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Zebra S4M User Manual - Types of Media

Manual is about: Industrial/Commercial Printer

Summary of S4M

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    S4m™ industrial/commercial printer user guide.

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    © 2006 zih corp. The copyrights in this manual and the software and/or firmware in the label printer described therein are owned by zih corp. Unauthorized reproduction of this manual or the software and/or firmware in the label printer may result in imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to ...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A contents contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iii about this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 who shou...

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    Contents iv 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 2 • printer setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

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    V contents 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 4 • configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 setup mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

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    Contents vi 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 a • zpl ii commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 end user license agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 glossary . . . . . . . . . ...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A about this document this section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and additional reference documents. Contents who should use this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

  • Page 8: Who Should Use This Document

    About this document who should use this document 2 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 who should use this document this user guide is intended for use by any person who needs to operate or troubleshoot problems with the printer. How this document is organized the user guide is set up as follows...

  • Page 9: Contacts

    3 about this document contacts 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A contacts you can contact zebra technologies corporation at the following. Web site http://www.Zebra.Com technical support via the internet is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Go to http://www.Zebra.Com/support . The...

  • Page 10: Document Conventions

    About this document document conventions 4 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 document conventions the following conventions are used throughout this document to convey certain information. Alternate color (online only) cross-references contain hot links to other sections in this guide. If you ...

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    5 about this document document conventions 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A illustration callouts callouts are used when an illustration contains information that needs to be labeled and described. A table that contains the labels and descriptions follows the graphic. Figure 1 provides an exa...

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    About this document document conventions 6 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 1 introduction this section shows the operational controls and location of major components used when loading media and ribbon. Other features of the printer are discussed. Contents external view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 14: External View

    Introduction external view 8 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 external view figure 2 shows the outside of the printer. Figure 2 • exterior of printer 1 control panel 2 media door 3 electronics cover 4 power switch ( o = off, i = on) 5 ac power connector 1 2 front rear 4 5 3.

  • Page 15: Control Panel

    9 introduction control panel 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A control panel all controls and indicators for the printer are located on the control panel ( figure 3 ). • the control panel liquid crystal display (lcd) shows the operating status and printer parameters. • the control panel button...

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    Introduction control panel 10 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 control panel lcd the control panel lcd functions differently in different printer modes. • in operating mode, the lcd displays the printer’s status, sometimes in conjunction with a control panel light (see control panel lights on...

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    11 introduction control panel 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A table 1 • control panel buttons button appearance function/description menu enters and exits setup mode. Enter if a parameter or option in setup mode needs to be selected, pressing enter selects the item. This button is active onl...

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    Introduction control panel 12 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 control panel lights table 2 describes lights on the control panel that indicate different printer conditions. Table 2 • control panel lights light appearance function/description power indicates that the printer is on. Alert in a...

  • Page 19: Printer Media Compartment

    13 introduction printer media compartment 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A printer media compartment figure 5 shows a simplified view of the media compartment of your printer. Depending on installed options, your printer may look slightly different. Figure 5 • media compartment 1 printhead as...

  • Page 20: Printer Language Modes

    Introduction printer language modes 14 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 printer language modes depending on how your printer was ordered, it came from the factory with firmware that operates in or allows you to use certain commands for one of the following printer languages: • zebra programmi...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 2 printer setup this section provides the tasks that you must complete and the issues that you must consider before you load and configure your printer. Contents before you begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....

  • Page 22: Before You Begin

    Printer setup before you begin 16 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 before you begin review this checklist, and resolve any issues before you set up or use your printer. Unpack and inspect the printer have you unpacked the printer and inspected it for damage? If you have not, see unpack and in...

  • Page 23: Handling The Printer

    17 printer setup handling the printer 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A handling the printer this section describes how to handle your printer. Unpack and inspect the printer when you receive the printer, immediately unpack it and inspect for shipping damage. • save all packing materials. • ch...

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    Printer setup select a site for the printer 18 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 select a site for the printer consider the following when selecting an appropriate location for your printer. Select a surface select a solid, level surface of sufficient size and strength to accommodate the print...

