Zebra GX420d Desktop Thermal Printer User Guide
ii ©2008 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 $10,000 (17 U.S.C.506). Copyright violators may be subject to civil liability. All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
iii FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B Digital Devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
iv Environmental Management Do not dispose of this product in unsorted municipal waste. This product is recyclable, and should be recycled according to your local standards. For more information, please see our website at: Web address: www.zebra.com/environment 980611-001 Rev.
About This Document This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and additional reference documents. Contents Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Document Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
vi About This Document Who Should Use This Document Who Should Use This Document This User Guide is intended for use by any person who needs to operate or to troubleshoot problems with the printer. How This Document Is Organized The User Guide is set up as follows: 980611-001 Rev. B Section Description Introduction on page 1 This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an overview of printer features.
About This Document Contacts Contacts Web Site Visit us at: 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 Americas Regional Headquarters Technical Support Customer Service Dept. Zebra Technologies International, LLC 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.
viii About This Document Document Conventions 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 are viewing this guide online in .pdf format, you can click the cross-reference (blue text) to jump directly to its location. Command Line Examples Command line examples appear in Courier New font.
Contents About This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Who Should Use This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi How This Document Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
x 3 • Print Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Determining Printer Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thermal Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modes of Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xi Bluetooth Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 6 • Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1 Introduction This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an overview of printer features. This includes procedures that describe how to open and close the printer and report any problems. Contents GX Series Thermal Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What’s in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unpack and Inspect the Printer .
2 Introduction GX Series Thermal Printers GX Series Thermal Printers The Zebra GX model is the best in class desktop thermal printer with the widest range of features. The GX420d printer provides direct thermal printing at speeds up to 6 ips (inches per second) at a 203 dpi (dots per inch) print density. The GX420d supports both ZPL and EPL Zebra printer programming languages and a wide variety of interface and feature options.
Introduction What’s in the Box? What’s in the Box? Save the carton and all packing materials in case you need to ship or store the printer later. After unpacking, make sure you have all parts. Follow the procedures for inspecting the printer to familiarize yourself with printer parts so you can follow the instructions in this book.
4 Introduction What’s in the Box? Your Printer Status Light Release Feed Button Latches Interface Connectors DC Power Receptacle Release Latches Power Switch Opening the printer To access the media compartment, you must open the printer. Pull the release latches towards you and lift the cover. Check the media compartment for loose or damaged components.
Introduction What’s in the Box? Printer Features Printhead Gap Sensor Roll Holder and Media Guides Black-Line Sensor Dispenser Option Platen Roller Head-Up Sensor (inside) Dispenser Door (open) Sensor 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide Pinch Roller Peel Bar 980611-001 Rev.
6 Introduction What’s in the Box? Moveable Blackline Sensor (Option) Media Cutter (Option) 980611-001 Rev.
Introduction What’s in the Box? Operator Controls Power Switch Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer. Caution • The printer power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the communications and power cables. Power Switch Power OFF Power ON Power Switch Feed Button • Tap the Feed button once to force the printer to feed one blank label. • Press the Feed button to take the printer out of a “pause” condition.
8 Introduction What’s in the Box? Status Light Located on the top case next to the feed button, the status light functions as a printer operational indicator (see See What the Status Light is Telling You on page 78 in the Troubleshooting chapter). Feed Button Status Light 980611-001 Rev.
Introduction What’s in the Box? Closing the printer 1. Lower the top cover. 2. Press down until the cover snaps closed. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
10 Introduction What’s in the Box? Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ _______________________
2 Getting Started This section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and use the most common operating procedures for loading media. Contents Attaching Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading Roll Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Getting Started Attaching Power Attaching Power Important • Set up your printer so that you can handle the power cord easily if needed. To make certain the printer cannot carry electrical current, you must separate the power cord from the power supply receptacle or AC electrical outlet. Caution • Never operate the printer and power supply in an area where they can get wet. Serious personal injury could result! 1. Make sure the printer’s power switch is in the off position (down). 2.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media Loading Roll Media When you load media, you must place the roll onto the media hangers. You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. Preparing Media Whether your roll media is inside or outside wound, you load it into the printer the same way. • Remove the outside length of media. During shipment, handling, or storage, the roll may become dirty or dusty.
