ZT200 Series™ Industrial Printers User Guide P1048261-005 Rev.
© 2015 ZIH Corp. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Zebra and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of ZIH Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 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.
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 3 Overlook Point Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069 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 Select a Print Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Load the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Load the Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Final Steps for Tear-Off Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents Printer Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power-On Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CANCEL Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAUSE Self Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FEED Self Test . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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: P1048261-005 Section Description Introduction on page 11 This section provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components.
1 Introduction This section provides a high-level overview of the printer and its components. Contents Printer Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigating through Screens in the ZT230 Printer Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Idle Display, Home Menu, and User Menus. . . . . . .
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 9 8 9 10 11 12 10 13 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 11/5/15 These indicator lights show the current status of the printer. For more information, see Table 12 on page 150.
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 12 on page 150. 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 Control Panel Navigating through Screens in the ZT230 Printer Display Table 1 shows the following: • the options available for navigating through the screens in the ZT230 printer control panel display • how to select or modify things shown on the display Table 1 • 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).
Introduction Control Panel Table 1 • 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 Control Panel Idle Display, Home Menu, and User Menus In the Index, the term “Home menu” will not display properly. There will be a comma followed by a page number in the correct location, but the term will not be there. Need to manually type the term into the index after generating. The ZT230 printer’s control panel includes a display, where you can view the printer’s status or change its operating parameters.
Introduction Control Panel User Menus The following are the user menus and the items that appear in each. Click any of the menu items to go to their descriptions.
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 2 • 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 3-in. (76-mm) core. 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 Note • This section applies only to printers that have the Thermal Transfer option installed. 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.
Printer Setup and Operation Ribbon Overview Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside. The ribbon used must match the Thermal Transfer option installed. The standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the outside, and the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle, available on the ZM400 and RZ400 only) uses ribbon coated on the inside.
Printer Setup and Operation Ribbon Overview 3. Scratch the inner surface of the unrolled ribbon with your fingernail. 4. Lift the ribbon from the paper. 5. Observe the results. Did the ribbon leave a mark on the paper? 11/5/15 If the ribbon... Then... Left a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be used in this printer. Did not leave a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the inside and cannot be used in this printer.
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 Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer In this section, you are shown how to use the Zebra Setup Utilities program to prepare a computer running Microsoft Windows® for the printer driver before connecting the printer to any of the computer’s data communication interfaces. Use this section for directions to install this program if you have not already done so.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer 2. On the DOWNLOADS tab, click Download under the ZEBRA SETUP UTILITIES option. You are prompted to read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA). 3. If you agree with the terms of the EULA, click ACCEPT AND BEGIN DOWNLOAD NOW Depending on your browser, you are given options to run or save the executable file.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer Run the Zebra Setup Utilities Installer 4. Save the program to your computer. (Optional if your browser gave you the option to run the program instead of saving it.) 5. Run the executable file. If your computer prompts you for permission to run the file, click the appropriate button to allow it to run. What the computer displays next depends on whether Zebra Setup Utilities was already installed.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer New Installations of Zebra Setup Utilities 6. Click Next. You are prompted again to read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA). 7. If you agree with the terms of the EULA, check the box that says I accept the terms of the license agreement 8. Click Next. You are prompted to select where the files will be installed.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer 9. Change the destination folder, if necessary, and then click Next. You are prompted to select a location for program shortcuts. 10. Change the location, if desired, and then click Next. You are prompted to complete the InstallAware wizard. 11. Skip to Continuing with New or Updated Installations on page 34.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer Updating Existing Installations of Zebra Setup Utilities 12. Click Next. You are prompted to choose the features that you would like to install. 13. Click Next. You are prompted to complete the InstallAware wizard.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer Continuing with New or Updated Installations 14. Click Next. Installation begins. During installation, you are presented with information about drivers. 15.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer 16. Click Next. You are shown options that can take place when the wizard exits the installation. 17. Check the box that says “Run Zebra Setup Utilities now.” 18. Click Finish. What the computer displays next depends on whether any Zebra printer drivers are already installed on your computer. Follow the instructions based on what your computer displays. If your computer... Then...