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    19 printer setup select a communication interface 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A select a communication interface the way that you connect your printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed in the printer. You may use any available connection to send commands and l...

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    Printer setup select a communication interface 20 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 types of connections the method of connecting the printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed in the printer and the host. This section provides basic information about common interf...

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    21 printer setup select a communication interface 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A ieee 1284 bidirectional parallel a common communication method available on most pcs and other hosts. • advantages: fastest of the communication interfaces; cables and connectors are readily available from comp...

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    Printer setup select a communication interface 22 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 usb 1.1 port communicating using the usb port (see figure 9 ) does not require special settings. • advantages: many computers are equipped with more than one usb port, allowing multiple usb devices to be connec...

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    23 printer setup select a communication interface 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A data cable requirements data cables must be fully shielded and fitted with metal or metallized connector shells. Shielded cables and connectors are required to prevent radiation and reception of electrical nois...

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    Printer setup connect the printer to a power source 24 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 connect the printer to a power source the ac power cord must have a three-prong female connector on one end that plugs into the mating ac power connector at the rear of the printer. If a power cable was no...

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    25 printer setup connect the printer to a power source 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A power cord specifications depending on how your printer was ordered, a power cord may or may not be included. If one is not included or if the one included is not suitable for your requirements, refer to t...

  • Page 32: Types of Media

    Printer setup types of media 26 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 types of media the printer can use various types of media ( table 4 ). Zebra strongly recommends the use of zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl st...

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    27 printer setup types of media 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A non-continuous fanfold media fanfold media is folded in a zigzag pattern. Fanfold media can have the same label divisions as non- continuous roll media. The divisions would fall on or near the folds. Continuous roll media contin...

  • Page 34: Ribbon Overview

    Printer setup ribbon overview 28 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 ribbon overview ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use ribbon and how ...

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    29 printer setup ribbon overview 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A adhesive test if you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed. To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps...

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    Printer setup ribbon overview 30 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 3 operations this section provides the procedures for loading and calibrating the printer. Note • complete the tasks and resolve the issues in printer setup on page 15 before operating the printer. Contents media loading overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 38: Media Loading Overview

    Operations media loading overview 32 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 media loading overview the printer can print on roll or fanfold media and use different print modes for label removal. Print modes the methods for loading media for each print mode follow in this section. Use a print mode t...

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    33 operations media loading overview 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A insert media into the printer this section shows how to insert roll or fanfold media into the printer. Fanfold media is loaded the same way as roll media, except the media is stored outside of the printer. See figure 17 on ...

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    Operations media loading overview 34 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 fanfold media to insert fanfold media, complete these steps: 1. Flip down the media supply guide. 2. Insert the fanfold media through the fanfold media slot on the rear of the printer. 3. Drape the media over the media supp...

  • Page 41: Load Media In Tear-Off Mode

    35 operations load media in tear-off mode 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A load media in tear-off mode figure 17 shows roll and fanfold media loaded in tear-off mode, which is the default print mode. Figure 17 • tear-off mode to load media in tear-off mode, complete these steps: 1. Set the pr...

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    Operations load media in tear-off mode 36 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it latches open. 4. Slide out the media guide. 5. Feed the media under the dancer assembly ( 1 ), through the slot in the tr...

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    37 operations load media in tear-off mode 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 6. Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor ( 1 ). Slide in the media guide ( 2 ) until it just touches the edge of the media. 7. Close the printhead assembly. 8. If the printer is paused (the pause light ...

  • Page 44: Load Media In Peel-Off Mode

    Operations load media in peel-off mode 38 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 load media in peel-off mode this section applies only if the peel-off option is installed ( figure 18 ). The peel assembly consists of several spring-loaded rollers to ensure the proper roller pressure. Use the peel re...

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    39 operations load media in peel-off mode 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 3. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. 4. Lift the printhead until it latches open. 5. Slide out the media guide. 6. Feed the media under the dancer assembly ( 1 ), through the slot in the...

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    Operations load media in peel-off mode 40 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 7. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever to open the peel assembly. 8. Pull approximately 18 in. (500 mm) of media through the front of the printer. 9. Remove the exposed labels so that only the liner remains..

