Zebra® ZT210™/ZT220™/ZT230™ User Guide P1048261-004 Rev.
© 2012 ZIH Corp. The copyrights in this manual and the software and/or firmware in the printer described therein are owned by ZIH Corp. and Zebra’s licensors. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software and/or firmware in the 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.
Declaration of Conformity Declaration of Conformity We have determined that the Zebra printers identified as the ZT210™, ZT220™, and ZT230™ manufactured by: Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A. Have been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of the FCC For Home, Office, Commercial, and Industrial use If no unauthorized change is made in the equipment, and if the equipment is properly maintained and operated.
Declaration of Conformity Compliance Information Compliance Information FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Contents Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Compliance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents 2 • Printer Setup and Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Store the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ship the Printer . . . .
Contents Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
About This Document This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and additional reference documents. Contents Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About This Document Who Should Use This Document Who Should Use This Document This User Guide is intended for use by any person who needs to perform routine maintenance, upgrade, or troubleshoot problems with the printer. How This Document Is Organized The User Guide is set up as follows: P1048261-004 Section Description Introduction on page 13 This section provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components.
About This Document Contacts Contacts Technical Support via the Internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Web Site: www.zebra.com E-mail Back Technical Library: E-mail address: emb@zebra.com Subject line: Emaillist Self Service Knowledge Base: www.zebra.com/knowledgebase Online Case Registration: www.zebra.
About This Document Document Conventions Document Conventions Table 1 shows the way that certain information is conveyed in this document. Table 1 • Document Conventions Alternate Color If you are viewing this guide online, you can click the blue text used for cross-references or hyperlinks to jump directly to other sections in the guide or to web sites on the internet. LCD Display Examples Text from a printer’s Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) appears in Arial font.
1 Introduction This section provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components. Contents Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Printer Components Printer Components Note • The components inside your printer are color-coded. • • The touch points that you will need to handle are colored gold inside the printers and are highlighted in gold in the illustrations in this manual. The components associated with the ribbon system are made of black plastic, while the components associated with media are made of gray plastic.
Introduction Control Panel Control Panel The control panel indicates the printer’s current status and allows the user to control basic printer operation. Figure 2 • ZT230 Printer Control Panel 1 2 3 4 5 1 STATUS light 2 PAUSE light DATA light SUPPLIES light NETWORK light 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 12 11 13 12 13 14 15 16 14 8/22/12 15 These indicator lights show the current status of the printer. For more information, see Table 14 on page 127.
Introduction Control Panel Figure 3 • ZT220 Printer Control Panel 1 2 3 4 5 1 STATUS light 2 4 PAUSE light DATA light SUPPLIES light 5 NETWORK light 3 6 7 8 6 7 These indicator lights show the current status of the printer. For more information, see Table 14 on page 127. The PAUSE button starts or stops printer operation when pressed. The FEED button forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the button is pressed.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display The ZT230 printer’s control panel includes a display, where you can view the printer’s status or change its operating parameters. In this section, you will learn how to navigate through the printer’s menu system and change values for menu items. After the printer completes the power-up sequence, it moves to the Idle Display (Figure 5).
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display Navigating through Screens in the Display Table 2 shows the options available for navigating through the screens in the control panel display. Table 2 • Navigation Idle Display XXXXXXX XXXXXXX HOME MENU SETTINGS At the Idle Display (Figure 5 on page 17), press LEFT SELECT to go to the printer’s Home menu (Figure 6 on page 17). Home Menu To move from icon to icon in the Home menu, press any of the ARROW buttons.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display Table 2 • Navigation (Continued) User Menus ▼ Press LEFT SELECT to return to the Home menu. The printer automatically returns to the Home menu after 15 seconds of inactivity in a user menu. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX ▲ ▼and ▲ indicate that a value can be changed. Any changes that you make are saved immediately. Press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to scroll through accepted values. XXX To scroll through the items in a user menu, press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SETTINGS Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Print Settings on page 79. Adjust the Print Darkness DARKNESS 10 ▼ ▲ Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print quality.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SETTINGS Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 7, Print Settings on page 79. Adjust the Tear-Off Position ▼ TEAR OFF 0 If necessary, adjust the position of the media over the tear-off bar after printing. ▲ See Tear-Off Position on page 80 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SETTINGS Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 7, Print Settings on page 79. Set the Reprint Mode ▼ REPRINT MODE OFF ▲ When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last label printed either by issuing certain commands or by pressing the LEFT ARROW on the control panel. See Reprint Mode on page 82 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SETTINGS Menu (continued) Tools Menu Shortcut • To be taken to the next user menu, press OK or press RIGHT SELECT to select GO. TOOLS MENU GO GO PRINT INFORMATION SETTINGS START • To continue to navigate in the same user menu, press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display TOOLS Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 8, Calibration and Diagnostic Tools on page 83. List the Printer Information* Prints a printer configuration label. ▼ PRINT INFORMATION SETTINGS ▲ See Print Information on page 83 for more information. * Other options are available by scrolling.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display TOOLS Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 8, Calibration and Diagnostic Tools on page 83. Set the Head-Close Action Set the action for the printer to take when you close the printhead. ▼ HEAD CLOSE ACTION CALIBRATE ▲ See Head-Close Action on page 85 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display TOOLS Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 8, Calibration and Diagnostic Tools on page 83. Is ZBI Enabled? This menu item indicates if the Zebra Basic Interpreter (ZBI 2.0™) option is enabled on your printer. If you would like to purchase this option, contact your Zebra reseller for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display TOOLS Menu (continued) Network Menu Shortcut • To be taken to the next user menu, press OK or press RIGHT SELECT to select GO. NETWORK MENU GO GO NO PRINT SERVER INSTALLED IP ADDRESS 000.000.000.000 NEXT • To continue to navigate in the same user menu, press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display NETWORK Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 9, Network Settings on page 89. No Print Server Message* * If no print server is installed, this message displays in place of the print server menu items. NO PRINT SERVER INSTALLED Set the Printer’s IP Address* View and, if necessary, change the printer’s IP address. ▼ IP ADDRESS 000.000.