User's Manual

119
Troubleshooting
Communications Problems
5/12/08 ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-002 Rev. A
Communications Problems
Table 18 identifies problems with communications, the possible causes, and the recommended
solutions.
Table 18 • Communications Problems
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
A label format was sent to
the printer but was not
recognized. The DATA
light does not flash.
The communication
parameters are incorrect.
Check the printer driver or software
communications settings (if applicable).
If you are using serial communication, check
the serial port setting in the control panel
menu. See Set Serial Communications
on page 85.
If you are using serial communication, make
sure that you are using a null modem cable or a
null modem adapter.
Using the control panel controls, check the
protocol setting. It should be set to
NONE
. See
Set Protocol on page 87.
If a driver is used, check the driver
communication settings for your connection.
A label format was sent to
the printer. Several labels
print, then the printer
skips, misplaces, misses, or
distorts the image on the
label.
The serial communication
settings are incorrect.
Ensure that the flow control settings match.
Check the communication cable length. See
Table 5 on page 27 for requirements.
Check the printer driver or software
communications settings (if applicable).
A label format was sent to
the printer but was not
recognized. The DATA
light flashes but no
printing occurs.
The prefix and delimiter
characters set in the printer
do not match the ones in the
label format.
Verify the prefix and delimiter characters. See
Set Format Prefix Character on page 88 and
Set Delimiter Character on page 89 for the
requirements.
Incorrect data is being sent
to the printer.
Check the communication settings on the
computer. Ensure that they match the printer
settings.
If the problem continues, check the label
format.
120
Troubleshooting
Ribbon Problems
5/12/08 ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-002 Rev. A
Ribbon Problems
Table 19 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the
recommended solutions.
Table 19 • Ribbon Problems
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
Broken or melted
ribbon
Darkness setting too high. 1. Reduce the darkness setting.
2. Clean the printhead thoroughly.
The printer does not
detect when the
ribbon runs out.
The printer was calibrated
without ribbon. Later, ribbon
was inserted without the user
recalibrating the printer or
loading printer defaults.
Calibrate the printer, this time using ribbon, or
load printer defaults. See Calibrate Media and
Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 84.
In thermal transfer
mode, the printer did
not detect the ribbon
even though it is
loaded correctly.
The ribbon light is on
even though ribbon is
loaded correctly.
The printer was not calibrated
for the label and ribbon being
used.
Perform the calibration procedure in Calibrate
Media and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity on page 84.