Zebra® P330i Card Printer User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
Foreword This manual contains installation and operation information for the Zebra P330i Card Printers manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California. Return Materials Authorization Before returning any equipment to Zebra Technologies Corporation for in-warranty or out-ofwarranty repair, contact Repair Administration for a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the original packing material and mark the RMA number clearly on the outside.
Foreword Copyright Notice © 2004 ZIH Corp. This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies Corporation. This document and the information contained within is Copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and may not be duplicated in full or in part by any person without written approval from Zebra.
Foreword To qualify for this warranty, the printer must be returned to the factory or to an authorized service center. Customers are not required to purchase Zebra supplies (media and/or ribbons) for warranty qualification. If the use of other manufacturer supplies has caused any defect in the printhead for which a warranty claim is made, the user is responsible for Zebra's labor and material charges required to repair the defect.
Foreword EUROPE: Norway Only: This product is also designed for IT power system with phase to phase voltage 230V. Earth grounding is via the polarized, 3-wire power cord. FI: “Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoitus koskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan” SE: “Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag” NO: “Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt” Model P330i conforms to the following specification: FCC Part 15, Subpart A, Section 15.107(a) and Section 15.109(a) Class B digital device.
Foreword P330i Printer Model The Zebra Product Number tells a story: Here is a quick review of the Zebra Card Printer Series numbering and lettering system to help you.
Foreword Icons Throughout this manual, different icons highlight important information, as follows: Note • Indicates information that emphasizes or supplements important points of the main text. Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task, or points out the importance of specific information in the text. Provides an example or scenario to demonstrate or clarify a section of text. Electrostatic Discharge Caution • Warns you of the potential for electrostatic discharge.
Table of Contents 1 • Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Printer Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Controls, Connectors, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 LCD Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2 • Installation and Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Contents (Continued) Cleaning the Print Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Card Cleaning Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 When to Replace the Cleaning Roller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 How To Replace the Cleaning Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 5 • Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table of Contents Contents (Continued) Appendix C • Connecting to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Printer Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 External Print Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Internal Print Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 980459-001 Rev.
Table of Contents xii P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
1 Introduction Thank you for choosing the Zebra P330i Card Printer. This manual guides you to efficient start up and operation of your new Card Printer. Printer Features The following shows the main functional features found on your P330i Printer.
Introduction Controls, Connectors, and Indicators Controls, Connectors, and Indicators Your P330i Printer has an LCD Display Panel and a Panel Button on the front and a power connector, power switch, and interface connector(s) on the rear panel.
Introduction Controls, Connectors, and Indicators LCD Panel The LCD Panel can display the following messages: Message Mode Operational INITIALIZING Scrolling READY Fixed DOWNLOADING DATA Fixed PRINTING MONO Fixed MAG ENCODING Fixed CONTACT ENCODING Fixed PRINTING CYAN Fixed PRINTING YELLOW Fixed PRINTING MAGENTA Fixed PRINTING BLACK Fixed PRINTING OVERLAY Fixed DOWNLOADING FW Fixed CLEANING PRINTER Fixed Warnings CLEAN PRINTER Scrolling REMOVE RIBBON THEN CLOSE HEAD Scrollin
Introduction Controls, Connectors, and Indicators 4 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
2 Installation and Setup General Information This section will guide you through the installation and setup of your P330i Card Printer. This consists of the following procedures, which should be performed in the order presented.
Installation and Setup Unpacking the Printer Electric Shock Caution • Limit AC power supplied to the P330i Printer to 110 ~ 230 volts, 60 ~ 50 Hertz. Limit excess current draw to 16 amps or less, using an associated circuit breaker or other such device. Never operate the printer in a location where operator, computer, or printer can get wet. Personal injury could result.
Installation and Setup Unpacking the Printer 5. Lift the printer out of the carton by holding it with both hands. 6. Please ensure that you have a clean and nearly dust free environment for proper operation and storage of the printer. 7. Make sure the following items are included with your P330i printer: 980459-001 Rev.
Installation and Setup Unpacking the Printer Card Cleaning Cartridge CD-ROM with Driver Wizard and User’s Manual Power Cables (2) USB Cable Cleaning Kit If any items are missing, please contact your dealer. To reorder, please refer to Appendix D of this manual. 8. Remove packing tape securing the printer’s Main Cover and Card Feeder Cover. 9.