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display NETWORK Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 9, Network Settings on page 89. Set the IP Resolution Method* ▼ IP PROTOCOL ALL ▲ This parameter tells if the user (permanent) or the server (dynamic) selects the IP address.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display NETWORK Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 9, Network Settings on page 89. Print the Network Settings* ▼ PRINT INFORMATION NETWORK This option prints a network configuration label, which lists the settings for any print server that is installed. ▲ PRINT See Print Information on page 83 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display NETWORK Menu (continued) Language Menu Shortcut • To be taken to the next user menu, press OK or press the RIGHT SELECT to select GO. LANGUAGE MENU GO GO ▼ LANGUAGE ENGLISH ▲ • To continue to navigate in the same user menu, press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW. GO ▼ LOAD DEFAULTS NETWORK ▲ IP ADDRESS 000.000.000.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display LANGUAGE Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 10, Language Settings on page 92. Select the Display Language If necessary, change the language that the printer displays. LANGUAGE ENGLISH ▼ ▲ See Language on page 92 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display LANGUAGE Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 10, Language Settings on page 92. Set the Delimiter Character Value ▼ DELIMITER CHAR , (2C) Set the delimiter character to match what is used in your label formats. ▲ See Delimiter Character on page 93 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SENSORS Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 11, Sensor Settings on page 95. Select the Media Sensor SENSOR TYPE REFLECTIVE ▼ ▲ Select the media sensor that is appropriate for the media that you are using. The reflective sensor can be used with all media types. The transmissive sensor should be used only for simple gap media.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display SENSORS Menu (continued) Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 11, Sensor Settings on page 95. Set the Intensity of the Take Label LED ▼ TAKE LABEL 000 Important • This value is set during sensor calibration. Do not change this setting unless you are told to do so by Zebra Technical Support or by an authorized service technician.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display PORTS Menu Items in this menu are shown in the order in which they appear when you press the RIGHT ARROW. For more information about these settings, see Table 12, Port Settings on page 96. Set the Baud Rate BAUD RATE 9600 ▼ Select the baud value that matches the one being used by the host computer. ▲ See Baud Rate on page 96 for more information.
Introduction ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display PORTS Menu (continued) Settings Menu Shortcut • To be taken to the next user menu, press OK or press RIGHT SELECT to select GO. SETTINGS MENU GO GO ▼ DARKNESS 10 ▲ START • To continue to navigate in the same user menu, press the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW.
Printer Setup and Operation Types of Media Types of Media Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.
Printer Setup and Operation Types of Media Table 3 • Roll and Fanfold Media (Continued) Media Type How It Looks Description Non-Continuous Fanfold Media Fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can have the same label separations as non-continuous roll media. The separations would fall on or near the folds. Continuous Roll Media Roll media is wound on a core that can be 1 in. to 3 in. (25 to 76 mm) in diameter.
Printer Setup and Operation Ribbon Overview Ribbon Overview Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be. When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.
Printer Setup and Operation Ribbon Overview Adhesive Test If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed. To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps: 1. Peel a label from its liner. 2. Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon. 3. Peel the label off of the ribbon. 4. Observe the results.
Printer Setup and Operation Ribbon Overview Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ___________
2 Printer Setup and Operation This section assists the technician with initial setup and operation of the printer. Contents Handling the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unpack and Inspect the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Store the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ship the Printer .
Printer Setup and Operation Handling the Printer Handling the Printer This section describes how to handle your printer. Unpack and Inspect the Printer When you receive the printer, immediately unpack it and inspect for shipping damage. • Save all packing materials. • Check all exterior surfaces for damage. • Raise the media door, and inspect the media compartment for damage to components.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Location for the Printer Select a Location for the Printer Select a location for the printer that meets these conditions: • Surface: The surface where the printer will be located must be solid, level, and of sufficient size and strength to hold the printer. • Space: The area where the printer will be located must include enough space for ventilation and for accessing the printer components and connectors.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Data Communication Interface Select a Data Communication Interface You may connect your printer to a computer using one or more of the available connections. The standard connections are shown in Figure 8. A ZebraNet wired or wireless print server option or a parallel port may also be present on your printer. Figure 8 • Communication Interfaces Serial port USB 2.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Data Communication Interface Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces Interface Standard or Option RS-232 Serial Standard Description Limitations and Requirements • Maximum cable length of 50 ft (15.24 m). • You may need to change printer parameters to match the host computer. • You need to use a null-modem adaptor to connect to the printer if using a standard modem cable.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Data Communication Interface Table 5 • Data Communication Interfaces (Continued) Interface Standard or Option Wireless print server Option Description Limitations and Requirements • Can print to the printer from any computer on your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). • Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web pages. • The printer must be configured to use your WLAN.
Printer Setup and Operation Connect the Printer to a Power Source Connect the Printer to a Power Source The AC power cord must have a three-prong female connector on one end that plugs into the mating AC power connector at the rear of the printer. If a power cable was not included with your printer, refer to Power Cord Specifications on page 50. Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation.
