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Zebra Technologies H-974 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    H-974 PAGE 1 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Customer order # 77965L Manufacturer part # 77965LB Rev. 1[...]

  • Page 2

    H-974 PAGE 2 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Printer Overview Depending on the options you have selected, your printer may look slightly different. 4 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Media supply guide Media guide Ribbon sensor Media supply hanger Media alignment spindle Printhead open lever T ake-up spindle Rewind media guide Thumbscrew Front housing assembly [...]

  • Page 3

    H-974 PAGE 3 OF 57 0808 IH-974 This chapter of the user’s guide is so important that we’ve printed it on a different color paper! That way, it will be easy for you to find when you must calibrate (set up) the printer for your particular application. Purpose � To calibrate the printer. � To verify that the printer is properly set up by print[...]

  • Page 4

    H-974 PAGE 4 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Loading the Media Figure 6 illustrates one method of media loading. For more detailed instructions, as well as information about how to load the different types of media and the various printing modes, refer to the instructions that begin on page 22. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 9 Printhead open lever Printhead a[...]

  • Page 5

    H-974 PAGE 5 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Positioning the Media Sensor The correct positioning of the media sensor is important. It can make the difference between a perfect label and a call to Technical Support! There are two media sensors in this printer: “reflective” and “transmissive.” Reflective Sensor The reflective sensor detects the “start-o[...]

  • Page 6

    H-974 PAGE 6 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Adjusting the Reflective Sensor Refer to Figure 7. 1. Open the printhead assembly by pressing the printhead open lever. 2. Locate the reflective sensor positioning lever. 3. Move the reflective sensor positioning lever across the width of the media until the reflective sensor aligns with the start-of-label indicator. [...]

  • Page 7

    H-974 PAGE 7 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Transmissive Sensor The transmissive sensor is in a fixed position and enabled via the front panel (details in “SENSOR SELECT” on page 41). Loading the Ribbon Refer to Figure 8. For more detailed information, refer to the instructions that begin on page 34. 12 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Ribbon supply spindl[...]

  • Page 8

    H-974 PAGE 8 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Operator Controls POWER Switch The POWER switch is located at the back of the printer above the power cord. Turn on the printer. Front Panel For a more detailed explanation of the front panel keys and lights (as shown in Figure 9), refer to the instructions that begin on page 19. 14 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide P[...]

  • Page 9

    H-974 PAGE 9 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Configuring the Printer The configuration procedure in the next table contains the information you need to get your printer up and running, but it is not comprehensive . Refer to page 40 for more information. � Press the SETUP/EXIT key at the “PRINTER READY” display to enter the configuration mode. NOTE: You wil[...]

  • Page 10

    H-974 PAGE 10 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Configuring the Software of Printer Driver Many printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver or label preparation software. Refer to the driver or software documentation for more information. Printing a Test Label To print a test label: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the CANCEL key w[...]

  • Page 11

    H-974 PAGE 11 OF 57 0808 IH-974 System Considerations Interfaces The method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on the communication options installed in the printer. The standard interfaces are an RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial data port and a bi-directional parallel port. The optional ZebraNet PrintServer II enables printers to be c[...]

  • Page 12

    H-974 PAGE 12 OF 57 0808 IH-974 When communicating via the parallel port (refer to Figure 12), the previously mentioned parameters are not considered. Refer to page 46 to configure the communication parameters for the printer. The values selected must be the same as those used by the host equipment connected to the printer. For serial and parallel [...]

  • Page 13

    H-974 PAGE 13 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Front Panel This section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicators on the printer. The operator should become familiar with each of these functions. Front Panel Display The front panel display communicates operational status and programming modes and parameters. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide [...]

  • Page 14

    H-974 PAGE 14 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Front Panel Keys 20 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Key Function FEED Forces the printer to feed one blank label each time the key is pressed. • Printer not printing: one blank label immediately feeds. • Printing: one blank label feeds after the current batch of labels is complete. PAUSE Starts and stops the pr[...]

  • Page 15

    H-974 PAGE 15 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Front Panel Lights Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 21 Light Status Indication POWER Off The printer is off or no power is applied. On The printer is on. PAUSE Off Normal printer operation. On The printer has stopped all printing operations. Flashing In peel-off mode, the PAUSE light flashes when the label is availa[...]