Installation and Setup Unpacking the Printer b. Locate the Print Head protection pad and the Card Cleaning Cartridge location tape (see below). Remove me I Print Head Protection Pad c. L A NST L Card Cleaning Cartridge Location Tape Release the Print Head Carriage by pushing the Print Head Carriage Latch to the left, and raise the Print Head Carriage. It will remain open at about a 45° angle. Print Head Carriage Latch 980459-001 Rev.
Installation and Setup Installing the Print Driver Software and Setting Driver Options d. Remove the print head protection pad. Keep the pad, as well as the other packing material and the shipping carton, in case the printer is shipped or moved. If the original material is lost, a replacement Shipping Kit can be ordered from Zebra; please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.
Installation and Setup Loading a Ribbon • • From the main menu of your documentation CD, select your desired language and then select “DRIVERS” from the subsequent menu. The Install Wizard will walk you through the appropriate steps. Delete previous versions of the driver and clean up any necessary Registry entries. You must select “Remove” from the install options to remove any previous driver versions. Loading a Ribbon i Series Printers require the use of i Series ribbons for full color printing.
Installation and Setup Loading a Ribbon Ribbon Take-up Spindle Ribbon Supply Spindle 3. Locate the Ribbon Supply Spindle and the Ribbon Take-up Spindle (see above). Load ribbon onto the supply spindle (under the print head carriage) flange side in, and load the empty core (with tape attached) onto the take-up spindle. Make sure the ribbon comes off the top of the supply spindle and feeds to the top of the take-up spindle. Take-up Spool Flange Supply Spool 12 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
Installation and Setup Loading a Ribbon Caution • Do not touch the print head if the printer has been in service within the last 10 minutes. It could be very hot and cause a burn. Electrostatic Discharge Caution • A static discharge is possible if you touch any exposed metal parts. Use of an anti-static wrist strap or comparable anti-static protection is required. 4. Gently press the print head carriage down until it is fully lowered, as shown below. Very little force is neccessary to perform this step.
Installation and Setup Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge The Card Cleaning Cartridge cleans the cards entering the printer. The Card Cleaning Cartridge consists of a Cartridge Frame and an Adhesive Roller, which are packed together. 1. Remove the Cartridge Frame and the Adhesive Roller from their packaging. Insert the Adhesive Roller into the Cartridge Frame, as shown below. To avoid contamination, always hold the frame and the roller by the ends. . 2.
Installation and Setup Installing the Card Cleaning Cartridge 4. Locate the slot at the rear of the Card Cleaning Cartridge mounting location; see below. Card Cleaning Cartridge Positioning Slot 5. Hold the Card Cleaning Cartridge by the extended “handle” (so the large arrow on the top is pointing away from you). With the cartridge at about a 30° angle (pointing downward), insert the lip of the cartridge into the slot, until the cartridge seats against the back wall.
Installation and Setup Setting the Card Thickness Control Setting the Card Thickness Control The Card Thickness Control is set by the user to adjust the gap as cards enter the printer, to prevent double-feeds (which could cause a jam) or mis-feeds. Note • Set the Card Thickness Control before loading cards. 1. Open the Card Feeder cover. The cover is hinged; lift it by the lip at the right front corner.
Installation and Setup Setting the Card Thickness Control Card Thickness Control 3. There are four detents to set the position of the Card Thickness Control. Slide the Card Thickness Control to the position corresponding to the following: Detent Position Card Thickness Highest 50 mil (1.27 mm) to 60 mil (1.52 mm) 3rd position 30 mil (0.76 mm) to 50 mil (1.27 mm) 2nd position 20 mil (0.51 mm) to 40 mil (1.02 mm) Lowest 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 20 mil (0.
Installation and Setup Loading Cards Loading Cards This section shows how to load plastic cards into the P330i Printer. The P330i can use cards with a range of thickness from 10 mil (0.25 mm) to 60 mil (1.5 mm). Note • Do not mix cards of different thicknesses! The P330i Printer can also load and print cards fed individually. Information on this is given in the next chapter. Note • DO NOT bend cards or touch print surfaces as this can reduce print quality.
