Datamax H Class User manual

Operator’s Manual

Important Safety Instructions

This printer has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable performance. As with

all electrical equipment, there are a few basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting

yourself or damaging the printer:

> Carefully read the installation and operating instructions provided with your printer.

> Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the printer.

> Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.

> To protect your printer from overheating, make sure all openings on the printer are not

blocked.

> Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.

> Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it.

> Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on your printer. If you are

unsure, check with your dealer or with your local power company.

> Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the cord becomes damaged or

frayed replace it immediately.

> Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.

> Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to repair your printer.

Copyright Information

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.

CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporation.

Windows and Windows NT are trademarks and Microsoft is a registered trademark of

Microsoft Corporation.

NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.

Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.

All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or

registered service marks of their respective companies.

Firmware (Software) Agreement

The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor or its suppliers

and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s Trade or Business. The User

agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit any other person or party to, duplicate or

copy the Firmware or the information contained in the non-volatile or programmable

memory. The firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright laws and Licensor

retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its suppliers be liable for

any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic, special, or consequential

damages arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware (Software).

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a

commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation. No part of this manual

may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for any purpose other than the

purchaser's personal use, without the expressed written permission of Datamax Corporation.

Part Number: 88-2329-01

Revision: B

Agency Compliance and Approvals

UL60950-1: 2003 1st Edition

CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1-03 1st Edition; April 2003

EN60950

For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked "HAR," consisting of a min H05VV-F

cord which has a minimum 0.75 square mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320

receptacle and a male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V

Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit "HAR" markiert ist, bestehend mindestens

aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie

eine IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A, 250 Volt.

As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this product meets the Energy

Star guidelines for energy efficiency.

The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product conforms to the following

standards or other normative documents:

EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B

EN 50024 (1998)

Safety: This product complies with the requirements of EN 60950-1, 1st Edition

Gost-R

FCC: This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to

Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and

can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this

manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential

area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his

own expense.

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Contents

Printer Overview..................................................................................1

Media Selection ..................................................................................................................... 2

Printer Connections............................................................................5

Connecting Power.................................................................................................................. 5

Interface Connections............................................................................................................ 6

Media Loading...................................................................................21

Loading Roll Media ..............................................................................................................21

Loading Fan-fold and Externally Supplied Media................................................................. 24

Loading the Internal Rewinder............................................................................................. 25

Loading Ribbon.................................................................................31

Printer Operation...............................................................................35

Control Panel....................................................................................................................... 35

Windows Driver.................................................................................................................... 36

Printer Configuration Utility (DMXConfig)............................................................................. 38

Menu System.....................................................................................39

The User Interface............................................................................................................... 39

The User Menu.................................................................................................................... 41

The Advanced Menu............................................................................................................ 42

The Test Menu..................................................................................................................... 43

Menu Item Listings............................................................................................................... 44

Maintenance and Adjustments ........................................................77

Cleaning Intervals ................................................................................................................ 77

Printhead Cleaning ..............................................................................................................79

Printhead Pressure Adjustment ........................................................................................... 83

Printhead Leveling Adjustment ............................................................................................ 84

Media Sensor Adjustment.................................................................................................... 86

Printhead Removal and Replacement ................................................................................. 88

Sensor Calibration ............................................................................................................... 90

Resetting the Printer .......................................................................................................... 100

Updating Firmware............................................................................................................. 101

Boot Loader Downloads..................................................................................................... 103

Font Downloads................................................................................................................. 105

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Prompts, Messages, and Troubleshooting Tips ..........................107

Troubleshooting Tips.......................................................................................................... 107

Alert Prompts and Condition Messages............................................................................. 110

Warning and Fault Messages ............................................................................................ 112

Hex Dump Mode................................................................................................................ 120

Appendix A - Features and Printer Specifications.......................121

Features............................................................................................................................. 121

Printer Specifications ......................................................................................................... 124

Appendix B - Embedded Fonts and Barcodes.............................127

Embedded Fonts................................................................................................................ 127

Embedded Bar Codes........................................................................................................ 130

Appendix C - Module File Definitions............................................135

Appendix D - Multi-Language Downloads ....................................137

Appendix E - Saving a Configuration File.....................................142

Glossary...........................................................................................145

Warranty Statement ........................................................................149

Contact Datamax.............................................................................151

1

Printer Overview

Congratulations on your purchase of a Datamax H-Class printer.

The H-Class family of printers (hereinafter referred to as "the printer") takes you into the next era

of comprehensive thermal and RFID label printing. Built upon a cast frame and innovative

modular design, this printer delivers the most flexible configuration and accurate print quality

offered in the industry, while its IntelliSEAQ™ technology monitors performance demands to

extend the life of the printhead, maximizing your return on

investment.

This manual provides all the information necessary for daily

printer operations. To begin generating labels, install the

Windows printer driver or the BarTender labeling program

included on the enclosed Datamax Accessories CD-ROM.

Alternately, if you have already purchased label-creation

software, refer to the instructions provided with that program.

