Datamax A-Class Mark II Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

iv Appendix F ... 143 Saving a Configuration File...

90 A-Class Mark II 5.6 Maintenance Schedule This section details the recommended maintenance supplies, schedules, and methods. Supplies The foll

A-Class Mark II 91 5.6.1 Cleaning the Printhead When bar codes become unreadable or if streaks appear in text and graphics, the printhead may need

92 A-Class Mark II Cotton SwabPrintheadBurn Linedebris build-upexampleHeadLift LeverAccess Cover 3. Allow the printhead to dry. 4. Reinstall

A-Class Mark II 93 4. Close the cover. Press and hold the TEST Key until the Cleaning Card has been run through the printer. (As an alternate, ‘CL

94 A-Class Mark II 2. Raise the Head Lift Lever. Lower the Peel Assembly Release Lever. Remove media and ribbon. RollersPeel AssemblyPeel Assem

A-Class Mark II 95 Peel AssemblyKnurled RollerLatch RollerPeel Assembly Release LeverHead Lift Lever 3. Using a cotton swab dampened with isopro

96 A-Class Mark II 5.6.4 Cleaning the Media Sensor, Media Path, and Peel Bar Clean the Media Sensor, Media Path, and Peel Bar as follows: 1. T

A-Class Mark II 97 5.6.5 Cleaning Exterior Surfaces Clean the printer surfaces as follows: 1. Turn OFF and unplug the printer. 2. Using a sof

98 A-Class Mark II 5.8 Updating the Firmware Depending upon the firmware version, stored data on modules can be lost when performing an update

A-Class Mark II 99 Firmware Update Error Messages Displayed Message Descriptions / Possible Causes / Solutions DECOMPRESSION ERROR An error occu

A-Class Mark II 1 1 Overview 1.1 About the Printer Congratulations on your purchase of an A-Class Mark II printer. This print engin

100 A-Class Mark II 5.9 Updating the Boot Loader Updates for the Boot Loader program can be found at ftp.datamaxcorp.com Before performing an

A-Class Mark II 101 5.10 Fonts Downloading Kanji, Hangul and Chinese Fonts KANJI, HANGUL and CHINESE fonts can be downloaded and stored in a print

102 A-Class Mark II Font Download Messages (continued) Displayed Message Descriptions / Possible Causes / Solutions SYSTEM FAULT Insufficient m

A-Class Mark II 103 6 Troubleshooting 6.1 Problem Resolution When a problem is encountered, the information in this section will help resolve

104 A-Class Mark II General Resolutions (continued) Problem Possible solution Light or no print on the side of the label: Check the following pos

A-Class Mark II 105 General Resolutions (continued) Problem Possible solution No print using direct thermal media (labels advance normally): Test

106 A-Class Mark II General Resolutions (continued) Problem Possible solution Poor print quality: Check the following possibilities: • Check th

A-Class Mark II 107 Warning Messages Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) 24V OUT OF TOLERANCE The printer has detected a drop in

108 A-Class Mark II Warning Messages Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) INVALID ENTRY The selection y

A-Class Mark II 109 Fault Messages Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) ADC FAULT The printer has detected an analog to digital ci

2 A-Class Mark II 1.1.1 Standard Features This printer offers the following standard features: • Right-handed or left-handed configurations • E

110 A-Class Mark II Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) HEAD CLEANING FAULT Scheduled cleaning has exc

A-Class Mark II 111 Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) REFLECTIVE MODE CANNOT CALIBRATE Consistently

112 A-Class Mark II Fault Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) TOP OF FORM FAULT The printer could not find a

A-Class Mark II 113 6.2 Hex Dump Mode Hex Dump mode is a useful diagnostic tool for debugging label formats and hardware problems, as received host

114 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 115 7 Specifications 7.1 Printer Specifications This section identifies parameters and features of the printer models. Embe

116 A-Class Mark II Electrical Power Supply: Auto-ranging switching type. AC Input Voltage Range: 90 – 132 / 180 – 264 VAC @ 47 – 63 Hz, auto-r

A-Class Mark II 117 Printing Type: Direct Thermal or optional Thermal Transfer A-4212 & A-6212: 2 – 12 IPS (50 – 304 MMPS) A-4310 &