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    41 operations load media in peel-off mode 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 10. Feed the liner over the tear-off/peel-off bar ( 1 ) and behind the peel assembly ( 2 ). Make sure that the end of the liner falls outside of the printer. 11. Push the media to the back of the transmissive sensor ( ...

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    Operations load media in peel-off mode 42 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 13. 14. If the printer is paused (the pause light is blinking), press pause to enable printing. Peeling starts automatically. Caution • use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly. Do not ...

  • Page 49: Load Ribbon

    43 operations load ribbon 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A load ribbon 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 a narrow ribbon is used or if norma...

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    Operations load ribbon 44 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 to load ribbon, complete these steps: 1. Set the ribbon supply spindle for normal or low tension. • to place the ribbon supply spindle in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle end cap until it extends and clicks in place, a...

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    45 operations load ribbon 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 4. Place the roll of ribbon on the ribbon supply spindle ( 1 ) and push it all the way back. 5. Pull the end of the ribbon under the printhead assembly ( 2 ) and out the front of the printer. 6. Close the printhead assembly. 1 2.

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    Operations load ribbon 46 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 7. Wind the ribbon clockwise onto the ribbon take-up spindle ( 3 ). Remove used ribbon remove used ribbon from the ribbon take-up spindle each time you change the roll of ribbon. Remove used ribbon from the ribbon take-up spindle each...

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    47 operations load ribbon 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 2. To loosen the ribbon, squeeze it against the ribbon take-up spindle tension blades ( 1 ). At the same time, turn the ribbon take-up spindle release knob counterclockwise ( 2 ). The tension blades collapse into the ribbon take-up sp...

  • Page 54: Calibrate The Printer

    Operations calibrate the printer 48 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 calibrate the printer auto calibration by default, the printer automatically calibrates on power up or when the printhead is closed. During auto calibration, the printer determines the label length and sensor settings. The r...

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    49 operations select or adjust the media sensors 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A select or adjust the media sensors this printer uses two types of media sensors: transmissive and reflective. Select the transmissive sensor the standard transmissive sensor ( figure 21 ) is in a fixed position ...

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    Operations select or adjust the media sensors 50 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 figure 22 • adjusting the reflective sensor to adjust the reflective sensor, complete these steps: 1. See figure 22 . Press the printhead release latch. 2. Lift the printhead until it latches open. 3. Locate the...

  • Page 57: Adjust Printhead Pressure

    51 operations adjust printhead pressure 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A adjust printhead pressure you may need to adjust printhead pressure if printing is too light on one side or if you use thick media. See figure 23 . The pressure adjustment dials have four possible settings designated by ...

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    Operations adjust printhead pressure 52 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 2. If necessary, adjust the pressure adjustment dials as follows: if the media... Then... Requires higher pressure to print well increase both dials one position. Shifts left while printing increase the outside dial sett...

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    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A contents setup mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 enter setup mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 60: Setup Mode

    Configuration setup mode 54 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 setup mode after you have installed the media and ribbon and the power-on self test (post) is complete, the control panel displays printer ready . You may now set printer parameters for your application using the control panel lcd a...

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    55 configuration setup mode 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A discard changes a. Press the up or down arrow to select no . B. Press enter . The printer discards changes and exits setup mode. Return to setup mode press menu or any arrow button. • menu returns you to the same parameter. • the le...

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    Configuration password protection of parameters 56 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 password protection of parameters the printer has four levels of passwords. When you enter setup mode on the control panel, only those parameters that are not password-protected are displayed. To see more para...

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    57 configuration password protection of parameters 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A note • when you enter a password at an advanced setup prompt, the first parameter that you see is determined in part by whether you pressed the right arrow or the left arrow to get to the advanced setup prompt...

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    Configuration printing configuration labels 58 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 printing configuration labels after you load the media and ribbon (if necessary), print a printer configuration label and a network configuration label as records of your printer’s current settings. Keep the label...

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    59 configuration printing configuration labels 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 4. Select the type of label to print. To print a... Then... Printer configuration label a. Scroll to settings . B. Press enter . A printer configuration label prints ( figure 24 ). Figure 24 • printer configuratio...

