CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator’s Manual Manual Part No. 108738 Rev.
NOTICE There are no user-servicable parts inside the side access panel on the Codewriter 4500 Series products. Do not attempt to open the side access panel without first turning off the power to the unit, disconnecting the power cord from the unit, and disconnecting all communication cables. All service procedures should be performed by a qualified service technician. NOTICE This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1.
WARNING Any alteration or modification to this equipment may cause non-compliance to: WARNUNG Jede Abänderung oder Modifizierung dieses Geräts kann eine Zuwiderhandlung gegen folgende Bestimmungen darstellen: ADVERTENCIA Cualquier alteración o modificación de este equipo podría resultar en la infracción de: ATTENTION Tout changement ou modification apporté à cet équipement peut entraîner sa non conformité au: • • • • • • • • • • UL safety standard 1950, Third Edition CSA safety standard C22.2 No.
WARNING The operator must disconnect the printer from the AC power supply before performing any corrective action procedure that requires reaching into the printer. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Connect 115V (230V) units to 115V (230V) outlets only! The printhead gets hot during use. Wait until the printhead is cool before handling the printhead.
ADVENTERCIA El usuario debe desconectar la impresora de la corriente alterna AC antes de proceder con cualquier arreglo que requiera meter la mano dentro de la impresora. Los cambios o modificaciones llevados a cabo en esta unidad, no aprobados explicitamente por la parte responsable de cumplir con el reglamento, podrían invalidar la autoridad del usuario para utilizar el equipo. ¡Conecte unidades de 115V (230V) unicamente a tomas de 115V (230V)! La cabeza impresora se recalienta con el uso.
Datasouth CodeWriter 4500 Disclaimer of Warranties Software All software is licensed “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
CodeWriter is a trademark of Datasouth Computer. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Datasouth 4216 Stuart Andrew Boulevard Charlotte, North Carolina 28217 • • • • Phone: Service: Sales: Internet: 704.523.8500 800.476.2450 800.476.2120 www.datasouth.
Contents Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................1 CodeWriter 4500 Series Models .................................................................. 1 CodeWriter 4500 Series Features ............................................................... 3 Guide to the Operator’s Manual................................................................... 5 Quick Start Guide ........................................................................
Contents Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................ 49 Response to Display Messages .................................................................49 Print Quality Issues.....................................................................................53 Data Communications Issues.....................................................................55 Hex Dump Mode.........................................................................................
Contents Table of Figures Figure 1 – CodeWriter 4505 Front/Side View ................................................. 2 Figure 2 – CodeWriter 4505 Rear View .......................................................... 2 Figure 3 – Label Roll Feed Path ..................................................................... 9 Figure 4 – Thermal Transfer Ribbon Feed Path ........................................... 10 Figure 5 – CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator Panel .....................................
Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Datasouth customer family. For more than 20 years Datasouth customers have enjoyed high-performance printer products, quality consumables, and responsive service. We take pride in products that operate reliably year after year. We encourage you to contact our service organization via phone or the Internet for any assistance you may require during the set-up and operation of your Datasouth printer.
Introduction Operator Panel Media and Printhead Access Cover Document Exit and Tear Bar Figure 1 – CodeWriter 4505 Front/Side View Communications Option (not installed) Keyboard Interface (not installed) External Media Feed Slot RS232 Communications Port Figure 2 – CodeWriter 4505 Rear View 2
Introduction CodeWriter 4500 Series Features The Datasouth CodeWriter 4500 Series printers are compact, rugged, direct thermal/thermal transfer label printers designed for the bar code industry. The printers’ high speed and high dot density offer the ability to create quality labels, tickets, and tags containing text, graphics and bar codes. CodeWriter Series printers are part of Datasouth's Adaptive Solutions Architecture (ASAtm) family of products.
Introduction Features Host or Standalone operation Printer Application Language (PALtm) allowing ability to write powerful programs residing on the printer. Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer operation High dot resolution (300 dpi) Windowstm drivers with printer fonts and barcode fonts included allowing any Windows application to print barcodes.
