Zebra® LP 2824-Z™ User Guide
© 2004 ZIH Corp. The copyrights in this manual and the label printer described therein are owned by Zebra Technologies. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability. All product names and numbers are Zebra trademarks, and Zebra, the Zebra logo, ZPL, ZPL II, ZebraNet, ZebraLink, are registered trademarks of ZIH Corp.
Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies.
Proprietary Statement The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Zebra Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. To ensure compliance, this printer must be used with Shielded Communication Cables. Canadian DOC Compliance Statement This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Preface This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and additional reference documents. Contacts You can contact Zebra Technologies at any of the following: Visit us at: www.zebra.com Our Mailing Addresses: Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A Telephone: +1 847.634.6700 Fax: +1 847.913.
Preface Environmental Management Support You can contact Zebra support at: Web Address: www.zebra.com/SS/service_support.htm s Note • The web address is case-sensitive. US Phone Number +1 847.913.2259 UK/International Phone Number +44 (0) 1494 768289 Environmental Management Do not dispose of this product in unsorted municipal waste. This product is recyclable, and should be recycled according to your local standards. For more information, please see our website at: Web address: www.zebra.
Preface Related Documents Caution • Warns you of a situation where excessive heat could cause a burn. Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in physical harm to you. Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in physical harm to the hardware. Caution • Advises you need to wear protective eyeware. Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task.
Preface Related Documents 8 LP 2824-Z User Guide 980531-001 A
Contents Proprietary Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents 3 • Operations & Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Thermal Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing in Peel-Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 Introduction This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an overview of printer parts. This section also has procedures that describe how to open and close the printer and report any problems. Hello! Thank you for choosing a Zebra® desktop printer, a high-quality on-demand printer manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value—Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Introduction What’s in the Box? What’s in the Box? Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store the printer later. After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the procedures for inspecting the printer to familiarize yourself with printer parts so you can follow the instructions in this book.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer Inspecting the Printer Look at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present. Status Light Feed Button Release Latches Power Switch Power Supply Receptacle Interface Connectors (vary by option) Opening the printer To access the media compartment, you must open the printer. Pull the release levers towards you and lift the cover.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer After opening the printer, check the media compartment.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer Closing the printer 1. Hold the top cover and press the “kick-stand” cover lock to release. 2. Lower the top cover. The ribbon carriage automatically folds up into place. 3. Press down until the cover snaps closed. Reporting Damage If you discover damage or missing parts: • Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer 16 LP 2824-Z User Guide 980531-001 A
2 Getting Started This section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and use the most common operating procedures for loading media in tear-off mode and loading ribbon. Modes of Printing You can operate this printer in different modes: • Standard tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of labels) after it is printed. • In optional peel-off mode, the backing material is peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.
Getting Started Attaching Power Supply Attaching Power Supply Check the power supply to make certain it is appropriate for your input voltage. Caution • Use the power supply that came with your printer. Never operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet. Serious personal injury could result! 1. Make sure the power switch is in the off position (forward). 2.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media Loading Roll Media When you load media, you must place the roll on the media hangers and then adjust the media guides. You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spindle. Adjusting the Roll Holders Check the core of the media roll and adjust the holders if necessary.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment Whether your roll media is inside or outside wound you load it into the printer the same way. 1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release levers toward the front of the printer. 2. Remove the outside length of media. During shipment, the roll may become dirty when handled or dusty when stored. Removing the outside length avoids dragging adhesive or dirty media between the print head and platen. 3.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media Adjusting the Guides The guides direct the media toward the platen and print head. 1. Thread the media through the guides. They should just touch the edges of the media. 2. Close the top cover. Remember that you need to lower the top cover and press down until the latches snap into place.
Getting Started Operator Controls Operator Controls Power Switch Press backward to turn ON or forward to OFF the printer. Caution • The power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the communications and power cables. Feed Button • • • • Tapping the Feed button forces the printer to feed one blank label. Holding the Feed button forces the printer to feed continuously. Pressing the Feed button takes the printer out of a “pause” condition.
Getting Started Printing a Test Label Printing a Test Label Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration label. 1. Make sure the media is properly loaded and the top cover of the printer is closed. Then, turn the printer power on if you have not already done so. 2. When the status light is solid green, press and hold the feed button until the status light flashes once. 3. Release the feed button.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Your printer will have one of these combinations of interfaces: • Parallel • Universal Serial Bus (USB) and DB-9 serial • Ethernet and RJ-11 serial Each specific interface option—USB, parallel, ethernet, serial—is discussed individually. You must supply the required interface cable for your application. Caution • Keep the power switch in the OFF position when attaching the interface cable.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Ethernet Interface Requirements Ethernet provides a powerful networking capability that can be of use in a variety of internet/ intranet printing solutions. After you load media and close the top cover, you can press the test button next to the connector on the rear of the printer to get an ethernet configuration label.
Getting Started Adjusting the Print Width 3. When the printer and host are synchronized, the LED changes to solid green. (No labels will print during autobaud synchronization.) ^SC Command Use the Set Communications (^SC) command to change the communications settings on the printer. 4. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send the ^SC command to change the printer to the desired settings. 5. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.