  • Page 16

    H-974 PAGE 16 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Roll Media Loading Tear-Off Mode Refer to Figure 14. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up the media supply gui[...]

  • Page 17

    H-974 PAGE 17 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cutter Mode (Cutter option required) Refer to Figure 15. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up the media supply[...]

  • Page 18

    H-974 PAGE 18 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Value Peel-Off Mode (Value peel option required) Refer to Figure 16. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up the [...]

  • Page 19

    H-974 PAGE 19 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Power Peel-Off Mode (Power peel-off option required) Refer to Figure 17. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up [...]

  • Page 20

    H-974 PAGE 20 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Backing Removal 1. Cut the backing material prior to where it winds onto the take-up spindle. 2. Rotate the take-up spindle until the rewind media guide is in the “12 o’clock” position. 3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up spindle. 4. Slide the core and backing[...]

  • Page 21

    H-974 PAGE 21 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Power Rewind Mode (Power rewind option required) Refer to Figure 18. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Place the roll of media on the media supply hanger. 5. Flip up the [...]

  • Page 22

    H-974 PAGE 22 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Media Removal 1. Cut the media prior to where it winds onto the take-up spindle. 2. Rotate the take-up spindle until the rewind media guide is in the “12 o’clock” position. 3. Loosen the thumbscrew and slide out the rewind media guide to the end of the take-up spindle. 4. Slide the core and roll of media from t[...]

  • Page 23

    H-974 PAGE 23 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Fanfold Media Loading Fanfold media feeds through either the bottom or rear access slot. Refer to Figure 19. 1. Press the printhead open lever. The printhead assembly springs up. 2. Flip down the media supply guide. 3. Slide out the media guide as far from the printer frame as possible. 4. Pass the fanfold media over[...]

  • Page 24

    H-974 PAGE 24 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 33 Printhead assembly Media supply guide Media supply hanger Printhead open lever T ransmissive sensor Media guide Dancer Ribbon sensor Printhead open lever Printhead assembly T ransmissive sensor Media supply guide Media guide Dancer Ribbon sensor Media supply hanger Figure 19[...]

  • Page 25

    H-974 PAGE 25 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Ribbon Loading NOTE: The ribbon supply spindle in your printer is a "dual tension" variety. Most applications require the spindle to be in the "normal" position. The "low tension" position is recommended only when wide ribbon is used and normal tension hampers the ribbon movement. To pla[...]

  • Page 26

    H-974 PAGE 26 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 35 Ribbon supply spindle Ribbon take-up spindle Printhead o p en lever Ribbon guide plate Printhead assembly Ribbon sensor Ribbon supply spindle Ribb on ta k e-up sp i n dl e Printhead open lever Ribbon guide plate Printhead assembly Figure 21 Ribbon Removal To remove the ribbon: 1. [...]

  • Page 27

    H-974 PAGE 27 OF 57 0808 IH-974 After you have installed the media and ribbon and the power-on self test (POST) is complete, the front panel display will show “PRINTER READY.” (If the printer fails its POST, refer to page 73.) You may now set printer parameters for your application using the front panel display and the four keys directly below [...]

  • Page 28

    H-974 PAGE 28 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Changing Password-Protected Parameters Certain parameters are password protected by factory default. NOTE: You have the option of making ALL parameters password protected. See “PASSWORD LEVEL” on page 52. CAUTION: Do not change password-protected parameters unless you are sure you know what you are doing! If they[...]

  • Page 29

    H-974 PAGE 29 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Leaving the Setup Mode You can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP/EXIT key. The “SAVE CHANGES” display will appear. There are five choices, described below. Pressing the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key displays other choices and pressing the SELECT key selects the displayed choice. � PE[...]

  • Page 30

    H-974 PAGE 30 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 41 Display Shows Action/Explanation PRINT MODE Selecting Print Mode Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: Tear-off Selections: Tear-off, peel-off, cutter, rewind Print mode settings tell the printer the method of media delivery that you wish [...]

