Printronix T3308 manual

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Communication Notices Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environ[...]

T rademark Acknowledgements Printronix, IGP , and LinePrinter Plus, are registered trademarks of Printronix, Inc. PGL and ThermaLine are trademarks of Printronix. HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett–Packard Company . PCL is a trademark of Hewlett–Packard Company . Code V is a trademark of QMS, Inc. QMS is a registered trademark of Quality M[...]

IMPORT ANT W ARRANTY INFORMA TION PRINTER W ARRANTY Printronix  warrants to purchaser that under normal use and service, this printer (excluding the thermal printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of shipment from Printronix. Consumable items such as med[...]

i T able of Contents T able of Contents 1 Introduction Chapter Contents 1–1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About This Manual 1–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Locate Information 1–2 . . . . . . . [...]

ii T able of Contents Operator Panel Layout 2–21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status LEDs 2–21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keys 2–22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

iii T able of Contents Gap Sensor 3–28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Font Memory Menu Options 3–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paper Feed Shift 3–28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

iv T able of Contents T est Count 3–42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printhead T est 3–42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Statistics 3–42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

1–1 Introduction 1 Introduction Chapter Contents About This Manual 1–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Locate Information 1–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk 1–2 . . . . . . . .[...]

1–2 Introduction About This Manual This manual is divided into chapters that contain all the information required to use the printer . Chapter 1: Introduction . General information about the manual and the printer , including safety precautions. Chapter 2: Setting Up the Printer . Procedures for installing the printer and associated components. C[...]

1–3 Introduction W arnings and Special Information For your safety and to protect valuable equipment, it is very important that you read and comply with all information highlighted under special headings: W ARNING Conditions that could harm you as well as damage the equipment. CAUTION Conditions that could damage the printer or related equipment.[...]

1–4 Introduction The T3306 and T3308 Label Printers The Printronix  T3306 and T3308 are thermal printers designed for point-of- application label printing. Labels can be designed and printed using the standard Printronix LP+ or optional IGP/PGL and IGP/VGL emulation languages. In addition, the Label Matrix for Printronix label generation softw[...]

1–5 Introduction Thermal Printer T echnology Quiet and fast, with excellent resolution output, the T3306 and T3308 are multifunction printers using an inline thermal printhead. The operation of a thermal printer is different from that of a line-matrix or laser printer . The thermal printer uses a printhead with heating elements and special paper [...]

1–6 Introduction Media Selection Since there are two modes of operation, there are two kinds of thermal media: • Direct thermal media • Thermal transfer media Direct thermal media is paper coated with special chemicals that act as an accelerator , acceptor dye and binder . During direct thermal mode, the heat from the thermal printhead contac[...]

1–7 Introduction Printer Standard Features Printer standard features include the following: • Direct thermal or thermal transfer printing • High-resolution 300 dpi printing • On-demand or batch printing • Continuous roll or fan-folded media • Wide media handling capability T3306 Maximum print width: 6.4 inches Maximum label width: 6.7 i[...]

1–8 Introduction Hardware Options Ask your Printronix representative about the following options, which can enhance the versatility of your printer . • Fonts A selection of fonts is available to extend the capabilities of the internal fonts. Optional fonts are installed via font modules. • Plug-In Application Memory Modules Provides additiona[...]

1–9 Introduction Fonts and Bar Codes The printer provides all popular bar codes, as well as a selection of alphanumeric, scaleable, outline and bit-mapped OCR-A and OCR-B fonts, in both portrait and landscape orientations. Additional fonts can be loaded from the host computer into printer memory . Once loaded, these fonts are accessed in the same[...]

1–10 Introduction[...]

2–1 Setting Up the Printer 2 Setting Up the Printer Chapter Contents Safety Precautions 2–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Requirements 2–3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Select a Site 2–4 .[...]

2–2 Setting Up the Printer Safety Precautions Y our Printronix Label Printer has been designed to give you many years of safe, reliable service. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid getting hurt or damaging the printer: • Read the installation and operating instructions in the documents pr[...]

2–3 Setting Up the Printer Power Requirements W ARNING Do not connect the printer to the power source until instructed to do so and until all shipping restraints have been removed. W ARNUNG Den Drucker nur unter Anleitung an die Stromquelle anschlie ß en, und erst dann, wenn alle V ersandmaterialien entfernt worden sind. A TTENTION A moins d’e[...]

2–4 Setting Up the Printer Select a Site When selecting the location for the printer , consider the following power requirements, interface requirements, and environmental factors: • A proper power source must be available. (Complete power requirements are specified in the “Power Requirements” section, on page 2–3 .) • The location must[...]

2–5 Setting Up the Printer 26 inches 25 inches 33 inches Figure 2–1. Clearance Requirements, T3306 28 inches 25 inches 39 inches Figure 2–2. Clearance Requirements, T3308[...]

2–6 Setting Up the Printer Unpack the Printer Examine the contents of the shipping carton(s) for indications of damage during transport. If any damage is evident, contact the carrier directly to specify the nature and extent of damage. The printer is packed in molded Styrofoam and is also enclosed in a plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture[...]

