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
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.
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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.
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Table of Contents 1 Installation Instructions............................ 11 Overview..............................................................................11 Safety Notices .....................................................................14 Installation and Removal .....................................................15 Prepare The Printer.......................................................15 Install The Ferrite ..........................................................
Table of Contents Operation.............................................................................74 Print Speed Limits .........................................................74 On-Demand Printing .....................................................77 Bar Code Failures................................................................78 Bad Bar Code Error Detection ......................................78 Missing Bar Code Error Detection.................................78 Error Action ................
1 Installation Instructions Overview The online data validator (validator) 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. Figure 1.
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) Frame Side Cover Figure 2.
Install The Ferrite Power/Data Cable Second Wrap Ferrite RJ-11 Connector (to validator) 20.0 ± 0.5 inches Wide P10 Connector (to controller board) Power/Data Cable First Wrap Figure 3. Wrapping the Power/Data Cable Around the Ferrite 3. Using the RJ-11 connector end of the power/data cable, insert the cable through the ferrite. (Figure 3.) 4. Wrap the power/data cable around the ferrite twice. 5. Adjust the position of the ferrite so that the length from the ferrite to the RJ-11 connector is 20 ± 0.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Frame Boss Wire Saddle Figure 4. Inserting the Wire Saddle Into the Frame Boss 6. Insert the wire saddle into the frame boss. (Figure 4.
Install The Ferrite Wire Saddle RJ-11 Connector (to validator) Ferrite Frame Opening Figure 5. Inserting the Power/Data Cable Through the Hole in the Frame Wall 7. Raise the media cover and remove the solid grommet from the frame opening. 8. On the electronics side of the printer, push the RJ-11 connector end of the power/data cable through the frame opening. (Figure 5.) 9. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Split Grommet RJ-11 Connector Inserted Split Grommet (media side) Power/Data Cable (approximately 17 inches exposed) Figure 6. Adding the Grommet to the Power/Data Cable 10. On the media side of the printer, slide the split grommet onto the power/data cable and insert it into the frame opening. (Figure 6.) 11. 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 Ferrite Upper DC Motor Figure 7. Position the Ferrite 12. On the electronics side of the printer, position the ferrite on top of the upper DC motor. (Figure 7.) 13. Route the power/data cable through the wire saddle as shown in Figure 7. 14. Plug the wide P10 connector end of the power/data cable into the J10 receptacle on the controller board.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Install The Brackets Lower Bracket M4x10mm Screw (3) Figure 8. Installing the Lower Bracket 1. Using three of the four M4x10mm screws, install the lower bracket as shown in Figure 8. NOTE: You will use the fourth screw later in this procedure.
Install The Brackets Hash Marks Validator (Rear View) Alignment Screw A A 4 in. 6 in. 8 in. Printer Lower Bracket Validator (Front View) Upper Bracket Inside Adjustment Screw Outside Adjustment Screw Figure 9. Installing the Validator/Upper Bracket Unit onto the Lower Bracket 2. Face the front of the printer while installing the validator/upper bracket unit. 3. Loosen the outside adjustment screw and remove the inside adjustment screw on the bottom of the validator. 4.
Chapter 1 Installation and Removal Attach The Grounding Wire And Power/Data Cable Power/Data Cable (Long Connector) Upper Bracket Screw (3) Cable Channel Bracket Tab A A Validator (Front View) Grommet Grounding Wire Bracket Mounting Screw Grounding Wire Slack Inside Adjustment Screw Figure 10. Attaching the Grounding Wire and Power/Data Cable 1. Attach one end of the grounding wire to the validator using the inside adjustment screw as shown in Figure 10. 2.
Attach The Grounding Wire And Power/Data Cable 4. Loosen the three upper bracket screws and route the power/data cable through the cable channel in the upper bracket, as shown in Figure 10. 5. Plug the RJ-11 connector end of the power/data cable into the validator. 6. Route the power/data cable behind the bracket tab as shown in Figure 10. NOTE: If necessary, loosen the bracket mounting screws enough to slip the power/data cable behind the bracket tab, then retighten the bracket mounting screws. 7.
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. See “Auto Save Configuration” in the Quick Setup Guide. 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. is set to Enable in the QUICK SETUP and VALIDATOR menus.
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 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 11. When the scanning beam is properly aligned it will line up with the two notches.
