Zebra Technologies 170PAX2TM manual

Zebra 170 P AX 2 ™ - Series User ’s Guide RIGHT HAND LEFT HAND R[...]

P roprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra T echnologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining t h e equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, re produced, or disclosed to third parties for any other purpose without the ex[...]

Contents Introduction Zebra 170 PA X 2 Print Engine ......................1 Getting Started .............................1 Print Engine Mounting .........................1 Communications ............................1 Printer Power ..............................2 Media & Ribbon Loading Media Loading .............................3 Ribbon Loading [...]

Care & Adjustments Cleaning ................................3 3 T oggle Positioning ...........................3 5 Printhead Pressure Adjustment ....................3 5 T roubleshooting Power On Self T est ..........................3 7 Power On T roubleshooting ......................3 8 Printer T roubleshooting ........................3 8 Print[...]

Introduction Congratulations! Y ou have just purchased a high-quality thermal demand print engine manufactured by the industry leader in quality , service, and value. For over 25 years, Zebra T echnologies Corporation has provided customers with the highest caliber of products and support. T o create and print label formats, refer to the ZPL II Pr [...]

A DB-15 Applicator Interface Connector provides communication between the print engine and the associated applicator hardware. In some applications, control signal timing may be a critical element in the performance of the print engine. Refer to Appendix B for control signal descriptions. W ARNING!! Connecting a data communications cable while the [...]

Media & Ribbon Loading Media Loading If your print engine is a right hand unit (printed labels are presented on the right hand side of the unit), refer to Figure 2 while performing the procedure shown below . If your print engine is a left hand configuration (printed labels are presented on the left hand side of the unit), refer to Figure 3. 1.[...]

5. Ensure the media is aligned within the print path then close the printhead assembly (C) by rotating the printhead lock lever (D) until it latches onto the locking pin (E). 6. Secure the pinch roller (F) in position by pressing down on the top of the pinch roller latch (G) until the assembly snaps closed. 7. Position the outer media edge guide (B[...]

Ribbon Loading T o load ribbon, refer to Figure 4 (for right-hand units) or Figure 5 (for left-hand units). NOTE: Do not load ribbon if the printer is to be used in the direct thermal mode. CAUTION: When installing the ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle, make sure it is pushed up against the stop and that the ribbon is aligned squarely with i[...]

Left Hand Units 1. Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle (N) as far as it will go, so the ribbon feeds as shown in Figure 4. 2. Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take-up spindle (O). 3. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the print- head lock lever (D) from the locking pin (E). 4. Thread the ribbon below the lower ribbon[...]

Media Sensor Position Reflective Media Sensor Some types of media have black marks printed on the underside of the backing material that act as “Start of Label” indicators. These black marks are sensed by the reflective media sensor mounted on the printer frame. The position of this sensor is not adjustable. If you will use this type of media, [...]

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Printer Operation P ower On/Off Switch The Power On/Off Switch is located just to the left (or right) of the printer ’ s control panel. When this switch is placed in the ON (1) position, the POWER light goes ON and the printer automatically performs a Power On Self T est (POST). The Liquid Crystal Display validates the steps in the self test. NOT[...]

Liquid Crystal Display The control panel shown in Figure 7 contains a backlit Liquid Crystal Display . It shows operational status as well as programming modes and feature parameters. Control P anel Keys Five keys are used to set print and communication parameters. BLACK OV AL KEYS — These two keys are used to change parameter values; the actual [...]

Configuration and Calibration After you have installed the media and ribbon, plugged in and turned on the AC Power , and the printer has completed the Power On Self T est (POST), you may configure the printer parameters for your application using the Liquid Crystal Display and the control panel keys. Not all choices pertain to all applications. Cho[...]

Cancel — cancels all changes since pressing the SETUP/EXIT key except Darkness and T ear Off (if they were changed). Load Defaults — loads factory defaults as the printer ’ s operating parameters. These are reflected on the following pages. (Loading factory defaults requires that a new printer calibration process be performed and resetting of[...]

Setting the T ear Off Position The T ear Off Position adjusts the position of the media over the peel bar after printing. The label and backing can be torn off or cut between labels. This also af fects the dispense position in Peel Off, Applicator , and Cutter modes. TEAR OFF +0 - nnnnnn + Press the right oval key to increase the value or the left [...]

Press the right or left oval key to display other selections. Default: W eb (used to sense notches or holes in media or liner between labels) Selections: W eb, Mark (used to sense black marks on the back of the media or liner) Press the NEXT key to display PRINT METHOD . Selecting the Print Method The Print Method parameter specifies the method of [...]