2–7 Setting Up the Printer Initial Setup T o prepare the printer for operation, complete the procedures in the following sections. (Figure 2–4 shows the overall view and the rear view of the printer .) Media The printer accepts roll-fed, fan-folded or die-cut continuous media, either thermal transfer or direct thermal. Media width can range fro[...]

2–8 Setting Up the Printer Media Loading The following procedures describe loading of the various media. NOTE: The optional internal rewinder and rewind bracket are shown on all media loading drawings. Roll-Fed T o install roll-fed media, perform the following steps. 1. Open the media supply door . 2. Slide a roll of the chosen media onto the med[...]

2–9 Setting Up the Printer 6. Slide the media forward, until it extends beyond the printer front slot. 7. Slide the adjustable guide so that it is slightly touching the edge of the media. Do not turn the knurled nut on top of the guide. 8. Lower the printhead, and engage the printhead latch. Rotate the latch wing one half-turn clockwise, and snap[...]

2–10 Setting Up the Printer Using the T ear Bar The tear bar is already installed on the printer . If the rewind bracket, cutter or peel and present option were installed, that option must first be removed and then replaced by the tear bar . (See Figure 2–8.) T ear Bar Rewind Bracket Figure 2–8. T ear Bar Installation[...]

2–1 1 Setting Up the Printer Optional Media Rewind Hub The printer can be equipped with a rewind hub that will automatically roll up the label media for convenient handling. The hub is used in the following cases: • When large quantities of labels must be printed as single batches for later use • When the automatic label peel-of f dispenser o[...]

2–12 Setting Up the Printer 5. Route the free end of the media around the rewind bracket (if in batch mode) or directly through the media take-up slot (if in peel-and- present mode). In the peel-and-present mode, the rewind bracket is not installed; media feeds through the automatic label peel-of f dispenser . 6. Place the leading edge of the med[...]

2–13 Setting Up the Printer Optional Peel and Present Perform the following steps to load media for peel and present operation. 1. Pull the peel roller bracket away from the peel and present mechanism using the two release tabs as shown in Figure 2–10 . 2. Following Steps 1 through 4 under the Roll-Feed Media Lodging section above. 3. Thread th[...]

2–14 Setting Up the Printer Figure 2–12. Media Loading 4. Push the roller bracket forward to its closed position. 5. Route the free end of the media to the internal rewind hub and attach as described in the Optional Media Rewind Hub section above. NOTE: It is possible to use the present sensor only (without installing the peel and present mecha[...]

2–15 Setting Up the Printer Ribbon Installation A ribbon must be used when the printer is operated in the thermal transfer mode. T o install a ribbon, perform the procedure below . As noted previously , when printing in direct thermal mode, the printer does not use a ribbon. There may , however , be occasions when the use of a direct thermal medi[...]

2–16 Setting Up the Printer 6. Pull the ribbon over the ribbon idler rollers — it will completely cover the printhead mounting frame. 7. Wrap the free end of the ribbon around the ribbon take-up hub, and turn the hub two or three full turns. Replace the J-hook, and twist it clockwise until it snaps into place. 8. Lower the printhead and engage [...]

2–17 Setting Up the Printer Connect the Cables Energized electrical equipment is dangerous. Never work on energized equipment unless authorized to do so. If emergency work on energized equipment is authorized, be sure it is accomplished in strict compliance with current safety regulations. Operate the printer using the power source indicated adja[...]

2–18 Setting Up the Printer Refer to Figure 2–14 and perform the steps listed below . 1. Connect the interface cable to the appropriate printer interface connector and to the host computer . The printer supports a variety of standard and optional interfaces: • Centronics-compatible parallel • RS–232 and RS–422 serial • Coax/T winax (o[...]

2–19 Setting Up the Printer NOTE: The printer must be properly configured for the appropriate interface. The RS–422 port is enabled or disabled via a DIP switch inside the printer . Make sure this selection is properly made for your application. If your application requires a change in switch setting, contact your authorized Printronix service [...]

2–20 Setting Up the Printer Operator Panels The primary operator panel is used to perform routine, day-to-day operations. The panel contains three operator-accessible keys and three LED indicator lights, used to control and indicate printer status. There is also a secondary operator panel, consisting of an (LCD) message display and six keys. This[...]

2–21 Setting Up the Printer Operator Panel Layout The primary and secondary operator panels are illustrated in Figure 2–15, below . Status LEDs The three primary operator panel status LEDs provide information about current printer operation, as described below . POWER Lit when the printer is powered on ON LINE/P AUSE Lit when the printer is on [...]

2–22 Setting Up the Printer Keys Three primary operator panel keys provide for the basic, day-to-day control of the printer , as described below . CANCEL Cancels all jobs, if pressed when the printer is of f line and not in a fault state; clears all imaged and buf fered data Clears faults and puts the printer in the of f line state, if pressed wh[...]

2–23 Setting Up the Printer Media Width Adjustment The printer can use a variety of media widths and thickness. T o ensure even print quality across the media regardless of changes in media dimensions, the printhead has a leveling cam adjustment. The cam raises and lowers the right side of the printhead to keep the printhead level across the medi[...]