Introduction Guide to the Operator’s Manual The CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator’s Manual documents all printer features, controls and specifications. The following suggestions will help guide you quickly to the most useful manual section. Note: Viewing this document electronically with Adobe Acrobattm allows the use of links to move to the desired section. Click on the embedded bold section names in the following section (and throughout the manual) to use this feature.
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Quick Start Guide Quick Start Guide Unpacking and Power Up Upon receipt of your Datasouth printer, you should inspect for possible in-transit damage. Check to see if there is any evidence of being dropped, crushed or punctured. If there is evidence of damage, contact the carrier directly to advise them of the extent and nature of the damage. Datasouth printers are protected in shipment with custom packaging. The printer is enclosed in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture during shipping.
Quick Start Guide Applying Power to the Printer Connect the AC power cord to the printer. Note: 230V units have a label near the Printer’s AC Input. Plug the power cord into grounded AC outlet and turn the printer on. The power switch is located on the printer’s left side. The printer will begin it’s start-up routine. The printer will automatically advance through status items during start-up. When the printer has gone through all the start-up items, the LCD display will show Interface Status - Online.
Quick Start Guide Media Loading Loading and Feeding Label Roll Figure 3 outlines the media path for loading the label stock. Printhead Lock Lever Label Roll Shaft Printhead Bracket Label Guide Bar Label Guide Blocks Guide Block Adjustment Knob Figure 3 – Label Roll Feed Path 1. Lift the Media Access Cover using the tab in the bottom center side of the cover. DO NOT lift from the front panel. 2. Find the “PRESS HERE” label affixed to the Printhead Bracket.
Quick Start Guide Loading and Feeding the Ribbon Thermal transfer applications require a ribbon. Direct Thermal users go to the next step. Figure 4 shows the feed path for the ribbon. Ribbon Take-Up Ribbon Supply Roll Ribbon Guide Bar Figure 4 – Thermal Transfer Ribbon Feed Path NOTE: If installing a ribbon with width less than the maximum ribbon width, both the ribbon supply and the take-up core must be centered on the shafts. 1.
Quick Start Guide Operator Panel Media Settings During this step the label’s dimensional characteristics and darkness settings are programmed into the printer via the Operator Panel (Figure 5). ONLINE MENU PAUSE ENTER ITEM PRINT FEED CANCEL PO W ER Figure 5 – CodeWriter 4500 Series Operator Panel Label Length Printing a label requires that the printer understand the exact dimension of each feature that makes up the label. Figure 6 diagrams a die cut label with a translucent backing.
Quick Start Guide Set Label Parameters ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will display the sub-menus. key. This MENU key until the Label Parameters option is displayed. 3. Press the ITEM 4. Press the FEED key. Media Type is the first parameter displayed. The two options for this parameter are Direct Thermal and Thermal Trans. Press the or CANCEL key to change the option.
Quick Start Guide ONLINE 8. Press the PAUSE key. If any parameters were changed, the display will read ENTER ENTER to save new defaults. Press the PRINT key to save these values. The display will then read Interface Status Online. [The remaining parameters under the Label Parameters menu will not require adjustment at the this time.] ONLINE NOTE: In step 8, pressing the CANCEL key after pressing the PAUSE key will avoid saving the settings. The display will read ENTER to exit ENTER without saving.
Quick Start Guide Set Print Parameters The factory settings for the printer will include a setting for print darkness for effective printing on media shipped with the printer. If the media you’ve selected for the printer was not included with the printer, the following procedure provides a print setting that will image most media. The manual’s Media Settings section provides complete details for determining the best setting for the media. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key.
Quick Start Guide Printing Test Labels The Operator Panel menus include features to print test labels. The following procedures demonstrate how to print these labels. Feature/Settings Label ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus. key. This MENU key until the System Params. option is displayed. 3. Press the ITEM 4.