NOTE : Before you begin the media and ribbon calibration procedure, be sure the Maximum Length is set to a value one step greater than the actual media. If the Maximum Length is set to a lower value, the printer will assume that continu- ous media is loaded. NOTE: If the Maximum Label Length is changed to a value that is lower than the length of th[...]

Listing P rinter Information List Fonts This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer . Fonts may be stored in optional font EPROMs and as part of firmware EPROMs, on an optional PCMCIA memory card, or downloaded and stored in formatting memory (RAM). LIST FONTS PRINT Press the right oval key[...]

Initialize Card This selection initializes the optional memory card. CAUTION: Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all previously stored information in the optional memory card. Otherwise, press the NEXT key to bypass this function and display SENSOR PROFILE . INITIALIZE CARD YES 1. Press the right oval key to select “YES”.[...]

Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration When the print engine is first put into service, the following calibration process must be performed. This allows the printer to establish the proper settings for the specific media and ribbon being used in your application. If you have not r eached this point by starting on page 1 1, you will have to enter the ?[...]

Media and Ribbon Calibration Changing the type of ribbon and/or media may require adjustments to the sensitivity of the media and ribbon sensors. Indications that the sensitivity may need to be adjusted would be a RIBBON light ON with the ribbon properly installed or non-continuous media being treated as continuous media. The following procedure is[...]

Setting Communication P arameters Communication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to receive data from the host. These parameters ensure that the printer and host are “speaking the same language.” All communications parameters are password-protected. See page 11. Setting the Host Port Select the communications port that matches t[...]

Setting the P arity The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host for communications to take place. Select the parity that matches the one being used by the host. PARITY - EVEN + Press the right or left oval key to display other selections. Default: Even Selections: Even, None, Odd Press the NEXT key to display ST OP BITS . Setting th[...]

NOTE: Zebra Protocol is the same as ACK/NACK Protocol, except the response messages are sequenced. NOTE: If Zebra Protocol is selected, the printer must use “DSR/DTR” Host Handshake Protocol. Press the NEXT key to display NETWORK ID . Setting the Network ID Network ID is used to assign a unique number to a printer used in a selective calling ne[...]

Selecting P refix and Delimiter Characters Prefix and delimiter characters are two-digit hex values used within the ZPL/ZPL II formats sent to the printer . See “Appendix C” for an ASCII Code chart. The printer uses the most recently configured prefix and delimiter characters, whether included as part of a ZPL II instruction or input from the f[...]

Selecting ZPL Mode The printer accepts label formats written in either ZPL or ZPL II. Refer to the “ ZPL II Programming Guide ” for more information on the differences between ZPL and ZPL II. The printer will remain in the selected mode until changed by this front panel instruction or by sending a ZPL/ZPL II command to the printer . ZPL MODE ¬[...]

Press the right or left oval key to display other selections. Default: Feed Selections: Feed, Calibration, Length, No Motion Press the NEXT key to display HEAD CLOSE . Head Close Determines the action of the media after the printhead has been opened and then closed. “Calibration” recalibrates the media sensors, “Feed” feeds the label to the[...]

Setting the Label T op Position The Label T op Position controls the initial vertical print position on the label (viewed as the label exits the printer). The Default position is referenced to the leading edge of the label which follows the one to be printed. Refer to Figure 1 1. If there is a lengthy web between labels, the label format may begin [...]

Setting the Left Position The Left Position controls the initial print position from the left edge of a label (viewed as the label exits the printer). The Default position is referenced to the left edge of the media. Refer to Figure 12. Depending on the width of the media, the label format may begin printing on the backing material or on the platen[...]

Head T est F unction Periodically a Head T est is automatically performed to ensure that the printhead elements are working correctly . This parameter determines how many labels are printed between these internal printhead tests. Setting the Head T est Count The Head T est Count is used to select the head test interval (the number of labels printed[...]

OFF - The verifier port is off. 1 ERR — Label reprinted if verifier detects an error . If the bar code is near the upper edge of the label, the label will feed out far enough to be verified and then backfeed to allow the next label to be printed and verified. 2 VER-THRUPUT — Allows for the greatest throughput but may not indicate a verification[...]

P rinting Controls Setting the Start Print Signal This parameter determines how the printer will react to the Start Print Signal input on pin 3 of the applicator interface connector at the rear of the printer . This is set by the applicator manufactur er and should not be changed unless the factory defaults have been r eloaded. Please make a note o[...]

