Datamax E-4304 manual

E-4203 / E-4204 / E-4304 Operator’s Manual[...]

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Copyright Information: Firmware (Software) Agreement The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business. The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to , duplicate or copy the Firmware [...]

Agency Compliance and Approvals: C US Listed UL1950 Information Technology Equipment C22.2 No. 950-M93 EN60950 For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of a min H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a male plug for the country of instal[...]

Important Safety Instructions This printer has been carefully designed to give you many years of safe, reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself or damaging the printer: • Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your printer.[...]

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i Printer Overview 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................ 1 1.1 About this Printer ............................................................... 2 1.1.1 Standard Features .................................................... 2 1.1.2 Optional Features ...............................................[...]

ii 4.5.5 Label Alignment Troubleshooting ............................ 28[...]

iii 4.6 Calibration Mode ................................................................ 31 4.6.1 Media Sensor Calibration Procedure ........................ 32 4.6.2 Auto Media Calibration Procedure ........................... 33 4.7 Internal Labels .................................................................... 34 4.7.1 Database Configurati[...]

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E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 1 1.0 Introdu ction The E-4203, E-4204, and E-4304 hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, is a user-friendly printer that blends quality and durability at an affordable price. The front panel was designed to make operation of the printer a simple task. The printer offers direct thermal and optional thermal transfer printin[...]

2 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 1.1 About this Printer This printer offers the following standard and optional features: 1.1.1 Standard Feat ures Printing Ø Direct Thermal Printing Ø On Demand and Batch Printing Ø 203 or 300 DPI Printhead ( Model Dependant ) Ø AGFA Scalable Font Engine Memory Ø 1 MB FLASH memory Ø 2 MB DRAM Memory Interfaces Ø This p[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 3 1.1.2 Optional Features Thermal Transfer Thermal transfer printing requires the use of a ribbon. The ink/wax from the ribbon transfers to the media by the printer to create an image. Thermal transfer printing provides exceptional clarity and scanability. External Cutter The external cutter provides ease of automatic cutting f[...]

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E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5 2.0 Before using the Printer Removing the Packaging Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage , if damage is evident notify the shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage. The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In order to operate the printer you will need to remove the pa[...]

6 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Inspecting the Printer After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents of the package. The following items should be included: Ø Printer Ø External power supply Ø Accessories CD Ø Special or additional items purchased. Additional Requirements The following items are necessary for generating labe[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 7 3.0 Introduction This chapter explains how to connect your printer, load media and ribbon (optional), and print a configuration label. 3.1 Connecting the Printer 3.1.1 Power Connection The printer is powered from an external power supply that connects to the printer as shown below. Several power supplies are available dependi[...]

8 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 3.1.2 Interface Connection The printer can be connected to the host via a serial or parallel cable. 3.1.3 Interface Cables An interface cable is necessary to connect the printer to the host. The interface between the printer and the host will be either a serial RS-232C or parallel cable. Cable configurations for serial (RS-23[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 9 3.2 Loading Media 1. Open the cover. 2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly. 3. Place a roll of media (labels facing up) on the Media Hub and insert them into the printer. Slide the Media Hub Flange with its smooth side towards media onto the Media Hub. 4. Route the media as shown below. 5. [...]

10 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 3.2.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration 1. Open the cover. 2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly. 3. Place a roll of media (labels facing up) on the Media Hub and insert them into the printer. Slide the Media Hub Flange with its smooth side towards media onto the Media Hub. 4. Pull the [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 11 3.3 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer) 1. Open the cover. 2. Remove the two ribbon hubs. 3. Slide a roll of Ribbon onto one of the Ribbon Hubs and an Empty Core onto the other hub. 4. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly. 5. Slide the Direct/Thermal Transfer switch to the ‘Transfer’ posit[...]