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    Configuration printing configuration labels 60 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 network configuration label a. Scroll to network . B. Press enter . A network configuration label prints ( figure 25 ). An asterisk designates whether the wired or wireless print server is active. If no wireless p...

  • Page 67: Select A Display Language

    61 configuration select a display language 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A select a display language the language parameter is included in password level 3 and level 4 so you can easily reach the parameter to select a familiar language if you cannot read the one being displayed. To change th...

  • Page 68: Control Panel Lcd Display

    Configuration control panel lcd display 62 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 control panel lcd display use the lcd display on the control panel to adjust printer settings. Password level 1 and 2 parameters table 10 shows parameters in the order in which they appear when you press the right arr...

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    63 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A tear off adjust tear-off position this parameter establishes the position of the labels over the tear-off/peel-off bar after printing. Each press of a button adjusts the tear- off position by one dot row. Note • the p...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 64 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 media type set media type tells the printer which type of media you are using. Selections: • gap/notch—use for non-continuous web media, non-continuous fanfold media, and tag stock. • continuous—use for media that doe...

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    65 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A print speed adjust print speed adjusts the speed for printing a label (given in whole numbers of inches per second). Slower print speeds typically yield better print quality. Print speed changes take effect upon exiti...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 66 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 resolution (apl-i mode only) set printer resolution for apl-i sets the dot size for backward compatibility with some older apl-i printers. Selections: 5 mil, 10 mil, 15 mil default value: 5 mil to modify this paramete...

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    67 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A password level 3 parameters table 11 shows parameters in the order in which they appear when you press the right arrow after entering the level 3 password. Throughout this process, press the right arrow to continue to...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 68 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 module b (apl-d mode only) set module b storage device for apl-d selections: none, ram 1, ram 2, flash 1, flash 2 default value: none to modify this parameter: • press the up or down arrow to scroll through the select...

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    69 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A data bits set data bits the data bits of the printer must match the data bits of the host computer for accurate communications to take place. Set the data bits to match the setting being used by the host computer. Not...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 70 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 host handshake set host handshake the handshake protocol of the printer must match the handshake protocol of the host computer for proper communications to take place. Select the handshake protocol that matches the on...

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    71 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A delim. Char (zpl mode only) set delimiter character the delimiter character is a two-digit hexadecimal value used as a parameter place marker in zpl/zpl ii format instructions. See the zpl ii programming guide volume ...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 72 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 change rtc time set rtc (real-time clock) time if rtc is installed, this parameter allows you to set the rtc time. Note • the printer saves the rtc time immediately. To modify this parameter: 1. Press enter . The prin...

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    73 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A ribbon set ribbon use note • this parameter appears only for printers that have the thermal transfer option installed. Specifies the printing method: thermal transfer (using ribbon) or direct thermal (no ribbon). Sele...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 74 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 sensor profile print sensor profile use the sensor profile ( figure 26 ) to troubleshoot registration problems that may occur if the media sensor detects preprinted areas on the media or if it experiences difficulty i...

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    75 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A media/ribbon calibrate (thermal transfer only) media calibrate (direct thermal only) calibrate media and ribbon sensors use this procedure to adjust the sensitivity of the printer’s sensors. In a printer that has the ...

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    Configuration control panel lcd display 76 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 language select the display language this parameter allows you to display the control panel in the language of your choice. As soon as you select a language, all parameters are displayed in that language. Save changes...

  • Page 83

    77 configuration control panel lcd display 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A zebranet ® wired and wireless print server lcd displays the menu options shown in table 12 display only if you have the zebranet printserver ii, or 10/100 printserver, or wireless print server installed and are operat...

  • Page 84

    Configuration control panel lcd display 78 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 change gateway change the gateway this parameter can be modified only when permanent is selected for obtain ip address . Selections: 0 to 255 for each field default value: 0.0.0.0 note • leading zeroes are not shown i...

  • Page 85

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 5 routine maintenance this section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures. Contents lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 cleaning procedures . . . ....