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer If your computer... Then... Did previously have any Zebra printer drivers installed The Zebra Setup Utilities screen displays. To connect by the... P1048261-005 Then... USB port Continue with Connecting the printer to a USB port on your computer on page 38. Serial or optional parallel port Continue with Adding a Printer from the Zebra Setup Utilities Screen on page 44.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—USB Connect a Computer to the Printer’s USB Port Complete the steps in this section only after you have installed the Zebra Setup Utilities program. If necessary, complete the steps in Install Zebra Setup Utilities on page 28 before continuing. Important • You must install the Zebra Setup Utilities program before connecting the printer to your computer.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—USB 1. Click Next. The System Prepare Wizard prompts you to connect the printer to the USB port on your computer. 2. Click Finish. The Zebra Setup Utilities screen displays. Connecting the printer to a USB port on your computer Complete the steps in this section only after the System Prepare Wizard prompts you to do so or after you have opened the Zebra Setup Utilities program.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—USB 3. Connect the USB cord to the USB port on your printer. 4. Connect the other end of the USB cord to your computer. 5. Plug the female end of the A/C power cord into the A/C power connector on the back of the printer. 6. Plug the male end of the A/C power cord into an appropriate power outlet.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—USB 7. Turn on (I) the printer. As the printer boots up, your computer completes the driver installation and recognizes your printer. The installation for the USB connection is complete.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel Connect a Computer to the Printer’s Serial or Parallel Port Complete the steps in this section only after you have installed the Zebra Setup Utilities program. If necessary, complete the steps in Install Zebra Setup Utilities on page 28 before continuing. Important • You must install the Zebra Setup Utilities program before connecting the printer to your computer.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel 1. Select “Other computer ports (Parallel Port, Serial Port, TCP-IP Port, ...), and then click Next. The new printer wizard prompts you to begin the installation procedure. 2. Click Finish. The printer driver wizard displays.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel 3. Click Next. You are prompted to select an installation option. 4. Continue with step 6 on page 45.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel Adding a Printer from the Zebra Setup Utilities Screen Figure 12 • Zebra Setup Utilities Screen 5. On the Zebra Setup Utilities screen, click Install New Printer. You are prompted to select an installation option.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel 6. Click Install Printer. You are prompted to select a printer type. 7. Select your printer model and resolution. The model and resolution are on a part number sticker on the printer, usually located below the media hanger.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel 10. Click Next. You are prompted to launch other setup wizards. 11. Check the desired options, and then click Finish. The printer driver is installed. If you are prompted that other programs might be affected, click Next.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel Connecting the printer to a serial or parallel port on your computer 12. Connect the desired cord to the appropriate port on your printer. 13. Connect the other end of the cord to the appropriate port on your computer. 14. Plug the female end of the A/C power cord into the A/C power connector on the back of the printer. 15.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Serial or Parallel 16. Turn on (I) the printer. The printer boots up. Configuring the printer (if necessary) 17. If necessary, adjust the printer’s port settings to match those of your computer. For more information, see Port Settings on page 120. The installation for serial or parallel connections is complete.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet Connect to Your Network through the Printer’s Ethernet Port If you wish to use a wired print server (Ethernet) connection, you may need to connect the printer to your computer using one of the other available connections. While the printer is connected via one of those connections, you would configure the printer to communicate with your Local Area Network (LAN) through the printer’s wired print server.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet Configuring the printer with your LAN information (if necessary) If your printer connected to your network automatically, you do not need to complete this section. Continue with Adding a Printer from the Zebra Setup Utilities Screen on page 51. 4.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet Adding a Printer from the Zebra Setup Utilities Screen 6. If necessary, open the Zebra Setup Utilities program. The Zebra Setup Utilities screen displays. Figure 13 • Zebra Setup Utilities Screen 7. Click Install New Printer. The printer driver wizard displays.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet 8. Click Next. You are prompted to select an installation option. 9. Click Install Printer. You are prompted to select a printer type. 10. Select your printer model and resolution. The model and resolution are on a part number sticker on the printer, usually located below the media hanger.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet 11. Click Next. You are notified that the printer is already installed. 12. Click Add new printer. You are prompted for a printer name, the port to which the printer will be connected, and the language for the printer display. 13. Click Add Port. The wizard prompts you for a name for the port and the IP address of your printer.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet 14. Give the port a name that you can recognize when it appears in the list of available ports. 