Datamax A-Class Manuel de l'opérateur

Operator’s Manual Datamax International Herbert House 12 Elizabeth Way, Pinnacles Harlow, Essex CM19 5FE UK Phone: +44 1279 772200 Fax: +44 12

ii 3.3.1 Communications Connections ... 19 3.3.1.1 USB Connections...

86 A-Class Example 1 – Over adjustment of the cam: Too much adjustment produces an image that fades across the label. To correct this, decreas

A-Class 87 5.2.2 Burn Line Adjustment The printer has been factory-adjusted using 6.5-mil (.0065 inch) media to ensure strict print quality compl

88 A-Class 3. Turn the Adjustment Screws counter-clockwise to bring the burn line forward, beyond the vertex of the platen roller. 4. Print a

A-Class 89 5.3 Printhead Replacement If the printhead becomes damaged, use the procedure below to replace the component. CAUTION (1)

90 A-Class Six-inch printer models: CaptiveScrewsPrinthead AssemblyAccess CoverPivot Screw(and Washers)Ground CableScrew 4. Raise the Hea

A-Class 91 5. Carefully disconnect both Printhead Cables, and then remove the old Printhead. 6. While carefully supporting the new Printhead t

92 A-Class  Note: The drawing shown here is a right hand model printer. On left hand model printers, the Alignment Window can be found on th

A-Class 93 5.4 Maintenance Schedule The following list and table detail the recommended items, techniques, and schedules to help you safely and e

94 A-Class 5.4.1 Cleaning the Printhead CAUTION NEVER use a sharp object on the Printhead; damage can result. If print quality declines (symp

A-Class 95 5.4.1.1 Cotton Swab Procedure This procedure is for printers using direct thermal media, or thermal transfer media with a wax ribbon.

iii 4.2.2 Media Settings ... 48 4.2.3 Print Control...

96 A-Class 5.4.1.2 Cleaning Card Procedure This procedure is for printers using direct thermal media, or thermal transfer media with a wax ribbo

A-Class 97 5.4.1.3 Cleaning Film Procedure This procedure is for printers using a resin ribbon with thermal transfer media, or for printers that

98 A-Class 5. After the cleaning film has been run through the printer, turn ‘Off’ and unplug the printer. Open the Access Cover and raise the Hea

A-Class 99 5.4.2 Cleaning the Rollers CAUTION NEVER use a sharp object to clean the Rollers. Rollers contaminated with grit, label adhesive

100 A-Class 5.4.3 Cleaning the Peel Assembly Peel Rollers contaminated with grit and label adhesive can reduce the ability of the printer to sepa

A-Class 101 5.4.4 Cleaning the Media Sensor, Media Path, and Peel Bar When particles such as paper dust accumulate inside the printer, the resul

102 A-Class 5.4.5 Cleaning Exterior Surfaces The stainless steel surfaces of the printer should be cleaned using a general-purpose cleanser. Neve

A-Class 103 5.5.1 Updating the Application Version  Note: If Security has been enabled, disable the feature before proceeding (see Section 4.2.

104 A-Class 5.5.2 Possible Problems during an Update The following is list of possible error messages when downloading:  Note: If experiencing

A-Class 105 5.6 Boot Loader Program Updates The printer stores the Boot Loader Program in Flash memory on the Main Logic Card. A feature allows

iv 5.2.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment... 85 5.2.2 Burn Line Adjustment...

106 A-Class

A-Class 107 Troubleshooting This section describes problem resolution, and the methods used to reset the printer. 6.1 General Resolutions

108 A-Class If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… Missing information in the printed label: • Check the label format for character

A-Class 109 If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… Nothing is printing (labels advance normally, but no image is printed) using thermal

110 A-Class If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… Poor print quality: • The Heat and Print Speed settings may need adjustment; see S

A-Class 111 6.2 Warning and Fault Messages All printer functions are monitored. During operation, if not within a menu system branch or Test Mode

112 A-Class Fault Messages: Fault Messages are high priority messages to alert to an error condition in the printer. If more than one fault is de

A-Class 113 Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) !OUT OF STOCK!!!!! The printer cannot detect

114 A-Class Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) !REFLECTIVE MODE FAULTY SENSOR!!!! Consisten

A-Class 115 Printer Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) !TOP OF FORM FAULT !!! The printer could not

v 6.4.3 Level Two Reset ... 117 Specifications...

