Online Data Validator User’s Manual SL5000r and T5000r RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers ™ ™
SL5000 r and T5000 r RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers Online Data Validator User’s Manual 253432-001G
Software License Agreement CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE USING THIS PRINTER. USING THIS PRINTER INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, PROMPTLY RETURN THE PRINTER AND ALL ACCOMPANYING HARDWARE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS TO THE PLACE YOU OBTAINED THEM, AND YOUR MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED. Definitions. “Software” shall mean the digitally encoded, machine-readable data and program.
2. IN NO EVENT WILL PRINTRONIX, INC. BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, OR ANY OTHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT, EVEN IF PRINTRONIX, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE ABUSE OR MANIPULATION OF THE SOFTWARE.
Communication Notices 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.
CE Notice (European Union) Marking by the CE symbol indicates compliance of this Printronix system to the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive of the European Union. Such marking is indicative that this Printronix system meets the following technical standards: • EN 300 220-1 (2000), Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio Spectrum Matters; Short Range Devices; Radio equipment to be used in the 25 MHz to 1000 MHz frequency range with power levels ranging up to 500 mW.
Taiwan 經型式認證合格之低功率射頻電機，非經許可，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻 率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。 低功率射頻電機之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立 即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。前項合法通信，指依電信法規定作業之無線 電通信。低功率射頻電機須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之 干擾。 Lithium Battery Warning The controller board contains a lithium battery sealed inside the real-time clock chip. Do not disassemble the chip to replace the battery. Do not dispose of the chip by incineration. Failure to comply may cause the battery to explode.
Printronix Online Data Validator (ODV) Compliance Statement The Printronix Online Data Validator gathers data per the ISO/ANSI method of verification to perform practically all the industry standard bar code quality parameter calculations. These include all ISO/ANSI method parameters, PCS, ratio, X dimension calculation, modulo check digit calculations, average bar deviation, etc., along with decoding the symbol.
Table of Contents 1 Installation Instructions............................ 13 Overview..............................................................................13 Safety Notices .....................................................................16 Installation and Removal .....................................................17 Prepare the Printer........................................................17 Install the Ferrite ...........................................................
Table of Contents Advanced Validator Options .........................................64 General Process for Barcode Analysis .........................84 Operation.............................................................................85 Print Speed Limits .........................................................85 On-Demand Printing .....................................................88 Bar Code Failures................................................................89 Bad Bar Code Error Detection ..
1 Installation Instructions Overview The online data validator (ODV) is an external bar code scanning device attached above the paper exit of the printer. When activated, it scans the printed output looking for bar codes. When it finds a bar code, it determines what type of bar code it is and monitors the bar code quality as it passes through the scan area. After the entire bar code has passed under the scanning beam, the validator grades the bar code and sends a report to the printer.
Chapter 1 Overview • The validator can also evaluate PDF 417 bar codes. For PDF 417 Limited, the validator works best with security level 5 or higher, using the current default printer settings for Defects Percentage, Percent Decode, and Decodeability. For lower security levels, lower the Defects Percentage to 5% to enable checking for bar code damage. • • Stacked, 2D, and vertical (ladder) bar codes are not supported. Bar codes must have a minimum x-dimension of 10 mil (0.
Tools and Materials You will Need • • • • SL5000r/T5000r User’s Manual Static wrist strap* 2.
Chapter 1 Safety Notices Safety Notices The validator is a Class 2 laser product. The following notices apply at all times when the printer is powered on and the validator is active: WARNING Class 2 laser light. Do not stare into the laser beam or a reflected image of the laser beam. WARNING Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. Note: This is the laser exit window.
Prepare the Printer Installation and Removal This section describes how to install the validator. To remove the validator, reverse the steps of this procedure. Prepare the Printer 1. Set the printer power switch to O (Off). WARNING Always unplug the printer power cord from the printer or power outlet before doing any installation procedure. Failure to remove power could result in injury to you and damage the equipment. You will be instructed when to apply power. 2.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Install the Ferrite 1. Loosen the two captive screws securing the top of the frame side cover. (Figure 2.) 2. Tilt the frame side cover back from the top and lift it until the tabs along the lower edge disengage from the slots in the printer frame. Captive Screw (2) ETHE RN ET STAT DEBUUS G PARA LLEL 183454a RS23 2 USB GP I0 Frame Side Cover Figure 2.