2–24 Setting Up the Printer Check for Interference The printer should be used only with FCC or CE certified computing devices. If the printer is installed within 10 feet of audio or video equipment, interference may occur . Determine if there is interference by turning the printer on and off while checking the audio and video equipment for noise [...]

3–1 Configuring the Printer 3 Configuring the Printer Chapter Contents Overview 3–4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Secondary Operator Panel 3–6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moving Within the Configu[...]

3–2 Configuring the Printer Configuration Control Menu Options 3–31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Load Configuration 3–31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save Configuration 3–32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

3–3 Configuring the Printer Configuring the IGP/PGL with the Control Panel 3–43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The IGP/PGL Emulation Submenu 3–44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PGL Mneumonic List 3–47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

3–4 Configuring the Printer Overview The configuration process is directed by the secondary operator panel and includes the following: • Configuring the printer for different host interface options • Customizing label formats • Checking printer status • Running various maintenance tests NOTE: Control codes sent by the host system will ove[...]

3–5 Configuring the Printer T able 3–1. Key Function Summary Key Function SHIFT None. This key is used in combination with other keys. If the menu selection is a value, pressing this key causes the value to be decremented. If the menu selection is an option, pressing the key allows selection among options on the current menu level. Holding the [...]

3–6 Configuring the Printer Using the Secondary Operator Panel Configuration parameters are set from the secondary operator panel or are retrieved from the nonvolatile memory , located in the printer . The parameters define how the printer will respond to command and interface signals from the host computer . The configuration menu structure cons[...]

3–7 Configuring the Printer T o configure the printer , it must be off line. If the ON LINE/P AUSE indicator is lit, press and release the ON LINE key to place the printer of f line. When the printer is placed off line, OFF LINE appears in the message display . Selecting a Menu Option By default, the ENTER key is “locked” when the printer is [...]

3–8 Configuring the Printer Page 3–23 Page 3–31 Page 3–27 Page 3–30 Page 3–39 Paper Control Printer Control Emulation Maint/Misc Config. Control Page Width Page Length V er . Image Shift Hor . Image Shift Auto Label Map Print Mode Ribbon Selection Media Handling Print Intensity Print Speed Gap Sensor Ribbon Saver Ppr . Feed Shift IGP/PG[...]

3–9 Configuring the Printer Display Paper Control Length in Inches 1.0 inches 1.5 inches 2.0 inches 2.5 inches 4.0 inches 25 mm 26 mm 27 mm 28 mm 102 mm . . . 24.0 inches . . . . . . 610 mm . . . OFFLINE P APER CONTROL Configuration Menu Diagram Page Length Page Width Key Length in mm ENTER SWITCH UNLOCKED P APER CONTROL Page Width P APER CONTROL[...]

3–10 Configuring the Printer Pressing the up and down arrow keys simultaneously , or holding the SHIFT key while pressing the ENTER key will toggle the enter lock function. If either of these functions are performed while the ENTER key is locked, the message ENTER SWITCH UNLOCKED will be displayed for one second, and the ENTER key will be unlocke[...]

3–1 1 Configuring the Printer 5. Press and hold or to scroll through the values. 6. Press to select a value. An asterisk (*) displays next to the selected value. 7. If there are more values you want to change, use the keys to access the value and the key to select it. At any time, you may press the key to return to the options one level higher . [...]

3–12 Configuring the Printer Follow these steps to save a new configuration: 1. Press ON LINE/ P AUSE to take the printer off line. OFF LINE IMP ACT PRINTER 2. Press for the following display: USER CONFIG. P APER CONTROL 3. Press or until the following displays: OFF LINE CONFIG. CONTROL 4. Press 5. Press or until the following displays: CONFIG. C[...]

3–13 Configuring the Printer When processing is completed, the display shows: Save Config. X * It is recommended that you print your configuration and store it in a safe place for future reference. Refer to the “Printing a Configuration” section, on page 3–16 , for details. Modifying a Saved Configuration Y ou can change a saved configurati[...]

3–14 Configuring the Printer d. Press e. Press or until the following displays: CONFIG. CONTROL Load Config. f. Press g. Press or to cycle through the options (1–8). Note that “0” is the default configuration and cannot be altered. h. When the desired number displays, press to select it. The following message is displayed while loading. ST [...]

3–15 Configuring the Printer b. Press for the following display: USER CONFIG. P APER CONTROL c. Press or until the following displays: OFF LINE CONFIG. CONTROL d. Press e. Press or until the following displays: CONFIG. CONTROL Delete Config. f. Press g. Press or to cycle through the options (1–8). When the desired number displays, press to sele[...]

3–16 Configuring the Printer Printing a Configuration It is recommended that you print and store your configurations for future reference. The printout provides a list of the parameters that were set when you configured the printer . A sample configuration printout is shown in Figure 3–5 , on page 3–17 . T o print a configuration: 1. Press ON[...]

3–17 Configuring the Printer Figure 3–5. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 1 of 3)[...]

3–18 Configuring the Printer Figure 3–5. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 2 of 3)[...]

3–19 Configuring the Printer Figure 3–5. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 3 of 3)[...]

