Table of Contents X-1000v / X-2000v / X-3000v User’s Manual Getting Started…………………………………………………… 1 Unpacking………………………………………………………. 1 Package Contents…………………………………………….. 2 Placing the Printer……………………………………………….3 Connecting the Power Cord…………………………………….. 3 Getting to Know Your Printer…………………………………. 5 Front Panel…………………………………………………….. 5 LED Indicators……………………………………………… 6 Buttons……………………………………………………… 7 LCD Display (X-2000v / X-3000v models)………………... 8 Setting Display Language (X-2000v / X-3000v models)…...
Installing the USB Driver (Plug and Play)……………………. 39 Setting Parameters…………………………………………….. 44 Parameters for Win 98……………………………………… 45 Parameters for Win 2000…………………………………… 48 For NT 4.0…………………………………………………...52 For Win XP…………………………………………………. 54 Troubleshooting………………………………………………… 58 LED and LCD Diagnosis……………………………………… 58 Media Problems……………………………………………….. 58 Ribbon Problems……………………………………………….59 Other Problems………………………………………………... 59 Miscellaneous…………………………………………………. 60 Recovery……………………………………………………….
Getting Started Congratulations on choosing the Argox Xellent Series (X-Series) industrial barcode printer. This user’s manual, which describes the X-1000v, X-2000v, and X-3000v models, will help you get to know your new printer. The manual includes a guide to operate the printer as well as related information on troubleshooting, maintenance, and technical reference. Illustrations are provided to help you quickly become familiar with the printer.
Placing the Printer Before setting up and connecting the printer you should consider the following. WARNING! Do not operate the printer in an area where it might get wet. • • • Find a solid flat surface with adequate room for the printer and enough space above for media and ribbon access. Place the printer within cable distance of the host and printer (serial or parallel cable.) Isolate the power cord from other electrical cables. Connecting the Power Cord Connect the power cord as below.
Getting to Know Your Printer The illustrations below describe parts and features of the X-Series. Front Panel X-1000v Model LEDs and Buttons The front panel includes: • 3 LED indicators (READY, MEDIA and RIBBON) • 3 buttons (FEED, PAUSE and CANCEL) • An LCD display (X-2000v and X-3000v models) • Top Access Door • Front Access Door LED Indicators There are three LED indicators on the front panel, READY, MEDIA and RIBBON. These indicators display the operation status of the printer.
Buttons LCD Display (X-2000v / X-3000v models) There are three buttons, each with two basic functions.
Setting Display Language (X-2000v / X-3000v models) Changing Settings from the Panel (X-2000v / X-3000v) The printer’s LCD display supports six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. You can change settings using the buttons on the front panel of the X-2000v and X-3000v printer models, in addition to changing settings via software commands. To select a language: 1. Press the PAUSE and CANCEL buttons at the same time. 2. Hold both buttons for about 3 seconds and release. 3.
Note: Do not change settings during printing or communication. Item and Parameter Settings Item Range Factory Default PRINTER TYPE Thermal transfer Thermal transfer CUT/PEEL POS (mm) -15 ~ 50 mm BASE SPEED (IPS) 0 ~ 6 IPS 0 IPS COUNTING UP DOWN DOWN Remarks / Direct thermal 0 mm Controls cut and peel position. PRINT -8 ~ 15 mm OFFSET (mm) 0 mm Controls vertical print position. Positive value only. TPH VER OFFS (mm) -3~3 mm 0 mm Offset of vertical print position.
Internal Parts and Features Ribbon Pick-up Spindle Ribbon Supply Spindle Media Supply Spindle Feed Slot Bracket Peel Off Mode Thermal Print Head Thermal Print Head Head Latch Cutting Mode Paper Sensor Guide Paper Roller 13 14
Loading Ribbon and Media 2 This section describes how to load ribbon and media in the XSeries printers. Loading a Ribbon Note: The X-Series uses transfer thermal printing. The ribbon is coated inside. Head Latch Bracket 1. Lift the top cover and front access door to expose the media compartment. (Figure 1) 1 3. Unwrap the ribbon and separate the ribbon roll from the bare core. Insert the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle. (Figure 3) 3 2.
6. Insert the core onto the ribbon pick-up spindle. (Figure 5) 4. Lead the ribbon through the print head module. (Figure 4) 5 5. Attach the edge of the ribbon onto the bare core and wind it a bit onto the core. Make sure the coating side of the ribbon is face down. 4 Ribbon Ribbon Pick-up Pick-up Spindle Spindle Print Head Module Bar Core 17 7. Turn the pick-up spindle to ensure the ribbon is tightly wound.