Install the Ferrite 183455a DB15 Connector 20.0 ± 0.5 inches Figure 3. Locating the Ferrite Position on the Power/Data Cable 3. Stretch the Power/Data cable out straight on a flat surface. 4. Measure back 20.0 ± 0.5 inches from the DB15 connector and mark the cable with a pencil line. (Figure 3.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal P10 Connector Frame Opening 183456a Plastic Plug Figure 4. Routing the Power/Data Cable CAUTION To prevent electrostatic damage to electronic components, always wear a properly grounded static wrist strap when you handle circuit boards. 5. Put on a static wrist strap and ground it to an unpainted part of the printer frame. Touch the frame with the hand wearing the wrist strap. 6. Raise the media cover and remove the plastic plug from the frame opening. 7.
183457a Install the Ferrite P10 Connector (to controller board) Pencil Line Ferrite Figure 5. Wrapping the Power/Data Cable Around the Ferrite 8. Using the P10 connector end of the power/data cable, insert the cable through the ferrite. (Figure 5.) 9. Wrap the power/data cable around the ferrite twice. 10. Adjust the position of the ferrite so that the length from the ferrite to the DB15 connector is 20 ± 0.5 inches.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Frame Boss 183458a Wire Saddle Figure 6. Inserting the Wire Saddle Into the Frame Boss 11. Insert the wire saddle into the frame boss. (Figure 6.
Install the Ferrite 183459a Wire Saddle Ferrite Frame Opening Figure 7. Routing the Power/Data Cable From the Hole in the Frame Wall 12. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal DB15 Connector Split Grommet 183460a Inserted Split Grommet (media side) Power/Data Cable (approximately 17 inches exposed) Figure 8. Adding the Grommet to the Power/Data Cable 13. On the media side of the printer, slide the split grommet onto the power/data cable and insert it into the frame opening. (Figure 8.) 14. Inspect the power/data cable to ensure approximately 17 inches of cable is exposed from the grommet to connect it to the validator.
Install the Ferrite J10 Power/Data Cable Wire Saddle 183461a Ferrite Upper DC Motor Figure 9. Position the Ferrite 15. On the electronics side of the printer, position the ferrite on top of the upper DC motor. (Figure 9.) 16. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle as shown in Figure 9. 17. Plug the P10 connector end of the power/data cable into the J10 receptacle on the controller board. NOTE: For SL5000r/T5000r Energy Star models see Figure 10 on page 26.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal J10 183658a ODV Interface PCBA Power/Data Cable Figure 10.
Install The Extended Media Width Guide Install the Ferrite NOTE: The media cover is removed for clarity in this view. Do not remove the media cover for this procedure. Media Damper EL LL RA PA S TU STA UG B DE 2 23 RS IO GP B US 184232a Extended Media Width Guide Figure 11. Replacing the Media Width Guide 18. Replace the standard (blue) media width guide on the media damper with the extended media width guide (Figure 11).
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Install the Validator Bracket Validator 183339a 6-32 Phillips Screw (2) 4” Printer 8” Printer 6” Printer Figure 12. Attaching the Validator to the Bracket 1. Using two 6-32 Phillips head screws, attach the validator to the bracket as shown in Figure 12. 2. Use the appropriate holes on the bracket, depending on the media width.
183340a Install the Validator Figure 13. Positioning the Validator on the Bracket 1. Apply even pressure to the side of the validator as you tighten the screws on the bracket as shown in Figure 13. 2. Make sure the validator is firmly seated against both screws to insure proper beam alignment.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Validator/Bracket Unit 183341a M4x10mm Screw (4) Figure 14. Attaching the Validator/Bracket Unit to the Printer 3. Face the front of the printer while installing the validator/ bracket unit. 4. Using four M4x10mm screws, attach the validator/bracket unit to the printer frame as shown in Figure 14. 5. Tighten the four screws finger tight. You will adjust the validator/bracket unit in a later step using the 3mm hex key (provided).
Attach the Power/Data Cable Attach the Power/Data Cable Power/Data Cable DB15 Connector Bracket 183342a Tie Wrap (2) First Upper Slot Validator Figure 15. Attaching the Power/Data Cable 1. Plug the DB15 connector end of the power/data cable into the validator. 2. Route the power/data cable along the inside of the bracket, as shown in Figure 15. 3. Route a tie wrap from the inside of the bracket through the first upper slot as shown in Figure 15, keeping the power/data cable underneath the tie wrap.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal . Tie Wrap Head A A Bracket Tab 183343a Power/Data Cable Figure 16. Securing the Power/Data Cable 4. Route the tie wrap back through the second upper slot and underneath the power/data cable and then through the tie wrap head, as shown in Detail A of Figure 16. 5. Pull the tie wrap just enough to hold the cable in place, but do not over tighten it. 6. Repeat step 3 through step 5 using the lower pair of slots. 7.