3–20 Configuring the Printer Factory Settings T able 3–2 , on page 3–21 , lists the factory default settings. These values are available for loading at any time and are maintained until new configuration settings are saved as the default. Configuration Option Definitions The printer provides the following main level configuration options: •[...]

3–21 Configuring the Printer T able 3–2. Factory Settings Parameter Factory Settings Paper Control Page Width Page Length V ertical Image Shift Horizontal Image Shift Auto Label Mapping Print Mode Ribbon Selection 6.4 or 8.5 inches (T3306 or T3308, respectively) 4.0 inches (102 mm) 0.00 inches (0 mm) 0.00 inches (0 mm) Disable Thermal XFER Othe[...]

3–22 Configuring the Printer T able 3–2. Factory Settings (continued) Config. Control Load Configuration Save Configuration Print Configuration Delete Configuration Power-Up Configuration Protect Saved Configuration 0 1 Current 1 0 Disable Host Interface Serial Host Protocol Baud Rate Data Bits Stop Bits Parity DTR Function None 9600 8 1 None E[...]

3–23 Configuring the Printer Paper Control Menu Options Paper Control Page Width Page Length Hor . Image Shift Ve r. Image Shift Width in Inches Width in mm Length in Inches Length in mm Shift in Inches Shift in mm Shift in Inches Shift in mm 1.0 inches 1.1 inches 1.2 inches 6.4/8.5 inches * 25 mm 26 mm 27 mm 163/216 mm * 1.0 inches 1.5 inches 4.[...]

3–24 Configuring the Printer Page Width This option specifies the width of the image to be printed. When Auto Label Map is enabled, Page Width is not used for boundary checking; therefore, it is possible that the form is designed for a wider page than the Page Width settings. The values may be specified in inches or millimeters. The allowable ran[...]

3–25 Configuring the Printer Auto Label Mapping This option specifies the maximum print width to be used by the application. The IGP/Auto Label Mapping  feature allows backward compatibility of programs written for Printronix Wide W eb line-matrix printers using Printronix IGP graphics languages. It allows the printer to print two-up (or other[...]

3–26 Configuring the Printer NOTE: When using IGP/PGL, determine the proper narrow web width with the HDUP command used to duplicate the label. Generally , it should be the same as the distance between duplications given in the HDUP command (or some multiple of the distance between duplications). Selection Selects whether to use the auto label ma[...]

3–27 Configuring the Printer Printer Control Menu Options Media Handling This option specifies how the printer will handle the paper . • T ear-Off – After each label is printed, the printer waits for you to tear of f the label before printing the next one ( on-demand printing). • Cutter – Cuts continuous roll paper or labels without assis[...]

3–28 Configuring the Printer NOTE: The Cutter , Self-Strip and Ribbon Saver options require that the appropriate options be installed to operate correctly . Print Intensity This option specifies the level of thermal energy from the printhead to be used for the type of paper and ribbon being used. Larger numbers imply more heat (thermal energy) to[...]

3–29 Configuring the Printer Font Memory Menu Options This option allows the user to set the amount of memory reserved for scalable font caching. The maximum amount of memory which can be selected is determined by the total amount of memory installed in the printer . Font Memory Press to view options. Press to select an option. Press to exit the [...]

3–30 Configuring the Printer Emulation Menu Options The LinePrinter+ emulation is the standard emulation on the printer . IGP/PGL and IGP/VGL emulations are available as options. The contents of the emulation menu structure will be created by the printer at run-time, and, when powered up, the printer will automatically load the default configurat[...]

3–31 Configuring the Printer Configuration Control Menu Options Load Configuration The printer can store numerous configurations. This option allows you to select and load a specific configuration. The factory default for loading is configuration 0. Note that configuration 0 is a factory-preset configuration that cannot be changed and is always a[...]

3–32 Configuring the Printer Save Configuration Y ou can save up to eight different configurations to meet dif ferent print job requirements. See the “Saving Y our New Configuration” section on page 3–1 1 for details. Configuration 0 is a factory-preset configuration that cannot be changed or saved. NOTE: If the Protect Save CFG option is e[...]

3–33 Configuring the Printer Module Control Menu Options The Module Control Menu provides the capability to view and print the directories of all files located in the printer non-volatile memories. These memories are identified as Internal (A:), T op Module (B:) and Bottom Module (C:). The Internal Memory is supplied as standard, while the T op M[...]

3–34 Configuring the Printer Dir . Listing This menu selection allows you to view the file listing of both internal and external memory modules. Under each sub menu choice, file names are displayed on the LCD, one at a time, by pressing the RIGHT or LEFT arrow key . Delete File This menu selection allows you to delete a file from any of the memor[...]

3–35 Configuring the Printer Host Interface Menu Options The printer provides the following standard host interface options: • Parallel (Centronics compatible) • Serial (RS–232 or RS–422) The configurations for each interface type are described in the following pages. Set these options to meet the specific data communications requirements[...]

3–36 Configuring the Printer Data Bit 8 V alues: Enable or Disable. Normally , this parameter is enabled. It allows access to the extended ASCII character set. Data Polarity V alues: Normal or Inverted. This must be set to match the Data Polarity of your host system. There are normally seven or eight data bits that define each ASCII character sen[...]

