamax-O'Neil Customer Service for further details. For further details regarding parts availability and where to buy, contact Datamax-O'Neil by Honeywell Customer Service.
Light print on the right side of the label: § The printer’s cover is not latched down: Latch it. § The printhead is not properly aligned: Call for service. Printer fails to power ON: § The battery may need to be charged: Charge the battery (see Section 2.1). § For RL3/RL3e models, make sure the printer is turned on (see Section 3.1.3). Label advances eight (8) inches before a fault indication: § The media may not be properly loaded: Reload it (see Section 2.3).
Physical Characteristics Dimensions RL3/RL3e: 5.6” w x 7.6” h x 3.2” d (142 x 193 x 81 mm) RL4/RL4e: 6.5” w x 7.9” h x 3.2” d (166 x 200 x 81 mm) Weight (printer only): RL3/RL3e: 1.95 lbs. (0.88 kg) RL4/RL4e: 2.16 lbs. (0.98 kg) Drop Specifications 6 ft. (1.8 m) User Interface 128 x 64 LCD display with white LED backlighting.
Communications Serial Interface RS-232, up to 460.8 kbps USB Interface 2.0 (full speed) Bluetooth Interface Supported versions: Version 4.0 LE, Class 2; Serial-port profile Wireless LAN Network standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n with Dual Radio Wireless access modes: Infrastructure and ad-hoc Security Protocols: WEP (64/128), WPA (TKIP/RC4), WPA2 (CCMP/AES) Authentication: LEAP, EAP-PEAP, EAP-FAST, EAP-TTLS, EAP-LEAP: Network Support DHCP, TCP, UDP, DNS, BOOTP Power Source Battery 14.
Software/Firmware • NETira™ CT Configuration Tool - complete printer set-up utility • Control Language Compatibility: - NETira™ MS – Menu Scripting - NETira™ LD – Label Design Software - EZ-Print, DPL, ZPL II®, CPCL, IPL™, XML (limited) • Device Management Support and Compatibility: - NETira™ Remote Management: Monitor and manage printers - NETira™ MD: Mobile Device Management Utility for Smart Mobile Devices - NETira™ Connector (CA): Access AirWatch® Mobile Device Management Console - Skyze and QualSoft MD
To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax-O’Neil specifies the use of Datamax-O’Neil brand media. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of nonDatamax-O’Neil supplies may affect the print quality, performance and life of the printer or its components. For a current list of approved media and ribbons for use in direct-thermal and thermal-transfer applications, please contact your Datamax-O'Neil Media Representative.
Cleaning Pens and Cards - For Adhesive Applications Part Number 770189-000 Printer Models RL3, RL3e, RL4, RL4e Label Approx. LBS/CTN Pens/Cards per CTN for Step 1 and Step 2 10 2 Part Cleaning Pen A two-step process designed to remove adhesive residue and give the thermal printhead, rollers and paper path a thorough cleaning. Each step involves inserting a chemically saturated card into the paper path. Step one will remove adhesive residue.
Part# Description AC Adapters - Battery Chargers 220515-100 AC Adapter for Charging with U.S.
The printer makes IP requests at power-up, so before making a network connection to the printer consider how your IP addressing needs to be assigned. The IP addressing of the printer can be configured in one of two ways: Using a static IP Address or Using IP Discovery (DHCP, BootP or RARP). Default Network Settings: The following table lists some of the printer’s default network settings. Any of these parameters can be modified using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility program. )See Section 3.
The printer can be configured to use a static IP or a dynamic IP obtained from a DHCP server. Using a Dynamic IP Address (DHCP): 1) Click on the “Wireless General Network” printer component. 2) Change (or confirm) the following parameter setting: IP address method: DHCP 3) After updating the “New Value” column, click the “Send” button to send these changes to the printer. ! Values obtained from the DHCP server will be shown under the fields: Active IP address, Active Subnet Mask and Active Gateway.
1) Click on the “Wi-Fi” printer component. 2) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: ESSID: (Default: D-O) Type name that matches the name of your access point. Network Type: Infrastructure or Ad-hoc. 3) After updating the “New Value” column, click the “Send” button to send these changes to the printer. NOTE: To validate a successful Wireless LAN connection, the IP address obtained from the access point will be shown on the LCD display of the printer. www.datamax-oneil.
The printer can be configured to utilize several Wireless LAN security protocols. The following sections outline the most popular configurations. B.4.1 WEP 64 & 128 Bit 1) Click on the “W-Fi” printer component. 2) Click the “Static WEP” radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: WEP Selected Key: Select the key number to use. WEP AP authentication: Users share 40-bit = 64-bit encryption. Users share 128-bit = 128-bit encryption. WEP Data Encryption: Enable WEP Data Encryption.
C.4.2 WPA2-PSK w/CCMP 1) Click on the “Wi-Fi” printer component. 2) Click the “Click the WPA/WPA2” radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Group Cipher: CCMP Network Authentication Type: WPA2-PSK 4) Type the Pass Phrase under the “WPA_PSK_TKIP/WPA2_PSK settings” section. Note that Pass Phrase is case-sensitive. 5) After updating the “New Value” column, click the “Send” button to send these changes to the printer. C.4.
C.4.4 WPA2-Enterprise 1) Click on the “W-Fi” printer component. 2) Click the “Click the WPA/WPA2” radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Network Authentication Type: WPA-Enterprise Phase 2 Method: EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP Type: Select EAP-PEAP NOTE: EAP Type can be variable. Other values supported: EAP-LEAP, EAP-TTLS, EAP-PEAP and EAPFAST. 4) Type the username and password under the “WPA/WPA2 Enterprise” section.
