Page 1 User’s Manual T4204 Label Printer...
Page 3: Software License Agreement
The term "Software Product" includes the Software resident in the printer and its documentation. The Software Product is licensed (not sold) to you, and Printronix, Inc. either owns or licenses from other vendors who own, all copyright, trade secret, patent and other proprietary rights in the Software Product.
Page 4: Limited Software Product Warranty
LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 3. Printronix, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by delay in furnishing a Software Product or any other performance under this Agreement.
Page 5: Communication Notices
Termination of License Agreement This License shall continue until terminated. This license may be terminated by agreement between you and Printronix, Inc. or by Printronix, Inc. If you fail to comply with the terms of this License and such failure is not corrected within thirty (30) days after notice.
Page 6 This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EC Council Directive 89/336/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility. Printronix cannot accept responsibility for any failure to satisfy the protection requirements resulting from a non-recommended modification of the product, including the fitting of non-Printronix option cards.
Page 7: Trademark Acknowledgements
Trademark Acknowledgements Printronix, IGP, IGP/Auto Label Mapping, LinePrinter Plus, PGL, ThermaLine, and PrintNet are registered trademarks of Printronix, Inc. HP is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. PCL is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company. Code V is a trademark of QMS, Inc.
Page 8: Important Warranty Information
THERMAL PRINTHEAD Printronix warrants the printhead for a period of ninety (90) days, or 1,000,000 linear inches (Thermal Transfer/Direct Thermal) of use, whichever comes first. The warranty does not cover printheads that have been misused, damaged due to improper cleaning, or damaged due to use of improper ribbons or media.
Page 9: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Introduction... 13 Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk... 13 Warnings And Special Information ... 13 The T4204 Label Printer ... 14 Thermal Printer Technology ... 15 Media Selection ... 16 Ribbons... 16 Emulations ... 16 Unpacking The Printer ... 18 Printer Installation ...
Page 10 Table of Contents Changing Printer Settings ... 56 Saving A Configuration ... 57 Modifying A Saved Configuration ... 59 Printing A Configuration ... 60 Menu Options ... 65 CONFIG. CONTROL Menu... 65 Active IGP EMUL Menu ... 67 Emulation Menu ... 68 MAINT / MISC Menu ...
Page 11 B Printer Options ... 207 Hardware Options... 207 Interface Options ... 208 Supplies And Accessories ... 209 Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons... 209 Genuine Printronix Media... 210 Accessories ... 212 C Setting The Page Length ... 213 D ASCII Control Codes... 215 E Glossary ...
Page 12 Table of Contents...
Page 13: Introduction
Specifying the proper media and ribbon • Post sales service support questions Call the Printronix ThermaLine Help Desk at (714) 368-2488 or visit the Printronix Web Page at www.printronix.com. Warnings And Special Information For your safety and to protect valuable equipment, it is very important that you...
Page 14: The T4204 Label Printer
PRINTER CONTROL Print Speed The T4204 Label Printer The T4204 is a high quality, direct thermal and thermal transfer printer specifically designed for printing labels and tags, from any MS-DOS ® Windows , or ASCII based compatible computer.
Page 15: Thermal Printer Technology
Thermal Printer Technology Quiet and fast, with excellent print quality, the T4204 multifunction label printer uses an inline thermal printhead. The operation of a thermal printer is different from that of a line-matrix or laser printer. The thermal printer uses a printhead with heating elements and special paper or ribbon.
Page 16: Media Selection
Ribbons You should use a Genuine Printronix Thermal Ribbon in your printer. Printronix offers a wide range of thermal transfer media, such as film or synthetic paper substitutes that are excellent in their ability to transfer an image (print quality) and in scratch resistance (long storage). Most of these media options can be die-cut for easy label applications.
Page 17: Hardware Options
• PrintNet Servers Allows the user to attach the T4204 to a LAN (Local Area Network) rather than attaching it directly to a host system. PrintNet servers support Ethernet only. PrintNet servers are available as an internally installed factory option, mounted inside the printer with the 10Base-T (UTP) connection only.
Page 18: Bar Code Verification
CAUTION Damage to the printer interface connector may result from placing the T4204 printer on its backside during unpacking or handling. 1. Open the top (and right side) cover by lifting the lip on the lower right side of the cover.
Page 19 4. Remove the sample roll of Printronix ribbon and media from the support assembly and set them to one side. Legend: Tape securing label rewind clip Media Roll Guide Ribbon and Media Sample Rolls...
Page 20: Check List
• Sample Roll of Printronix Prime Wax Ribbon 4.33” x 164’ • Starter Kit Roll of Printronix 110 Media (100 4.0” x 6.0” labels) NOTE: If any items are missing, contact your dealer for replacement parts. Legend: Ribbon Take-Up Core (cardboard)
Page 21: Printer Installation
Printer Installation The following sections will guide you through the installation of the T4204. WARNING The printer should never be operated in a location where the operator and printer can get wet. Personal injury could result. WARNUNG Der Drucker sollte grundsätzlich nicht an einem Ort aufgestellt und betrieben werden, an denen der Benutzer oder der Drucker naß...
Page 22 AC Power Cord Power Switch Off (0) Position Power Switch On (l) Position WARNING Verify the required voltage on the printer’s model number label on the rear of the printer. WARNUNG Überprüfen Sie die erforderliche Spannung an dem Modellschild auf der Druckerrückseite.
Page 23 5. Attach The Interface Cable a. Parallel Interface Attach a suitable parallel printer cable from the computer to the Centronics interface connector at the back of the printer. Snap the bail locks to the Centronics connector to secure the interface cable to the printer.
Page 24 Chapter Printer Installation b. Serial Interface Attach a suitable serial printer cable from the computer to the DB-25 RS-232 Serial interface connector at the back of the printer. For additional information on serial cable wiring, refer to Chapter 4, page 185.
Page 25: Operation
Operation Controls & Indicators All of the T4204 printer controls and indicators, except for the power switch, are located on the front panel of the printer, on either the Primary Control Panel (upper keys), or the Secondary Control Panel (lower keys).
Page 26: The Power Switch
Printer Power Switch Powering On The Printer When you power on the printer, the T4204 executes a self-test. The default power-up state is online. Once the printer has successfully initialized, the ONLINE status indicator light will go on, and the LCD indicates the communication interface selected and the type of emulation installed.
Page 27: Operating Modes
Operating Modes Online - In online mode, the printer can receive and print data sent from the host. Pressing the PAUSE key toggles the printer between the online and offline mode. The ONLINE status indicator is lit in online mode.
Page 28: Loading Media
The term “media” as used in this manual refers to all the different kinds of paper, label, or tag stock material that can be printed on by the printer. Your T4204 can print on continuous paper, adhesive backed labels or non- adhesive tags packaged in roll or fanfold form.
Page 29: Loading Roll Media
3. Slide the media roll guide down to the end of the media support assembly. 4. Open the printhead assembly by pushing the release lever towards the back of the printer. The Printhead assembly will swing upwards. Legend: Top Cover...
Page 30 Chapter Loading Roll Media 5. Slide the media width adjustment tab to the outside stop of the media sensor assembly and rotate the tab up. Legend: Media Width Adjustment Tab...