Quick Start Guide Quick Start CD The Quick Start CD provides the following features to help connect the printer to the host system application.
Data Communications Data Communications The CodeWriter 4500 Series printer provides a RS232 serial port for communications to host systems. The DB25 female connector is located on the rear of the unit (see Figure 2). The Operator Panel provides access to the serial ports operating parameters. Connecting to a Personal Computer This procedure defines establishing a connection between a CodeWriter 4500 Series printer and a Personal Computer with an IBM AT 9-pin connector.
Data Communications Configuring the Personal Computer This portion of the procedure will set up the Personal Computer based on the CodeWriter 4500 Series factory default settings. (If changes have been made in the printer’s default I/O Configuration parameters, please make the corresponding changes in the following procedure) Windows 95/98/NT4.0 Configuration 1. Bring up the Control Panel window using the Start Menu (Start Settings Control Panel). 2. Open the System icon in the Control Panel. 3.
Data Communications Sending Data to the Printer After configuring the communications link between the Personal Computer and the printer, a label application program will be used to send data to the printer. This program may be Datasouth’s Label Genesis Label Generation package included on the Quick Start CD. Installation of the Windows Driver may also be required to successfully print with your label application program.
Data Communications Serial Port Specifications Table 3 lists the RS-232 signals supported by the printer.
Data Communications 4500 Series Printer DB25 Connector DCE (Modem) DB25 Connector Shield 1 RXD 2 TXD 3 CTS 4 RTS 5 DTR 6 GND 7 DSR 20 1 Shield 2 TXD 3 RXD 4 RTS 5 CTS 6 DSR 7 GND 20 DTR Figure 8 – 4500 Series Printer to DCE (Modem) Device Cable Diagram 21
Data Communications Flow Control The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers provide two methods to control the flow of data between the host system and the printer. Hardware or Xon/Xoff flow control is selected from the Operator Panel. Hardware Flow Control The printer uses the CTS, RTS, DTR, and DSR signals during hardware flow control. Table 4 lists how the printer uses each signal. Signal CTS RTS DTR DSR Function Input: The printer monitors the CTS signal for requests from the host system to send data.
Data Communications Xon/Xoff Flow Control Host systems that use a simple three-wire RS232 connection (TXD, RXD, GND) accomplish flow control by using Xon/Xoff or Robust Xon/Xoff. The printer supports these modes and may be selected from the Operator Panel. When using a three-wire RS232 connection, the printer must still detect the DSR signal as ON. This requirement is addressed by adding a jumper between RTS (pin 5) and DSR (pin 20) on the DB25 male connector on the printer (Figure 9).
Data Communications Operator Panel Settings for Data Communications The following procedure guides the operator through setting data communications parameters on the printer. Setting the Baud Rate ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. With the Interface Status Off-Line displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus. key. This MENU key until the I/O Config. option is displayed. 3. Press the ITEM 4. Press the FEED key.
Data Communications Setting the DTR Polarity ITEM 10. Press the FEED key. DTR Polarity is displayed. 11. Use the or CANCEL keys to set the DTR Polarity [Ready = High, Ready = Low]. ENTER Complete the selection process by pressing the will appear in front of the selected option. PRINT key. An asterisk (*) Setting the Parity ITEM 12. Press the FEED key. Parity is displayed. or CANCEL keys to set the Parity 13. Use the [None, Even, Odd].
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Media Settings Media Settings This section examines the CodeWriter 4500 Series printer settings related to the document (labels) and ribbon, and obtaining the desired print quality. Following these instructions carefully will result in a trouble-free initial setup and repeatable results.
Media Settings Black Bar Labels Label Length Figure 11 show the front view of a black bar label with the dimensions required for setting up the printer.
Media Settings Programming the Label Dimensions The following procedure guides the operator through programming the label dimensions into the printer via the Operator Panel. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus. key. This MENU key until the Label Parameters option is displayed. 3. Press the ITEM 4.