C.4.5 WPA-PSK TKIP w/TKIP 1) Click on the “Wi-Fi” printer component. 2) Click the “Click the WPA/WPA2” radio button. 3) Change (or confirm) the following parameter settings: Group Cipher: TKIP Network Authentication Type: WPA2-PSK_TKIP 4) Type the Pass Phrase under the “WPA_PSK_TKIP/WPA2_PSK settings” section. Note that Pass Phrase is case-sensitive. 5) After updating the “New Value” column, click the “Send” button to send these changes to the printer. www.datamax-oneil.
In the event of a Wireless LAN communication problem (drop-offs, hangs, can’t communicate, etc.), the printer can be reset. To reset the printer: 1) Press and hold the button until the “Radio Off” message is displayed and then release. 2) Next, press and hold the release. button until the “Turning Radio On” message is displayed and then The printer will reboot and attempt to connect to the network device using the parameters previously set in the printer.
The printer can be connected to a PC or a handheld device using a USB cable. Before connecting the printer to your host device, the type (or class) of USB connection must be determined.
Before attempting a USB connection the printer must first be configured to use the desired USB class. Set the printer to appropriate USB class for your particular application by using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility. The default setting is “Composite (CDC/Printer Class).” 1) Turn the printer ON and connect it to the computer using the USB cable. Refer to Section 3.3 - Establishing Printer Connection.
Composite (CDC/Printer Class) can be accomplished by updating the Windows® printer list. 1) Do not plug the USB cable into the computer’s USB port. If you have done so, unplug it now. 2) Go to Windows® Desktop and click on “Device and Printers.” 3) Click on “Add a printer.” 4) Click “Add a local printer.” Then, click “Next.” 5) Select “Use an existing port.” NOTE: Try setting it for a COM Port higher than COM4.This can be updated once the printer and CDC drivers have been installed, if needed. www.
6) Scroll through the “Manufacturer” list and click on “Datamax-O’Neil.” Scroll through “Printers” and select the applicable printer. NOTE: If Datamax-O’Neil or the correct printer does not appear in the selection boxes, click on “Windows Update” and repeat Step 6 once the update is completed. 7) If the printer drivers were previously installed you may see this screen. Choose the setting that applies and click “Next.” 8) You can use the default or type in a printer name, click “Next.” www.datamax-oneil.
9) Share or do not share the printer, click “Next.” 10) Uncheck or check the box “Set as the default printer,” then click “Finish.” Do not print a test page. 11) Connect the USB cable to your printer and host PC. Right-click on your printer and select printer properties. Click on “Print Test Page.” If the print test does not print, verify that the printer Com Port and the USB CDC class device COM Port match. www.datamax-oneil.
12) To verify, right-click on the printer and select “Printer Properties.” Next, click on the “Ports” tab. Verify that the Printer COM Port and the USB CDC Class Device COM Port match. To update the printer COM Port, select the port that matches the USB CDC Class device COM Port, then click “Apply” and “OK.” www.datamax-oneil.
Once the printer is installed following the process in Section C.3, both the printer driver and USB CDC drivers are installed. If the requirement is for CDC only, you need to update the printer User Mode using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility. 1) Turn on the printer and wait until the “Ready” screen appears. Connect the USB cable to the PC. 2) Open the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility. 3) Query the printer by using the “Auto Detect” button.
Once the printer is installed following the process in Section C.3, both the printer driver and USB CDC drivers are installed. If the requirement is for Printer Class only, you need to update the printer User Mode using the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility. 1) Turn on the printer and wait until the “Ready” screen appears. Connect the USB cable to the PC. 2) Open the NETira™ CT Printer Configuration Utility. 3) Query the printer by using the “Auto Detect” button.
Code Conditions Listing 0 No Conditions 1 Remove a Label 2 Waiting for a GPIO Signal 3 Thermal Printhead is Warm 4 Print Engine is Calibrating Sensors 5 FLASH is being Erased 6 FLASH is being Written 7 Network is Being Initialized 8 Print Engine is NOT Calibrated 9 Parser is in HEX DUMP Mode 10 Verifier/GPIO Mode 11 Print Engine in Print Test Rate Mode 12 Waiting for Additional Data 13 Motor is Warm 14 RFID is Active 15 Paper is Out 16 Battery is Charging 17 Battery is D
Code Warning Listing 100 No Warnings 101 Ribbon Is Low 102 TPH Needs Cleaning 103 RFID Write Warning 104 Changes are Pending 105 Low Voltage 106 Power Down Imminent 107 Rewinder Full 108 Thermal Printhead Mismatch 109 High Voltage 110 Media Low 111 Battery Low NOTE: Represents Warning notification and may require some action by user. www.datamax-oneil.
Code Fault Listing 200 No Faults 201 System Fault 202 ADC Fault 203 Thermal Printhead UP 204 Ribbon Fault 205 Top Of Form Fault 206 Stock (Paper) Fault 207 Cutter Fault 208 Verifier Fault 209 Ribbon-Saver Fault 210 Positioning Fault 211 Thermal Printhead Fault 212 DMA (SPI) Data Transfer to TPH Fault 213 Print-Engine Fault 214 Motor-Too-Hot Fault 215 TPH-Too-Dirty Fault 216 Scanner Fault 217 Present-Sensor Fault 218 TPH-DOT-Failure Fault 219 Radio-Frequency-ID Fault
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