3 Operations & Options This section helps you get the most from your printer. You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. Example • The ~JL command controls label length. The ^XA^JUS^XZ command saves the new settings to flash memory For detailed information about creating labels using ZPL II, refer to the ZPL II Programming Guide or visit our web site at www.zebra.com. To improve print quality, changing both print speed and density may be required to achieve the desired results.
Operations & Options Thermal Printing Thermal Printing Caution • The print head becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the print head and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the print head. Use only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance. Caution • The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the print head or electronic components used in this device.
Operations & Options Replacing Supplies Replacing Supplies If labels run out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you load a new ribbon roll, press the Feed button to restart. Always use high quality, approved labels and tags.
Operations & Options Printing in Peel-Mode Printing in Peel-Mode The optional dispenser allows you to print in “peel-mode” where the label backing follows a different path and the labels are presented one at a time for subsequent placement. Before using peel-mode, you must send the programming commands to the printer. ^XA ^MMP ^XZ ^XA ^JUS ^XZ Refer to your ZPL II Programmer’s Manual. 1. Remove several labels from the backing material. 2. Open the top cover. 3. Open the dispenser door. 4.
Operations & Options Printing in Peel-Mode B A C 980531-001 A LP 2824-Z User Guide 31
Operations & Options Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on fan-fold media requires you to set both the media hangers and the media guides in position. 1. Open the top cover. 2. Open the hangers to their widest position. 3. Snap the holder-open lock towards the front of the printer. 4. With a sample of your media, adjust the guides to the width of the media. The guides should just touch, but not restrict, the edges of the media. 5.
Operations & Options Using the Cutter Option Using the Cutter Option Printers that have a bezel with a motorized blade can dispense one or more forms that are then automatically cut from the media supply. This option cuts through continuous paper from rolls and liner between labels. Keep the cutter dry. Never use any solutions or solvents to clean the blade. Use the ^MM command to activate the cutter and the ^LL command to set the form length and gap distance. See the ZPL II Programmer's Manual.
Operations & Options Using the Cutter Option 34 LP 2824-Z User Guide 980531-001 A
4 Maintenance Cleaning When you clean the printer, use one of the following supplies that best suits your needs: : Cleaning Supplies Cleaning pens (12) Cleaning swabs (25) The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below. Printer Part Method Interval Print head Let the print head to cool for a minute, then use a new cleaning pen to swab the the thin gray line on the print head from end to end. NOTE: You do not have to turn off the printer to do this.
Maintenance Cleaning Caution • Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printer components along the media path including the platen and print head. This build-up can accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the print head, media path and platen roller could result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams and possible damage to the printer.
Maintenance Cleaning Media Path Considerations Use a cleaning swab or pen to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the holders, guides and media path surfaces. 1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab or pen to soak the debris so that it breaks up. 2. Wipe the knobs to remove accumulated debris. 3. Wipe the inside edges of both edge guides to remove any built-up residue. 4. Wait one minute before closing the printer. Discard the cleaning swab or pen after use.
Maintenance Cleaning Sensors Dust can accumulate on the media and head-up sensors. 1. Gently blow away dust; if necessary, use a dry swap to brush away dust. If adhesives or other contaminates remain, use an alcohol moistened swab to break up. 2. Use a dry swab several times to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning .
Maintenance Lubrication Platen Considerations The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper and liner dust can accumulate without effecting print operations. Contaminates on the platen roller can damage the print head or cause the media to slip when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust, oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.
Maintenance Replacing the Platen Replacing the Platen Tools • You will need to use a pointed stylus (such as tweezers, small slot-head screwdriver or razor-knife during this procedure. Removal Open the printer and remove any media. 1. Using a pointed stylus, unhook the tabs on the right and left sides. Then rotate them forward. 2. Lift the platen out of the printer’s bottom frame. Assembly Make sure the right bearing is on the shaft of the platen. 1.
Maintenance Replacing the Print Head Replacing the Print Head In the event you need to replace the print head, read the procedure and review the removal and installation steps before actually replacing the print head. Caution • Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge. Your work area must be static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.
Maintenance Replacing the Print Head Thermal-Transfer LP Model Before following the steps in this procedure, open the printer by pulling the release latches forward then lifting the top cover. Removal 1. Grasp the print head spring and pull it to the left; then, slide it free of the carriage. 2. Use the spring to pry the print head clip off the right side of the carriage. 3. Pull the print head and bracket forward. 4. Use a #2 Phillips driver to remove the screw that holds the ground wire. 5.
Maintenance Replacing the Print Head Replacing the LP Print Head (Continued) Assembly 1. Align the print head to plug the left and right connectors into the wire bundles. 2. Slip the ground wire under the right screw and use a #1 Phillips driver to tighten it. 3. Slide the print head into one side and jog it into the other side. 4. Align the pivots of the bracket onto the posts; then, snap the bracket into place. 5. Clean the print head with the cleaning pen. Reload media.