Loading Media The X-Series printers offer three different loading modes: standard, peel-off, or with a cutter. • • • 2. Turn the head latch counter-clockwise and open the bracket. Remove the outside media guide. (Figure 7) 7 Standard mode allows you to collect each label freely. Peel-off mode peels backing material away from the label as it prints. After the label is removed, the next label prints. Cutting mode automatically cuts the label after it prints. Standard Mode Head Latch 1.
8 5. Close the top cover and the front access door and turn on the printer, or press the “FEED” button if the printer is already on. (Figure 10) Print Head Module 10 Paper Sensor Guide Module 4. Return the outside media guide, close the bracket, and hook the head latch.
5. Lead the media backing paper through the print head module. (Figure 12) Peel Off Mode Follow steps 1 to 3 in “Loading the Media – Standard Mode” above. 12 4. From the leading end of the media roll remove enough labels to expose 6-inches of backing paper. (Figure 11) 11 Print Head Module 6. Push down the peel-off mechanism release lever and lead the media under the peeler module.
7. Close the peeler module using the peel-off mechanism release lever. (Figure 14) 14 Notes: 1. The FEED button does not make the printer peel. For peeling to occur when the panel setting is properly enabled. 2. Make sure the peeler sensor is out of the ribbon path when installed. Peel Lever Dispenser Module 8. Close the top access door and turn on the printer or press the FEED button if the printer is already on.
5. Return the outside media guide, close the bracket, and hook the head latch. (Figure 17) Cutting Mode Follow steps 1 to 3 in “Loading the Media – Standard Mode” above. 4. Insert the media into the print head module and under the paper sensor guide. (Figure 16) 17 16 Head Latch Outside Media Guide Bracket Paper Sensor Guide Print Head Module 27 6. Close the top access door and turn on the printer or press the FEED button if the printer is already on.
Configuration This section discusses calibration, printing configuration and resetting the printer to factory defaults. Performing Calibration Cutter Note: 18 The FEED button does not make the printer cut. For cutting to occur when the panel setting is properly enabled. After the media is loaded, recommend you performing media calibration to calibrate the label sensor. 1. Turn off the printer 2. Press and hold the PAUSE button and turn on the power. 3.
Printing a Configuration Report Resetting to Factory Default Settings To perform a self-test and print a configuration report: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the FEED button while turning on the power. 3. When “SELF-TESTING …” is displayed on the LCD (X-2000v, X-3000v) and the READY indicator blinks, release the FEED button. 4. The printer prints out a configuration report. 5. When “READY” is displayed on the LCD (X-2000v,X-3000v), the READY indicator stops blinking but remains illuminated. 6.
Centronics Parallel Port USB Port Computer Connections This printer comes with USB interface, a standard Centronics parallel interface, and a nine-pin Electronics Industries Association (EIA) RS-232 serial data interface. PC PC USB Interface Requirements The Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface is version 2.0 and 1.1 compliant and provides a full-speed (12Mb/s) interface that is compatible with your existing PC hardware. The USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy.
Communicating with the Printer The bundled printer driver can be applied to all applications under Windows 98/2000/NT, and Windows XP. With this driver you can run any popular Windows software applications such as MS-Word and print to this printer. 3. Select a driver for your printer and click "Next". For 203 dpi modes with 4 inches print width, you should select Label Dr.200 (4 inch model). Before Installation 1. Check the contents of the driver to ensure it is complete. 2.
5. After the related files have been copied to your system, click “Next”. current printer driver: 3. If you install new bar code application software such as Bartende Ultra Lite, you should activate the seagull driver for Argox printer. ArgoBar File → New→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK LabelView File→ Select Printer→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → OK CodeSoft File→ Printer→ Windows→ Label Dr. on LPT1: → LabelMatrix 6. After the installation is complete, click “Finish”.
Installing the USB Driver (Plug and Play) Note: 5. Select “Search for the best driver in these locations” and choose “Include this location in the search”. Input the location of printer driver, click “Next”. The printer driver needs to install version 1.4.00 or later and support “USB Plug and Play” for Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Windosw 2000. 1. Extract the PrinterDriver.exe to the fixed route. (“C:\Label Dr. 200”, for example) 2. Connect the label printer to a computer with a USB cable. 3.
6. Select “Continue Anyway”. 7. Click “Finish”. 8. The Label Dr200 (4 inch model) printer is added in “Printers and Faxes”. 9. Reboot the system.
10. The system assigns the USB port for Label Dr200 (4 inch model) printer Setting Parameters After installing the driver, follow the path below to set parameters: Start → Settings→ Printers→ Label Dr.→ Properties Parameters include: 43 Ports Select the IO port to link with the printer. The port may be parallel (LPT), serial (COM), network port, or file. Paper size Select the proper size. If there is no desired size, select "Custom" to define paper size.
