Zebra ZP 450™ Desktop Thermal Printer User Guide
ii © 2008 ZIH Corp.. All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Zebra Technologies”). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein.
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 Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Preface This section provides you with contact information, document structure and organization, and additional reference documents. Contacts You can contact Zebra Technologies at any of the following: Visit us at: www.zebra.com Our Mailing Addresses: Zebra Technologies Corporation 333 Corporate Woods Parkway Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109 U.S.A Telephone: +1 847.793.2600 Toll-free (USA) +1 800.423.0422 Fax: +1 847.913.
vi Preface Environmental Management Support You can contact Zebra support at: Web Address: www.zebra.com/SS/service_support.htm s Note • The web address is case-sensitive. US Phone Number +1 847.913.2259 UK/International Phone Number +44 (0) 1494 768289 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.
Preface Related Documents Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in physical harm to you. Caution • Advises you that failure to take or avoid a specific action could result in physical harm to the hardware. Caution • Advises you need to wear protective eyeware. Important • Advises you of information that is essential to complete a task. Note • Indicates neutral or positive information that emphasizes or supplements important points of the main text.
viii Preface Related Documents Notes • ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________
Contents • Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi Environmental Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
x Contents Printing in Dispenser Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing on Fan-Fold Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printer Network Configuration Status Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liner-less Media Printing . . . . . .
1 Introduction This section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides an overview of printer parts. This section also has procedures that describe how to open and close the printer and report any problems. Hello! Thank you for choosing a Zebra® desktop printer, a high-quality on-demand printer manufactured by the industry leader in quality, service, and value—Zebra Technologies Corporation.
2 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.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer Inspecting the Printer Look at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present. Status Light Feed Button Release Latches Interface Connectors Power Base Release Latches Power Supply Receptacle Active Power Light 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.
4 Introduction Inspecting the Printer After opening the printer, check the media compartment.
Introduction Inspecting the Printer Closing the printer 1. Lower the top cover. 2. Press down until the cover snaps closed. Reporting Damage If you discover damage or missing parts: • Immediately notify and file a shipping damage report. • Keep the carton and all packing material for inspection. Mini-CD on Printer Storage The printer has a mini-CD storage slot molded between the printer and its power base.
6 Introduction Inspecting the Printer 1. Always place the mini-CD in its plastic sleeve to protect the mini-CD from damage. 2. Slide the plastic sleeve with the mini-CD inside, into the printer.
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 in tear-off mode. Modes of Printing You can operate this printer in different modes: • Standard tear-off mode allows you to tear off each label (or a strip of labels) after it is printed. • Dispense mode will peel the backing material away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.
8 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 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 on the media hangers. You must use the correct media for the type of printing you require. You must use direct thermal media. 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, the roll may become dirty when handled or dusty when stored.
10 Getting Started Loading Roll Media Placing the Roll in the Media Compartment 1. Open the printer. Remember that you need to pull the release levers toward the front of the printer. 2. Pull the left media hanger to the side. 3. Orient the media roll so that its printing surface will be up as it passes over the platen.
Getting Started Loading Roll Media 4. Lower the roll between the hangers and release the left hanger onto the core. 5. Verify the core rests on the hangers and the roll turns freely. The roll must not sit in the bottom of the media compartment.
12 Getting Started Operator Controls Operator Controls Power Switch Press up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer. Important • To make certain the printer cannot carry electrical current, you must separate the power cord from the power supply receptacle or AC electrical outlet. Set up your printer so that you can handle the power cord easily if needed. Caution • The power should be turned off before connecting or disconnecting the communications and power cables.
Getting Started Operator Controls 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. The printer is put into “pause” by either a programming command or an error condition. See What the Status Light is Telling You on page 45 in the Troubleshooting chapter. • Use the Feed button for printer setup and status (see Feed Button Modes on page 53 in the Troubleshooting chapter).
14 Getting Started Printing a Test Label Printing a Test 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.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Your printer will have a combination of interfaces: USB and Serial or USB and Ethernet. Caution • Keep the power switch in the OFF position when attaching the interface cable. The power cord must be inserted into the power base on the back of the printer before connecting or disconnecting the communications cables. .
16 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.
18 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.
