Zebra Z4M - Manuals - manualsarea.com

Page 2 - ii; Zebra

Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any o...

Page 3 - iii; Zebra Z4M Printer

Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide iii I have determined that the Zebra printer identified as the Zebra Z4M Printer ™ manufactured by: Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061-3109 U.S.A. has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards of ...

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Page 5 - Table of Contents

Welcome Hello! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Reporting Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

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Fanfold Media Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Ribbon Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Loading the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Ribbon Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

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Troubleshooting LCD Error Conditions and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Print Quality Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Communications Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Printer Diagnostics. . . . . . . . . . ....

Page 9 - Unpacking and Inspection; Welcome

Hello! n This user’s guide provides all the information you will need to operate the printer. n The ZPL II ® Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II (part #45540L) show you how to create the perfect label format for your application. These books also explain how, through optional ZBI ™ , you can ex...

Page 10 - Media and Ribbon Requirements; strongly recommend

Reporting Damage If you discover shipping damage: n Immediately notify the shipping company and file a damage report. Zebra Technologies Corporation is not responsible for any damage incurred during the shipment of the equipment and will not repair this damage under warranty. n Keep the carton and a...

Page 11 - Printer Power; use a three-prong plug with an earth ground connection.; Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord; Figure 1

Printer Power The power supply in the printer automatically detects the applied line voltage and works in the 90 to 265 VAC range. WARNING!!! For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug with an earth ground connection. NOTE: Depending on how your printer was ordered, a power co...

Page 12 - Printer Overview; Figure 2

Printer Overview Depending on the options you have selected, your printer may look slightly different. 4 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Media supply guide Media guide Ribbon sensor Media supply hanger Media alignment spindle Printhead open lever Take-up spindle Rewind media guide Thumbscrew Front h...

Page 13 - so; Purpose; This procedure must be performed when the printer is first; Calibrating the Printer

This chapter of the user’s guide is so important that we’ve printed it on a different color paper! That way, it will be easy for you to find when you must calibrate (set up) the printer for your particular application. Purpose n To calibrate the printer. n To verify that the printer is properly set ...

Page 14 - Types of Media; Non-Continuous Web Media; Figure 3

Types of Media Non-Continuous Web Media Non-continuous web media (refer to Figure 3) refers to individual labels that are separated by a gap, notch, or hole. When you look at the media, you can tell where one label ends and the next one begins. 6 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Non-continuous media ...

Page 15 - Figure 4

Non-Continuous Black Mark Media Non-continuous black mark media has black marks printed on the back that indicate the start and end of each label (refer to Figure 4). Continuous Media Continuous media (refer to Figure 5) is one uninterrupted roll of material that allows the image to be printed anywh...

Page 16 - Choosing the Print Mode; In; cutter; mode, the printer automatically cuts the label after it is printed.; rewind; mode, the media and/or backing are rewound onto a core as the labels

Choosing the Print Mode n Tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label, or a strip of labels, after it is printed. n In peel-off mode, backing material is peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed from the printer, the next one is printed. n When in cutter mode, the...

Page 17 - Loading the Media; printing modes, refer to the instructions that begin on page 22.; Figure 6

Loading the Media Figure 6 illustrates one method of media loading. For more detailed instructions, as well as information about how to load the different types of media and the various printing modes, refer to the instructions that begin on page 22. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 9 Printhead open ...

Page 18 - Positioning the Media Sensor; between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support!

Positioning the Media Sensor The correct positioning of the media sensor is important. It can make the difference between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support! There are two media sensors in this printer: “reflective” and “transmissive.” Reflective Sensor The reflective sensor detects the...

Page 19 - Figure 7

Adjusting the Reflective Sensor Refer to Figure 7. 1. Open the printhead assembly by pressing the printhead open lever. 2. Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever. 3. Move the reflective sensor positioning lever across the width of the media until the reflective sensor aligns with the start-o...

Page 20 - Transmissive Sensor; Loading the Ribbon; Figure 8

Transmissive Sensor The transmissive sensor is in a fixed position and enabled via the front panel (details in “SENSOR SELECT” on page 41). Loading the Ribbon Refer to Figure 8. For more detailed information, refer to the instructions that begin on page 34. 12 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Ribbon ...