Media Settings ONLINE pressing the settings. PAUSE key. If problems occurred return to step 2 to verify the If after verifying the settings the labels are not feeding correctly, turn to the Troubleshooting Guide section in this manual for information on adjusting the media sensor sensitivity.
Media Settings Setting the Printing Method The CodeWriter 4500 Series Printers offer Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal print methods. Thermal Transfer printers use a ribbon which transfers ink to the label during the printing process. Direct Thermal printers use specially treated labels that darken in the heated areas while printing. Printer models with thermal transfer capability will print using thermal transfer or direct thermal media.
Media Settings Setting the Print Parameters The Print Parameters control the print speed, darkness, image position, and presentation distance during printing. These features are programmed via the Operator Panel. Print Speed and Darkness The Print Speed and Darkness parameters control the quality of a printed label. The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers will print effectively with many different types of ribbons and label stocks when these parameters are programmed correctly.
Media Settings Note that accurately assessing bar code label quality will require bar code validation equipment to determine a bar code’s ANSI grading. See the Bar Code Quality in this section for more information.
Media Settings Adjusting Print Position The Operator Panel menu includes a feature for adjusting the print position in the X (label width) and Y (along the feed direction) directions. Use the following procedure when the label requires a minor adjustment (+ or - 1.0 inch) to improve the position of the printed image. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the listing of sub-menus. key.
Media Settings Presentation Distance After printing each label, the printer advances the label a preset presentation distance. This allows the label to be presented at a convenient distance for the application. The following procedure demonstrates how to change this value from the Operator Panel. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. With the Interface Status Off-Line displayed, press the will take you the to the Print Parameters menu. key. This ITEM 3.
Media Settings Bar Code Quality Printing bar codes represents one of the primary applications of the CodeWriter 4500 Series printers. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides a standard2 by which bar code image quality is measured. This section provides assistance toward obtaining ANSI ‘A’ Grade bar codes by identifying favorable bar code printing settings.
Media Settings Increasing the ladder bar code’s narrow width feature size will reduce the heating modulation’s geometric impact. The 4500 Series printers will generate ANSI Grade ‘A’ and ‘B’ ladder bar codes when using a narrow feature size of 3 dots (3/300 inches, 0.0099 inches)3. The bar codes shown in Figure 13 were printed with the 3-dot narrow feature width. Bar Code Print Settings Print settings for labels containing bar codes will not differ from the optimal settings for other label types.
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Operator Panel Reference Operator Panel Reference This section serves as a reference for all Operator Panel features. Each panel key function and the underlying menus will be detailed in this section. ONLINE MENU PAUSE ENTER ITEM PRINT FEED CANCEL PO W ER Display and Panel Keys Panel Feature ONLINE PAUSE MENU ITEM FEED CANCEL ENTER PRINT POWER LED Function Toggles the printer’s On-line status. Pauses active print jobs.
Operator Panel Reference Off-line Menu Reference ONLINE The operator may access the off-line menu by pressing the PAUSE key and pressing the MENU MENU key. The first menu item is Print Parameters. Continue pressing the to access Label Parameters, I/O Config., and System Params. menu items. key The Operator may avoid saving changes made to parameter values prior to going back online by pressing the CANCEL key. The display will read ENTER to exit without ENTER saving.
Operator Panel Reference Print Parameters Parameter Print Speed (%) Values 4505/4505+ 80% – 100% 4510 40% – 100% Print Darkness (%) 0% – 100% Gap Sense (%) 0% – 100% Bar Sense (%) 0% – 100% Ribbon Sense (%) 0% – 100% Pres. Dist. (in) 0 – 0.99 inches Fwd. Dist (in) 0 – 7.99 inches Print Test Label 1 – 10 labels SCM Protected Yes or No Expert Settings N/A 41 Description Printing Speed as a percentage of the printer’s maximum speed.
