AMT Datasouth Fastmark Z5DT Series User manual

Direct Thermal Printer
User’s Guide
© June 2016 AMT Datasouth Corp.
Document # 125019
Z5DT Series

Z5DT User’s Guide
Copyright Declaration
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of AMT Datasouth Corporation. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s personal use, without the expressed written permission of AMT Datasouth
Corporation.
Trademark credits:
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Our Registered trademark:
Warning and Caution:
Warning: Items shall be strictly followed to avoid injury or damage
to body and equipment.
Caution: Items with important information and prompts for operating
the printer.
http://www.amtdatasouth.com/support-1/downloads/
UL & FCC Logos + Statements

Z5DT User’s Guide
Safety Instructions
Before installing and using the printer, please read the following items carefully.
1．Safety warning
The print head is a thermal element and it is at a high temperature during printing or just after operation,
therefore do not touch it or its peripherals for safety’s sake.
The print head is an ESD-sensitive device. To prevent damage, do not touch either its printing parts or
connecting parts.
2．Notices
1) Install the printer on a flat and stable surface;
2) Reserve adequate space around the printer so that convenient operation and maintenance can be
performed;
3) Keep the printer far away from water source, and do not expose the printer to direct sunlight, strong light
and heat;
4) Do not use or store the printer in a place exposed to high temperature, high humidityor serious pollution;
5) Do not place the printer in a place exposed to vibration or impact;
6) No condensation is allowed to the printer. In case of such condensation, do not turn on the power until
it has completely gone away;
7) Connect the printer power to an appropriate grounding outlet. Avoid sharing one electrical outlet with
large power motors or other devices that may cause the fluctuation of voltage;
8) Disconnect the power when the printer is deemed to idle for a long time;
9) Don’t spill water or other electric materials into the printer (e.g. metal). In case this happens, turn off the
power immediately;
10) Do not allow the printer to start printing when there is no media installed; otherwise the print head and
platen roller will be damaged;
11) To ensure quality print and normal lifetime, use recommended labels and paper or its equivalent;
12) Shut down the printer when connecting or disconnecting interfaces to avoid damages to control board;
13) Set the print darkness to a lower grade as long as the print quality is acceptable. This will help to keep
the print head durable;
14) Avoid turning on and off the printer frequently. It is advised to turn on the printer at least 2 seconds after
the printer is turned off;
15) Do not disassemble the printer without permission of a technician, even for repairing purpose;
16) Retain this manual for reference purpose.

Z5DT User’s Guide
Contents
1 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................- 1 -
1.2 UNPACKING AND CHECKING .......................................................................................................................- 1 -
1.3 APPEARANCE AND MODULE .......................................................................................................................- 2 -
1.4 INTRODUCTION OF MAIN MODULES .............................................................................................................- 2 -
2 PRINTER INSTALLATION
2.1 INSTALLATION POSITION.............................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.2 LABEL ROLL INSTALLATION .........................................................................................................................- 3 -
2.3 POWER ADAPTER CONNECTION .................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.4 COMMUNICATION CABLE CONNECTION .......................................................................................................- 4 -
2.5 START THE PRINTER ..................................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.5.1 Power-on and self-test ..............................................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.5.2 Printing self-test page................................................................................................................................................- 4 -
2.6 DRIVER SETUP ..........................................................................................................................................- 4 -
3 PRINTER OPERATIONS
3.1 LED, BUZZER, FEED BUTTON AND LCD......................................................................................................- 8 -
3.1.1 LED functions............................................................................................................................................................- 8 -
3.1.2 Button functions ........................................................................................................................................................- 8 -
3.1.3 Buzzer functions........................................................................................................................................................- 8 -
3.1.4 LCD functions............................................................................................................................................................- 8 -
3.2 PRINTER STATUS AND OPERATION ..............................................................................................................- 8 -
3.2.1 Printer status .............................................................................................................................................................- 8 -
3.2.2 Daily operations ........................................................................................................................................................- 9 -
3.3 PRINTER PARAMETER SETTINGS ..............................................................................................................- 10 -
3.3.1 Button menu settings...............................................................................................................................................- 10 -
3.3.2 Detailed parameter setting range ............................................................................................................................- 11 -
3.4 SENSOR POSITION ADJUSTMENT..............................................................................................................- 12 -
3.5 PRINT POSITION ADJUSTMENT..................................................................................................................- 13 -
4 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
4.1 CLEANING PRINT HEAD ............................................................................................................................- 15 -
4.2 CLEANING THE SENSOR...........................................................................................................................- 15 -
4.3 CLEANING PLATEN ROLLER ......................................................................................................................- 16 -
5 TROUBLESHOOTING
5.1 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................................- 17 -
5.2 PRINT QUALITY PROBLEMS ......................................................................................................................- 19 -