Page 21 - Auto Calibration; when all errors have been cleared.

Auto Calibration When auto calibrating, the printer is determining the label length and media/ribbon sensor settings. Auto calibration occurs when the printer is turned on and each time the printer recovers from an error condition. (To clear an error, open and close the printhead assembly and then p...

Page 22 - Operator Controls; POWER Switch; Figure 9

Operator Controls POWER Switch The POWER switch is located at the back of the printer above the power cord. Turn on the printer. Front Panel For a more detailed explanation of the front panel keys and lights (as shown in Figure 9), refer to the instructions that begin on page 19. 14 Zebra Z 4M Print...

Page 23 - Configuring the Printer; get your printer up and running,

Configuring the Printer The configuration procedure in the next table contains the information you need to get your printer up and running, but it is not comprehensive . Refer to page 40 for more information. n Press the SETUP/EXIT key at the “PRINTER READY” display to enter the configuration mode. ...

Page 24 - Troubleshooting

Configuring the Software of Printer Driver Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label preparation software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information. Printing a Test Label To print a test label: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold ...

Page 25 - System Considerations; Interfaces; Establishing Communication

System Considerations Interfaces The method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed in the printer. The standard interfaces are an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial data port and a bi-directional parallel port. The optional ZebraNet PrintServer II enable...

Page 26 - Appendix; Cabling Requirements; Zebra printers comply with FCC “Rules and Regulations,”

When communicating via the parallel port (refer to Figure 12), the previously mentioned parameters are not considered. Refer to page 46 to configure the communication parameters for the printer. The values selected must be the same as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer. For se...

Page 27 - Front Panel; Front Panel Display; Printer Basics

Front Panel This section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicators on the printer. The operator should become familiar with each of these functions. Front Panel Display The front panel display communicates operational status and programming modes and parameters. Zebra Z 4M Print...

Page 30 - Roll Media Loading

Roll Media Loading Tear-Off Mode Refer to Figure 14. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up th...

Page 37 - Backing Removal; Slide the core and backing material from the take-up spindle.

Backing Removal 1. Cut the backing material prior to where it winds onto the take-up spindle. 2. Rotate the take-up spindle until the rewind media guide is in the “12 o’clock” position. 3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up spindle. 4. Slide the core...

Page 39 - Media Removal; Cut the media prior to where it winds onto the take-up spindle.

Media Removal 1. Cut the media prior to where it winds onto the take-up spindle. 2. Rotate the take-up spindle until the rewind media guide is in the “12 o’clock” position. 3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up spindle. 4. Slide the core and roll of ...

Page 40 - Fanfold Media Loading

Fanfold Media Loading Fanfold media feeds through either the bottom or rear access slot. Refer to Figure 19. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Pass the ...

Page 42 - Ribbon Loading; CAUTION: Always use ribbon that is wider than the media. The smooth; Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up.; Low tension position; Normal position

Ribbon Loading NOTE: The ribbon supply spindle in your printer is a "dual tension" variety. Most applications require the spindle to be in the "normal" position. The "low tension" position is recommended only when wide ribbon is used and normal tension hampers the ribbon move...

Page 44 - Ribbon Removal; To remove the ribbon:

Ribbon Removal To remove the ribbon: 1. Break the ribbon between the ribbon guide plate and the ribbon take-up spindle. 2. While turning the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counterclockwise, squeeze the ribbon against the ribbon take-up spindle tension blades. 3. When the tension blades collapse...

Page 45 - Entering the Setup Mode; keys to scroll to the desired menu item.; Configuration

After you have installed the media and ribbon and the power-on self test (POST) is complete, the front panel display will show “PRINTER READY.” (If the printer fails its POST, refer to page 73.) You may now set printer parameters for your application using the front panel display and the four keys d...

Page 46 - Changing Password-Protected Parameters; Certain parameters are password protected by factory default.; sure you know what you are doing! If they are set incorrectly, these; was entered correctly, you can now change the value.