Operator Panel Reference Label Parameters Parameter Media Type Label Width (in) Label Len. (in) Label Gap (in) X Offset Y Offset Values Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer 0.25 – 4.25 inches 0.25 – 99 inches 0.00 (Continuous) 0.01 (Black Bar) 0.02 – 4.99 inches (Gap) -1.00 – 1.00 inches -1.00 – 1.00 inches 42 Description Selects printing mode Selects printed width of label Selects the printed length of the label Selects the label gap sensing mode (Continuous, Black Bar, Gap).
Operator Panel Reference I/O Config.
Operator Panel Reference System Params. Parameter Units Media Alignment Values Inches or Millimeters Automatic or Manual ENTER to recall defaults - ENTER to Select Diagnostics - Firmware Part No.
Operator Panel Reference Default Parameter Values This section lists the default parameter values. The Operator may restore these values using the ENTER to recall defaults feature in the System Parameters menu. Print Parameters Print Speed: 4505/4505+ – 100%, 4510 – 60% Print Darkness: 4505/4505+ – 80%, 4510 – 90% Gap Sense: 50% Bar Sense: 50% Ribbon Sense: 50% Presentation Distance: 0.45 inches Feed Forward Distance: 0.
Operator Panel Reference Off-Line Menu Map Figure 15 provides a map to assist in locating features in the menu system. Print Parameters ↓ Print Speed (%) ↓ Print Darkness (%) ↓ Gap Sense (%) ↓ Bar Sense (%) ↓ Ribbon Sense (%) ↓ Pres. Dist. (in) ↓ Fwd Dist. (in) ↓ Print Test Label ↓ SCM Protected ↓ ENTER to Select *Expert Settings → Label Parameters ↓ Media Type ↓ Label Width (in) ↓ Label Len. (in) ↓ Label Gap (in) ↓ X Offset (in) ↓ Y Offset (in) → Print Cont. (%) ↓ Pre-Heat (%) → I/O Config.
Maintenance Maintenance The CodeWriter 4500 Series printers require very little operator maintenance. The routine tasks involve keeping the media paths clear of paper dust and debris. NOTE: Turn off power while performing maintenance tasks. Removing the Ribbon Take-up Roll Use the following procedure to remove the ribbon take up roll: 1. Lift the Media Access Cover using the tab in the bottom center side of the cover. DO NOT lift from the front panel. 2.
Maintenance Printhead Cleaning Clean the printhead with every ribbon change or after every 10,000 linear inches of direct thermal label media. Use the cleaning pen supplied with the printer or a Q-tip soaked in alcohol. Three to four swipes along the heater line should be sufficient to remove any collected material (Figure 16) ! WARNING: The printhead may be extremely HOT. Make sure the printer is off. Using inappropriate cleaning materials will damage the printhead.
Troubleshooting Guide Troubleshooting Guide This section serves to guide the operator through successfully resolving issues that might occur during normal printer operation. If the printer issue is not resolved using the information in this guide, please contact Datasouth Service for additional assistance. Response to Display Messages The printer will detect situations requiring assistance from the operator.
Troubleshooting Guide Remove Ribbon PRINT or CANCEL? The ribbon sensor indicates a thermal transfer ribbon is present while in direct thermal mode. If direct thermal mode is desired and the ribbon is removed, then one of the following conditions has occurred. (This procedure only applies to Thermal Transfer printers operating in Direct Thermal mode. Should this message occur on a Direct Thermal printer, contact qualified service personnel.) 1. The sensor’s sensitivity is incorrectly adjusted.
Troubleshooting Guide Media Feed Fault PRINT or CANCEL? The printer cannot resolve the relationship between the detected media size (the space between gaps) and the programmed size. One of the following conditions has occurred to cause this message. 1. If the label is behind the contact point between the platen and the printhead, the label will not feed. Raise the printhead bracket and reposition the label so that it extends beyond the front of the printer. Press ENTER the PRINT key to print the label. 2.