Maintenance Replacing the Print Head 44 LP 2824-Z User Guide 980531-001 A
5 Troubleshooting What the Status Light is Telling You LED Status and Color Printer Status For a Resolution, Refer to Number: Off Off 1 Solid Green On 2 Flashing Amber Stopped 3 Flashing Green Normal Operation 4 Flashing Red Stopped 5 Double Flashing Green Paused 6 Solid Amber Various 7 Alternately Flashing Green and Red Needs Service 8 Resolutions 1. The printer is not receiving power.
Troubleshooting Resolutions 3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST). • If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an authorized reseller for assistance. There is a shortage of memory. • If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power off and on. Then, resume printing. 4. The printer is receiving data. • As soon as all of the data has been received, the status LED will turn green; then, the printer will automatically resume operation. 5.
Troubleshooting Resolutions 7. The print head is under temperature. • Continue printing while the print head reaches the correct operating temperature. The print head is over temperature. • Printing will stop until the print head cools to an acceptable printing temperature. When it does, the printer will automatically resume operation. 8. FLASH memory is not programmed. • 980531-001 A Return the printer to an authorized reseller.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems Print Quality Problems No print on the label. • • You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require. You must use thermal transfer media. Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions in “Loading the Media”in the Getting Started chapter. The printed image does not look right. • • • • The print head is dirty. Clean the print head. The print head is under temperature. Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting of one to three labels. • • • • The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refer to “Loading the Media” in the Getting Started chapter. The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to “Auto Calibration” in the Getting Started chapter. The correct media sensor may not be activated.
Troubleshooting Manual Calibration Manual Calibration Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed media or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate. 1. Make sure media is loaded. 2. Turn on the printer power. 3. Press and hold the feed button until the green status LED flashes once, then twice. Release the feed button. 4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Tests Troubleshooting Tests Printing a Configuration Label To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the one-flash sequence in “Feed Button Modes” later in this chapter. Recalibration Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display unusual symptoms, such as skipping labels. See “Printing a Test Label” in the Getting Started chapter.
Troubleshooting Resetting the Factory Default Values Resetting the Factory Default Values Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the problems. Follow the four-flash sequence instructions in “Feed Button Modes” later in this chapter Communications Diagnostics If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode.
Troubleshooting Feed Button Modes Feed Button Modes Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode) With the printer power off, press and hold the feed button while you turn on the power. The printer prints out a listing of its current configuration. After printing the label, the printer will automatically enter a diagnostic mode in which the printer prints out a literal representation of all data subsequently received.
Troubleshooting Battery Battery The optional Real Time Clock requires a three-volt lithium battery on the main printed circuit board. You can discern a low or flat battery if the printer provides a consistently delayed date stamp. Only a qualified technician observing precautions against both static discharge and electric shock can replace the battery. Caution • Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
6 Interfaces Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface. Pin No. Description 1 Vbus 2 D– 3 D+ 4 Ground Shell Shield/Drain Wire For printer supported operating systems and drivers, see the software and documentation CD or visit the Zebra printer web site at: www.zebra.com For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at: www.usb.
Interfaces Parallel Interface Parallel Interface The maximum current available through the interface port is not to exceed a total of 0.75 amps. 56 Pin No. Description 1 NStrobe/Host Clk 2-9 Data Bits 1-8 10 nACK/PtrClk 11 Busy/Per Busy 12 PError/ACK Dat Req. 13 Select/Xflag 14 NAuto Fd/Host Busy 15 Not Used 16-17 Ground 18 +5 V @ 0.75 A Fused 19-30 Ground 31 nInit 32 NFault/nData Avail. 33-34 Not Used 35 +5 V throught 1.
Interfaces ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks ZebraNet® PrintServer II for Ethernet Networks This interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table below provides the pinout assignments. Signal Pin Pin Signal Tx+ 1 1 Tx+ Tx- 2 2 Tx- Rx+ 3 3 Rx+ --- 4 4 --- --- 5 5 --- Rx- 6 6 Rx- --- 7 7 --- --- 8 8 --- The figure above has the perspective looking into the printer RJ-45 modular connector.
Interfaces Serial (RS-232) Connector Serial (RS-232) Connector Pin No.
Interfaces Serial (RS-232) Connector Connecting the Printer to a DTE Device DB-25S Connector to DTE Device (PC) DB-9P Connector to Printer DB-9S Connector to DTE Device (PC) DB-9P Connector to Printer DB-9S Connector to DCE Device (PC) DB-9P Connector to Printer Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device DB-25S Connector to DCE Device (PC) 980531-001 A DB-9P Connector to Printer LP 2824-Z User Guide 59
Interfaces Serial (RS-232) Connector 60 LP 2824-Z User Guide 980531-001 A
Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A. Telephone: +1 847.634.6700 Facsimile: +1 847.913.8766 Zebra Technologies Europe Limited Zebra House The Valley Centre, Gordon Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, UK Telephone: +44 (0) 1494 472872 Facsimile: +44 (0) 1494 450103 Customer Order # 980531-001A © 2004 ZIH Corp.