Z5DT User’s Guide
Contents
6 APPENDIX
APPENDIX 1 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION .........................................................................................................- 20 -
Appendix 1.1 main technical specifications......................................................................................................................- 20 -
Appendix 1.2 technical specifications of media ................................................................................................................- 22 -
APPENDIX 2 SELF-TEST PAGE ........................................................................................................................- 22 -
Appendix 2.1 printer configuration information .................................................................................................................- 23 -
APPENDIX 3 PRINT AND PAPER OUT POSITION .................................................................................................- 24 -
APPENDIX 4 COMMUNICATION INTERFACE ......................................................................................................- 24 -
Appendix 4.1 serial interface ............................................................................................................................................- 24 -
Appendix 4.2 parallel interface .........................................................................................................................................- 25 -
Appendix 4.3 USB interface .............................................................................................................................................- 25 -
Appendix 4.4 Ethernet interface .......................................................................................................................................- 25 -
APPENDIX 5 OPERATION GUIDE FOR LABEL LOADING UNDER PEEL-OFF MODE (OPTIONAL)................................- 26 -

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Z5DT User’s Guide
1 Product description
1.1 Introduction
Fastmark Z5DT label printer is an ideal label and barcode printing device for office use, with delicate appearance
and excellent performance. It can apply to many fields, such as real-time label printing, product label batch
printing, transportation and logistics label printing, medical label printing and business label printing.
Fastmark Z5DT label printer can be connected to the peripherals via USB or other interfaces and can provide
universal drivers under the operating systems (32 & 64 bit) such as Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7/8/10 and
Windows server 2003 & 2008 along with other applications.
Main features:
Thermal printing;
Low noise, high speed printing;
Easy media loading, convenient operation;
With 32-bit high speed microprocessor;
Adopting heat history and auto temperature adaptation control;
Adopting a new type of print head with long lifetime, high printing quality;
Supporting continuous paper, label and marked media, etc.
1.2 Unpacking and checking
Open the packaging, and check the items accordingto the packing list. Pleasecontact your local dealer if there
is shortage or damage (communication cables are optional depending on the printer interface type).
Figure 1.2-1

