User's Manual
Troubleshooting
Printer Diagnostics
148
P1048261-004  8/22/12
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). Figure 20 shows a typical test label from this test.
Figure 20 • Communications Diagnostics Test Label
To use communications diagnostics mode, complete these steps:
1. Set the print width equal to or less than the label width being used for the test. See Print 
Width on page 81 for more information.
2. Set the DIAGNOSTICS MODE option to ENABLED. For methods, see Communication 
Diagnostics Mode on page 87.
The printer enters diagnostics mode and prints any data received from the host computer 
on a test label
3. Check the test label for error codes. For any errors, check that your communication 
parameters are correct. 
Errors show on the test label as follows:
• FE indicates a framing error.
•
OE indicates an overrun error.
•
PE indicates a parity error.
• NE indicates noise.
4. Turn the printer off (O) and then back on (I) to exit this self test and return to normal 
operation.
Note • The test label prints upside-down.