12 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 6. Place the Ribbon Hubs back into the printer and route the ribbon through the printhead carrier assembly as shown below. Note: Always make sure the ink side of the ribbon faces the media and NOT the printhead. 7. The ‘Media Type’ setting within the printer’s setup must be set to ‘Thermal Transfer’ to print using [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 13 3.4 Flash Memory Expansion The printer can be equipped with an optional Flash Memory Expansion. This flash expansion can be used for storage of label formats and fonts. For font downloading instructions refer to Section 5.8 in this manual. To install the Flash Memory Expansion: ΠTurn the power off and unplug the printer. R[...]

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E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 15 4.0 Front Panel Operation The Front Panel consists of three lights and three dual- function buttons. The functions of these lights and controls are listed below. 4.1 Lights Ø Both the POWER and PAUSED lights will be on during power-up initialization, or “warm reset”.[...]

16 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.2 Buttons Three buttons perform different functions based on the mode the printer is in. The printer operates in one of the following modes: Normal: Normal printer functions (i.e. Pause, Feed, and Cancel). See Section 4.3 Printer Setup: Allows setting of the printer’s operating menu items (i.e. Media Settings, Communicat[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 17 4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions In ‘Printer Setup Mode’ the printer’s buttons control the setting of the printer’s operating menu items such as Media Settings, Communications, and Options. Note: It is recommend that the Printer Setup Mode is not executed with the printer in Peel Mode or the optional Present[...]

18 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.4.1 Printer Setup Menu List The sample label below is the Printer Setup Menu List. This label shows all of the printer’s current values for each menu item that can be modified using the front panel. The number far left of the Menu Item corresponds to its position in the Menu List, for selection by pressing . For example [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 19 4.4.2 Menu Items and Values The table below lists all the menu items and their possible values in the ‘Printer Setup Procedure’. 1) MEDIA TYPE Sets printing for either direct thermal (no ribbon) or thermal transfer (ribbon) stock. Possible Values: * DIRECT THERMAL THERMAL TRANSFER 2) SENSOR TYPE Select the sensor type th[...]

20 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 9) CONTROL CODES Allows code selection listed in Programmer’s manual. Possible Values: * ( STD ) STANDARD CODES ( ALT ) ALTERNATE CODES 10) CONT FORM LENGTH This command sets the page size (label length) when the printer’s ‘ SENSOR TYPE’ is set to continuous media . Possible Values: Range: 0 – 9999; default = *100 [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 21 17) INTERNAL MODULE Sets the number of 4K Byte blocks allocated for the internal RAM module. Possible Values: 0 – 255; default = *128 18) LABEL ALIGNMENT (see section 4.5 for more information) Sets Label Alignment Method. Possible Values: YES (printer uses ‘ ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ or host sent value) AUTO (printer will auto[...]

22 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.4.3 Example of Changing Baud Rate The following is a step by step example for modifying the Printer Setup. Although this example will show how to modify only the Baud Rate value from a default of 9600 bps to 19200 bps the same procedure can be used to change any of the printer’s menu items. Note: It is recommend that the[...]

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24 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 6. To confirm that your changes have been made press the + buttons simultaneously, this will print the Database Configuration Label. The label should show the new Baud Rate value of 19200. FRI AUGUST 024, 2001 19:29 236 VER: ET4204 - 04.06 08/24/01 BOOT 83-2329-04A CODE 83-2325-04F FONT 83-2337-01A CPLD 592157-01C INTERNAL F[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 25 4.5 Label Alignment The Label Alignment function is intended for applications with short label lengths that result in wasted labels ( between the media sensor and printhead ) when printing the first label after changing media or at power-up. This is accomplished with providing the printer with a ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ which [...]

26 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO In this mode the printer can calculate the ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ by performing a FORCED ALIGNMENT. This eliminates the need to physically measure the ‘ALIGNMENT LENGTH’ as in 4.5.1 Label Alignment = YES. This feature is usually preferred for applications requiring frequent changing of media [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 27 4.5.4 Label Alignment Recommended Settings Label Alignment is intended for use with label length less than the distance between the printhead and the edge sensor, or where label wastage at power-up is a concern. Label Alignment is not recommended for label stock lengths greater than 6.5” or for label stock containing 2 or [...]