14 Getting Started Loading Roll Media Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment 1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release latch levers toward the front of the printer. 2. Open the media roll holders. Pull the media guides open with your free hand and place the media roll on the roll holders and release the guides. Orient the media roll so that its printing surface will face up as it passes over the platen (drive) roller. 980611-001 Rev.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media 3. If your printer includes the moveable blackline sensor option, verify that the sensor is aligned in the center default position. This is the standard operating position for media sensing. When the sensor is moved from the default position, the printer will only detect blackline, black mark and notched marker media.
16 Getting Started Loading Roll Media 4. Pull the media so that it extends out of the front of the printer. Verify the roll turns freely. The roll must not sit in the bottom of the media compartment. Verify that media’s printing surface is facing up. 5. Push the media under both of the media guides. Under Media Guides 6. Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed. 980611-001 Rev.
Getting Started Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label Before you connect the printer to your computer, make sure that the printer is in proper working order. You can do this by printing a configuration label. 1. Make sure the media is properly loaded and the top cover of the printer is closed. Then, turn the printer power on if you have not already done so.
18 Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Hooking Up the Printer and Computer The Zebra G-Series printers support a variety of interface options and configurations. These include: Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, RS232 Serial, Parallel (IEEE 1284.4) and 10/100 Ethernet. GX420 Printers • USB, Serial and Parallel • USB, Serial, and Ethernet Caution • Keep the power switch in the OFF position when attaching the interface cable.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer USB Interface Requirements Universal Serial Bus (version 2.0 compliant) provides a fast interface that is compatible with your existing PC hardware. USB’s “plug and play” design makes installation easy. Multiple printers can share a single USB port/hub. When using a USB cable (not supplied with your printer), verify that the cable or cable packaging bears the “Certified USB™” mark (see below) to guarantee USB 2.0 compliance. .
20 Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Serial Communications The required cable must have a nine-pin “D” type (DB-9P) male connector on one end, which is plugged into the mating (DB-9S) serial port located on the back of the printer. The other end of this signal interface cable connects to a serial port at the host computer. Depending on the specific interface requirements, this will most likely be a Null Modem (cross-over) cable.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer EPL Y Command Use the serial port setup (Y) command to change the communications settings on the printer. 1. With the host computer set at the same communications settings as the printer, send the Y command to change the printer to the desired settings. Note: the Y command does not support setting the data flow control, use the Xon/Xoff setting. 2. Change the host computer settings to match the new printer settings.
22 Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Parallel Port The required cable must have a twenty-five pin “D” type (DB-25P) male connectors on both ends with a straight through wiring connections (IEEE 1284 A-A parallel interface specification). Tighten the cable connector’s screw locks to secure the cable to the printer and computer. Note • The printer design does not allow for the use non-molded cables such as hand-made cables with clam shell connector covers. Parallel Cable 980611-001 Rev.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Ethernet The printer requires UTP RJ45 Ethernet cable rated CAT-5 or better. For more information on configuring your printer to run on a compatible Ethernet based network, see the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server manual. The printer must be configured to run on your LAN (local area network). The print server on board your printer can be accessed through the printer’s web pages.
24 Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Communicating with the Printer Begin installing the Zebra Windows Driver and then turn on the printer. If the operating system automatically starts a ‘Add new hardware’ wizard, then close the wizard and continue installing the driver. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications The printer is a terminal device when using a universal serial bus interface. You can refer to the Universal Serial Bus Specification for details regarding this interface.
3 Print Operations This section provides media and print handling, font and language support, and the setup of less common printer configurations. Contents Determining Printer Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Media Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Replacing Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Print Operations Determining Printer Configuration Determining Printer Configuration The G-Series printer uses a ZPL printer configuration status label to report the printer’s configuration status for both EPL and ZPL operations.The ZPL style label provides a more intuitive and functionally descriptive naming conventions than the EPL style printer status label. Operational status (darkness, speed, media type, etc.), installed printer options (network, interface settings, cutter, etc.