Chapter 1 Adjust The Scanning Beam 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 (0.20 to 0.30 inches [5.08 mm to 7.62 mm] from the front edge of the tear bar) so that the peeled label remains on the tear bar and the trailing edge of the last bar code can still pass completely under the scanning beam. See Figure 12.
Cut Media Handling Mode Cut Media Handling Mode If your printer has a cutter installed and is configured for Cut Media Handling Mode, align the beam with the notches at each side of the opening on the hinged upper lid, as shown in Detail A of Figure 13. A Scanning Beam A Notch in Tear Bar/ Cutter Figure 13.
Chapter 1 Adjust The Scanning Beam Top Left Screw Bottom Left Screw Bottom Right Screw Figure 14. Scanning Beam Adjustment Screws Figure 14 shows the screws used to adjust the parallelism and position of the scanning beam. The positions of the screws assume that you are in front of the validator unit and facing the printer. The following instructions and illustrations show how to adjust the validator according to how the beam appears. 1. Power the printer on and make sure the scanning beam is on.
Cut Media Handling Mode Correct alignment of the scanning beam. The beam lines up with the end notches and is parallel to the long edge of the tear bar. Tighten the top left screw to move the scanning beam downward. If the screw is already tight, loosen both bottom screws to lower the beam. Tighten both bottom screws to move the scanning beam upward. If they are already tight, loosen the top left screw to move the beam upward. Loosen the bottom right screw to rotate the scanning beam clockwise.
Chapter 1 Adjust The Scanning Beam Summary Of Scanning Beam Adjustment To Move Beam Down To Move Beam Up To Rotate Beam Clockwise To Rotate Beam Counterclockwise Tighten top left screw Tighten both bottom screws Loosen bottom right screw Loosen bottom left screw or or or or Loosen both bottom screws Loosen top left screw Tighten bottom left screw Tighten bottom right screw NOTE: If the printer does not have a tear bar with notches at the ends, adjust the scanning beam so that the center of
Cut Media Handling Mode 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 0.13 inches (3.3 mm) past 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.
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.
Cut Media Handling Mode CALIBRATION Light RESET Button Deck Lock Lever Calibration Bar Code Card Figure 16. Calibrating the Validator 7. The scanning beam should turn off for a few seconds then back on, and the CALIBRATION light should turn off. This indicates a successful calibration. NOTE: If the scanning beam does not turn back on and/or the calibration light is still on or flashing, the calibration has failed.
Chapter 1 Calibration 11. 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 9. The printer will print one demo page containing two good bar codes. NOTE: In the QUICK SETUP or MEDIA CONTROL menu, if Label Length is set between 0.5 and 1.0 inches, only one good bar code will print. If Label Length is less than 0.5 inches and Label Width is less than 2.0 inches, no demo page will print. 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 38
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 validator can be moved along the lower bracket and aligned with any of the inscribed hash marks, depending on the size of the labels printed and the positioning of the bar codes on those labels.
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 40 CAUTION Do not lift the printer by the validator unit or by the lower bracket. CAUTION The validator contains sensitive electronic equipment.
VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR Validator Funct. page 44 Enable* Disable Auto Report page 45 Disable* Enable Auto Report Time page 46 1 second* 1 to 10 seconds Clear Data page 47 Good Barcodes 1 page 49 Good Forms 1 page 49 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 74 0.30 inches* 0.13 to 1.00 inches Min. Code Gap page 76 0.30 inches* 0.15 to 1.
VALIDATOR Menu VALIDATOR (cont.
Chapter 2 Configuring 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.
Validator Reporting 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 steps 1 to 8 and select Disable in step 5.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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. If necessary, press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↓ until Auto Report displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: Enable or Disable.
Validator Reporting 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. For example, you print a large batch of labels with bar codes and then print a validator report. Then you print another batch of labels with bar codes and print another report. The report will contain information on both batch jobs.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 5. Press + or – to cycle through the choices: • Disabled. Default setting. The validator does not send any data to an external device. • Network Port. The printer outputs the bar code analysis and underlying data from the validator to a device connected to the network port so the validator data can be seen and analyzed with the optional remote management software. 6. When your selection displays, press ↵ to activate it.
Validator Statistics 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. Validator Statistics The validator displays a number of statistics directly on the printer LCD, without having to print a report. To view any of the statistics: 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. If necessary, press .. .