116 A-Class 6.3 Hex Dump Mode The Hex Dump Mode is a useful tool for diagnosing problems, including communication and DPL™ syntax errors, allowi

A-Class 117 6.4 Resetting the Printer Depending upon the method used, there are three possible printer reset levels: 6.4.1 Soft Reset To cle

118 A-Class

A-Class 119 Specifications Unless noted, the following specifications pertain to all A-Class models. References to the ‘A-4xxx’ denote the A-

120 A-Class Electrical Input Voltage: 90 – 132 / 180 – 264 VAC @ 47 – 63 Hz, auto-ranging Grounding: Unit must be connected to a properly groun

A-Class 121 Mechanical Height: A-4xxx models: 11.81 inches (30.0 cm) A-6xxx models: 11.81 inches (30.0 cm) Width: A-4xxx models:

122 A-Class Printing (continued) Justification: Dependant upon the model’s right hand (RH) or left hand (LH) designation, where RH is right justi

A-Class 123 Media and Ribbon Requirements (continued) EJICKABDHFGSide View Top View Media Dimensions Minimum [1] Maximum [1] Designator D

124 A-Class

A-Class 125 Appendix ASCII Control Code Chart Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Ctrl @ NUL 0 00 32 20 @ 64

vi Appendix E Multi-Language Menu System ... 151 Appendix F Saving a Co

126 A-Class ASCII Control Code Chart (continued) Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Ç 128 80 á 160 A0 192 C0 Ó 224 E0

A-Class 127 Appendix Available Fonts and Bar Codes All character fonts and bar codes available with the printer are described in this section.

128 A-Class The table below lists the font sizes; the numbers indicate the number of dots. Font Height Width Spacing 0 7 5 1 1 13 7 2 2 18 10

A-Class 129 Font 3: 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 4: 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase. Font 5: 62-character alphanumeric,

130 A-Class Font 7: OCR-A, size I. Font 8: OCR-B, size III. Font 9: Internal Triumvirate font. The number in the bar code height field set

A-Class 131 Bar Code Summary Data Bar Code fonts (Bar Code ID) have alpha names: Lowercase alpha names only print bar codes; uppercase alpha names

132 A-Class Barcodes samples are included below: Bar Code A: Code 39 Bar Code B: UPC-A Bar Code C: UPC-E Bar Code D: Interleaved 2

A-Class 133 Bar Code M: 2 Digit UPC addendum Bar Code N: 5 Digit UPC addendum Bar Code O: Code Bar Code p: Postnet Bar Code

134 A-Class Bar Code W1d: QR Code Bar Code W1f: Aztec Bar Code W1I: EAN128 (w/auto subset switching) Bar Code W1J: Code 128 (w/auto su

A-Class 135 Appendix Module Assignments Memory Modules Module Size Volatile [1] Location / Total Available / Use D 1024 KB (Default

A-Class 1 Overview 1.1 About the Printer Congratulations on your purchase of the A-Class print engine. This print engine (hereafter referr

136 A-Class Print Resolutions and Maximum Label Widths Maximum Print Width Model Printhead Resolution Inches Millimeters Factory Default Setti

A-Class 137 Menu Constraint Cross-Reference The table below highlights the menu item differences between the PE and the A-Class model printers.

138 A-Class Menu Constraint Cross-Reference (continued) PE Menu Item A-Class Menu Item Equivalent Compatibility – Host CMDS–Ignore See these indi

A-Class 139 PE Peel Bar Location This drawing has been included as a reference for users of the PE model printers. If integrating the A-Class pri

140 A-Class

A-Class 141 Appendix Applicator Interface Card Overview The Applicator Interface Card, accessible from the back of the printer, contains all

142 A-Class Green and Yellow LEDs These indicators provide a visual check of printer/applicator activity: • Yellow LED – Flash at power-up and w

A-Class 143 GPIO Signal Info Label A reference label showing the pin assignments and the current programmed setup information can be printed usin

144 A-Class GPIO Interface Setup Follow the steps below to setup the applicator interface: 1. Know your system’s requirements for the input signa

A-Class 145 WARNING Failure to properly configure the jumper settings of the GPIO Port may result in damage to the printer and / or the applicat

2 A-Class 1.1.1 Standard Features This printer offers the following standard features:  Right-handed or left-handed configurations  Electronics

146 A-Class 3. Make sure that the printer is turned ‘Off’ and that the AC Power Cord is unplugged. Also, remove any interface cable(s) attached to

A-Class 147 7. Slide the card back into the printer; secure it in place with the two screws. 8. Connect an applicator interface cable to J2

148 A-Class

A-Class 149

150 A-Class

A-Class 151 Appendix Multi-Language Menu System This printer provides the user with the ability to download new menu system languages and/or

152 A-Class Creating a Menu Language: 1. Invoke Excel and open the common.xls file. Excel opens the file and the following screen appears.

