® ® Monarch Renegade 4 Printer Operator’s Handbook For supplies, service, or assistance call: TOLL FREE: 1-800-543-6650 (In the U.S.A.) 1-800-263-4650 (In Canada) www.monarch.com Published by the Technical Communications Department. Printed in the U.S.A. TC9490OH Rev. CB 3/01 ©1995 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Each product and program carries a respective written warranty, the only warranty on which the customer can rely. Monarch reserves the right to make changes in the product and the programs and their availability at any time and without notice. Although Monarch has made every effort to provide complete and accurate information in this manual, Monarch shall not be liable for any omissions or inaccuracies. Any update will be incorporated in a later edition of this manual.
Table of Contents Chapter 1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 Additional Optional Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charging the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading and Removing the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the AC Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9490 Operator’s Handbook Chapter 4. Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 Clearing Label Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Cleaning the Battery Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 Chapter 5. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 Printing a Test Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1. Getting Started This printer is a portable, online-only unit used to print labels. The host must download data to the printer before the printer can print. When you first receive the printer: ✦ Charge and load the battery or load the AC power pack. See "Loading and Removing the Battery" or "Connecting the AC Power Supply." ✦ Load supplies. See Chapter 2, "Loading Supplies." ✦ Connect the printer to a host to receive print jobs. See Chapter 3, "Printing.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Audience––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Operator’s Handbook is designed for the person printing and applying labels. This chapter tells you how to: ✦ charge, load, and remove the battery ✦ connect the AC power supply ✦ attach the shoulder strap ✦ use the printer’s trigger and LED. Charging the Battery –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The printer is shipped with a 13.2VDC NiCd battery and an 8-hour "trickle" battery charger.
Chapter 1. Getting Started Charge the battery: n c ✦ before using it for the first time ✦ before lengthy printing sessions ✦ as soon as the LED indicates a "low battery" condition (slow flashing green for a low battery, fast alternating green/amber flashing for a "too low to operate" battery, or no LED for a dead battery). If you continue to print with a low battery, your print quality may deteriorate. When using or storing the charger: ✦ Do Not wrap the cord around the charger.
490 Operator’s Handbook To charge the battery: 1. Turn the printer off. (|) indicates on and (O) indicates off. 2. The battery can be charged on or off the printer. Plug the connector on the charger cord into the socket on the battery as shown. 3. Plug the charger into a grounded electrical outlet of the correct voltage. Allow the battery to charge for a full 8 hours (when using the standard "trickle" charger). n If you have a problem with short battery life, clean the battery contacts.
Chapter 1. Getting Started Loading and Removing the Battery–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To load a battery: 1. Turn the printer off. (|) indicates on and (O) indicates off. 2. Turn the printer so the back of the printer faces you. 3. Insert the tabs on your battery into the slots of the battery well in the base of the printer. Push down until the latch clicks. Latch Tab Finger Depression n To remove the battery, press down on the latch with your thumb while inserting your fingers into the depression.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Connecting the AC Power Supply ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– c Before you plug or unplug the power supply, turn the printer off. Only AC power supplies approved for this printer should be used. Using any other AC power supply may damage the printer. To load the AC power pack: 1. Turn the printer off. (|) indicates on and (O) indicates off. 2. Turn the printer so the back of the printer faces you. 3.