Parameters for Win 98 Output bin (Accessory setting) Ports In the Properties menu: → Click "Paper" → Click "More Options" → Select Enable w/o cutter, peeler → Click "OK" In the Properties menu: → Click "Details" → Select the IO port.
Create a custom size Parameters for Win 2000 In the Properties menu: → Click "Paper" → Select "Custom" → User-Defined Size → Set a custom size → Click "OK" Ports In the Properties menu: → Click "Ports" → Select the IO port → Click "OK" Paper source (Media type) In the Printers menu: → Right click → Select "Printing Preferences" → Click "Paper/Quality" and select media type → Click "OK" 47 48
Orientation Page order Paper size setup In Printing Preferences: → Click tag "Layout" → Click button "Advanced" → Click "button Customize”" → Select "paper size" or add new paper size.
For NT 4.0 Create a custom size Ports In the Printers menu: → Right click → Select "Server Properties" → Enter a form name for in "Form Description for" → Reset paper size in "Measurements" → Click "OK" In the Properties menu: → Label Dr.
Paper/Output (Speed) Print quality (Darkness) For Win XP Ports In the Properties menu: → Click "Ports" → Select the IO port → Click "OK" In Default Document: → Click "Advanced" → Click item to select desired parameters → Click "OK" Create a custom size Please refer to Create a custom size in Win 2000 above.
Orientation Page order Paper size setup In Printing Preferences: → Click tag "Layout" → Click button "Advanced" → Click button "Customize”" → Select "paper size" or Add new paper size.
Create a custom size Troubleshooting In the Printers menu: → Right click → Select "Server Properties" → Enter a “Form name” → Reset paper size in the "Form description" → Click "OK" Normally, if the printer is in not working properly, the "READY" LED blinks continuously, and printing and communication between the host and printer stops. LED and LCD Diagnosis Blinking LEDs indicate a problem.
Ribbon Problems Cutter failed • Check the media. READY and RIBBON LEDs Blinking • Check the connection between cutter and main board. LCD Display • Call for service. LED/LCD Indication RIBBON OUT Memory full Possible Problems Solutions Ribbon out Supply the ribbon roll Ribbon jam Recover the jam Remarks Not applicable to direct thermal. Check graphics and soft Need to reboot the fonts from host. If no longer system. used by application software then delete.
Vertical streaks in the printout usually indicate a dirty or faulty print head. (Refer to the following examples.) Clean the print head. If the problem persists, replace the print head. Recovery After correcting problems, simply press the CANCEL button or restart the printer. Make sure the LEDs are not blinking and remember to resend your files. For unstable ribbon roll rotation, check the label path and make sure the head latch is securely closed. Poor printout quality: • The ribbon may not be qualified.
Caring for Your Printer Cleaning the Roller Clean the following components of the printer using a cotton bud dampened with alcohol. Do not soak the cotton bud excessively. Using a cotton bud moistened with alcohol, clean the roll and remove any attached glue. Note: Always switch off the power before cleaning. Note: Clean the roller after it has been in contact with foreign materials such as dust or adhesives. Cleaning the Print Head Cleaning the Media Compartment Clean the print head as follows 1.
Technical Reference Media type Roll-feed, die-cut, continuous, fan-fold, tags, ticket in thermal paper or plain paper. Ribbon Wax, Wax/Resin, Resin; Coating inside and outside Ribbon size OD 3 in. (76mm) ID 1 in. (25 mm) General Specifications Specification Printing method X-1000v X-2000v X-3000v Direct thermal and thermal transfer 203 DPI 203 DPI 300 DPI (8 dots/mm) (8 dots/mm) (12 dots/mm) Compact size W9.8” x H10.2” x L16” (W250 x H260 x L410 mm) Printing width 1.0”~4.
Fonts, Bar Codes and Graphics Specification The specifications of fonts, bar codes and graphics depends on the printer emulation. The emulation is a printer programming language through which the host can communicate with your printer. There are three printer programming languages, PPLA, PPLB and PPLZ.
Notes: 1. Since the fontboard and flash modules use the same connector, they cannot function at the same time. 2. All three models connect to the ArgoKee through the RS-232 serial port. 3. Only the X-2000v and X-3000v connect to a PC keyboard through a PS/2 port.
Serial Interface Connection with Host: The RS-232 connector on the printer side is a female, DB-9. Host 25S Printer 9P (PC or compatible) Host 9S Printer 9P (PC or compatible) DTR 20 DSR 6 TX 2 RX 3 CTS 5 RTS 4 GND 7 DTR 4 DSR 6 TX 3 RX 2 CTS 8 RTS 7 GND 5 Pin Direction Definition 1 In DSR 2 In RxData 3 Out TxData 5 - Ground 6 Out DTR 7 Out RTS 8 In CTS 9 Out +5V Note: Pin 9 is reserved for a KDU (keyboard device unit).