Also on this CD, if you wish to write custom programs, a copy

of the Class Series Programmer’s Manual has been included (a document which can also

downloaded from our web site at http://www.datamaxcorp.com.)

The printer’s model number is included on the serial number tag affixed to the back of the unit.

Each printer model offers many standard and optional application capabilities, as detailed in the

Features section of this document.

2

Media Selection

The following is a limited overview of media characteristics. For complete information and

advice regarding your specific application needs, always consult a qualified media specialist or

a Datamax Media Representative. Also available is our informative whitepaper, "A Brief

Introduction to Media," at www.datamaxcorp.com.

Media Selection – Direct Thermal

Consider three important factors to consider when selecting direct thermal stock:

• The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer of the paper.

• The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when the image is

“burned”.

• The amount of heat required to create an image on the paper.

Media Selection – Thermal Transfer

Consider three important factors to consider when selecting thermal

transfer media combinations:

• The label top coating and ribbon combinations affect image quality.

• Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended. It provides protection for the printhead, and

may also provide an anti-static coating.

• For additional printhead protection, use ribbon with a slightly greater width than the

overall width of the label and backing material.

Print Quality Controls

The printer provides flexibility through comprehensive print controls. Of these, the amount of

heat applied and the rate of media movement will have the most effect on the printed images.

Five settings are available to control print quality; all are accessible via the menu system:

Note: Heat and Speed values from the host software program may override the printer’s

menu setting; see Host Settings.

• The first setting is MEDIA SETTINGS / MEDIA TYPE -- select the setting that matches

the media being used.

3

• The second setting is PRINT CONTROL / HEAT -- increase this value to darken the

image, or reduce the value to lighten the image.

• The third setting is PRINT CONTROL / PRINT SPEED -- increase the value to increase

throughput (more heat may be required to achieve the desired print contrast), or

decrease the value to allow more time and control for energy transfer.

• The fourth setting is PRINT CONTROL / CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS / CONTRAST --

fine-tune this adjustment to affect the grey (shaded) areas of the image.

• The final setting is PRINT CONTROL / CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS / DARKNESS -- fine-

tune this adjustment to affect the solid areas of the image.

Media characteristics can become crucial. Low-cost direct thermal stocks, for example, have

raised reaction temperatures and therefore require higher heat values and slower print speeds

to produce a clear image on the media. You may find printing bar codes and detailed images

on less expensive direct thermal and thermal transfer media frustrating at higher speeds -- at

one heat setting the images will fade, while at the next heat setting the images will bleed --

since the reaction temperature of the media is so high that, at quicker print speeds, it cannot

react fast enough. On the slower end of the print rate settings, crisper images are possible

because the medium is not being stretched beyond its limits. Finally, to print fine, detailed

images at higher speeds, media of lower reaction or release temperatures may be required.

The following table is intended for reference only.

Direct Thermal Media Type

Fasson 300 HD™ Direct Thermal Facesheet

Fasson 300 MD™ Direct Thermal Facesheet

Thermal Transfer Media Type Ribbon Type

Great Label TTL™

GPR Plus™

MaxWax™

IIMAK Versamark™

Coated Paper, Uncoated Paper, Tag Stock,

Some Films, Some Synthetics

Wax

Coated Paper, Glossy Paper, Films, Tag Stock,

Some Synthetics

Wax/Resin

Synthetics, Films

Resin

4

5

Printer Connections

Connecting Power

The printer will automatically detect then adjust to most applied line voltages. (See

Specifications for information regarding the acceptable voltage ranges.)

Note: Before connecting the AC Power Cord, ensure that the Power Switch is in the OFF (O)

position.

1. Place the printer on a firm, level surface.

2. Ensure that the Power Switch is in the OFF position.

3. Connect the AC Power Cord to the receptacle on the back of the printer.

4. Plug the AC Power Cord into a properly grounded outlet.

6

Interface Connections

Host Connections

The printer can be connected to your host system via the Ethernet, USB, parallel, and serial

ports. Communications are automatically established and set according to the first printer port

that receives valid data from the host. Once established, a selectable Host Time-out period

must elapse or printer power must be cycled OFF and ON to switch communications to an

alternate port. Connect the printer to your host system as follows:

Note: Before making a connection to the printer, ensure that the Power Switch is in the OFF

position.

USB Connection: The USB interface is supported in Windows 98 and greater versions.

Depending upon the operating system of your host computer, installation may differ slightly.

Basic connections are shown below:

7

Parallel Connection: The parallel interface supports directional communications. Choose and

connect your cabling as follows:

• For unidirectional communication, use a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36-pin male

connector.

• For bidirectional communication, use an IEEE 1284 Compliant cable with a 36-pin male

connector (and supporting host software).

Serial Connection: The serial interface supports RS-232C, RS-422, and RS-485

communications via a DB-9 connector (click here for details). Serial interface cabling must

make specific connections (pin-outs) for proper data exchange between the host and printer

(see note below). The different pin-outs and part numbers are shown below (contact your

reseller for ordering information).