  • Page 31

    H-974 PAGE 31 OF 57 0808 IH-974 44 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Display Shows Action/Explanation INITIALIZE CARD Initialize Memory Card CAUTION: Perform this operation only when it is necessary to erase all previously stored information from the optional memory card. Press the SETUP/EXIT key to bypass this function. 1. Press the INCREMENT (+) [...]

  • Page 32

    H-974 PAGE 32 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 45 Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration Performing the manual calibration procedure first resets the sensitivity of the sensors to better detect the media and ribbon you are using. With the sensors at their new sensitivity, the printer then performs the manual calibration. Changing th[...]

  • Page 33

    H-974 PAGE 33 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 47 Display Shows Action/Explanation PARITY Setting Parity Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: Even Selections: Even, odd, none The parity of the printer must match the parity of the host for accurate communications to take place. Select the[...]

  • Page 34

    H-974 PAGE 34 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 49 Selecting Prefix and Delimiter Characters Prefix and delimiter characters are 2-digit hex values used within the ZPL/ZPL II formats sent to the printer. The printer uses the last prefix and delimiter characters sent to it, whether from a ZPL II instruction or from the front panel.[...]

  • Page 35

    H-974 PAGE 35 OF 57 0808 IH-974 50 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Selecting ZPL Mode Display Shows Action/Explanation ZPL MODE Selecting ZPL Mode Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: ZPL II Selections: ZPL II, ZPL The printer will remain i n the selected mode until i t is changed by this front pa nel in[...]

  • Page 36

    H-974 PAGE 36 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 51 Label Positioning Parameters Display Shows Action/Explanation BACKFEED Backfeed Sequence Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: Default (90%) Selections: Default, after, before, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, off This parameter est[...]

  • Page 37

    H-974 PAGE 37 OF 57 0808 IH-974 52 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Display Shows Action/Explanation WEB S. These parameters are automatically set during the calibration procedure. They should only be changed by a qualified service technician. Refer to the maintenance manual for more information on these parameters. Press the SELECT key repeatedly[...]

  • Page 38

    H-974 PAGE 38 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 53 Display Shows Action/Explanation IP RESOLUTION* IP Resolution Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: Dynamic Selections: Dynamic, permanent Depending on the selection, allows either the user (”permanent”) or the server (”dynamic”) t[...]

  • Page 39

    H-974 PAGE 39 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 43 Listing Printer Information Display Shows Action/Explanation LIST FONTS List Fonts Press the INCREMENT (+) key to print a label listing all of the available fonts. This selection is used to print a label that lists all of the fonts currently available in the printer, including sta[...]

  • Page 40

    H-974 PAGE 40 OF 57 0808 IH-974 54 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Display Shows Action/Explanation LANGUAGE Selecting the Display Language Press the INCREMENT (+) or DECREMENT (-) key to display other choices. Default: English Selections: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Spanish 2, Dutch, Finnish[...]

  • Page 41

    H-974 PAGE 41 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cleaning This table provides a recommended cleaning schedule. Specific cleaning procedures are provided on the following pages. CAUTION: Use only the cleaning agents indicated. Zebra Technologies Corporation will not be responsible for damage caused by any other cleaning fluids used on this printer. Zebra Z 4M Printe[...]

  • Page 42

    H-974 PAGE 42 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cleaning the Exterior The exterior surfaces of the printer may be cleaned with a lint-free cloth. Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solvents. If necessary, a mild detergent or desktop cleaner may be used sparingly. Cleaning the Interior Remove any accumulated dirt and lint from the interior of the print[...]

  • Page 43

    H-974 PAGE 43 OF 57 0808 IH-974 NOTE: If print quality has not improved after performing this procedure, try cleaning the printhead with Save-a-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamination buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra reseller for more information. Cleaning the Sensors Brush or [...]

  • Page 44

    H-974 PAGE 44 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cleaning the Power Peel-Off Module (Power peel-off option required) Perform the following procedure if adhesive buildup begins to affect peel performance. Refer to Figure 24. 1. Open the printhead assembly. 2. Open the front housing assembly by lifting the two handles; then, pivot down the front housing assembly. 3. [...]