Selecting the Ribbon Low Feature When the Ribbon Low feature is enabled, the “Ribbon Low” output signal (Pin 9) on the applicator port is functional. When the amount of ribbon on the supply spindle reaches a specific low level, the output signal will assert HIGH to provide a “Ribbon Low” warning. When the Ribbon Low feature is disabled, the[...]

LCD Adjust Adjusts the brightness of the Liquid Crystal Display . LCD ADJUST 00 - n + Press the left oval key to decrease the brightness; the right oval key to increase the brightness. Default: 00 Range: 00 to 19 Press the NEXT key to display LANGUAGE P rinter Language Selecting the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) L anguage. Allows you to specify the [...]

Care & Adjustments Cleaning CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra T echnologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on the 170 P AX 2-Series print engine. T able 1 provides a recommended cleaning schedule. Cleaning swabs saturated with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol are available fr[...]

Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller Inconsistent print quality , such as voids in the bar code or graphics, or light print may indicate a dirty printhead. Media movement problems may indicate a dirty platen. For optimum print quality , perform the following cleaning procedure after every roll of ribbon. NOTE: If print quality has degraded and [...]

NOTE: If print quality has not improved, try cleaning the printhead with the Save-a-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamina- tion buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra distributor to order the Save-a-Printhead cleaning kit for the 170 PA X 2 printer (part # 38902M). T oggle P ositioning[...]

4. Use the adjusting nuts (S) to increase or decrease the spring pressure until the left and right edges of the printed area are equally dark. 5. Increase darkness to the optimum level for the media being used. 6. Hold the adjusting nuts (S) in position, and tighten the locking nuts (R) against them. NOTE: Printhead and drive system (belts and bear[...]

T roubleshooting P ower On Self T est A Power On Self T est (POST) is performed each time the printer is turned ON. During this test, the front panel lights (LEDs) will turn ON and OFF to ensure proper operation. At the end of this self test, only the POWER LED will remain lit. Once the Power On Self T est is complete, the media is advanced to the [...]

The following tables provide trouble symptoms, a diagnosis of specific causes, and a recommended action which should result in proper printer operation. If you are in need of technical assistance, contact your equipment supplier . P ower On T roubleshooting SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ACTION All lights on, but nothing displays on the LCD, and the printer loc[...]

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ACTION WARNING HEAD COLD Printhead is not hot enough to print properly . Printing continues while printhead heats up. If error remains, environment may be too cold for proper printing. Relocate printer to warmer area. Verify print quality. ERROR light flashes. ERROR CONDITION HEAD ELEMENT BAD Printhead element is bad or going bad.[...]

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ACTION Wrinkled ribbon. Ribbon fed through the machine incorrectly. See “Ribbon Loading” on page 5. Incorrect burn temperature. Set the burn temperature to the lowest possible setting for good print quality. Incorrect or uneven printhead pressure. Set the pressure to the minimum needed. See “Printhead Pressure” adjustment [...]

SYMPTOM DIAGNOSIS ACTION ZPL II was sent to the printer, but not recognized. DATA light always OFF. or DATA light always flashing. Communications parameters are incorrect. Print a Communications Diagnostic Label. Check for format or overrun errors. Reset communication parameters. See page 22. Incorrect Communications Cable in use. Verify proper cab[...]

P rinter Self T ests Introduction These self tests, illustrated on the following pages, produce sample labels and provide specific information that help determine the operating conditions for the printer . Each self test is enabled by pressing a specific control panel key or combination of keys while turning the power switch ON. Keep the key presse[...]

P A USE Key Self T est Press and hold the P AUSE key while turning the printer power ON. Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF . This self test is actually comprised of four individual test features: 1. The initial self test prints 15 labels at 2" (5.08 cm) per second, then automatically pauses the printer . Each ti[...]

FEED Key Self T est Press and hold the FEED key while turning the printer power ON. Release the key anytime after the first front panel LED turns OFF . NOTE: The CANCEL Key Self T est should be performed prior to this self test. Information on the printed configuration label can be used with the results of this self test to determine the best darkn[...]

FEED Key and P A USE Key Press and hold these two keys while turning the printer power ON. The printer configuration will be temporarily reset to the factory default values. These values will be active until power is turned OFF . If the factory default values are permanently saved, a media calibration pr ocedure must be performed. Y ou must also re[...]

Parameter Controlled by LCD Adjust Configuration Modes Enabled ZPL Modes Disabled ZPL Resolution Fixed (head type switch) Socket 1 ID Fixed (option EPROMS) Firmware Fixed (code EPROMS) Configuration Configuration Memory Fixed (SIMM size and 1 MB standard) B: Memory Fixed (option card) J12 Interface Fixed J11 Interface Fixed J10 Interface Fixed J9 I[...]

