Thermal Printer User’s Manual 2684 User’s Manual No. 980350-001 Rev.
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FOREWORD This manual provides installation and operation information for the LP 2684 and TLP 2684 printers, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation, Camarillo, California. COPYRIGHT NOTICE 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.
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Table of Contents Installation . . . . . . . . . . Introduction . . . . . . . . . Unpacking Your Printer . . . Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 2 3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The FEED Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The STATUS Indicator. . . . . . . . . . . . The Label Sensor . . . . . . . .
General Cautions and Warnings These pages describe general safety and maintenance warnings and cautions for the printer. They are referenced throughout the manual. The manual may also include other warnings and cautions not displayed here. Warning - Shock Hazard The printer should never be operated in a location where it can get wet. Personal injury could result. Warnung - Stromschlaggefahr - Der Drucker sollte nie an feuchten Standorten in Betrieb genommen werden.
Media Cautions & Tips 1) Always use high quality, approved labels and tags. Approved supplies can be ordered from your dealer. 2) If poor quality, adhesive backed labels are used, that DO NOT lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. 3) DO NOT use non-approved transfer ribbon. Permanent damage to the print head may result if a non-approved ribbon is used.
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Installation 1 Installation This section provides information on the installation of the printer and software. Introduction The printer models are low cost, manufacturing oriented, thermal printers. The LP can do direct thermal printing. The TLP can do both thermal transfer and direct thermal printing. The printers handle large labels, hazardous material labels, small signs, fan-fold media, and shipping and receiving labels while operating the range from office to industrial enviornments.
Installation Unpacking Your Printer 2 980350-001 Rev.
Installation Installation The following steps will guide you through the installation of the printer and software. Step ➊ Attach Power Power OFF O = Off Attach Power Cord O O Check Voltage z H 0 X /6 X X 0 5 -X X X X A X X .3 X 6 0 X 2 X X C :1 X A o. . : V 5 N o 1 rt N 1 a al r: P eri e S ow P t u p In z H 0 X /6 X X 0 5 -X X X X A X X .3 X 6 0 X 2 XX C :1 X A o. . : V 5 N o 1 rt N 1 a al r: P eri e S ow P t u p In Plug Power Cord Into AC Outlet See Warnings - Page vi 980350-001 Rev.
Installation Step ➋ Attach Interface Cable Parallel interface Serial interface For additional information on serial cable wiring, refer to Appendix A. 4 980350-001 Rev.
Installation Step ➌ Apply Power I = On O O Green If the indicator fails to light, refer to Appendix A Troubleshooting. 980350-001 Rev.
Installation Step Install Software Start your computer and follow the installation instructions on the compact disk (CD). Refer to Section 2 - Operation, for information on loading labels and using your printer. 6 980350-001 Rev.
Operation 2 Operation This section provides information on the operation of the printers, identifying parts, how to use the Feed button, understanding the Status indicator, preparing a media roll, loading media, performing the AutoSense procedure, cleaning the printer, and using the optional label dispenser (if present). 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Your Printer 1 Cover Release Buttons 2 Cutting Edge 3 FEED Button 8 Media Roll Holder 9 Carriage Lock/Release Lever : Transmissive (Gap) Sensor 4 STATUS Indicator ; Transmissive (Gap) Sensor 5 Upper Media Stand < Ribbon Sensor (Loading Position) 6 Lower Media Stand (Printing Position) 7 Media Roll Retainers 8 Adjustment Gear Position Indicator = Platen Roller > Label-Taken Sensor 980350-001 Rev.
Operation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Batch/Dispense Select Switch Serial Interface Parallel Interface Power Cord Receptacle On/Off Switch Fan-Fold Media Entry Ribbon Take-up Spindle 980350-001 Rev.
Operation The FEED Control The FEED button controls specific printer functions: feeding media (labels, tags or continuous media), loading media, pausing printing, and initiating AutoSense (Dump Mode). Use the FEED control button in normal operation by tapping or holding the button. • Tapping the FEED Button with media loaded performs a "Form Feed." The media advances to the top of the next label.