Installation and Setup Loading Cards Caution • Do not touch print surfaces of the cards; this can reduce print quality 2. Remove all wrapping from the card deck. 3. Holding the card deck by the sides, hold it vertically against a flat surface such as a desktop. If the deck is too thick for your hand to hold it comfortably, use about half a deck at a time. 4. Push the stack back and forth to an angle of about 45° from vertical, so as to separate all of the cards.
Installation and Setup Card Output Hopper Note • Do not try to eliminate the gap by pressing down on the card stack in the input hopper; this can cause misfeeds. Card Output Hopper The card output hopper is normally extended to receive the printed cards. The printer may be operated with the card output hopper in its closed position; in this case the cards will not be collected in the output hopper. 1. Pull the card output hopper out to place it in its functional position.
Installation and Setup Connecting the Printer to your Computer Connecting the Printer to your Computer The P330i Printer includes a standard USB interface. As an option, the printer can be ordered with a 10/100base-T Ethernet Adapter (in addition to the USB interface). The Ethernet Adapter can also be ordered as an add-on option and installed in the field by a Zebra factory certified technician. 1.
Installation and Setup Connecting Power Connecting Power The P330i Printer includes an internal AC power supply that accepts nominal input voltage in the range from 110 to 230 volts at 50 to 60 Hertz. The power source must be grounded. Depending on specific model number, your P330i Printer will include one or two power cords; use the one that is appropriate for the AC power source connection at your location.
Installation and Setup Printing a Test Card Printing a Test Card With ribbon and cards loaded, your P330i Printer is ready to print. To check the operation of the printer, you should print a test card. (Printing a test card does not require that the printer be connected to your computer or network, but power must be applied.) 1. Set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O ) position. 2.
Installation and Setup Packing the P330i Printer for Shipment 2. If the printer still has power applied and is turned on, and is still connected to the host computer, set the printer’s power switch (on the back of the printer) to the OFF ( O ) position, and disconnect the interface and power cables to the printer. 3. Open the Main Cover. Open the Print Head Carriage and remove the Ribbon. (If you wish to save the ribbon for future use, you may want to put it in a plastic bag for storage.) 4.
3 Printing a Card Printing with the P330i Card Printer is similar to printing with any other printer in a Windows environment. • The Printer Driver Software is installed on your computer (see Chapter 2). • The P330i Printer is connected to the power source and the computer (see Chapter 2). • The P330i Printer is selected by either the Operating System or the appropriate application software program. • Printer Properties are set (the factory default values will be appropriate for many applications).
Printing a Card Printing a Sample Card Also from the Tools window, the Test Card can be selected from several pre-loaded styles. “Single Feed Options” allows Disabling or Enabling Single Feed Support. • If “Disable Single Feed Support” is selected, when the P330i Card Printer runs out of cards in the feeder, the LCD display will read OUT OF CARDS. To continue, press the panel button.
Printing a Card Feeding One Card at a Time 8. Once you are ready to print, go to the File menu and select Print. 9. If the printer was not selected as the default printer, go to the File menu, select Print Setup and choose Zebra P330i Card Printer from the printer names list. Then Close the Print Setup dialog box. 10. The printer will feed in a card and start printing (the data download time will vary depending on the complexity of the card design and the processing speed of your computer). 11.
Printing a Card Feeding One Card at a Time 28 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
4 Cleaning Caution • PROTECT YOUR FACTORY WARRANTY! The recommended cleaning procedures must be performed to maintain your factory warranty. Other than the recommended cleaning procedures described in this manual, allow only Zebra authorized technicians to service the P330i Printer. NEVER loosen, tighten, adjust, bend, etc., any part or cable inside the printer. NEVER use a high pressure air compressor to remove particles in the printer.
Cleaning Cleaning the Printer How to Clean Note • This cleaning procedure uses two cleaning cards. One cleaning card is the size of a regular plastic card, and is referred to as the “cleaning card.” The other is elongated, with a wider section at one end; it is referred to as the “long cleaning card.” 1. Leave the Printer power on, or turn it on if it was off. 2.
Cleaning Cleaning the Print Head 8. The long cleaning card will automatically feed into the printer and the printing process will continue. The LCD Panel will again display the message CLEANING PRINTER. 9. When the cleaning process is completed, the long cleaning card will be ejected and the LCD Panel will display the message READY, indicating that the printer is ready to resume normal printing operations. 10. Discard both cleaning cards after a single use.