Options Y our print engine can be equipped with the following options. Contact your equipment supplier for further information and pricing. Single In-line Memory Module (SIMM) An optional 8 MByte SIMM increases the graphic and font storage capacity of the printer and/or increases the print length. As this is volatile memory , contents will be lost [...]

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Printer Specifications Printing Considerations Media Type (continuous, die-cut, or black mark) 172 PAX 2 173 PAX 2 Resolution 203 dots per inch (8 dots per mm) 300 dots per inch (12 dots per mm) Dot size 0.0049” x 0.0049” (0.125 mm x 0.125 mm) 0.0033” x 0.0039” (0.084 mm x 0.100 mm) First dot location (from inside media edge) 0.093” ± 0.[...]

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) Bar Codes Communications Specifications 50 170 PA X 2-Series User’s Guide Printer Specifications ° Communicates in printable ASCII characters ° Controlled via mainframe, mini, or PC ° Downloadable graphics, scalable and bit-map fonts, label templates, and formats ° Object copying between memory areas (RAM a[...]

Standard Printer Fonts Printer Specifications 170 PA X 2-Series User’s Guide 51 Font Matrices for 12 dot/mm (300 DPI) Printhead Font Matrix (in dots) Type* Character Size Inches Millimeters Height Width Inter- character Gap Height Width Char ./inch Height Width Char ./mm A 9 5 1 U-L-D 0.030 0.020 50.00 0.76 0.51 1.97 B 11 7 2 U 0.037 0.030 33.33 [...]

Memory ° 1 MByte RAM standard Optional 8 MByte SIMM Option available for longer labels or additional storage of fonts, graphics, logos, and label formats ° T ype II Serie sC&DP C Card Interface (memory only) standard Optional 8 MByte PC Memory Card - available for additional storage of fonts, graphics, logos,templates, and label formats. Also[...]

Appendix A AC P ower Cord Requirements Since many areas of the world have specific power requirements, an AC Power Cord may not be included with your printer . Refer to Figure 20. A power cord must be provided by you that meets your local electrical requirements. W ARNING!! For personnel and equipment safety , always use a three-pr ong plug with an[...]

T o replace a fuse, follow this procedure and refer to Figure 22: 1. T urn off the printer and unplug the power cord from the back of the printer . 2. Using a small-blade screwdriver , remove the fuse holder from the power entry module at the rear of the printer . 3. Carefully remove the fuse from the “in circuit” location. T o remove the fuse [...]

Appendix B P rinter Communications Interface T echnical Information System Considerations Communications Code — The printer sends and receives American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). This code consists of 128 characters (256 for Code Page 850) including upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and various con[...]

W ARNING: Connecting a data communications cable while the power is ON may damage the PA X 2 print engine. RS -232/RS -422/RS -485 Serial Data P ort The connections for these standard interfaces are made through the DB25 Female connector on the rear panel. Refer to T able 2. For all RS-232 input and output signals, the printer follows both the Elec[...]

RS-232 Interconnections — The printer is configured as Data T erminal Equipment (DTE). Figure 23 illustrates the connections required to interconnect the printer with the standard 9-pin serial port connector on a PC. Figure 24 illustrates the internal connections of the printer ’ s RS-232 connector . NOTE: If using a 9-pin to 25-pin adapter plu[...]

RS-422/RS-485 Interconnections — The printer may be connected to a host by a RS-422/RS-485 interface. The DB25 Female connector on the rear of the printer uses specific pins for this purpose. Figure 25 illustrates the required cable wiring for interconnecting to the printer ’ s DB25 connector . Figure 26 illustrates the internal connections of [...]

Centronics- Compatible P arallel Data P ort A standard 36-pin Centronics-compatible parallel connector is available at the rear of the printer for connection to the data source. The standard RS-232 port will not accept data when the parallel port is enabled. The parallel interface receives data from the data source but cannot send back printer stat[...]

Cabling Requirements Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metalized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise. T o minimize electrical noise pickup in the cable: • Keep data cables as short as possible. • Do not bundle the data cables tightly with [...]

Appendix B 170 PA X 2-Series User’s Guide 61 PIN # SIGNAL NAME SIGNAL TYPE FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION 5 PAUSE Input To toggle the current PAUSE state, this input must be asserted LOW for 200 milliseconds, or until the SERVICE REQUIRED output (pin 10) changes state. 6 REPRINT Input If the REPRINT feature is enabled – this input must be asserted LOW [...]

