User’s Guide Barcode Printer MB400 Thank you for your purchase of the SATO MB400 barcode printer. Make sure to read this operation manual and keep it in a handy place.
Introduction Thank you for your purchase of the SATO MB400 barcode printer. This manual helps first time users understand the basics of the printer in a short period of time. To get the most out of the functions of the printer, make sure to read this manual carefully. Warning! 1. This manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part without prior consent from SATO. 2. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice. 3.
Features of MB400 With a compact and lightweight body and high performance, this printer prints barcodes clearly on various types of thermal paper. Excellent Printing Performance Not only does this printer print barcodes clearly, but it can also enlarge and print various types of fonts a in a free layout. Durable and Easy to Use This printer is also superb in durability, as it has been designed specifically for printing barcodes.
Refernece Maintenance Trouble Shooting Operation Preparation Table of Contents 1. Safety Precautions .................................................................... 5 Markings and Symbols ........................................................ 5 Precautions in Use............................................................... 11 2. Unpacking .................................................................................12 3. Part Names ............................................................
Safety Precautions Markings and Symbols The following symbols or markings are used in this user’s guide and on the printer so that you can properly use the printer, and to prevent any damage to property, harm or injury to yourself and others. Make sure to read their explanations carefully to familiarize yourself with their meanings. Warning Caution This symbol indicates information that, if ignored or applied incorrectly, creates the danger of death or serious personal injury.
Safety Precautions Safety Precautions Warning Liquids Do not place any containers with water or chemicals, such as flower vases or cups, as well as small metallic objects near the printer. Continued use creates the danger of fire or electrical shock. * If any of these should fall into the printer, immediately turn off the power and contact your nearest dealer or service center. Foreign Matter Do not drop or insert metallic or flammable objects into the openings on the printer (such as outlets for cables).
Disassembly Never try to take the unit apart or modify it in any way. Doing so creates the danger of fire or electrical shock. * Contact your nearest dealer or Customer Service Center for checkups, tuning and repairs. * For checkups, tuning and repairs, contact your nearest dealer or Customer Service Center. Battery Pack Never try to take apart the battery pack or modify it in any way such as with a solder. Doing so creates the danger of heating, fire or explosion.
Safety Precautions Safety Precautions Warning AC Adapter / Battery Charger (Optional) Use only the specified voltage. Using a different voltage may create the danger of fire or electrical shock. Never use the battery charger with any other battery pack except for the specified one. Doing so creates the danger of fire and electrical shock. Never cut or damage the power cord. Also, never place heavy objects on, set fire to or pull the power cord. Doing so creates the danger of fire and electrical shock.
Location Do not locate the printer in areas subjected to high humidity or dew. Doing so creates the danger of electrical shock. * If dew forms inside the printer, immediately turn off the power and do not use it until it has dried up. Power Never operate the power switch, replace the battery pack or unplug the AC adapter or battery charger with wet hands. Doing so creates the danger of electrical shock. Thermal Head The thermal head becomes very hot after printing. Make sure not touch it with bare hands.
Safety Precautions Safety Precautions Warning Easy Cutter This part contains a blade. Do not touch with your bare hands, as this may lead to injury. Replacing the Battery Pack Use only the specified battery pack. When replacing the battery pack, make sure to install the pack with the poles (+) and (–) facing the correct direction. Incorrectly replacing the battery can rupture the battery and create injury and damage to surrounding areas due to leakage.
Do not place the printer in hot or cold places. The operation temperature range is within 0°C to 50°C. Do not place it in areas with himidity or temperature out of the operation range. Do not place the printer in locations exposed to direct sunlight or places of high temperatures. Especially on the dashboard inside a car during summer periods, as it can get very hot. Use only the specified cable to connect to the external input terminal.
Unpacking Unpacking After opening the box, make sure that all the printer’s accessories are included. If there are any accessories missing, contact your nearest dealer or service center. 1 Printer 2 Battery pack (standard or optional) 3 Shoulder belt 4 User’s guide * The shape of the protector pads to hold the printer in place may differ from the picture shown. Other accessories Cable lock Attached to the interface connector.