Operation • Holding the FEED button down performs a continuous Form Feed. After releasing the button, the printer feeds the media until the next top of form is reached. • Holding the FEED button without media loaded performs a continuous Line Feed until you release the button or the printer detects media. Use this "Power Media Loading" when reloading media. • Holding the FEED button down while powering up the printer with media loaded makes the printer enter AutoSense mode.
Operation The STATUS The STATUS indicator lights and blinks in variIndicator ous colors. When the printer power is first switched ON (1), the STATUS indicator will glow GREEN, indicating that the printer is ready for operation. Indicator Color GREEN GREEN with RED Blinking Twice AMBER RED RED Flashing DARK Meaning 1) Power ON, ready for use. 2) Printing, operation normal.
Operation The Label Sensor When using the transmissive (gap) sensor for Sensor Position top of form (label) sensing, verify that the sensor is positioned at minimum label gap point or centered over a tag hole. See Top of Form Sensing, page 28, for more details on sensor operation. Adjustment Wheel Sensor Position Marker Turn the sensor’s adjustment wheel towards the rear of the printer to move it into the middle. Turn it towards the front of the printer to move it out to the media edge.
Operation Loading Labels Your printer can print on adhesive backed laor Tags bels, non-adhesive tags or continuous media (typically paper). The printer is capable of using media on a roll or fan fold media. Step 1 Open Printer Mechanisms Open Cover Open Print Head Release Lever 14 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Open Printer Mechanisms (continued). Open Guides Turn the adjustment wheel towards the front of the printer. Open the guides until they are wider than the media. Step 2 Prepare Media. Remove the outside length of media For more information on media preparation, refer to the cleaning procedures later in this chapter. 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Prepare Media (continued). Insert Center Optional Lock 16 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 3 Thread the Media Load From Upper Holder Guide Leader Under Brackets Exit From Front of Printer 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Thread the Media (Continued) Seat Media in Printing Position Step 4 Close Printer Mechanisms Close Guides Guides Must Match Media Width 18 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Close Printer Mechanisms (Continued) Lower Print Head Push Lever Back to Lock Turn on the printer power. Tap the FEED control until the indicator glows GREEN. 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 5 Set Label Parameters You may need to perform the following actions: • Use the AutoSense procedure for first time use of new media to set the transmissive (gap) sensor. • Use the AutoSense procedure for detection of label and gap lengths. • Use EPL2 programming Q command to set form length (and gap) as well as media detection and control method for sensing label gap, black mark or continuous (unmarked) media.
Operation Loading Transfer If your printer has ribbon spindles attached to Ribbons the print carriage, you can load transfer ribbons. Transfer ribbons are used when printing on thermal transfer media such as adhesive labels or non-adhesive tags. Step ➊ Install take-up core. Push Onto Left Front Spindle Place Notches on Long Spokes of Right Front Spindle Notch Long Spoke The front spindles pull the ribbon across the print head and take up the used ribbon. 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 2 Prepare ribbon. Pull Adhesive Strip Free Stick Adhesive Strip Onto Ribbon Leader Thermal transfer ribbons are available in general purpose wax (blue leader), general purpose wax-resin (silver leader) and polyester resin (gold leader). 22 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 3 Install ribbon. Push Onto Left Rear Spindle The ribbon feeds from the top of the roll toward the back of the printer. Place Notches On Long Spokes of Right Rear Spindle. Notch The rear supply spindles provide back-tension to avoid wrinkles. 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 4 Thread ribbon Caution: The ribbon follows a different path from the labels. The ribbon threads above the brackets that hold the media guides and transmissive (gap) sensor. Wrap Ribbon Around Print Carriage and Ribbon Tracking Bar Tracking Bar Attach Adhesive Strip to Ribbon Take-Up Core (Or Use Tape) The tracking bar automatically equalizes tension across the ribbon's width. 24 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 5 Tighten ribbon. Roll the Ribbon Take-Up Core to Remove Slack Thumb Wheel After you load media, hold the ribbon snug with the thumb wheel and close the print head. See label and tag (media) loading, page 14. Press the FEED button (printer power must be on) to remove slack and properly seat the ribbon. Repeat until the slack is removed. 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Replacing Transfer If the supply of ribbon runs out before finishing Ribbons a print job, the indicator lights red and the printer waits for you to add more ribbon. Step 1 Keep the power on as you change ribbon. Step 2 Pull the ribbon off of the empty supply roll; then, remove the full take-up roll. Step 3 Move the empty ribbon core from the supply spindles to the take-up spindles. Step 4 Load a new ribbon roll (refer to the previous procedure if necessary).
