AGFA W Class User manual

Operator’s Manual
Datamax International
Herbert House
12 Elizabeth Way, Pinnacles
Harlow, Essex CM19 5FE UK
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Asia-Pacific
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#01-01 CILC Building
Singapore 508724
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Corporate Headquarters
4501 Parkway Commerce Blvd.
Orlando, Fl 32808
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright Information:
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times, based upon Times New Roman, is under license from The Monotype
Corporation.
Firmware (Software) Agreement
The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident in the Printer is owned by Licensor
or its suppliers and is licensed for used only on a single printer in the user’s
Trade or Business. The User agrees not to, and not to authorize or permit
any other person or party to, duplicate or copy the Firmware or the
information contained in the non-volatile or programmable memory. The
firmware (Software) is protected by applicable copyright laws and Licensor
retains all rights not expressly granted. In no event will Licensor or its suppliers
be liable for any damages or loss, including direct, incidental, economic, special,
or consequential damages, arising out of the use or inability to use the Firmware
(Software).
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Datamax Barcode Products Corporation.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the
expressed written permission of Datamax Corporation.
© Copyright 2005 by Datamax Corporation
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Part Number: 88-2245-01
Revision: F

Agency Compliance and Approvals:
C US
Listed
UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
C22.2 No. 950-M93
EN60950
For 230 Volt Operation (Europe): Use a cord set, marked “HAR,”
consisting of a min H05VV-F cord which has a minimum 0.75 square
mm diameter conductors, provided with an IEC 320 receptacle and a
male plug for the country of installation rated 6A, 250V
Für 230 Volt (Europa): Benützen Sie ein Kabel, das mit “HAR”
markiert ist, bestehend mindestens aus einem H05VV-F Kabel, das
mindestens 0,75 Quadratmillimeter Drahtdurchmesser hat; sowie eine
IEC320 Steckdose und einen für das Land geeigneten Stecker, 6A,
250 Volt.
As an Energy Star Partner, the manufacturer has determined that this
product meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
The manufacturer declares under sole responsibility that this product
conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:
EMC: EN 55022 (1993) Class B
EN 50024 (1998)
EN 45501 (1992)
Safety:This product complies with the requirements of
EN 60950 /A11: /1997
Gost-R
FCC
This device complies with FCC CFR 47 Part 15 Class A.
Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions in this manual, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Important Safety Instructions:
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.
This unit has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable
performance. However, as with all electrical equipment, there are some basic
precautions that you follow to avoid personal injury or damage to the printer:
 Before using the printer, carefully read all the installation and operating
instructions.
 Observe all warning instruction labels on the printer.
 Install the printer on a flat, firm surface.
 Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
 To protect your printer from overheating, make sure no openings on the
printer are blocked.
 Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the printer.
 Do not use the printer near water or spill liquid into it.
 Ensure that the AC power source matches the ratings listed for the printer.
(If unsure, check with your dealer or local utility provider.)
 Do not place the AC power cord where it can be stepped on. If the AC
power cord becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
 If the printer ever needs repair, consult only qualified, trained service
personnel. No user-serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.

i
Contents
Printer Overview
1.0 About the Printer..................................................................1
1.0.1 Standard Features.................................................2
1.0.2 Optional Features.................................................2
1.1 Option Installation................................................................4
Getting Started
2.0 Unpacking the Printer ..........................................................5
2.1 Media and Ribbon Selection................................................7
2.1.1 Print Quality Controls.............................................7
Setting Up the Printer
3.0 Installation ...........................................................................9
3.0.1 Communications..................................................10
3.1 Loading Media...................................................................12
3.1.1 Roll Media...........................................................13
3.1.2 Fan-Fold Media...................................................14
3.2 Media Sensor Adjustment..................................................15
3.3 Loading Ribbon..................................................................16
3.4 Quick Media Calibration.....................................................17
3.5 Outputting Labels...............................................................18
3.5.1 Rewinding onto the Media Rewind Hub...............18
3.5.2 Rewinding onto a Core........................................19
3.5.3 On-Demand Dispensing......................................20
Using the Front Panel
4.0 Operation...........................................................................23
4.0.1 Ready Mode........................................................23
4.0.2 Menu Mode.........................................................24
4.0.3 Quick Test Mode .................................................25
4.0.4 Indicator Lights....................................................26
4.0.5 LCD.....................................................................26
4.0.6 Resetting the Printer............................................27