Getting Started Hooking Up the Printer and Computer Communicating with the Printer 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. USB Printer Detection and Windows ® operating systems. Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows 2000 and Windows XP and later operating systems support the USB communications with printers.
20 Getting Started 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 53. • Controlling printer operations with ZPL programming; refer to the Print Width (^PW) command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).
3 Operations & Options This section helps you get the most from your printer. You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. Example • The ~JL command controls label length. The ^XA^JUS^XZ command saves the new settings to flash memory. For detailed information about creating labels using ZPL, refer to the ZPL Programming Guide or visit our web site at www.zebra.com. To improve print quality, changing both print speed and density may be required to achieve the desired results.
22 Operations & Options Thermal Printing Thermal Printing 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. Caution • The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the printhead or electronic components used in this device.
Operations & Options Printing in Dispenser Mode Printing in Dispenser Mode 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.
24 Operations & Options Printing in Dispenser Mode 1. Load your labels into the printer. Close the printer and press the feed button until a minimum of 4 inches or 100 millimeters of exposed labels exit the printer. Remove the exposed labels from the liner.
Operations & Options Printing in Dispenser Mode 2. Lift the liner over the top of the printer and open the dispenser door.
26 Operations & Options Printing in Dispenser Mode 3. Insert the label liner between the dispenser door and the printer body. 4. Close the dispenser door.
Operations & Options Printing in Dispenser Mode 5. Press the Feed button to advance the media. 6. Set the label (taken) sensor to detect removed labels. This is set by the Windows printer driver (a configuration setting), your application software or via the printer’s EPL or ZPL programming languages. 7. During the print job, the printer will peel off the backing and present a single label. Take the label from the printer to allow the printer to print the next label.
28 Operations & Options Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Printing on fan-fold media requires you to prepare the media hangers. 1. Open the top cover. 2. Place an empty core between the media hangers. 3. Insert the media through the slot at the rear of the printer. 4. Run the media between the hangers and above the empty core. 5. Close the top cover.
Operations & 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 ZebraLink T M-enabled printer. The print server provides you with a browser interface for printer and print server settings.
30 Operations & Options ZebraNet® 10/100 Internal Print Server Option Printer Network Configuration Status Label ZP-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.
Operations & Options Liner-less Media Printing Liner-less Media Printing The ZP-Series printer includes a liner-less media printing option. The liner-less media printer includes a non-stick platen (drive) roller. The liner-less platen roller has a sponge-like wavy surface with a thin layer on the outer surface impregnated with silicon. The silicon is continuously squeezed out of the roller when printing and feeding media.
32 Operations & Options 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 wired interfaces (including USB) and wired network printers. Transferring files with the Firmware Downloader 1. Install the printer.
Operations & Options 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.
34 Operations & Options Media Sensing Media Sensing The 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.
4 Maintenance 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 Set of 12 Clean printhead Cleaning swabs Set of 25 Clean media path, guides and sensors The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.
36 Maintenance Cleaning Caution • Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printer components along the media path including the platen and printhead. This build-up can accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the printhead, media path and platen roller could result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams and possible damage to the printer.
Maintenance Cleaning Media Path Cleaning Use a cleaning swab (such as a Texpad swab or alcohol moistened lint-free cloth) to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the holders, guides and media path surfaces. Do not touch or clean the printhead with the same cleaning swab or cloth. 1. Use the alcohol in the cleaning swab (or cloth) to soak the debris so that it breaks up. 2. Wipe the ridges to remove accumulated debris. 3.
38 Maintenance Cleaning Sensor Cleaning Dust can accumulate on the media sensors. 1. Gently blow away dust; if necessary, use a dry swab to brush away dust. If adhesives or other contaminates remain, use an alcohol moistened cleaning swab (such as a Texpad swab) to break up the foreign material. 2. Use a dry swab several times to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning. .
Maintenance Cleaning Platen Considerations 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 when printing. Adhesive, dirt, general dust, oils and other contaminates should be cleaned immediately off the platen.
40 Maintenance Lubrication 3. Remove several inches of new liner-less media from the roll. 4. Gently tamp the adhesive and paper dust off of the platen roller with the adhesive side of the liner-less media. 5. Clean the printhead. Use the printhead cleaning procedure. Remember to clean the adhesive buildup on the head from the middle of the printhead to the outside. 6. Replace the platen roller. 7. Load the media. Let it extend out of the printer.