  • Page 86: Lubrication

    Routine maintenance lubrication 80 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 lubrication no lubrication is needed for this printer. Cleaning procedures specific cleaning procedures are provided on the following pages. Table 13 shows the recommended cleaning schedule. . Clean the exterior you may clean...

  • Page 87

    81 routine maintenance cleaning procedures 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A clean the printhead and platen roller you can minimize printhead wear and maintain print quality with regular preventive measures. Over time, the movement of media or ribbon across the printhead wears through the prot...

  • Page 88

    Routine maintenance cleaning procedures 82 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 to clean the printhead and platen roller, complete these steps: 1. Open the printhead assembly. 2. Remove the media and ribbon. 3. Using the swab from the preventive maintenance kit (part number 47362), wipe along the...

  • Page 89

    83 routine maintenance cleaning procedures 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A clean the media compartment and sensors to clean the media compartment and sensors, complete these steps: 1. Brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the media and ribbon paths. 2. Brush or vacuum...

  • Page 90

    Routine maintenance cleaning procedures 84 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 clean the peel assembly the peel assembly, which is part of the peel-off option, consists of several spring-loaded rollers to ensure the proper roller pressure. Clean the pinch roller and tear-off/peel-off bar if adhe...

  • Page 91

    85 routine maintenance cleaning procedures 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 5. While manually rotating the pinch roller, clean it thoroughly with the swab from the preventive maintenance kit (part number 47362). In place of the preventive maintenance kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a ...

  • Page 92

    Routine maintenance cleaning procedures 86 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 8. 9. Close the media door. The printer is ready to operate. Caution • use the peel release lever and your right hand to close the peel assembly. Do not use your left hand to assist in closing. The top edge of the pee...

  • Page 93

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 6 troubleshooting this section provides information about errors that you might need to troubleshoot. Assorted diagnostic tests are included. Contents troubleshooting checklists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 94: Troubleshooting Checklists

    Troubleshooting troubleshooting checklists 88 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 troubleshooting checklists if an error condition exists with the printer, review this checklist: ‰ is there an error message on the lcd? If yes, see lcd error messages on page 89 . ‰ are noncontinuous labels being ...

  • Page 95: Lcd Error Messages

    89 troubleshooting lcd error messages 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A lcd error messages the lcd displays messages when there is an error. See table 14 for lcd errors, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 14 • lcd error messages lcd display/ printer condition possible ca...

  • Page 96

    Troubleshooting lcd error messages 90 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 the alert light flashes. Ribbon is loaded, but the printer is set for direct thermal mode. Ribbon is not required with direct thermal media. If you are using direct thermal media, remove ribbon unless you are using it to p...

  • Page 97

    91 troubleshooting lcd error messages 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A the printer stops and the alert light flashes. Caution • an improperly connected printhead data or power cable can cause this error message. The printhead may be hot enough to cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to coo...

  • Page 98: Memory Errors

    Troubleshooting memory errors 92 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 memory errors the memory errors in table 15 indicate that the printer does not have enough memory to perform the function shown on the second line of the lcd. Table 15 • memory errors problem/lcd display possible cause recommen...

  • Page 99: Print Quality Problems

    93 troubleshooting print quality problems 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A print quality problems table 16 identifies problems with print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 16 • print quality problems problem possible cause recommended solution general print qu...

  • Page 100

    Troubleshooting print quality problems 94 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 printing too light or too dark over the entire label media or ribbon is not designed for high-speed operation. Replace supplies with those recommended for high-speed operation. You are using an incorrect combination of...

  • Page 101

    95 troubleshooting print quality problems 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A vertical image or label drift the printer is using noncontinuous labels but is configured in continuous mode. Configure the printer for non-continuous and run calibration routine, if necessary. Improperly calibrated me...

  • Page 102: Calibration Problems

    Troubleshooting calibration problems 96 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 calibration problems table 17 identifies problems with calibration, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 17 • calibration problems problem possible cause recommended solution loss of printing registr...

  • Page 103: Communications Problems

    97 troubleshooting communications problems 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A communications problems table 18 identifies problems with communications, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 18 • communications problems problem possible cause recommended solution a label form...