15. Enter the printer’s IP address. This could be one that was assigned automatically or one that you specified manually in the previous section. 16. Click OK. A printer driver is created with the port name that you assigned. The new printer port appears in the list of available ports. 17. Click Next.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Ethernet 18. Check the desired options, and then click Finish. The printer driver is installed. If you are prompted that other programs might be affected, click the appropriate option to continue. The installation for wired (Ethernet) connections is complete.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless Connect the Printer to Your Wireless Network If you wish to use the printer’s optional wireless print server, you must first connect the printer to your computer using one of the other available connections. While the printer is connected via one of those connections, you configure the printer to communicate with your Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) through the wireless print server.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless Adding a Printer from the Zebra Setup Utilities Screen 4. If necessary, open the Zebra Setup Utilities program. The Zebra Setup Utilities screen displays. Figure 14 • Zebra Setup Utilities Screen 5. Click Install New Printer. The printer driver wizard displays.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless 6. Click Next. You are prompted to select an installation option. 7. Click Install Printer. You are prompted to select a printer type. 8. Select your printer model and resolution. The model and resolution are on a part number sticker on the printer, usually located below the media hanger.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless 9. Click Next. You are notified that the printer is already installed. 10. Click Add new printer. You are prompted for a printer name, the port to which the printer will be connected, and the language for the printer display. 11. Click Add Port. The wizard prompts you for a name for the port and the IP address of your printer.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless 12. Give the port a name that you can recognize when it appears in the list of available ports. 13. Enter the printer’s IP address. This could be one that was assigned automatically or one that you specified manually in the previous section. 14. Click OK. A printer driver is created with the port name that you assigned. The new printer port appears in the list of available ports. 15. Click Next.
Printer Setup and Operation Install the Printer Driver and Connect the Printer to the Computer—Wireless 16. Check the desired options, and then click Finish. The printer driver is installed. If you are prompted that other programs might be affected, click the appropriate option to continue. The installation for wireless communication is complete.
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 4). Table 4 • 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 4 • 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 4 • 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 21.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 2. Caution • The printhead may be hot and could cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool. Open the printhead assembly by rotating the printhead-open lever. 3. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle with the loose end of the ribbon unrolling as shown. Push the roll back as far as it will go.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 4. 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. 5. Bring the ribbon under the printhead assembly as shown.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 6. With the ribbon tracking as far back as it can under the printhead assembly, wrap the ribbon around the core on the ribbon take-up spindle. Rotate the spindle several turns in the direction shown to tighten and align the ribbon. 7. If media is already loaded, rotate the printhead-open lever downward until it locks the printhead in place. Otherwise, continue with Load the Media on page 70.
Printer Setup Load the Ribbon 8. Close the media door. 9. 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. 11/5/15 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 printhead assembly. 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 62.) P1048261-005 If using… Then… Tear-Off mode Continue with Final Steps for Tear-Off Mode on page 76.
Printer Setup Load the Media 11/5/15 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 78. Cutter mode Continue with Final Steps for Cutter Mode on page 84.
Printer Setup Load the Media Final Steps for Tear-Off Mode 1. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media.
Printer Setup Load the Media 2. Rotate the printhead-open lever downward until it locks the printhead in place. 3. Set the printer to Tear-Off mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 97). 4. Close the media door. 5. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. 6. For best results, calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 122. 7.
Printer Setup Load the Media Final Steps for Peel-Off Mode (with or without Liner Take-Up) 1. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly.
Printer Setup Load the Media 2. Extend the media approximately 18 in. (500 mm) out of the printer. 3. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains.
Printer Setup Load the Media 4. Feed the liner behind the peel assembly. Make sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer. 5. 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. 5-a. Slide the liner into the slot in the liner take-up spindle (1). 1 5-b. P1048261-005 Push the liner back until it touches the back plate of the liner take-up spindle assembly.
Printer Setup Load the Media 5-c. 6. Wrap the liner around the liner take-up spindle and turn the spindle counterclockwise to tighten the liner. 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 7. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media. 8. Rotate the printhead-open lever downward until it locks the printhead in place. 9. Set the printer to Peel-Off mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 97).