28 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.5.5 Label Alignment Troubleshooting Problem Description Possible Cause Solution Attempting to perform Label Alignment results in no paper movement. With the Present Sensor enabled, Label Alignment can not be performed without a Label Length. Ø Set Label Alignment to AUTO, press and hold FEED till paper moves for automatic[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 29 Problem Description Possible Cause Solution Label Alignment is incorrect. Pressing FEED successively results in a short label length, 1-inch. Label Alignment Length is not correct. The default Label Alignment Length is 1.00”, and will result in this behavior when any larger label length is used without setting the appropri[...]

30 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 + Problem Description Possible Cause Solution Tear Mode selected but label stop position (present position) is not far enough forward. Another present position has been determined. Enabling the Present Sensor causes the label stop position (present position) to be approximately 0.1” behind the peel bar. ~OR~ The Present Ad[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 31 4.6 Calibration Mode In ‘Calibration Mode’ the printer’s buttons allows the printer to ‘calibrate’ the media for sensing of the Top of Form either automatically or manually. Note: If at any time you wish to discard your changes and revert back to the previous calibration simply turn off the printer. Note: Before ca[...]

32 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.6.1 Media Sensor Calibration Procedure The ‘Media Sensor Calibration Procedure’ allows the operator to recalibrate the selected media sensor (reflective or gap) for a selected media. Follow the steps below to calibrate your sensor. Note: Before calibrating, be sure the media sensor is set fo r the appropriate media typ[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 33 4.6.2 Auto Media Calibration Procedure The ‘Auto Media Calibration Procedure’ allows the operator to automatically obtain the optimum (TOF Low and TOF Delta) values for a particular media. These values are useful for media that continues to have troubles after Media Sensor has been manually calibrated (usually preprinted[...]

34 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.7 Internal Labels The following sections explain each of the printer’s internally generated test and configuration labels. 4.7.1 Database Configuration and Dot Check Label To print the Database Configuration and Dot Check Labels: With the printer on, loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing in [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 35 The second label printed is the Dot Check Label. This label is used to determine whether the printhead is in need of replacement. 'Good' and 'Faulty' Dot Check Labels are shown below: Good Test Label: Indicates that the printhead is operating normally. Faulty Test Label: Streaks in test label indicate a d[...]

36 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 4.7.2 Test Label This label is intended to be used to evaluate the current printer setup for print quality and label tracking and positioning. To print the Test Label: With the printer loaded with media (at least 4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing in thermal-transfer), press the + buttons simultaneously to print the Int[...]

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E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 38 5.0 Introduction This chapter covers the cleaning, adjusting, and some troubleshooting tips involved with your printer. In addition, the following table provides a recommended cleaning schedule for the various parts of your printer. Area Method Interval Printhead Turn off the printer before cleaning the printhead. Use solven[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 39 5.1 Cleaning the Printhead Warning: Turn ‘off’ the printer and unplug the unit from the outlet before cleaning the printhead. 1. Turn ‘off’ the printer and open the cover. 2. Push the Printhead Latch down and raise the Printhead Carrier Assembly. 3. Using a Cotton Swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, rub the Cotton Swab[...]

40 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5.2 Media Width Adjustment The thumbwheel on the side of the printhead carrier assembly allows the printhead to be adjusted for various sizes of media. The numbers on the thumbwheel serve only as a reference point and do not correspond with a particular media width. To adjust for narrow media move the Thumbwheel to the left [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 41 5.3 Ribbon Width Ad justment The adjustable ribbon handler feature allows adjustment to the ribbon supply hub that provides optimum tension when using different widths and/or types of media and ribbon. 1. Turn ‘off’ the printer. 2. Hold the Hub and rotate the Ribbon Tensi on Adjustment Knob to meet your media/ribbon widt[...]

42 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5.4 Fine Printhead Adjustment A fine printhead adjustment set screw is located on top of the printhead carrier assembly that can be used for adjusting print quality. This adjustment is set at the factory and should not need further adjusting; however, with different types and thickness of media some adjustment may be necessa[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 43 5.5 Printhead Replacement Removal: Note: It is not necessary to remove the Ribbon Handler Assembly, (if equipped). An access hole in the assembly is provided for access. Note: Always follow proper ESD (Electro Static Discharge) procedures when replacing the printhead. 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Loosen the Printhead Screw un[...]