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Z5DT User’s Guide
1.3 Appearance and module
1 window
2 top cover
3 LCD (optional)
4 Logo plate
5 bottom cover
6 guard board for bottom cover
7 button
8 power switch
9 cover open lever
10 LED
11 tear-off bar
12 print head fixing plate
13 print head
14 latch
15 guard board for print head
16 transmissive sensor
17 upper path
18 paper roll holder baffle
19 paper roll holder
20 sensor cover board
21 platen roller shaft sleeve
22 platen roller
23 lower path
24 paper roll holder thumb wheel
25 entrance for external paper roll
26 9-pin serial interface baffle
27 serial interface
28 interface board
29 USB interface
30 24V power interface
31 micro switch
32 reflective sensor
1.4 Introduction of main modules
1) Button and LED (7, 10): indicate the printer status and complete printing function;
2) Power switch (8): press “O” to power off and press “－” to power on;
3) Transmissive sensor (16): used for calibration, detection and location of media;
4) Paper roll holder baffle (18), paper roll holder (19): support paper roll holder and stop paper roll holder
from shaking;
5) Print head micro switch (31): used to detect whether the print head is uplifted or pressed down;
6) Reflective sensor (32): used for the calibration, detection and location of media with black marks.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
2 Printer installation
2.1 Installation position
Flatly place the printer on the operation table, which must be waterproof, moistureproof and dustproof. The
maximal tilted angle should not exceed ±15° during installation.
2.2 Label roll installation
1) Pull the cover open lever towards the front of the printer and turn the top cover upward to open it (see
figure 2.2-1);
2) Pull the left and right paper holders apart and load the label roll, then pull the front of label roll out to spread
it in the print path, and push the label under the paper guide (see figure 2.2-2); turn the thumb wheel
properly in the direction shown in the figure to decrease the force on label roll (see figure 2.2-3);
3) Ensure the label is installed in the path correctly, and close the top cover;
4) If the diameter of label roll is very big, use the corresponding tool to remove the paper holder baffles, then
turn the baffles, and insert them into the center holes of the left and right paper holders along the guiding
slot (see figure 2.2-4);
Figure 2.2-1 open top cover
Figure 2.2-2 load paper roll Figure 2.2-3 adjust thumb wheel
Figure 2.2-4 change the installation way of paper holder baffle

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Z5DT User’s Guide
2.3 Power adapter connection
1) Ensure the printer is turned off;
2) Connect one end of the AC power input cable to power adapter, and then insert the other end of the
power adapter into the power adapter interface on the back of printer;
3) Insert the other end of AC power input cable into the 220V power socket.
Caution:
If leaving the printer idle for a long time, please disconnect the power of printer.
2.4 Communication cable connection
1) Ensure the printer is turned off;
2) Insert the communication cable into the suitable interface;
3) Connect the other end of the communication cable to the host.
Caution:
Don’t connect or disconnect the serial/parallel communication cable with power turn ON.
2.5 Start the printer
2.5.1 Power-on and self-test
1) Ensure the power adapter and the communication cable are connected correctly, and turn on the printer;
2) The printer starts the self-test. The buzzer beeps once for a short time after the self-test is finished, and
then the LCD displays manufacturer LOGO and status information or product model;
3) If power-on action is set, the printer will perform power-on action.
Note: Power-on action refers to the actions performed automatically after the printer is turned on,
including feeding one label, starting calibration automatically (only valid under discontinuous paper mode).
The power-on action can be set by commands or configuration tools.
Caution:
If the printer can not be started or can not work normally after it is started, please contact local dealer.
2.5.2 Printing self-test page
1) Install the media, and turn on the printer. The printer will feed label/paper and print self-test page (see
Appendix 2.1) through button operations (for the detailed operation methods, please refer to 3.3.1 Button
menu settings);
2) The self-test page lists the current configuration information of the printer.
2.6 Driver setup
The installation program of the driver is included in the CD packed with the printer, which can also be
downloaded from the website www.amtdatasouth.com.
The 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems supported by the driver are as follows:
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7/8/10 and Windows server 2003 & 2008.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
1) Run “Setup.exe” in the driver package, and read the related software license agreement carefully. If you
accept the items in the license agreement, please click “I accept the items in the software license
agreement”, and then click “Next” button;
2) Select printer type and model to be installed. If you want to set the printer as default printer, please check
“Set As Default Printer” and click “Next”;

