User guide
Using the Accessories
RW 420 Vehicle Cradle
When the RW 420 Printer is “docked” the Cradle
allows the Printer to print, receive and transmit data
and will charge the Printer’s batteries. Refer to the
documentation either in the Users Guide or sup-
plied with the Cradle for more information.
Area Method Interval
Printhead
Use the supplied cleaning pen
or 70% isopropyl alcohol on a
cotton swab to clean the print
elements from end to end (the
print elements are located
in the thin gray line on the
printhead).
After every five rolls of
media (or more often, if
needed)
Platen
Rotate the platen roller and
clean it thoroughly with the
cleaning pen or 70% isopropyl
alcohol and a cotton swab.
Tear bar
Clean thoroughly with the
cleaning pen or 70% isopropyl
alcohol and a cotton swab.
Exterior Water dampened cloth As needed
Interior
Brush/air blow. Ensure the
Bar Sensor and Gap Sensor
windows are free of dust.
After every five rolls of
media (or more often, if
needed)
Installing the Printer
• As a safety precau-
tion, remove the
shoulder strap
prior to docking
the Printer.
• Remove the Docking Connector Cover
from the bottom of the Printer, and
retain it for future use.
• Place the bottom of the Printer
over the two pins in the Cradle.
• Rock the top of the Printer into the
Cradle and press firmly until it latches in
place.
• When the power indicator on the
Cradle is lit turn the Printer on.
Using the Magnetic Stripe Reader
Using the Smart Card Reader
Place the Magnetic Stripe Card in the reader slot
with the magnetic stripe facing down as shown.
Card can be read in both
directions.
Magnetic Stripe
Card Reader Slot
Removing the Printer
• Turn the Printer off.
• Push on the latch on the
Cradle and rock the top of
the Printer away from the
Cradle.
• Lift the Printer out from
the Cradle.
Replace the Docking Con-
nector Cover if you will be
using the Printer for an extended
period of time away from the Cradle.
Smart Card Reader Slot
Insert Smart Card
into slot with micro-
chip facing down.
Insert Smart Card completely
into Printer.
RW 220 Vehicle Cradle
The RW 220 can be used in conjunction with a docking Cradle. When the
Printer is “docked” it can be powered by either its own battery or one of the
RCLI series of external chargers. Refer to the documentation supplied with
the Cradle for more information.
Removing the Printer
• Turn the Printer off.
• Push on the latch on the
Cradle and rotate the
Printer away from the
Cradle.
• Lift the Printer free of
the cradle locating
pins and out from
the Cradle.
Installing the Printer•
• Place the bottom of the Printer
over the two pins in the
Cradle.
• Rock the top of the Printer
into the Cradle and press
firmly until it latches in
place.
Cleaning the Printer
Clip Printer to
belt
Printer can pivot
freely
Hold Buckle
Pull Strap
here to
Pull Strap here
to shorten
Snap in to
“D” rings on
Printer
Using the Accessories
Adjustable Shoulder Strap
(optional)
Refer to figure below. Snap each
end of the shoulder strap into the “D”
rings in the top of the Printer. Slide
the buckle away from or towards the
Printer until you achieve the desired
length.
• Clean printhead.
• Ensure printhead is properly closed and latched.
5. No print:
• Replace battery.
• Check cable to terminal.
• (Wireless units only) Restore wireless connection.
6. Reduced battery life:
• Check battery date code — if battery is one to two years old, short life may
be due to normal aging.
• Replace battery.
7. Flashing icon:
• No application or application corrupted; program must be re-loaded.
• (Wireless units only): flashing error light indicates data transmission.
8. Flashing or icons:
• Check that media is loaded and that printhead is closed and
securely latched.
9. Skips labels:
• Ensure correct media is being used.
• Ensure bar/ or gap sensor is not blocked.
10. Communication Error:
• Check media is loaded, head is closed and error light is off.
• Replace cable to terminal.
11. Label Jam:
• Open media cover.
• Generously apply alcohol to Printer in area of jammed label.
12. Blank LCD Screen:
• No application loaded or application corrupted: program must be re-loaded.
13. Magnetic Strip Card or Smart Card Won’t Read
• Ensure the “RDR” text is displayed, indicating card reader is enabled.
• Ensure card is inserted with the magnetic stripe or microchip facing in the
correct direction.
• Check card for excessive wear or damage to either the magnetic strip or the
microchip.
14. Battery Pack Is Hard to Insert
• Do not force the battery. Verify you have removed the protective shrink-wrap
which protects the battery during shipping.
• The battery packs for the RW and QL series model printers are similar in size
and shape, but not identical. Verify you are using the correct battery pack:
The RW 420 battery pack replacement part number is AK17463-005. The
RW 220 battery pack replacement part number is AK18026-002.
Troubleshooting Topics
1. No power:
• Check that battery is installed properly.
• Recharge or replace battery as necessary.
2. Media does not feed:
• Be sure printhead is closed and latched.
• Check spindle holding media for any binding.
• Ensure label sensor is not blocked.
3. Poor or faded print or icon flashing:
• Clean printhead.
• Check battery for possible damage. Recharge or replace as necessary.
• Check quality of media.
4. Partial or missing print:
• Check media alignment.
Troubleshooting
LCD Control Panel
The top of the display shows several icons which indicate various print-
er functions. Check the indicator status, then refer to the Troubleshooting
topic referenced in the chart.
Status Icon Condition Indication Topic
Steady 802.11b RF Link established n/a
Flashing Transmitting/Receiving n/a
via 802.11b
Off No 802.11b RF Link 5
Steady Bluetooth Link established n/a
Flashing Transmitting/Receiving n/a
via Bluetooth
Off No Bluetooth Link 5
Flashing Low Battery 3,5,6
Flashing Head latch not closed 8,10
Flashing Printer is receiving a file 7
Flashing Out of media 8,10
Blank Screen n/a No application 1,12
Caution • To avoid possible personal injury or damage to
the Printer, never insert any pointed or
sharp objects into the Printer.
Belt Clip (standard on all
printers)
To use: hook the clip over
your belt and ensure that the
clip is securely attached to the
belt. The belt clip will pivot to
allow you to move freely while
wearing the Printer.
Tear Bar
Bar Sensor
Gap Sensor
Printhead
Elements
Platen Surface
Place the Printer
over the retaining
pins in the Cradle.
Rotate the Printer
out of the Cradle.
Lift the Printer free of
the retaining pins.
Press the Latch button
to release the Printer.
Rock the Printer into the Cradle to
latch it in position.
Rock the Printer into
the Cradle to latch it
in position.
Place the
Printer over
the retaining
pins in the
Cradle.
Lift the Printer free
of the locating pins.
Lift the latch
button to release
the Printer.
Rotate the
Printer out of
the Cradle.
Remove and
retain the Docking
Connector Cover