3–37 Configuring the Printer Serial Interface Host Protocol V alues: NONE or XON/XOFF . This must be set to match your host computer . The factory default is NONE. XON means transmit on and XOFF means transmit of f. In XON/XOFF protocol, the printer sends ASCII code DC1 (Device Code 1, hex 1 1, XON) to the host system when it is ready to receive [...]

3–38 Configuring the Printer Baud Rate V alues: 300 – 19,200. Must be set to match your host computer . The factory default is 9600. Baud rate is the number of bits, including control bits (start/stop and parity bits) transferred per second over the interface. Data Bits V alues: 5 – 8. Must be set to match your host computer . The factory def[...]

3–39 Configuring the Printer Maintenance/Miscellaneous Menu Options Power-Up State This option allows you to configure the printer to power-up in the of f line or on line state. From MAIN / MISC, press the key and then until you reach POWER UP ST A TE. Press the key to display OFF LINE and to display ON LINE (default). Press to select. Hex Dump M[...]

3–40 Configuring the Printer When enabled, the hex dump mode translates all host interface data to its hexadecimal equivalent, then prints the hex code and its printable symbol, if one exists. All characters printed after entering the hex dump mode (including any in the input buffer are printed in two forms: as a two-symbol hexadecimal code and a[...]

3–41 Configuring the Printer Diagnostics Menu Options T est Print This option is used to define and activate a test printout. Y ou must specify the test pattern and the number of pages to be printed. Diagnostics T est Print Printhead T est Print Statistics T est Selection T est Count T est Selection T est Period Printer LIfe Head Life Checkerboar[...]

3–42 Configuring the Printer T est Selection This menu item is used to select the type of pattern to be used for the test printout. T est Count This menu item is used to select the number of pages for the test printout. Y ou may select 1, 2, 5 or 10 pages, or a continuous number of pages. The default is one page. Start T est Press the key to star[...]

3–43 Configuring the Printer Configuring IGP/PGL with the Control Panel Matching certain printer operational settings to those of the host computer is known as “printer configuration.” The settings, or configuration parameters, such as selecting the host interface, are adjusted according to the printer function key descriptions in this manual[...]

3–44 Configuring the Printer The IGP/PGL Emulation Submenu Define CR Code CR = CR* CR = CR + LF LF = LF* LF = CR + LF Autowrap Disable* Enable Select SFCC 1–255 126* Define LF Code Autoeject Disble* Enable 0–10 0* Select Font Select LPI 1–10 6* Power On IGP/PGL Ext Execute Copy Disable* Enable UPC Descenders Enable* Disable IGP/PGL Auto Upp[...]

3–45 Configuring the Printer T able 3–3. IGP/PGL Configuration Mode Options NOTE: Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) indicate the factory default value. The printer must be off-line to enter the configuration structure. Option Parameter V alue Comments AutoEject DISABLE * ENABLE If the last page of a job is only 1/2 full (the data does not [...]

3–46 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter V alue Comments Host Form Length DISABLE ENABLE* DISABLE sets the form length to the value set from the front panel. ENABLE sets the printer page size equal to the form length defined in the CREA TE FORM mode. IGP 100 Compatibility DISABLE* ENABLE DISABLE does not change the PGL behavior . ENABLE make[...]

3–47 Configuring the Printer PGL MNEMONIC LIST AFn;L Dynamic Alpha Field number; length BFn;L Dynamic Bar Code Field number; length CC Control Character CCW 90 degree Counterclockwise Rotation CD Check Digit Cn Compression Factor (text) CPI Characters Per Inch CW 90 degree Clockwise Rotation D Dark Field DIR Direction of Alpha Rotation DN Duplica[...]

3–48 Configuring the Printer Configuring IGP/VGL With The Control Panel Matching certain printer operational settings to the host computer is known as printer configuration . The settings, or configuration parameters, such as selecting the host interface and parallel/serial data input, are adjusted according to the printer function key descriptio[...]

3–49 Configuring the Printer The IGP/VGL Emulation Submenu SFCC Power-up ^X Power-up ^F Power-up ^PY LPI Btm Margin Ctl T ext Length Copy Count Host Form Length Slash 0 Ignore dots Append rotated T runcate alpha T rue vert 1/10 Absorb after ^PY UPC Descenders Rot. Char Size Ignore Spaces Midline PY Dark Barcode Width Limit Error msgs Error marker[...]

3–50 Configuring the Printer T able 3–4. IGP/VGL Parameters Option Parameter Comments ^Dnn Dot Slew Low Resolution* High Resolution The ^Dnn Dot Slew option determines if the ^Dnn dot slew command dot values will be interpreted as 60 dpi P-Series dots (Low Resolution) or as print engine dots (High Resolution). Absorb after ^PY DISABLE ENABLE * [...]

3–51 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter Comments Data Bit 8 DISABLE * ENABLE When data bit 8 is enabled, all 8 bits are used for data bits, and characters in the 80–FF hex range can be ac- cessed. When data bit 8 is disabled, only characters from 0–7F hex may be accessed. Error Markers DISABLE ENABLE * Enable prints the following error [...]