Part Names Part Names (1) Dispense/Continuous switch lever Switches the print mode (dispense/ continuous). (2) Dispenser unit Move this when the Dispense mode is selected. (3) Front cover Open/Close lever Opens and closes the front cover. (4) Front cover Open this for setting labels. PN9001114 (5) Easy cutter Cuts printed labels. (6) Battery cover The battery pack is inserted here. (7) Label ejection The printed label comes out from here. * Varies depending on the print mode.
Part Names Part Names Part Names (1) Label sensor Adjust this to the label size being used. (2) Label sensor adjustment dial Use this dial to adjust the location of the label sensor. (3) Label guide Adjust this to the label size being used. (4) O ring Use this when fixing the position of the label guide. Page 14 (5) Shoulder belt hook Attaches the shoulder belt when hanging the printer on shoulder.
Part Names Operation part names POWER key Turns the power on and off. PRINT key Sets the printer to on-line or off-line. STATUS LED indicator Indicates the status of the printer. (Refer to pages 28, 29, 36 and 37) Feeds labels. BATTERY LED indicator Indicates the status of the battery. (Refer to pages 19, 36 and 37) (9) Interface cover (11)DC input jack cover FEED key Covers the interface connector. (The cable lock is included.) (10)Interface connector (RS-232C) Connects to a computer.
Before Starting Charging the Battery Pack Before Starting You can recharge the battery pack by inserting it into the battery charger (optional). (1) Plug one end of the AC adapter into the battery charger and the other end into the wall outlet. (2) Insert the battery pack. Make sure the connector on the battery pack is facing down and insert it into the charger. • The CHARGE indicator lights in red when charging starts. • The CHARGE indicator lights in green when charging is complete (Fully charged).
• If the CHARGE indicator on the charger does not light up, make sure that the battery pack is firmly attached to the charger. The battery may not charge, if not firmly attached. • If an already charged battery pack is inserted into the charger, the CHARGE indicator will turn red once (charging), however it will soon change to green (fully charged). • If charging a battery pack that has not been used for a long period, the CHARGE indicator will flash for a while.
Before Starting Installing and Removing the Battery Pack Before Starting (1) Place your finger on the battery cover ribbed area, and open the battery cover in the direction of the arrow. (2) Insert the battery pack. Insert the battery pack with the connector facing towards the end. * Insert the battery all the way in until the lock clicks into place. (3) To remove the battery pack, press down the lock lever and release the lock. Then pull the battery pack out placing your finger into the notch. Notch.
2. Low Battery Error When the battery gets empty, a low battery error is detected and the BATTERY LED indicator lights up in red. The keys cannot be operated, and after 30 seconds the power automatically turns off. Make sure to recharge the battery. Status BATTERY LED indicator Battery near end Light (orange) Low battery error Light (red) The BATTERY LED indicator does not light up during printing or an error, even if battery near end or low battery error has been detected.
Before Starting Loading Labels ... The method of loading the labels may vary depending on the print mode. Before Starting [Continuous Mode] Labels non-dispensed labels adhesive backed labels Core-less rolls (1) Press the cover Open/Close lever in the direction of the arrow to release the front cover lock. (2) Slide the front cover to open. Hold the front cover and slide it in the direction of the arrow until it stops.
Before Starting (3) Open the front cover in the direction of the arrow. (4) Insert the label roll on the label guide boss inside the front cover. • Press the tab for adjusting the label guide (right), and adjust the guide to the width of the labels to be used. Label guide boss • Firmly insert the label roll on the bosses on the left and right of the label guide. * Move the label roll to make sure that it is firmly set on the bosses.
Before Starting ... The method of loading the labels may vary depending on the print mode. Loading Labels Before Starting [Continuous Mode] (Continued from page 21) (5) After peeling the lead tape on the roll, take the leading edge of the first label on the roll and pull it out via the platen roller. Then turn the front cover in the direction of the arrow. (6) Close the front cover in the direction of the arrow. * Press the front cover until the cover Open/Close lever clicks.
Core-less rolls Before Starting After removing both of the label guide bosses on the sides with the driver (attached accessory), set the roll by following the directions 4, 5 and 6 on page 21 to 22. 4 5 Label guide boss Setting the Label Guide Boss If the width of the label is fixed, the boss can be fixed. • After setting the roll on the label guide, fix it in place by sliding the “O-ring” on the bottom left to the edge of the label guide. * Setting labels will be easier when the label guide is fixed.