Printer Setup Load the Media 10. Close the media door. 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. 12. For best results, calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 122. 13. If desired, perform the CANCEL Self Test on page 165 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 1. 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 2. Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media. 3. Rotate the printhead-open lever downward until it locks the printhead in place. 4. Set the printer to Cutter mode (for more information, see Print Mode on page 97).
Printer Setup Load the Media 5. Close the media door. 6. Press PAUSE to exit pause mode and enable printing. The printer may perform a label calibration or feed a label, depending on your settings. 7. For best results, calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 122. 8. If desired, perform the CANCEL Self Test on page 165 to verify that your printer is able to print. Media loading in Cutter mode is complete.
Printer Setup and Operation Print a Test Label and Make Adjustments Print a Test Label and Make Adjustments After you have loaded media, loaded ribbon (if using Thermal Transfer mode), installed the printer driver, and connected your printer to your computer, use the directions in this section to print a test label. Printing this label allows you to see if your connection is working and if you need to adjust any of the printer settings.
Printer Setup and Operation Print a Test Label and Make Adjustments 4. Click Send to print a printer configuration label. If your connection is working correctly and your printer is correctly loaded with media and ribbon (if used), a printer configuration label prints.
Printer Setup and Operation Print a Test Label and Make Adjustments 5. Did the printer configuration label print, and is the print quality acceptable? If... Then... The label printed and the print quality is acceptable Your printer is ready for printing. Continue with the label designer program of your choice. You may use ZebraDesigner™, which you can download from http://www.zebra.com. The label did not print a.
Printer Setup and Operation Print a Test Label and Make Adjustments Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
3 Printer Configuration and Adjustment This section assists you with configuration of and adjustments to the printer. Contents Contents Changing Printer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 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 user menus (See Idle Display, Home Menu, and User Menus on page 17 for more information.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Print Settings Table 5 • Print Settings DARKNESS Print Darkness PRINT SPEED Print Speed 11/5/15 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 167 to determine the best darkness setting.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 5 • Print Settings (Continued) MEDIA TYPE Media Type PRINT METHOD Print Method P1048261-005 Select the type of media that you are using. • If you select CONTINUOUS, you must include a label length in your label format (^LL if you are using ZPL). • If you select GAP/NOTCH or MARK for various non-continuous media, the printer feeds media to calculate the label length. See Types of Media on page 19 for more information.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 5 • Print Settings (Continued) TEAR OFF Tear-Off Position If necessary, adjust the position of the media over the tear-off bar after printing. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: –120 to 120 • Higher numbers move the media out (the tear line moves closer to the leading edge of the next label). • Lower numbers move the media in (the tear line moves closer to the edge of the label just printed).
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 5 • Print Settings (Continued) PRINT WIDTH Print Width Specify the width of the labels being used, in dots. The default value is the maximum width for the printer, based on the printhead’s DPI value. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: SETTINGS 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 5 • Print Settings (Continued) PRINT MODE Print Mode LEFT POSITION Label Left Position 11/5/15 Select a print mode that is compatible with your printer options. For information about how the print mode selections work with different printer options, see Select a Print Mode on page 62. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • • Related ZPL command(s): ^MM SGD command used: media.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 5 • Print Settings (Continued) REPRINT MODE Reprint Mode P1048261-005 When reprint mode is enabled, you can reprint the last label printed by pressing the DOWN ARROW on the printer’s control panel. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ^JZ SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 5 • Print Settings (Continued) LABEL LENGTH MAX Maximum Label Length Set the maximum label length. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: 0 to the maximum label length supported by the printer Important • Specify a value that is at least 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) greater than the actual label length plus the interlabel gap.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Calibration and Diagnostic Tools Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools PRINT INFORMATION Print Information Print the specified information on one or more labels. User menu item: Main Menu > TOOLS Main Menu > NETWORK Main Menu > SENSORS (Continued on next page.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) Print Information (continued) Accepted values: • • • • • • • • LCD CONTRAST LCD Contrast 11/5/15 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 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) IDLE DISPLAY Idle Display Select the information shown on the printer’s display when the printer is idle. (ZT230 only) User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • • • • • SGD command used: POWER UP ACTION Power-Up Action FW VERSION IP ADDRESS MM/DD/YY 24 MM/DD/YY 12 DD/MM/YY 24 DD/MM/YY 12 HR HR HR HR device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) HEAD CLOSE ACTION Head-Close Action Set the action for the printer to take when you close the printhead. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • • • • 11/5/15 TOOLS 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 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) LOAD DEFAULTS Load Defaults Restore specific printer, print server, and network settings back to the factory defaults. Use care when loading defaults because you will need to reload all settings that you changed manually.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) MEDIA/RIBBON CAL 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 122. User menu item: Main Menu > Main Menu > Related ZPL command(s): ~JC SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) DIAGNOSTIC MODE Communication Use this diagnostics tool to cause the printer to output the hexadecimal values for all Diagnostics Mode data received by the printer. For more information, see Communication Diagnostics Test on page 171. P1048261-005 User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ~JD to enable, ~JE to disable SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) ZBI ENABLED? Enable ZBI RUN ZBI PROGRAM Run a ZBI Program 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. User menu item: Main Menu > SGD command used: zbi.key (identifies if the ZBI 2.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 6 • Calibration and Diagnostic Tools (Continued) STOP ZBI PROGRAM Stop a ZBI Program If your printer is running a ZBI program, you may stop that program. User menu item: Main Menu > TOOLS * This menu item appears only if ZBI is enabled on your printer and no ZBI program is running. If ZBI programs are running, the printer lists them. If you wish to stop a program: 1.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Network Settings Table 7 • Network Settings IP ADDRESS IP Address View and, if necessary, change the printer’s IP address. To save changes to this setting, set IP Protocol on page 111 to PERMANENT, and then reset the print server (see Reset Network on page 113). User menu item: * Main Menu > NETWORK * This menu item appears only if a wired or wireless print server is installed in your printer.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Network Settings (Continued) GATEWAY Gateway View or Set the Default Gateway View and, if necessary, change the default gateway. To save changes to this setting, set IP Protocol on page 111 to PERMANENT, and then reset the print server (see Reset Network on page 113). User menu item: * Main Menu > NETWORK * This menu item appears only if a wired or wireless print server is installed in your printer.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Network Settings (Continued) IP PROTOCOL IP Protocol This parameter tells if the user (permanent) or the server (dynamic) selects the IP address. When 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. User menu item: * Main Menu > NETWORK * This menu item appears only if a wired or wireless print server is installed in your printer.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Network Settings (Continued) MAC ADDRESS MAC Address View the MAC Address View the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the print server that is installed in the printer (wired or wireless). User menu item: * Main Menu > NETWORK * This menu item appears only if a wired or wireless print server is installed in your printer. It cannot be modified from the control panel. ESSID ESSID SGD command used: Wired: internal_wired.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 7 • Network Settings (Continued) RESET NETWORK Reset Network 11/5/15 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. User menu item: Main Menu > Related ZPL command(s): ~WR SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Language Settings Table 8 • Language Settings LANGUAGE Language If necessary, change the language that the printer displays.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Language Settings (Continued) COMMAND LANGUAGE Command Language Enable this menu item to allow certain ZPL commands to override the printer’s current settings. User menu item: LANGUAGE Main Menu > COMMAND LANGUAGE ▼ ZPL OVERRIDE ZPL Override EPL_ZPL ▲ EPL_ZPL HYBRID_XML_ZPL EPL Accepted values: • • • SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Language Settings (Continued) COMMAND CHAR Command Character CONTROL CHAR Control Character P1048261-005 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.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 8 • Language Settings (Continued) DELIMITER CHAR Delimiter Character ZPL MODE ZPL Mode Set the Delimiter Character Value The delimiter character is a two-digit hex value used as a parameter place marker in ZPL/ZPL II format instructions. Set the delimiter character to match what is used in your label formats. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: 00 to FF Related ZPL command(s): ^CD or ~CD SGD command used: zpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Sensor Settings Table 9 • Sensor Settings SENSOR TYPE Sensor Type LABEL SENSOR Label Sensor P1048261-005 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. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • Related ZPL command(s): ^JS SGD command used: device.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 9 • Sensor Settings (Continued) TAKE LABEL Take Label 11/5/15 Set the intensity of the take label LED. 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. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: 0 – 255 SGD command used: ezpl.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Port Settings Table 10 • Port Settings BAUD RATE Baud Rate DATA BITS Data Bits P1048261-005 Select the baud value that matches the one being used by the host computer. User menu item: Main Menu > Accepted values: • • • • • • • • Related ZPL command(s): ^SC SGD command used: comm.