Chapter 1. Getting Started 4. Plug the AC power supply into a grounded electrical outlet of the correct voltage. AC Power Supply AC Power Pack Connecting the Shoulder Strap –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To connect the shoulder strap: 1. Assemble the strap, knob, and washers as shown. 2. Insert the assembly into the printer and tighten it. Strap Knob Washers 3. Repeat for the other side of the printer. c Do Not overtighten. TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Using the Trigger and LED ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The trigger and LED are located on the top of the printer as shown. LED Trigger The trigger serves several purposes: ✦ calibrates the first label or tag after you load supplies into the printer. See Chapter 2, "Loading Supplies." ✦ prints labels. See Chapter 3, "Printing," for more information. ✦ clears most error conditions. See Chapter 5, "Troubleshooting," for more information. ✦ prints a test label.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies The printer can print on labels. We recommend you use synthetic supplies to print serial or high-density bar codes. Opening the Printer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Before loading ribbon or supplies, you must open the printer: 1. Insert your fingers into the depression beneath the faceplate and pull up. Supply Guide Faceplate TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 2. Pull the supply guide forward and down as shown. Supply Guide 3. Tip the printhead assembly up and over the platen roller as shown. Printhead Assembly Platen Roller Pinch Rollers Peel Bar 2-2 TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies 4. Slide the latches on the back of the printer toward the center. Latches 5. Continue to push the printhead assembly toward the rear of the printer until it opens completely. Printhead Assembly TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 6. To close the printer, push the printhead assembly toward the printer, close the supply guide and latch the faceplate into place. Loading Ribbon –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Use ribbon when printing on thermal transfer supplies. To load the ribbon cassette into the printer: 1. Open the printer and remove the ribbon cassette. Ribbon Cassette 2. Slide a new ribbon cassette onto the printhead assembly until it slips into place. 3. Close the printer.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies Reloading a Ribbon Cassette ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To reload your ribbon cassette, remove the ribbon cassette from the printer and follow these steps: 1. Locate the end of the cassette with the two latches. n Locate the International Symbols for opening and closing. ( ) indicates the cassette is locked (closed). ( ) indicates the cassette is unlocked (open). 2. Rotate both latches until they snap into the unlocked position. 3.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 4. Remove the used ribbon and take-up reel and discard. Open a package of new ribbon. n Do Not wrinkle or crush the ribbon. 5. With the ridged end of the take-up reel facing down, place the ribbon roll on the spool with the foam washer (on the half of the cassette with the latches). Do not push the ribbon roll down onto the spool yet. 6. Feed the ribbon around the guides and place the take-up reel onto the shorter spool. 7.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies Loading Supplies–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We recommend synthetic supplies when printing serial or high-density bar codes. Use only paper labels for peel mode. For label sizes, see Chapter 6, "Specifications." You can load supplies with the following widths: ✦ 2" (51mm) ✦ 3.5" (89mm) ✦ 2.5" (64mm) ✦ 4" (102mm) ✦ 3" (76mm) You can load supplies two ways: ✦ Peel mode peels the label from the backing paper while it feeds through the printer.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 2. Squeeze the tabs on the supply holders and align the arrows to the width of your supply. The supply holders lock at each width. Supply Holder Arrow Width of Supply Tabs 2-8 TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies 3. Insert the roll of labels between the supply holders and press until the supply holders lock into the label roll. The label roll should unwind as shown. Supply Holder n Make sure the labels turn freely in the supply well. TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 4. Feed the labels over the peel bar and through the lower opening in the supply guide. Label Guide Upper Opening Lower Opening 5. Close the printer and turn the printer on. 6. Wait until the LED flashes one time (about five seconds) and then press the trigger. The printer advances the first label to the correct position for printing. When you print, labels peel automatically through the top opening in the supply guide and the backing paper exits out the bottom opening.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies Loading for Non-Peel Mode Non-peel mode feeds the supplies through the printer without peeling them from the backing paper. n Before loading supplies, make sure the supply path is clean. To load your supplies: 1. Open the printer. 2. Squeeze the tabs on the supply holders and align the arrows to the width of your supply. The supply holders lock at each width. Supply Holder Arrow Width of Supply Tabs TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 3. Insert the roll of supplies between the supply holders and press until the supply holders lock into the supply roll. The supply roll should unwind as shown. Supply Holder n 2-12 Make sure the supplies turn freely in the supply well. TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 2. Loading Supplies 4. Feed the supplies through the upper opening in the supply guide. Supply Guide Upper Opening Lower Opening 5. Close the printer and turn the printer on. 6. Wait until the LED flashes one time (about five seconds) and then press the trigger. The printer advances the supply to the correct position for printing. n The LED slowly alternates flashing amber and green to indicate the printer is out of supplies.
