Zebra 170PAX2TM - Manual

A DB-15 Applicator Interface Connector provides communication between the print engine and theassociated applicator hardware. In some applications, control signal timing may be a critical elementin the performance of the print engine. Refer to Appendix B for control signal descriptions. WARNING!! Co...

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

Ribbon Loading To 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. C A U T I O N : W h e n i n s t a l l i n g t h e r i b b o n r o l l o n t h e r i b b o n s u p p l y s p i n...

Left Hand Units 1. Push the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle (N) as far as itwill go, so the ribbon feedsas shown in Figure 4. 2. Install an empty ribbon core onto the ribbon take-upspindle (O). 3. Open the printhead assembly (C) by unlatching the print-head lock lever (D) from thelocking pin (E)...

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 onthe printer frame. The position of this sensor is not adju...

Printer Operation Power On/Off Switch The Power On/Off Switch is located just to the left (or right) of the printer’s control panel. When thisswitch is placed in the ON (1) position, the POWER light goes ON and the printer automaticallyperforms a Power On Self Test (POST). The Liquid Crystal Display...

Liquid Crystal Display The control panel shown in Figure 7 contains a backlit Liquid Crystal Display. It shows operationalstatus as well as programming modes and feature parameters. Control Panel Keys Five keys are used to set print and communication parameters. BLACK OVAL KEYS — These two keys are ...

Configuration and Calibration After you have installed the media and ribbon, plugged in and turned on the AC Power, and theprinter has completed the Power On Self Test (POST), you may configure the printer parameters foryour application using the Liquid Crystal Display and the control panel keys. No...

Cancel — cancels all changes since pressing the SETUP/EXIT key except Darkness andTear Off (if they were changed). Load Defaults — loads factory defaults as the printer’s operating parameters. These are reflected onthe following pages. (Loading factory defaults requires that a new printer calibratio...

Setting the Tear Off Position The Tear Off Position adjusts the position of the media over the peel bar after printing. The labeland backing can be torn off or cut between labels. This also affects the dispense position in PeelOff, Applicator, and Cutter modes. TEAR OFF +0 - nnnnnn + Press the right...

Press the right or left oval key to display other selections. Default: Web (used to sense notches or holes in media or liner between labels)Selections: Web, 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 P...

NOTE: Before you begin the media and ribbon calibration procedure, be surethe Maximum Length is set to a value one step greater than the actual media. Ifthe 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 ...

Listing Printer Information List Fonts This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer. Fontsmay be stored in optional font EPROMs and as part of firmware EPROMs, on an optional PCMCIAmemory card, or downloaded and stored in formatting memory (R...

Initialize Card This selection initializes the optional memory card. C A U T I O N : P e r f o r m t h i s o p e r a t i o n o n l y w h e n i t i s n e c e s s a r y t o e r a s e a l lpreviously stored information in the optional memory card. Otherwise, pressthe NEXT key to bypass this function an...

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 inyour application. If you have not reached this point by sta...

Media and Ribbon Calibration Changing the type of ribbon and/or media may require adjustments to the sensitivity of the media andribbon sensors. Indications that the sensitivity may need to be adjusted would be a RIBBON light ONwith the ribbon properly installed or non-continuous media being treated...

Setting Communication Parameters Communication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to receive data from the host. Theseparameters ensure that the printer and host are “speaking the same language.” All communications parameters are password-protected. See page 11. Setting the Host Port S...

NOTE: Zebra Protocol is the same as ACK/NACK Protocol, except theresponse messages are sequenced. NOTE: If Zebra Protocol is selected, the printer must use “DSR/DTR” HostHandshake Protocol. Press the NEXT key to display NETWORK ID. Setting the Network ID Network ID is used to assign a unique number ...

Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters Prefix and delimiter characters are two-digit hex values used within the ZPL/ZPL II formats sent tothe printer. See “Appendix C” for an ASCII Code chart. The printer uses the most recently configured prefix and delimiter characters, whether included aspart o...

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 bysending a ZP...

Press the right or left oval key to display other selections. Default: FeedSelections: 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...

Setting the Label Top Position The Label Top Position controls the initial vertical print position on the label (viewed as the labelexits the printer). The Default position is referenced to the leading edge of the label which follows theone to be printed. Refer to Figure 11. If there is a lengthy we...

Setting the Left Position The Left Position controls the initial print position from the left edge of a label (viewed as the labelexits 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 p...

Head Test Function Periodically a Head Test is automatically performed to ensure that the printhead elements are workingcorrectly. This parameter determines how many labels are printed between these internal printheadtests. Setting the Head Test Count The Head Test Count is used to select the head t...

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 thelabel, the label will feed out far enough to be verified and then backfeed to allow the next label to beprinted and verified. 2 VER-THRUPUT — Allows for the greatest thr...

Printing Controls Setting the Start Print Signal This parameter determines how the printer will react to the Start Print Signal input on pin 3 of theapplicator interface connector at the rear of the printer. This is set by the applicator manufacturer and should not be changed unless the factory defa...

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

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: 00Range: 00 to 19 Press the NEXT key to display LANGUAGE Printer Language Selecting the Liquid Crystal Disp...

Care & Adjustments Cleaning C A U T I O N : U s e o n l y t h e c l e a n i n g a g e n t s i n d i c a t e d . Z e b r a Te c h n o l o g i e sC o r p o r a t i o n w i l l n o t b e r e s p o n s i b l e f o r d a m a g e c a u s e d b y a n y o t h e rc l e a n i n g m a t e r i a l s u s e d...

Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller Inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics, or light print may indicate a dirtyprinthead. Media movement problems may indicate a dirty platen. For optimum print quality, performthe following cleaning procedure after every roll of ri...

NOTE: If print quality has not improved, try cleaning the printhead with theSave-a-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamina-tion buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra distributorto order the Save-a-Printhead cleaning kit for the 170 PAX 2...

Troubleshooting Power On Self Test A Power On Self Test (POST) is performed each time the printer is turned ON. During this test, thefront panel lights (LEDs) will turn ON and OFF to ensure proper operation. At the end of this selftest, only the POWER LED will remain lit. Once the Power On Self Test...

Printer Self Tests Introduction These self tests, illustrated on the following pages, produce sample labels and provide specificinformation 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 tu...

PAUSE Key Self Test Press and hold the PAUSE key while turning the printer power ON. Release the key anytime after thefirst 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...

FEED Key Self Test Press and hold the FEED key while turning the printer power ON. Release the key anytime after thefirst front panel LED turns OFF. NOTE: The CANCEL Key Self Test should be performed prior to this self test.Information on the printed configuration label can be used with the results ...

FEED Key and PAUSE 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 ...

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 ...

Options Your print engine can be equipped with the following options. Contact your equipment supplier forfurther 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/orincreases the print length. As t...

Printer Specifications Printing Considerations Media Type (continuous, die-cut, or black mark) 172 PAX2 173 PAX2 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...

Standard Printer Fonts Printer Specifications 170PAX2-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...

Memory ° 1 M B y t e R A M s t a n d a r dO p t i o n a l 8 M B y t e S I M M O p t i o n a v a i l a b l e f o r l o n g e r l a b e l so r a d d i t i o n a l s t o r a g e o f f o n t s , g r a p h i c s , l o g o s , a n d l a b e l f o r m a t s ° Ty p e I I S e r i e s C & D P C C a r d I ...

Appendix A AC Power Cord Requirements Since many areas of the world have specific power requirements, an AC Power Cord may not beincluded with your printer. Refer to Figure 20. A power cord must be provided by you that meets yourlocal electrical requirements. WARNING!! For personnel and equipment sa...

To replace a fuse, follow this procedure and refer to Figure 22: 1. Turn 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 “i...

Appendix B Printer Communications Interface Technical Information System Considerations Communications Code — The printer sends and receives American Standard Code for InformationInterchange (ASCII). This code consists of 128 characters (256 for Code Page 850) including upper-and lower-case letters,...

WARNING: Connecting a data communications cable while the poweris ON may damage the PAX2 print engine. RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 Serial Data Port The connections for these standard interfaces are made through the DB25 Female connector on therear panel. Refer to Table 2. For all RS-232 input and output si...

Centronics-Compatible Parallel Data Port A standard 36-pin Centronics-compatible parallel connector is available at the rear of the printer forconnection to the data source. The standard RS-232 port will not accept data when the parallel port isenabled. The parallel interface receives data from the ...

Cabling Requirements Data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metalized connector shells. Shieldedcables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical noise. To minimizeelectrical noise pickup in the cable: • K e e p d a t a c a b l e s a s s h o r t...

Appendix B 170PAX2-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...

62 170PAX2-Series User’s Guide Appendix B INTERNAL LOGIC GROUND INTERNAL LOGIC TO J1 PIN 2 TO J1 PIN 1 J1 DB15 PRINT ENGINE INTERNAL CONNECTIONS PRINT ENGINE EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS SERVICE REQUIRED FEED RIBBON OUT RIBBON LOW START PRINT 1.5A 750 mA MEDIA OUT REPRINT END PRINT PAUSE DATA READYSPARE ASS...

Appendix C ASCII Code Chart 170PAX2-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 ...

Appendix D Adjusting Darkness For “In-Spec” Bar Codes All direct thermal and thermal transfer materials do not require the same darkness setting. The bestway to check for proper darkness is to use a bar code verifier that actually measures bars/spaces andwill calculate the print contrast. Without th...

“In-Spec” The “in-spec” bar code can only be confirmed by a verifier, but it should exhibit some very visiblecharacteristics. The normal bar code will have complete, even bars and clear, distinct spaces. Therotated bar code will also have complete bars and clear distinct spaces. Although it may not ...

Appendix E Installation Information Ventilation openings of the printer mounting enclosure shall be provided by the installer to removeheat and ensure uninterrupted, trouble-free operation of the printer. Ambient air temperaturesurrounding the printer must not exceed 40 degrees Centigrade or 104 deg...

Consideration must be given to the current rating of the printer during installation so that when poweris applied to the printer and the enclosing equipment, an overload condition is not effected onenclosing equipment circuits or supply wiring. Reliable earthing of the printer must be maintained. Pa...

NOTE: Mounting hole locations are identical for both the right hand andleft hand print engines. Clearance at the rear panel of the electronics enclosure must provide ample space for electronicconnectors and dressing of the following cables: IEC power cord, serial and/or parallel hostcommunication ca...

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 sothat the beginning of the label to be printed isproperly positioned behind the printhead.Backfeed occurs when opera...

Index A AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Adjustments Printhead pressure. . . . . . . . . . . 35 Toggle positioning . . . . . . . . . . 35 Applicator Interface Connector . . . . . . 60 Applicator Port, setting . . . . . . . . . . 29 ASCII Code Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 B Backfe...

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