Cleaning Card Cleaning Cartridge Card Cleaning Cartridge Your P330i Printer includes a Card Cleaning Cartridge. This item cleans the cards entering the printer through the card feeder. To ensure print quality, the cleaning roller requires periodic replacement. New cleaning rollers are included with each ribbon or may be purchased separately. (To reorder, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.
Cleaning Card Cleaning Cartridge 3. Remove the cleaning roller from the Card Cleaning Cartridge and discard. 4. Install new cleaning roller into the Card Cleaning Cartridge. To avoid contamination, always hold the cleaning roller by the ends. (For replacement cleaning rollers, please refer to the Media List on the Windows Drivers and User Documentation CD supplied with this printer.) 5. Peel protective wrapper from the cleaning roller by gently pulling on the tape. 980459-001 Rev.
Cleaning Card Cleaning Cartridge Note • DO NOT touch the adhesive roller surface that contacts the cards. 6. Replace the Card Cleaning Cartridge into the printer: Card Cleaning Cartridge in final position 7. Close the printer main cover. 34 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
5 Troubleshooting The table on the next page offers causes and solutions to symptoms related to improper operation. Check the table when experiencing any loss of operation or print quality. 980459-001 Rev.
Troubleshooting 36 Problem / Description Cause / Solution The LCD Panel displays OUT OF CARDS message. 1. Check for cards in the card feeder. If no cards present, load cards. 2. Check that Card Thickness Control lever is properly adjusted (see Loading Cards in Chapter 2). 3. Press the Panel Button for 1 second. The printing job will restart. The LCD Panel displays OUT OF RIBBON message. 1. Check ribbon. Replace if defective or entirely used.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Issues Print Quality Issues This section will help you resolve print quality problems. The print quality is dependent on several factors. The two most important factors that will increase your print quality are cleanliness and card stock. To diagnose and fix print quality problems, follow the troubleshooting procedures below: Example 1 • Small spots appear on the printed card with a non-printed area or a different color. Possible Cause: • Contamination on the card surface.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Issues Possible Cause: • Print Head is dirty. Solution: • Clean the Print Head Possible Cause: • Print Head elements are damaged (e.g., scratched or burnt). Solution: • Call Zebra Customer Service for Print Head replacement information. Example 3 • Printing shows very pale, very dark, or inconsistent results Possible Cause: • Ribbon has been stored improperly or is damaged. Solution: • Change ribbon and print again. Possible Cause: • Cards may not meet specifications.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Issues Possible Cause: • Dust or embedded contamination on elements of the Print Head. Solution: • Perform a Cleaning of the Print Head (see Chapter 4). Example 4 • Printing shows blurry printed image. Possible Cause: • Ribbon cartridge may not be correctly positioned. Solution: • Check that the ribbon is properly rolled onto the ribbon cores of the cartridge. • Replace ribbon cartridge, making sure it locks in place, and print again.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Issues Example 5 • No printing on the card. Possible Cause • Ribbon may not be installed in the printer. Solution: • Check for ribbon in the printer. Possible Cause • Cards may not meet specifications. Solution: • Use a different supply of cards. Possible Cause • Print Head elements may be scratched or burnt. Solution • Call Service for Print Head replacement information. Example 6 • Only one panel of a color ribbon prints. Possible Cause • Using the wrong type of ribbon.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter Resetting to Factory Defaults To reset the Ethernet Adapter configuration parameters to the factory defaults, press the Panel Button and hold it in while turning the printer power on. Keep the Panel Button pressed until the Status Indicator light turns green, then release the Panel Button. To print a configuration card, press and hold the Ethernet switch.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting the Ethernet Connection and Adapter 5. If the LED is alternately flashing red and green for longer than 2 minutes, the Ethernet Adapter is in firmware-download mode. This means it is waiting for new firmware data to be sent before it continues normal functioning. Perform the following: • If the Ethernet Adapter was purposely put into firmware-download mode, finish the download with the proper update utility. Contact the Zebra web site at http://www.zebra.
