UMAN-QL3 Rev.
Proprietary Statement This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the expressed written permission of Zebra Technologies Corporation.
Mobile Printer User’s Guide
Contents Introduction ............................................ 7 Unpacking and Inspection .............................................. 7 Reporting Damage .......................................................... 7 Getting Ready to Print............................. 9 Battery ............................................................................. 9 Installing the Battery ........................................................ 9 Charging the Battery...............................................
Specifications ....................................... 38 Printing Specifications .................................................. 38 Memory/Communications Specifications ...................... 38 Label Specifications ...................................................... 39 Font/Bar Code Specifications ....................................... 39 Physical/Environmental/Electrical Specifications ......... 40 Communications Port ................................................... 41 .........................
1 2 12 11 3 10 4 5 9 6 7 7 8 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Introduction Thank you for choosing our Zebra QL 320 Mobile Printer. This rugged printer is sure to become a productive and efficient addition to your workplace thanks to its innovative design. Because it’s made by Zebra Technologies Corporation, you’re assured of world-class support for all of your bar code printers, software, and supplies. • This user’s guide gives you all the information you’ll need to operate the QL 320 printer. • The QL 320 uses the CPL programming language.
Battery Belt Clip Charger Jack FIGURE 2 LI72 Charger Charger Jack FIGURE 3 8 QL 320 User’s Guide
Getting Ready to Print Battery Installing the Battery NOTE: Batteries are shipped uncharged. Remove protective shrink-wrap and labels from new battery packs prior to use. 1. If the printer is so equipped, rotate the Belt Clip to allow access to the Battery compartment. 2. Insert the battery into the printer as shown in Figure 2, 3. Rock the Battery into the printer as shown until it locks in place.
Loading the Media You can operate this printer in one of two different modes: Tear-Off or Peel-Off. Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of labels) after it is printed. In Peel-Off mode, the backing material is peeled away from the label as it is printed. After you remove this label, the next one is printed. Installing the Media 1. Open the printer: Refer to Figure 4. • Rotate the latch release levers on each side of the printer as shown at “1” below.
2. Load the media: Refer to Figure 5. • Determine that the core diameter of the media roll matches the setting of the Media Disks. If it does not, adjust the media disks per Figure 6 below. • If the media support setting is correct, pull the media supports apart, insert the roll of media between them, and let the media supports close. Insure that the media pulls off the core in the direction shown in Figure 5.
3. Refer to Figure 7. Close the Media Cover • If you plan to use the printer in the tear-off mode, close the media cover as shown at “2”, then rotate the latch assembly as shown until it locks into place, as shown at “4”. • If you plan to use the printer in the peel-off mode, peel a few labels off of the media roll and pull it out of the printer as shown at “1”. Close the media cover as shown at “2”.
Operator Controls The QL 320 will come with one of two possible control panels. The standard control panel is detailed below and in Figure 8. The optional control panel (Figure 9) features an LCD which allows easy display and selection of many printer functions and is detailed on following pages. Standard Keypad The standard keypad has three control buttons and two multipurpose indicators. • The Power button turns the QL 320 on and off.
idly blinking LED indicates normal data transmission. • A steadily lit yellow LED indicates an error condition. This can be caused by one of the following: 1. The media cover is not completely closed and latched. 2. The printer is out of media. Yellow LED Steady Light indicates error condition: out of media or media cover not closed. Green LED Steady Light indicates power on and/or established RF link.
LCD Control Panel The optional LCD control panel has buttons for the power on/ off and media feed functions just as in the standard control panel. In addition, it has two keys which allow easy navigation and selection of menu options affecting many printer functions. The “Scroll” button allows scrolling through the various options and settings. The “Select” button allows selection of the option or function displayed on the screen.
The top of the screen has a row of status icons which indicate the state of various printer functions: Indicates that the printer is associated with a wireless Local Area Network (LAN). This icon is functional only with QL 320N network printers. A flashing icon indicates low battery status. You should suspend any printing operations and recharge or replace the Battery Pack as soon as is convenient. A flashing icon indicates that the media cover is open or not properly latched.