Changing Password-Protected Parameters Certain parameters are password protected by factory default. NOTE: You have the option of making ALL parameters password protected. See “PASSWORD LEVEL” on page 52. CAUTION: Do not change password-protected parameters unless you are sure you know what you are ...

Page 47 - Leaving the Setup Mode; pressing the SELECT key selects the displayed choice.

Leaving the Setup Mode You can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP/EXIT key. The “SAVE CHANGES” display will appear. There are five choices, described below. Pressing the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key displays other choices and pressing the SELECT key selects the displayed ...

Page 48 - Configuration and Calibration Sequence

Configuration and Calibration Sequence 40 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Display Shows Action/Explanation PRINTER READY Normal printer operation. Setting Print Parameters DARKNESS Adjusting Print Darkness Press the INCREMENT (+) key to increase darkness. Press the DECREMENT (-) key to decrease dark...

Page 63 - Cleaning; are provided on the following pages.; cleaning fluids used on this printer.; Routine Care and Adjustments

Cleaning This table provides a recommended cleaning schedule. Specific cleaning procedures are provided on the following pages. CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning fluids used on this printer....

Page 68 - Cleaning the Cutter Module; unplug the printer before performing this procedure.; To clean adhesive off of the upper and lower cutter blades:

Cleaning the Cutter Module (Cutter option required) WARNING!!! For personnel safety, ALWAYS turn off and unplug the printer before performing this procedure. Refer to Figure 26. To clean adhesive off of the upper and lower cutter blades: 1. Use a swab moistened with the Zebra-recommended solvent to ...

Page 69 - Lubrication; CAUTION! No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this

Lubrication CAUTION! No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the mechanical parts, if used. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 61 Upper cutter blade Lower cutter blade Cutter motor thumbnut Figure 26

Page 70 - Printhead Pressure Adjustment; considered “position 4.”

Printhead Pressure Adjustment This adjustment may be necessary if printing is too light on one side or if thick media is used. Refer to Figure 27. The pressure adjustment dials each have four possible settings designated by blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest bloc...

Page 72 - Power Rewind Media Alignment; Under normal operating conditions, media alignment should

Power Rewind Media Alignment (Power rewind option required.) NOTE: Under normal operating conditions, media alignment should not be necessary if the media/backing was initially installed tightly against the backplate of the take-up spindle. Perform the following adjustment if the media does not trac...

Page 74 - Fuse Replacement; permit removal of the fuse.

Fuse Replacement A user-replaceable AC power fuse is located just below the AC power switch at the rear of the printer. The replacement fuse is a 3AG fast blow style rated at 5 Amp/250 VAC. Before replacing the fuse, turn off the AC power switch and unplug the AC power cord. To replace the fuse, ins...

Page 75 - LCD Error Conditions and Warnings; Error condition RIBBON OUT

LCD Error Conditions and Warnings Error condition RIBBON OUT Error condition PAPER OUT Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 67 Troubleshooting Problem Solution In thermal transfer mode, the ribbon is not loaded or loaded incorrectly. Load the ribbon correctly. See “Ribbon Loading” on page 34. In thermal ...

Page 77 - Warning CUTTER JAM; Print Quality Problems; General print quality issues

Warning CUTTER JAM OUT OF MEMORY* Print Quality Problems General print quality issues Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 69 Problem Solution Cutter blade is in the media path. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer. Inspect the cutter module for debris and clean as needed following the clean...

Page 79 - Calibration; Communications Problems; A label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. The DATA

Calibration Communications Problems A label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. The DATA light does not flash. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 71 Problem Solution Loss of printing registration on labels. Excessive vertical drift in top-of-form registration. Adjust the reflective senso...

Page 81 - Printer Diagnostics; Additional Printer Self Tests

Printer Diagnostics Power-On Self Test A power-on self test (POST) is performed automatically each time the printer is turned on. During this test sequence, the front panel lights and liquid crystal display monitor the progress of the POST. If the printer fails any of these tests, the word “FAILED” ...

Page 82 - CANCEL Key Self Test

CANCEL Key Self Test This self test prints a listing of the configuration parameters currently stored in the printer’s memory. See Figure 29. (Depending on the options ordered, your label may look different.) 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the CANCEL key while turning on the power. 3. Re...