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3) Select setup type, and click “Next”;
4) The driver will select the current OS type automatically, and click “Next”;
5) Set printer port. “LPT1” is set as the default print port, but users can select it according to actual needs.
If it is a serial port driver, please select “BYCOMx” (x equals to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8); if it is Ethernet port,
please select “NET”; if it is USB port, please select “USB_Z5DT_x” (if USB port printer is connected
correctly to the computer under power-on status, the driver setup program will set USB port as default
port automatically). Then click “Install” to initiate the installation.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
6) The following window will appear indicating the installation process is under way.
7) The following window will appear indicating the installation process has been completed.
End of procedure.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3 Printer operations
3.1 LED, buzzer, feed button and LCD
3.1.1 LED functions
LED name
Status
Explanation
Work LED (green)
Always on
Printer is idle or working.
Flash twice
Prompt that the menu or parameter selection becomes effective.
See 3.2.2 Daily operations for details.
Pause LED (orange)
Always on
Printer is in pause status.
Error LED (red)
Flash
An error occurs. See 5.1 Troubleshooting for details.
3.1.2 Button functions
Button
Function
Explanation
Short press
Feed
In standby status, press the button for a short time to feed label/paper.
Pause
During the printing, press the button for a short time to enter pause status.
Continue
After the printer enters pause status, press the button for a short time to resume
the printing.
Menu switching
After entering the menu, press the button for a short time to switch the menu.
Parameter selection
After entering the submenu, press the button for a short time to select the
parameter.
Long press
Enter the menu
When the printer is idle, press the button for a long time to enter the menu.
Menu selection
After entering the menu, press the button for a long time to select the current
menu.
Parameter confirmation
When setting the parameter, press the button for a long time to validate the
current parameter.
Note: Short press means the duration from pressing down the button to the time when the button uplifts is less than
0.5s. Long press means the duration of pressing down the button is more than 1s.
3.1.3 Buzzer functions
1) The buzzer beeps for a short time when the printer is turned on or reset;
2) The buzzer beeps many times when an exception occurs. For the details, please refer to 5.1
Troubleshooting.
3.1.4 LCD functions
LCD is used to display the printer status and menu and configure the printer parameters by cooperating with
the button.
3.2 Printer status and operation
3.2.1 Printer status
The printer has five statuses: idle, working, pause, configuration, and abnormal. Refer to next page.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
Printer status
LED
LCD
Idle status
Green LED is always on.
Display LOGO and printer model information.
Working status
Green LED is always on.
Display LOGO and PRINTING....
Pause status
Orange LED is always on.
Display LOGO and pausing.
Configuration status
Green LED is always on.
Display configuration menu.
Abnormal status
Refer to 5.1 Troubleshooting.
Note: The work LED flashes twice when pressing the button for a long time under any of the status listed above.
3.2.2 Daily operations
Operations under idle status
It refers to the ready status when the printer is normal and waiting for an operation or a task. The printer
enters idle status by default after turned on normally or returns to idle status after finishing performing a task.
Under idle status, if pressing the button for a short time, the printer will feed label/paper; if pressing the
button a long time and releasing the button after the green LED flashes twice, the printer will enter the menu.
Operations under working status
It refers to the status when the printer has a print task. The printer will enter pause status if releasing the
button after pressing it down at this time.
Operations under pause status
The printer is under the status of stopping the print task temporarily. The printer will enter pause status under
the following situations:
1) Select “PAUSE” through the menu;
2) Press down the button during the printing;
3) After an exception is removed.
When the printer is in pause status, press the button for a short time to resume the print task or press the
button for a long time to enter the menu to realize the selection of more functions, such as canceling the
print task, configuring the printer parameters, etc.
Operations under configuration status
It refers to the status of setting the printer parameters. Select “SETUP” to enter the configuration menu
through the menu. At this time, press the button for a short time to switch the menu or adjust the parameter
or press the button for a long time to select the menu or validate the current parameter.
Operations under abnormal status
It refers to the status when an exception occurs. The printer failure is prompted by LED, buzzer or LCD. For
the details of failure prompt and removing, refer to 5.1 Troubleshooting.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3.3 Printer parameter settings
3.3.1 Button menu settings
When the printer is idle, enter the configuration status through long press of the button. The common
parameters of printer can be set and saved under configuration status. Parameters can be configured by the
cooperation of LCD and button.
The following describes the setting and saving of printer parameters by taking the serial port configuration for
example:
1) Keep pressing the button until the green LED flashes under idle status. Then the LCD will display the menu
as shown in figure 3.3.1-1.
1.SETUP
2.SELFTEST
3.CALIBRATION
4.PAUSE
1.SETUP
Figure 3.3.1-1 menu
Note: After entering the menu, the printer will exit the menu automatically if the menu is not operated in two minutes.
2) Press the button for a short time to switch to “SETUP” option. Then press the button for a long time and
release it after the green LED flashes to select the option and enter configuration menu. Press the button
for a short time to switch the menu to “SERIAL COM” option as shown in figure 3.3.1-2 and then press the
button for a long time to enter the submenu.
7.LEFT POSITION
8.TIME SETUP
9.DATE SETUP
10.SERIAL COM
10.SERIAL COM
Figure 3.3.1-2 configuration menu
3) Press the button for a short time to switch the submenu to “BAUDRATE” option as shown in figure 3.3.1-3.
1.BAUDRATE
2.DATA BIT
3.STOP BIT
4.PARITY
1.BAUDRATE
Figure 3.3.1-3 serial configuration menu
Press the button for a long time to enter baud rate configuration option as shown in figure 3.3.1-4. At this
time, what is displayed on the LCD is the parameter being used now. If you do not want to change the
parameter, press the button for a long time to exit the option; if you want to change the parameter, press
the button for a short time to modify it.