118 A-Class Mark II Media & Ribbon Media Types: Wound-out labels only and tag stock; roll-fed, die-cut, notched, reflective, continuous, and

A-Class Mark II 119 Media Dimensional Requirements [1] A-4xxx models A-6xxx models Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Designator Description in

A-Class Mark II 3 1.1.2 Optional Features The following optional features are available: • DMXrfNetII A wireless Network Interface Controller

120 A-Class Mark II 7.2 Approved Media and Ribbon Media (and ribbon for thermal transfer) is an important determinant in the throughput, quality,

A-Class Mark II 121 Media and Ribbon Overview (continued) Thermal Transfer Media Ribbon Type Print Speed* Print Energy Image Durability Great La

122 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 123 Appendix A Module Assignments Module Assignments Designator Size Type / Use D 1024 KB (default size) DRAM [1]. Default,

124 A-Class Mark II File Handling Messages Depending upon the module and operation selected, several messages are possible when using the file hand

A-Class Mark II 125 Cut Behind Setup The printer can queue then cut a specified number (0 – 2) of small labels, resulting in a throughput increase.

126 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 127 Appendix B Print Resolutions and Widths Print Resolutions and Widths Maximum Print Width Model Resolution Inches Millim

128 A-Class Mark II Speed Ranges and Defaults (continued) Range Default Setting Model & Function IPS MMPS IPS MMPS A-4408: Print 2-8 51 –

A-Class Mark II 129 Appendix C PE Peel Bar Location Provided as a reference, the drawing below defines the previous peel point of PE models.

4 A-Class Mark II Installing Printer Options The table below lists competency level recommendations for the installation of the various options. F

130 A-Class Mark II PE to A-Class GPIO Adapter Cable A GPIO Adapter Cable (P/N 32-2562-01) for integration of the A-Class into an existing PE inst

A-Class Mark II 131 Appendix D Applicator Interface Overview The Applicator Interface CCA contains the printer to an applicator interface c

132 A-Class Mark II GPI/O A (J1) Four dedicated inputs are available for control of printer functions. These inputs require no external pull-ups,

A-Class Mark II 133 Failure to properly configure the GPIO Port can result in damage to the printer and / or connected devices. GPI/O Port A

134 A-Class Mark II GPI/O B (J2) Six unassigned inputs are designed to interface to open-collector outputs. These inputs require no external pull-

A-Class Mark II 135 Failure to properly configure the GPIO Port can result in damage to the printer and / or connected devices. GPI/O Port B Ove

136 A-Class Mark II COM C (J4) Serial Port C (see Section 2.3.2) functions as an RS-232 interface or as a dedicated device interface, according to

A-Class Mark II 137 GPIO A Signals GPIO B Signals GPIO A Signals GPIO B Signals Indicators and Monitors Real-time verification of settings and acti

138 A-Class Mark II PRINT SIGNAL INFO: A hardcopy of the current GPI/O settings and signal states can be output (see Section 4.2.6, TEST GPIO / PRIN

A-Class Mark II 139 Appendix E Multi-Language Menu Different languages can be downloaded to replace the English menu by constructing a spreadsh

A-Class Mark II 5 2 Getting Started 2.1 Unpacking The printer is carefully packaged for transit. Upon arrival, inspect the shipping carton(s) for

140 A-Class Mark II B. Click the “Enable Macro” box. The following screen appears: C. Click on Column J and enter your new language, or modify

A-Class Mark II 141 F. Download the generated files to the printer – one method is the DOS copy command: copy small.ls lpt1: /b G. Reset the p

142 A-Class Mark II • To restore the factory generated EFIGS image, download the file *832296.01A to the printer. This file is located on the Datam

A-Class Mark II 143 Appendix F Saving a Configuration File Configuration files can be used to retain special printer settings, eliminating the

144 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 145 Appendix G Ribbon Saver Overview With the Ribbon Saver option, the printer can conserve ribbon use in blank label areas. Dep

146 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 147 Glossary alphanumeric Consisting of alphabetic, numeric, punctuation and other symbols. backing material The silicon-coate