The simplest way to connect to other hosts (not PC compatible) or terminals is: Printer Terminal/Host Pin 2- RxData ……… TxData Pin 3- TxData ……… RxData Pin 5- Ground ……… Ground In general, as long as the data quantity is not too large and you use Xon/Xoff as flow control, it will be problem free. Baud rate: 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400. Data format: always 8 data bits, 1 start bit and 1 stop bit. Parity: always non parity Handshaking: XON/XOFF as well as CTS/RTS (hardware flow control).
Appendix A: Printer Status ASCII TABLE NUL 0 @ P ' P ! 1 A Q a q " 2 B R b r # 3 C S c s $ 4 D T d t % 5 E U e u ACK & 6 F V f v BEL ‛ 7 G W g w BS ( 8 H X h x ) 9 I Y i y * : J Z j z + ; K [ k { , < L \ l I SOH XON STX XOFF NAK LF ESC FF LCD display PAUSE - = M ] m } SO RS . > N ^ n ~ SI US / ? O _ o DEL MEDIA OUT READY Printer is paused.
Appendix B: Stand-alone Keyboard and Barcode Reader Example: Making a Keyboard Form 1. Make a command file for the form, KBD.FRM. This appendix covers stand-alone operation with keyboard or barcode reader. Command Description ZS Enable store to flash Keyboard FK"KBDFORM" Delete previous one FS"KBDFORM" Start of form V00,15,N,"Product Name ?" Variable and display message C0,10,N,+1,"Product No.
3. Turn off the printer, connect the keyboard and then turn on the printer. The LCD displays this message: 7. Press to continue to the next label and repeat steps 5 ~ 7, or to exit. READY (203,PPLB) ENTER to go on, FOR KEYBD 4. Press to enter the keyboard mode and the form name appears. Press to select the form. Or ESC to return Output KBDFORM ↵ 5. Key-in the product name and number. Product Name ? Barcode Printer↵ Product No. ? 0123456789↵ 6.
4. 5. 6. 7. Turn off the printer. Connect the barcode reader to the keyboard interface. Turn on the printer. Check LCD for instructions of each data string and scan barcodes to input data accordingly. Example: Making a Barcode Reader Form 1. Make a command file for a form, READER.FRM. Barcode Reader To use the printer in stand-alone operation with a barcode reader (scanner), follow the procedure described below (X-2000v and X-3000v models). 1. Make a form for barcode reader.
PA1 Single copy FE End of form ZN Disable store to flash Output 2. Send the file READER.FRM to printer under MS-DOS >COPY/B READER.FRM LPT1: 3. Turn off the printer, connect the barcode reader, set on the LCD to ON position and turn on the printer. 4. The form READER is automatically executed. Scan product name and number from printed bar codes using the barcode reader. Product No.? 11223344↵ Product Name? Notes: 1.
Appendix C: Cutter Installation 5. Loosen and remove the two screws (4) from bracket (5). Install a cutter into the printer as follows: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Remove the top covers on both left and right sides. 3. Mount the cutter baby board to the U17 socket on printer’s main board. 4. Secure the two screws for the cutter (1) and bracket (2). 6. Insert the left side of cutter bracket (7) and secure the two screws (6) to the TPH module.
7. Thread the cutter cable through hole (8) and route it to the JP16 connector (CUTTER) on the main board. 8. Turn on the printer. 9. For the X-2000v/X-3000v models set the parameter of “CUTTER INSTALLED” on the LCD to the ON position. For the X-1000v model bypass this step. After the cutter is installed, install media and ribbon. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Appendix D: Dispenser Installation Install a dispenser into the printer as follows: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Remove the top cover on the right side. 3.
4. Connect the dispenser sensor to JP15 (PEELER) on the printer’s main board and secure the dispenser board in the case. 6. Turn on the printer. 7. For the X-2000v/X-3000v models set the parameter of “DISPENSER INSTALLED” on the LCD to the ON position. For the X-1000v bypass this step. Calibrating the Dispenser Sensor Dispenser board Screw If you find the sensor is not sensitive enough or is having problems detecting, you can use the following two commands to calibrate it.
Modification for the outside and inside coating of ribbon The printer is produced to use the ribbon with inside coating. It is also possible to use the outside coating ribbon. The modification is as follows: 1. Pull and move the SHAFT RIBBON ADJ into the Inside 3. Pull and move the SHAFT RIBBON ADJ into the Outside. The ribbon with outside coating can be used and then install the ribbon. 2. After the adjustment, the ribbon with inside coating can be used and then install the ribbon.