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Z5DT User’s Guide
1.BAUDRATE
115200
Figure 3.3.1-4 submenu of serial baud rate
4) Repeat step 1-3 to change other parameters of the serial port.
5) Save the modified parameters. Switch the menu to “SAVE ALL” option and press the button for a long time
to save the modified parameters. The printer will restart automatically after the saving to validate the
parameter changes. (Remarks: if “SAVE ALL” option is not executed, the printer will not save the setting and
will execute the previous configuration parameters when powered on next time).
6) If you want to discard your changes, choose “EXIT” directly to exit.
Configuring other parameters is similar to the process described above, which can be operated according
to the menu prompts.
3.3.2 Detailed parameter setting range
Adjustment object
Setting range
Remarks
Media type
CONTINUOUS
MARK
WEB
CONTINUOUS: continuous label/paper
MARK: marked label/paper
WEB: label paper, please see Appendix 1.2
technical specifications of paper for details.
Media out mode
REWIND
TEAR OFF
PEEL OFF
CUTTER
The peel off module and cutter are optional.
Print darkness
00—30
Set the print darkness as low as possible on
condition that the print effect is acceptable so as
to ensure the lifetime of print head.
Print speed (unit: IPS)
3-6
Vertical position adjustment (unit:
dots)
-120-+120
For adjustment effect, please refer to 3.5 Print
position adjustment.
Horizontal position adjustment
(unit: dots)
-9999-+9999
Tear-off position adjustment (unit:
dots)
-120-+120
Time
00-23
Supported display format：
MM/DD/YY 24HR
MM/DD/YY 12HR
DD/MM/YY 24HR
DD/MM/YY 12HR
00-59
Date
00-99
01-12
01-31

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3.4 Sensor position adjustment
A. When using label, the sensor position can be adjusted according to the following steps:
1) Push the part with arrow on the sensor cover board in the direction of the arrow, and turn the sensor
cover board upward to take it off (see figure 3.4-1);
Figure 3.4-1 Figure 3.4-2
2) Pull or push the sensor base to align the triangle symbol on the sensor base with the groove on the
upper path (see figure 3.4-2);
3) Press down the part with arrow to install the sensor cover board.
B. When using label media or changing the width setting, follow the steps below to adjust the sensor position:
1) Measure the required sensor position in advance based on the mark position of media;
2) Push the part with arrow on the sensor cover board in the direction of the arrow, and turn the sensor
cover board upward to take it off (see figure 3.4-1);
3) Pull or push the sensor to the required position (as shown in the figure);
4) Press down the part with arrow to install the sensor cover board.
Calibration
None
The printer feeds media and at the same time
rectifies the sensor parameters in order to adapt
to the paper.
Serial port configuration
Baud rate
110, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800,
9600, 19200, 38400, 57600,
115200
Data bit (unit: bit)
7 bit, 8 bit
Stop bit (unit: bit)
1 bit, 2 bit
Parity
NONE, ODD, EVEN
Handshake signal
Hardware handshake, software
handshake