Printer Setup and Operation Connect the Printer to a Power Source 3. Turn on (I) the printer. The printer boots up and performs a self-test. The printer reports its status through the indicator lights on the control panel (see Table 14 on page 127 for the meaning of the light colors and combinations). Power Cord Specifications Caution • For personnel and equipment safety, always use an approved three-conductor power cord specific to the region or country intended for installation.
Printer Setup and Operation Connect the Printer to a Power Source Figure 9 • Power Cord Specifications 2 3 1 4 1 2 3 4 AC power plug for your country—This should bear the certification mark of at least one of the known international safety organizations (Figure 10). 3-conductor HAR cable or other cable approved for your country. IEC 320 connector—This should bear the certification mark of at least one of the known international safety organizations (Figure 10). Length ≤ 9.8 ft. (3 m).
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Print Mode Select a Print Mode Use a print mode that matches the media being used and the printer options available (Table 6). Table 6 • Print Modes and Printer Options Print Mode When to Use/Printer Options Required Printer Actions Tear-Off (default setting) Use for most applications. This mode can be used with any printer options and most media types. The printer prints label formats as it receives them.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Print Mode Table 6 • Print Modes and Printer Options Print Mode When to Use/Printer Options Required Printer Actions Peel-Off Use if the printer has the Peel-Off option or the Liner Take-Up option.* The printer peels the label from the liner during printing and then pauses until the label is removed. The liner exits the front of the printer. • In Peel-Off mode, the liner exits the front of the printer.
Printer Setup and Operation Select a Print Mode Table 6 • Print Modes and Printer Options Print Mode When to Use/Printer Options Required Printer Actions Cutter Use if the printer has a cutter option when you want the labels to be cut apart. The printer prints a label and then cuts it free.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon Load the Ribbon Note • This section applies only to printers that have the Thermal Transfer option installed. Ribbon is used only with thermal transfer labels. For direct thermal labels, do not load ribbon in the printer. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, see When to Use Ribbon on page 40.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 2. Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. Rotate the printhead-open lever (1) counterclockwise to release the print mechanism (2). 1 2 3. Position the ribbon with the loose end unrolling clockwise. 4. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle. Push the roll back as far as it will go.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 5. Your printer shipped with an empty ribbon core on the ribbon take-up spindle. If this core is no longer there, place an empty ribbon core on the ribbon take-up spindle. Push the core back as far as it will go. 6. Slide the ribbon under the print mechanism.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 7. Wind the ribbon clockwise around the core on the ribbon take-up spindle. Turn the spindle enough to wind the ribbon around it several times. 8. If media is already loaded, rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place. Otherwise, continue with Load the Media on page 60.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 9. Close the media door. 10. If necessary, press PAUSE to enable printing.
Printer Setup Load the Media Load the Media Use the instructions in this section for loading roll or fanfold media in any print mode. Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches, hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution.
Printer Setup Load the Media 3. Insert media into the printer. Follow the instructions for roll or fanfold media, as appropriate. Roll Media a. Remove and discard any tags or labels that are dirty or that are held by adhesives or tape. b. Slide out and flip down the media supply guide. 8/22/12 Fanfold Media a. Slide out and flip down the media supply guide. b. Insert the fanfold media through the rear of the printer.
Printer Setup Load the Media Roll Media (Continued) c. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. Push the roll back as far as it will go. Fanfold Media (Continued) c. Drape the media over the media supply hanger. d. Flip up the media supply guide. d. Flip up the media supply guide. e. Slide in the media supply guide until e. Slide in the media supply guide until it touches the edge of the roll. it touches the edge of the media. f.
Printer Setup Load the Media 4. Slide the outer media guide all the way out. 5. Slide the media under the media dancer assembly and the print mechanism. Allow the end of the media to extend out of the front of the printer.
Printer Setup Load the Media 6. Make sure that the media passes through the slot in the transmissive media sensor (1) and under the inner media guide (2). The media should just touch the back of the transmissive media sensor slot. 2 1 7. In which print mode will your printer be operating? (For more information on print modes, see Select a Print Mode on page 52.) P1048261-004 If using… Then… Tear-Off mode Continue with Final Steps for Tear-Off Mode on page 66.
Printer Setup Load the Media 8/22/12 If using… Then… Peel-Off mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) Continue with Final Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) on page 68. Cutter mode Continue with Final Steps for Cutter Mode on page 74.
Printer Setup Load the Media Final Steps for Tear-Off Mode 8. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media.
Printer Setup Load the Media 9. Rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place. 10. Set the printer to Tear-Off mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 81). 11. Close the media door. 12. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. 13. If desired, perform the CANCEL Self Test on page 142 to verify that your printer is able to print.
Printer Setup Load the Media Final Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) 14. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly.
Printer Setup Load the Media 15. Extend the media approximately 18 in. (500 mm) out of the printer. 16. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains.
Printer Setup Load the Media 17. Feed the liner behind the peel assembly. Make sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer. 18. Complete this step only if you want to use Peel-Off mode with Liner Take-Up. Your printer must have the Liner Take-Up option installed. 18-a. Slide the liner into the slot in the liner take-up spindle (1). 1 18-b. Push the liner back until it touches the back plate of the liner take-up spindle assembly.
Printer Setup Load the Media 18-c. Wrap the liner around the liner take-up spindle and turn the spindle counterclockwise to tighten the liner. 19. Caution • Use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly. Do not use your left hand to assist in closing. The top edge of the peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers. Close the peel assembly using the peel-off mechanism release lever.
Printer Setup Load the Media 20. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media. 21. Rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place. 22. Set the printer to Peel-Off mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 81).