44 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5.6 Darkness Adjustment The Darkness Adjustment (located on the rear of the printer ), allows the operator to adjust the ‘print darkness’ on the printed ticket. Turning the Darkness Adjustment clockwise will make the print darker , turning it counterclockwise will lighten the print. Note: Large increases the ‘Darkness [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 45 5.8 Downloading Firmware and Fonts The printer stores its Boot Loader , Operating Program , and Font in Flash memory on the main PCB. This configuration allows updates and/or new features to the printer. 1. Identify the desired firmware revision from the Datamax FTP site at ftp://ftp.datamaxcorp.com and download the desired [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 46 6.0 Introduction Occasionally situations occur that requires some troubleshooting skills. Possible problem situations and potential solutions are listed in this section. While not every situation is addressed, you may find some of these tips helpful. After the correction action is taken press the feed button to clear the ala[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 47 Unacceptable print quality: • Dirty printhead. Clean the printhead , (see Chapter 5). • The printhead temperature is too high. Use the software control to adjust the Heat Setting, Print Speed, or adjust the darkness adjustment located on the back of the printer. • The incorrect ribbon/paper combination is being used, c[...]

48 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Skips every other label (Print quality is good but skips every other label). • The label is formatted too close to the top edge of the form. Leave white space equal to 8-dot rows at the top of the label, approximately .02" (.5mm). • The media is not calibrated, (see Chapter 4) • The media sensor or media sensor ci[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 49 Label advances 1-2 inches before a fault indication • The ribbon is installed incorrectly. Make sure that the dull side (side with ink) is facing the paper. • A bad ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an insufficient amount of friction between paper and ribbon. Ensure that the correct type of ribbon is being used. L[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 50 7.0 Printer Specifications Mechanical Width 8.5” (21.6 cm) Depth 9.5” (24.1 cm) Height 6.25” (15.9 cm Weight 4 lbs. (1.8 kg) Operating Temperature 40 ° F to 95 ° F (4 ° C to 35 ° C) AC INPUT POWER 110V Standard (Non Auto-Ranging) (50-2024-01); 105 to 125, 60 Hz 220V Standard (Non Auto-Ranging) (50-2034-01); 210 to [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 51 FLASH Memory 1MB[...]

52 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Media/Ribbon Media Types Roll-Fed, Die-Cut, Continuous, Fan-Fold Max. Media Width 4.3 " (109.2 mm) Min. Media Width 1 " (25.4 mm) Max. Print Width 4.09" (104 mm) Print Length Range .375-24" (9.52-609.6 mm) Media Thickness Range .0025-.01" (.064 mm - .254 mm); up to .007” (.117 mm) with optional cut[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 53 Approved Media To achieve optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax recommends the use of DATAMAX  brand media and ribbons. These supplies are specially formulated for use in our printers; use of non-Datamax supplies may affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer or its components. For [...]

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E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 A- 1 ASCII Control Code Chart Char De c Hex Char De c Hex Char De c He x Char Dec He x Ctrl @ NUL 0 00 32 20 @ 64 40 ` 96 60 Ctrl A SOH 1 01 ! 33 21 A 65 41 a 97 61 Ctrl B STX 2 02 “ 34 22 B 66 42 b 98 62 Ctrl C EXT 3 03 # 35 23 C 67 43 c 99 63 Ctrl D EOT 4 04 $ 36 24 D 68 44 d 100 64 Ctrl E ENQ 5 05 % 37 25 E 69 45 e 101 65 [...]