Print Operations Modes of Printing Modes of Printing You can operate this printer in many different modes and media configurations: • Direct thermal printing (which uses heat sensitive media to print). • Standard Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each label (or batch print a strip of labels) after it is printed. • Label Dispense Mode: If an optional dispenser is installed, the backing material can be peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.
28 Print Operations Print Media Types Table 1 • Types of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Media Type Non-Continuous Roll Media How It Looks Description Roll media is wound on a core that can be 1 in. to 3 in. (25 to 76 mm) in diameter. Labels have adhesive backing that sticks them to a liner, and they are separated by gaps, holes, notches, or black marks. Tags are separated by perforations.
Print Operations Replacing Supplies Determining Thermal Media Types Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test. To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps: 1. Scratch the print surface of the media with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly while dragging it across the media surface.
30 Print Operations Adjusting the Print Width Adjusting the Print Width Print width must be set when: • You are using the printer for the first time. • There is a change in media width. Print width may be set by: • The Windows printer driver or application software such as Zebra Designer. • The five-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 87. • Controlling printer operations with ZPL programming; refer to the Print Width (^PW) command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).
Print Operations Media Sensing Media Sensing The G-Series printer has automatic media sensing capability. The printer is designed to continuously check and adjust media length sensing for minor variations. Once the printer is printing or feeding media, the printer continually checks and adjusts the media sensing to accommodate for minor changes in media parameters from label to label on a roll and from roll to roll of media.
32 Print Operations Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on fan-fold media requires you to adjust the media guide’s stop position. 1. Open the top cover. Fan-Fold Media Path 2. Adjust the media guide stop position with the green thumb wheel. Use a piece of the fan- fold media to set the stop position. Rotate the wheel away from you to open the guides wider. Rotate the wheel towards you to make the media guide narrower. 980611-001 Rev.
Print Operations Printing on Fan-Fold Media 3. Insert the media through the slot at the rear of the printer. 4. Run the media between the hangers. 5. Close the top cover. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
34 Print Operations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll Media Printing with Externally Mounted Roll Media The G-Series printer accommodates externally mounted roll media similar to the printer’s support of fan-fold media. The printer requires the media roll and stand combination to have a low initial inertia to pull the media off the roll. The G-Series motor has 30% more torque than the Zebra 2800 Series desktop printers to provide improved media handling and speed.
Print Operations Fonts and Your Printer Fonts and Your Printer The G-Series printer supports your language and font requirements with a variety of internal fonts, on-board font scaling, international font sets and character code page support, Unicode support, and font download. The G-Series printer’s font capabilities are programming language dependent. The EPL programming language provides for basic bitmapped fonts and international code pages.
36 Print Operations Fonts and Your Printer • To remove non Asian EPL fonts with EPL programming, use the EK command. • To remove EPL Asian fonts from the printer, use the ZPL ^ID command. Localizing the Printer with Code Pages The G-Series printer supports two sets of language, region and character sets for permanent fonts loaded into the printer for each printer programming language, ZPL and EPL. The printer supports localization with common international character map code pages.
Print Operations Stand Alone Printing Stand Alone Printing Your printer can be configured to work without being attached to a computer. The printer has the ability to automatically run a single label form. One or more downloaded label forms can be accessed and run with a terminal or wedge device or a Zebra KDU (keyboard display unit) to call a label form. These methods allow the developer to incorporate data input devices, such as scanners or weight scales, to the printer via the serial port.
38 Print Operations Sending Files to the Printer Sending Files to the Printer Files can be sent to the printer from the Microsoft Windows operating systems by using the Zebra Firmware (and File) Downloader found on the user's CD or at www.zebra.com. This method is common for both programming languages, all G-Series wired interfaces (including USB) and wired network printers. Transferring files with the Firmware Downloader 1. Install the printer.
