Printer Overview Congratulations on your purchase of the Ex2 printer. The Ex2 hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends quality and durability into an affordable package with state-of-the-art electronics and user-friendly features to redefine the standard in thermal printers. The printer uses a unique one button design to simplify operation, while its USB, RS232 serial, and parallel interfaces allow easy connection to your host system.
Printer Connections Connecting Power The printer is powered by an external power supply that connects as shown. Connect the power cord to the printer first and then plug the other end into a suitable AC outlet. Use only the power supply shipped with the printer.
Interface Connection The printer can be connected to the host via a USB, serial or parallel cable. The Printer will automatically connect to the first port (USB, serial or parallel) that transmits valid data. After this connection has been made, the printer’s power must be cycled Off and On to change the interface connection. USB Connection: The USB Interface is supported in Windows 95 and greater. Depending upon the operating system of your host computer, installation may differ slightly.
Serial Connection: The serial interface supports RS-232C communications via a DB-9 connector. The following list of serial port settings is menuselectable and must match the host computer’s serial port settings: > Baud Rate (Default 9600 bps) > Word Length (Default 8 bits) In addition to the port settings, the serial interface cable wiring must have specific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the host and printer.
Ethernet Setup The printer must be assigned and IP address in order to communicate withe the host/network. This can be accomplished using several methods: • • • Automatically obtain an IP via a DHCP Server Using the Printer Configuration Utility (DMXConfig) to set IP values Using the default IP, configure settings via the printer's internal web pages Automatically Obtain an IP via a DHCP Server The printer is factory configured to "DHCP Enabled".
The 'NIC ADAPTER' section on the Configuration Label will list the printer's current network settings. After 90 seconds if a DHCP server is not found the printer will fall back to its default network settings of: IP Address: 192.168.10.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 0.0.0.0 If the DHCP retrieval was successful, a new IP address value should be shown. This IP address can then be used to browse to the printer's internal web pages for further configuration or used for installing the Windows Driver.
4. Click on the “Communications” Tab, scroll to bottom for IP settings. 5. Set the IP, Mask, Gateway to your desired values. 6. Click the ‘Configure Printer” button to send the changed values to the printer. 7. Go to “User Functions” Tab and click the “Print Configuration” Button to confirm the printer has received the new values. 8. Exit the DMXConfig program. 9. Power Off the printer and remove the parallel or serial connection. Connect the network cable to the printer and power on the printer.
Configure Settings via The Printer's Internal Web Pages The printer is factory configured to the default network settings of: IP Address: 192.168.10.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 0.0.0.0 If these values are in range of your network, (if you are unsure contact your system administrator), you can browse directly to the printer's internal web pages by entering this IP address into a web browser. 1. Connect the network cable to the printer and power on the printer. 2.
3. Click on the "TCP/IP Configuration" tab. 4. Set the IP, Mask, Gateway and other network settings to your desired values. 5. Type the Authentication password (sysadm) into the box on the bottom of the page and click on "Apply" to apply the changes. The new IP address can then be used to browse to the printer's internal web pages for further configuration or used for installing the Windows Driver.
Loading Media Installing the Media Roll Note: The Media Guides must be adjusted to match the width of the media you are using, (see Media Guide Adjustment). Once the Media Guides are set for the width of the media being used it is no longer necessary to perform this adjustment. Note: It is important that the Windows Printer Driver 'Stock' setting matches the size of the label you are using. See the Windows Driver section. 1. Slide the Media Hanger Guides outwards until they lock in place. 2.
3. Feed the media forward into the printer. Once the media is detected the printer will grab the media and position it for printing.
Loading the Peel and Present Option Note: The Present Sensor can be used with the tear bar instead of using the peel feature. For this configuration simply complete steps 1 and 2 only. 1. Open the Peel and Present Door. Set the Peel and Present switch to the '1' position. 2. Complete the 'standard' media loading as described in the previous section. 3. Feed approximately 12 inches of media out of the printer and remove the labels from the media liner. 4.
5. While pulling firmly on the Media Liner, close the Peel and Present Door. It is important to keep the Media Liner taught around the Peel Bar.