Printer Setup Load the Media 23. Close the media door. 24. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. 25. If desired, perform the CANCEL Self Test on page 142 to verify that your printer is able to print. Media loading in Peel-Off mode is complete.
Printer Setup Load the Media Final Steps for Cutter Mode 26. Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers. Feed the media through the cutter.
Printer Setup Load the Media 27. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media. 28. Rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place. 29. Set the printer to Cutter mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 81).
Printer Setup Load the Media 30. Close the media door. 31. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. 32. If desired, perform the CANCEL Self Test on page 142 to verify that your printer is able to print. Media loading in Cutter mode is complete.
3 Printer Configuration and Adjustment This section assists you with configuration of and adjustments to the printer. Contents Changing Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Calibration and Diagnostic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Changing Printer Settings This section presents the printer settings that you can change and identifies the tools for changing them. These tools include the following: • ZPL and Set/Get/Do (SGD) commands (See the Zebra® Programming Guide for more information.) • For ZT230 printers only, the printer’s control panel display (See ZT230 Printer Control Panel Display on page 17 for more information.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Print Settings Table 7 • Print Settings Print Darkness Print Speed Media Type 8/22/12 Set the darkness to the lowest setting that provides good print quality. If you set the darkness too high, the label image may print unclearly, bar codes may not scan correctly, the ribbon may burn through, or the printhead may wear prematurely. If desired, use the FEED Self Test on page 144 to determine the best darkness setting. Accepted values: 0.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Print Settings (Continued) Print Method Tear-Off Position Specify if the printer is to use Direct Thermal mode (no ribbon) or Thermal Transfer mode (using thermal transfer media and ribbon). THERMAL TRANS DIRECT THERMAL Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ^MT SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Print Settings (Continued) Print Width Print Mode Label Left Position 8/22/12 Specify the width of the labels being used. The default value is the maximum width for the printer, based on the printhead’s DPI value. Note • Setting the width too narrow can result in portions of a label format not being printed on the media.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Print Settings (Continued) Reprint Mode Maximum Label Length When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last label printed by pressing and holding PAUSE + CANCEL on the printer’s control panel. ON OFF Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ^JZ SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Calibration and Diagnostic Tools Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools Print Information Print the specified information on one or more labels. Accepted values: • • • • • • • • 8/22/12 SETTINGS—prints the printer configuration label. NETWORK—prints the settings for any print server that is installed. FORMATS—prints the available formats stored in the printer’s RAM, Flash memory, or optional memory card.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) LCD Contrast Idle Display Power-Up Action P1048261-004 Change the contrast on the printer’s display. (ZT230 only) Accepted values: 3 to 15 Related ZPL command(s): none SGD command used: display.contrast Control panel menu item: LCD CONTRAST on page 24 Printer web page: N/A Select the information shown on the printer’s display when the printer is idle.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) Head-Close Action 8/22/12 Set the Head-Close Action Set the action for the printer to take when you close the printhead. • CALIBRATE adjusts sensor levels and thresholds, determines the label length, and feeds the media to the next web. • FEED—feeds the labels to the first registration point.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) Load Defaults P1048261-004 Load Printer or Print Server Defaults • FACTORY—Restores all printer settings other than the network settings back to the factory defaults. Use care when loading defaults because you will need to reload all settings that you changed manually. • NETWORK—Reinitializes the printer’s wired or wireless print server.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Calibrate the printer to adjust the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors. For complete instructions on how to perform a calibration procedure, see Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 98. Accepted values: N/A Related ZPL command(s): ~JC SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) Enable ZBI Run a ZBI Program Stop a ZBI Program P1048261-004 Zebra Basic Interpreter (ZBI 2.0™) is a programming option that may be purchased for your printer. If you would like to purchase this option, contact your Zebra reseller for more information. Accepted values: N/A Related ZPL command(s): none SGD command used: zbi.key (identifies if the ZBI 2.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Network Settings Table 9 • Network Settings IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway 8/22/12 View or Set the Printer’s IP Address View and, if necessary, change the printer’s IP address. Changes to this setting are saved only if IP PROTOCOL is set to PERMANENT. To allow any saved changes to take effect, reset the print server (see Reset Network on page 91).