Print Operations Sending Files to the Printer 5. Click on your Zebra printer to select the printer for download. 6. Select the File menu and click on the Select Firmware File... . Use the Browser window to select your file for download to your printer. 7. Select the Printer menu and click on the Download to Selected (printer). The downloader may display a download status indicator to show download progress of larger files. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
40 Print Operations Print Meter Print Meter The G-Series printer has the capability to report printhead maintenance alerts. The printer can provide cleaning and early warning of end of calculated printhead life alerts. If the RTC (Real Time Clock) is installed in the printer, the printhead life and history reporting will also include the date. By default, print metering alerts are disabled. Many of the print meter messages and reports are customize able.
Print Operations EPL Line Mode EPL Line Mode Your direct thermal printer supports Line Mode printing. EPL Line Mode printing is designed to be command compatible with EPL1 programming language used in early model LP2022 and LP2042 printers. The Zebra 2800 series direct thermal printers also included Line Mode printer language support. The G-Series continues Zebra’s support of Line Mode.
42 Print Operations EPL Line Mode Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ________________________
4 Printer Options This section covers the common printer options and accessories with brief descriptions and how to get you started using or configuring your printer option or accessory. Contents Label Dispenser Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Moveable Blackline Sensor Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cutter Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44 Printer Options Label Dispenser Option Label Dispenser Option The factory installed label dispenser option allows you to print a label with backing (liner/web) being removed from the label as it prints, ready for application. When printing multiple labels, removing the dispensed (peeled) label notifies the printer to print and dispense the next label.
Printer Options Label Dispenser Option 2. Lift the liner over the top of the printer and open the dispenser door. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
46 Printer Options Label Dispenser Option 3. Insert the label liner between the dispenser door and the printer body. 4. Close the dispenser door. 5. Press the Feed button to advance the media. 6. During the print job, the printer will peel off the backing and present a single label. Taking the label from the printer to allow the printer to print the next label.
Printer Options Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Moveable Blackline Sensor Option The factory installed optional moveable blackline sensor allows the printer to use media with black line(s) or marks or notches (holes) on the back side of the media (or media liner) that are not located in the center of the media. The moveable blackline sensor can not properly sense continuous media or labels (for interlabel gap sensing) if the sensor is not in the default sensing position, see below.
48 Printer Options Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Adjusting the Moveable Blackline Sensor for Black Mark or Notches Load the media. Before closing the printer, adjust the moveable blackline sensor as follows: 1. Flip the media back over the roll to expose the black marks on the backside (non printing side) of the media. This is not required for notched media. Black Marks 2. Slide the moveable sensor from the center default position to align with the black marks.
Printer Options Cutter Option Cutter Option The printer supports two factory installed media cutter options for full width cutting of label liner, tag or receipt media. These cutter options are all supported in a single cutter housing design. The type of cutter option installed in your printer can be verified by printing a printer configuration status label. The cutter options are: • A light duty receipt cutter (RECEIPT) Maximum Paper Weight (thickness): up to 100 g/m2 (0.
50 Printer Options Cutter Option Loading Media with the Cutter Option 1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release latch levers toward the front of the printer. 2. Open the media roll holders. Pull the media guides open with your free hand and place the media roll on the roll holders and release the guides. Orient the media roll so that its printing surface will be up as it passes over the platen (drive) roller. . 980611-001 Rev.
Printer Options Cutter Option 3. If your printer includes the moveable blackline sensor option, verify that the sensor is aligned in the center default position. This is the standard operating position for media sensing. When the sensor is moved from the default position, the printer will only detect blackline, black mark and notched marker media. Moveable Sensor Off Center Blackline Sensing Only 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide Default - Gap (Web) Sensing Standard Operating Position 980611-001 Rev.
52 Printer Options Cutter Option 4. Thread the media through the cutter’s inside slot so that it extends out of the front of the printer. Verify the roll turns freely. The roll must not sit in the bottom of the media compartment. Verify that media’s printing surface is facing up. 5. Push the media under both of the media guides. Under Media Guides 6. Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed. 980611-001 Rev.
