Datamax Allegro 2 User manual

Allegro2
Operator’s Manual

HP PCB-4, and HP Laser Jet II are Trademarks of Hewlett Packard Corporation
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times, based upon Times New Roman under license from The Monotype
Corporation.
plc, is a product of Agfa Corporation.
Allegro2, SEAQ, and PC Batch are trademarks of Datamax Barcode Products
Corporation.
As an Energy Star Partner, Datamax Corporation has determined that this product
meets the Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency.
Firmware (Software) Agreement:The enclosed Firmware (Software) resident
in the EPROM’s 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 EPROM’s or the information contained in the EPROM’s. 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 1997 by Datamax Corporation
7500 Flying Cloud Drive • Suite 655 • Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 •
[phone]
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Part Number: 88-2183-01
Revision: A3

Agency Compliance and Approvals:
UL: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment
CSA: C22.2 No. 950-M93
TUV: EN60950, IEC950
VDE: Class B Vfg. 243/1991
1.Nur für Gebrauch innerhalb eines Gebäudes geeignet.
2.Bei Gefahr, Kabel aus der Steckdose herausziehen
3.Falls kein Kabel mitgeliefert wurde, bitte Folgendes bei der Anschaffung eines
Kabels beachten:
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.
1.This unit is intended for indoor use only.
2.Disconnect power supply cord in case of emergency.
3.When power supply cord is not provided; for proper power supply cord
selection please see below:
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
FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
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
Your Barcode Printer has been designed to give you many years of
safe, reliable service. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few
basic precautions you should take to avoid getting hurt or damaging
the Printer.
•Carefully read the installation and operating instructions
provided with your Printer.
•Read and follow all warning instruction labels on the Printer
itself.
•Place the Printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
•To protect your Printer from overheating, make sure all
openings on the Printer are not blocked.
•Do not place the Printer on or near a heat source, (i.e., a radiator
or heat register).
•Do not use your Printer near water, or spill liquid of any kind
into it.
•Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on
the back of the Printer. If you are unsure, check with your
dealer or with your local power company.
•Do not place the power cord where it will be walked on. If the
power cord becomes damaged or frayed replace it immediately.
•Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on
the Printer.
•Only qualified, trained service technicians should attempt to
repair your Printer.

i
♦Contents
♦Getting Started
1.0 Introduction .....................................................1
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection ................................1
1.2 Tear-off Assembly Installation.......................... 4
1.3 Using the Printer Control Panel.........................5
1.4 Media Installation.............................................8
1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions..................9
1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions ..............10
1.5 Using the Printer Options...................................11
1.6.1 Available Modules ..............................11
1.6.2 Options ...............................................12
♦Setting up the Printer
2.0 Checking Voltage Selection..............................15
2.1 Power Up Self-Test ..........................................15
2.2 Interfacing to the Printer...................................17
2.3 Sample Installations..........................................18
2.4 Switch Settings.................................................20
2.5 Programming Commands.................................23
2.6 Programming Examples....................................28
♦Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software
3.0 Introduction .....................................................31
3.1 The Printer used with a LINK CRT...................32
3.2 Formatting and Printing Labels.........................35
3.3 Create/Modify Label Screen .............................40
3.4 Print Label Screen ...........................................53
3.5 System Maintenance Screen .............................55
3.6 Quick Reference Listing ..................................57
(Continued)

ii
♦Troubleshooting
4.0 Introduction .....................................................59
4.1 Controlling print quality ...................................60
4.2 Aligning the Printhead......................................61
4.2.1 Printhead Alignment Procedure .........63
4.2.2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure/Support 65
4.3 Troubleshooting.................................................66
♦Maintenance
5.0 Introduction .....................................................69
5.1 Cleaning Schedule............................................70
5.2 Cleaning the Printhead......................................70
♦Appendix A
ASCII Control Code Chart.................................A-1
♦Appendix B
Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing................B-1
♦Appendix C
Available Fonts and Barcodes............................C-1
♦Appendix D
Error Codes .......................................................D-1
♦Appendix E
Cable Listings ....................................................E-1
♦Appendix F
Specifications.....................................................F-1
♦Appendix G
Warranty Information........................................G-1