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 9 • Network Settings (Continued) IP Protocol MAC Address ESSID P1048261-004 Set the IP Resolution Method This parameter tells if the user (permanent) or the server (dynamic) selects the IP address. If a dynamic option is chosen, this parameter tells the method(s) by which the wired or wireless print server receives the IP address from the server.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 9 • Network Settings (Continued) Reset Network 8/22/12 This option resets the wired or wireless print server. You must reset the print server to allow any changes to the network settings to take effect. Accepted values: N/A Related ZPL command(s): ~WR SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Language Settings Table 10 • Language Settings Language If necessary, change the language that the printer displays.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 10 • Language Settings (Continued) Command Character Control Character Delimiter Character 8/22/12 Set the Format Command Prefix Value The format command prefix is a two-digit hex value used as a parameter place marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. The printer looks for this hex character to indicate the start of a ZPL/ZPL II format instruction. Set the format command character to match what is used in your label formats.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 10 • Language Settings (Continued) ZPL Mode P1048261-004 Set the ZPL Mode Select the mode that matches what is used in your label formats. This printer accepts label formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II, eliminating the need to rewrite any ZPL formats that already exist. The printer remains in the selected mode until it is changed in one of the ways listed here.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Sensor Settings Table 11 • Sensor Settings Sensor Type Label Sensor Take Label 8/22/12 Select the Media Sensor Select the media sensor that is appropriate for the media that you are using. The reflective sensor can be used with all media types. The transmissive sensor should be used only for simple gap media. TRANSMISSIVE REFLECTIVE Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ^JS SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Port Settings Table 12 • Port Settings Baud Rate Data Bits Parity P1048261-004 Set the Baud Rate Select the baud value that matches the one being used by the host computer. 115200 57600 38400 28800 19200 14400 9600 4800 Accepted values: • • • • • • • • Related ZPL command(s): ^SC SGD command used: comm.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 12 • Port Settings (Continued) Host Handshake 8/22/12 Set the Host Handshake Protocol Value Select the handshake protocol that matches the one being used by the host computer. XON/XOFF RTS/CTS DSR/DTR Accepted values: • • • Related ZPL command(s): ^SC SGD command used: comm.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors Use the procedure in this section to calibrate the printer, which adjusts the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors. • For issues that may be resolved by sensor calibration, see Printing Issues on page 129. • For a summary of the options for initiating calibration, see Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 87. Important • Follow the calibration procedure exactly as presented.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors The printer does the following: • The STATUS light and SUPPLIES light flash yellow once. • The PAUSE light blinks yellow. • The control panel (ZT230 printer only) displays: MEDIA/RIBBON CAL LOAD BACKING REMOVE RIBBON 2. Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. Rotate the printhead-open lever (1) counterclockwise to release the print mechanism (2). 1 2 3.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors 4. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains. 5. Pull the media into the printer so that only the backing is between the media sensors. 6. Remove the ribbon (if used). 7. Rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors 8. Press PAUSE to begin the media calibration process. • The PAUSE light turns off. • The SUPPLIES light flashes. • The control panel (ZT230 printer only) displays: MEDIA/RIBBON CAL CALIBRATING PLEASE WAIT When the process is complete: • The SUPPLIES light stops flashing. • The PAUSE light flashes yellow. • The control panel (ZT230 printer only) displays: MEDIA/RIBBON CAL RELOAD ALL CONTINUE 9.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors 10. Pull the media forward until a label is positioned under the media sensors. 11. Reload the ribbon (if used). 12. Close the printhead. 13. Close the media door. 14. Press PAUSE to enable printing.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Adjust the Printhead Pressure Adjust the Printhead Pressure You may need to adjust printhead pressure if printing is too light on one side, if you use thick media, or if the media drifts from side to side during printing. Use the lowest printhead pressure necessary to produce good print quality. See Figure 11. The printhead pressure adjustment dials have setting marks from 1 to 4 in half-mark increments.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Adjust the Printhead Pressure If the media... Then... Shifts left while printing Increase the outside dial setting one position. OR Decrease the inside dial setting one position. Shifts right while printing Increase the inside dial setting one position. OR Decrease the outside dial setting one position.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Adjust the Printhead Pressure 8/22/12 If the media... Then... Prints too lightly on the left side of the label. Increase the inside dial setting one position. Prints too lightly on the right side of the label. Increase the outside dial setting one position.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Adjust Ribbon Tension Adjust Ribbon Tension For the printer to operate correctly, the ribbon supply spindle and ribbon take-up spindle must use the same tension setting (normal or low tension). Use the normal tension setting (Figure 12) for most applications. If you are using narrow ribbon or experience certain ribbon issues, you may need to lower the ribbon tension (Figure 13).
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Remove Used Ribbon Remove Used Ribbon Remove used ribbon from the ribbon take-up spindle each time you change the roll of ribbon. To remove used ribbon, complete these steps: 1. Has the ribbon run out? If the ribbon... Then Ran out Continue with the next step. Did not run out a. Cut or break the ribbon before the ribbon take-up spindle. b. Continue with the next step. 2. Slide the core with the used ribbon off of the ribbon take-up spindle. 3.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Remove Used Ribbon Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Routine Maintenance This section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures. Contents Cleaning Schedule and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Clean the Exterior, the Media Compartment, and the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111 Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Clean the Peel Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Routine preventive maintenance is a crucial part of normal printer operation. By taking good care of your printer, you can minimize the potential problems that you might have with it and help to achieve and to maintain your standards for print quality.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Clean the Exterior, the Media Compartment, and the Sensors Over time, dust, grime, and other debris may build up on the outside and inside of your printer, particularly in a harsh operating environment. Printer Exterior You may clean the exterior surfaces of the printer with a lint-free cloth and a small amount of a mild detergent, if necessary. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, may indicate a dirty printhead. For the recommended cleaning schedule, see Table 13 on page 110. Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches, hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the printhead.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. Caution • Before touching the printhead assembly, discharge any built-up static electricity by touching the metal printer frame or by using an antistatic wriststrap and mat. To clean the printhead and platen roller, complete these steps: 1. Raise the media door. 2. Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 4. Using the swab from a Zebra Preventive Maintenance Kit, wipe along the brown strip on the printhead assembly from end to end. In place of the Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to evaporate. 5. While manually rotating the platen roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab. Allow the solvent to evaporate. 6.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 7. Rotate the printhead-open lever downward until it locks the printhead in place. 8. Close the media door. The printer is ready to operate. 9. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. Note • If performing this procedure does not improve print quality, try cleaning the printhead with Save-A-Printhead cleaning film.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Clean the Peel Assembly The peel assembly, which is part of the Peel-Off and Liner Take-Up options, consists of several spring-loaded rollers to ensure the proper roller pressure. Clean the pinch roller and tear-off/peel-off bar if adhesive buildup begins to affect peel performance. Caution • Do not use your left hand to assist in closing the Peel assembly. The top edge of the Peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 3. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly. 4. Remove any media liner to expose the pinch roller. 5. While manually rotating the pinch roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab from the Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362). In place of the Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%).