Printer Options ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server Option ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server Option The ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server (PS) is an optional factory installed device that connects the network and your ZebraLinkTM-enabled printer. The print server provides you with a browser interface for printer and print server settings. If you use the ZebraNetTM Bridge Zebra network printer management software, you can easily access the specialized features of a ZebraLinkTM enabled printer.
54 Printer Options ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server Option Printer Network Configuration Status Label G-Series printers with the ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server option on-board print an additional printer configuration status label for information needed to establish and trouble shoot network printing. The following printout is printed with the ZPL ~WL command.
Printer Options RTC and Full Flash Memory Option RTC and Full Flash Memory Option Printers with the factory installed RTC (Real Time Clock) and Full Flash Memory option allow you to create highly customizable printer applications, improve printer productivity and flexibility, and provide extra memory to store more forms, graphics (logos), fonts, and the large Asian font sets.
56 Printer Options Asian Fonts - Printer Accessory Asian Fonts - Printer Accessory Asian font sets are downloaded into the printer by the user or integrator. Your G-Series printer must have the RTC and Full Flash Printer Memory option installed to support the large Asian font files. The fonts are obtained separately from the printer.
Printer Options KDU — Printer Accessory KDU — Printer Accessory The KDU (keyboard display unit) is a small terminal unit that interfaces with the printer for accessing EPL label forms stored in the printer. The KDU is strictly a terminal and does not have the capability to store data or set up parameters.
58 Printer Options KDU — Printer Accessory KDU and G-Series Printer Serial Port Adapter Installation 1. Switch the printer power to OFF. 2. Align the adapter between the KDU’s serial connector and the serial interface on the printer. KDU Serial Port 3. Plug the adapter onto the printer’s serial interface; use a small, slotted screwdriver to tighten the screws and secure the adapter. 4. Plug the KDU’s cable onto the adapter; tighten the screws to secure the cable. 980611-001 Rev.
Printer Options KDU Plus — Printer Accessory KDU Plus — Printer Accessory The KDU Plus is a terminal device with memory for storing files and maintaining one or more remote printers. The KDU Plus has a larger laptop style keyboard than the Zebra’s original KDU design.
60 Printer Options KDU Plus — Printer Accessory Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________
5 Control Panel Operation This section describes the operation, navigation and parameters displayed by printers equiped with the LCD control panel option. Contents LCD Display Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Normal Operation Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Display Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
62 Introduction LCD Display Overview LCD Display Overview The LCD display for G-Series printers with the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth options provide user feedback for printer operations, some basic controls for printer functionality, printer display controls, and wireless connectivity information. The control panel features three operator controls: the Feed button, the Scroll button and the Select button. The Feed button is used to advance one label or a pre-set length of continous media.
Introduction Normal Operation Display Normal Operation Display When the printer is On and Ready, the LCD display will resemble one of the examples shown in the figure below. Bluetooth Installed Indicator Bluetooth Enabled Normal Operation Display Wi-Fi Installed Indicator 802.11 WiFi Enabled Normal Operation Display Display Settings The display has a back light feature which allows viewing the display in dark environments.
64 Introduction Printer Settings Printer Settings The user selectable Printer settings are shown in the table below. Printer Settings COMM. (user selectable COM port settings) Setting Default Value Optional Values BAUD 9600 DATA BITS PARITY FLOW 8 NONE XON / XOFF 9600 19200 32400 57600 115200 7 / 8 NONE / EVEN / ODD XON / XOFF DTR & XON / XOFF DSR / DTR RTS / CTS MEDIA (display only) Setting Default Value Optional Values MEDIA GAP GAP MARK RECEIPT PRINT (display only) 980611-001 Rev.
Introduction 802.11 WLAN Settings 802.11 WLAN Settings The programmable 802.11 WLAN settings are shown in the table below. 802.11 WLAN Settings (display only) Setting Default Value IP ADDRESS DEFAULT GATEWAY SUBNET MASK WLAN SECURITY ESSID 000.000.000.000 000.000.000.000 000.000.000.000 OPEN 125 Optional Values Bluetooth Settings The programmable Bluetooth settings are shown in the table below.