Fan-fold / External Supply Loading With the Media Hanger Guides in their centered position, route the media through the Slot in the Cover, over the Hanger Guides, and into the properly adjusted media guides.
Media Setup The printer's default setup is for die-cut label media, 4” (101.6mm) wide. Reflective label media (black mark) and Continuous label media (no black mark, holes, gaps etc.) may be used by configuring the printer appropriately using the Windows Printer Driver or Printer Configuration Utility (DMXConfig), both provided on the Accessories CD. Consult the help files found in these programs for additional information.
Reflective Mark Label Media Media Setup – Windows Printer Driver: Driver setup is required for any software application that uses the Windows Printer Driver. This setup only provides the printer with dynamic settings that are lost when power is removed. Step 1 Action Printer driver setup 2 Load labels 3 Create label format 4 5 Print the label Press the Control Button Comments Printing Preferences from the General tab on the driver provides the proper controls to setup for the desired label media.
Printer Operation The printer is equipped with a single multi-function Control Button and Status Light. Status Light 'On' (Normal Operation) With the status light in the ON state the control button will function as follows: Printer at Idle - Printer feeds media to the next label. Printing Labels - Pauses Printer, press again to resume. Status Light 'Flashing' (Paused or Error Condition) The status light flashing indicates that operator attention is required.
Maintenance Mode Initiation of this mode causes the printer to print its Configuration Label and to begin the Hex Dump Mode. 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 4 inches wide), and that the power to the printer is off. 2.
Windows Driver The Windows driver is located on the Accessories CD-Rom included with your printer. For the latest version please visit our web site at www.datamaxcorp.com. Installing the Windows Driver: Place the Accessories CD-Rom included with your printer into your computers CD-Rom drive. Once the CD-Rom starts, select "Windows Printer Drivers" from the main menu and then click the "Install" button. The Windows "Add Printer Wizard" will begin.
Important Notes: The Windows driver functions the same as any other Windows printer. A built in help file is available for complete information on all settings, however there are some important settings that should be observed for trouble free printing. Page Setup Tab: Stock It is important that the Stock setting matches the size of the label you are using. If you cannot find a match for your label click 'New' and enter the dimensions of your label.
Printer Configuration Utility (DMXConfig) DMXConfig (located on the Accessories CD-ROM) is a windows based configuration utility that allows the user to make changes to the existing printer setup via a direct connection to the host computers serial and parallel connection or any port (USB, Ethernet, ect.) assigned to a Datamax printer driver port.
Maintenance and Adjustments Cleaning Intervals The following table outlines the recommended maintenance schedule for the various printer parts. Area Printhead Platen Roller Peel-Off Rollers Media Path Peel/Tear Bar Media Sensor Exterior Interior Method Turn off the printer before cleaning the printhead. Use solvent* on a cotton swab to clean the printhead from end to end. Turn the power off. Remove the platen roller and clean it thoroughly with solvent* and a cotton swab.
Printhead Cleaning If print quality declines (symptoms include non-compliant bar codes, print dropouts, streaks), the typical cause is debris build-up on the printhead. Furthermore, when the build-up is not removed it may lead to element failure, greatly reducing the life of the printhead. To clean the printhead: 1. Unplug the printer. 2. Open the cover. Press down on the Printhead Latches and raise the Printhead Carrier. Allow the printhead to cool before proceeding. 3.
Printhead Pressure Adjustment To accommodate a variety of media types, the pressure applied by the printhead assembly is adjustable. This pressure is factory set to work with most media types, so this adjustment should only be performed after attempting to improve print quality through the use of the (1) heat and/or (2) print speed software controls. When adjusting, use only the minimum pressure necessary for better imaging. To adjust: 1. Load the printer with media, see 'Loading Media'. 2.
Media Guide Adjustment Note: It is important that the Windows print driver 'Stock' setting matches the size of the label you are using. See the Windows Driver section. 1. Unplug the printer from its power source. 2. Press down on both Printhead Latches to unlock the Printhead Carrier. Raise the Printhead Carrier to its up position. 3. Adjust the Media Guides to fit the width of your media.
Too Tight Correct Too Loose 4. Close and latch the Printhead Carrier.