Troubleshooting Guide Head Overheat... PRINT or CANCEL? The printer has detected an abnormally high temperature on the printhead. The following conditions have caused this problem. 1. If the printer has been printing labels continuously, allow the printer to ENTER cool for a few minutes and press the PRINT key to continue printing. If the error reoccurs regularly improve the ventilation around the printer or reduce the temperature around the printer. 2. The printhead is defective.
Troubleshooting Guide Print Quality Issues The problems and solutions listed here presume the printer was setup properly using the procedure in this manual’s Media Settings section. If the printer is displaying any messages, see Response to Display Messages in this section before proceeding.
Troubleshooting Guide Missing Dots in Label See Printhead Cleaning in the Maintenance section to see if this procedure will solve the problem. Thermal Printheads reaching the end of their operational life will exhibit this symptom. Although you may continue printing without damaging the printer, make arrangements to obtain a new printhead.
Troubleshooting Guide Data Communications Issues The following information presumes the serial communications link has been set up using the procedures in Data Communications section. Resolving wiring or hardware handshaking issues usually requires a RS232 Breakout Box or RS232 Signal Mini-Tester. PC Reports “Write Fault Error Writing to Device COMx” When sending a file using commands in a DOS window, the PC will expect the proper assertion of the hardware control signals DSR and CTS.
Troubleshooting Guide Hex Dump Mode The Hex Dump Mode assists in verifying the Data Communications function by providing a printed record of all data received by the printer. The Hex Dump mode presents the data in hexadecimal format, explicitly displaying the serial port data as received. Controlling Hex Dump Mode The Hex Dump Mode feature is controlled via the Operator Panel. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2.
Troubleshooting Guide Adjusting Sensor Sensitivity The Operator Panel off-line menu includes a feature to adjust the sensor sensitivity. The default sensor sensitivity settings will detect the majority of media types. This procedure is only applicable to situations where the printer is unable to properly detect a ribbon or label stock. The following information is grouped according to the sensor system being used, Gap, Black Bar, and Ribbon.
Troubleshooting Guide If this procedure fails to produce a working sensor sensitivity that stops the Media Out messages contact qualified service personnel. Printer is Displaying “Media Feed Fault” Message The printer displays this message when the Gap Sensor sensitivity level is less than required. The Gap Sensor is not receiving light passing through the label gap, indicating a label gap with less favorable translucent qualities.
Troubleshooting Guide Adjusting the Black Bar Sensor Sensitivity The printer uses the Black Bar Sensor system to detect black bar on the back of label stock. Setting the Label Gap parameter value to Black Bar (0.01 inches) causes the printer to use this method. Verify that the Label Gap is set to this value prior to continuing with this procedure (see Media Settings section, Programming the Label Dimensions). Follow the procedure based on the type of problem reported by the printer.
Troubleshooting Guide this issue involves lowering the Black Bar Sensor Sensitivity to a level that will allow the sensor to detect the black bars between labels. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the will take you the to the Print Parameters menu. key. This ITEM Press the 3. Press the FEED CANCEL key until the Bar Sense parameter displayed. key to lower the value by 10%. ONLINE 4. Press the PAUSE key.
Troubleshooting Guide Adjusting the Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity The Ribbon Sensor system detects the presence of a ribbon in the system. The Media Type parameter value determines how the printer uses the sensor (see Media Settings section, Setting the Printing Method). In Direct Thermal mode, the printer uses the sensor to verify a ribbon is not installed. In Thermal Transfer mode the printer uses the sensor to detect the ribbon installation and the trailer when the ribbon supply is empty.
Troubleshooting Guide Printer Displays “Ribbon Out” Message in Thermal Transfer Mode The printer displays this message when Ribbon Sensor sensitivity level is greater than required. The Ribbon Sensor is receiving light reflecting from the back of the ribbon, or through the ribbon from the back of the printhead bracket. Resolving this issue involves lowering Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity to a level that will allow the sensor to detect the ribbon properly. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key.