Page 31 6. Slide a roll of media over the media roll guide and onto the support assembly. Media feeds from the top of the roll and towards the front of the printer. Push the roll to the back of the support and slide the roll guide against the outer edge of the media.
Page 32 Chapter Loading Roll Media 9. Close the printhead by pressing down on both sides of the front of the printhead assembly. 10. Adjust the media pressure control knob to match the width of the label stock in use. Media Width 2 inches or Less Greater Than 2 inches Legend:...
Page 33 11. Press the FEED key once to verify that the media advances. Verify that Print Mode in the Printer Configuration Menu is set for the media type installed (Direct or Transfer). If Thermal Transfer media is installed, see “Loading Ribbon” on page 38. The Print Mode submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu.
Page 34: Loading Fanfold Media
Loading Fanfold Media Loading Fanfold Media 1. Open the top (and right side) cover on the printer and the front door. 2. Remove the roll media from the media support assembly, if installed. 3. Place the fanfold media behind the printer and insert the first few labels through the rear panel opening.
Page 35 5. Slide the media width adjustment tab to the outside stop of the media sensor assembly and rotate the tab up. Legend: Media Width Adjustment Tab 6. Thread the media through the media sensor assembly and then between the platen (drive roller) and the printhead. Legend: Media Sensor Assembly Platen...
Page 36 Chapter Loading Fanfold Media 7. Rotate the media width adjustment tab down and slide it over until it is flush with the fanfold media. Check the location of the media sensor, and refer to “Sensor Assembly Horizontal Adjustment” on page 47. Legend: Media Width Adjustment Tab 8.
Page 37 Failure to do so may cause a premature failure of the printhead. 10. Press the FEED key once to verify that the labels advance. Verify that Print Mode in the Printer Configuration Menu is set for the media type installed (Direct or Transfer). If Thermal Transfer media is installed, see “Loading Ribbon”...
Page 38: Loading Ribbon
Skip this section when using Direct Thermal Media. 1. Slide the appropriate thermal transfer ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle and open the Printhead assembly by pushing the release lever towards the back of the printer. Legend: Ribbon Supply Spindle...
Page 39 For easy ribbon threading, slide half of the ribbon between the side of the label sensor assembly and the printhead bracket. Guide it from the side of the printer through the ribbon path. Legend: Ribbon Take-up Spindle...
Page 40 Attach the ribbon to the take-up core (fiberboard tube) with tape. When installing a new roll of Printronix ribbon, fold the ribbon just behind the adhesive strip and attach the strip to the ribbon take-up core.
Page 41: Label Rewinding
Label Rewinding The printer can be set up to automatically rewind labels into a roll by using the label rewinder. 1. Remove the front door insert cover from the front door by sliding the insert cover up to unlock it, then pushing it out of the front of the door assembly.
Page 42 Chapter Label Rewinding 3. Hook the two stepped tabs of the label rewind bracket onto the two notches on the top edge of the platen roller assembly’s tear-bar plate. Swing the bracket down. Align the bracket’s tabs with the platen’s bracket reference holes and insert them.
Page 43 Slide the label rewind clip over the label liner end and onto the label rewinder spindle. c. Fold the label liner over the clip to the back of the printer. This helps lock in the liner. d. Press the FEED key until the label liner is taut.
Page 44: Label Peel Off
2. For Peel-Off mode, flip the label taken sensor gate down. 3. If the label rewinder bracket is mounted on the platen tear bar assembly at the front of the printer, remove it and secure it in the stored position as shown.
Page 45 Slide the label rewind clip over the label liner end and onto the label rewinder spindle. Legend: Label Rewinder Spindle Label Liner 8. Fold the label liner over the clip to the back of the printer. This helps lock in the liner. Legend: Label Rewind Clip...
Page 46 10. For automatic label peel-off mode, set Media Handling to Peel-Off in the configuration menu. The Media Handling submenu is located in the PRINTER CONTROL Main Configuration menu. See Chapter 3 for more information on configuring the printer. Close the printer’s front door and top (and side) cover.
Page 47: Label Variations And The Label Sensor
Label Variations And The Label Sensor Your T4204 is equipped with a transmissive sensor that detects the gap between labels while they are being printed. The trailing edge of the gap establishes the Top-of-Form position. This feature depends on the ability of the sensor to “see through”...
Page 48: Calibrating The Transmissive And Reflective Sensors
Due to manufacturing differences in transmissive and reflective label stock, the sensors may have difficulty distinguishing between the label and the liner (gap) or the label and the black mark. When this occurs, the printer will display an error message on the LCD such as “GAP NOT DETECTED Check Media”...
Page 49: Run Calibrate Procedure
Horizontal Adjustment” on page 47.) 1. Press and release the PAUSE key to place the printer offline. 2. Open the printer front door to allow access to the Secondary Control Panel. 3. Press and release the UP and DOWN ( unlock the printer menu.
Page 50: Cleaning The Printhead
(thermal transfer mode) or install new media (direct thermal mode).Clean the printhead with the printhead Cleaning Pen supplied with the printer, or with Isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab. 1. Open the printhead assembly.
Page 51: Configuring The Printer
Configuring The Printer Overview Changing printer settings, such as print speed or emulation, is referred to as configuration. The configuration process is done using the secondary control panel and includes the following: • Configuring the printer for different host interface options •...
Page 52 Pressing the UP and DOWN keys at the same time unlocks the ENTER key and permits value selection. This key causes the printer to go up one level in the menu structure UP ( (offline mode only).
Page 53: Using The Secondary Control Panel
Moving Within The Configuration Menu To configure the printer, it must be offline. If the ONLINE indicator is lit, press and release the PAUSE key to place the printer offline. When the printer is offline, OFFLINE appears on the top line of the LCD and CONFIG. CONTROL appears on the next line.
Page 54 Set Lock Key Auto Label Map Compatibility Power Saver Time FONT DIAGNOSTICS MEMORY page 97 page 100 Printer Tests Max Char Memory System Memory Max Cache Memory Print Statistics Max Cache Size Max Cached Char Max Fonts Loaded Font Weight...
Page 55: Selecting A Menu Option
Figure 3. Moving within the Configuration Menu Selecting A Menu Option By default, the ENTER key is “locked” when the printer is turned on. This prevents accidental changes to the configuration menu. If you press the ENTER key when the key is locked, the message “ENTER SWITCH LOCKED”...
Page 56: Changing Printer Settings
To save configuration information permanently or to select it as the power-up default, see page 57. Changing Printer Settings 1. Make sure the printer is offline. If the ONLINE indicator is lit, press the PAUSE key. The following message will display: OFFLINE CONFIG CONTROL 2.
Page 57: Saving A Configuration
If you do not save your configuration (to the non-volatile memory) before you turn off the printer, any changes made to that current configuration will be lost. NOTE: If the Protect Configs. option is enabled, the new configuration will not be saved unless the existing configuration has been deleted.
Page 58 Chapter Menu Navigation Follow these steps to save a new configuration: 1. Press the PAUSE key to take the printer offline. The following message displays: OFFLINE CONFIG. CONTROL 2. Press the CONFIG CONTROL Load Config. 3. Press the CONFIG CONTROL Save Config.
Page 59: Modifying A Saved Configuration
Selects Page Length of 24 inches Selects Image Horizontal Shift of 0.20 inches, etc. 1. Load the configuration to be changed (for example, Config. 1). a. Press the PAUSE key to take the printer offline. OFFLINE CONFIG. CONTROL b. Press the CONFIG.