Page 83 - PAUSE Key Self Test

PAUSE Key Self Test This self test can be used to provide the test labels required when making adjustments to the printer’s mechanical assemblies. See the sample printout in Figure 30. 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the PAUSE key while turning on the power. 3. Release the key after the D...

Page 84 - FEED Key Self Test

FEED Key Self Test See Figure 31. 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the FEED key while turning on the power. 3. Release the key after the DATA light turns off (approximately five seconds). The FEED key self test prints out at various darkness settings above and below that of the darkness va...

Page 85 - Communications Diagnostics Test; This label will be inverted when printed.; Loading Factory Defaults; Press the SELECT key two times.

Communications Diagnostics Test This test is controlled from the front panel display. Refer to page 48. A typical printout from this test is shown in Figure 32. Turn off the power to exit this self test. NOTE: This label will be inverted when printed. Loading Factory Defaults 1. Press the SELECT key...

Page 87 - Printer specifications are subject to change without notice.; Specifications

NOTE: Printer specifications are subject to change without notice. General Specifications Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 79 Specifications General Specifications Z 4M Height 13.3” 338 mm Width 10.9” 277 mm Depth 18.7” 475 mm Weight (without options) 32.4 lbs. 14.7 kg Electrical 90-265 VAC, 48-62 Hz...

Page 89 - Cutter

Media Specifications Options Z 4M n Cutter n Value peel-off n PCMCIA card n 1 MB and 2 MB FLASH n 300 dpi printhead Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 81 Media Specifications Z 4M Label length Minimum Tear-off 0.5” 13 mm Peel-off 1” 25.4 mm Rewind 0.5” 13 mm Cutter 1” 25.4 mm Maximum 39” 991 mm Label w...

Page 90 - Bar Codes

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II) Bar Codes 82 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide n Downloadable graphics (with data compression) n Bit image data transfer and printing, mixed text/graphics n Format inversion n Mirror image printing n Four-position field rotation (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) n Slew command ...

Page 91 - AC Power Cord; may not be included with your printer. The power cord; use a three-prong plug with an earth ground connection to; Power Line Cord Specifications

AC Power Cord Since many areas of the world have specific power requirements, an AC power cord may not be included with your printer. The power cord must meet your local electrical requirements. WARNING!!! For personnel and equipment safety, always use a three-prong plug with an earth ground connect...

Page 93 - Printer Interface Technical Information; Serial Data Communications

Printer Interface Technical Information Serial Data Communications The following table illustrates the pin connections on the DB-25 connector at the rear of the printer. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 85 Pin No. Description 1 Chassis ground 2 TXD (transmit data) output from the printer 3 RXD (recei...

Page 95 - Hardware Control Signal Descriptions; When XON/XOFF handshaking is selected, data flow is; CAUTION: This printer complies with FCC “Rules and Regulations”,

Hardware Control Signal Descriptions For all RS-232 input and output signals, this printer follows both the Electronics Industries Association (EIA) RS-232 and the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) V.24 standard signal level specifications. When DTR/DSR handsha...

Page 97 - Parallel Cabling Requirements

Parallel Data Communications The following table illustrates the pin connections on the bi-directional parallel connector at the rear of the printer. Parallel Interface The 8-bit parallel data interface supports IEEE 1284 bi-directional parallel communications in “nibble mode.” The parallel interfac...

Page 99 - Index; Adjustments

Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 91 Index A Adjustments Printhead pressure . . . . . . . . . . 62Reflective sensor . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Auto calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 C Cabling requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 18Calibrating the printer . . . . . . . . . . . 5Calibration, auto . ....

Page 100 - Operator controls

92 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide M Maintenance manual . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Media loading Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fanfold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Power peel-off . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Power rewind . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

Page 101 - ZebraNet Networking: PrintServer II

Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 93 U Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Z ZebraNet Networking: PrintServer II Installation and User's Guide . . . . . . 1 ZPL II Programming Guide Volume I and Volume II . . . . . . . . . 1