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 8. Caution • Use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly. Do not use your left hand to assist in closing. The top edge of the peel roller/assembly could pinch your fingers. Close the peel assembly using the peel-off mechanism release lever. 9. Rotate the printhead-open lever clockwise until it locks the printhead in place.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 10. Close the media door. The printer is ready to operate. 11. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures Clean the Cutter Module If the cutter is not cutting the labels cleanly or if it jams with labels, clean the cutter. Caution • For personnel safety, always power off and unplug the printer before performing this procedure. To clean the cutter module, complete these steps: 1. Raise the media door. 2. Turn the printer off (O), and unplug the printer from its power source. 3. Remove media that is loaded through the cutter module. 4.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 5. Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers. Remove the cutter shield. 6. If necessary, rotate the cutter motor thumbscrew to fully expose the V-shaped cutter blade (1).
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 7. Using the swab from the Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362), wipe along the upper cutting surface (1) and the cutter blade (2). In place of the Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to evaporate. 1 8. 2 Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. For operator safety, replace the cutter shield.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 9. Close the media door. 10. Plug the printer into its power source, and then turn on (I) the printer. The cutter blade returns to its operating position. 11. If the cutter continues to perform unsatisfactorily, contact an authorized service technician.
Routine Maintenance Replacing Printer Components Replacing Printer Components Some printer components, such as the printhead and platen roller, may wear out over time and can be replaced easily. Regular cleaning may extend the life of some of these components. See Table 13 on page 110 for the recommended cleaning intervals.
5 Troubleshooting This section provides information about errors that you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted diagnostic tests are included. Contents Troubleshooting Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meaning of Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Checklist Troubleshooting Checklist If an error condition exists with the printer, review this checklist: Are noncontinuous labels being treated as continuous labels? If yes, calibrate the printer. Is the printer reporting a ribbon error when ribbon is loaded properly? If yes, calibrate the printer. Are you experiencing problems with print quality? If yes, see Printing Issues on page 129.
Troubleshooting Meaning of Indicator Lights Meaning of Indicator Lights The indicator lights on the control panel show the current status of the printer (Table 14 on page 127). Table 14 • Status of Printer As Shown by Indicator Lights STATUS light steady green (other lights steady yellow for 2 seconds during printer power-up) The printer is ready. PAUSE light steady yellow. The printer is paused. STATUS light steady red SUPPLIES light steady red The media supply is out.
Troubleshooting Meaning of Indicator Lights Table 14 • Status of Printer As Shown by Indicator Lights (Continued) STATUS light flashing red The printer is unable to read the dpi setting of the printhead. Printers with a ZebraNet wired Ethernet option NETWORK light off No Ethernet link is available. NETWORK light steady green A 100 Base link was found. NETWORK light steady yellow A 10 Base link was found. NETWORK light steady red An Ethernet error condition exists.
Troubleshooting Printing Issues Printing Issues Table 15 identifies possible issues with printing or print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 15 • Printing Issues Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution General print quality issues The printer is set at the incorrect print speed. For optimal print quality, set the print speed to the lowest possible setting for your application via control panel, the driver, or the software.
Troubleshooting Printing Issues Table 15 • Printing Issues (Continued) Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution Fine, angular gray lines on blank labels Wrinkled ribbon. See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in Ribbon Problems on page 132. Printing too light or too dark over the entire label The media or ribbon is not designed for high-speed operation. Replace supplies with those recommended for high-speed operation.
Troubleshooting Printing Issues Table 15 • Printing Issues (Continued) Issue Possible Cause Vertical image or label drift The printer is using Set the printer for the correct media type non-continuous labels but is (gap/notch, continuous, or mark—see Media configured in continuous mode. Type on page 79) and calibrate the printer, if necessary (see Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 98). The bar code printed on a label does not scan. The media sensor is calibrated improperly.
Troubleshooting Ribbon Problems Ribbon Problems Table 16 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 16 • Ribbon Problems Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution Broken or melted ribbon Darkness setting too high. 1. The ribbon is coated on the wrong side and cannot be used in this printer. Replace the ribbon with one coated on the correct side. For more information, see Coated Side of Ribbon on page 40.
Troubleshooting Ribbon Problems Table 16 • Ribbon Problems (Continued) Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution The printer does not detect when the ribbon runs out. The printer may have been 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 the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 98 or Load Defaults on page 86.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Error Messages The ZT230 control panel displays messages when there is an error. See Table 17 for errors, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 17 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights ALERT RIBBON OUT STATUS light steady yellow SUPPLIES light flashing yellow Possible Cause Recommended Solution 1. Load ribbon correctly. See In thermal transfer mode: Load the Ribbon • ribbon is not loaded on page 55. • ribbon is loaded incorrectly 2. Calibrate the printer. See • the ribbon sensor is not Media and Ribbon Sensor detecting ribbon Calibration on page 87.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 17 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights PRINT HEAD OVERTEMP PRINTING HALTED STATUS light steady yellow HEAD COLD PRINTING HALTED THERMISTOR REPLACE PRINTHEAD STATUS light steady yellow The printer shows one of these messages or cycles between them. HEAD COLD PRINTING HALTED STATUS light flashing yellow P1048261-004 Possible Cause Recommended Solution Caution • The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 17 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights CUT ERROR STATUS light steady red PAUSE light steady yellow OUT OF MEMORY STORING GRAPHIC OUT OF MEMORY STORING FORMAT OUT OF MEMORY STORING BITMAP OUT OF MEMORY STORING FONT 8/22/12 Possible Cause Recommended Solution Caution • The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers. The cutter blade is in the media path. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer.