Troubleshooting Guide Verifying the Sensor Operation The Operator Panel off-line menu provides a diagnostic tool to verify the operation Gap Sensor operation. ONLINE 1. Press the PAUSE key. This takes you to the off-line menu. MENU 2. When Interface Status Off-Line is displayed, press the System Params. is displayed. key until ITEM 3. Press the FEED key until the ENTER to Select Diagnostics is displayed. ENTER 4.
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Applications Overview Applications Overview This section identifies the applications development resources available, the printer’s fonts and bar code symbologies, and a Quick Start Guide to PAL (Printer Architecture Language) Printer Application Language – PAL PAL distinguishes Datasouth’s CodeWriter printers from other thermal printers in the marketplace.
Applications Overview PAL Fonts and Bar Codes CodeWriter 4500 Series printers include following fonts and bar codes for application development. Fonts Font Point Size PAL Identifier Sans Serif 6 Sans6.00pt Sans Serif 8 Sans8.00pt Sans Serif 10 Sans10.00pt Sans Serif 12 Sans12.00pt Sans Serif 14 Sans14.00pt Sans Serif 18 Sans18.00pt Sans Serif 24 Sans24.00pt Sans Serif 36 Sans36.00pt OCRB 6 OCRB6.00pt OCRB 8 OCRB8.00pt OCRB 10 OCRB10.00pt OCRB 12 OCRB12.
Applications Overview Bar Codes Bar Code PAL Identifier Code 39 /Code39 Code 93 /Code93 Code 128 A, B and C /Code128 Interleave 2 of 5 /I2of5 UPC-A /UPCA UPC-E /UPCE EAN-8 /EAN8 EAN-13 /EAN13 Codabar /Codabar Postnet /Postnet Maxicode /Maxicode Sample 67
Applications Overview MSI Plessy /MSI PDF-417 /PDF417 Table 8 – PAL Bar Code List and Samples 68
Applications Overview PAL Quick Start This section contains instructions for establishing communication with the printer to setup a PAL development environment for label applications. The development environment makes use of a terminal emulator program such as HyperTerminal. A text editor, such as Notepad, may also be used for typing and editing sample programs to be sent to the printer.
Applications Overview If it does, then the communication channel has been setup correctly. If it doesn't, check the cables, the printer I/O Settings and the terminal emulator settings. For developing applications, the printer has an executive mode that incorporates a prompt and provides an echo of characters typed. Basic command line editing is incorporated to allow backspacing etc.
Applications Overview Label Tutorial This section guides the reader through a examples designed to teach the reader how to create basic labels. The tutorial starts with a simple label with a plain text string. The tutorial builds on this example by introducing a single concept in each subsequent example. By the end of the tutorial, the label will contain text, lines, boxes, and a bar code. Each step also provides background on the PAL operators, helping the reader understand the example code.
Applications Overview Printing Text on a Label Label Output PAL Command Sequence /Sans12.00pt findfont 12 scalefont setfont 72 72 moveto (Hello World!) show 1 _showpages Hello World! 1" 1" Purpose: Demonstrate how to print simple text on a label. findfont - Establish the font to use The fontname is preceded by a “/”. In this example, a Sans Serif 12 point font was chosen. See Table 7 for supported fonts.
Applications Overview The default coordinate system used by PAL is a traditional Cartesian coordinate system with the origin at the lower left-hand corner of the drawing surface: y (0,0) x PAL Coordinate System An internal “cursor” is maintained by PAL that keeps track of where to put the next print object, i.e. text or lines, etc. At power up this internal cursor is set to the origin or (0,0). The default unit used for measuring distance in this coordinate system is the point.
Applications Overview Label Output Hello World! 1" Printing a Line PAL Command Sequence /Sans12.00pt findfont 12 scalefont setfont 72 72 moveto (Hello World!) show 72 68 moveto 144 68 lineto stroke 1 _showpages 1" Purpose: Demonstrate drawing lines on a label. This example underlines the “Hello World!” text from the previous example.