ii
4.0.6.1 Soft Reset.............................................27
4.0.6.2 Level One Reset...................................27
4.0.6.3 Level Two Reset...................................27
4.1 The Menu System..............................................................28
4.1.1 Entrance and Exit Prompts..................................29
4.1.2 Media Settings.....................................................30
4.1.3 Print Control........................................................31
4.1.4 Printer Options ....................................................33
4.1.5 System Settings ..................................................35
4.1.6 Communications..................................................41
4.1.7 Diagnostics..........................................................47
4.2 Display Messages..............................................................48
4.2.1 User Prompts and Condition Messages...............48
4.3 Quick Test Mode................................................................50
4.3.1 Print Quality Label...............................................50
4.3.2 Configuration Label.............................................51
4.3.3 Quick Ribbon Test Label.....................................52
4.3.4 Dot Test Pattern Label.........................................53
4.3.5 Validation Label...................................................54
4.3.6 User Defined Label..............................................54
Adjusting and Maintaining the Printer
5.0 Media Sensor Calibration...................................................55
5.0.1 Standard Calibration............................................55
5.0.2 Advanced Entry Calibration.................................59
5.1 Printhead Adjustments.......................................................65
5.1.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment....................................65
5.1.2 Pressure Adjustment...........................................66
5.2 Maintenance Schedule ......................................................67
5.2.1 Cleaning the Printhead........................................68
5.2.2 Cleaning the Platen Roller...................................69
5.2.3 Cleaning Interior and Exterior Surfaces...............70
5.3 Application Program Updates ............................................70
5.3.1 Updating from the Ready Mode...........................71
5.3.2 Updating from the Download Mode .....................72
5.3.3 Possible Problems during an Update...................73
5.4 Boot Loader Program Updates ..........................................74

iii
Troubleshooting
6.0 Problem Resolution............................................................75
6.1 Fault and Warning Messages ............................................79
6.2 Hex Dump Mode................................................................85
Printer Specifications
7.0 General Specifications.......................................................87
7.1 Media and Ribbon Requirements.......................................89
Appendix A
ASCII Control Code Chart ..........................................................91
Appendix B
Available Fonts and Bar Codes ..................................................93
Appendix C
Module Assignments................................................................101
Print Resolutions and Maximum Label Widths..........................101
Available Speeds and Default Settings.....................................102
Appendix D
GPIO Port.................................................................................103
Appendix E
Menu System Multi-Language Support.....................................105
Appendix F
Saving a Configuration File.......................................................111

iv
Warranty Information....................................................113
Glossary..............................................................................117
Index.....................................................................................121

W-Class 1
Printer Overview
1.0 About the Printer
Congratulations on your purchase of a W-Class printer. The W-Class family of
printers, hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blend state of the art design with
user-friendly features to refine the standard in wide-web industrial thermal
printers.
This manual provides all the information necessary for everyday printer
operation. To begin printing labels, refer to the instructions provided with the
label-creation software you have chosen. If you wish to write custom label
programs, a copy of the I & W Class Programmer’s Manual is included on the
enclosed Datamax Accessories CD; otherwise, a copy may be downloaded from
our web site at http//www.datamaxcorp.com.
To grow with all of your printing needs, the design of the printer is easily
upgraded; see Section 1.1. The following subsections detail the standard
features, available options and a hardware overview.

2W-Class
1.0.1 Standard Features
This printer offers the following standard features:
Printing
 Direct and Thermal Transfer printing methods
 Batch and Pause Mode Printing
 1.5 inch or 3 inch Media Hub (specified at time of order)
 Easy Media Loading
 Media Tear Bar
 Fan-fold media compatible
Memory
 256 KB Flash Memory available for user graphic downloads
 2 MB FLASH Downloadable Program Memory
 16 MB SDRAM Memory
Interfaces
 IEEE 1284 compliant parallel interface
 RS-232 serial interface
Operational
 2 X 20 Backlit Liquid Crystal Display and functional keypad
 CG Triumvirate™Scalable font w/AGFA Scalable font engine
 EFIGS (multi-language display and configuration label support)
 203 DPI Printhead (W-6208)
 300 DPI Printhead (W-6308 and W-8306)
1.0.2 Optional Features
The printer offers the following optional features:
Cover Dampener
A device to control the closing rate of the cover.
Standard Duty Cutter (unavailable for the W-8306)
Easily installed on the front of the printer, this rotary mechanism will cut a
maximum material thickness of .006” (.152mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25
inches (31.8 mm).

