Zebra R-140 User's Guide

333 Corporate Woods ParkwayVernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109Telephone 847.634.6700Facsimile 847.913.8766Zebra HouseThe Valley Centre, Gordon RoadHigh

IntroductionHello!Congratulations! You have just purchased the highest quality thermaldemand printer with RFID capability in the industry. Manufacture

FEEDKeyandPAUSEKeySelfTest1.Turnofftheprinter.2.PressandholdtheFEEDandPAUSEkeyswhileturningonthepower.Performingthisselftesttemporarilyresetstheprinte

92 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

SpecificationsNOTE: Printer specifications are subject to change without notice.Media HandlingnTear-off mode: Labels are produced in strips.nPeel-off

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II®)Bar Codes94 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidenDownloadable graphics, scalable andbitmap fonts, and label formatsnObject cop

General SpecificationsGeneral Specifications R-140Height 15.5" 393.7 mmWidth 11.15" 283.2 mmDepth 19.5" 495.3 mmWeight (without options

Printing SpecificationsPrinting Specifications R-140Resolution 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)Dot size (width x length) 0.0049” x 0.0049” (.125 x .125 mm)Fi

Media SpecificationsMedia Specifications Standard Smart Media (RFID)Minimum label length*Tear-off 0.7" (18 mm)Peel-off 0.5" (13 mm)Cutter 1.

Power Line Cord SpecificationsnThe overall length must be less than 9.8 feet (3.0 meters).nIt must be rated for at least 5 A, 250 V.nThe chassis groun

AppendixPrinter Interface Technical InformationRS-232/RS-422/RS-485 Serial Data PortThe connections for these standard interfaces are made through the

RS-232 InterconnectionsThe printer is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).Figure 37 illustrates the internal connections of the printer’s RS-2

Print Mechanism CapabilitiesThe Zebra R-140 print mechanism has been designed to print informationon labels, tickets, and tags. It uses a square or re

When the printer is connected via its RS-232 interface to DataCommunication Equipment (DCE) such as a modem, use a standard RS-232(straight-through) i

RS-422/RS-485 InterconnectionsThe printer may be connected to a host by either an RS-422 or an RS-485interface. The DB-25 connector on the rear of the

Parallel Data PortA standard 36-pin parallel connector is available at the rear of the printer forconnection to the data source. Under normal circumst

ZPL II Commands for RFID^WT – Write TagThe format for the ^WT instruction is:^WTb,r,m,w,swhere^WT = Write Tag commandb = Block NumberDefault value: 0O

w = Write protectDefault value: 0 (NOT write protected)Other value: 1 (Write protect)s = Special modeReserved^RT – Read TagThe format for the ^RT inst

f = FormatDefault value: 0 ASCIIOther values: 1 Hexadecimalr = RetriesDefault value: 0Other values: 1 to 10, number of retriesm = motionDefault value:

The second ^RT command string at block 2, reads two blocks of data inASCII format. It retries up to 5 times. The data read will go into the ^FN2locati

The unique ID will be read from the tag and available to print or return tothe host computer.Example:^XA^FO100,100^A0N, 60^FN0^FS^RI0^FS^XZ108 Zebra R

Sample ZPL II Label FormatsZPL II®is Zebra Technologies Corporation’s Zebra ProgrammingLanguage II label design language. ZPL II lets you create a wid

Format 1: Simple Text and a BarcodeLine # Type this label format You’ll get this printout1. ^XA2. ^LH30,303. ^FO20,10^AD^FDZEBRA^FS4. ^FO20,60^B3N,Y,2

nA device, such as a personal computer (PC), for data entry and output oflabel formats to the printer.nA data communication cable to connect the contr

Format 3: Using a Serialized Data FieldLine # Type this label format You’ll get this printout1. ^XA2. ^LH30,303. ^FO20,10^AD^FDZEBRA^FS4. ^FO20,60^B3,

112 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

IndexZebraR-140User’sGuide 113AAdjustmentsMediasensorposition...77Printheadpressure...77Togglepositioning...76BBarcodes...