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Chapter 3. Printing The host sends online packets containing print jobs to the printer. This chapter describes how to communicate with the host and print the jobs the host sends. Establishing Communications –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Before the printer can accept print jobs from the host, you must: ✦ connect the communications cable to the printer and to the host. ✦ verify that the printer’s communication values match the values set at the host.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 2. Insert the connector into the printer port until the connector locks into place. You may hear a click as the cable’s latch snaps into place. 3. Gently pull on the cable holder to make sure it is secure. 4. Plug the other end of the cable into the port on your host. Removing the Communications Cable Please follow these instructions carefully. The cable could be damaged if removed incorrectly. To remove the cable from the printer: 1. Hold the printer steady with one hand. 2.
Chapter 3. Printing Communication Values In order for your printer to communicate with your host, you must make sure the communication values are set to the same values. The default values shipped with the printer are: ✦ Baud: 9600 ✦ Word Length: 8-bit data frame ✦ Stop Bits: 1-stop bit ✦ Parity: none ✦ Flow Control: DTR To change the printer’s communications values, see your System Administrator or the MPCL II Programmer’s Manual.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Printing in Continuous Mode –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In Continuous mode, the printer prints a strip of labels. The LED should be solid amber. If the LED is solid green, the printer is in On-demand mode. To switch to Continuous mode, ask your System Administrator to re-configure the printer. To print in Continuous Mode: 1. Load the labels for non-peel mode. See Chapter 2, "Loading Supplies." 2. Make sure the host has downloaded a print job.
Chapter 4. c Care and Maintenance Do Not use sharp objects to clean the printer. This may damage the printer and void your warranty. This chapter tells you how to: ✦ clear label jams ✦ clean the printhead, peel blade, pinch rollers, peel bar, and platen roller ✦ clean the battery contacts. TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Clearing Label Jams––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– When you are printing and a jam occurs, the LED flashes amber and green. To clear a label jam: 1. Turn the printer off and open the printer. 2. Remove the label roll. 3. Remove the jammed labels and reload the label roll. 4. Close the printer and turn it on. 5. Wait until the LED flashes one time (about five seconds) and then press the trigger to resynchronize the supplies. 4-2 TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 4. Care and Maintenance Cleaning ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– You may need to clean the printhead, platen roller, pinch rollers, peel bar, and peel blade: ✦ after 8 rolls of supplies ✦ daily if your printer is in an excessively dirty, hot or humid environment ✦ when you see voids in the print as shown. Voids Correct Print To clean the printhead, platen roller, pinch rollers, peel bar, and peel blade: c Do Not touch the printhead with your hands.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 3. Moisten a cotton swab with alcohol. Rub it back and forth across the printhead, platen roller, pinch rollers, peel bar, and peel blade to remove build-up. Make sure the printhead, platen roller, pinch rollers, peel bar, and peel blade are clean. Printhead Platen Roller Peel Blade Pinch Rollers 4. Let the printer dry and reload your supplies.
Chapter 4. Care and Maintenance 3. Rub an eraser back and forth on the battery contacts on the battery as well as inside the battery well. Make sure they are clean. Battery Contacts Eraser 4. Reload the battery. TC9490OH Rev.
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Chapter 5. Troubleshooting The printer uses a combination of LED lights to display a variety of printer states. See the "Problems and Solutions" section for those requiring further actions. When an error occurs that you cannot clear, print a test label before calling Service or sending the printer in for repair. Printing a Test Label –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– c Turn the printer off and disconnect the host from the printer before printing a test label.
9490 Operator’s Handbook The test label displays the following information: ✦ Model number (Model:) ✦ Software version (Software:) ✦ Number of supplies printed (Stock CNT:) ✦ Communication settings (COM:) ✦ Printhead information (AVG PH RS:) ✦ Test pattern. Turn the printer off and then back on to return to normal printing. For more information on troubleshooting, see your MPCL II Programmer’s Manual.
Chapter 5. Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– This section helps you correct some problems that may occur. If you cannot fix a problem, please contact Service. Problem Solution Light printing or voids in printing. Make sure the supplies are loaded correctly. Check the supplies for damage or defects. Reload supplies or ribbon if necessary. Check the roller for jammed supplies. Check the supply type. Download the correct supply type command.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Problem Printer does not feed. Solution Check battery. Reload supplies. Verify that the ribbon is not out and that a label is not jammed in the label path. Slow or sluggish feeding. Make sure supplies are loaded correctly. Label Jam. Remove jammed supplies. Check for adhesive build-up in the feed path and on the peel blade. Clean the printer. Battery won’t charge. Make sure battery is connected correctly. No LED. Make sure power is on.
