Portable Printer User's Manual Part No. UMAN-EN3 Rev.
Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. 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 Corporation.
CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................ O-1 Printer Specifications ........................................ O-2 Physical ..................................................................................... O-2 Environmental ........................................................................... O-2 Printing Characteristics ............................................................. O-2 Communications Interface ....................................................
APPENDIX A Interface Cables ......................................................................... A-1 APPENDIX B Media Supplies .......................................................................... A-4 APPENDIX C Maintenance Supplies ............................................................... A-5 APPENDIX D Product Support ......................................................................... A-6 Patent Information......................
Operation Section
Keypad Cable Communications Port Head Latch/ Peeler Assy. IR Window Battery Latch FIG. 1 ENCORE 3N PRINTER Keypad Cable Communications Port Head Latch/ Peeler Assy. IR Window Battery Latch FIG.
INTRODUCTION The Encore™ 3 Portable Printer utilizes the latest in direct thermal printing technology. This product is designed for portable printing and is ideally suited to print shelf labels, tickets, price change stickers, receipts, linerless labels and any other mobile applications where printing is required on-site. The Encore 3N Network Printer in addition offers the ability to be integrated into a wireless LAN environment.
PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS Physical Encore 3 Encore 3N Height: 5.6" (142 mm) 6.8” (173 mm) Width: 5.0" (127 mm) 5.0" (127 mm) Depth: 4.00" (102 mm) 4.00" (102 mm) Weight: 2.25 lbs. (1.02 kg) 2.75 lbs. (1.25 kg) (without stock) Environmental Operating temperature: 14° to 104°F (-10° to 40°C) Storage temperature: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C) Relative humidity: 95% non-condensing • Automatic head temperature compensation while printing.
Communications Protocol The Encore 3 supports RTS/CTS (hardware) and XON/ XOFF handshaking protocols to synchronize with the host terminal. The handshaking protocol and the baud rate is programmable. The default cable communications parameters are: Handshaking = RTS/CTS Baud Rate = 19,200 Parity = None Data Bits = 8 Stop Bits = 1 Pin Assignments The following are the pin assignments for the 8-pin DIN RS232C serial connector.
Media Type • • • • • • Paper Labels Synthetic Labels Plain paper Tags Two-part thermal receipts Linerless labels (on linerless models only) Media Handling Media Width: Max. 3.125" (79.3 mm) Min. 1.5" (38.1 mm) Maximum Print Width: 2.8" (71.1 mm) Media Core Size: .75" (19 mm) 1.37” (31.
• Power On/Off from terminal or built-in keypad • Black bar/gap sensing Formats • 25 Resident fonts • Standard international character sets • Flash memory for down-loadable programs, label formats, fonts and graphics • Fully scalable fonts • Built-in graphics support Accessories and Options • Single-bay battery fast charger/conditioner • Four battery pack fast charger/conditioner • Extra NiMH battery • Belt holster and shoulder strap options • Variety of interface cables • IrDA Option • Bluetooth™ wireless
CONTROLS Keypad Functions Feed Switch: On switch: Off switch: turns Advances media to momentary on action printer off. next label or sense turns printer on mark without printing. Power Light: Indicates Printer is turned on Status Light: Steady light indicates printer is either out of media, or head release latch is open. Flashing during data transmission between host and printer indicates normal wireless operation. Low Battery Light: Flashes when battery is near its shut off voltage.
BATTERIES AND CHARGING Removing and Replacing Batteries Refer to Figure 3 below Batteries are removed from the Encore 3 by the following procedure: 1.Face the front of the printer. Push the battery release button on the right side of the printer towards the top of the printer. 2.Firmly slide the battery pack out of the printer until it is clear while still keeping the battery release button raised. Batteries are replaced by the following procedure: 1.
Chargers Listed below are the specifications for the Encore 3 chargers: UCN72-4: (p/n series AC15482-tab) (Part numbers will vary depending on specific country of use. Consult factory for complete part numbers.) This unit is designed to charge up to four batteries simultaneously. Battery packs may be charged separately or while plugged into the printer. Typical charge time is 90 minutes. Switch selectable 110/220 V.A.C. input voltage. Supplied with line cords compatible with most international standards.
Low Battery Shutdown The Encore 3 monitors battery charge level in software and will cause the Power LED to flash as the batteries become depleted. The printer should be shut off and the battery pack recharged. The printer will automatically shut itself off if the batteries become severely discharged. The optional real time clock will maintain its settings for approximately fifteen minutes while batteries are being replaced.