  • Page 104: Ribbon Problems

    Troubleshooting ribbon problems 98 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 ribbon problems table 19 identifies problems that may occur with ribbon, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Note • this section applies only to printers that have the thermal transfer option installed. Table ...

  • Page 105

    99 troubleshooting miscellaneous printer problems 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A miscellaneous printer problems table 20 identifies miscellaneous problems with the printer, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions. Table 20 • miscellaneous printer problems problem possible cause r...

  • Page 106

    Troubleshooting miscellaneous printer problems 100 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 all lights are on, but nothing displays on the lcd, and the printer locks up. Internal electronic or firmware failure. Call a service technician. The printer locks up while running the power-on self test. Main...

  • Page 107: Printer Diagnostics

    101 troubleshooting printer diagnostics 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A printer diagnostics self tests and other diagnostics provide specific information about the condition of the printer. The self tests produce sample printouts and provide specific information that helps determine the oper...

  • Page 108

    Troubleshooting printer diagnostics 102 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 cancel self test the cancel self test prints a configuration label ( figure 29 ). To perform the cancel self test, complete these steps: 1. Turn off (o) the printer. 2. Press and hold cancel while turning on ( i ) the pr...

  • Page 109

    103 troubleshooting printer diagnostics 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A pause self test this self test can be used to provide the test labels required when making adjustments to the printer’s mechanical assemblies or to determine if any printhead elements are not working. Figure 30 shows a s...

  • Page 110

    Troubleshooting printer diagnostics 104 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 feed self test different types of media may require different darkness settings. This section contains a simple but effective method for determining the ideal darkness for printing bar codes that are within specification...

  • Page 111

    105 troubleshooting printer diagnostics 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 4. See figure 32 and table 21 . Inspect the test labels and determine which one has the best print quality for your application. If you have a bar code verifier, use it to measure bars/spaces and calculate the print cont...

  • Page 112

    Troubleshooting printer diagnostics 106 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 5. Note the relative darkness value and the print speed printed on the best test label. 6. Add or subtract the relative darkness value from the darkness value specified on the configuration label. The resulting numeric v...

  • Page 113

    107 troubleshooting printer diagnostics 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A feed and pause self test performing this self test temporarily resets the printer configuration to the factory default values. These values are active only until power is turned off unless you save them permanently in me...

  • Page 114

    Troubleshooting printer diagnostics 108 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________...

  • Page 115

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 7 specifications this section provides the features of and specifications for the printer. Contents general specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 agency approvals . . . . . . . . ...

  • Page 116: General Specifications

    Specifications general specifications 110 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 general specifications general specifications height 11.6 in. 295 mm width 10.7 in. 272 mm depth 18.8 in. 477 mm weight (without options) 27.2 lbs. 12.4 kg electrical 90–264 vac, 47–63 hz, 3 amps (100 w) temperature op...

  • Page 117: Agency Approvals

    111 specifications agency approvals 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A agency approvals agency approvals • iec60950-1 • en55022: class b • en55024 • en61000-3-2,-3-3 product markings • culus • ce marking • fcc-b • ices-003 • vcci • c-tick • nom • ccc • gost-r • s-mark (argentina) • mic • bsmi.

  • Page 118: Printing Specifications

    Specifications printing specifications 112 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 printing specifications printing specifications print resolution 203 dots/inch 8 dots/mm 300 dots/inch 12 dots/mm dot size (width x length) 203 dpi 0.00492 in. X 0.00492 in. 0.125 mm x 0.125 mm 300 dpi 0.0033 in. X 0....

  • Page 119: Media Specifications

    113 specifications media specifications 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A media specifications media specifications label length minimum (tear-off) 0.7 in. 17.8 mm minimum (peel-off) 0.5 in. 12.7 mm maximum 39 in. 991 mm label width minimum 0.75 in. 19 mm maximum 4.5 in. 114 mm total thickness...

  • Page 120: Ribbon Specifications

    Specifications ribbon specifications 114 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 ribbon specifications ribbon must be wound with the coated side out. Note • this section applies only to printers that have the thermal transfer option installed. Ribbon specifications ribbon width (zebra recommends usi...