Page 60: Printing A Configuration
Printing A Configuration Print and store your configurations for future reference. The printout provides a list of the parameters that were set when you configured the printer. A sample configuration printout is shown in Figure 4. To print a configuration: 1.
Page 61 Factory Power-Up 1-8 customized configurations 6. When the desired option displays, press the ENTER key. The printer prints the specified configuration. Refer to Figure 4, for a sample configuration printout. NOTE: If the configuration you want to print has not been saved, the following message will display momentarily: CONFIG.
Page 62 Chapter Menu Navigation Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 1 of 3)
Page 63 Printing A Configuration Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 2 of 3)
Page 64 Chapter Menu Navigation Figure 4. Sample Configuration Printout (sheet 3 of 3)
Page 65: Menu Options
This eliminates the need to change the parameter settings for each new job. The configurations are stored in memory, and will not be lost if you turn off the printer. If the Protect Configs. parameter is enabled, the new configuration will not be saved unless the existing configuration has been deleted first.
Page 66: Delete Config
Chapter Menu Options Print Config. This option is used to print a listing of various stored printer configurations. It is recommended you store printouts of your configurations in a safe place for quick referral. Delete Config. You can delete one or all of your eight customized configurations. The factory default configuration cannot be deleted.
Page 67: Active Igp Emul Menu
(see the appropriate Programmer’s Reference Manual for details ). When changing from one IGP emulation to the other, the printer will load the Power-up configuration. Thus, any setting performed before selecting those emulations and not saved in NVRAM will be lost.
Page 68: Emulation Menu
IGP/PGL, or IGP/VGL. The CTHI emulation is available when the Coax/Twinax option is installed. The contents of the emulation menu structure will be created by the printer at run-time, and, when powered up, the printer will automatically load the default configuration values.
Page 69: Maint / Misc Menu
MAINT / MISC Menu MAINT/MISC (from page 54) Alarm Power-up State Online* Cont. Beep Offline File System File System Overwrite Files Enable* Disable Char. View File List Operations File 1 File 2 Delete frm Flash etc. Load from Flash Delete Files Save to Flash File 1 Delete from RAM...
Page 70: Hex Dump Mode
A hex dump lists each ASCII data character received from the host computer, together with its corresponding two-digit hexadecimal code. Hex dumps can be used to troubleshoot some types of printer data reception problems. Hex Dump Mode is supported with a minimum media width of 4.10 inches.
Page 71: Downloaded Fonts
Print File List. Prints a summary of the files stored in flash memory and several statistics on File System usage. IMPORTANT Do not turn the printer off until it has completely rebooted and is either back online or offline. Cancel Key When enabled, the CANCEL key may be used to clear all data in the print buffer without printing any of the data.
Page 72: Set Lock Key
Menu Options Set Lock Key Normally, to lock or unlock the printer menu, the UP and DOWN keys are pressed at the same time. The Set Lock Key parameter lets you choose different keys to lock or unlock the printer menu. You may choose almost any group of keys as the new lock and unlock keys.
Page 73: Auto Map Select
Problem: A file has been constructed with two horizontally adjacent 4 inch labels for a printer with a physical width of 8 inches. The user now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width.
Page 74 Example 2: Uneven Number Case Problem: A file has been constructed with three horizontally adjacent 2 inch labels. The user now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width. Solution #1: The user sets Auto Label Width to 4 inches (the width of two labels), configures the Num Auto Labels to 2, and enables the Auto Label Mapping feature.
Page 75 Problem: A file exists with two horizontally adjacent 4 inch labels. The user now desires to use this file with a printer that has a 4 inch physical width. The user decides to set the Num Labels to 3 and the Label Width to 4 inches despite the fact that these values are not optimum.
Page 76: Power Saver Time
Chapter Menu Options Compatibility This parameter allows you to make the T4204 thermal printer compatible with other printers. When trying to preserve compatibility with respect to barcodes, you may not always be able to make them equal in size. This is due to the various Dot-Per- Inch differences between printer types.
Page 77: Host Interface Menu
HOST INTERFACE Menu HOST INTERFACE (from page 54) Twinax Coax Auto Switching (Available with (Available with CT Option) CT Option) Parallel Serial Hotport Hotport Port Type Port Type Centronics* RS-232* Dataproducts RS-422 IEEE 1284 Disable Ethernet Trickle Time Disable 1/4 sec.* Trickle Time 1/2 sec.
Page 78: Auto Switching
Serial Hotport menu, and Disable under the C/T Hotport menu. Trickle Time When the printer is printing data from a host and a second job is received by the printer from a different host, Trickle Time prevents the second host from timing out while it is waiting for its data to be printed.
Page 79: Report Status
Timeout This is the value used by the printer to time out from the current port and check the other selected Port Types for data to print. When the printer has not received data from the host after certain period of time, it needs to Timeout in order to service the other ports.
Page 80: Data Polarity
• Enable. Allows access to the extended ASCII character set. • Disable. The printer interprets bit 8 of each incoming data character as a zero, regardless of its actual setting. PI Ignored The PI (Paper Instruction) signal is used to control vertical paper motion.
Page 81: Response Polarity
Response Polarity The Response Polarity parameter must be set to match the response polarity of your host computer. • Standard. Does not invert the response signal. • Inverted. Inverts the response signal sent to the host computer. Busy On Strobe •...
Page 82: Interface Type
• XON / XOFF. The printer controls the flow of communication from the host by turning the transmission on and off. In some situations, such as when the buffer is full or the timing of signals is too slow or too fast, the printer will tell the host to stop transmission by sending an XOFF character.
Page 83 75 percent of the buffer size. If a poll character is received (configurable from the Poll Character xx Hex option on the front panel from 00 through FF hex), the printer will send a response character n milliseconds later (configurable from the Poll Character xx MS on the front panel from 0 through 30).
Page 84: Word Length
If there is enough room in the printer buffer, the printer will send a high signal; if the buffer is full the printer will send a low signal. DTR tells the host if it is safe to send more data. (If the host sends data during an unsafe condition, data will be lost.) DTR is not available when RS-422 is...
Page 85: Data Terminal Ready
On-Line and BNF. Asserts the RTS signal when the printer is online and the internal serial buffer is not full. • Off-Line or BF. Asserts the RTS signal when the printer is offline or the internal serial buffer is full. •...
Page 86: Poll Response
It may be configured from 0 through 30. Idle Response This option is for the Series1 protocol. When enabled, the printer will send a response character every two seconds while the number of valid bytes in the buffer is less than 75 percent of the buffer size.
Page 87: Printer Status
Disabled - Printer status ignored. ENQ and ENQ/STX When enabled, the printer responds to an ENQ signal by sending a status byte to the host. The type of status byte is determined by a Front Panel menu selection. The selections allowed are ENQ and ENQ/STX. The ENQ is removed from the data stream.
Page 88: Ieee 1284 Parallel (Bidirectional)
Chapter Menu Options IEEE 1284 Parallel (Bidirectional) HOST INTERFACE IEEE 1284 (from page 77) Prime Signal Enable* Disable The IEEE 1284 interface is faster and more versatile than Centronics and supports bidirectional communication. Chapter 5 discusses the available modes (Compatibility, Nibble, and Byte) in more detail. Configuration of this interface is controlled from the host.