Printer Configuration and Adjustment Changing Printer Settings Table 10 • Port Settings (Continued) PARITY Parity HOST HANDSHAKE Host Handshake 11/5/15 Select the parity value that matches the one being used by the host computer. User menu item: Main Menu > 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 152. • For a summary of the options for initiating calibration, see Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration on page 105. 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. Open the printhead assembly by rotating the printhead-open lever. 3. Extend the media approximately 8 in.
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 downward 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 16. 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 11/5/15 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 17) for most applications. If you are using narrow ribbon or experience certain ribbon issues, you may need to lower the ribbon tension (Figure 18).
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 • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
4 Routine Maintenance This section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures. Contents Cleaning Schedule and Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clean the Exterior, the Media Compartment, and the Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 11 on page 134. 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 99.7% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the solvent to evaporate. 5. While manually rotating the platen roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab. Allow the solvent to evaporate.
Routine Maintenance Cleaning Schedule and Procedures 6. Reload the ribbon (if used) and the media. For instructions, see Load the Ribbon on page 65 or Load the Media on page 70. 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.
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 99.7% isopropyl alcohol. Allow the solvent to evaporate. 6.
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 downward 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 99.7% isopropyl alcohol. 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 11 on page 134 for the recommended cleaning intervals.
5 Troubleshooting This section provides information about errors that you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted diagnostic tests are included. For videos of some common procedures, go to http://www.zebra.com/zt200-info. Contents Printing Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Issues . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Meaning of Indicator Lights Meaning of Indicator Lights The indicator lights on the control panel show the current status of the printer (Table 12 on page 150). Table 12 • 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 12 • 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 13 identifies possible issues with printing or print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 13 • 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 13 • 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 155. 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 13 • 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 94) and calibrate the printer, if necessary (see Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 122). The bar code printed on a label does not scan. The media sensor is calibrated improperly.
Troubleshooting Ribbon Problems Ribbon Problems Table 14 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. For videos of some common procedures, go to http://www.zebra.com/zt200-info. Table 14 • 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.
Troubleshooting Ribbon Problems Table 14 • 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 or without the ribbon loaded properly. 1. The printer was not calibrated for the label and ribbon being used. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon and Media Sensors on page 122.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Error Messages The ZT230 control panel displays messages when there is an error. See Table 15 for errors, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. QuickHelp Pages Most error messages will include the option to view a QuickHelp page. The lower right-hand corner of the message displays QR. To access a QuickHelp page from an error message, do the following: 1. Press RIGHT SELECT to select QR. The printer displays a QuickHelp page specific to that error message.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 15 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights WARNING RIBBON IN Possible Cause Recommended Solution Ribbon is loaded, but the printer is set for direct thermal mode. Ribbon is not required with direct thermal media. If you are using direct thermal media, remove the ribbon. This error message will not affect printing.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 15 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights PH NOT AUTHENTICATED REPLACE PRINTHEAD Possible Cause Recommended Solution The printhead was replaced with one that is not a genuine Zebra™ printhead. Install a genuine Zebra™ printhead.
Troubleshooting Error Messages Table 15 • Error Messages (Continued) Display/ Indicator Lights HEAD COLD PRINTING HALTED STATUS light flashing yellow 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 P1048261-005 Possible Cause Recommended Solution Caution • An improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause this error message.
Troubleshooting Communications Problems Communications Problems Table 16 identifies problems with communications, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 16 • 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 17 identifies miscellaneous issues with the printer, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. For videos of some common procedures, go to http://www.zebra.com/zt200-info. Table 17 • 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.
Troubleshooting Miscellaneous Issues Table 17 • 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 100. 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 22 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. The bar codes on these labels may be ANSI-graded to check print quality.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics 4. See Figure 24 and Table 18. Inspect the test labels and determine which one has the best print quality for your application. If you have a bar code verifier, use it to measure bars/spaces and calculate the print contrast. If you do not have a bar code verifier, use your eyes or the system scanner to choose the optimal darkness setting based on the labels printed in this self test.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Table 18 • 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 122.) Performing this self test temporarily resets the printer configuration to the factory default values. These values are active only until power is turned off unless you save them permanently in memory.