148 A-Class Mark II DPL (Datamax-O’Neil Programming Language) Programming commands used specifically for control of and label production in Datamax-

A-Class Mark II 149 perforation Small cuts extending through the backing and/or label material to facilitate their separation. Also referred to as

6 A-Class Mark II 2.1.1 Contents Check the contents of the carton for the following items: • Printer • Power cord • Accessories CD-ROM

A-Class Mark II 7 2.2 Mounting Requirements Before installing the printer, ensure that the environmental conditions of the site fall within the rang

8 A-Class Mark II A-4xxx models Front View, Peel Assembly lowered: 9.67”(246mm)11.81”(300mm)2.25”(57mm) Side View: 10.45”(266mm)7.68”(195mm)15.35

A-Class Mark II 9 A-6xxx models Front View, Peel Assembly lowered: 9.67”(246mm)11.81”(300mm)2.25”(57mm) Side View: 9.68”(246mm)17.35”(441mm)10.45”

10 A-Class Mark II Peel Point Dimension  See Appendix C for the PE-Series printer’s dimension. Peel Bar

A-Class Mark II 11 2.3 Connecting to a Host Ensure that the Power Switch is OFF when making printer connections. The printer can be interface

12 A-Class Mark II 2.3.1 Parallel Port Connections The parallel interface requires a Centronics IEEE 1284 cable with a 36 pin male connector. B

A-Class Mark II 13 COM D Port Connections COM D RS-232 Cable Host DB-9S Printer RJ45P 1RXDTXD+5 VDCGROUNDTXDRXD+5 VDCGROUNDDTRDSRCTSCTSDTRRT

14 A-Class Mark II 3. Slide the Main Board out of the printer then move the jumpers according application: • For RS-422/485 operation, place the

A-Class Mark II 15 2.3.4 USB Port Connections The Universal Serial Bus port requires a standard USB cable. This USB Port is a device-end only

16 A-Class Mark II  To copy firmware stored on a module to the printer: 1. Press the TEST button then select User Defined Label. 2. Select t

A-Class Mark II 17 2.5 Connecting Power The power cord connects to the AC receptacle on back of the printer. Make the connection and power-up th

18 A-Class Mark II

A-Class Mark II 19 3 Setting up the Printer 3.1 Loading Media Load media according to its type and desired output: 1. Open the Access Cov

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

20 A-Class Mark II 3. To peel die-cut labels after printing, press down on the Peel Assembly Release Lever to lower the Peel Assembly; otherwise,

A-Class Mark II 21 5. Pull the Media Liner through the Slot in the Peel Assembly until all slack is removed. Lifting from the center, raise the Pe

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

A-Class Mark II 23 3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor Position the Media Sensor to detect labels as follows: 1. Ensure that media is routed through

24 A-Class Mark II 3.3 Loading Ribbon Load ribbon (for thermal transfer media) according to its coated side and the printer model.  Using a ribb

A-Class Mark II 25 2. With the Head Lift Lever raised, route the Ribbon under the Lower Idler, over the Ribbon Shield and Upper Idler, and then clo

26 A-Class Mark II 3.3.2 Left Hand Models Load ribbon as follows: 1. Orient the unwind position of the Ribbon according to the coated side (CS

A-Class Mark II 27 RibbonTake-Up HubUpper IdlerRibbon ShieldCSO RibbonRollRibbonHeadLift LeverLower Idler CSI RibbonRollRibbonLower IdlerRibbonTake-

28 A-Class Mark II 3.4 Quick Calibration Perform Quick Calibration during initial printer setup or after changing the media, but not if using cont

A-Class Mark II 29 4 Using the Control Panel 4.1 Layout The Control Panel is an event-driven user interface composed of a graphics display and

Agency Compliance and Approvals: C US Listed UL60950-1 2nd Edition, Information Technology Equipment CSA C22.2 No.60950-1-07, 2nd Ed

30 A-Class Mark II Icon Description Initialization, typically brief (but a damaged or invalid printhead can delay the process). MENU Display la

A-Class Mark II 31 4.1.2 Keypad Functions The Soft Keys (see Section 4.1) control printer functions: • The Soft Keys are mode-dependent, chang

