Zebra 2684 User Manual

User’s Manual No. 980350-001 Rev. A©2001 Zebra Technologies Corporation2684Thermal PrinterUser’s Manual

Unpacking YourPrinter2980350-001 Rev. AInstallation

Installation The following steps will guide you through theinstallation of the printer and software.Step ➊ Attach PowerSee Warnings - Page vi980350-00

Step ➋ Attach Interface CableFor additional information on serial cable wir-ing, refer to Appendix A.4980350-001 Rev. AInstallationParallel interfaceS

Step ➌ Apply PowerIf the indicator fails to light, refer to Appendix A -Troubleshooting.980350-001 Rev. A5InstallationOOI = OnGreen

Step  Install SoftwareStart your computer and follow the installationinstructions on the compact disk (CD).Refer to Section 2 - Operation, for inform

2OperationThis section provides information on the opera-tion of the printers, identifying parts, how to usethe Feed button, understanding the Status

Your Printer1Cover Release Buttons8Media Roll Holder2Cutting Edge9Carriage Lock/Release Lever3FEED Button:Transmissive (Gap) SensorAdjustment Gear4STA

1Batch/Dispense Select Switch8Ribbon Supply Spindle2Serial Interface9Reflective (Black Mark) Sensor3Parallel Interface:Media Guides4Power Cord Recepta

The FEED Control The FEED button controls specific printerfunctions: feeding media (labels, tags orcontinuous media), loading media, pausingprinting,

•Holding the FEED button down performs acontinuous Form Feed. After releasing thebutton, the printer feeds the media until thenext top of form is reac

ii980350-001 Rev. A

The STATUSIndicatorThe STATUS indicator lights and blinks in vari-ous colors. When the printer power is firstswitched ON (1), the STATUS indicator wil

The Label Sensor When using the transmissive (gap) sensor fortop of form (label) sensing, verify that the sen-sor is positioned at minimumlabel gap po

Loading Labelsor TagsYour printer can print on adhesive backed la-bels, non-adhesive tags or continuous media(typically paper). The printer is capable

Open Printer Mechanisms (continued).Step2Prepare Media.980350-001 Rev. A15OperationOpen GuidesTurn the adjustmentwheel towardsthe front ofthe printer.

Prepare Media (continued).16980350-001 Rev. AOperationInsertCenterOptionalLock

Step3Thread the Media980350-001 Rev. A17OperationLoad FromUpper HolderGuide LeaderUnder BracketsExit FromFront of Printer

Thread the Media (Continued)Step4Close Printer Mechanisms18980350-001 Rev. AOperationSeat Media inPrinting PositionClose GuidesGuides Must MatchMedia

Close Printer Mechanisms (Continued)Turn on the printer power. Tap the FEED con-trol until the indicator glows GREEN.980350-001 Rev. A19OperationLower

Step5Set Label ParametersYou may need to perform the following actions:•Use the AutoSense procedure for first timeuse of new media to set the transmis

Loading TransferRibbonsIf your printer has ribbon spindles attached tothe print carriage, you can load transfer ribbons.Transfer ribbons are used when

FOREWORDThis manual provides installation and operation information for the LP 2684 and TLP 2684 print-ers, manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corpora

Step2Prepare ribbon.Thermal transfer ribbons are available in gen-eral purpose wax (blue leader), general purposewax-resin (silver leader) and polyest

Step3Install ribbon.The ribbon feeds from the top of the roll towardthe back of the printer.The rear supply spindles provide back-tensionto avoid wrin

Step 4 Thread ribbonCaution: The ribbon follows a different pathfrom the labels. The ribbon threads above thebrackets that hold the media guides andtr

Step5Tighten ribbon.After you load media, hold the ribbon snug withthe thumb wheel and close the print head. Seelabel and tag (media) loading, page 14

Replacing TransferRibbonsIf the supply of ribbon runs out before finishinga print job, the indicator lights red and theprinter waits for you to add mo

Removing APartially UsedTransfer RibbonIf you must change a ribbon, you can remove apartially used transfer ribbon by following thesteps below.You can

Top Of FormSensingTo accommodate different media and mediadimensions, your printer is equipped with sen-sors capable of detecting the top of form for

Using AutoSense The AutoSense feature sets sensitivity of thetransmissive sensor and measures and storesthe form (label) and gap lengths.Perform this

Using AutoSense (cont.)If the indicator light turns AMBER or RED, seethe troubleshooting steps.30980350-001 Rev. AOperationWhen IndicatorFlashes, Rele

Cleaning YourPrinterYou have easy access to all of the printer’s me-dia path areas to allow for cleaning and clearingof media jams. You can clean the

iv980350-001 Rev. A

Cleaning thePrint HeadPeriodic cleaning improves print performance.Whenever new labels are loaded, the print headshould be cleaned with a cleaning pen

Cleaning Underthe Sensor BracketThe transmissive (gap) sensor guide bar bracketcan pivot up for easy cleaning.Step1Open the print head carriage.Step2C

Preparing Media,Paper, and LabelsBefore LoadingDuring shipment, the outside length of mediamay become dirty when handled or dusty whenstored. A prepar

Using the LabelDispenserPrinters with the label dispenser function (indi-cated by a T after the model number) can dis-pense a single label that is alr

Step3Remove a few labels and thread the liner.Step4Remove slack from the liner.36980350-001 Rev. AOperationPush LinerThrough SlotPull Liner Tight

Step5Close printer mechanisms.Keep liner tight against the dispenser bar.Adjust the media guides (refer to page 18).Step6Send your print job. You must

38980350-001 Rev. AOperation

Appendix ATroubleshootingThis section addresses the most common issuesyou may face with operation and configurationof the printer.Where to Start Your

Common Printing ProblemsTroubleshooting GuideProblem Solution or ReasonSTATUS indicatordoes not light GREENwhen power switch isturned to the ON (1)pos

Problem Solution or ReasonStatus Indicator is RED1. Check for Out-of-Media condition or missinglabels in the middle of a roll.2. Check for Out-of-Ribb

Table of ContentsInstallation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Introduction . . . . . . . . . . .

Serial InterfaceCommunicationConfigurationThe printer’s serial port is configured with theY command for the printer. See the EPL2 pro-grammer's m

Parallel InterfaceCable WiringThe figure below displays the cable wiringrequired to use the printer's Centronics parallelinterface.+5 volts at 30

Tag Media Sensing The printer uses a moveable sensor to detect in-dex holes/notches in tag stock. The sensor canmove from a center tag notch to a notc

Appendix BUsing the Media CutterPrinters with the cutter option have a bezel witha motorized blade. Printers with cutters can dis-pense a single form

Specifications Cutter warranty 90 daysBlade life 500,000 cutsMedia types Direct thermal paperPaper label linerTag stockMaximumThickness 0.0075 in. (0.

Clearing theCutterIf the media is crooked, a jam can occur. Theonly tool required to clear a jam is a pair of smalltweezers.Step1Prepare the printer.9

Step2Clear the jam.If the jam is inside the cutter, detach the cutterassembly from the printer. Press both bezel re-leases and pull the cutter up and

Step3Replace the cutter.Step4Check the cutter. Connect the power cord andinterface cable.980350-001 Rev. A49Using the Media CutterSnap Bezel BackIn Pl

General Cautions and WarningsThese pages describe general safety and maintenance warnings and cautions for the printer.They are referenced throughout

Media Cautions & Tips1) Always use high quality, approved labels and tags. Approvedsupplies can be ordered from your dealer.2) If poor quality, ad

viii980350-001 Rev. A

1InstallationThis section provides information on theinstallation of the printer and software.Introduction The printer models are low cost, manufactur