LCD Functions Function Default setting Scroll & Select Options Sensor Type Gap Print Width Factory Set Value Baud Rate 19200 Data Bits 8 WLAN ID* Factory Set Value Label Top 000 • Increase (+120 dots max.) • Decrease (-120 dots max.) Left Position 000 • Increase (+120 dots max.) • Decrease (-120 dots max.) LCD Contrast 0 No-activity Timeout 60 sec. Print Darkness (Head Temperature) 00 • Increase (+10 max.) • Decrease (-10 max.) Tear-off Position 00 • Increase (+120 dots max.
Verify the Printer Is Working Before you connect the printer to your computer or portable data terminal, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration label using the “two key reset” method. If you can’t get this label to print, refer to “Troubleshooting”. Printing a Configuration Label 1. Turn the printer off. Load the media compartment with journal media (media with no black bars printed on the back) 2. Press and hold the Feed Button. 3.
Cable Communications CAUTION. The power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the communications cable. All QL 320 printers can communicate by cable; the specific cable supplied with your printer will vary with the host terminal. The 8- pin circular connector on your communications cable plugs into the serial communications port on the side of the QL 320 printer. It is keyed to assure correct alignment; do not try to force it if it does not plug in.
IR Communications Printers equipped for infrared (IR) communications are identified by a small “IR” logo on the unit’s label. IR allows wireless communications between the printer and the host terminal. IR units can also communicate with a cable as detailed above, however, IR functions are disabled when the cable is plugged in.
SRRF Communications Both the printer and the device it communicates with must follow either the Bluetooth standard or Zebra’s proprietary SRRF protocol. The communications protocol is determined by the specific QuickLink module installed in the printer. Printers equipped for short range radio frequency communications (SRRF) allow wireless communication with their host terminals from any direction. Reliable transmission distances will vary but usually exceed 1m. (39”) under worst conditions.
can manually enter the serial number of the printer; however, this method is not recommended. The terminal can only capture the desired printer using this type of link. The terminal must be programmed to guide the user through scanning the printer serial number bar-code, then execute an algorithm which converts the serial number into an address. Zebra can provide C source code to licensed OEM customers that handles the conversion from serial number to address.
than the electromagnetic energy emitted by wireless devices such as mobile phones. “Bluetooth” is a worldwide standard for the exchange of data between two devices via radio frequencies. Bluetooth radios are relatively low powered to help prevent interference with other devices running at similar radio frequencies. This limits the range of a Bluetooth device to about 10 meters (about 32 feet). In order to exchange data, two Bluetooth enabled devices must establish a connection.
Sandy’s Printer. (Some Bluetooth services disconnect automatically, others must be closed manually.) There are several layers of security in the Bluetooth system, so this sequence may not be a completely accurate representation of how your printer may function in a Bluetooth environment. For the most part, communications using the Bluetooth protocol are initiated and processed without any operator intervention, much like the IrDA system described previously.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Module Using PCMCIA Radio The following section only applies when the PCMCIA WLAN module (FCC ID: I28QL320352) is installed in the QL320 printer (note that only one of the radio options can be installed in the printer at one time). The FCC ID number label is on the front of the module and can be read with the module installed.
Setting Up the Software The QL 320 uses Zebra’s CPL Programming language which was designed for mobile printing applications. CPL is fully described in the Mobile Printing Systems Programming Manual, which is available in Portable Document Format (.pdf) on-line at Zebra’s website. You can also use Label Vista™, Zebra’s Windows™ based label creation program which uses a graphical interface to create and edit labels in the CPL language.
Adjustable Shoulder Strap Refer to Figure 14, below. Snap each end of the shoulder strap into the “D” rings in the top of the printer. Slide the buckle away from or towards the printer until you achieve the desired length.
Belt Clip If the QL 320 is equipped with a belt clip, hook the clip over your belt, and ensure that the clip is securely attached to the belt. The belt clip will pivot to allow you to move freely while wearing the printer.