Maintenance Replacing the Platen Replacing the Platen Removal Open the printer and remove any media. 1. Press the tabs on the right and left sides out. Then rotate them up. 2. Lift the platen out of the printer’s bottom frame.
42 Maintenance Replacing the Platen Installation 1. Make sure the bearings are on the shaft of the platen. 2. Align the platen with the gear to the left and lower it into the printer’s bottom frame. 3. Rotate the tabs back and snap them into place.
Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Replacing the Printhead In the event 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. Your w ork area must be static-safe and include a properly grounded conductive cushioned mat to hold the printer and a conductive wrist strap for yourself.
44 Maintenance Replacing the Printhead 3. Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors. Installation 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. Clean the printhead as described under Printhead Cleaning on page 36. Reload media. Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer and print a status report to ensure proper function.
5 Troubleshooting 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 Resolutions 1. The printer is not receiving power.
46 Troubleshooting Resolutions 3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST). • If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact an authorized reseller for assistance. There is a memory error. • If this error occurs after you have been printing, turn the printer power off and on. Then, resume printing. The printer needs to cool or requires service. • If this error continues, turn the printer power off for five minutes or more. Then, turn on.
Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems Print Quality Problems No print on the label. • You must use direct thermal media for printing. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. A finger nail or pen cap may be used to test for direct thermal media by pressing firmly and quickly dragging it accross the media surface. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.
48 Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting of one to three labels. • The printer needs to be calibrated for the media. Refer to the two-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes on page 53 in this section. • The correct media sensor may not be activated. Manual calibration selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the ^MN command in the ZPL II Programming Guide).
Troubleshooting 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.
50 Troubleshooting 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 53 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 53 in this section.
Troubleshooting Resetting the Factory Default Values Resetting the Factory Default Values Sometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of the problems. Refer to the four-flash sequence in Feed Button Modes on page 53 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.
52 Troubleshooting 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.
Troubleshooting Feed Button Modes Feed Button Modes Power Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode) Wi th the printer power off , press and hold the Feed button whil e you turn on the power. Flash Sequence 12/17/07 Action Rapid Red Flashing Firmw are Dow nload Mode - The printer starts rapi dly fl ashi ng red to denote entry into the Fi rmware Download m ode. Rel easi ng the Feed button here wi ll start i niti ali zing the pri nter f or download.
54 Troubleshooting Feed Button Modes Power On Modes Wi th the pri nter power on and top cover closed, press and hol d the Feed button for several seconds. The green status LED wi ll f lash a number of ti mes in sequence. The explanation at the ri ght (Acti on) shows what happens when you release the key after the start specifi c number of fl ashes and before the next flash sequence starts. Flash Sequence Action * Configuration Status - Pri nts a detail ed pri nter conf iguration status label .
Troubleshooting Repackaging the Printer for Return Repackaging the Printer for Return Before repackaging your printer for return, please call customer service to get a Return Material Authorization (RMA) tracking number. To repackage your printer, use the saved packaging materials or ask your customer service representative to send a new printer packaging kit. Items to return: Printer, power cord and USB cable. 1. Place the printer in the plastic bag. 2.
56 Troubleshooting Repackaging the Printer for Return 3. Place the power cord and USB cable on the top of the foam shell in the carton. 4. Seal the carton.
6 Interfaces Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector The figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’s USB interface. Pin N o. Description 1 Vbus 2 D– 3 D+ 4 Ground Shell Shield/Drain Wire For printer supported operating systems and drivers, see the software and documentation CD or visit the Zebra printer web site at: www.ups.zebra.com For information on the USB interface, go to the USB web site at: www.usb.
58 Interfaces 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.
Interfaces 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.
60 Interfaces 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 Devi ce (PC) DB-9P Connector to Pri nter Connecting the Printer to a DCE Device DB-25S Connector to DCE Device 980546-003 B DB-9P Connector to Printer DB-9S Connector to DCE Devi ce ZP 450™ User Guide DB-9P Connector to Pri nter 12/17/07