Attach the Power/Data Cable 8. Gently pull the power/data cable to minimize the slack along and behind the bracket. Push any excess slack through the grommet. 9. Once the power/data cable is properly positioned, pull the tie wraps snug against the cable and bracket and cut off the excess. Restore the Printer to Operation 1. Lower the media cover. 2. Engage the tabs on the bottom of the frame side cover in the slots in the printer frame. 3. Rotate the cover into position. 4. Tighten the two captive screws.
Chapter 1 Enable the Validator Enable the Validator NOTE: If you make any changes to the default configuration menu items, you will be prompted to save the configuration when you attempt to put the printer online. See “Auto Save Configuration” in the User’s Manual. Software can automatically detect an installed validator when the printer is powered up. If the printer is powered up with Power-Up Config. set to Factory, the VALIDATOR menu will be available and Validator Funct.
Continuous, Tear-Off, and Tear-Off Strip Adjust the Scanning Beam NOTE: Make sure the printer is on and the scanning beam is on. If the beam is off, press the RESET button for less than 2 seconds to turn on the beam. Continuous, Tear-Off, and Tear-Off Strip 183462a When the validator is first installed, the scanning beam may need to be aligned with the two notches on the sides of the tear bar, as shown in Detail A of Figure 17.
Chapter 1 Adjust the Scanning Beam 183463a A From Figure 17 on page 35. Scanning Beam Notch in Tear Bar Figure 18. Scanning Beam Location Peel-Off Media Handling Mode If your printer is configured for Peel-Off Media Handling mode (use of optional internal rewinder), you may need to align the beam further behind the notches (0.14 to 0.20 inches [3.56 mm to 5.
Cut Media Handling Mode 183464a 0.20 inches (5.07 mm) Figure 19. Aligning the Scanning Beam: Peel-Off Media Handling Mode Only Cut Media Handling Mode If your printer has a cutter installed and is configured for Cut Media Handling Mode, align the beam at the notches at each side of the opening on the upper enclosure, as shown in Detail A of Figure 20. IMPORTANT See Figure 21, Detail A on page 38.
Chapter 1 Adjust the Scanning Beam Scanning Beam From Figure 20 on page 37. 183466a A Notch in the Upper Enclosure Cutter Figure 21.
Cut Media Handling Mode M4 x 6 mm Screw NOTE: Only needed if laser beam skew adjustment is required. Front NOTE: Loosen all four screws to adjust the beam forward or back. 183344a Pivot Screw Figure 22. Scanning Beam Adjustment Screws Figure 22 shows the screws used to adjust the position of the scanning beam. The positions of the screws assume that you are in front of the validator unit and facing the printer.
Chapter 1 Adjust the Scanning Beam Scanning Beam Vertical Alignment Tear Bar Correct vertical alignment of the scanning beam. The beam lines up with the end notches and is parallel to the long edge of the tear bar. Raise the validator/bracket unit to move the scanning beam forward.Once the beam is correctly aligned with the end notches, tighten the four screws. Lower the validator/bracket unit to move the scanning beam back.
Scanning Beam Skew Adjustment Shifting the Scanning Beam This option enables you to shift the scanning beam horizontally to the left or right. The left edge of the beam should be approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) past the left edge of the tear bar or the upper enclosure of a cutter assembly. After you set this value, save it as part of the configuration for future use. The value range is from –99 to 99. The default is 0. Lower values will move the beam to the left.
Chapter 1 Calibration Calibration WARNING Class 2 laser light. Do not stare into the laser beam or a reflected image of the laser beam. WARNING Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. The validator should be calibrated when it is first installed or when the printer displays Calibration warning. A special calibration bar code card is included with the validator package. 1.
Scanning Beam Skew Adjustment 4. Make sure the bar code is under the scanning beam. 5. Press and hold the RESET button on the validator for 4 to 6 seconds until the READ light illuminates and the CALIBRATION light begins flashing. CALIBRATION Light 183467a RESET Button Calibration Bar Code Card Deck Lock Lever Figure 23. Calibrating the Validator 6. Within a few seconds the CALIBRATION and READ light will turn off. This indicates a successful calibration.
Chapter 1 Calibration 8. Power the printer off, wait a few seconds, then power the printer on. If the calibration was successful, the scanning beam is on and the CALIBRATION light is off. If the calibration was not successful, the scanning beam remains on and the CALIBRATION light stays lit without flashing. Repeat the calibration procedure. If repeated attempts fail, check the room for excessive ambient light, including direct sunlight. You may need to move the printer to a darker area of the room.