Preventive Maintenance WARNING: To avoid possible personal injury or damage to the printer, never insert any pointed or sharp objects into the printer. Extending Battery Life • Never expose the battery to direct sunlight or temperatures over 104° F (40° C). • Always use a Zebra charger designed specifically for Lithium-Ion batteries. Use of any other kind of charger may damage the battery. • Choose the media that is easiest to “burn.
Label Presence Sensor Peeler Bar Rollers Tear Bar Printhead Elements Bearing Points Linerless Platens only Gap Sensor Peeler Bar Edge Guides, Inner surfaces on both sides. Platen surface Avoid using alcohol on linerless platen surface Bar Sensor FIGURE 16 30 QL 320 User’s Guide Units with linerless platens only.
Cleaning CAUTION.- Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning materials used on this printer. Never use any sharp objects on the printer mechanism as they could damage the print head and platen. Clean the printer with either the cleaning pen supplied with the printer or a cotton swab saturated with alcohol.
Troubleshooting Standard Control Panel If the printer is not functioning properly, refer to the chart below to find the state of the two LEDs on the Control Panel. Then refer to the Troubleshooting topic referenced in the chart to resolve the problem. Green LED Yellow LED Indication Ref.
Troubleshooting Topics 1. No power • Check that battery is installed properly • Recharge or replace battery as necessary. 2. Media does not feed: • Be sure print head is closed and latched. • Check spindle holding media for any binding. • If unit is equipped with label presence sensor: Insure most recently printed label is removed. Also insure label sensor is not blocked. 3. Poor or faded print or flashing: • Clean print head.
9. Yellow error light always on, or flashing: • Check media is loaded and print head is closed and securely latched. 10. Skips labels: • Check media for top of form sense mark or label gap. • Check that the maximum print field has not been exceeded on label. • Insure bar/ or gap sensor is not blocked or malfunctioning 11. Communication Error: • Check media is loaded, head is closed and error light is off. • Check baud rate. • Replace cable to terminal. 12.
Sample Configuration Label Print Head Test End of First Report Unit Serial Number Application Number Report appears only on units with wireless options installed. Units with no wireless options will print an empty line and resume This example has a Bluetooth™ module installed. (refer to pages 23-24 for more details.
Sample Configuration Label (continued) Peripherals installed: In this example the LCD display option is not installed. Flash Memory Size Maximum Label Size Resident Fonts Pre-scaled font (.
Communications Diagnostics If there’s a problem transferring data between the computer and the printer, try putting the printer in the Communications Diagnostics Mode (also referred to as the “DUMP” mode). The printer will print the ASCII characters and their and their text representation (or the period ‘.’, if not a printable character) for any data received from the host computer To enter Communications Diagnostics Mode: 1. Print a configuration label as described on pg. 34. 5.
Specifications NOTE.- Printer specifications are subject to change without notice. Printing Specifications Print Density 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm) Print Width Up to 2.9“ (71.2 mm) Print Speed 4” per second (101.6 mm per second) Print Head Life, calculated 1,964,160” (50 Km) nominal Distance from Print Element to Top of Form .571” (14.
Label Specifications Label/Tag Width 1.5" to 3.1" (38.1 mm to 78.4 mm) Max. Label/ Tag Length 16" (406.4 mm) with standard memory Inter-label Gap. .08" to .16" (.12" preferred) 2 mm to 4 mm (3 mm preferred) Label/Tag Thickness .0025” to .0065” (.064 mm to .165 mm) Label Roll Size: Max. Diameter 2.625" (66.7 mm) O.D. Inner Core Diameter Media Requirements .75" (19 mm) std, 1.38” (35.05 mm) optional Use Zebra-brand direct thermal media that is outside wound.
Physical/Environmental/Electrical Specifications 3.9” [97.9 mm] 3.1” [78.7 mm] 8.0” [203.2 mm] 8.3” [210.2 mm] 4.60” [116.8 mm] FIGURE 18 OVERALL DIMENSIONS Weight w/ battery excluding media. Temperature Operating Storage 5° to 122° F (-15° to 50° C) -13° to 158° F (-25° to 70° C) Range Relative Humidity Operation Storage 10% to 80% (non-condensing) 10% to 90% (non-condensing) Electrical 40 1.65 lbs. (.75 kg. ) Battery: 7.