114 ZebraR-140User’sGuideLoadingtheribbon...43Lowermediasensoradjustment...16Lubrication...74MMediahandling...93Medial

ZebraR-140User’sGuide 115Ribbonrequirements...4Ribbonspecifications...96SSelftestsCANCELkey...88Communicationsdiagnostics...9

116 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

333 Corporate Woods ParkwayVernon Hills, Illinois 60061.3109Telephone 847.634.6700Facsimile 847.913.8766Zebra HouseThe Valley Centre, Gordon RoadHigh

MediaandRibbonRequirementsSinceprintqualityisaffectedbymediaandribbon,printingspeeds,andprinteroperatingmodes,itisveryimportanttoruntestsforyourapplic

Make sure that the POWER on/off switch (located at the back of the printer)is in the off position before connecting the power cable to an electricalou

RFID OverviewThe R140 printer contains special hardware necessary to program RFIDtags. To use the RFID capabilities of this printer, you will need the

Tag-it TagsTag-it labels are high frequency (13.56MHz) devices. Tag-it is a read/writeRFID tag with 256 bits of storage capacity for user data. Data i

I·Code TagsI•Code labels are also high frequency (13.56MHz) devices but have 512bits of storage capacity. Data is addressed in sixteen blocks of 32 bi

Calibrating the PrinterThis chapter of the user’s guide is so important that we’ve printed it on adifferent color paper! That way, it will be easy for

Types of MediaNon-Continuous Web MediaNon-continuous web media (refer to Figure 2) refers to individual labelsthat are separated by a gap, notch, or h

Zebra R-140TMUser's GuideCustomer order # 48040LManufacturer part # 48040LB Rev. 1

Non-Continuous Black Mark MediaNon-continuous black mark media has black marks printed on the back thatindicate the start and end of each label (refer

Choosing the Print ModenTear-off mode allows you to tear off each label, or a strip of labels, afterit is printed.nIn Peel-off mode, backing material

LoadingtheMediaFigure5illustratesonemethodofmedialoading.Formoredetailedinstructions,aswellasinformationabouthowtoloadthedifferenttypesofmediaandtheva

Positioning the Media SensorsThe correct positioning of the media sensors is important. It can make thedifference between a perfect label and a call t

Adjusting the Upper Media SensorRefer to Figure 6. (For clarity, not all printer parts are shown.)1. Remove the ribbon (if it is installed).2. Locate

AdjustingtheLowerMediaSensorPositionthelowermediasensor(refertoFigure7)byslidingitinitsslotuntilitispositionedundertheuppermediasensor.BlackMarkSensor

LoadingtheRibbonToloadribbon,refertoFigure8.Formoredetailedinformation,refertotheinstructionsthatbeginonpage43.ZebraR-140User’sGuide 17Figure8

OperatorControlsPOWERSwitchThePOWERswitchislocatedatthebackoftheprinterabovethepowercordandfuse.Turnontheprinter.FrontPanelThestep-by-stepinstructions

ConfiguringthePrinterTheconfigurationprocedureinthenexttablecontainstheinformationyouneedtogetyourprinterupandrunning,butitisnotcomprehensive.Refertop

Configuring the Software or Printer DriverMany printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver orlabel preparation software. Refer to

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

Media and Ribbon CalibrationNOTE: All steps must be performed in the following procedure, even ifonly one sensor needs to be adjusted.6. Press the SET

10. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key. The front panel display willshow “REMOVE RIBBON CANCEL CONTINUE.”11. Either remove the ribbon or slide it as far f

PrintingaTestLabelToprintatestlabel:19.Turnofftheprinter.20.PressandholdtheCANCELkeywhileturningontheprinter.Aconfigurationlabel,whichshowstheprinter’

24 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

Establishing CommunicationSystem ConsiderationsInterfacesThe method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on thecommunication options i

Whencommunicatingviatheparallelport(refertoFigure13),thepreviouslymentionedparametersarenotconsidered.Refertopage57toconfigurethecommunicationparamete

Printer BasicsOperator ControlsThis section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicatorson the printer. The operator should become f

Front Panel DisplayThe front panel display communicates operational status and programmingmodes and parameters.28 Zebra R-140 User’s GuideFigure 14

FrontPanelKeysKey FunctionStartsandstopstheprintingprocess.•Iftheprinterisnotprinting:noprintingcanoccur.•Iftheprinterisprinting:printingstopsoncethec

Front Panel LightsNOTE: If two operating conditions occur simultaneously (for example,one that causes a light to be on constantly and one that causes

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide iii

Roll Media LoadingNOTE: A calibration must be performed when media and ribbon (if used)are first installed in the printer, or when a different type of

Peel-OffModeNOTE:Rewindoptionrequired.NOTE:ThePeel-OffModemaynotbesuitableforsomeRFIDmediatypes.TheusershouldtestforeachapplicationRefertoFigure16.1.R