Bar Code Validation Demo Page 7. Press the TEST PRINT key to enter the Test Print menu. Continue to press TEST PRINT until Barcode Demo displays. 8. Press the ↵ key to print and validate the demo page. (If the ↵ key is locked, unlock it by pressing ↓ and ↵ at the same time.) 9. The printer will print one demo page. 10. To demonstrate a bad bar code reading, block the scanning beam with an opaque object while the bar code moves under the beam.
Chapter 1 Calibration 46
2 Operation Basic Validator Setup Unit Positioning The validator must be positioned so that the scanning beam covers the entire area containing the bar codes, including the area required for quiet zones. The beam width can be moved horizontally to the left or right (see “Shifting the Scanning Beam” on page 41).
Chapter 2 Basic Validator Setup Table 3. RESET Button Settings Time RESET Button Is Depressed Result Less than 2 seconds Turns on the scanning beam More than 4 but less than 6 seconds Validator goes into calibration mode More than 6 seconds Resets validator to the last good calibration settings and turns off the scanning beam 48 CAUTION Do not lift the printer by the validator unit or by the bracket. CAUTION The validator contains sensitive electronic equipment. Do not jar or drop the unit.
VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR Validator Funct. page 53 Enable* Disable Auto Report page 55 Disable* Enable Auto Report Time page 55 1 second* 1 to 10 seconds Clear Data page 56 Good Barcodes 1 page 58 Good Forms 1 page 58 Notes: * = Default Italicized items appear only when Admin User is set to Enable (in the PRINTER CONTROL menu).
Chapter 2 Basic Validator Setup VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Min. Code Height page 85 0.30 inches* 0.13 to 1.00 inches Min. Code Gap page 87 0.30 inches* 0.15 to 1.
VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Modulation page 68 0%* 0% to 100% EC Min page 69 0%* 0% to 100% Rmin page 69 100%* 0% to 100% Symbol Contrast page 70 0%* 0% to 100% Gain page 71 0* 0 to 255 Offset page 71 0* 0 to 255 SN Threshold page 72 70* 5 to 199 Min.
Chapter 2 Basic Validator Setup VALIDATOR (cont. from previous page) Beam Width page 82 Beam Shift page 83 1800, 2550, or 3100* 4 0* 250 to 3100 –99 to 99 Notes: * = Default Italicized items appear only when Admin User is set to Enable (in the PRINTER CONTROL menu). 52 2 Depends on the printer model: 4, 6, and 8 inch printers respectively. xx, yy, zz = file revision numbers. 3 Appears only if feature files have been downloaded to the printer. Up to seven files can appear.
Enabling and Disabling the Validator Configuring the Validator Setting validator options is done through the printer configuration menu. The validator comes equipped with a default setting for each configuration option, and it works without having to change any of these options. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust these options, which are described below. NOTE: If you make any changes to the default configuration menu items, you will be prompted to save the configuration.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. NOTE: To disable the validator once it has been enabled, repeat step 1 through step 8 and select Disable in step 5.
Validator Reporting Setting Auto Report This function allows you to disable or enable an automatic validator report printout after a batch job or Bar Code Demo page. The default is Disable. You can determine the end of a batch job in two ways: • by using an Execute command, or • by enabling the Auto Report Time (see below). To enable Auto Report: 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press ..
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: 1 to 10 seconds. The default is 1 second. 6. When the desired number of seconds displays, press ↵ to set the Auto Report Time. 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. Resetting Validator Data The validator reports on all bar codes it detects since the last data reset.
Validator Reporting 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↓ until Telemetry Path displays. 5. Press + or – to cycle through the choices: • Disabled. Default setting. The validator does not send any data to an external device. • Network Port.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator • Full Report. Provides a completed report of all the data captured by the validator. • Validation Mode. Provides the same data as the Short Report, but adds the actual bar code data read. 6. When your selection displays, press ↵ to activate it. 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online.
Defining Validator Options printed exactly as the validator expects, the BWD is 0%. However, if the bar width as printed is 25% wider or narrower than the validator expects it to be, it reports a BWD of 25%. 5. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 6. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Checking Quiet Zones Quiet zones are the white spaces surrounding the bar code. Each bar code requires a minimum quiet zone distance in order for the bar code to be scanned properly. NOTE: The validator requires a minimum distance of 1/2” or 20 times the minimum element width (x-dimension), whichever is greater, between bar codes. When set to Enable (the default), then the bar code quiet zone is included as part of the pass/fail criteria. 1. Press ...
Defining Validator Options 5. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 6. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. Setting for Skip Labels This option is used for skipping blank labels after bad labels have been marked. It is useful when you want to have extra blank labels in between bad and good ones. The settings are Minimum (the default) and Maximum. Minimum allows up to one blank label, and Maximum allows up to two blank labels.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↓ until Overstrike Style displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: Grid, Grey, Checkerboard, or Error Type Msg. The default is Grid. 6. Press ↵ to select the desired value. 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online.