32 A-Class Mark II 4.2 The System Menu The System Menu is composed of seven menu branches: MEDIA SETTINGS PRINT CONTROL PRINTER OP

A-Class Mark II 33 4.2.1 Media Settings The Media Settings menu contains label and ribbon settings, and printhead maintenance selections. Men

34 A-Class Mark II Media Settings (continued) Menu Item Details RIBBON LOW OPTIONS Defines the response when THERMAL TRANSFER is selected and

A-Class Mark II 35 Media Settings (continued) Menu Item Details PRINTHEAD CLEANING Controls printhead cleaning alerts and functions, where: CLEAN

36 A-Class Mark II 4.2.2 Print Control The Print Control menu contains print quality, throughput and formatting functions: Menu Item Details H

A-Class Mark II 37 Print Control (continued) Menu Item Details PRESENT DISTANCE Sets the label stop position, where: (0 – 4.00 in.) AUTO 0.00 I

38 A-Class Mark II 4.2.3 Printer Options The Printer Options menu contains module, file handling, and option functions: Menu Item Details MOD

A-Class Mark II 39 Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details CUTTER Controls the Cutter option, where: MODE Sets the detection method and

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

40 A-Class Mark II Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details RFID Controls the RFID option, where:  If not detected, this selection will

A-Class Mark II 41 Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details DSFID VALUE Sets the Data Storage Format Identifier value, where: (00 – FF) 00

42 A-Class Mark II Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details TAG DATA SIZE Sets the tag data size, where: 96-BIT Selects 96 bits (24 hexa

A-Class Mark II 43 Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details LOCK AFTER WRITE Allows the tag to be locked after programming, where: ENABLED

44 A-Class Mark II Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details GPIO PORT Controls the optional Applicator Interface Card’s GPIO function, wher

A-Class Mark II 45 Printer Options (continued) Menu Item Details END OF PRINT Sets the type of output signal generated to indicate EOP, where:

46 A-Class Mark II 4.2.4 System Settings The System Settings menu contains operating, control, and formatting functions: Menu Item Details MENU

A-Class Mark II 47 System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details DOUBLE BYTE SYMBOLS Selects the code page (see the Class Series 2 Programmer’s M

48 A-Class Mark II System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details Identifies the unique key number of the printer, in the form: vvvv-cwxx-yyyyyy

A-Class Mark II 49 System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details FORMAT ATTRIBUTES Defines the way overlapping text, bar codes, and graphics are

50 A-Class Mark II System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details PAUSE MODE Allows interactive print control, where: ENABLED Prints only as th

A-Class Mark II 51 System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details UNITS OF MEASURE Sets the measurement standard of the printer, where: IMPERIAL

52 A-Class Mark II System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details COLUMN EMULATION Allows the column dot count to be adjusted, where: (XXX – XX

A-Class Mark II 53 System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details FONT EMULATION Allows font substitution, where: STANDARD FONTS Prints using

54 A-Class Mark II System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details FAULT HANDLING Determines the label disposition and user action if a fault o

A-Class Mark II 55 System Settings (continued) Menu Item Details VOID DISTANCE Sets the distance to print VOID on a faulted label, where: (

56 A-Class Mark II 4.2.5 Communications The Communications menu contains interface port and host control functions: Menu Item Details SERIAL PO

A-Class Mark II 57 Communications (continued) Menu Item Details SERIAL PORT C Controls the settings for the Applicator Interface COM C (J4) por

58 A-Class Mark II Communications (continued) Menu Item Details WLAN ADHOC Selects the DMXrfNetII default parameters, where: NO Exits the men

A-Class Mark II 59 Communications (continued) Menu Item Details SUBNET MASK Specifies the static Subnet Mask Address, where: 255.255.255.000 I

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

60 A-Class Mark II Communications (continued) Menu Item Details FTP Sets File Transfer Protocol to transfer data, where: ENABLED Allows FTP.

