User Manual

Tools
301
Communication Diagnostics Test
The communication diagnostics test is a troubleshooting tool for checking the connection 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 3 shows a typical test
label from this test.
NOTE: The test label prints upside-down as it exits the printer.
Figure 3 Communications Diagnostics Test Label
To use communications diagnostics mode, complete these steps:
1. Ensure media is loaded and printer power is ON.
2. Set the print width equal to or less than the label width being used for the test.
3. Press and hold Pause + FEED for two seconds. When active, the STATUS indicator will alternate
between green and yellow.
The printer enters diagnostics mode and prints any data received from the host computer on a test label
4. 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.
5. Press and hold Pause + FEED for two seconds or turn the printer power off (O) and then back ON to
exit this self test and return to normal operation.