W-Class 3
Heavy Duty Cutter
Easily installed on the front of the printer, this guillotine mechanism will cut a
maximum material thickness .010” (.254mm) into minimum lengths of 1.25
inches (31.8 mm).
Cutter Tray
Used to collect the media cut by the Standard or Heavy Duty Cutter (specify
application at time of order).
External Keyboard Support
An interface for the connection of the DMX Passport™ keyboard, allowing
remote (no host) printing applications.
External Media Rewinder
Separate device with and 8” roll capacity to rewind labels and backing material.
Font Expansion Card (cannot be used with the I/O Expansion card)
A slide-in circuit card assembly with 8MB Flash memory expansion for
International Language Printing Capability (ILPC) and/or additional fonts and
graphics. ILPC consists of one of the following:
 CG-Times™(Western European) Scalable font
 Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
 Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font
 Korean Hangul Scalable font
ILPC – CG Times
™ Firmware
The printer’s firmware can be upgraded to include the Datamax ILPC CG
Times™font. This supports the Datamax Enhanced Language Code Pages.
Internal Rewind (factory installed)
A mechanism to rewind printed labels and backing material inside the printer.
I/O Expansion Card (specify features at time of order)
Standard features of this slide-in circuit card assembly include:
 General purpose (GPIO) interface for external printer and device control.
 Time and date calendar (Real Time Clock) function for label time stamping.
Additional option:
 8 MB Flash memory expansion for graphics and/or additional fonts
including International Language Printing Capability (ILPC).

4W-Class
LAN Interface
A slide-in circuit card assembly that provides network connectivity, allowing
multiple users on various platforms to share the same printer.
Peel and Present Mechanism (requires the Internal Rewind option)
A device used to automatically separate printed labels from the backing
material. When accompanied by the present sensor option, on-demand label
dispensing becomes possible.
Present Sensor
A sensor used to control the printer output. When enabled, printing occurs after
the removal of a previously print label.
RS-422 Serial Interface
A single-drop interface to support greater distances from the host at
communication rates of up to 38,400 baud.
Twinax/Coax Interface (including cable)
These are internal devices, providing connection to AS/400 and System/3X
Twinax host system or 3270-type host system.
1.1 Option Installation
This table lists the recommended qualification level for the person installing the
options. Contact your dealer or Datamax Technical Support for details.
Suggested Experience Level
Option Qualified Installer
Cover Dampener DMX Certified Technician
Cutter Tray Operator
Cutters: Standard and Light-Duty DMX Certified Technician
DMX Passport External Keyboard Operator
Font Expansion Card DMX Certified Technician
Internal Rewind DMX Certified Technician
International Language Programming Capability DMX Certified Technician
I/O Expansion Card DMX Certified Technician
LAN Interface DMX Certified Technician
Peel Mechanism Operator
Present Sensor DMX Certified Technician
RS-422 Serial Interface DMX Certified Technician
Twinax/Coax Interface DMX Certified Technician

W-Class 5
Getting Started
2.0 Unpacking the Printer
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if evident, immediately notify the
shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.
The printer has been carefully packaged to avoid damage during transit. In order
to operate the printer, you will need to remove the tape and foam placed there
for shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or
attempting to load media.
 With the arrows on the box pointing ‘Up’, open the box.
 Remove packing foam.
 Using the straps, carefully lift the printer from the box.
 Remove the straps and the plastic bag from the
printer.
Note: It is a good idea to save the carton and packaging materials.

6W-Class
Inspecting the Printer
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents of
the package. In addition to this manual,
the following items should be included:
 Printer
 Power cord
 Accessories CD
 Any special or additionally
purchased items.
Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary for generating printed labels. Contact your
customer support representative for advice on which media and software is best
suited for your needs.
 A serial or parallel interface cable; see Section 3.0.1
 Applicable media; see Section 2.1 for suggestions and Section 7.1 for
requirements.
 Applicable labeling software

W-Class 7
2.1 Media and Ribbon Selection
The following is a limited overview of media characteristics. For complete
information and advice regarding your specific application needs, always
consult a qualified media specialist or a Datamax Media Representative.
Media Selection – Direct Thermal
Consider three important factors when selecting direct thermal stock:
• The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer
of the paper.
• The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when
the image is “burned”.
• The amount of heat required to create an image on the paper.
Media Selection – Thermal Transfer
Consider three important factors when selecting thermal transfer media
combinations:
• The label top coating and ribbon combinations affect image quality.
• Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended. It provides protection for the
printhead; and depending upon the formula, it may also provide an anti-
static coating.
• For additional printhead protection, use ribbon with a slightly greater width
than the overall width of the label and backing material.
2.1.1 Print Quality Controls
The printer provides flexibility with a comprehensive set of print controls. Of
these, the amount of heat applied by the printhead and the rate of media
movement will have the most effect on the barcodes, text, and graphics being
printed. Low cost direct thermal stocks, for example, have raised reaction
temperatures and therefore require higher heat values and slower print speeds to
make a clear image on the media. In general, there are four methods of
controlling print quality:
• The first is the ‘Media Type’ menu setting, which should be set to match the
media being used. For example, when printing with ribbon use the thermal
transfer setting.