62 170 PA X 2-Series User’s Guide Appendix B INTERNAL LOGIC GROUND INTERNAL LOGIC TO J 1 PIN 2 TO J 1 PIN 1 J1 DB15 PRINT ENGINE INTERNAL CONNECTIONS PRINT ENGINE EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS SERVICE REQUIRED FEED RIBBON OUT RIBBON L OW ST ART PRINT 1.5A 750 mA MEDIA OUT REPRINT END PRINT P AUSE DA T A READY SP ARE ASSY P/N PCB P/N 49721 REV 1 R23 R24 R2[...]

Appendix C ASCII Code Chart 170 PA X 2-Series User’s Guide 63 HEX CHAR HEX CHAR HEX CHAR HEX CHAR 00 NUL 20 space 40 @ 60 ‘ 01 SOH 21 ! 41 A 61 a 02 STX 22 “ 42 B 62 b 03 ETX 23 # 43 C 63 c 04 EOT 24 $ 44 D 64 d 05 ENQ 25 % 45 E 65 e 06 ACK 26 & 46 F 66 f 07 BEL 27 ‘ 47 G 67 g 08 BS 28 ( 48 H 68 h 09 HT 29 ) 49 I 69 i 0A LF 2A * 4A J 6A[...]

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Appendix D Adjusting Darkness For “In-Spec” Bar Codes All direct thermal and thermal transfer materials do not require the same darkness setting. The best way to check for proper darkness is to use a bar code verifier that actually measures bars/spaces and will calculate the print contrast. W ithout the assis tance of a verifier , your eyes and[...]

“In-Spec” The “in-spec” bar code can only be confirmed by a verifier , but it should exhibit some very visible characteristics. T he normal bar code will have complete, even bars and clear, distinct spaces. The rotated bar code will also have complete bars and clear distinct spaces. Although it may not look as good as a slightly dark bar co[...]

Appendix E Installation Information V entilation openings of the printer mounting enclosure shall be provided by the installer to remove heat and ensure uninterrupted, trouble-free operation of the printer . Ambient air temperature surrounding the printer must not exceed 40 degrees Centigrade or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When the printer is mounted, [...]

Consideration must be given to the current rating of the printer during installation so that when power is applied to the printer and the enclosing equipment, an overload condition is not effected on enclosing equipment circuits or supply wiring. Reliable earthing of the printer must be maintained. Particular attention must be given to the AC power[...]

NOTE: Mounting hole locations are identical for both the right hand and left hand print engines. Clearance at the rear panel of the electronics enclosure must provide ample space for electronic connectors and dressing of the following cables: IEC power cord, serial and/or parallel host communication cable, optional host communication cable (Coax, T[...]

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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-of f, peel-of f, or cu[...]

fanfold media Media that comes folded in a rectangular stack. Contrast this with r oll media . firmware This is the term used to specify the printer ’ s operating program. This program is downloaded to the printer from a host computer and stored in FLASH memory . Each time the printer power is turned on, this operating program starts. This progra[...]

printer configuration (See configuration.) printhead wear The degradation of the surface of the printhead and/or the print elements over time. Heat and abrasion can cause printhead wear . Therefore, to maximize the life of the printhead, use the lowest print darkness setting (sometimes called burn temperature or head temperature) and the lowest pri[...]

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Index A AC Power ..................2 Adjustments Printhead pressure ...........3 5 T oggle positioning ..........3 5 Applicator Interface Connector ......6 0 Applicator Port, setting ..........2 9 ASCII Code Chart .............6 3 B Backfeed Sequence ............2 5 Bar Codes List of available ............5 0 Printing a list .............1 6 Baud R[...]

I IBM Coax Interface ............4 7 IBM T winax Interface ...........4 7 Images, printing a list ...........1 6 Initializing the Card ............1 7 In-Spec Bar Codes, adjusting darkness . . 65 L Label Positioning Parameters .......2 5 Backfeed sequenc e..........2 5 Label top position ...........2 6 Left position ..............2 7 LCD, adjusting[...]

Printing considerations (specifications) . . 49 Program Mode Entering ................1 1 Leaving ................1 1 Passwords ...............1 1 Protocol, setting ..............2 1 R Reporting Damage .............1 Ribbon Loading .................5 Removal ................6 S Selecting the ZPL Mode ..........2 4 Self T ests Power on .............[...]

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Customer Order # 49861L Rev . 1 Manufacturer Order # 49861LB © Zebra T echnologies Corporation Zebra T echnologies Corporation 333 Corporate W oods Parkway V ernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A. Phone Number: +1 847. 634.6700 Fax Number: +1 847. 913.8766 Zebra T echnologies Europe Limited Zebra House The V alley Centre, Gordon Road High W ycomb[...]