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator Defining Validator Options A number of validator options which define specific parameters for certain print jobs can be set from the printer configuration menu. Setting Number Of Bar Codes On A Form You can define how many bar codes the validator should expect on a form. This setting is required when bar codes are produced as a part of a larger bitmapped image.
Defining Validator Options When set to Enable (the default), then the bar code quiet zone is included as part of the pass/fail criteria. 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. If necessary, press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↓ until Quiet Zones displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the choices: Enable or Disable. The default is Enable. 6. Press ↵ to select the desired value. 7.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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. NOTE: Minimum and Maximum blank labels are only applicable for forms 2 inches (5.08 cm) high or more.
Defining Validator Options 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.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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. See “Error Action” on page 79.
Advanced Validator Options 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. Decodeability NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57).
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator Percent Decode NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). You can set how strict the validator grades each bar code. For example, the Percent Decode default is 60%. This means that 60% of the scanned bar code must be readable for the validator to give the bar code a passing grade. You can set the Percent Decode parameter to a percentage value from 0% to 99%. The higher the percentage value chosen, the stricter the validator grades. 1. Press ...
Advanced Validator Options 4. Press ↑ until Defects displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the percentage values: 0% to 100%. The default is 20%. 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. Overall Grade This menu item sets the value used by the validator for pass/fail threshold during the analysis of bar codes.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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. Although it is not defined, the validator truncates the result of all analysis parameters averages for a slightly stricter grading. A side effect of the ANSI specified algorithm is that the Overall Grade may be lower than any of the averaged analysis parameters.
Advanced Validator Options Modulation NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). Modulation measures how well the scan laser sees the wide elements (bars or spaces) relative to the narrow elements. In general, scanning lasers see bars better than spaces and wide elements better than the narrow elements. This menu item sets the value used by the validator for pass/fail threshold during the analysis of bar codes. Higher values create a stricter criterion for passing.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 2. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. If necessary, press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4. Press ↑ until EC Min displays. 5. Press + or – to scroll through the percentage values: 0% to 100%. The default is 15%. 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.
Advanced Validator Options Symbol Contrast NOTE: This parameter factors into the Overall Grade (page 57). The higher the value, the stricter the criterion for passing. Symbol Contrast represents the contrast between the bars and spaces in the bar code used by the validator for pass/fail threshold used during the analysis of bar codes. The bar code must have a certain level of contrast to be recognized by the validator. Bar codes with a symbol contrast below the threshold will fail.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator To write a new Gain value to the validator’s flash memory, save a configuration. See “Saving A Configuration” in the Quick Setup Guide. NOTE: This value will not be saved in the configuration. It will only be written to the validator’s flash memory. Offset This menu item sets the scanner offset setting. This allows you to adjust the vertical position of the scan profile to guarantee that the validator hardware is reading the bar codes within the optimal range.
Advanced Validator Options 5. Press + or – to scroll through the values: 5 to 199. The default is 70. 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. 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.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator validator when printing at the set Print Speed (in the QUICK SETUP and MEDIA CONTROL menus). This is because the on-demand printing portion is done at a fixed print speed which may be higher or lower than the set Print Speed. For example, a bar code printed at 7 ips may yield eight Total Scans, but if printed in an on-demand printing mode it may yield 18 Total Scans. Scan Report Information 1.
Advanced Validator Options The following is a sample scan report of a Code 39, 10 mil bar code containing "*RJS8702*" with a quiet zone violation: SCAN REPORT ERROR: Bar code quiet zone too small Barcode Data: [ST]RJS8702[ST] Symbology Code 39 Overall Grade C (2.1) X dimension (mils) 09.9 Decodeability (%) 65 Modulation (%) 34 Symbol Contrast (%) 68 Edge Contrast (%) 30 Defects (%) 14 Rmin/Rmax 2 PCS 92 Percent Decode (%) 100 Bar Deviation Avg (%) -16 Min. Bar Deviation (%) -31 Max.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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 71) and depends on the Profile H Mag setting (page 67). 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).
Advanced Validator Options 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 ...
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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.
Advanced Validator Options [~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 Global SW M
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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.
Advanced Validator Options Beam Width This menu item allows you to adjust the width of the scan 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.
Chapter 2 Configuring The Validator 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 0.13 inches (3.3 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.
General Process For Barcode Analysis 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.
Chapter 2 Operation 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.