Allegro2 1
♦Getting Started
1.0 Introduction
The Allegro2Label Printer, hereafter referred to as the "Printer",
incorporates high-performance/low cost direct thermal and optional
thermal transfer label printing capabilities. The combination of
powerful capabilities, easy-to-use features, a contemporary look and
affordable pricing set a new standard for direct-thermal and
thermal-transfer label printers in retail, office and industrial
applications.
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Inspect the shipping container(s), if damage is evident, contact the
carrier to specify the nature and extent of the damage.
Remove the contents from the box. The Printer is enclosed in a
plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture damage during
shipment, remove the plastic bag before use.
Along with this manual, the shipping container(s) should include the
following items:
•Label Printer
•Front Tear Bar Assembly
•Special or additional items purchased.

Getting Started
2Allegro2
Location of Parts on Your Printer
The following illustrations show the major components of your
Printer. Figure 1-2 is a detailed view of the print mechanism from
the side. Figure 1-3 is a back view of the Printer. Figure 1-5 is a
view of Printer’s switches and indicators.
In this manual we will refer to the components and connectors
depicted in these illustrations. If you are not installing the optional
Cutter or Front Rewind, then you should proceed to install the Front
Tear Bar Assembly at this time (see Figure 1.4).
Figure 1-2 Mechanism Detail

Getting Started
Allegro2 3
Figure 1-3 Rear View

Getting Started
4Allegro2
1.2 Tear- off Assembly Installation
To install the Tear-off Assembly complete the following steps:
1. Open the Printer's Side Cover.
2. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.
3. Fit the Tear Bar Assembly to the slots below the drive roller
and push it down until it snaps into place.
4. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
clockwise to the ‘down’ position.
Figure 1-4 Tear Bar Assembly Installation

Getting Started
Allegro2 5
1.3 Using the Printer Control Panel
The Printer has three operator-accessible buttons, three indicators
lights (LEDs), one switch and one POT, (see Figure 1-5). A brief
description of the buttons, lights, switch and POT are listed in this
section.
Figure 1-5 Buttons, Lights and Switches
Power Light: The power light is turned on after the power switch
on the rear of the Printer is turned on.

Getting Started
6Allegro2
Pause Button: This button allows the operator to stop printing a
run of labels and then restart the job by pressing
the button again. Activation of the button will:
•Stop the print mechanism when the label
printing is complete.
•Turn on the pause light.
•Stop the label counter, but maintain the
count balance.
•Hold all data in memory.
Pressing the button a second time will:
•Restart the Printer.
•Print the balance of labels on the counter
unless interrupted.
•Turn ‘off’ the pause light.
Pause Light: The pause light will turn on if any of the
following occurs:
•The pause button is pressed.
•A print job is canceled with the stop/cancel
button.
•A fault occurs with the cutter or rewind
option.
Stop/Cancel Button:This button allows the operator to stop and cancel
a run of labels in the process of being printed and
continue on to the next run in the Printer’s buffer.
Feed Button: Pressing this button causes the paper to
automatically advance to the first print position of
the next label. On a new size label, 0 - 2 labels
may feed before registration occurs.

Getting Started
Allegro2 7
Paper/Ribbon This light is activated when:
Light: •No label and/or ribbon is detected.
•The Internal Rewinder (if installed) is not
rotating, (i.e., maximum rewind capacity has
been reached).
Ribbon For direct-thermal printing, (no ribbon), slide the
Switch: switch to the ‘off’ position. For thermal-transfer
printing, (ribbon installed), slide the switch to the
‘on’ position.
Darkness POT: This POT is used to fine adjust the print darkness
due to variations in different media’s and
printheads.
Note: Do not use this control for adjusting individual label printing
jobs, rather, use the software control with the ALT-P Print
Parameters Screen in the Internal Batch Mode (see Section 4),
or the proper command in RS-232 mode to vary darkness of
printing on a per-label-format basis.