Operation Removing A If you must change a ribbon, you can remove a Partially Used partially used transfer ribbon by following the Transfer Ribbon steps below. You can reload the unused portion remaining on the supply roll using the normal ribbon loading procedure. Step 1 Open the print carriage to release ribbon tension. Use scissors to cut the transfer ribbon just below the take-up roll. Remove Old Ribbon Step 2 Remove the supply roll and tape the end to prevent it from unwrapping.
Operation Top Of Form To accommodate different media and media Sensing dimensions, your printer is equipped with sen- sors capable of detecting the top of form for labels or tags. Two methods are used by the printer for top of form sensing: gap sensing and black mark sensing. Gap Sensing The gap sensing feature depends on the ability of the movable transmissive (gap) sensor to “see through” the label liner between labels.
Operation Using AutoSense The AutoSense feature sets sensitivity of the transmissive sensor and measures and stores the form (label) and gap lengths. Perform this procedure when loading a new roll. You cannot perform this procedure if using the printer's label dispenser option. Power OFF O Hold Feed Button Power ON 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Using AutoSense (cont.) When Indicator Flashes, Release Feed Button Printer Advances Media and Prints Status Summary Note: Printer is in diagnostic dump mode Tap Feed Button To Begin Normal Operation Note: Printer prints "out of DUMP" If the indicator light turns AMBER or RED, see the troubleshooting steps. 30 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Cleaning Your You have easy access to all of the printer’s mePrinter dia path areas to allow for cleaning and clearing of media jams. You can clean the sensor areas, print head, platen roller and areas adjacent to the media path surfaces. Warning -Shock Hazard - See page vi. Always turn the printer off before cleaning. Warnung - Elektrische Gefahr - Zuerst abschalten dur Drucker. Säubern Sie jetzt den Drucker. Use a brush or vacuum to clean the media path (except the print head).
Operation Cleaning the Periodic cleaning improves print performance. Print Head Whenever new labels are loaded, the print head should be cleaned with a cleaning pen. Step 1 Open the print head carriage. Step 2 Wipe the pen across the print head. Press the Cleaning Pen Firmly Against the Print Head Step 3 Let the print head dry for one minute Keep Cleaning Pen Away From the Platen Step 4 Close and lock the print carriage.
Operation Cleaning Under The transmissive (gap) sensor guide bar bracket the Sensor Bracket can pivot up for easy cleaning. Step 1 Open the print head carriage. To Open the Bracket, Slide the Lock to the Left Lift Up the Bracket Transmissive (Gap) Sensor Bracket Slide Lock Step 2 Clean the metal part of the bracket, only. The sensor is recessed to protect it from labels and adhesive. Clean the clear sensor window below the sensor bracket. Avoid abrasive cleansers.
Operation Preparing Media, During shipment, the outside length of media Paper, and Labels may become dirty when handled or dusty when Before Loading stored. A preparation before loading media makes sure both the print head and platen stay cleaner for more time. Label Rolls Find the tape and pull off both labels held by the tape Tag Stock Rolls Find the tape and detach the bottom tag You must avoid dragging adhesive or dirty media between the print head and platen.
Operation Using the Label Printers with the label dispenser function (indiDispenser cated by a T after the model number) can dis- pense a single label that is already peeled away from the liner. Before performing these steps, load a media roll (refer to page 14 if necessary). Step 1 Set up the printer. Switch to Peel Mode MOVIE PEEL BATCH Step 2 Open printer mechanisms. Lift Print Head and Dispenser Bar Press Here to Release Dispenser Bar 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 3 Remove a few labels and thread the liner. Push Liner Through Slot Step 4 Remove slack from the liner. Pull Liner Tight 36 980350-001 Rev.