In addition to the hardware configuration, the serial port settings must match the host

computer's serial port settings. Refer to the Communications branch of the menu to make

these settings. Basic connections are shown:

8

Notes: (1) An "off the shelf" serial cable can be used with Xon/Xoff handshaking.

(2) For RS-422/RS-485 operation, a jumper must be moved on the printer's main

board. Click here for details.

Ethernet Connection: The Internal Ethernet Print Server operates under several menu-

selectable modes, as detailed under the NIC ADAPTER section of this manual. Depending on

the length, the cable should be Category / Type 3 or better. When using this interface, refer to

Ethernet Setup for proper cabling, setup, and configuration.

9

SDIO Slot and USB Host Connections

The Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) Slot and the USB Host Ports accept external memory

storage devices for fonts, graphics, label formats, and firmware upgrades. Additionally, the

USB Host Ports can accept a USB keyboard for direct inputting of data under certain

applications, including Line Mode operation.

For use as an additional storage, the SDIO Card or USB Memory Drive must be installed, and

then the files must be downloaded into a folder labeled F (in the SDIO module), or H (in the

USB Host module). To transfer files the respective folder, use the DMXConfig program which

is included on the Accessories CD, or Windows Explorer. Files downloaded via the DMXConfig

program to the printer will be converted during the process and will appear in the module folder

with a renamed printer-compatible file extension (e.g. .DBM [bitmap font]; .DTT [scalable font];

.DIM [image]; .DLN [menu language]; .DLB [label format]). For a list of acceptable file types for

downloading, see Module File Definitions.

10

Notes: • Before initial use, SDIO Memory Cards and USB Memory Drives must be

formatted by the printer, see Modules (in Printer Options) for details.

• The SDIO Slot supports SanDisk© SDIO Memory Cards up to 1 GB; SDIO

Multi Media Cards, however, cannot be used. When installing an SDIO Card,

turn OFF the printer then slide the SDIO Card into the SDIO Slot. Upon

power-up, the printer will assign the SDIO Card as Module F. When

removing an SDIO Card, turn OFF the printer, and then press IN on the SDIO

Card to release it.

• Unsupported or defective SDIO Memory Cards may prevent the printer from

powering-up.

• The USB Host Ports support "plug and play" USB Memory Drives. Only one

drive will be recognized by this dual port. Upon power-up, the printer will

assign the USB Memory Drive as Module H.

• Whenever upgrading printer firmware via a USB Memory Drive, remove any

connected USB keyboard from the port before proceeding.

11

Ethernet Setup

The Print Server makes IP requests at power-up, so before making a network connection to

the printer consider how your IP Addressing needs to be assigned. The IP Addressing of the

Internal Ethernet Print Server can be configured in one of two ways:

> Using a static IP Address; or,

> Using IP Discovery (DHCP, BootP, or RARP).

Proceed according to your desired addressing method:

Note: At factory default settings IP DISCOVERY is DISABLED.

• Configuration Using a Static IP Address:To use a static IP Address follow the steps

below:

1. Without connecting the Ethernet cable, turn ON the printer.

2. Verify the printer is in READY MODE then press the MENU Button.

3. Using the NAVIGATION Buttons, scroll to COMMUNICATIONS > NIC ADAPTER >

IP ADDRESS.

4. Use the UP and DOWN Buttons to increment or decrement each numeric value and

the RIGHT button to move to the cursor to the next digit. After all fields have been

input, press the ENTER Key to save the IP Address.

5. Scroll to SUBNET MASK and set the address in the same manner as the IP

ADDRESS.

6. Scroll to GATEWAY and set the address in the same manner as the IP ADDRESS.

7. If needed, you may set your SNMPTRAP DESTINATION address in the same

manner as the IP ADDRESS or use the HTML pages.

12

8. After entering the addresses, press the EXIT button and save your changes when

prompted.

9. Turn OFF the printer, connect the Ethernet cable, turn the printer back ON, and then

install the port and printer driver using the Windows® ‘Add a Printer Wizard’; see

section, Driver and Port Setup.

• Configuration Using IP Discovery: DHCP, BootP, and RARP are server services that

provide a method for assigning and maintaining IP Addresses. With IP Discovery enabled,

the Print Server obtains IP information from this service. Because IP Discovery is, by

default, disabled in the printer, it must first be enabled for use. To use IP Discovery follow

the steps below:

Note: When IP DISCOVERY is set to ENABLED you will not be able to change the

values for the IP ADDRESS, SUBNET MASK, or GATEWAY menu items. The

values displayed are for reference only.

1. Without connecting the Ethernet cable, turn ON the printer. Verify the printer is in

READY MODE then press the MENU Button.

2. Using the NAVIGATION Buttons, scroll to COMMUNICATIONS > NIC ADAPTER >

IP DISCOVERY.

3. Scroll to ENABLED, press the ENTER Key, then save your changes when prompted,

and exit the menu system.

4. Turn OFF the printer.

5. Plug your Ethernet cable into the printer and then turn ON the printer.

6. After the connection is established, obtain the Assigned IP Address (see example)

by printing a Configuration Label.

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Datamax H Class User manual

Datamax H Class User manual

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