Chapter 6. Using the Boot The Monarch® Renegade® 4 printer’s boot protects it if you accidentally drop it, hit it against something, or jar it in some other manner. Following is an illustration of the boot on the printer. Putting the Boot on the Printer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To put the boot on the printer: 1. Industrial Version Only. Remove the cable from the side of the printer. Save the cable’s screws for when you want to use the printer without the boot. 2.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 4. With Shoulder Strap Only. For both sides of the printer, put together the knob assembly and screw it into the threaded insert. Do not over-tighten the assembly. 5. Industrial Version Only. Put together screw assemblies using the longer screws. Then, replace the cable. 6-2 TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 6. Using the Boot Taking the Boot off the Printer –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To take the boot off the printer: 1. Industrial Version Only. Remove the cable from the side of the printer. Save the spacers and longer screws for when you want to use the printer with the boot. 2. With Shoulder Strap Only. Unscrew the knob assemblies on both sides of the printer (including the shoulder strap, if used), and take them off. 3. Pull on the boot and remove it from around the printer. 4.
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Chapter 7. Using the Cable Cover You use the cable cover with the industrial version of the Monarch® Renegade® 4 printer. The cover holds the cable in place. You can use the cable cover with or without the printer’s boot. Attaching the Cable Cover–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To attach the cable cover: 1. Remove the cable from the printer. 2. Boot Only. Insert the spacers into the holes on the lower right side of the printer. (You can have the boot on or off the printer.) TC9490OH Rev.
9490 Operator’s Handbook 3. Fit the cable into the groove on the inside of the cable cover. 4. Insert the cable connector into printer’s serial port and place the cover against the side of the printer. 5. Insert the screws. n Use the long screws with the boot or the shorter screws without the boot. Removing the Cable Cover ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To remove the cable cover, remove the screws holding the cover in place and pull it away from the side of the printer. 7-2 TC9490OH Rev.
Chapter 8. Specifications Specifications –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Height: 8.7 inches (221 mm) Width: 8.1 inches (206 mm) Depth: 2.8 inches (71 mm) Weight: 4 lbs. (1.8 kg.) Storage Limits: 15°F to 120°F (-9°C to 49°C) Operating Limits Thermal Transfer: 40°F to 95°F (4°C to 35°C) Thermal Direct: 40°F to 110°F (4°C to 43°C) Optional AC Power Supply: 110/220 VAC, 50-60 Hz Battery Power: 13.
9490 Operator’s Handbook Supply Sizes ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The printer lets you print supplies 2.0 (51 mm) inches wide and up to 6.0 inches (152 mm) long. The standard stocked supply lengths include: 1.0 inch (25 mm) 2.0 inch (51 mm) 4.0 inch (102 mm) 6.
Chapter 8. Specifications Cable Pin Outs ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The following table describes the cable pin outs for the printer connection. The printer uses a male 8-pin mini-DIN connector. Pin Description Direction 1 CTS Input 2 RTS Output 3 TXD Output 4 GND - 5 RXD Input 6 DTR Output 7 DSR Input 8 DTR or +5V Output TC9490OH Rev.
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Glossary Continuous mode Print mode in which a format and data with a specific quantity are sent to the printer to be printed in one continuous strip. download (send) Transmission of data from the host to your printer. format Online data packet that contains the specific label design for printing data. The format is a template the host may download together with a print job, or as a separate packet. host Any mainframe, minicomputer, data collect terminal or personal computer.
online Direct communication between a computer and the printer. supplies labels used for printing. System Administrator Person responsible for creating and downloading data streams. trigger Button used to feed and print labels, clear errors, and run diagnostics.
® ® Monarch Renegade 4 Printer Operator’s Handbook For supplies, service, or assistance call: TOLL FREE: 1-800-543-6650 (In the U.S.A.) 1-800-263-4650 (In Canada) www.monarch.com Published by the Technical Communications Department. Printed in the U.S.A. TC9490OH Rev. CB 3/01 ©1995 Monarch Marking Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