  • Page 121

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A a zpl ii commands this section provides the zpl ii commands that were added or changed for the s4m. Contents ^kp define password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116.

  • Page 122: ^kp

    Zpl ii commands ^kp 116 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 ^kp define password description the ^kp command is used to define the password that must be entered to access the control panel switches and lcd setup mode. For more information about the password structure in this printer, see password...

  • Page 123

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A end user license agreement please read the terms of this “end user license agreement” (the “agreement”) carefully. The agreement is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and zebra technologies international, llc (“zebra”) for ...

  • Page 124

    End user license agreement 118 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 3. Documentation. If the software contains documentation which is provided only in electronic form, you may print one copy of such electronic documentation. You may not copy the printed materials accompanying the software. 4. Lim...

  • Page 125

    119 end user license agreement 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 10. Export restrictions. You agree that you will not export or re-export the software, any part thereof, or any process or service that is the direct product of the software (the foregoing collectively referred to as the “restric...

  • Page 126

    End user license agreement 120 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 13. Limitation of liability and damages. Zebra does not assume responsibility for any specific application of the software or for compatibility with other software or equipment. To the full extent allowed by law, zebra excludes f...

  • Page 127

    121 end user license agreement 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A between a party and any arbitrator will be directed to the aaa for transmittal to the arbitrator. The parties expressly agree that the arbitrators will be empowered to, at either party’s request, grant injunctive relief. The arbi...

  • Page 128

    End user license agreement 122 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ___...

  • Page 129

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A 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 behin...

  • Page 130

    Glossary 124 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 core diameter the inside diameter of the cardboard core at the center of a roll of media or ribbon. Diagnostics information about which printer functions are not working that is used for troubleshooting printer problems. Die-cut media a type of la...

  • Page 131

    125 glossary 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A light emitting diode (led) indicators of specific printer status conditions. Each led is either off, on, or blinking depending on the feature being monitored. Lock-up this is the term generally used to describe a fault condition that, for no appar...

  • Page 132

    Glossary 126 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 symbology the term generally used when referring to a bar code. Tag a type of media having no adhesive backing but featuring a hole or notch by which the tag can be hung on something. Tags are usually made of cardboard or other durable material. T...

  • Page 133

    3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A index a active control panel buttons, 10 adhesive test for ribbon coating, 29 adjustments label left side, 63 label top, 63 print speed, 65 print width, 65 printhead pressure, 51 reflective sensor, 49 tear-off position, 63 agency approvals, 111 alert light, 12...

  • Page 134

    Index 128 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 communications diagnostics test overview, 107 selecting hex dump mode, 71 communications problems, 97 components of printer, 13 configuration changing password-protected parameters, 56 viewing printer settings, 58 configuration label printing from co...

  • Page 135

    129 index 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A l label length setting, 66 label removal method, 64 label sensor positioning, 49 label top position adjustment, 63 printer cannot detect, 99 labels did not print, 97 language selection available languages, 76 procedure, 61 lcd error messages, 89 leav...

  • Page 136

    Index 130 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 print modes load media for different modes, 32 specify label removal method, 64 print position adjustment, 63 print quality troubleshooting, 93 print rate, 65 print server options, 22 parameters, 77 viewing network settings, 58 print speed adjustment...

  • Page 137

    131 index 3/7/06 s4m user guide 13290l-002 rev. A t tag stock described, 26 specifying, 64 tear-off mode loading media, 35 tear-off mode adjust tear-off position, 63 selecting label removal method, 64 technical support, 3 temperature requirements, 18 thermal transfer mode media scratch test, 28 sett...

  • Page 138

    Index 132 13290l-002 rev. A s4m user guide 3/7/06 notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ________________________...

  • Page 140

    Zebra technologies corporation 333 corporate woods parkway vernon hills, illinois 60061.3109 u.S.A. Telephone: +1 847.793.2600 facsimile: +1 847.913.8766 zebra technologies europe limited zebra house the valley centre, gordon road high wycombe buckinghamshire hp13 6eq, uk telephone: +44 (0) 1494 472...