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3.5 Print position adjustment
1) Adjust vertical print position
When the situation like figure A or B occurs, adjust the vertical print position to figure C. (For the detailed
adjustment method, please refer to 3.3.1 Button menu settings).
Figure 3.5-1
Caution:
Figure A indicates that the print position is upper than the correct position. Adjust it in the negative
direction (The data symbol in the option “Vertical position adjustment” is “+”);
Figure B indicates that the print position is lower than the correct position. Adjust it in the positive
direction. (The data symbol in the option “Vertical position adjustment” is “-”).
2) Adjust horizontal print position
When the situation like figure D or E occurs, adjust the horizontal print position to figure F (For the detailed
adjustment method, please refer to 3.3.2 Detailed parameter setting range).
Figure 3.5-2
Caution:
Figure D indicates that the print position is on the left of the correct position. Adjust it in the positive
direction (The data symbol in the option “Horizontal position adjustment” is “+”);
Figure E indicates that the print position is on the right of the correct position. Adjust it in the negative
direction. (The data symbol in the option “Horizontal position adjustment” is “-”).

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Z5DT User’s Guide
3) Adjust tear-off position
When the situation like figure G or H occurs, adjust the tear-off position to figure J. (For the detailed
adjustment method, please refer to 3.3.2 Detailed parameter setting range).
Figure 3.5-3
Caution:
Figure G indicates that the tear-off position is upper than the correct position. Adjust it in negative
direction; (The data symbol in the option “Tear-off position adjustment” is “-”);
Figure H indicates that the tear-off position is lower than the correct position. Adjust it in positive
direction. (The data symbol in the option “Tear-off position adjustment” is “+”).

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Z5DT User’s Guide
4 Routine maintenance
Clean the print head, platen roller and sensor every month according to the following steps. If the printer works
in a tough environment, the maintenance times can be properly increased.
4.1 Cleaning print head
When any of the following cases occurs, the print head should be cleaned:
Printout is not clear;
Feed or retract media causes noise;
Something else sticks onto the print head.
Follow the steps below to clean the print head:
1) Turn off the printer and open the top cover;
2) Lift up the top cover and find the print head. Wait for print head to cool down completely if it has just
finished the printing;
3) Wipe off the dust and stains on the surface of the print head with alcohol cotton ball (it should be wrung
out);
4) Wait for 5 to 10 minutes until the alcohol evaporates completely, press down print head module, and close
the top cover.
4.2 Cleaning the sensor
When any of the following cases occurs, the mark sensor should be cleaned:
During printing, the printer sometimes misinforms end of label/paper;
The printer does not alarm when label/paper reaches end;
The printer cannot identify marks effectively.
Follow the steps below to clean the mark sensor:
A. Transmissive sensor
1) Turn off the printer and open the top cover;
2) Wipe off the dust and stains on the surface of the transmissive sensor with alcohol cotton ball (it should
be wrung out);
3) Wait for 5 to 10 minutes until the alcohol evaporates completely, and close top cover.
B. Reflective sensor
1) Turn off the printer and open the top cover;
2) Find the reflective sensor and take off the top cover board of it;
3) Wipe off dust and stains on the surface of sensor with alcohol cotton ball (it should be wrung out);
4) Wait for 5 to 10 minutes until the alcohol evaporates completely, close the top cover board of the sensor,
and close the top cover.