8W-Class
• The second method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Heat’ menu
setting (selectable as ‘Heat Setting’ in most software programs). Increasing
this value causes more energy to be transferred to the media, resulting in a
darker image. If the image is too dark, reduce this value or increase the print
speed.
•The next method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Print Speed’ menu
setting (also selectable as ‘Print Speed’ in most software programs).
Changing the print speed changes the amount of time the media is under the
printhead. Slowing the speed allows more time and control for energy to be
transferred. Increasing the speed will increase throughput, but may require a
higher heat setting.
• The final method, providing only subtle contrast changes, would be to
change the ‘Custom Adjustments / Darkness’ menu setting.
You will find that printing barcodes and detailed images on less expensive direct
thermal and thermal transfer media at higher speeds can be tricky. At one heat
setting, the images will fade and at the next higher heat setting, the images will
bleed. This is because the reaction temperature of the media is so high that at
higher rates of speed, it cannot react fast enough. To print fine images at higher
speed, media with lower reaction or release temperatures are required. On the
slower end of the print rate settings, crisper images are possible because the
media is not being stretched beyond its limits.
The following table is intended for reference only (for specific application
information, consult your media specialist or a Datamax Media Representative).
Thermal Transfer
Media Ribbon Type Print Speed* Print Energy Image Durability
Coated Paper, Uncoated Paper,
Tag Stock, Some Films, Some
Synthetics
Wax 2 - 8 Low Low
Coated Paper, Glossy Paper,
Tag Stock,
Some Synthetics, Films
Wax/Resin 2 - 8 Medium High
Synthetics, Films Resin 4 - 6 High High
*Values given in inches per second (IPS)

W-Class 9
Setting Up the Printer
3.0 Installation
This chapter explains how to connect your printer, and load it with media and
ribbon.
Note: When connecting the AC Power Cord or data cables to the printer,
ensure the Power On/Off Switch is in the ‘Off’ position.
 Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
 Turn ‘Off’ the Host Computer and ensure that the Power Switch on the
Printer is in the ‘Off’ position.
 Depending upon your interfacing requirements, connect the appropriate
interface cable between Host Computer and Printer; see Section 3.0.1. (If
connecting the printer to a network, refer to the additional documentation
supplied with the network option.)
 Connect the AC power cord to the receptacle on the back of the Printer, and
then plug the AC power cord into a properly grounded outlet. (The power
supply in the printer automatically detects, then adjusts to the applied line
voltage; see Section 7.0 for acceptable voltage ranges.)

10 W-Class
3.0.1 Communications
Using a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automaticallyin the
printer. At power-up, the printer begins monitoring the interface ports for
activity. When the host transmits data, the printer port detecting this data is set
‘active’ and remains active as long as data flow continues. Once the incoming
(received) data flow stops and the Host Timeout Value (see Section 4.1.6) is
exceeded, the detection process will be repeated. In addition, should the data
flow stop before a complete label format is received, the format will be ignored
and must be sent to the printer again.
Note: To change an active port immediately, cycle the printer power ‘Off’
and ‘On’.
Parallel Port:
The parallel interface has two menu-selectable modes of operation: uni-
directional or bi-directional. Uni-directional mode is forward channel
communication and requires a Centronics®cable with a 36 pin male connector.
Bi-directional mode is IEEE 1284 Compliant, using forward and reverse channel
communications. In this mode, data can be sent to the host provided it is also
IEEE 1284 Compliant and has supporting software. This mode requires an IEEE
1284 cable with a Centronics®36 pin male connector.
NIC Adapter (optional):
The NIC Adapter has several menu-selectable modes; see Section 4.1.6 for
details. Refer to the information provided with the option for connection
requirements. The following items are accessible from the back of the printer:
•The LED Indicators provide operational
information: A green LINK LED indicates
a good network connection. A green 100
LED indicates a 100BASE-T network
connection. The ACT LED (activity)
flashes green or red when the server is
ready for use.
•The Test Button will cause a NIC
Configuration label to print.
• The Ethernet Reset button will reset the
NIC Adapter.
Note: Following initialization, the printer will indicate ‘Ready’; however, the
NIC Adapter will not be ready to receive data until its ‘boot-up’ process
is completed. Depending upon the NIC Adapter configuration, this
process may take up to two minutes to complete.