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 26) 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 26 • Sensor Profile (Ribbon Section) 1 2 Media Sensor Profile (Figure 27) The line labeled MEDIA (1) on the sensor profile indicates the media sensor readings.
Troubleshooting Printer Diagnostics Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________
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) Width 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 General Specifications Model Communication Interfaces (continued) ZT230 Optional (only one of the following may be installed at a time) ZT220 ZT210 Wired 10/100 Internal Ethernet Print Server Limitations and Requirements • The printer must be configured to use your LAN. • A second wired print server can be installed in the bottom option slot. Connections and Configuration Refer to the ZebraNet Wired and Wireless Print Servers User Guide for configuration instructions.
Specifications General Specifications 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. This cord must use an IEC 320 female connector and the appropriate region-specific, three-conductor grounded plug configuration. Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included.
Specifications General Specifications Figure 29 • International Safety Organization Certification Symbols 11/5/15 P1048261-005 179
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.
Specifications Media Specifications Media Specifications Label length Minimum (Tear-Off) 0.7 in. (17.8 mm) Minimum (Peel-Off) 0.5 in (12.7 mm) Minimum (Liner Take-Up) 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.
Specifications Media Specifications Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________
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, 111 adhesive test for ribbon coating, 22 adjustments display contrast, 101 label left position, 97 maximum label length, 99 print darkness, 93 print width, 96 printhead pressure, 127 ribbon spindle tension, 130 tear-off position, 95 calibration Auto Calibrate failed, 154 how to set as head-close action, 103 how to set as power-up action, 102 procedure, 122 SHORT CAL how to set for head-close action, 103 how to set for power-up action, 102 ways to initiate, 105 Canadian DOC
Index configuration label print through Zebra Setup Utilities, 87 print using CANCEL self test, 165 various ways to print, 100 conformity declaration, 3 connecting printer to computer or network, 28 continuous media described, 20 selecting media type, 94 control character, 116 control panel button function, 13 error messages, 157 location, 12 navigation, 15 CUT ERROR message, 160 Cutter mode cleaning the cutter module, 144 CUT ERROR message, 160 description and media path, 64 how to select, 97 D dark
Index I M idle display accessing the Home menu from the Idle Display, 17 how to change what displays, 102 images distorted on labels, 161 images label, 100 indicator lights combined with error message on ZT230, 157 troubleshooting, 150 ZT210 printer control panel, 14 ZT220 printer control panel, 14 ZT230 printer control panel, 13 initiate manual calibration, 105 inspect for shipping damage, 26 IP addresses, 109 IP protocol, 111 IP resolution IP protocol, 111 MAC address, 112 manual calibration procedure
Index P parallel port characteristics of parallel connection, 177 connecting the printer to a computer, 41 specifications, 176, 177 parity, 121 PAUSE button FEED and PAUSE self test, 170 PAUSE self test, 166 ZT210 printer control panel, 14 ZT220 printer control panel, 14 ZT230 printer control panel, 13 Peel-Off mode cleaning peel-off assembly, 140 description and media path, 63 how to select, 97 perforated media, 19 PH NOT AUTHENTICATED message, 159 power power cord specifications, 178 site selection,
Index ribbon adhesive test, 22 broken or melted ribbon, 155 determining coated side, 21 removal, 131 ribbon not detected correctly, 156 ribbon slips or does not advance, 155 scratch test, 22 setting Thermal Transfer mode, 94 when to use, 21 wrinkled ribbon, 155 RIBBON IN message, 158 RIBBON OUT message, 158 ribbon sensor calibration procedure, 122 ways to initiate, 105 ribbon spindle tension adjustment, 130 roll media described, 19 loading, 71 routine cleaning schedule, 134 run a ZBI program, 107 S scratc
Index U unpack the print engine, 26 unpack the printer, 26 USB port characteristics of USB connection, 176 connecting the printer to a computer, 37 specifications, 176 user menus, 18 V ventilation requirements, 27 vertical drift top-of-form position, 153 W web media described, 19 P1048261-005 wired print server characteristics, 177 specifications, 176, 177 wireless print server characteristics, 177 specifications, 176, 177 wrinkled ribbon causes, 155 Z Zebra Basic Interpreter (ZBI) enable, 107 ru
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