Page 89 (from page 77) Buffer Size In (1-16) The Ethernet interface allows you to locate the printer on a LAN rather than attach the host directly into the printer. The detailed configuration of this option is given in the PrintNet User’s Manual .
Page 90: Ethernet Parameters Menu
Ethernet 802.2 Ethernet 802.3 802.2 Snap The ETHERNET PARAMS menu is available only when the Printronix PrintNet option is installed. This menu is for configuring your printer for network operation. For information on assigning the IP Address, Gateway Address, Subnet Mask and MAC Address, refer to the PrintNet User’s Manual .
Page 91: Printer Control Menu
Printer Control Menu PRINTER CONTROL from page 54 Page Width Page Length Width In Width in MM Length in Inches 00.1 inches 2.5 mm 00.1 inches 00.2 inches 2.6 mm 06.0 inches* 04.1 inches* 104.1 mm* 99.0 inches Print Mode...
Page 92: Page Length
TOF position. However, if the Clip Page menu option = Enabled, the printer will clip the page to fit the physical page and the data not printed will be lost. See Appendix C for details regarding user-selected page length vs.
Page 93: Media Sensor
1.7 inches will extend the range limits of the Page Length and permit a longer Page Length selection (99.0 inches maximum). Print Speed This option specifies the speed at which the media passes through the printer. This parameter has a significant effect on print quality (see Print Intensity below).
Page 94: Media Handling
• Peel-Off. Prints and peels die-cut labels from the liner without assistance. The printer waits for you to take away the label before printing the next one (on-demand printing). The label backing is rewound on the internal rewinder. A LABEL PRESENT/Remove Label message will display to remind you to remove the label before the next one can be printed.
Page 95 The factory default for Sensed Distance is 0.00 inches. This value is automatically determined only after successful completion of the Run Calibrate procedure and cannot be changed manually. Printer Control Menu...
Page 96: Error Recovery
Menu Options Tear-Strip Time When using Tear-Off Strip media handling, the Tear-Strip Time option specifies the number of seconds after the buffer is empty that the printer will wait before it advances media to the tear off position. Clip Page This option determines how the printer handles images that are too large for one physical page length.
Page 97: Font Memory Menu
This option allows the user to set the amount of memory reserved for scalable font caching. The maximum amount of memory which can be selected is determined by the total amount of memory installed in the printer. Font Memory from page 54...
Page 98: Activating Font Memory Options
The Maximum Cache Memory option specifies the size of the memory block that can be allocated to the font cache. The font cache stores bitmaps that are created on demand from the font outlines stored on the printer flash. The cache allows the printer to print scalable fonts at optimum speed.
Page 99: Installed Fonts
Max Fonts Loaded The Maximum Fonts Loaded option specifies the number of scalable font outlines that can be concurrently loaded into DRAM in the printer. The allowable range is 1 through 20 fonts, in 1-font increments. The default value for this parameter is 5 fonts.
Page 100: Diagnostics Menu
E-net Test Page Printer Tests These tests are used to check the print quality and operation of the printer. NOTE: Your authorized service representative will typically run the tests. They are described in more detail in the Maintenance Manual .
Page 101: Print Statistics
You can view various printer statistics and refer to them for preventive maintenance purposes. Printer statistics accumulate continuously; they do not reset when you turn off the printer. All of the printer statistics are set to zero at the factory after burn-in testing.
Page 102: Igp/Pgl Emulation
IGP/PGL Emulation The PGL emulation is the software based Intelligent Graphics Printing (IGP) for the thermal family of Printronix printers. It is based upon, and is compatible with, the Printronix IGP-100/200/400 board using the Printronix Graphics Language (PGL). The IGP graphics processing features are detailed below.
Page 103: Configuring The Emulation With The Control Panel
IGP/PGL Programmer’s Reference Manual. The PGL parameters are described on the following pages. Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) indicate the default value. The printer must be offline to enter the configuration structure. Pressing an invalid key to enter a parameter value may move you to another level in the configuration or exit the configuration menu completely.
Page 104: Igp/Pgl Submenu
Chapter IGP/PGL Emulation IGP/PGL Submenu EMULATION IGP/PGL (from page 68) Define CR Define LF Code Code CR = CR* LF = LF* Disable* CR = CR + LF LF = CR + LF Enable Select Font Slash 0 (see page 111) Disable* Disable* Enable Enable...
Page 105: Define Cr Code (Carriage Return)
Define CR Code (Carriage Return) This parameter forces the printer to insert an automatic Line Feed code into the data stream whenever a Carriage Return code occurs. This is to be used only if the host computer does not send Line Feeds to the printer.
Page 106: Auto Uppercase
If the last page of a job is not full, that is, the data does not fill the entire page, you can instruct the printer to eject the page or to stop and hold the page at the last print position.
Page 107: Extended Execute Copy
• Disable. The printer will print all data before an IGP command. Power On IGP/PGL You can set the IGP feature so that it is enabled or disabled when the printer is powered on. • Enable. The PGL is enabled when the printer is powered on. (The PGL feature is initialized in the Normal mode.)
Page 108: Upc Descenders
Chapter IGP/PGL Emulation Barcode Options Barcode Options (from page 104) Descenders Always* Never Only with PDF The following sub-options help define specific options regarding barcode printing. UPC Descenders This parameter allows you to print bar code descenders when human readable data is not presented in the UPC/EAN bar codes. •...
Page 109: Host Form Length
Enable. The physical page length will change to match the form length (defined in CREATE mode). The physical page size remains at the new setting until another EXECUTE command is received, or the PRINTER CONTROL menu settings are changed. NOTE: Changing the form length via the EXECUTE command changes the LP+ logical dimensions.
Page 110: Error Report
CREATE form name. • Fault. The printer will halt if an IGP/PGL error occurs. When “Fault” is selected, the IGP/PGL error will be printed and the message “IGP/PGL Error” will be displayed on the front panel, followed by the printer going offline.
Page 111 IGP/PGL Character Set Menu Select Font (see page 104) Standard Sets* Arabic Sets 0) ASCII* ASMO 449* 1) German ASMO 449+ 2) Swedish ASMO 708 3) Danish ASMO 708+ 4) Norwegian MS DOS CP710 5) Finnish MS DOS CP720 6) English Sakr CP 714 7) Dutch Aptec CP715...
Page 112: Igp/Vgl Emulation
IGP/VGL Emulation Code V Graphics language (VGL) is an Intelligent Graphics Printing (IGP) software emulation designed for your thermal printer. The IGP Code V emulation of the QMS Code V Version II programming language produces on-line forms, bar codes, and alphanumeric text-generation. The graphics processing features are detailed below.
Page 113: Configuring The Vgl With The Control Panel
IGP/VGL Programmer’s Reference Manual . The VGL parameters are described on the following pages. Parameters marked with an asterisk (*) indicate the default value. The printer must be offline to enter the configuration structure.
Page 114: Sfcc & Pwrup
Char 2 Offpage Errors Char 1 & 2 Disable*/Enable Ignore Ch#1 Barcode Errors 0* (0-255) Enable*/Disable Ignore Ch#2 0* (0-255) Data Bit 8 Enable*/Disable PI Control Printer PI Disable*/Enable Host PI Disable*/Enable Max PI 16 Enable*/Disable * = Factory Default Setup...
Page 115: Page Format
Host Forms Length • Sets the printer page size. DISABLE sets the printer page size equal to the Page Length set in the front panel under the PRINTER CONTROL menu. ENABLE sets the printer page length equal to the software host form length.