6 Technical Specifications General Specifications • • • • Full color dye-sublimation card printing 25 seconds per card single-sided color printing (YMCKO) Monochrome thermal transfer printing 4 seconds per card monochrome Ribbon Specifications • • Patented ribbon core and spindle system i Series technology featuring RFID Note • "i Series" Printers require the use of "i Series" ribbons for full color printing. For more information about Card Media and Ribbons available from Zebra Technologies Corp.
Technical Specifications Bar Codes Bar Codes • • • • Code 39, Code 128 B & C with & without check digit 2 of 5 and 2 of 5 interleaved UPC-A, EAN8, and EAN13 PDF-417 2D bar code and other symbologies available via Windows printer driver Fonts • • Arial and Arial Bold True Type fonts available via Windows Driver Card Dimensions ISO Standard 7810 Dimensions for Plain Card 2.125 ± 0.002 in (53.98 ± 0.050 mm) Radius 0.125 in (3.18 mm) 3.375 ± 0.01 in (85.72 ± 0.25 mm) 0.009 ~ 0.033 in (0.23 ~ 0.
Technical Specifications Bi-Directional Communications Interfaces Contact Location for Smart Card ISO Standard 7816 0.757 in (19.23 mm) 1.124 in (28.55 mm) 0.403 in (10.25 mm) 0.782 in (19.87 mm) Bi-Directional Communications Interfaces • • USB Built-in Ethernet (optional) Mechanical Specifications • • • • Width: 18.2 in (462 mm) Depth: 9.4 in (239 mm) Height: 10.1 in (256 mm) Weight: 15.
Technical Specifications Options 46 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
APPENDIX A Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder Introduction This Appendix includes operation and maintenance requirements for the P330i Printer with the optional magnetic card stripe encoder. (See Chapter 2 for location of the Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder.) The magnetic encoder can be set for either high or low coercivity. Use the printer driver to change the encoder setting. Media Loading Orientation The magnetic encoder may be installed with the read/write head positioned below the card path.
Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder Sample Encoding Program Sample Encoding Program Refer to the Programmer’s Manual (part number 98001-001). Note • ONLY USE cards that comply with ISO 7810 and 7811 standards for magnetic stripe cards. The magnetic stripe must be flush to the surface of the card to work properly. Never use cards which have taped-on magnetic stripes. Magnetic Encoder Cleaning The Magnetic Encoder Read/Write Head is cleaned as part of the printer cleaning process.
Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder ISO Standard Encoding ISO Standard Encoding Field Separator Track # Track Density Valid Characters # of characters 1 ^ 210 BPI* Alphanumeric (ASCII 20~95†) 79‡ 2 = 75 BPI* Numeric (ASCII 48~62) 40‡ 3 = 210 BPI* Numeric (ASCII 48~62) 107‡ *Bits per inch †Except the “?” character ‡Including Start, Stop, and LRC characters. Also note that these 3 characters are automatically managed by the magnetic encoder according to the ISO Standard Norms.
Magnetic Card Stripe Encoder ISO Standard Encoding 50 P330i User’s Manual 980459-001 Rev.
APPENDIX B Smart Card Contact Station This section contains information on the additional operations of a P330i Printer equipped with the optional Smart Card Contact Station. (See Chapter 2 for location.) Introduction Smart Cards can have a built-in microcomputer and/or memory to store fingerprints, voice recognition patterns, medical records, and other such data. The P330i Printer may be equipped with an optional contact station for programming Smart Cards (ISO 7816).
Smart Card Contact Station Smart Card Contact Station Interface Smart Card Contact Station Interface When a command to the printer interface sends a card to the Smart Card Contact Station, the printer connects the Smart Card Contact Station to the female DB-9 connector on the rear of the printer. DB-9 Connector location for Smart Card Contact Station An attached external Smart Card Programmer can be used to program Smart Card chips. The following table shows the Smart Card Contact Points.
APPENDIX C Connecting to a Network Card printers can be connected to an Ethernet network in three ways. Printer Sharing In printer sharing, the printer is connected locally to the host computer and configured to be shared to other client computers. Client computers connect to the printer over the network through the host computer. 980459-001 Rev.
Connecting to a Network External Print Server External Print Server A stand alone device that acts as a server on the network specifically for receiving print jobs and passing them to the printer. Client computers connect to the print server over a network. Internal Print Server Similar to an external print server, except the print server is integrated into the printer. This removes the need for a separate power supply and separate device drivers. This is the simplest way to network a printer.