Before Starting ... The method of loading the label may vary depending on the print mode. Loading Labels Before Starting [Dispense Mode] Labels First perform the procedure steps 1 through 6 on pages 22 and 23 (Continuous mode). • Pick the Dispense/Continuous switch lever from both sides, and slide the Dispenser unit to the direction of the arrow. * Leave more than 30mm of the label out for the Dispense mode. * Slide the Dispenser unit until it is set in place.
Adjusting the Position of the Label Sensor Before Starting (1) Moving the Label Sensor to the Right Turn the Label Sensor Adjustment Dial up. (2) Moving the label Sensor to the Left Turn the Label Sensor Adjustment Dial down. The Label Sensor Adjustment Dial Using the Sensor Align the right edge of the sensor with the right edge of the label.
Turning on the Power After preparations, turn on the power. Turning on the Power • Press the POWER Key The STATUS LED indicator lights up in green. * Press the power key again to turn the power off. The STATUS LED indicator goes out and the power turns off. Caution! • Make sure you turn off the power before taking out or changing the battery pack. The STATUS LED indicator lights up in green when the power is turned off. While this light is on, do not remove the battery pack.
Starting the Printer Continuous Printing Test Printing Printing in Printer condition Dispense Printing Continuous Printing On-line Printing Printing in Printer condition Dispense Printing Continuous Printing PN9001114 Dispense Printing Dispense Printing Page 27 Starting the Printer There are two modes for printing: the Continuous mode and the Dispense mode. Test printing and On-line printing can be done on both modes.
Starting the Printer Procedures for On-line Operation Starting the Printer Normal Printing Mode The STATUS LED indicator during the Normal Printing mode is as shown on the table below. Action Normal Printing Mode On-line Off-line Status (LED) On (Green) On (Green) Off Power Save Mode 1. Sleep Mode The printer will go into the Sleep mode if not performed any operation for 5 seconds. Pressing the PRINT key or the FEED key, or receiving data will resume normal status.
Starting the Printer Test Printing Mode (FEED key + POWER ON) The STATUS LED indicator during the Test Printing mode is as shown on the table below. Action Starting Test Print Mode Test Print Mode ON Test Print Mode (printing) Suspension Status (LED) ON (Red/Green) On (Green) On (Green) Off 2. Auto Power Off Mode The printer will go into the Auto Power Off Mode if not operated for 5 minutes. Be careful as the printing data, if any, will not be saved.
Starting the Printer On-line Operation Starting the Printer Open the interface cover, and proceed by the following directions. (1) Plug in the interface cable as shown. • Only use the specified cables. (2) Put on the cable lock to prevent the plug from falling out. • Push the protrusion of the cable lock into the hole indicated. (3) Check the DIP switch setting (for transmission conditions). * The setup should be done with the screw driver (attached accessory).
Switch No. Interface setup 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-3 OFF OFF OFF 1-2 ON OFF OFF OFF ON OFF ON ON OFF 1-3 OFF OFF ON ON OFF ON OFF ON ON ON 1-4 1-5 ON ON Function Action RS-232C TTL IrDA transmission Short range radio transmission (optional) RS-232C, IrDA transmission TTL, IrDA transmission RS-232C, Short range radio transmission(optional) TTL, Short range radio transmission(optional) The automatic feed function OFF : Press FEED key ON : After closing the cover, the automatic feed function starts.
Starting the Printer Using the Shoulder Belt Starting the Printer Use the shoulder belt to leave both of your hands free when using the printer while moving. Follow the directions below. Attaching the Shoulder Belt (1) Fasten the pin onto the hook as indicated. (2) Using the screwdriver (accessory), push in the head of the pin and lock it in place. (3) Pull the shoulder belt gently and make sure the belt is secured onto the printer. * Press the head of the pin to remove the belt.
Starting the Printer Example of using the shoulder belt Wiring the Interface Cable An indentation is provided at the foot of the printer for the interface cable. Using this prevents the jack from falling out of the plug or damaging the cords, and keeps the cable in place. Wire the cable as shown, in relevance to the shoulder, which the printer is hung on.