  • Page 45

    H-974 PAGE 45 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cleaning the Value Peel-Off Module (Value peel-off option required) Perform the following procedure if adhesive buildup begins to affect peel-off performance. Refer to Figure 25. 1. Open the printhead assembly. 2. Open the pivot bracket assembly by pivoting the module toward you. 3. Use a swab soaked with the Zebra-r[...]

  • Page 46

    H-974 PAGE 46 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Cleaning the Cutter Module (Cutter option required) WARNING!!! For personnel safety, ALWAYS turn off and unplug the printer before performing this procedure. Refer to Figure 26. To clean adhesive off of the upper and lower cutter blades: 1. Use a swab moistened with the Zebra-recommended solvent to wipe along the upp[...]

  • Page 47

    H-974 PAGE 47 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Lubrication CAUTION! No lubricating agents of any kind should be used on this printer! Some commercially available lubricants will damage the finish and the mechanical parts, if used. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 61 Upper cutter blade Lower cutter blade Cutter motor thumbnu t Figure 26[...]

  • Page 48

    H-974 PAGE 48 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Printhead Pressure Adjustment This adjustment may be necessary if printing is too light on one side or if thick media is used. Refer to Figure 27. The pressure adjustment dials each have four possible settings designated by blocks of increasing size embossed on the print mechanism. The smallest block (fully countercl[...]

  • Page 49

    H-974 PAGE 49 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 63 P ressure a dj ustment di a l s Figure 27 Power Rewind Media Alignment (Power rewind option required.) NOTE: Under normal operating conditions, media alignment should not be necessary if the media/backing was initially installed tightly against the backplate of the take-up spindle[...]

  • Page 50

    H-974 PAGE 50 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 65 Printhead assembly Adjustment dial T ake-up spindle Figure 28 Fuse Replacement A user-replaceable AC power fuse is located just below the AC power switch at the rear of the printer. The replacement fuse is a 3AG fast blow style rated at 5 Amp/250 VAC. Before replacing the fuse, tu[...]

  • Page 51

    H-974 PAGE 51 OF 57 0808 IH-974 LCD Error Conditions and Warnings Error condition RIBBON OUT Error condition PAPER OUT Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 67 Troubleshooting Problem Solution In thermal transfer mode, the ribbon is not loaded or loaded incorrectly. Load the ribbon correctly. See “Ribbon Loading” on page 34. In thermal transfer mod[...]

  • Page 52

    H-974 PAGE 52 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Error condition HEAD OPEN Error condition RIBBON IN Warning HEAD OVER TEMP Warning HEAD UNDER TEMP 68 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Problem Solution The printhead is not fully closed. Close the printhead. The ribbon is loaded incorrectly; it is covering the head open sensor. Correctly align the ribbon with the gu[...]

  • Page 53

    H-974 PAGE 53 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Error condition HEAD OPEN Error condition RIBBON IN Warning HEAD OVER TEMP Warning HEAD UNDER TEMP 68 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Problem Solution The printhead is not fully closed. Close the printhead. The ribbon is loaded incorrectly; it is covering the head open sensor. Correctly align the ribbon with the gu[...]

  • Page 54

    H-974 PAGE 54 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Warning CUTTER JAM OUT OF MEMORY* Print Quality Problems General print quality issues Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 69 Problem Solution Cutter blade is in the media path. Turn off the printer power and unplug the printer. Inspect the cutter module for debris and clean as needed following the cleaning instructions[...]

  • Page 55

    H-974 PAGE 55 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Gray lines on blank labels with no consistent pattern Light, consistent vertical lines running through all of the labels Intermittent creases on the left and right edges of the label Wrinkled ribbon 70 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Problem Solution The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead according to the inst[...]

  • Page 56

    H-974 PAGE 56 OF 57 0808 IH-974 Calibration Communications Problems A label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. The DATA light does not flash. Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide 71 Problem Solution Loss of printing registration on labels. Excessive vertical drift in top-of-form registration. Adjust the reflective sensor position. See [...]

  • Page 57

    A label format was sent to the printer. Several labels print, then the printer skips, misplaces, misses, or distorts the image on the label. A label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. The DATA light flashes but no printing occurs. 72 Zebra Z 4M Printer User’s Guide Problem Solution The host is set to EPP parallel communications. C[...]