A-Class 153 3. Click On Column J and enter your new language, or modify an existing one. Tips: A) Message Size – When entering new messages, re

154 A-Class 6. Download the generated files to the printer – one method is the DOS copy command: copy small.ls lpt1: /b 7. Reset the printer by

A-Class 155 Advanced File Handling Information  The Standard Datamax Printer leaves the factory with EFIGS loaded into module Y. At this point,

A-Class 3 1.1.2 Optional Features (available for all models, except as noted) The printer offers the following optional features:  DMXNet

156 A-Class

A-Class 157 Appendix Saving a Configuration File Using the Configuration File feature, the printer can save and restore complete printer set

158 A-Class To save a manually entered setup (for example, an application that requires a special media calibration) as a configuration file via the

A-Class 159 Appendix Ribbon Saver Overview With the Ribbon Saver option, the printer can conserve ribbon use in non-print label areas. Depen

160 A-Class

A-Class 161 Warranty Information Datamax Barcode Products Limited Warranty Statement A-Class™ Printers Printer Datamax warrants* to Purc

162 A-Class Warranty Service Procedures If a defect should occur during the warranty period, the defective unit shall be returned, freight and insu

A-Class 163 Glossary alphanumeric Consisting of alphabetic, numeric, punctuation and other symbols. backing material The silicon-coated paper

164 A-Class DPL (Datamax Programming Language) programming commands used specifically for control of and label production in Datamax printers. A com

A-Class 165 preprinted media Label stock that contains borders, text, or graphics, floodcoating, etc. perforation Small cuts extending through th

4 A-Class  DMXrfNet – a high-performance 802.11b, WiFi compatible, network interface card that enables the printer to communicate in a wireless n

166 A-Class

A-Class 5  Expanded Flash Main Card – an alternate main logic card with 8MB of Flash memory. This memory can be used for storing fonts, graphics,

6 A-Class 1.2 Installing Printer Options The following table lists the recommended qualification level for the installer of printer options. For

A-Class 7 1.3 Index to Parts and Controls User-assessable parts and controls are highlighted in the table below. On the following pages, drawings

8 A-Class 1.3.1 Right Hand Models 123 456789 15161718191420211011121332223 2425 26

A-Class 9 1.3.2 Left Hand Models 123 678954 15161718191420211011121322232425 26

10 A-Class

A-Class 11 Getting Started This section describes how to unpack printer, select printing supplies, and achieve the best print quality. 2.1

12 A-Class 2.1.1 Contents Check the contents of the package. In addition to documentation, the following items should be present:  The printe

A-Class 13 • The ability of the media’s reactive layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs as the image is created. Thermal Transfer M

14 A-Class 2.3 Adjusting Print Quality Printing flexibility is provided by a comprehensive set of print controls. Of these, the amount of print

A-Class 15 Printer Setup This chapter explains how to mount, connect, and setup the printer. 3.1 Environmental Requirements Before install

Copyright Information: CG Times (based upon Times New Roman) and CG Triumvirate are trademarks of the AGFA Monotype Corporation. Windows and Windows

16 A-Class As indicated, these drawings detail other mounting considerations including clearance for the Access Cover, the Peel Assembly, and conn

A-Class 17 Dimensions of the Six-Inch Models Front View, Peel Assembly – Lowered: 9.67”(246mm)11.81”(300mm)2.25”(57mm) Side View: 9.68

18 A-Class When attaching the printer to the supporting framework, use #10 screws inserted at the four pre-drilled Mounting Holes. Mount the pri

A-Class 19 3.2.1 Peel Point Dimension The following dimensions detail the location of the Peel Bar. (Although this example shows a right hand mod

20 A-Class 3.3.1.1 USB Connections The Universal Serial Bus port, supported in Windows®95 and greater, requires a standard USB cable. (Depending