Starting the Printer IrDA adjustment Lever Starting the Printer By adjusting the angle of the lever, the angle of the IrDA receiving element can be changed. • Use the rib of the IrDA adjustment lever to adjust the angle. * Check the angle by where the IrDA adjustment lever is facing.
Starting the Printer IrDA transmission Range The IrDA allowable distance is 10 to 20 cm. * Varies from the environment where printer is used. Under direct sunlight or strong lighting, it may not be possible to make IrDA transmittal. Should this happen, cover the IrDA filter to interrupt the light, or bring the IrDA filters to contact together.
Trouble Shooting Trouble Shooting The status of the printer is indicated on the STATUS LED indicator. Abnormalities of the status is indicated as below. To solve the problems, follow the directions in the table.
Cause Solution FLASH ROM reading/writing error 1. Replace the flash ROM. 2. Download the program again. 1. Cover isn’t locked. 1. Lock the cover. 2. Cover micro switch is not working 2. Adjust the micro switch. properly. Out of paper Load new labels 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. Sensor level isn’t accurate. Sensor type doesn’t match. Label is wandering. Sensor position isn’t accurate. Received data over the buffer quota. 2. The protocol between the printer and host doesn’t match. The head is broken 1. 2. 3. 4. 1.
Daily Maintenance Daily Maintenance After pressing the POWER key to turn the printer off and removing the battery pack, follow the directions below. • Press the Front cover Open/ Close lever and open the front cover. Thermal Head Thermal Head Wipe clean with cloth and alcohol. Platen Roller Wipe clean with cloth and alcohol. Platen Roller Dispense Roller Wipe clean with cloth and alcohol. Dispense Roller (behind the Dispenser unit) Do not use thinners, benzene, or kerosene.
Reference Optional Equipment Reference Battery Pack (Standard or optional) Used when the printer is carried AC Adapter, Battery charger Read the guide for instructions and precautions. Battery Charger The battery packs are recharged on this. AC Adapter for Printer Use the adapter to supply power from a household electrical outlet (110VAC). Connect the DC output jack of the adapter to the printer. Caution! • Always use the specified adapter.
Reference Optional Equipment Reference RS-232C cable For connection of computers and handheld terminals. Short range radio unit For communication with specified handy terminal. Battery Charger Set Battery charger enables the recharging of the maximum of 4 batteries at the same time, with one AC adapter.
• Always attach to the printer a sample of the defective print and note the functional problem before sending it out when requesting for repairs. • After repairs have been made, you may be asked to recover the format of the printer by yourself.
Reference Basic Specifications Reference Items Printing System Head Density Maximum Printing Size Width Printing Speed Printing Mode Size Weight Power (Battery) Paper Label Shape Label Size Width: 50- 11mm (53-114mm) Pitch (Continuous): 25-297mm (28-300mm) Pitch (Dispense): 25-182mm (28-185mm) Numbers indicated in ( ) are for pasteboards, non-adhesive or non-separated labels, and journal paper. Continuous: 0.06 – 0.18mm Dispense: 0.18mm (the thickness of the pasteboard is under 0.
Label Sensor Details Eye-Mark sensor / Dispense sensor Font SATO standard font: × 21, × 22, × 23, Kanji 16 × 16, 24 × 24 Kaku Gothic / Mincho (JIS First/Second standard) Barcode JAN8/13, UPC-E/UPC-A, CODABAR, CODE39, INTERLEAVED 2 of 5, CODE 128, CODE 93, Customer Bar Code PDF 417, QR code POWER key, PRINT key, FEED key STATUS, BATTERY (Red/ Orange/ Green) Noise radiation: VCCI -B Static withstanding pressure: Level 2 Suspension of action upon detection of low batteries.
Reference Service Reference To ensure that our products are used at their best, we provide repair and maintenance services through a network of authorized SATO Service Centers or factory direct. Please contact SATO Technical support via one of the following methods for instructions on returning units for repair. Email: techsupport@satoamerica.com Telephone: (704) 644-1660 Fax: (704) 644-1662 Stored Data The data and softwares entered in the printer may be lost during repair.
PN9001114
SATO America, Inc. 10350A Nations Ford Road Charlotte NC 28273 www.satoamerica.