Getting Started
8Allegro2
1.4 Media Installation
Installation
The Printer is designed for easy label stock and ribbon installation.
A diagram located under the cover of the Printer shows the feed
path for print media. Simply lift the cover of the Printer from the
right-hand side to locate the installation instructions.
Figure 1-6 Label Loading Diagram
Labels
The Printer uses labels up to 4.65" (118mm) wide. The maximum
diameter of a roll of labels used in the Printer is 8" (203mm). If a
label is narrower than 3.5" (89mm) then the Printhead must be
adjusted off the roller. Please refer to Section 4.2.2, “Adjusting
Printhead Pressure and Support,” for more information.

Getting Started
Allegro2 9
1.4.1 Label Loading Instructions
To load labels complete the following steps:
1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.
2. Slide the Media Guide to the outer edge of the guide and
rotate it to the ‘down’ position.
3. Slide the Retainer to the outer edge of the Supply
Mount.
4. Place the label roll on the Supply Mount and slide the
Retainer firmly against it.
5. Insert the label stock as shown in Figure 1-6.
6. Route the Media Guide ‘up’ and slide it to the edge of
the Media.
7. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
clockwise to the ‘down’ position.
If the Media is not sensing, try adjusting the sensor position by
turning the adjustment knob for the movable sensor. The gauge
behind and below the Printhead can be viewed for making this
adjustment. If the label’s edge is not detected within 12" (305mm) of
feeding, the Printer will stop and the ‘Paper Out’ Indicator will
remain illuminated. In this case, check the threading of the Media
around the bottom of the upper and lower Media Guides.
If the paper feeds forward only about 2.5" (64mm) each time you
press the Feed Button, and does not seem to be stopping on a label
edge, the Ribbon on/off Switch, (shown in Figure 1-5) was
probably turned on without Thermal-Transfer Ribbon being
installed. Slide this switch toward the front of the Printer for Direct-
Thermal Printing.

Getting Started
10 Allegro2
1.4.2 Ribbon Loading Instructions
Load ribbon as shown below in Figure 1-7. The ribbon can be
wound directly on to the hub and held with a clasp, or a used ribbon
core can be placed on the hub. To load the ribbon complete the
following steps:
1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
counterclockwise to the ‘up’ position.
2. Slide the Ribbon on to the Ribbon Supply Hub. Route
the ribbon, (see Figure 1-7), and attach the ribbon to the
Ribbon Take-up Hub.
3. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
clockwise to the ‘down’ position.
Figure 1-7 Ribbon Loading

Getting Started
Allegro2 11
1.5 Using the Printer Options
1.5.1 Available Modules
The Printer uses memory modules to expand its built-in capabilities,
primarily for the use of storing graphic images and bitmaps of
smooth fonts, and for storing label formats that can be recalled by
host computers. The Label Printer has one module slot located on
the left side for use with Memory Module Cartridges.
To install a Memory Module:
Figure 1-8 Inserting a Memory Module

Getting Started
12 Allegro2
1.6.2 Options
Font ROM Modules
Font ROM Modules contain additional fonts that extend the
capabilities of the Internal Fonts. Each Font ROM Module comes
with documentation detailing the type and sizes available on the
module and the font number of each size used in label formatting.
Font ROM Modules are programmed at the factory and cannot be
modified later for any other purpose.
256K and 512K RAM Modules
RAM Modules are the most flexible module option for the Printer.
They provide temporary storage of data used in label-format
printing. Each module contains 256K of data storage for fonts,
graphic images or label formats.
An additional feature of the 512K RAM Module is that the Printer
will use a part of its memory to extend the Printer’s bit-mapped
label length from 8.25" (210mm) to 20.25" (514mm).
256K Flash EEPROM Module
Flash EEPROM Modules provide the same features of RAM
Modules with the added benefit of virtually permanent storage. A
Write Protect Switch on the Flash EEPROM Module can protect data
stored on the cartridge from being overwritten or erased.
Cutter
The Printer can be ordered with an Optional Cutter and tray for
cutting tags and labels, or the option can be installed at a later date.
This option can be easily attached to the Printer and once installed
can be enabled by turning ‘on’ switch 8 located on the back of your
Printer.