Page 116: Graphics Options
Chapter IGP/VGL Emulation Graphics Options Graphics Options (from page 114) Slash 0 Ignore Dots Disable* Disable* Disable* Enable Enable Enable Rot. Char Size Ignore Spaces Descenders Enable* Adjusted* Disable* Disable Not Adjusted Enable Following are several options which configure printing output. Slash 0 This parameter allows you to print the numeral “0”...
Page 117 Absorb All. The system ignores all the data and terminator until a host generated terminator is detected. • Disable. System terminators following a graphics command are sent to the printer and result in paper motion. UPC Descenders • Enable. UPC/EAN bar codes are printed with descenders, even if there is no human readable data.
Page 118 00 through 40 (0.0 through 4.0 inches). Absorb After ^PN • Disable. All line terminators that immediately follow the ^PN command are sent to the printer and processed. • Enable. All line terminators that immediately follow the ^PN command are ignored. Height Param.
Page 119: Error Handling
Error Handling Following are several options which define how errors are reported. Error Msgs • Enable. Command syntax is checked and error messages printed when command parameters are incorrect. • Disable. Error checking and error messages are suppressed. Error Markers •...
Page 120: Ignore Chars
0 through 255. Data Bit 8 • Enable. The PI line is not passed directly from host to printer; all 8 bits are used for data bits, and characters in the hex 80-FF range can be accessed. •...
Page 121: Font Options
Disable. The position of the next graphic element will be determined as if the font was monospaced (all characters had the same specified width). PI Control Printer PI • Disable. The ASCII emulation is configured with the PI line disabled.
Page 122 Disable. The host does not send PI signals. • Enable. The host sends PI signals. The Data Bit 8 configuration option must be disabled to transmit the PI line to the printer. Max PI 16 • Enable. A paper slew of 0-15 will move 1-16 lines.
Page 123: Igp/Vgl Character Set Menu
IGP/VGL Character Set Menu Font Options (from page 114) Font Sets* Uniform Fonts Disable* Enable Standard Sets* Arabic Sets 0) ASCII* ASMO 449* 1) German ASMO 449+ 2) Swedish ASMO 708 3) Danish ASMO 708+ 4) Norwegian MS DOS CP710 5) Finnish MS DOS CP720 6) English...
Page 124: Lineprinter Plus Emulation
Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation LinePrinter Plus Emulation EMULATION (from page 68) LinePrinter+ Printer Orientation Protocol (see next page) Portrait* Landscape Inv. Portrait Inv. Landscape Plot Attributes Page Format (see page 130) Horizontal DPI 120* DPI (60-400) Vertical DPI (72*-400) * = Factory Default...
Page 125: Lineprinter Plus Submenus
LinePrinter Plus Submenus Printer Protocol (from page 124) P-Series P-Series XQ Serial Matrix (see page 132) (see page 136) (see page 139) (see page 142) (see page 145) Font Attributes (from page 124) Typeface Prop. Spacing Bold Print Letter Gothic*...
Page 126: Printer Protocol
The top edge of the image is parallel to the trailing edge of the media. The following illustration is an example, with the operator viewing the front of the printer. FEED...
Page 127: Font Attributes
The top edge of the image is the right edge of the media (the left edge of the image is the trailing edge of the media). The following illustration is an example, with the operator viewing the front of the printer. 4 inches FEED...
Page 128: Bold Print
Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation Proportional Spacing Each printed character is contained inside a character cell. The width of the character cell includes the character and the space around the character. • Disable. Each character cell is printed with the same width. Each column in the printed text will line up.
Page 129 Although the range allows a selection of up to 400 dpi, the T4204 is only capable of printing up to 203 dpi horizontal and vertical resolution.
Page 130 Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation Page Format Page Format (from page 124) Form Length Form Width Absolute Length Absolute Width 6* inches 4.1* inches (00.0-24.0) (0.0-13.6) Funct. of LPI Funct. of CPI 36* lines 41* Characters (0-144) (1-272) Margins - Logical Form •...
Page 131 CPI (characters per inch). The forms width set should not exceed the actual paper width. Host Forms Length • Disable. The default. Sets the form length equal to the PRINTER CONTROL menu Page Length value. • Enable. Sets the form length equal to the form length specified in a host software command.
Page 132: Lineprinter Plus P-Series Emulation
Define CR Code This option controls the action of the printer when it receives a Carriage Return code (hex 0D) from the host computer. If this feature is enabled, each time the printer receives a Carriage Return, it inserts an additional Line Feed code (hex 0A) into the data stream.
Page 133: Define Lf Code
Auto LF This option defines the printer action when print data is received past the forms width setting. • Disable. Discards any data past the forms width. • Enable. Performs an automatic carriage return and line feed when data is received past the forms width.
Page 134: Sfcc D Command
Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation Alt. Set 80-9F Determines whether the printer processes ASCII codes hex 80 through hex 9F as control codes or as printable characters. Character Set Specifies a character set as shown in the page 135. To use one of these sets, choose the desired group heading (such as European Sets) and press ENTER.
Page 135: P-Series Character Set Menu
P-Series Character Set Menu Character Set (from page 132) Standard Sets* Cyrillic Sets Arabic Sets ASMO 449* Cyrillic 866* ASMO 449+ Cyrillic CP 437 ASMO 708 Cyrillic 113 ASMO 708+ Cyrillic 8859-5 MSDOS CP710 ISO 915 MSDOS CP720 Code Page 855 Sakr CP 714 Cyrillic 7-bit Aptec CP715...
Page 136: Lineprinter Plus P-Series Xq Emulation
6, 8 or 10.3 LPI. Define CR Code This option controls the action of the printer when it receives a Carriage Return code (hex 0D) from the host computer. If this feature is enabled, each time the printer receives a Carriage Return, it inserts an additional Line Feed code (hex 0A) into the data stream.
Page 137: Compressed Print
• Disable. Disables all VFU processing. Upper Case Select Controls how the printer handles lowercase characters it receives from the host computer. When enabled, all characters will be printed in uppercase. • Disable. Prints lowercase characters received from the host computer as lowercase, and uppercase characters received from the computer as uppercase.
Page 138: Slew Relative
Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation Slew Relative “Slewing” is rapid vertical paper movement. This parameter determines the number of lines slewed (either 1-15 lines or 1-16 lines) when an EVFU Slew Relative command is received.
Page 139: Lineprinter Plus Serial Matrix Emulation
CR = CR + LF. Inserts an extra Line Feed after each Carriage Return. The next print position will be print position 1 of the next line. Auto LF The Auto LF option defines the printer actions when print data is received past the forms width setting. •...
Page 140: Printer Select
Printer Select • Disable. Ignores the ASCII DC1 and DC3 control codes. • Enable. Disables the printer when a DC1 control code is received, and enables the printer when a DC3 control code is received. Alternate Set 80-9F • Control Code. Interprets data in the range of hex 80 through hex 9F as a control code.
Page 141: Serial Matrix Character Set Menu
Serial Matrix Character Set Menu Character Set (from page 139) Standard Sets* Cyrillic Sets Arabic Sets ASMO 449* Cyrillic 866* ASMO 449+ Cyrillic CP 437 ASMO 708 Cyrillic 113 ASMO 708+ Cyrillic 8859-5 MSDOS CP710 ISO 915 MSDOS CP720 Code Page 855 Sakr CP 714 Cyrillic 7-bit Aptec CP715...
Page 142: Lineprinter Plus Proprinter Xl Emulation
Disable Define CR Code This option controls the action of the printer when it receives a Carriage Return code (hex 0D) from the host computer. If this feature is enabled, each time the printer receives a Carriage Return, it inserts an additional Line Feed code (hex 0A) into the data stream.