A- 2 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Char De c Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Cha r Dec Hex Ç 128 80 á 160 A0 192 C0 Ó 224 E0 ü 129 81 í 161 A1 193 C1 ß 225 E1 é 130 82 ó 162 A2 194 C2 Ô 226 E2 â 131 83 ú 163 A3 195 C3 Ò 227 E3 ä 132 84 ñ 164 A4 196 C4 õ 228 E4 à 133 85 Ñ 165 A5 197 C5 Õ 229 E5 å 134 86 a 166 A6 ã 198 C6 µ 230 E6 ç 135 87[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 B- 1 Embedded Fonts and Barcodes All character fonts and barcodes available with the printer are described in this section. Each font and barcode has a name associated with it for use in programming. Human-readable fonts have numeric names while barcode fonts have alpha names. Fonts Fonts 0 through 8 use the slash zero (Ø) con[...]

B- 2 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 The table below lists the font sizes. The numbers indicate the number of dots. FONT HEIGHT WIDTH SPACING Font 0 7 5 1 Font 1 13 7 2 Font 2 18 10 2 Font 3 27 14 2 Font 4 36 18 3 Font 5 52 18 3 Font 6 64 32 4 Font 7 32 15 5 Font 8 28 15 5 Font 0 96-character alphanumeric, upper and lower case. Font 1 145-character upper and [...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 B- 3 Font 4 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 5 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.[...]

B- 4 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Font 7 OCR-A, size I. Font 8 OCR-B, size III. Font 9 Internal Triumvirate font. Point sizes are selected by the number in the barcode height. Larger point sizes can be obtained by increasing the height and width multipliers, 48pt and 72pt fonts are generated by doubling the 24pt and 36pt fonts respectively (see the Program[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 B- 5 Barcodes Bar Code fonts have alpha names (left column in the table below). Uppercase alpha names will print barcodes with human-readable interpretations. Lowercase alpha names will print barcodes only. The table is followed by visual samples. Bar Code ID Type Length Check- sum Valid ASCII Characters, decimal value represen[...]

B- 6 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Bar Code ID Type Length Check- sum Valid ASCII Characters, decimal value representation u UPS MaxiCode with Byte Count Specified Yes Alphanumeric v FIM 1 No A, B, C, D z PDF417 Varies Yes All Z PDF417 with Byte Count Specified Yes All W1c DataMatrix Varies Yes All 8-bit values W1C DataMatrix with Byte Count Specified Yes A[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 B- 7 Barcode A Code 3 of 9 Barcode B UPC-A Barcode C UPC-E Barcode D Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode E Code 128 Barcode F EAN-13 Barcode G EAN-8 Barcode H Health Industry Barcode (HIBC)[...]

B- 8 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Barcode I Codabar Barcode J Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum Barcode K Plessey Barcode L Interleaved 2 of 5 w/module 10 checksum and shipping bearer bars Barcode M 2 Digit UPC addendum Barcode N 5 Digit UPC addendum Barcode O Code 93 Barcode p Postnet[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 B- 9 Barcode Q UCC/EAN Code 128 Barcode R UCC/EAN Code 128 KMART NON EDI Barcode S UCC/EAN Code 128 Random Weight[...]

B-10 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Barcode T Telepen Barcode u UPS MaxiCode Barcode v FIM Barcode z PDF 417 Bar Code W1c: DataMatrix Bar Code W1d: QR Code Bar Code W1f: Aztec Bar Code W1z: MicroPDF417 Bar Code W1T: TCIF Linked Barcode 3 of 9 (TLC39)[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 C- 1 Datamax Barcode Products Limited Warranty Statement E-Class  4203/4204/4304 Printer Printer Datamax warrants to Purchaser that under normal use and service, the E-Class  4203/4204/4304 Printer, (with the exception of the thermal printhead) purchased hereunder shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for[...]

C- 2 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 Thermal Printhead This warranty is limited to a period of one year, (365 days), or 1,000,000 linear inches of use , whichever comes first, for the E-Class  4203/4204/4304 thermal printhead. This one year (365 days) warranty is valid only if a Datamax - approved thermal label media is used, as defined in the then current[...]

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 C- 3 General Warranty Provisions Datamax makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or suitability of any of its hardware, supplies, or software. Software is licensed on an “as is” basis without warranty. Except and to the extent expressly provided in this warranty and in lieu of all other warranties, there ar[...]

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