Label Peeler Bar Peeler Assembly Edge Guide Platen Liner Spindle Fig.
INSTALLATION OF MEDIA USING PEELER The Encore 3 can be specified to print and separate labels automatically using a built in label peeler. The following details media installation when using the label peeler feature. Peeler in use (Do not use the label peeler when printing a batch quantity of labels*) 1. Turn unit off. 2. Press and hold the “Open” button on the front of the unit. Rotate the top back to reveal the paper compartment 3. Remove the edge guide and any media remaining in the printer.
Media “Open” Button Edge Guide Platen Spindle Fig.
INSTALLATION OF MEDIA WITHOUT PEELER The Encore 3 can print on conventional journal stock or print continuous batches of labels without using the peeler. The following details media installation for units not equipped with a peeler or when use of the peeler is not desired. Peeler not in use (Journal, linerless, or batch quantities of labels) 1. Turn unit off. 2. Press and hold the “Open” button on the front of the unit. Rotate the top back to reveal the paper compartment 3.
TROUBLESHOOTING Self Test: Perform the self test as described in the Controls section. Unit should print a line of interlocking “x” characters and two reports. The first report indicates model, ROM version, serial number, baud rate, etc. The second report contains application information. If no second report appears, there is no application loaded. Problem Corrective Action No power a) Check battery, recharge or replace as necessary. Media does feed: a) Be sure print head is not closed and latched.
Problem Corrective Action No print (continued) c) Check cable to terminal d) Invalid label format or command structure — use Hex Dump Mode for troubleshooting. Reduced battery life after charging: a) Check battery date code — if one to two years old, short life may be normal aging. b) Recondition battery. c) Replace battery. Error light flashing: a) No application: reload program. b) If using wireless communications: normal indication while data is being received.
Problem Corrective Action Communication Error: a) Check media is loaded, head is closed and error light is off. b) Check baud rate. c) Replace cable to terminal. Label Jam: a) Open head release latch. b) Generously apply alcohol to printer in area of jammed label. Never use any sharp objects on printer mechanism as it could damage the print head. Use only the cleaning pen supplied with the printer or a cotton swab saturated with alcohol for cleaning the printer .
MAINTENANCE The Encore 3 will provide reliable service provided a few simple guidelines are followed. The printer should be cleaned periodically (approximately every two weeks), depending on usage and the type of media being employed. Components of the printer that require periodic maintenance are: • The print head • Platen (print roller) on printers configured for linered media only. Linerless printers require no regular maintenance for the platen.
Print Head ✔ Platen Peeler Bar (linered units only) Bar/Gap Sensor Label Presence Sensor (optional) ✔ Peeler Rollers (linered units only) ✔ “Open” button Cleaning the platen Fig. 6 Cleaning the Encore 3 Refer to Figure 6 Applies to printers configured for linered media only • • • • Open the printer by pressing the “Open” button on the front of the unit. Swing the print head open. Use the cleaning pen or saturate a cotton swab with alcohol.
Cleaning the peeler roller: Refer to Figure 6 on pg. O-19. Applies only to units with label peeler option • Saturate a cotton swab with alcohol. Gently clean the ridges of peeler roller with swab to remove label adhesive residue. Rotate the peeler roller as needed. Cleaning Sensors Refer to Figure 6 on pg. O-18 Bar/Gap Sensor: • The Bar/Gap sensor is located in the right side of the media compartment behind the platen.
COMMUNICATING TO THE PRINTER The printer must establish communications with a host terminal which sends the data to be printed. Communications occur in these basic ways: RF Antenna area (Encore 3N only) Serial Port IR Window Figure 8: Encore 3 Communication Ports (Encore 3N shown) • • • By a cable between the printer and its host terminal Infrared (usually by means of the industry standard IrDA protocol). Encore 2 printers with the IrDA option will have a “IR”logo just below the IR window.
• By means of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) (Encore 3 Network Printers only) Cable Communications All Encore 3 printers can communicate by cable; the specific cable supplied with your printer will vary with the host terminal. The 8- pin circular connector on your communications cable plugs into the serial communications port on the side of the Encore 3 . It is keyed to assure correct alignment; do not try to force it if it does not plug in.