A-Class Mark II 61 Communications (continued) Menu Item Details NETWORK REPORT Allows viewing or printing of the network status report, where: V

62 A-Class Mark II Communications (continued) Menu Item Details FEEDBACK CHARACTERS Allows the return of printer codes, where: ENABLED Sends th

A-Class Mark II 63 Communications (continued) Menu Item Details CNTRL-CODES (DATA) Determines how host Control Codes are handled, where: ENAB

64 A-Class Mark II Communications (continued) Menu Item Details PROCESS SOH (DATA) Determines the response to an Immediate Command (e.g., Get St

A-Class Mark II 65 Diagnostics (continued) Menu Item Details TEST GPIO Tests the Applicator Interface CCA’s GPIO function, where: MONITOR GPI

66 A-Class Mark II Diagnostics (continued) Menu Item Details PRINT TEST RATE (min) Allows a label-to-label delay when batch printing Test La

A-Class Mark II 67 Diagnostics (continued) Menu Item Details ICON DESCRIPTIONS Identifies the printer icons (see Section 4.1.1), where: SYSTE

68 A-Class Mark II 4.3 The Test Menu The (Quick) Test Menu contains resident format selections that are printed at selected heat and speed setti

A-Class Mark II 69 4.3.3 Test Label The Test Label serves as an indicator of printhead functionality. The format consists of patterns that exercis

ii 4.2 The System Menu ... 32 4.2.1 Media Settings...

70 A-Class Mark II 4.3.6 Print Last Label Print Last Label reprints the most recent format output by the printer.  If a job was cancelled prio

A-Class Mark II 71 5 Operating, Adjusting and Maintaining the Printer 5.1 Displayed Messages During operation (when not in Menu or Test mode) the

72 A-Class Mark II Prompts and Condition Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Action CANCEL REPRINT ENTER KEY = YES The CANCEL or

A-Class Mark II 73 Prompts and Condition Messages (continued) Displayed Message Description Action REMOVE RIBBON PRESS ANY KEY The TEST Key was

74 A-Class Mark II 5.2 Calibration Calibration ensures correct media detection, and should be performed when Quick Calibration fails (see Section

A-Class Mark II 75 Step Action Displayed Message Comment E Proceed according to the media type: • Die-Cut –Remove a label or two from the li

76 A-Class Mark II Step Action Displayed Message Comment G Observe the calibration result. CALIBRATION COMPLETE Calibration was successful. 

A-Class Mark II 77 Step Action Displayed Message Comment B Press the MENU Key. Then, with MEDIA SETTINGS highlighted, press the ENTER Key. MEDIA

78 A-Class Mark II Step Action Displayed Message Comment G Press the UP Key, incrementing the Gain Number by one, and then press the ENTER Key.

A-Class Mark II 79 Step Action Displayed Message Comment I Lower and latch the Head Lift Lever. Using the UP or the DOWN Key, set the Gain Numb

iii 5.7.1 Soft Reset... 97 5.7.2 Level One Reset...

80 A-Class Mark II Step Action Displayed Message Comment K In the table, where both the Label Value and TOF Value are at least 20, subtract th

A-Class Mark II 81 Step Action Displayed Message Comment M Complete a table (see example below) using three new measurements, as follows: (A)

82 A-Class Mark II Step Action Displayed Message Comment O Using the DOWN Key set the ‘Paper’ level to the value determined in the previous ste

A-Class Mark II 83 Step Action Displayed Message Comment Q Press and hold the FEED Key until at least one label has been output. READY The prin

84 A-Class Mark II Leveling CamHead Lift Lever 2. While observing the printed output, rotate the Leveling Cam counterclockwise until the image

A-Class Mark II 85 5.3.2 Burn Line Adjustment Adjust the Burn Line only after trying suggestions in Sections 5.3.1 and 3.5 to achieve print confor

86 A-Class Mark II 5. Tighten the Locking Screws until ‘snug’ (that is, tight enough to remove any play in the printhead assembly, yet loose enoug

A-Class Mark II 87 A-4xxx models: Printhead AssemblyCaptiveScrewAccess Cover A-6xxx models: CaptiveScrewsPrinthead AssemblyAccess Co

88 A-Class Mark II 4. Raise the Head Lift Lever then gently slide the Printhead forward. Carefully disconnect both Printhead Cables, and then remo

A-Class Mark II 89 5.5 Platen Roller Replacement Replace the Platen Roller as follows: 1. Turn OFF the printer. Raise the Access Cover. 2. U