A-Class 21 3.3.1.3 Serial Port Connections The serial interface (Serial Port A) on the main logic card supports RS-232C and RS-422/RS-485 communi

22 A-Class RS-232 Cables* Part # 32-2300-01 Part # 32-2301-01 *The serial port requires a DB9 male connector (e.g., Startech C9PS

A-Class 23 3. On the Main Logic Card, remove the jumpers placed across JMP1, JMP2, JMP3, JMP4, JMP5, and JMP6. 4. Slide the Main Logic Card

24 A-Class 3.3.1.4 DMXNet Connections The DMXNet option has several menu-selectable modes, as detailed under ‘NIC ADAPTER’ in Section 4.2.6. For

A-Class 25 3.3.1.5 DMXrfNet Connections The DMXrfNet option has several menu-selectable modes, as detailed under ‘NIC ADAPTER’ in Section 4.2.6. D

Agency Compliance and Approvals: C US Listed UL60950 Information Technology Equipment C22.2 No. 950-M93 EN60950 For 230 Volt

26 A-Class The Reset/Test Button is a multi-function switch with the following functions: (1) When pressed momentarily, this produces a printou

A-Class 27 3.3.3 Power Connections The AC power connection is made via the receptacle on the back of the printer. The printer’s power supply is a

28 A-Class 6. Connect the AC Power Cord to the printer, and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet. 7. Turn ‘On’ the

A-Class 29 3.4 Loading Media  Note: At default settings, a Buzzer will sound when the Access Cover is raised. To disable this function see Sect

30 A-Class 3. To automatically peel die-cut labels after printing, press down on the Peel Assembly Release Lever to lower the Peel Assembly; other

A-Class 31 4. Pull approximately 12 inches (30 cm) of media out the front of the printer then remove all of the labels from this length of Media L

32 A-Class 5. Pull the Media Liner through the Slot in the Peel Assembly until all slack is removed. Lifting from the center, raise the Peel Assem

A-Class 33 6. Position the Media Guide lightly against the side of the media. Locking PostHead Lift LeverMedia Guide 7. Adjust the Media S

34 A-Class 3.5 Adjusting the Media Sensor The Media Sensor detects labels. Position the Media Sensor as follows: 1. Load media, ensuring that

A-Class 35 3.6 Loading Ribbon To print with thermal transfer media, ribbon is required. The Ribbon Hub configuration will determine the ribbon ty

36 A-Class ‘Coated Side In’ Ribbon Routing Diagrams RibbonTake-Up HubHead Lift LeverUpper IdlerRibbon ShieldRibbonSupply HubLower IdlerRibbonLoad

A-Class 37 ‘Coated Side Out’ Ribbon Routing Diagrams RibbonTake-Up HubHead Lift LeverUpper IdlerRibbon ShieldRibbonSupply HubLower IdlerRibbonLo

38 A-Class

A-Class 39 The User Interface The user interface is comprised of a graphic display and soft-function keys. Its operation is mode-dependant, so

40 A-Class 4.1.1 Ready Mode In Ready Mode, the printer is idle, waiting to accept data for label printing. TUE 11:55 A 04 FEB 2003READYKey La

A-Class 41 4.1.2 Menu Mode In Menu Mode, the Menu Window appears. This mode allows the printer to be configured for your application. Note tha

42 A-Class 4.1.2.1 Save Changes Window Changing settings and then exiting Menu Mode evokes the Save Changes Window. This window allows the chang

A-Class 43 4.1.3 Test Mode In Test Mode, the Test Window appears. This mode allows various sample and informational labels to be produced. 

44 A-Class 4.1.3.1 Test Mode System Window Pressing the System Key while in Test Mode evokes a System Window. This window allows the user to perf

A-Class 45 4.1.4 MCL Mode Enabling MCL Mode in the Menu system executes the MCL application. This mode allows the printer to accept input data fro

46 A-Class 4.2 The Menu System Printer operation can be controlled through the user interface from the following six menu system branches: •

A-Class 47 4.2.1 Entrance and Exit Prompts To change the setup parameters of the printer via the User Interface, enter Menu Mode by pressing the

48 A-Class 4.2.2 Media Settings Displayed Menu Item Details MEDIA TYPE Selects the printing method. DIRECT THERMAL Sets the printer to use he

A-Class 49 Media Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details PRINTHEAD CLEANING Controls the printhead cleaning routine. CLEAN HEAD SCH