Bluetooth™ Networking Overview “Bluetooth” is a worldwide standard for the exchange of data between two devices via radio frequencies. Bluetooth radios are relatively low powered to help prevent interference with other devices, limiting the range of a Bluetooth device to about 10 meters (about 32 feet). Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation The radiated output power of this internal wireless radio is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits.
A Typical Bluetooth Connection Sequence In this simplified sequence “Joe’s Terminal” is a Bluetooth ready hand held terminal running an application that needs access to a printer. 1. Joe’s Terminal performs a search of its “piconet” (a Device Inquiry) and determines that there are four Bluetooth devices in the vicinity. 2. Joe’s Terminal queries each of the four nearby devices to determine which services they provide (a Service Discovery).
Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) Printers equipped for wireless Local Area Network (LAN) communications are known as Encore 3 N Network Printers. Encore 3N printers allow wireless communication as a node within a local area network, and its wireless capabilities allow communications from any point within the LAN’s perimeter. Methods of establishing communications to the Encore 3N will vary with each LAN application.
Appendices
APPENDIX A INTERFACE CABLES Part Number BL11757-000 8-Pin DIN to 9-Pin DB PC Cable This part is also available as a coiled cable under Part Number BL15063-1. For Use With a Personal Computer Pin 9 PC Signals (TXD) (RXD) (RTS) Pin 1 (CTS) (GND) DB-9 Pin (DTR) Female Plug (DSR) (to P.C.
A-2 PDT3100/3500 /6100 Series PDT3100 Series SPT1700 Series SPT2700 Series LRT/LDT3800 Series LRT/LDT3800 Series (2 Way) SYMBOL PDT3300 Series PDT4100 Series 8’ /Coiled 8’ /Coiled 9’ /Coiled 9’ /Coiled 6’ /Coiled 6’ / Coiled BL12093-2 BL15483-1 BL15482-1 CC11371-3 CC11371-4 PIM Optical PIM Optical RJ45 Cradle Cradle RJ45 9 Pin DB Fem.
A-3 8’ /Coiled BL12996-1 CL11314-000 8’ /Coiled n/a 8’ /Coiled n/a CP74005 BL11122-1 CC13711-1 Coiled BL13285-1 TELXON 960 960SL Adapter for BL11122-1 960 (BL11122-1) & 960SL (CC13711-1) 960 860 & 912 Coiled BL13285-2 TEKLOGIC 7030 ILR 7025 ILR 6’ / Coiled Cord Lgth/Type CC11371-5 Cable Part Number SYMBOL (CONT.
APPENDIX B MEDIA SUPPLIES To insure maximum printer life and consistent print quality and performance for your individual application, it is recommended that only media produced by Zebra be used. These advantages include: • Consistent quality and reliability of media products. • Large range of stocked and standard formats. • In-house custom format design service. • Large production capacity which services the needs of many large and small media consumers including major retail chains world wide.
APPENDIX C MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES In addition to using quality media provided by Zebra, it is recommended that the print head be cleaned as prescribed in the maintenance section. The following items are available for this purpose: • Cleaning Pen (10 pack), Reorder No. AN11209-1 (Recommended for use with Bravo™, Cameo™ and Encore™ printers.) • Cleaning Kit with Cleaning Pen, and Cotton Swabs, Reorder No. AT702-1 (Recommended for use with Bravo™, Cameo™ and Encore™ printers.
APPENDIX D PRODUCT SUPPORT Contact the Help Desk at: Zebra Technologies Corporation 30 Plan Way Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1012 USA Telephone: +1 401.739.5800 Fax: +1 401.732.7808 e-mail: risupport@zebra.com In Europe: Zebra Technologies Europe, Limited Zebra House The Valley Centre, Gordon Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 1494 768298 Fax: +44 1494 768210 e-mail: tseurope@zebra.
PATENT INFORMATION This product and/or its use may be covered by one or more of the following US patents and corresponding international patents worldwide D275,286 D347,021 D389,178 D430,199 D433,702 3,964,673 4,019,676 4,044,946 4,360,798 4,369,361 4,387,297 4,460,120 4,496,831 4,593,186 4,607,156 4,673,805 4,736,095 4,758,717 4,816,660 4,845,350 4,896,026 4,897,532 4,923,281 4,933,538 4,992,717 5,015,833 5,017,765 5,021,641 5,029,183 5,047,617 5,103,461 5,364,133 5,367,151 5,372,439 5,543,610 5,545,889
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