66 Introduction Bluetooth Settings 980611-001 Rev.
6 Maintenance This section provides routine cleaning and maintenance procedures. Contents Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cleaning the Printhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Media Path Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Platen Cleaning and Replacement . . . . . . . . . .
68 Maintenance Cleaning Cleaning When you clean the printer, use one of the following supplies that best suits your needs: Cleaning Supplies Order Quantity Intended Purpose Cleaning pens (105950-035) Set of 12 Clean printhead Cleaning swabs (105909-057) Set of 25 Clean media path, guides and sensors You can obtain cleaning supplies at www.zipzebra.com. The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.
Maintenance Cleaning Cleaning the Printhead Always use a new cleaning pen on the printhead (an old pen carries contaminants from its previous uses that may damage the printhead). Caution • The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the printhead. Use only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance. When you load new media, you can also clean the printhead. 1. Rub the cleaning pen across the dark area of the printhead.
70 Maintenance Cleaning Media Path Considerations Use a cleaning swab to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the holders, guides and media path surfaces. 1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab to soak the debris to break up the adhesive. 2. Wipe the ridges to remove accumulated debris. 3. Wipe the inside edges of both edge guides to remove any built-up residue. 4. Wait one minute before closing the printer. Discard the cleaning swab after use.
Maintenance Cleaning Sensor Cleaning Dust can accumulate on the media sensors. 1. Gently brush away dust; if necessary, use a dry swab to brush away dust. If adhesives or other contaminates remain, use an alcohol moistened swab to break it up. 2. Use a dry swab to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as required until all residue and streaks are removed from the sensor. .
72 Maintenance Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement The standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paper and liner dust can accumulate without effecting print operations. Contaminates on the platen roller can damage the printhead or cause the media to slip or stick when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust, oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.
Maintenance Cleaning 5. Install the platen in the printer. Discard the cleaning swabs after use - do not reuse. 6. Make sure the bearings are on the shaft of the platen. 7. Align the platen with the gear to the left and lower it into the printer’s bottom frame. 8. Rotate the tabs back and snap them into place. Allow the printer to dry for one minute before closing the dispenser door, media cover or loading labels. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
74 Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Other Printer Maintenance There are no user level maintenance procedures beyond those detailed in this section. See the Troubleshooting on page 77 for more information on diagnosing printer and print problems. Replacing the Printhead If you need to replace the printhead, read the procedure and review the removal and installation steps before actually replacing the printhead. Caution • Prepare your work area by protecting against static discharge.
Maintenance Replacing the Printhead 2. Pull the printhead forward and pull it free of the top case if necessary. 3. Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors. 6/4/08 GX420d User Guide 980611-001 Rev.
76 Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Replacing the Printhead 1. Align the printhead to plug the left and right connectors into the wire bundles. 2. Slide the printhead into the left side and jog it into the right side catch. 3. Clean the print head as described under Cleaning the Printhead on page 69. 4. Reload media. Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer and print a status report to ensure proper function. See Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label on page 17 980611-001 Rev.
7 Troubleshooting This section provides information about printer error reporting that you might need for printer troubleshooting. Assorted diagnostic tests are included. Contents Status Light Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Status Light Error Resolutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Print Quality Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
78 Status Light Descriptions Status Light Descriptions What the Status Light is Telling You LED Status and Color Printer Status For a Resolution, Refer to Number: Off Off 1 Solid Green On 2 Solid Amber Stopped 3 Flashing Green Normal Operation 4 Flashing Red Stopped 5 Double Flashing Green Paused 6 Flashing Amber Paused 7 Alternately Flashing Green and Red Needs Service 8 Flashing Red, Red and Green Needs Service 9 Status Light Error Resolutions 1.
79 Status Light Error Resolutions The printhead needs to cool down. • If this error continues, turn the printer power off for five minutes or more, and then turn on. If the amber light persists, then the printer requires service. 4. The printer is receiving data. • As soon as all of the data has been received, the status LED will turn green and the printer will automatically resume operation. 5. The media is out.