3–52 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter Comments Font Set 0 * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 0 = US ASCII 1 = German 2 = Swedish 3 = Danish 4 = Norwegian 5 = Finnish 6 = English 7 = Dutch 8 = French 9 = Spanish 10 = Italian 1 1 = T urkish Host Form Length DISABLE ENABLE* DISABLE turns off the feature that uses the form length command ^L or ^H to s[...]

3–53 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter Comments LPI 6 * 7 8 9 10 Can also be set by using the ^@L command. Midline PY DISABLE* ENABLE When disabled, the Graphics mode Enabled command, ^PY , must be the first three characters of a line. When enabled, the ^PY can occur anywhere in a line. OffPage Errors DISABLE * ENABLE Enable reports errors[...]

3–54 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter Comments Prop Line Length ENABLE * DISABLE When enabled, the position of the next graphic element will be determined by the physical length of a text string (when using a proportional-spaced font). When disabled, the position will be determined as if the font was monospaced (as if all characters had t[...]

3–55 Configuring the Printer Option Parameter Comments Uniform Fonts DISABLE * ENABLE When disabled, the typeface selected while in Extended Graphics mode will be cancelled when the graphics pass is complete. When enabled, a typeface selected while in Extended Graphics mode will also be used in Standard Graphics mode and Normal mode. V ar Ratio B[...]

3–56 Configuring the Printer VGL MNEMONIC LIST Amount Numeric Amount for Data Field Update CC Control Character CPI Characters Per Inch CR Carriage Return data Data Characters Dis Interrupt Position Distance Dist Horizontal T ab Distance Dt Dot Rows Slewed Expand M, U, V , or E Alphanumeric Command FF Form Feed Font Font selection G Universal T e[...]

3–57 Configuring the Printer T able 3–6. VGL/PGL ASCII Conversion T able ASCII Dec Hex Binary Pattern SOH STX ETX EOT ENQ ACK BEL BS HT LF VT FF CR SO SI DLE DC1 DC2 DC3 DC4 NAK SYN ETB CAN EM SUB ESC FS GS RS US 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 1[...]

3–58 Configuring the Printer Configuring LP+ With The Control Panel The Printronix  ThermaLine  Series Label Printers LinePrinter Plus  (line-matrix printer emulation) is a software application on a single PROM set capable of emulating four dif ferent line-matrix printer protocols: • P-Series P3000/6000/9000, hereafter called P-Series [...]

3–59 Configuring the Printer LP+ Configuration Menu OFFLINE MODE Impact Printer Printer Protocol Orientation Plot Attributes Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select Page 3–61 Page 3–60 Page 3–65 Page 3–66 Page 3–67 Page Format Page 3–68 Figure 3–19. LP+ Configuration Menu[...]

3–60 Configuring the Printer Printer Protocol Orientation Plot Attributes Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select Portrait* Landscape Inv . Portrait Inv . Landscape Page 3–61 Page 3–65 Page 3–66 Page 3–67 Page Format Page 3–68 Press to view options. Press to select an option. Press to exit the configuration menu. = Factory Default Figure 3–20.[...]

3–61 Configuring the Printer Printer Protocol Orientation Plot Attributes Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select P-Series P-Series XQ Serial Matrix Proprinter XL Control Code 06 Control Code 08 Define CR Code Auto LF Overstrike Select SFCC EVFU Select Alt. Set 80–9F Character Set 6.0 LPI 8.0 LPI * 10.3 LPI CR = CR * CR = CR + LF Disable * Enable Disabl[...]

3–62 Configuring the Printer Standard T ypeface Orientation Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select P-Series XQ P-Series Serial Matrix Proprinter XL Control Code 06 Define CR Code Auto LF EVFU Select 6.0 LPI 8.0 LPI * 10.3 LPI CR = CR * CR = CR + LF Disable * Enable Disable Enable * Compressed Print Elong/Alt. Font Elng=BS Font=SO * Elng=SO Font=BS Upr . [...]

3–63 Configuring the Printer Printer Protocol Orientation Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select Serial Matrix P-Series P-Series XQ Proprinter XL Control Code 06 Define CR Code Auto LF 6.0 LPI 8.0 LPI * 10.3 LPI CR = CR * CR = CR + LF Overstrike Character Set Disable Enable * Multinational* OCR–A OCR–B Printer Select Define LF Code LF= LF * LF= CR+LF[...]

3–64 Configuring the Printer Printer Protocol Orientation Font Attributes CPI/LPI Select Proprinter XL P-Series P-Series XQ Serial Matrix Define CR Code Auto LF CR = CR * CR = CR + LF Character Set Define LF Code FF valid at T OF 20 CPI Condensed LF= LF * LF= CR+LF Disable Enable * Disable Enable * Disable Enable * Page 3–60 Page 3–65 Page 3?[...]

3–65 Configuring the Printer CPI/LPI Select Orientation Font Attributes Printer Protocol Select CPI 10.00 CPI * 12.00 CPI 13.04 CPI 15.00 CPI 17.65 CPI 20.00 CPI Select LPI 6.0 LPI * 8.0 LPI 10.3 LPI Page 3–61 Page 3–60 Page 3–66 Page 3–67 Page Format Page 3–68 Plot Attributes Press to view options. Press to select an option. Press to e[...]