Print Speed Limits 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 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. If necessary, press ↓ and ↵ at the same time to unlock the ↵ key. 3. If necessary, press .. . until VALIDATOR displays. 4.
Chapter 2 Operation 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.
On-Demand Printing 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.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures 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.
Error Action For more information on choosing a value for the Number of Codes parameter, see “Setting Number Of Bar Codes On A Form” on page 50. 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. If necessary, press .. .
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures 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.
Error Action 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.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures 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.
Error Action 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.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures 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 54. The number of times the printer will attempt to reprint the bad form is determined by the Num Retry setting. See “Num Retry” on page 54.
Error Action It will then slew to the next top of a blank form and reprint the same form or go the next form, depending on the setting for Max Retry Action (see “Max Retry Action” on page 54). 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.
Chapter 2 Bar Code Failures Error Messages The validator can detect a number of errors. When one of these errors occurs, the validator alerts the printer to perform the currently selected error action (see “Error Action” on page 79) and show the appropriate error message on the printer display. Validator error messages are explained in Table 6. Table 6.
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 code check media Explanation Data validation error: missing bar code. An expected bar code is missing or was printed so poorly that the validator cannot detect it. 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.
Error Messages Table 6. Message List Message Explanation Unscannable code check media (continued) Validator not communicating Solution 6. Press PAUSE to clear the message. 7. In the VALIDATOR menu, press ↓ until Clear Data displays, then press ↵. 1. The Validator Funct. = Enable in the VALIDATOR menu, but when the printer was first powered up it could not communicate with it. 2. The validator was connected to the printer and then later removed. 1.
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 15. 2. Make sure the validator has not been disabled in the VALIDATOR menu.
Error Messages Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom Solution The printed labels look clean, but the validator is still reporting an error message. The validator glass may be dirty, distorting the report results. Power down the printer and clean the glass using a household glass cleaner and a dry, lint-free cloth. The printed bar codes are causing error conditions.
Chapter 2 Maintenance Table 7. Troubleshooting the Validator Symptom The printed bar codes are causing error conditions. (continued) Solution • Bar code spacing.The validator requires a minimum distance of 1/2 inch or 20 times the minimum element width, whichever is greater, between bar codes. • Printer speed. See “Print Speed Limits” on page 74. If problems persist, decrease the Print Speed in the MEDIA CONTROL menu. • Be sure the bar code is not printing on the extreme edges of the label.
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.
Chapter Printronix Supplies Department Contact the Printronix Supplies Department for genuine Printronix supplies. Americas (800) 733-1900 Europe, Middle East, and Africa (33) 1 46 25 1900 Asia Pacific (65) 6548 4116 or (65) 6548 4182 http://www.printronix.com/supplies-parts.aspx Corporate Offices Printronix, Inc. 14600 Myford Road P.O. Box 19559 Irvine, CA 92623-9559 Phone: (714) 368-2300 Fax: (714) 368-2600 Printronix, Inc. Nederland BV P.O.
Index A Configuring, 44 Contact information, 95 Adjusting the scanning beam, 27, 33 Contrast too low / Check media, 88 Auto detect bar codes, 50, 78 Customer Support Center, 95 Auto Report, 45 D Auto Report Time, 46 Average BWD, 49 Decodeability, 55 B Defects, 56 Demo Page, 36 Bad bar codes, 78 Disabling validator, 44 Bar Code Demo Page, 36 E Bar code fails / Job has errors, 86 Bar code failure, 78 EC Min, 59 Bar code grading, 57 Enabling the validator, 26 Bar Code Improper / Data Format
Index Contrast too low / Check media, 88 Min.
Index Q Statistics Average BWD, 49 Quiet zones, 50 Good Barcodes, 49 R Removing the validator, 15 Reports, 45 external device, 47 resetting data, 47 selecting type, 48 Requesting reports, 45 Good Forms, 49 Last BWD, 49 Overstrike Forms, 49 Stop Mode, 81 Stop & Retry, 82 Supplies Department, 96 Symbol Contrast, 61, 62, 65, 67 T Rescan Form, 83 Rescan&Retry, 84 Telemetry Path, 47 Rescan&Stop, 84 Troubleshooting, 92 Resetting data, 47 U Retry Form, 82 RFID encoder, 45, 92 Unscannable code / chec
Index removal, 15 reporting, 45 statistics, 49 Validator Funct.
*179097-001* 179097-001 Revision D