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 33Figure 16

RewindMode(forPrintersWithouttheCutterOption)NOTE:Rewindoptionrequired.NOTE:RewindmodemaynotbesuitableforRFIDapplications.RefertoFigure17.1.Removether

Before closing the printhead, make sure:nThe media is positioned against the inside guides.nThe media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway

CutterModeNOTE:Cutteroptionrequired.RefertoFigure18.1.Opentheprinthead.2.Slidethemediaguideandmediasupplyguideasfarfromtheprinterframeaspossible.Flipd

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 37Figure 18

RewindMode(forPrintersWiththeCutterOption)NOTE:Cutterandrewindoptionsrequired.NOTE:RewindmodemaynotbesuitableforRFIDapplications.RefertoFigure19.1.Rem

Before closing the printhead, make sure:nThe media is positioned against the inside guides.nThe media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway

FanfoldMediaLoadingNOTE:Acalibrationmustbeperformedwhenmediaandribbon(ifused)arefirstinstalledintheprinter,orwhenadifferenttypeofmediaorribbonisbeingu

iv Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 41Figure 20Figure 21

Removing the Label Backing MaterialSince the rewind spindle holds the backing from a standard-size media roll,we recommend that you perform this proce

RibbonLoadingToloadribbon,refertoFigure22andfollowtheprocedurebelow.NOTE:Useribbonthatisatleastaswideasthemedia.Thesmoothbackingoftheribbonprotectsthe

7. Before wrapping the ribbon around the ribbon take-up spindle, ensure thatthe arrow on the knob aligns with the indented notch (see Figure 23inset).

RibbonRemovals1.Breaktheribbonasclosetotheribbontake-upspindleaspossible.2.RefertoFigure23.Whileholdingtheribbontake-upspindle,turntheknob(1)clockwise

46 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

ConfigurationAfteryouhaveinstalledthemediaandribbonandthepower-onselftest(POST)iscomplete,thefrontpaneldisplaywillshow“PRINTERREADY.”(Iftheprinterfail

Changing Password-Protected ParametersCertain parameters are password-protected by factory default.CAUTION: Do not change password-protected parameter

Leaving the Setup ModeYou can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP/EXITkey. The “SAVE CHANGES” display will appear. There are five

ConfigurationandCalibrationSequence50 ZebraR-140User’sGuidePress DisplayShows Action/Explanation---- PRINTERREADY Normalprinteroperation.SettingPrintP

TableofContentsIntroductionHello!...1PrintMechanismCapabilities...2RFIDCapabilities...

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 51Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationMEDIA TYPESetting Media Type Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL keyto display other c

52 ZebraR-140User’sGuidePress DisplayShows Action/ExplanationPRINTWIDTHSettingPrintWidthPresstheRIGHTBLACKOVALkeytoincreasethevalue,presstheLEFTBLACKO

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 53Listing Printer InformationPress Display Shows Action/ExplanationLIST FONTSList Fonts Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key to pri

54 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationINITIALIZE CARDInitialize Memory CardCAUTION: Perform this operation only when it is

ZebraR-140User’sGuide 55MediaandRibbonSensorCalibrationNOTE:Beforeyoubeginthisprocedure,makesurethatthemaximumlengthissettoavalueequaltoorgreaterthant

56 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationMEDIA ANDRIBBONCALIBRATEMedia and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity Press NEXT/SAVE to skipth

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 57Setting Communication ParametersCommunication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to communicate with the host

58 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationPARITYSetting Parity Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key todisplay other choices.D

ZebraR-140User’sGuide 59Press DisplayShows Action/ExplanationNETWORKIDSettingNetworkID PresstheLEFTBLACKOVALkeytomovetothenextdigitposition,presstheRI

60 Zebra R-140 User’s GuideSelecting Prefix and Delimiter CharactersPrefix and delimiter characters are 2-digit hex values used within the ZPL/ZPL II

LoadingtheRibbon...17OperatorControls...18POWERSwitch...18Fro

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 61Selecting ZPL ModePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationZPL MODESelecting ZPL Mode Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVALkey to

62 Zebra R-140 User’s GuideLabel Positioning ParametersPress Display Shows Action/ExplanationBACKFEEDBackfeed Sequence Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK O

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 63Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationHEAD TESTCOUNTSetting the Head Test Count Press the LEFT BLACK OVALkey to move to the