Page 143 • Disable. Does not compress print widths, even if condensed print is chosen by the host. Alt. Set 80-9F Determines whether the printer processes ASCII codes hex 80 through hex 9F as control codes or as printable characters.
Page 144: Proprinter Xl Character Set Menu
Chapter LinePrinter Plus Emulation Proprinter XL Character Set Menu Character Set (from page 142) Standard Sets* Arabic Sets Cyrillic Sets ASMO 449* Cyrillic 866* ASMO 449+ Cyrillic CP 437 ASMO 708 Cyrillic 113 ASMO 708+ Cyrillic 8859-5 MSDOS CP710 ISO 915 MSDOS CP720 Code Page 855 Sakr CP 714...
Page 145: Lineprinter Plus Epson Fx Emulation
Printable Define CR Code The Define CR Code option controls the action of the printer when it receives a Carriage Return code (hex 0D) from the host computer. If this feature is enabled, each time the printer receives a Carriage Return, it inserts an additional Line Feed code (hex 0A) into the data stream.
Page 146 LinePrinter Plus Emulation Define LF Code The Define LF Code option controls the action of the printer when it receives a Line Feed code (hex 0A) from the host computer. If this feature is enabled, each time the printer receives a Line Feed, it inserts an additional Carriage Return code (hex 0D) into the data stream.
Page 147: Lineprinter Plus Epson Fx Character Set Menu
LinePrinter Plus Epson FX Character Set Menu Character Set (from page 145) Standard Sets* Arabic Sets Cyrillic Sets ASMO 449* Cyrillic 866* ASMO 449+ Cyrillic CP 437 ASMO 708 Cyrillic 113 ASMO 708+ Cyrillic 8859-5 MSDOS CP710 ISO 915 MSDOS CP720 Code Page 855 Sakr CP 714 Cyrillic 7-bit...
Page 148: Coax/Twinax Emulation
The Simple Protocol Converter (SPC) option allows those who use third party add-on coax or twinax protocol converters to produce the same output on a Printronix thermal printer with the Coax/Twinax (CTHI) capability as done using a non-CT printer with the third party converter interfaces.
Page 149 The SPC gives the printer the operational ability to connect to any PC, or network system supporting parallel or serial interfaces, and to three different IBM host systems: • System 3x • AS/400 • 3270 Mainframes The SPC will support the following third party models for Twinax: MODE 219, MODE IBM, and MODE P5000.
Page 150: Coax Emulation Menu
Compatibility Send to Host* (see page 151) Default* Do Not Send Max. Print Buffer Print Width 13.2 inches* Disable* Printer Width Enable * = Factory Default Transparent Lead-in Chars Set 1 <%>* Set 2 Set 3 _%_ Alt. Set 80-9F...
Page 151: Translation Table
Active Char Set Selects which group of character sets (Primary or Secondary) will be active. PA1 is only valid when the printer is in the offline state and the coax Systems Network Architecture Character Set (SCS) data stream is active. This function displays the “PA1 ENABLED”...
Page 152: Scs Buffer Control
Chapter Coax/Twinax Emulation PA2 is only valid when the printer is in the offline state and the coax SCS data stream is active. This function displays the “PA2 ENABLED” message when the ENTER key is pressed and sends a special operator request to the host when the printer is put back in online mode.
Page 153: Change Case
Specifies the font as Mono or Dual case. This option is available only in non- SCS mode. The host will be notified of the change when the printer is put online. Mono Case prints the same as Dual Case if the character set is one of the following “right to left”...
Page 154: Compatibility Options
Allows you to select 4K or 2K as the image buffer size. This option is only valid when printer emulates 3287. For the 4234 emulation, the buffer size is fixed at 4K. A POR status is sent to the host when the printer is put online. Intervention Req •...
Page 155 Allows you to select the location of the print position after a form feed command is sent. • Off. Sets the printer to print at position 2 of the first print line on the next form. • On. Sets the printer to print at print position 1 of the first print line on the next form.
Page 156: Translate Table
Off. Performs an automatic new line command after completing a print buffer (unless a new line, form feed or carriage return command was the last one executed). The printer is set to print at print position 1 of the next line.
Page 157: Format Control
Set the maximum print width the printer will print when using a C/T host interface. • 13.2 inches • Printer Width (the width of the T4204, or 4.10 inches) Buffer Print • Disable. The printer will print normally. • Enable. The printer prints the EBCDIC data and control codes received from the host as hex values.
Page 158: Twinax Emulation Menu
Set 1 <%>* Disable (40-FE hex) Set 2 Set 3 _%_ Printable* Control Code Host Override Format Control Max. Print Width Disable* Disable* 13.2 inches* Enable Enable Printer Width * = Factory Default LAC Option Enable* Disable Buffer Print Disable* Enable...
Page 159 0924 Latin 9 0893 OCR B 0500 Internat 5 Specifies the print language used by the printer. Character sets are shown in detail in the Character Sets Reference Manual . Translation Table Prints out a table of the twinax interface’s current character set. This operation is valid only when the twinax interface is the current interface (see page 77).
Page 160: Ptx Transparent
Enable. Cancels all buffers when a job is put on hold from the host, or the CANCEL key is pressed. • Disable. Does not cancel any internal buffer in the printer when a job is put on hold from the host, or the CANCEL key is pressed. PTX Transparent Lead-in Char.
Page 161: Lac Approx
Off. Passes the character data through the printer without conversion. Set Text Orientn Specifies the direction in which characters are printed on the page. This allows the printer to print languages that are printed right to left instead of left to right. •...
Page 162: Host Override
Max. Print Width Set the maximum print width. • 13.2 inches • Printer Width (the width of the T4204, or 4.10 inches) Buffer Print • Disable. The printer will print normally. • Enable. The printer prints the EBCDIC data and control codes received from the host as hex values.
Page 163: Spc Coax Params
• PTX NI (Printronix Non-impact). This option causes the printer to not line wrap at 132 characters. Logical Buff Size Refers to the size of the printer buffer, which should be set the same as the host screen (buffer) size.
Page 164: Spc Null Suppression
Refer to the Coax/Twinax Programmer’s Reference Manual for more information about SCS. PA2 is only valid when the printer is in the OFFLINE state and the coax SCS data stream is active. This function displays the “PA2 ENABLED” message when the ENTER key is pressed and sends a special operator request to the host when the printer is put online.
Page 165: Spc Twx Params
Simp Prot Conv SPC Twx Params Device SPC Type Translation Tbl Address (0-6) Mode PTX NI* MODE 219 Printer Type SPC Char Set Impact/P-Series* 0500 Internat 5* STD Centronics 0037 English US IGP/VGL 0273 Austr/Germ IGP/PGL 0274 Belg. Old SFCC Char...
Page 166 Allows you to select a specific type of Simple Protocol Converter (SPC) Twinax emulation. Mode PTX NI is for Coax/Twinax interfaces, MODE 219 for Model 219 protocol converter, MODE P5000 for Printronix protocol convertor, and MODE IBM for the IBM protocol converter.
Page 167: Loading Flash Memory
3. Set the printer power switch to O (off). 4. If the printer is already connected to the serial or parallel port of a computer capable of running an MS-DOS based PKZIP file, go to step 11. If not, go to step 5.
Page 168 The load commands are different if you use this port, as described in the note after step 26. 8. Connect the data cable to the appropriate I/O port of the printer. 9. Plug the AC power cord into the printer.
Page 169 RS422-38.4K (RS-422 serial, 38400 baud) RS422-115K (RS-422 serial, 115000 baud) 25. When the printer download port you want to use is displayed on the LCD, press ENTER. “WAITING DOWNLOAD / PORT = < your selection > appears on the display.
Page 170: Downloading Optional Font Files To Flash Memory
30. Remove the diskette from the computer and store it with the printer. 31. Power off the computer. 32. If you had to install a data cable to the computer and printer in step 7, disconnect it from the computer and printer.
Page 171 RS422-19.2 (RS-422 serial, 19200 baud) RS422-38.4K (RS-422 serial, 38400 baud) RS422-115K (RS-422 serial, 115000 baud) DEBUG 12. When the printer download port you want to use is displayed on the LCD, press ENTER. “WAITING DOWNLOAD / PORT” = <your selection> appears on the display.