3–66 Configuring the Printer Font Attributes Orientation Plot Attributes CPI/LPI Select Printer Protocol T ypeface Std T ypeface * OCR–A OCR–B Disable* Enable Prop. Spacing Disable Enable * Page 3–61 Page 3–60 Page 3–65 Page 3–67 Slashed Zero Page Format Page 3–68 Press to view options. Press to select an option. Press to exit the c[...]

3–67 Configuring the Printer Orientation Font Attributes Printer Protocol Page 3–61 Page 3–66 Page Format Page 3–68 CPI/LPI Select Plot Attributes Orientation Page 3–60 CPI/LPI Select . . . . . . 15 16 400 9 10 72* 400 120* . . . . . . Horizontal DPI V ertical DPI Page 3–65 Press to view options. Press to select an option. Press to exit[...]

3–68 Configuring the Printer Margins Perforation Skip Disable* 1/2 inch 2/3 inch 5/6 inch 1 inch Font Attributes Orientation CPI/LPI Select Printer Protocol Page Format Left Margin Right Margin To p Margin Bottom Margin Page 3–61 Page 3–60 Page 3–65 Page 3–66 Left Margin Right Margin To p Margin Bottom Margin 0* 1 2 3 . . . 369 0* 1 2 3 .[...]

4–1 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 4 Diagnostics and T roubleshooting Chapter Contents Printer Self-T est 4–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing T est Labels 4–2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T[...]

4–2 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Printer Self-T est A sequence of automatic tests is performed during printer power-up. If any faults are detected at that time, an error message will display (see T able 4–2 ). Printer operation should also be verified before setting the printer for on-line operation. This is is done by running the printer in[...]

4–3 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting The time required varies, depending on the complexity of the label format and on the size of the area being printed. Once the data has been mapped into memory , the printer will start printing as many labels as requested by the quantity command. In most cases, there is no delay between labels; however , there a[...]

4–4 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting If the printer appears to have communication problems, the self-test configuration test labels and character hex dump modes should be checked. The tests can help identify printer configuration errors that can cause problems. Both of these test procedures are covered in this chapter . Configuration items to chec[...]

4–5 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Controlling Print Quality The following two factors have the greatest ef fect on print quality: • The amount of heat applied by the printhead • The location of the printhead in relation to the label For example, low-cost direct thermal media often have very high reaction temperatures , which means that it t[...]

4–6 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Other Printer Problems Smears or voids in printed image Possible causes include the following: • Dirty printhead. Clean the printhead, as described in the previous section. • Printhead temperature too high. Use software control to adjust the heat setting. Change the setting through the main menu PRINTER CON[...]

4–7 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting Printer advances media, but ribbon does not advance Possible causes include the following: • Ribbon installed incorrectly . Make sure the dull side (inked side) of the ribbon is facing the media. • Bad ribbon/media combination, resulting in insuf ficient friction between media and ribbon. V erify that the c[...]

4–8 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting T able 4–2. Printer Alarm LCD Messages LCD ALARM ALARM DESCRIPTION PROM F AUL T Power up initialization test detected a PROM failure. Call your authorized service representative. RAM F AUL T Power up initialization test detected a RAM failure. Call your authorized service representative. PRINTHEAD CONTROL F A[...]

A–1 Specifications A Specifications Printing T ype: Direct thermal or thermal transfer Resolution: 300 dots per inch (1 1.8 dots/mm) Print Speed: T3306 – 2.0 in (50.8 mm) to 8.0 in (203.2 mm) per second T3308 – 2.0 in (50.8 mm) to 5.0 in (127.0 mm) per second Bar Code Modulus: 3.3 mil to 1 10 mil “X” dimension in picket or ladder orientat[...]

A–2 Specifications Fonts Resident Fonts: Courier and Letter Gothic scaleable outline fonts and bit-mapped OCR-A, OCR-B. Optional Fonts: A wide selection of scaleable outline proportional and monospace fonts is available Font Expansion All fonts expandable vertically and horizontally . Bar Codes: Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128 (subsets A, B[...]

A–3 Specifications Label/T ag Media Specifications Direction of Media Motion Front of Printer DESCRIPTION T3306 T3308 Max(in.) Min(in.) Max(in.) Min(in.) A Label width 6.700 2.000 9.000 3.000 B Backing width 6.700 2.000 9.000 3.000 C Gap between labels 99.99 0.100 99.99 0.100 D Label length 24.00 0.500 24.00 0.500 E+F Media thickness 0.010 0.0046[...]

A–4 Specifications Lists of Approved Media For a current list of approved standard media for use in Printronix thermal and thermal transfer label printers, please call Printronix at (800) 733–1900 or F AX (714) 476–2135. Further information can be obtained by calling the Printronix Thermaline Help Desk at (714) 221–2488 or from the Printron[...]

A–5 Specifications Environmental Operating: 40 ° F to 100 ° F (4 ° C to 38 ° C) Storage T emperature: –40 ° F to 150 ° F (–40 ° C to 60 ° C) Humidity: 10% to 95%, non-condensing V entilation: Forced air movement Dust: Non-conducting, non-corrosive Physical Dimensions: T3306 – 14.4 in H x 12.3 in W x 18.9 in D (365 mmH x 312 mmW x 48[...]