Defining Validator Options Num Retry This option allows you to set the number of times a form will be reprinted before the printer stops. After you clear the error message, the printer will print the same form or the next form, depending on the setting for Max Retry Action (see “Max Retry Action” below). The options are 3, 4, and 5. The default is 5. NOTE: This setting is utilized only when Validator Action is set to Retry Form, Stop & Retry, or Rescan&Retry.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Advanced Validator Options The following items are considered advanced items and are only visible if Admin User is set to Enable (in the PRINTER CONTROL menu). Refer to the configuration section of your User’s Manual for more information. Label Save The printer will often be printing a label when it determines that the label printed before the immediate label was defective. When set to disable, the printer pulls both labels back, overstrikes them and then reprints them.
Advanced Validator Options 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. Percent Decode NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 66). You can set how strict the validator grades each bar code. For example, setting Percent Decode to 60% means that 60% of the scanned bar code must be readable for the validator to give the bar code a passing grade.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↑ until Defects displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the percentage values: 0% to 100%. The default is 21%. 6. Press ↵ to select the desired value. 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8.
Advanced Validator Options The Overall Grade is determined by taking the lowest grade obtained for any of these bar code quality parameters: Decodeability, Percent Decode, Defects, Modulation, EC Min, Rmin, and Symbol Contrast. You can set the Overall Grade parameter to a value from 0.0 to 4.0. The default is 0.0. Overall Grade Calculations The validator follows the specified algorithm defined in the ANSI X3.182 specification for determining the Overall Grade based on an average.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator The bar code was scanned five times: four scans had values of 0.51 (grade B) and one scan had a value of 0.40 (grade C). The Decodeability grading calculation is: (4 x 0.51) + (1 x 0.40) = 2.44 2.44 ÷ 5 = .49 (grade C) The Overall Grade calculation is: (4 x 3.0) + (1 x 2.0) = 14 14 ÷ 5 = 2.8 (grade B) Modulation NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 66).
Advanced Validator Options EC Min NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 66). The higher the value, the stricter the criterion for passing. This menu item sets the minimum edge contrast, which is the worst edge transition (bar to space or space to bar) used by the validator for pass/fail threshold during the analysis of bar codes. Bar codes with an edge contrast below this threshold will fail. You can set the EC Min parameter to a percentage value from 0% to 100%. The default is 0%. 1.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↑ until Rmin displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the percentage values: 0% to 100%. The default is 100%. 6. Press ↵ to select the desired value. 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8.
Advanced Validator Options 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. Gain This menu item sets the scanner gain setting (when a non zero value is set). This allows you to adjust the amplitude (height) of the space/bar transitions as seen on a Scan Profile to optimize the validator hardware for applications where standard settings make the bar codes unreadable. The range is from 0 to 255.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator SN Threshold This menu item sets the SN (signal to noise) threshold used by the validator to discriminate between high peak noise and actual bar code transitions. Any reflectance transitions that are below the threshold are ignored and considered noise. You can set the SN Threshold to a value from 5 to 199. The default is 70. 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key.
Advanced Validator Options Min. Read Scans This menu item sets the minimum number of scans per bar code that must be read. If less than the minimum number is read, then the “Unscannable / xx Missing Codes” error message is generated. To ensure that the validator accurately validates the bar codes, set the Min. Read Scans value to 75% of the number of scans possible per bar code (rounded down).
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Scan Report IMPORTANT To print a Scan Report, Telemetry Data must be set to Full Report. This executable menu item prints a diagnostic printout of bar code analysis parameters calculated by the validator. It allows you to determine which parameter may be the cause of bar code verification failures. The report printed is based on the last Full Report received from the validator.
Advanced Validator Options Scan Report Information 1. “ERROR:” followed by highest priority failure message (if an error other than “Unscannable Code” occurred) or “None” if no error occurred 2. Printout of characters read from the bar code 3. Symbology Type Read (e.g. Code 39, Code 128, etc.) 4. Overall Grade (letter grade and calculated/number value) 5. X dimension (mils) 6. Decodeability (%) 7. Modulation (%) 8. Symbol Contrast (%) 9. EC (Average Edge Contrast) (%) 10. Defects (%) 11.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator The following is a sample scan report of a Code 39, 10 mil bar code containing "*PTX8702*" with a quiet zone violation: SCAN REPORT ERROR: Bar code quiet zone too small Barcode Data: [ST]PTX8702[ST] Symbology Overall Grade X dimension (mils) Decodeability (%) Modulation (%) Symbol Contrast (%) Edge Contrast (%) Defects (%) Rmin/Rmax PCS Percent Decode (%) Bar Deviation Avg (%) Min. Bar Deviation (%) Max. Bar Deviation (%) Ratio Good Scans Total Scans Code 39 C (2.1) 09.