Communications Port Signal Pin# Name Type Description Receive Data Transmit Data Clear To Send from host Request To Send set high when printer is ready to accept command /data Ground No Connect Data Set Ready low to high transition turns printer on, high to low transition turns printer off (if enabled) Data Terminal Ready set high when printer is on (set to battery voltage for “S” versions) 1 2 3 4 RXD TXD CTS RTS input output input output 5 6 7 GND NC DSR input 8 DTR output 2 5 4 1 3 6 7
Agency Approvals • FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A Electromagnetic Radiation Standard • Built to UL, CUL and TUV standards • EN50082-1 International lmmunity Standard • EN55022 Class B European Electromagnetic Radiation Standard • NOM/NYCE (Mexico) • C-Tick (Australia) Accessories • Adjustable shoulder strap • Protective soft case • Extra battery packs • 120-230 VAC battery charger • Desk Mount • Data cables For details, call your authorized Zebra re-seller.
Appendix A Interface Cables Part Number ´BL11757-000; 8-Pin DIN to 9-Pin DB PC Cable This part is also available as a coiled cable under Part Number BL15063-1. For Use With a Personal Computer Pin 9 PC Signals (TXD) (RXD) (RTS) Pin 1 (CTS) (GND) DB-9 Pin (DTR) Female Plug (DSR) (to P.C.
QL Series User’s Guide Appendices PDT3100/3500 /6100 Series PDT3100 Series 8’ /Coiled 8’ /Coiled BL12093-2 RJ45 RJ45 9 Pin DB Fem.
TELXON 960 960SL Adapter for BL11122-1 960 (BL11122-1) & 960SL (CC13711-1) 960 860 & 912 TEKLOGIC 7030 ILR 7025 ILR SYMBOL (CONT.
Appendix B Media Supplies To insure maximum printer life and consistent print quality and performance for your individual application, it is recommended that only media produced by Zebra be used. These advantages include: • Consistent quality and reliability of media products. • Large range of stocked and standard formats. • In-house custom format design service. • Large production capacity which services the needs of many large and small media consumers including major retail chains world wide.
Appendix C Maintenance Supplies In addition to using quality media provided by Zebra, it is recommended that the printer be cleaned as prescribed in the maintenance section. The following items are available for this purpose: • Cleaning Pen (10 pack), Reorder No. AN11209-1 • Cleaning Kit with Cleaning Pen, and Cotton Swabs, Reorder No.
Appendix D Product Support When calling with a specific problem regarding your printer, please have the following information on hand: • Model number/type (e.g. QL 320) • Unit serial number (Found on the large label on the back of the printer) • Product Configuration Code (PCC) (15 digit number found on the small label on the back of the unit) Contact the Help Desk at: Zebra Technologies Corporation 30 Plan Way Warwick, Rhode Island 02886-1012 USA Telephone: +1 401.739.5800 Fax: +1 401.732.
Index Media, loading 10 A Accessories 42 Agency Approvals 42 B adjusting for core diameter 11 peel-off mode 12 tear-off mode 12 O Battery, charging 9 Operator Controls 13 while printing 9 Battery, installing 9 Battery life, tips 29 Belt clip 28 Bluetooth Device Address (BDA). See Communications: short range radio frequency (SRRF): Bluetooth™ C LCD Keypad 15 functions displayed 17 Standard Keypad 13 error indicator 14 power-on indicator 13 P piconet.
Patent Information This product and/or its use may be covered by one or more of the following US patents and corresponding international patents worldwide D275,286 D347,021 5,021,641 5,029,183 5,321,246 5,335,170 5,504,322 5,528,621 5,997,193 6,004,053 D389,178 5,047,617 5,103,461 5,364,133 5,367,151 5,532,469 5,543,610 6,010,257 6,020,906 5,113,445 5,140,144 5,372,439 5,373,148 5,545,889 5,552,592 6,034,708 6,036,383 5,132,709 5,142,550 5,378,882 5,396,053 5,570,123 5,578,810 6,057,870 6,0