Page 172 NOTE: The optional font typefaces cannot be selected via the printer control panel, they can only be selected via software command from the host. 16. Press the PAUSE key to place the printer Online and return the printer to normal operation.
Page 173 The printer encountered an error trying to DID NOT PROGRAM program flash memory. ERROR: FLASH The printer could not find any flash memory. Reseat or replace Flash NOT DETECTED ERROR: FLASH TYPE The printer does not recognize the type of NOT SUPPORTED flash memory installed.
Page 174 ERROR: PROGRAM The printer is not compatible with the NOT COMPATIBLE downloaded program. ERROR: PROGRAM The printer does not see a program in flash NOT VALID memory. ERROR: SECURITY The security PAL is not present or has PAL NOT DETECTED failed.
Page 175 The printer received the complete program CHECKSUM but the checksum did not match. The data were corrupted during download. LOADING PROGRAM The new program is loading into printer FROM PORT XX % RAM. XX indicates how much of the program has loaded. LOADING PROGRAM...
Page 176 Chapter Loading Flash Memory...
Page 177: Interfaces
Overview This chapter describes the host interfaces provided with the printer. The printer interface is the point where the data line from the host computer plugs into the printer. The interface processes all communications signals and data to and from the host computer. Plus, with the Auto Switching feature, you can configure the printer to accept several interfaces at the same time.
Page 178: Centronics Parallel Interface
Chapter Centronics Parallel Interface Centronics Parallel Interface The length of the data cable from the host computer to the printer must not exceed 15 feet (5 meters). Table 7. Centronics Interface Connector Pin Assignments Input Signals Signal Signal DATA LINE 1...
Page 179: Centronics Parallel Interface Signals
Online A high true level from the printer to indicate the printer is ready for data transfer and the PAUSE key on the control panel has been activated. When the printer is in online mode, it may accept data from the host.
Page 180: Ieee 1284 Parallel Interface
Nibble Mode Eight bits equals one byte. When a byte of data is sent to the printer, the eight bits are sent over eight data lines. Some devices cannot send data over their eight data lines. To bypass this, the IEEE 1284 permits data to be sent as half a byte over four status lines.
Page 181: Signals
Table 9 lists each of the signals associated with the corresponding pins on the IEEE 1284 interface. Descriptions of the signals follow. Table 9. IEEE 1284 Signals Source of Data Host nStrobe Host/Printer Data 1 (LSB) Host/Printer Data 2 Host/Printer Data 3...
Page 182 Peripheral Logic High. Driven by the printer. When the line is high, the printer indicates all of its signals are in a valid state. When the line is low, the printer indicates its power is off or its signals are in an invalid state.
Page 183: Terminating Resistor Configurations
Figure 6. Resistor Locations The shipping kit for this printer includes 220 ohm pull-up and 330 ohm pull- down alternate terminating resistors. If you install the 220 ohm pull-up resistor, you must also install the 330 ohm pull-down resistor.
Page 184: Removal And Installation
Chapter IEEE 1284 Parallel Interface Table 10 lists the three terminating resistor configurations you can install: Table 10. Terminating Resistor Configuration Configuration Factory Default Alternate 1 Alternate 2 Removal And Installation The procedure for removing and installing terminating resistors is provided in your Maintenance Manual.
Page 185: Rs-232 And Rs-422 Serial Interfaces
Buffer Size in K parameter from the default (1 Kbyte), to improve performance. The length of the data cable from the host computer to the printer must not exceed 50 feet (15 meters) for RS-232 or 4000 feet (1220 meters) for RS-422.
Page 186: Rs-422
Chapter RS-232 And RS-422 Serial Interfaces Data Carrier Detect (DCD). Status signal to the printer. The ON condition is required for the printer to receive data. Data Terminal Ready (DTR). Control signal from the printer. Subject to configuration. RS-422 Table 12. RS-422 Serial Interface Connector Pin Assignments...
Page 187: Printer Self-Test
See Chapter 3, “Configuring The Printer,” for instructions. The Test Print program can be enabled from the printer through the TEST key on the Primary Control Panel or through the Secondary Control Panel Diagnostics menu and provides the capability for printing a variety of test pattern labels.
Page 188: Troubleshooting Common Situations
• Using the cutter option: The printer must stop and wait for the cutter to execute the cutting cycle. • Using Automatic Label Peel-Off or Tear-Off media handling: The printer stops between each label and waits for the label to be removed.
Page 189 Interfacing The printer will not function properly with an incorrectly wired cable or the wrong interface cable installed. If the cable is suspect, contact Printronix or your authorized service representative. When the printer is first powered up, it will reset itself to the communication default parameters.
Page 190: Controlling Print Quality
The printer provides two ways to increase the heat: • Running the printer slower by changing the print speed via the host or the PRINTER CONTROL menu. • Setting the print intensity to a higher value with the Print Intensity function, accessed via the host or through the PRINTER CONTROL menu.
Page 191: Other Printer Problems
• Incorrect ribbon/media combination is being used. Be sure to use the correct ribbon type. The use of genuine Printronix Supplies is highly recommended to ensure the best possible print quality. • The ribbon has a crease or fold across the surface. Smooth out the ribbon to remove the crease.
Page 192 Possible causes include: • Printer serial baud rate setting does not match the host baud rate. Reset the printer via software, or turn the printer off and then on. • Printer serial host interface set for 8 data bits but the transmitting device is set for 7 data bits (or vice-versa).
Page 193 Faulty AC cord. • Blown fuse. Call your authorized Printronix service representative. • Bad printer power switch. Call your authorized Printronix service representative. • With the LCD Message Display indicator illuminated, the printer appears to be working, but nothing is printed.
Page 194: Printer Alarms
Fault Messages If a fault condition occurs in the printer, the status indicator on the control panel flashes on and off and the message display indicates the specific fault. Fault messages are summarized in Table 13.
Page 195: Fault Messages Requiring Field Service Attention
You may try two steps to clear the fault before calling your authorized service representative: 1. Set the printer power switch to O (off), wait 15 seconds, then turn the printer on again. Run your print job again. If the message does not appear, it was a false indication and no further attention is required.
Page 196 PCBA. Press CLEAR to clear the fault message and resume printing. Engine control software Cycle power to the printer. failure. If problem persists, contact your authorized service representative. Attempt was made to Enter the File System sub-menu...
Page 197 Refl value in the Calibrate high. submenu. 1. This is the normal 1. Remove the label from the message when Peel-off front of the printer to allow the or Tear-off Media next label to print. Handling has been 2. Change the Media Handling selected.
Page 198 User Correct? LOAD PAPER OPTION NOT INSTALLED PARITY ERROR Explanation The printer does not 1. Install new media. sense media. 2. Re-install media through the 1. Media was not installed paper path. or has run out. 3. Check the media installation 2.
Page 199 P/H Control reduction in print speed. Mode may be extended by: This mode dramatically 1. Placing the printer in a cooler extends the time before a temperature environment. PRINT HEAD HOT fault 2. Cleaning the printhead more would occur and permits frequently between jobs.
Page 200 3. Ribbon is not routed or installed in the ribbon path correctly. 1. Application software 1. Recycle printer power. If tried to perform an possible, print a job that has illegal printer function. previously worked. 2. There are damaged 2.