Applications Overview Printing a Box Label Output PAL Command Sequence /Sans12.00pt findfont 12 scalefont setfont 72 72 moveto (Hello World!) show 72 68 moveto 144 68 lineto 30 30 moveto 258 30 lineto 258 258 lineto 30 258 lineto closepath 2 setlinewidth stroke 1 _showpages Hello World! 1" 1" Purpose: Demonstrate the drawing of a rectangular box. This example builds on the previous example by drawing a frame around the label. A 4” x 4” (288 points x 288 points) label is used in this example.
Applications Overview Hello World! Label Output Hello World! 1" 1" Rotate a Text Object PAL Command Sequence /Sans12.00pt findfont 12 scalefont setfont 72 72 moveto (Hello World!) show 72 68 moveto 144 68 lineto 30 30 moveto 258 30 lineto 258 258 lineto 30 258 lineto closepath stroke 72 90 moveto 90 rotate (Hello World!) show -90 rotate 1 _showpages Purpose: Demonstrate how to rotate text. This example builds on the previous example by placing another instance of “Hello World!” rotated 90 degrees.
Applications Overview Hello World! Label Output *BARCODE123* Hello World! 1" 1" Printing a Bar Code PAL Command Sequence /Sans12.00pt findfont 12 scalefont setfont 72 72 moveto (Hello World!) show 72 68 moveto 144 68 lineto 30 30 moveto 258 30 lineto 258 258 lineto 30 258 lineto closepath stroke 72 90 moveto 90 rotate (Hello World!) show -90 rotate 100 100 moveto (BARCODE123) /Code39 _barcode 1 _showpages Purpose: Demonstrate how to print a bar code.
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Specifications Specifications Environmental Operating Temperature: 32 to 104 degrees F (0 to 40 degrees C) Storage Temperature: 0 to 140 degrees F (-17 to 60 degrees C) Relative Humidity: 8 to 80 percent Maximum wet bulb temperature: 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) Physical 4505 Width: 9.1 inches Depth: 10.8 inches Height: 11 inches Weight: 18.9 pounds 4505+ and 4510 Width: 9.1 inches Depth: 14.6 inches Height: 11 inches Weight: 21.
Specifications Media Ribbon Length: 984 feet (300 meters) Maximum Width: 4.375 inches Maximum Ribbon Leader: 12 inches (300 mm) Ribbon Trailer: 6 inches (150 mm) Reflective or Clear Ink Side: Outside Core ID: 1.0 inches Roll OD: 2.68 inches Maximum Document (Label Stock) Roll OD: 4505 – 6 inches, 4505+/4510 – 8 inches Core ID: 4505 – 1.5 inches, 4505+/4510 – 3 inches Width: 4.52 inches Print Width: 4.25 inches Thickness: 0.0023 to 0.
Advanced Features Advanced Features Flash Memory Management The CodeWriter 4500 Series printer provides the user with a dedicated 32k area of flash memory to store applications or label formats. To use this area the user must understand how to access the area and copy the application to the printer. The following information is provided to assist the user in understanding the function of the flash memory on this printer and how they can interact with it.
Advanced Features PAL Application Bootstrap Bypass Hold down the CANCEL button while turning on power. Do not release until the printer displays the Interface Status Online message. The printer supports the downloading of standalone or other user PAL applications into a reserved portion of the internal flash ROM. Given the proper identifier at the start of such an application, the PAL interpreter will automatically start executing any such application once the firmware has completed initialization.
Advanced Features Print Darkness Control CodeWriter 4500 Series Printers shipped with this manual4 will contain a new Print Darkness control method. This method replaces the print settings method that involved a Contrast and Preheat setting. The Operator Panel includes access to these former methods to service current customers obtaining satisfactory print quality with those settings. Customers desiring to use this previous method may use the following procedure.
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