Zebra TLP 2844-Z User's Guide

Zebra®TMTLP & LP 2844-ZPart #980410-001 | Rev. BUser GuideDesktop Printers

Many illustrations in this manual show the TLP printer. While there aresome physical differences between them, you can operate both printersusing the

Inspecting the PrinterLook at the outside of the printer and make sure that all parts are present.Opening the printerTo access the media compartment,

INSPECTING THE PRINTER (continued)After opening the printer, check the media compartment.4 980410-001 Rev. B

Closing the printerFor TLP printers, hold the topcover and press the “kick-stand”cover lock to release.Lower the top cover. The ribbon carriageautoma

Reporting DamageIf you discover damage or missing parts: Immediately notify and file a damage report with the shipping company.Zebra Technologies Corp

Getting StartedThis section describes how to set up your printer for the first time and usethe most common operating procedures for loading media in t

Attaching Power SupplyCheck the power supply to make certain it is appropriate for your inputvoltage.Warning: Use the Zebra-supplied power supply that

Loading Roll MediaWhen you load media, you must place the roll on the media hangers andthen adjust the media guides.You must use the correct media for

Adjusting the GuidesThe adjustable guides direct the mediatoward the platen and print head.1. Open the media guides by turning theguide adjuster knob

Loading RibbonYou must use thermal transfer media (accepts wax and/or resin transferredoff a ribbon) when you use a ribbon in a TLP model printer. Wh

Proprietary StatementThis manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation. It is intended solely for the information and us

Attach and Tighten the RibbonYou must align the ribbon so that it willbe taken straight onto the core.1. Attach the ribbon to the take up core.Use the

Auto CalibrationNOTE: If you are using pre-printed labels, pre-printed label backing, orcontinuous media, see “Manual Calibration” on page 42.An auto

Operator ControlsPower SwitchPress up to turn ON or down to turn OFF the printer.CAUTION: The power should be turned off before connecting ordisconnec

Printing a Test PrintoutBefore you connect the printer to yourcomputer, make sure that the printer is inproper working order. You can do this byprint

Hooking Up the Printer and ComputerYour printer will have one of two combinations of interfaces: Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel and serial USB,

USB Interface RequirementsUniversal Serial Bus (version 1.1) provides a high-speed interface that iscompatible with your existing PC hardware. USB’s

Communicating with the PrinterUniversal Serial Bus (USB) CommunicationsThe printer is a terminal device when using a universal serial bus interface.Yo

Serial Communications (Continued)^SC CommandUse the Set Communications (^SC) command to change thecommunications settings on the printer.1. With the h

Adjusting the Print WidthPrint width must be calibrated when: You are using the printer for the first time. There is a change in the width of the medi

Operation & OptionsThis section helps you get the most from your printer.You must use programming to control many of the printer’s functions. Afe

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Replacing SuppliesIf labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on whilereloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer

Printing in Peel-ModeThe optional dispenser allows youto print in “peel-mode” where thelabel backing follows a different path andthe labels are presen

Printing on Fan-Fold MediaPrinting on fan-fold media requires you toset both the media hangers and the mediaguides in position.1. Open the top cover.2

Using the Cutter OptionPrinters that have a bezel with a motorized blade can dispense one or moreforms that are then automatically cut from the media

Printing on Linerless Labels“Linerless labels” are a special label stock without a backing material orliner on the adhesive side. The media is wound

MaintenanceCleaningWhen you clean the printer, use one or more of the following supplies thatbest suits your needs:DESCRIPTIONCleaning pens (12)Cleani

Adhesives and coatings of media can over time transfer onto the printercomponents along the media path including the platen and print head.This build-

Platen ConsiderationsThe standard platen (drive roller) normally does not require cleaning. Paperand liner dust can accumulate without effecting print

Replacing the PlatenRemovalOpen the printer and remove any media.1. Using a pointed stylus (such astweezers, small slot-head screwdriver,or razor-knif

Replacing the Print HeadIn the event you need to replace the print head, read the procedure for yourmodel of printer—either direct-thermal LP or therm

BatteryThe main printed circuit board assembly includes a three-volt lithiumbattery.CAUTION—Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect

Direct-Thermal LP ModelBefore following the steps in this procedure, open the printer by pulling therelease latches forward then lifting the top cover

Replacing the LP Print Head (Continued)Assembly1. Route the print head cables under thelatch shaft and plug the print headcables into the receptacles

Thermal-Transfer TLP ModelBefore following the steps in thisprocedure, open the printer bypulling the release latches forward thenlifting the top cove

Replacing the TLP Print Head (Continued)AssemblyThe new print head comes with the clipand ground screw attached.1. Align the print head and bracket to

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TroubleshootingResolutions1. The printer is not receiving power. Have you turned on the printer power? Check power connections from the wall outlet t

3. The printer has failed its power on self test (POST). If this error occurs right after you turn on the printer, contact anauthorized reseller for

7. The print head is under temperature. Continue printing while the print head reaches the correct operatingtemperature.The print head is over temper

Print Quality ProblemsNo print on the label. You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require.When printing without a ribbon, you

The printing does not start at the top of the label, or misprinting ofone to three labels. The media may not be threaded under the media guides. Refe

ContentsIntroductionHello!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1What’s in the Box

Manual CalibrationManual calibration is recommended whenever you are using pre-printedmedia or if the printer will not correctly auto calibrate.1. Mak

Troubleshooting TestsPrinting a Configuration LabelTo print out a listing of the printer’s current configuration, refer to theone-flash sequence in “F

Resetting the Factory Default ValuesSometimes, resetting the printer to the factory defaults solves some of theproblems. Follow the four-flash sequen

Feed Button ModesPower Off Mode (Communications Diagnostics Mode)With the printer power off, press and hold the feed button while you turn on the powe

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AppendixInterfacesUniversal Serial Bus (USB) ConnectorThe figure below displays the cable wiring required to use the printer’sUSB interface.For printe

Parallel InterfaceThe maximum current available through the interface port is not to exceed atotal of 0.75 amps.Pin No. Description1 NStrobe/Host Clk2

ZebraNet® PrintServer II™ for Ethernet NetworksThis interface uses an RJ-45 straight-through cable type. The table belowprovides the pinout assignmen

Serial (RS-232) ConnectorPin No. Description1 Not used2 RXD (receive data) input to the printer3 TXD (transmit data) output from the printer4DTR (data

980410-001 Rev. B 51Connecting the Printer to a DTE DeviceDB-25SConnectorto DTE Device (PC)DB-9SConnectorto DTE Device (PC)DB-9PConnectorto PrinterDB-

Communicating with the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Universal Serial Bus (USB) Communications . . . . . . .

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AppendixInterfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Universal Serial Bus (USB) Conn

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IntroductionThis section describes what you get in your shipping box and provides anoverview of printer parts. This section also has procedures that