Advanced Validator Options 9. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 10. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. The length of the scan profile printed is proportional to the Beam Width setting (page 82) and depends on the Profile H Mag setting (page 78). The scan profile will print either a 1.5 inch wide or a 3 inch wide graph depending on the Label Width setting (in the MEDIA CONTROL menu). (Label widths less than 4 inches print the smaller 1.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Profile H Mag This menu item selects the horizontal magnification for printing the scan profile. This allows you to zoom in on the profile. Magnification values are multiples of the scan profile length printed for a given Beam Width setting. For example, if the Beam Width setting of 1800 prints a 4 inch scan profile, a Profile H Mag setting of 2 prints an 8 inch scan profile. You can set the Profile H Mag parameter to a value from 1 to 4. The default is 1. 1. Press ...
Advanced Validator Options Print Settings This is an executable menu item that reads and prints the settings used by the validator. The response received from the validator after sending the ~DV (retrieves version), ~HT (retrieves hardware settings), and ~PT8 (retrieves parameter settings) commands are printed. Use the printout to view all the active settings the validator is using and to determine if there is any invalid setting which may be causing problems.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator [~HU####]freq= 400 [~HV###]GTLA_len= 199 [~HY###]snoise= 070 [~HX###]dist= 084 [~H=#]dyn_out= 000 [~H!###]zone_tol= 450 [~H@##]gt_%= 043 [~SN###]#scans= 050 [~Lp#]part= 000 [~Lt#]itfp= 000 [DACs]= 178 151 255 255 [~LQ#]p_out= 000 [~Lw,d]def= 000 000 [~L*]pnet= 000 [~LC##]I25min= 000 [~H###]NTrys= 010 [~OS#]Data_Output= 000 [~Hs#]RunSpeed= 000 [~SS######]CntlChars=013 010 [~Lm####]DataCmpr= 00 00 (Locked) [~SW#]NetworkXmit= 000 ~PT8 Response Port Status: Global HW: 001 Gl
Advanced Validator Options Scanner Settings This option has two purposes: • Allows the validator to upload an optimized setting for a particular printer size at power up. This will use the full scanner beam width and improve the performance and efficiency of the validator. • Allows you to customize a special scanner setting for a specific application.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator Beam Width This menu item allows you to adjust the width of the scanning beam to focus on specific areas where bar codes are expected. This will reduce the amount of data the validator must process. Use this to read bar codes near text or graphics that may interfere with the validator if the text or graphics are scanned.
Advanced Validator Options Beam Shift This option enables you to shift the scanning beam horizontally to the left or right. The left edge of the beam should be approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) from the left edge of the tear bar. After you set this value, save it as part of the configuration for future use. The value range is from –99 to 99. The default is 0. Lower values will move the beam to the left. 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2.
Chapter 2 Configuring the Validator General Process for Barcode Analysis The following flow chart is an overview of how the validator performs the barcode analysis. Edge Determination Reflectance Minimum <= Threshold percentage of Reflectance Maximum Min. Edge Contrast (worst pair) >= Min.
Print Speed Limits Operation There are a number of factors which contribute to successful bar code validation, including printer speed, on-demand print settings, calibration, and ambient light. The following sections describe how to ensure your bar code validator is scanning and reporting properly. Print Speed Limits Two factors in the validation process affect the printer’s speed limit: minimum code height (bar code height) and minimum code gap. The printer automatically examines the Min.
Chapter 2 Operation Use this formula to determine printer speed in relation to bar code height: Bar Code Height In Inches = 0.030 Maximum Printer Speed In Inches Per Second NOTE: Set Min. Code Height to the height of the shortest bar code on the label. By changing the Min. Code Height, the printer and slew speeds will be changed automatically. To change the Min. Code Height: 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2.
Print Speed Limits Min. Code Gap Bar code Min. Code Gap Distance from the bottom of a bar code to the top of the next bar code Next bar code Minimum Code Gap represents the distance between the closest bar codes within a print job. The distance is measured from the bottom of one bar code to the top of the next bar code. The closest bar codes can be located on two separate labels or on the same label. This distance is important because it affects how fast the Print Speed can be set.