50 A-Class Print Control (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS ♦ These factory adjustments independently change the liste

A-Class 51 Printer Options (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details CUTTER Option used to cut media into separate labels. AUTO Automatic

52 A-Class Printer Options (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details BARCODES Enables the scanner to read the respective bar code. Also see Append

A-Class 53 Printer Options (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details MIN READABLE HEIGHT Ensures bar code integrity by selecting the vertical dis

54 A-Class Printer Options (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details GPIO PORT Used to interface the printer to external controlling devices (se

A-Class 55 4.2.5 System Settings Displayed Menu Item Details CONFIGURATION FILE ♦ Options for storage and recall of printer configuration fi

Important Safety Instructions: Throughout the literature accompanying this unit, the exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended

56 A-Class System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details MEDIA COUNTERS ♦ Internal record of inches printed and time of use. ABSOLUTE

A-Class 57 System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details SET FACTORY DEFAULTS Parameters in this menu listing with the ‘’ symbol are

58 A-Class System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details IMAGING MODE Determines the pre-imaging process of the label format.  Not

A-Class 59 System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details UNITS OF MEASURE Selects the measurement system in which the system’s setting

60 A-Class System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details LABEL STORE When recalling stored label formats, this setting determines t

A-Class 61 System Settings (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details VOID DISTANCE 0.50 in (.10-2.00) Sets the distance to backup the faulted

62 A-Class 4.2.6 Communications Displayed Menu Item Details SERIAL PORT A Controls the communications settings for Serial Port A. BAUD RATE

A-Class 63 Communications (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details PARALLEL PORT B Same as Parallel Port A, for an optional Ethernet connection.

64 A-Class Communications (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details DHCP Dynamic Host Control Protocol. Automatically assigns an IP address from a

A-Class 65 Communications (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details HEAT COMMAND Allows the user to disable the DPL Heat Command, providing compati

66 A-Class 4.2.7 Diagnostics Displayed Menu Item Details HEX DUMP MODE ♦ Most commonly used for troubleshooting. Prints data and instructions r

A-Class 67 Diagnostics (continued) Displayed Menu Item Details TEST SCANNER Performs a functional test of the optional linear scanner. SCAN TEST

68 A-Class 4.3 Printer Messages The printer displays several different types of information (if not in Menu or Test Mode):  Enter and Exit Prom

A-Class 69 Prompts and Condition Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Cause(s) NOT INSTALLED Indicates the menu item cannot be ena

70 A-Class 4.4 Test Mode The internally generated Test Labels are printed at pre-selected speed and heat settings. Changes to these label settings

A-Class 71 4.4.2 Configuration Label The Configuration Label provides current printer database information, as detailed in Section 4.2. Genera

72 A-Class 4.4.3 Quick Ribbon Test Label The Quick Ribbon Test Label is an indicator of thermal transfer print quality. Generate a Quick Ribbon

A-Class 73 4.4.4 Validation Label The Validation Label is another useful tool for establishing print quality. Generate a Validation Label as follo

74 A-Class 4.4.6 User Defined Label The User Defined Label reprints from a list of previously printed label formats. Use the Key to scroll thro

A-Class 75 Adjustments and Maintenance 5.1 Media Sensor Calibration Calibration ensures consistent label detection across the range of media

i Contents Overview 1.1 About the Printer ...1 1.1.1 S

76 A-Class 5.1.2 Standard Calibration Perform the Standard Calibration when ‘Cannot Calibrate’ or ‘Uncalibrated’ is displayed. During the process,

A-Class 77 Standard Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 7 Proceed according to the type

78 A-Class Standard Calibration (continued)  Note: Do not move the position of the Media Sensor after it has been adjusted. Step Action Displa

A-Class 79 5.1.3 Advanced Entry Calibration Advanced Entry Calibration is an alternate calibration method for special-case media types. This is a

80 A-Class Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 9 Press the ENTER Key. Place the label under the Senso

A-Class 81 Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 11 Two Parts, A & B: Part A: Proceed according t

82 A-Class Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 12 From the data collected in Steps 10 & 11, wher

A-Class 83 Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 14 a) Place the media in the Media Sensor. Record the

84 A-Class Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Action Displayed Message Comment 16 a) Press the ENTER Key. b) Using the Key

A-Class 85 5.2 Printhead Adjustments To ensure consistent print quality over the wide range of media types and sizes, the printer is equipped with