80 Print Quality Problems Print Quality Problems No print on the label. • The media may not be direct thermal media. See the test procedure Determining Thermal Media Types on page 29. • Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 13 in the Getting Started section. The printed image does not look right. • The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. • The printhead is under temperature. • Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.
81 Print Quality Problems There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on several labels. • The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. • The printhead elements are damaged. The printing does not start at the top of the label or misprinting of one to three labels. • The media may not be threaded correctly. Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 13 in the Getting Started section. • The printer needs to be calibrated.
82 Print Quality Problems A EPL label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer. • Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button. • If the printer has label dispensing enabled, the printer may be waiting for the label to be removed. The liner/web must be properly threaded through the label dispenser mechanism (peeler) to correctly operate in label dispense mode, refer to Label Dispenser Option on page 44.
83 Manual Calibration Manual Calibration Manual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printed media or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate. 1. Make sure media is loaded. 2. Turn on the printer power. 3. Press and hold the Feed button until the green status light flashes once, then twice and then continuing until the flash groups reach the group of seven flashes. Release the Feed button. 4. The printer will set the media sensor for the label backing being used.
84 Troubleshooting Tests Troubleshooting Tests Printing a Configuration Label To print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to the one-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 87 in this section Recalibration Recalibrate the printer if it starts to display unusual symptoms, such as skipping labels. Refer to the two-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 87 in this section. 980611-001 Rev.
85 Resetting the Factory Default Values Resetting the Factory Default Values Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults may solve some problems. Refer to the four-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 87 in this section. Communications Diagnostics If there is a problem transferring data between the computer and printer, try putting the printer in the communications diagnostics mode.
86 Communications Diagnostics The following example of a communications DUMP mode printed out. The printout displays hexadecimal data 00h-FFh (0-255 decimal) with a unique character for each hexadecimal value displayed above the hexadecimal data. The blank lines between the lines of data are where serial port and Bluetooth data handling errors get logged.
87 Feed Button Modes Feed Button Modes Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode) With the printer power off, press and hold the Feed button while you turn on the power. Flash Sequence Rapid Red Flashing Action Firmware Download Mode - The printer starts rapidly flashing red to denote entry into the Firmware Download mode. Releasing the Feed button here will start initializing the printer for download.
88 Feed Button Modes Power On Modes With the printer power on and top cover closed, press and hold the Feed button for several seconds. The green status LED will flash a number of times in sequence. The explanation at the right (Action) shows what happens when you release the key after the start specific number of flashes and before the next flash sequence starts. Flash Sequence * * ** Action Configuration Status - Prints a detailed printer configuration status label.
A Appendix This section provides printer interface connection information. Contents Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parallel Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ethernet Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serial Port Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface Universal Serial Bus (USB) Interface The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface. The printer requires cable or cable packaging that bears the “Certified USB™” mark to guarantee USB 2.0 compliance.
91 Parallel Interface Parallel Interface The printer’s parallel interface uses the IEEE 1284-A to 1284-A parallel interface cables. Both ends have DB-25 pin male connectors.
92 Ethernet Interface Ethernet Interface This interface requires a UTP RJ45 Ethernet cable rated CAT-5 or better. The table below provides the cable’s pinout assignments. Signal Tx+ TxRx+ — — Rx— — Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Signal Tx+ TxRx+ — — Rx— — 5 6 7 8 4 3 2 1 980611-001 Rev.
93 Serial Port Interface Serial Port Interface Pin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Description Not used RXD (receive data) input to the printer TXD (transmit data) output from the printer DTR (data terminal ready) output from the printer -- controls when the host may send data Chassis ground DSR (data set ready) input to the printer RTS (request to send) output from the printer -- always in the ACTIVE condition when the printer is turned on CTS (clear to send) - Not used by the printer +5 V @ 0.
94 Serial Port Interface Connecting the Printer to a DTE Device DB-25S Connector to DTE Device (PC) DB-9P Connector to Printer DB-9S Connector to DTE Device (PC) DB-9P Connector to Printer Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device DB-25S Connector to DCE Device 980611-001 Rev.