Chapter 2 Operation 7. Press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to lock the ↵ key, then press PAUSE to take the printer offline. 8. Press PAUSE again to put the printer online. NOTE: To avoid the risk of miscorrelation, the printer automatically sets its Print Speed based on the information that has been selected to ensure validation results are accurate.
Bad Bar Code Error Detection Bar Code Failures The validator tells the printer to announce a fault condition in two situations: • if the validator detects a bad bar code • if the validator detects no bar code where it expects to find one. How the printer reacts to these faults is determined by the printer’s configuration settings, as described below. Bad Bar Code Error Detection The validator examines every bar code that passes under the scanning beam and sends an analysis report to the printer.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures For more information on choosing a value for the Number of Codes parameter, see “Setting Number of Bar Codes on a Form” on page 59. Validator Action (Error Action) The printer response is the same whether the error stems from a bad or missing bar code. It is determined by the Validator Action setting in the VALIDATOR menu: 1. Press ... to take the printer offline and place the printer in Menu mode. 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. Press .
Validator Action (Error Action) Forms Printed After an Error Detection Because of physical differences between the location of the printhead and the scanning beam, one or more forms may print after a bad form (a form with a bar code error that the validator detected). The number of forms printed after a bad form depends on the Label Length, Print Speed, and Slew Speed settings in the MEDIA CONTROL menu.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures Stop If the validator detects a bar code failure, the print job stops, the printer status indicator lamp flashes, the alarm sounds, and the appropriate error message displays. The printer remains in a fault condition until you press the PAUSE key. This clears the error message and takes the printer offline. You must correct any condition that may have caused the fault.
Validator Action (Error Action) If more than one form is overstruck, only the first overstruck form is lost (the one with the missing or bad bar code), and a separate print command is required to resend it from the host, if needed. The rest of the overstruck forms are automatically resent. Retry Form This mode is similar to the Overstrike mode, however, instead of resuming printing where the printer had left off, the printer will attempt to reprint the bad form.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures Grade&Report In this mode, the entire print job will print uninterrupted. If one or more errors is detected, the printer status indicator lamp flashes, the alarm sounds, and the error message “Bar code fails / Job has errors” displays. IMPORTANT The error message lets you know that at least one bad form printed. To determine which form(s) are bad, you must manually scan all of them. The printer remains in a fault condition until you press the PAUSE key.
Validator Action (Error Action) Rescan&Retry This mode is similar to Rescan Form with one exception: after the printer has rescanned the form and overstruck it if there was still a fault, it will reprint and rescan the same form again. NOTE: The number of times the printer will attempt to rescan the form is determined by the Num Rescan setting. See “Num Rescan” on page 63. The number of times the printer will attempt to reprint the bad form is determined by the Num Retry setting.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures It will then slew to the next top of a blank form and reprint the same form or go to the next form, depending on the setting for Max Retry Action (see “Max Retry Action” on page 63). NOTE: The only difference between Rescan Form and Rescan&Stop is that when a form still fails after all the rescans, Rescan Form will overstrike the bad form, whereas Rescan&Stop will not. Error Messages The validator can detect a number of errors.
Error Messages Table 6. Message List Message Bar code quiet zone too small Explanation Data validation error: the blank zone(s) left or right of the bar code is not big enough to meet the minimum requirement. Solution 1. Fix the application. 2. Disable Quiet Zone in the VALIDATOR menu. Typically, this occurs in forms where bar codes are placed too close to other elements, the bar code is too close to an edge of the media, or the media’s position is shifting.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Solution Contrast too low Check media Data validation error: the contrast between bars and spaces is not sufficient. This can be caused by too little heat in the thermal transfer or by use of colored media or ribbons. Increase Print Intensity or reduce Print Speed in the QUICK SETUP menu or via host software, change media, or set Symbol Contrast = 0% (to disable it) in the VALIDATOR menu.
Error Messages Table 6. Message List Message Poor scanning Check media Poor scanning Inspect head Speed Exceeds Validator Limit Explanation Solution Data validation failure: percent decode. The validator detected gross inconsistencies within the height of the bar code. These types of failures are likely attributed to large blemishes within the bar code, caused by ribbon wrinkle or debris on media. 1. Check for a wrinkled ribbon or debris on media. Roll wrinkled area onto take-up spindle.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures Table 6. Message List Message Unscannable: xx Missing Codes Explanation Data validation error: missing bar code. An expected bar code is missing or was printed so poorly that the validator cannot detect it. xx = number of bar codes missing on the form that caused the error. Solution 1. Check that paper and ribbon are clean, unwrinkled, and installed correctly. 2. Run a print job and check that the validator beam is not obstructed; remove obstructions as necessary. 3.
Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Unscannable: xx Missing Codes (continued) Solution 6. Make sure that Min. Read Scans (page 73) and Min. Code Height (page 85) are set correctly. 7. Make sure that all expected bar codes are printing. If the physical label is too small, the image may be clipped. 8. Press PAUSE to clear the message. 9. In the VALIDATOR menu, press ↓ until Clear Data displays, then press ↵. Validator not communicating 1. The Validator Funct.
Chapter 2 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting If you are having problems with the validator, consult Table 7 for a list of symptoms and possible solutions. Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom The scanning beam does not come on. Solution 1. Make sure the power/data cable is plugged into the validator and the controller board on the printer. See “Installation and Removal” on page 17. 2. Make sure the validator has not been disabled in the VALIDATOR menu.
Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom Solution Printing 3 mil or 5 mil x-dimension width bar codes constantly causes error messages. The validator does not recognize x-dimensions as small as 3 mil or 5 mil. If you have to print bar codes this size, disable the validator to prevent error reports. See “Enabling and Disabling the Validator” on page 53. The printed labels look clean, but the validator is still reporting an error message.
Chapter 2 Troubleshooting Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom The printed bar codes are causing error conditions. (continued) 104 Solution • Bar code type. The validator only recognizes the following linear, picket fence bar codes: Codabar, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Interleaved 2 of 5, and UPC/EAN. Stacked, 2D, and vertical (ladder) bar codes are not supported. • Bar code spacing.
Maintenance WARNING Class 2 laser light. Do not stare into the laser beam or a reflected image of the laser beam. WARNING Using controls, making adjustments, or performing procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. The validator is a self-contained unit that requires only periodic cleaning. Every so often, power down the printer and use a household glass cleaner and a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the glass.
Chapter 2 Maintenance 106
A Contact Information Printronix Customer Support Center IMPORTANT Please have the following information available prior to calling the Printronix Customer Support Center: • Model number • Serial number (located on the back of the printer) • Installed options (i.e.
Printronix Supplies Department Contact the Printronix Supplies Department for genuine Printronix supplies. Americas (800) 733-1900 Europe, Middle East, and Africa 33 (0) 1 46 25 19 07 Asia Pacific (65) 6548 4116 or (65) 6548 4182 China (86) 400-886-5598 India (800) 102-7869 http://www.printronix.com/supplies-parts.aspx Corporate Offices Printronix, Inc. 15345 Barranca Parkway Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: (714) 368-2300 Fax: (714) 368-2600 Printronix, Inc. Nederland BV P.O.
Corporate Offices Printronix Commercial (Shanghai) Co. Ltd 22F, Eton Building East No.555, Pudong Av. Shanghai City, 200120, P R China Phone: (86) 400 886 5598 Fax: (86-21) 5138 0564 Visit the Printronix web site at www.printronix.
Index A Configuring, 53 Contact information, 107 Adjusting the scanning beam, 35, 41 Contrast too low / Check media, 98 Auto detect bar codes, 59, 89 Customer Support Center, 107 Auto Report, 55 D Auto Report Time, 55 Average BWD, 58 Decodeability, 64 B Defects, 65 Demo Page, 44 Bad bar codes, 89 Disabling validator, 53 Bar Code Demo Page, 44 E Bar code fails / Job has errors, 96 Bar code failure, 89 EC Min, 69 Bar code grading, 66 Enabling the validator, 34 Bar Code Improper / Data Form
Index M Contrast too low / Check media, 98 ODV COMM ERR, 98 Overall Grade / Fail, 98 Maintenance, 105 Poor scanning / Check heat&head, 98 Max Retry Action, 63 Poor scanning / Check media, 99 Min. Code Gap, 87 Poor scanning / Inspect head, 99 Min. Code Height, 85 Speed Exceeds / Validator Limit, 99 Min.
Index Poor scanning / Inspect head, 99 Shifting the scanning beam, 41 Print Settings, 79 Short Report, 57 Print speed limits, 85 Skip Labels, 61 Printing reports, 54 SN Threshold, 72 Profile H Mag, 78 Speed Exceeds / Validator Limit, 99 Q Speed limits, 85 Statistics Quiet zones, 60 Average BWD, 58 R Removing the validator, 17 Reports, 54 external device, 56 resetting data, 56 selecting type, 57 Requesting reports, 54 Rescan Form, 94 Good Barcodes, 58 Good Forms, 58 Last BWD, 58 Overstrike Fo
Index error action, 90 installation, 17 maintenance, 105 options, 59, 64 panel, 47 parameters, 13 removal, 17 reporting, 54 statistics, 58 Validator action, 90 Validator Funct.
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