Troubleshooting Communications Problems 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).
Troubleshooting Miscellaneous Issues Miscellaneous Issues Table 19 identifies miscellaneous issues with the printer, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 19 • Miscellaneous Printer Problems Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution The control panel display shows a language that I cannot read The language parameter was changed through the control panel or a firmware command. 1. The display is missing characters or parts of characters The display may need replacing.
Troubleshooting Miscellaneous Issues Table 19 • Miscellaneous Printer Problems (Continued) Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution All indicator lights are on, nothing is on the display (if the printer has a display), and the printer locks up. Internal electronic or firmware failure. Call a service technician. The printer locks up while running the Power-On Self Test. Main logic board failure. Call a service technician.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Printer Diagnostics Self tests and other diagnostics provide specific information about the condition of the printer. The self tests produce sample printouts and provide specific information that helps determine the operating conditions for the printer. Important • Use full-width media when performing self tests. If your media is not wide enough, the test labels may print on the platen roller.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics CANCEL Self Test The CANCEL self test prints a printer configuration label and a network configuration label. For other ways to print these labels, see Print Information on page 83. To perform the CANCEL Self Test, complete these steps: 1. Turn off (O) the printer. 2. Press and hold CANCEL while turning on (I) the printer. Hold CANCEL until the first control panel light turns off.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics PAUSE Self Test This self test can be used to provide the test labels required when making adjustments to the printer’s mechanical assemblies or to determine if any printhead elements are not working. Figure 17 shows a sample printout. To perform a PAUSE self test, complete these steps: 1. Turn off (O) the printer. 2. Press and hold PAUSE while turning on (I) the printer. Hold PAUSE until the first control panel light turns off.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics FEED Self Test Different types of media may require different darkness settings. This section contains a simple but effective method for determining the ideal darkness for printing bar codes that are within specifications. During the FEED self test, labels are printed at different darkness settings at two different print speeds. The relative darkness and the print speed are printed on each label.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Figure 19 • Bar Code Darkness Comparison Table 20 • Judging Bar Code Quality 8/22/12 Print Quality Description Too dark Labels that are too dark are fairly obvious. They may be readable but not “in-spec.” • The normal bar code bars increase in size. • The openings in small alphanumeric characters may fill in with ink. • Rotated bar code bars and spaces run together. Slightly dark Slightly dark labels are not as obvious. • The normal bar code will be “in-spec.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Table 20 • Judging Bar Code Quality (Continued) Print Quality Description “In-spec” The “in-spec” bar code can only be confirmed by a verifier, but it should exhibit some visible characteristics. • The normal bar code will have complete, even bars and clear, distinct spaces. • The rotated bar code will have complete, even bars and clear, distinct spaces. Although it may not look as good as a slightly dark bar code, the bar code will be “in-spec.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics FEED + PAUSE Self Test Performing this self test resets the printer configuration to the factory default values. Perform a sensor calibration after this self test. (See Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 98.) To perform a FEED and PAUSE self test, complete these steps: 1. Turn off (O) the printer. 2. Press and hold FEED + PAUSE while turning on (I) the printer. 3. Hold FEED + PAUSE until the first control panel light turns off.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Communication Diagnostics Test The communication diagnostics test is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection between the printer and the host computer. When the printer is in diagnostics mode, it prints all data received from the host computer as straight ASCII characters with the hex values below the ASCII text. The printer prints all characters received, including control codes such as CR (carriage return).
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Sensor Profile Use the sensor profile image (which will extend across several actual labels or tags) to troubleshoot the following situations: • The printer experiences difficulty in determining gaps (web) between labels. • The printer incorrectly identifies preprinted areas on a label as gaps (web). • The printer cannot detect ribbon. With the printer in the Ready state, print a sensor profile in one of these ways: Using the buttons on the control panel a.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Ribbon Sensor Profile (Figure 21) The line labeled RIBBON (1) on the sensor profile indicates the ribbon sensor readings. The ribbon sensor threshold setting is indicated by OUT (2). If the ribbon readings are below the threshold value, the printer does not acknowledge that ribbon is loaded. Figure 21 • Sensor Profile (Ribbon Section) 1 2 Media Sensor Profile (Figure 22) The line labeled MEDIA (1) on the sensor profile indicates the media sensor readings.
6 Specifications This section lists general printer specifications, printing specifications, ribbon specifications, and media specifications. Contents General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribbon Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specifications General Specifications General Specifications Model ZT230 ZT220 ZT210 Height 10.9 in. (277 mm) 11.0 in. (280 mm) 10.9 in. (277 mm) Weight 9.5 in. (242 mm) 9.4 in. (239 mm) 9.5 in. (242 mm) Depth 17 in. (432 mm) 17 in. (432 mm) 17 in. (432 mm) Weight 20 lb (9.1 kg) 17 lb (7.8 kg) 20 lb (9.
Specifications Printing Specifications Printing Specifications Print resolution 203 dpi (dots per inch) (8 dots/mm) 300 dpi (12 dots/mm) Dot size (nominal) (width x length) 203 dpi 0.0043 in. x 0.0052 in. (0.110 mm x 0.132 mm) 300 dpi 0.0043 in. x 0.0052 in. (0.110 mm x 0.132 mm) 203 dpi 4.25 in. (108 mm) 300 dpi 4.16 in. (105.7 mm) Bar code modulus (X) dimension 203 dpi 5 mil to 50 mil 300 dpi 3.3 mill to 33 mil Programmable constant print speeds 203 dpi and 300 dpi Per second: • 2 in.