A–6 Specifications[...]

B–1 Printer Options B Printer Options A comprehensive series of options is of fered with the printer to enhance its capabilities and to provide a large degree of application flexibility . A description of the option complement is given below . For field-installable options, installation instructions are provided with each option. Memory Options A[...]

B–2 Printer Options T o install a module, turn the printer off, and raise the printer stock door . With the module label facing up, carefully seat the module firmly into one of the module slots, taking care not to bend the pins in the connector (see Figure B–1 ). The upper module slot is B and the lower is C. The printer will sense the presence[...]

B–3 Printer Options Hardware Options Media Rewind Hub When large quantities of labels must be printed as single batches for later use, the printer may be equipped with a rewind hub that will automatically roll up the label media for convenient handling. The rewind hub is also used in conjunction with the peel-and-present option to roll up the use[...]

B–4 Printer Options Automatic Label Peel-Off Dispenser The printer can be ordered with an optional automatic label peel-of f dispenser kit, or the option can be purchased and installed at a later date. The dispenser mechanism attaches to the printer using the same method as with the tear-of f assembly and allows the printer to be configured for ?[...]

C–1 Setting the Page Length C Setting the Page Length The following considerations should be observed when you set the page length. • In the default case any form or page length sent from an emulation (the ^L or ^H command in VGL and the length defined within the ~CREA TE statement in PGL) will be used to force the page length. • The label ga[...]

C–2 Setting the Page Length T able C–1 shows the maximum label lengths for the T3306 and T3308 printers, given different memory configurations. Note that these are worst-case measurements. Depending upon the complexity of the label, you may be able to get longer label lengths than those listed in the table. In addition, the table figures assume[...]

D–1 ASCII Control Codes Chart D ASCII Control Codes Chart             ,3*        >   1-&       [...]

D–2 ASCII Control Codes Chart     Dec        Ç 128 80 á 160 A0 192 C0 Ó 224 E0 ü 129 81 í 161 A1 193 C1 ß 225 E 1 é 130 82 ó 162 A2 194 C2 Ô 226 E 2 â 131 83 ú 163 A3 195 C3 Ò 227 E3 ä 132 84 ñ 164 A4 196 C4 õ 228 E4 à 13[...]

Glossary–1 Glossary Baud (rate) Baud Rate is the number of information bits that can be transmitted between the printer and the computer in one second. For example, one baud equals one bit per second in a series of binary signals. Both the printer and the computer must be configured to the same baud rate. BIT Binary digIT . A digit in the binary [...]

Glossary–2 EPROM Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory . Programs, instructions, and routines permanently stored in the printer that cannot be written to. Files in EPROM are not lost when power is turned off. (Resident fonts are fonts permanently stored in EPROM and available at any time, via software commands.) Host Computer The computer that [...]

Index–1 Index A Absorb After ^PY , configuration, 3–50 Adjustments, media width, 2–23 Alarms, printer , 4–7 Append Rotated, configuration, 3–50 Application memory modules, 1–8 ASCII T able, 3–57 Auto Eject, 3–45 Auto label mapping, 3–25 Auto W rap, 3–45 Automatic label peel-of f dispenser , 1–8 B Bar codes, 1–9 Baud rate, 3?[...]

Index–2 power–up ^X, 3–53 resolution, 3–50 rotated character size, 3–54 SFCC, 3–54 slashed zeros, 3–54 text length, 3–54 truncate alpha, 3–54 UPC descenders, 3–54 variable ratio bar code, 3–55 Configuring IGP/VGL with the control panel, 3–48 Connecting cables, 2–17 Controlling print quality , 4–5 Conversion T able, ASCII[...]

Index–3 installing, 2–15 Installing ribbon, 2–15 Interface parallel, 3–35 serial, 3–37 Interfacing, 4–4 Interference, checking for , 2–24 Internal media rewinder , 1–8 K Keys cancel, 2–22 feed, 2–22 on line/pause, 2–22 operator panel, 2–22 L Label Present Sensor , 1–8 Labels, printing test, 4–2 LED, status, 2–21 LF Cod[...]

Index–4 twinax/coax host interface, 1–8 P Page length, 3–24 width, 3–24 Page length, setting, C–1 Pages, Multiple Identical Copies, 3–50 Panels, operator , 2–20 Paper , control, 3–23 Paper Control Menu, 3–23 Parallel interface, 3–35 Parity , 3–38 Polarity data, 3–36 fault, 3–36 PE, 3–36 Power On IGP/PGL, 3–46 Power req[...]

Index–5 Self–test, printer , 4–2 Sensor , gap, 3–28 Serial interface, 3–37 Setup, initial, 2–7 SFCC Select, 3–46 SFCC, configuration select, 3–54 Short–distance transporting, 2–24 Site selection, 2–4 Skip Cmd Prefix, 3–46 Slash 0 (zero), configuration, 3–54 Software handshaking, 4–3 Status LEDs, 2–21 on line/pause, 2?[...]

Index–6[...]

[...]

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