64 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationAPPLICATORPORTSetting the Applicator Port Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACKOVAL key to di

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 65Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationLCD ADJUSTLCD Display Adjustment Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key todecrease the value (

66 Zebra R-140 User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationIP RESOLUTION*IP Resolution Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key todisplay other ch

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 67Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationLANGUAGESelecting the Display Language Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACKOVAL key to displ

Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationDARKNESSYou are now back at the first parameter in the configurationsequence.NOTE: If you pressed the NEXT/SAVE

Routine Care and AdjustmentCleaningThe following table provides a brief cleaning schedule. Specific cleaningprocedures are provided on the following p

CleaningtheExteriorTheexteriorsurfacesoftheprintermaybecleanedwithalint-freecloth.Donotuseharshorabrasivecleaningagentsorsolvents.Ifnecessary,amilddet

ConfigurationEnteringtheSetupMode...47ChangingPassword-ProtectedParameters ...48LeavingtheSetupMode...

4.Rotatetheplatenrollerandcleanthoroughlywithsolventandanapplicator.5.Brush/vacuumanyaccumulatedpaperlintanddustawayfromtherollers.6.Reloadribbonand/o

CleaningtheSnapPlateCleanthesnapplatetoremovelabeladhesiveoralabelthathasadheredtotheundersideofthesnapplate.RefertoFigure26.1.Carefullypushthetabsont

Zebra R-140 User’s Guide 73Figure 26Figure 27

CleaningtheCutterModule(Forprintersequippedwiththeoptionalcutter.)Iflabelsarenotbeingcutproperlyorifthecutterjamswithlabels,turnofftheprinterpowerandu

4. Snap the fuse holder back into position.5. Reconnect the power cord.If the new fuse fails right away, the printer has an internal componentfailure

AdjustmentsToggle PositioningBoth toggles should be positioned so that they provide even pressure on themedia. The toggles are positioned by sliding t

PrintheadPressureAdjustmentThisadjustmentmaybenecessaryifprintingistoolightononesideorifthickmediaisused.RefertoFigure30.1.Performthetogglepositioning

78 Zebra R-140 User’s Guide

TroubleshootingLEDErrorConditionsandWarningsErrorConditionRibbonOutErrorConditionPaperOutZebraR-140User’sGuide 79Problem SolutionInthermaltransfermode

ErrorConditionHeadOpenErrorConditionHeadElementBadWarningRibbonInWarningHeadTooHot80 ZebraR-140User’sGuideProblem SolutionTheprintheadisnotfullyclosed

SpecificationsMediaHandling...93Options ...93ZebraProgrammingLanguage(ZPLII®)...

WarningHeadColdWarningCutterJammedOutofMemory*ZebraR-140User’sGuide 81Problem SolutionTheprintheadisundertemperature.Continueprintingwhiletheprinthead

PrintQualityProblemsGeneralPrintQualityIssuesGraylinesonblanklabelswithnoconsistentpatternLight,consistentverticallinesrunningthroughallofthelabelsInt

WrinkledRibbonCommunicationsAlabelformatwassenttotheprinterbutnotrecognized.TheDATAlightdoesnotflash.ZebraR-140User’sGuide 83Problem SolutionTheribbon

Alabelformatwassenttotheprinter.Severallabelsprint,thentheprinterskips,misplaces,misses,ordistortstheimageonthelabel.Alabelformatwassenttotheprinterbu

RFID SymptomsProblem Diagnosis SolutionRFID tags not programming(general).Printer not set-up properlyPrint a Configuration label(Cancel Key Self Test)

Problem Diagnosis SolutionNO TAG Error Message(Continued)Tags have metal/aluminumin them.Confirm that the tags meetrequirements (i.e. no metal/aluminu

PrinterDiagnosticsPower-OnSelfTestApower-onselftest(POST)isperformedautomaticallyeachtimetheprinteristurnedon.Duringthistestsequence,thefrontpanelligh

CANCELKeySelfTestThisselftestprintsalistingoftheconfigurationparameterscurrentlystoredintheprinter’smemory.SeeFigure31(dependingontheoptionsordered,yo

PAUSE Key Self TestThis self test can be used to provide the test labels required when makingadjustments to the printer’s mechanical assemblies. See t

FEEDKeySelfTestSeeFigure33.1.Turnofftheprinter.2.PressandholdtheFEEDkeywhileturningonthepower.TheFEEDkeyselftestprintsoutatvariousdarknesssettingsabov