Specifications Media Specifications Media Specifications Label length Minimum (Tear-Off) 0.7 in. (17.8 mm) Minimum (Peel-Off) 0.8 in (20.3 mm) Minimum (Cutter) 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) Maximum 39 in. (991 mm) Minimum 0.75 in. (19 mm) Maximum 4.5 in. (114 mm) Total thickness (includes liner, if any) Minimum 0.003 in (0.076 mm) Maximum 0.010 in. (0.25 mm) Maximum roll outside diameter 3-in. (76 mm) core 8 in. (203 mm) 1-in. (25 mm) core 6 in. (152 mm) Inter-label gap Minimum 0.079 in.
Glossary alphanumeric Indicating letters, numerals, and characters such as punctuation marks. backfeed When the printer pulls the media and ribbon (if used) backward into the printer so that the beginning of the label to be printed is properly positioned behind the printhead. Backfeed occurs when operating the printer in Tear-Off and Applicator modes. bar code A code by which alphanumeric characters can be represented by a series of adjacent stripes of different widths.
Glossary die-cut media A type of label stock that has individual labels stuck to a media liner. The labels may be either lined up against each other or separated by a small distance. Typically the material surrounding the labels has been removed. (See non-continuous media.) direct thermal A printing method in which the printhead presses directly against the media. Heating the printhead elements causes a discoloration of the heat-sensitive coating on the media.
Glossary media sensor This sensor is located behind the printhead to detect the presence of media and, for non-continuous media, the position of the web, hole, or notch used to indicate the start of each label. media supply hanger The stationary arm that supports the media roll. non-continuous media Media that contains an indication of where one label/printed format ends and the next one begins. Examples are die-cut labels, notched tag-stock, and stock with black mark registration marks.
Glossary tear-off A mode of operation in which the user tears the label or tag stock away from the remaining media by hand. thermal transfer A printing method in which the printhead presses an ink or resin coated ribbon against the media. Heating the printhead elements causes the ink or resin to transfer onto the media. By selectively heating the printhead elements as the media and ribbon move past, an image is printed onto the media. Contrast this with direct thermal.
Index A C active print server user menu item, 29 adhesive test for ribbon coating, 41 adjustments display contrast LCD contrast user menu item, 24 ways to adjust, 84 label left position, 81 maximum label length, 82 print darkness, 79 print width, 81 printhead pressure, 103 ribbon spindle tension, 106 tear-off position, 80 calibration Auto Calibrate failed, 131 how to set as head-close action, 85 how to set as power-up action, 84 media/ribbon cal user menu item SENSORS menu, 34 TOOLS menu, 25 procedure,
Index command character user menu item, 32 ways to set, 93 communication diagnostics mode how to initiate, 87 overview, 148 user menu item, 25 communication interfaces, 46 communications problems, 138 configuration label network printing using CANCEL self test, 142 user menu item, 30 ways to print, 83 printer printing from TOOLS menu, 24 printing using CANCEL self test, 142 ways to print, 83 conformity declaration, 3 connect printer to computer or network, 46 connect printer to power source, 49 contac
Index F I fanfold media described, 39 loading, 61 FCC compliance, 4 feed a label how to set as head-close action, 85 how to set as power-up action, 84 ZT210 printer, 16 ZT220 printer, 16 ZT230 printer, 15 FEED button FEED and PAUSE self test, 147 FEED self test, 144 ZT210 printer control panel, 16 ZT220 printer control panel, 16 ZT230 printer control panel, 15 fonts label, 83 formats label, 83 idle display described, 17 how to change what displays, 84 user menu item, 24 images distorted on labels, 138 i
Index LENGTH how to set as head-close action, 85 how to set as power-up action, 84 liability, 2 Liner Take-Up mode description and media path, 53 how to select, 81 select print mode through user menu, 21 load defaults how to load printer or print server defaults, 86 network user menu item, 30 ways to initiate, 86 user menu item, 25 location for printer, 45 lubrication, 124 M MAC address user menu item, 29 ways to view, 90 manual calibration media/ribbon cal user menu item SENSORS menu, 34 TOOLS menu,
Index perforated media, 38 PH NOT AUTHENTICATED message, 135 power connect to power source, 49 power cord specifications, 50 site selection, 45 Power-On Self Test (POST), 141 power-up action how to change, 84 user menu item, 24 print darkness setting, 79 PRINT HEAD OVERTEMP message, 136 print information how to print various printer information, 83 NETWORK MENU (network configuration label), 30 SENSORS menu (sensor profile), 34 TOOLS menu (printer configuration label), 24 print method how to specify, 80 us
Index reset network settings user menu item, 30 ways to reset, 91 reset printer to default values, 86 ribbon adhesive test, 41 broken or melted ribbon, 132 determining coated side, 40 ordering, 11 removal, 107 ribbon not detected correctly, 133 ribbon slips or does not advance, 132 scratch test, 41 setting print method to Thermal Transfer mode, 80 when to use, 40 wrinkled ribbon, 132 RIBBON IN message, 134 RIBBON OUT message, 135 ribbon sensor calibration media/ribbon cal user menu item SENSORS menu,
Index transmissive sensor selecting through user menu, 34 ways to select, 95 troubleshooting checklist, 126 communications problems, 138 diagnostic tests, 141 error messages, 134 indicator lights, 127 print quality problems, 129 ribbon problems, 132 types of media black mark media, 38 continuous roll media, 39 fanfold media, 39 non-continuous roll media, 38 perforated media, 38 tag stock, 38 web media, 38 U unpack the printer, 44 USB port characteristics of USB connection, 47 specifications, 152 user menu
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