Operation Step 5 Close printer mechanisms. Lower Dispenser Bar and Close Print Head Keep liner tight against the dispenser bar. Adjust the media guides (refer to page 18). Step 6 Send your print job. You must remove each printed label before the next label prints. After Printing, Take Label 980350-001 Rev.
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Troubleshooting Appendix A Troubleshooting This section addresses the most common issues you may face with operation and configuration of the printer. Where to Start Your first troubleshooting reference source is the Common Problems Troubleshooting table on the following page. 980350-001 Rev.
Troubleshooting Common Printing Problems Troubleshooting Guide Problem Solution or Reason STATUS indicator does not light GREEN when power switch is turned to the ON (1) position. 1. Check power connections from the printer to the outlet. 2. Check that media and ribbon are loaded. With the STATUS 1. Verify that the labels are the correct type. indicator light GREEN, 2. Check the roll and verify that the print surface the printer appears to faces up for (direct thermal) printing. be working, but 3.
Troubleshooting Problem Solution or Reason 1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or missing labels in the middle of a roll. 2. Check for Out-of-Ribbon condition or damage or previous use of ribbon in middle of the roll. 3. Check that the ribbon and label media are correctly routed. Status Indicator is RED 4. When direct thermal printing, verify that the programmed mode (or printer driver) is set for direct thermal printing. See the programmer’s manual for details. 5. Transmissive sensor is dirty.
Troubleshooting Serial Interface The printer’s serial port is configured with the Communication Y command for the printer. See the EPL2 proConfiguration grammer's manual for details.
Troubleshooting Parallel Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring Cable Wiring required to use the printer's Centronics parallel interface. HOST DB-25 Pin No. STROBE DATA 0 DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA 7 ACK/ BUSY PAPER ERR. READY INIT ERROR/ N/A N/A N/A SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND SIG. GND 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Centronics Pin No.
Troubleshooting Tag Media Sensing The printer uses a moveable sensor to detect in- D dex holes/notches in tag stock. The sensor can move from a center tag notch to a notch on the out side edge of tag stock as wide as 8.5 inches (216mm) wide. C Print Direction B A Left Side Edge of Tag Stock Media Tag Tear-away CL The dimensions show the acceptable position range of the “Notch” (hole) on tag stock for the printer and the gap sensor’s adjustment range. Dimension Min. Max. Nominal A .
Appendix B Using the Media Cutter Printers with the cutter option have a bezel with a motorized blade. Printers with cutters can dispense a single form that is automatically cut from the media roll. Guidelines Use the cutter to cut through continuous paper from rolls and liner between labels. You can switch cutting on and off by using the OC command. You can set form length and gap distances by using the Q command. Refer to the EPL2 programmer’s manual for complete programming information.
Using the Media Cutter Specifications Cutter warranty Blade life 500,000 cuts Media types Direct thermal paper Paper label liner Tag stock MaximumThickness 0.0075 in. (0.191mm) Density 150 g/m2 Width 4.00 - 8.75 in. (101.6 - 222.25 mm) Minimum length using cutter 46 90 days 1.25 in. (31.8 mm) 980350-001 Rev.
Using the Media Cutter Clearing the If the media is crooked, a jam can occur. The Cutter only tool required to clear a jam is a pair of small tweezers. Step 1 Prepare the printer. Power OFF Detach Cables 980350-001 Rev.
Step 2 Clear the jam. Use Tweezers If the jam is inside the cutter, detach the cutter assembly from the printer. Press both bezel releases and pull the cutter up and forward. Use Tweezers If you cannot remove the jammed media, call for service. 48 980350-001 Rev.
Using the Media Cutter Step 3 Replace the cutter. Snap Bezel Back In Place Step 4 Check the cutter. Connect the power cord and interface cable. Power ON Check Operation and Proper Function 980350-001 Rev.