Page 201: A Specifications
Specifications Printing Type: Resolution: Print Speed: Bar Code Modulus: Maximum Print Width: Maximum Print Length: Minimum Print Length: White Space Slew Rate: Minimum Dot Size: Label Backfeed: Fonts: Resident Fonts: Optional Fonts: Font Expansion: Bar Codes: Direct thermal or thermal transfer 203 dots per inch (8.0 dots/mm) 2 to 6 ips (inches per second) 10 mil to 127 mil “X”...
Page 202 4.33” (110mm) Moveable “see-through” for die-cut labels and reflective for tags with black striping. The T4204 printer uses a movable sensor to detect index holes/notches or the black stripe in tag stock. The Transmissive sensor position is indicated by the sensor crystal at the front of the label guide that is visible with the printhead open.
Page 203 Reflective sensor mark length 1. 0.750 inches using Peel-Off Media Handling. 2. 0.006 inches using the Media Cutter option (Cut Media Handling). Front of Printer Front of Printer Direction of Media Motion T4204 Max (in.) Min (in.) 4.50 1.12 4.50 1.12 0.512...
Page 204: Indicators And Switches
Appendix A Lists Of Approved Media For a current list of approved standard media for use in Printronix thermal and thermal transfer label printers, please call Printronix at (800) 733-1900 or FAX (714) 368-2354. Further information can be obtained by calling the Printronix Thermaline Help Desk at (714) 368-2488 or from the Printronix Web Page at http://www.printronix.com.
Page 205 Coax/Twinax Provides protocol converter functionality and Interface: connectivity for IBM coax/twinax host interfaces PrintNet Server Available in Ethernet 10Base-T configuration. (Optionally in 10Base2) configuration. Allows placing the T4204 on a LAN rather than attaching it directly to a host system.
Page 206 Appendix A...
Page 207: B Printer Options
Printer Options A comprehensive series of options is offered with the printer to enhance its capabilities and to provide a large degree of application flexibility. A description of the option complement is given below. For field-installable options, installation instructions are provided with each option.
Page 208: Interface Options
PrintNet 10Base2 (BNC) (Externally Mounted) Permits placing the printer on a LAN rather than attaching it directly to a host system. It connects externally to the T4204 Centronics parallel port. Only Ethernet is supported. This option is field-installable by the operator.
Page 209: Supplies And Accessories
Thermal Media and Ribbons will ensure optimum image quality, consistent bar code performance, and extended life of the printhead. Please refer to the Printronix Media Selection Guide for details concerning the application suitability for all Media and Ribbon products. To obtain a copy of...
Page 210: Genuine Printronix Media
Supplies And Accessories Genuine Printronix Media Printronix provides a wide variety of sizes, colors, and shapes of labels and tags readily available to meet all of your labelling needs. The Printronix Expanded Die Library details hundreds of label sizes and configurations...
Page 211 Besides the standard roll label configuration, Genuine Printronix ThermaLine labels are also available in fanfold configurations. Media Type (Stock) Direct Thermal Paper Label Not Used Synthetic Label Thermal Paper Label Printronix Transfer Economy Wax Thermal Paper Label Printronix Transfer Prime Wax...
Page 212: Accessories
Appendix B Supplies And Accessories Accessories Field installable accessories available for the T4204 printer are listed below. Always refer to the Printronix part number when placing an order. Media Cutter, T4204 Label and Tag Catcher Tray (used with a Media...
Page 213: C Setting The
Setting The Page Length Observe the following considerations when you set the Page Length value (the length of the leading edge to the trailing edge of the label) in the Printer Control menu, or set the Host Forms Length via host software: •...
Page 214 • If the application sends the logical page length to the printer, then there is probably nothing to change in the setup other than to enable the proper media sensor. The printer and the application will use the Host Form Length for the logical page length.
Page 215: Ascii Control Codes
ASCII Control Codes Char Char & < Char Char ‘...
Page 216 Appendix D Char Char > Ç á ü í é ó â ú ä ñ à Ñ å ª ç ê ¿ ë « è ï î ì ¡ Ä Å É æ Æ ô ö ò û ù ÿ Ö...
Page 217 NOTE: For the hardware handshake XON/XOFF commands: XON = Ctrl Q (DC1) XOFF = Ctrl S (DC3)
Page 218 Appendix D...
Page 219: E Glossary
For example, one baud equals one bit per second in a series of binary signals. Both the printer and the computer must be configured to the same baud rate. Binary digIT. A digit in the binary number system, represented by a 0 or a 1.
Page 220 The speed at which the media is printed based on a rate of Inches-Per-Second. The T4204 can print at 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 IPS. The material labels are attached to during their manufacturing process.
Page 221 After printing, labels can be easily removed from the liner and the liner discarded or recycled. A sensor located at the front of the printer to detect Label Taken Sensor the presence of a label positioned under it. The sensor is used only during Peel-Off and Tear-Off Media Handling to sense a label and then detect its removal prior to printing the next label.
Page 222 (dpi) horizontally and vertically. Media supplied in a roll format, usually wound on a 1 inch or 3 inch cardboard core. The T4204 media support assembly accepts both core sizes. Rapid vertical paper movement.
Page 223 Active Char Set, 151, 159 Active IGP EMUL Menu, 67 Active IGP Emul menu, 67 Alarm, 70 Alarms printer, 194 Alt. Set 80-9F, 134 Alternate Set 80-9F, 140 Auto Label Map Examples, 73 Auto LF, 133, 136, 139, 142, 145...
Page 224 Change Case, 153 Changing Printer Settings, 56 Char Set Select, 151, 159 Character Set, 134, 140, 143, 146 Characters strange, 192 Clear To Send (CTS) signal RS-232 serial interface, 185 CLEARING PROGRAM FROM FLASH, 173, 175 Clip Page, 96 Coax Emulation Menu, 150...
Page 225 Error messages See Fault messages Error Recovery, 96 Ethernet Buffer Size in K, 89 ETHERNET PARAMETERS Menu, 90 Ethernet Parameters menu, 90 Ethernet Submenu, 89 EVFU Select, 133, 137 Examples Auto Label Map, 73 Exchange data, 188 Extended Execute Copy, 107 Fault message BUFFER OVERFLOW, 196 BUFFER OVERRUN, 196...
Page 226 Handshaking, 188 hardware, 188 software, 189 Hor Image Shift, 94 Host Form Length, 109 HOST INTERFACE, 77 Host Interface menu, 77 Host Override, 156, 162 Idle Response, 86 IEEE 1284 Buffer Size in K, 88 interface, 180 operating modes, 180 Parallel (Bidirectional) Submenu, 88 Prime Signal, 88 signals, 182...
Page 227 IGP/VGL Character Sets, 123 LinePrinter Plus Epson FX Character Sets LinePrinter Plus Epson FX Character Sets menu, 147 Maint/Misc, 69 Printer Control, 91 ProPrinter XL Character Sets ProPrinter XL Character Sets menu, 144 P-Series Character Sets, 135 Serial Matrix Character Sets, 141...
Page 228 193 problems, 191 self-test, 187 skips labels, 192 the printing process, 15 Printer Control menu, 91 Printer Control Menu Options, 91 Printer Protocol, 126 Printer Select, 140, 146 Printer Settings Changing, 56 Printer Tests, 100 Printing a Configuration, 60...
Page 229 Self-test printer, 187 Serial Baud Rate, 84 Buffer Size in K, 85 Data Protocol, 82 Data Terminal Ready, 85 Idle Response, 86 Interface Type, 82 One Char Enquiry, 86 Parity, 84 Poll Character, 85 Poll Response, 86 Request to Send, 85...
Page 232 PRINTRONIX NEDERLAND BV P.O. BOX 163, NIEUWEWEG 283 NL-6600 AD WIJCHEN THE NETHERLANDS PHONE: 31-24-6489489 FAX: 31-24-6489499 PRINTRONIX Schweiz GmbH 42 CHANGI SOUTH STREET 1 CHANGI SOUTH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SINGAPORE 486763 PHONE: 65-542-0110 FAX: 65-543-0220 Visit our website at: www.printronix.com...

Printronix T4204 User Manual

1 Introduction

2 Operation

3 Configuring the Printer

4 Interfaces

5 Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

A Specifications

B Printer Options

C Setting the

D ASCII Control Codes

E Glossary

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

Need help?

Questions and answers

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Summary of Contents for Printronix T4204