Datamax Prodigy Plus User manual

Prodigy Plus
Operator’s Manual

HP PCL-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.
Futura is a registered trademark of Fundición Tipográfica Neufville, S.A.
Prodigy Plus, Prodigy Plus 152, 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: 510379
Revision: D2

Agency Compliance and Approvals:
UL: UL1950 Information Technology Equipment, file number
E156091.
CSA: C22.2 No. 950-M1986, file number LR68943-13.
TUV-GS: EN60950/03.88, certificate number S9371819.
VDE: Class B Vfg. 1046/1984.
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 ...........................................2
1.2 Supplies Necessary to Print Labels...............................2
1.3 Location of Parts on your Printer.................................3
1.4 Installing the Front Door .............................................5
1.5 Using the Printer’s Control Panel.................................6
1.6 Using Print Media........................................................8
1.7 Media Rewind Instructions........................................10
1.7.1 Peel-off Mode................................................11
1.8 Ribbon Loading Instructions .....................................12
♦Printing Labels
2.0 Introduction...............................................................13
2.1 Programming Commands..........................................13
2.2 Programming Examples.............................................19
2.3 Configuration and Test Labels...................................21
2.3.1 Configuration Label........................................21
2.3.2 Print Test Label..............................................22
2.3.3 Loop back Test Plug.......................................22
♦Troubleshooting
3.0 Introduction...............................................................23
3.1 Controlling Print Quality ...........................................24
3.2 Aligning the Printhead...............................................25
3.2.1 Direct-Thermal Stock .....................................25
3.2.2 Tag Stock or Stiff Media ................................25
3.2.3 Mechanical Adjustments.................................25
3.3 Printhead Alignment Procedure.................................28
3.3.1 Label Stock Tracking Adjustment...................28
3.3.2 Ribbon Feed and Tracking Adjustments.........29
3.4 Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support................31
3.5 Troubleshooting........................................................32

ii
♦Maintenance
4.0 Cleaning the Printer...................................................37
4.1 Cleaning the Printhead...............................................38
♦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

Prodigy Plus 1
♦Getting Started
Figure 1-1 Printer Overview
1.0 Introduction
The Prodigy Plus, hereafter referred to as the “Printer”,
incorporates high-performance/low cost thermal label printing
capabilities. The combination of powerful capabilities, easy-to-use
features, a contemporary look and affordable pricing set a new
standard for thermal label printing in retail, office and industrial
applications.

Getting Started
2Prodigy Plus
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.
The Printer is packed in Corrupadrecycled packaging and is
enclosed in a plastic bag to reduce the chance of moisture damage
during shipment. Remove the Printer from the plastic bag before
use.
Along with this manual, the shipping container(s) should include
the following items:
•Label Printer
•Printer’s front door panel (packaged separately)
•Special or additional items purchased.
1.2 Supplies Necessary to Print Labels
In order for the Printer to generate labels you will need the
necessary software and media. There are many different types of
media and software packages available, therefore it is a good idea
to contact your local reseller on which software and media is best
suited for your needs.

Getting Started
Prodigy Plus 3
1.3 Location of Parts on your Printer
The following illustrations show the major components of your
Printer. Figure 1-2 is the front panel with the cover open, Figure 1-
3 is the mechanism detail and Figure 1-4 is the rear view.
Figure 1-2 Front Panel (Front Cover Open)

Getting Started
4Prodigy Plus
Figure 1-3 Mechanism Detail
Figure 1-4 Rear View

Getting Started
Prodigy Plus 5
1.4 Installing the Front Door
Prior to operating the Printer the front door must be installed.
Complete the following steps when installing the front door.
1. Remove the door and Printer from its packaging.
2. With the hinges lined up to the proper location on the
Printer, gently slide the door into the Printer’s hinge slots.
Figure 1-5 Installing the Door

Getting Started
6Prodigy Plus
1.5 Using the Printer’s Control Panel
The Printer has three operator-accessible buttons, three indicator
lights (LEDs), one switch, and one POT, (see Figure 1-6). A brief
description of the buttons, light, switches and POT are listed in this
section.
Figure 1-6 Switches and Indicators
Power Light: This light is turned on after the Power Switch on
the rear of the Printer is activated.
Pause Light: This light will turn on if any of the following
occurs: the Pause Button is pressed; a print job is
canceled with the Stop/CancelButton, or; a fault
occurs with the Cutter.

Getting Started
Prodigy Plus 7
Pause Button: This button allows the operator to stop the
printing of a run of labels and then complete the
job by pressing the switch again. Activation of the
switch 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, and; hold all data in memory. Pressing
the switch a second time will: restart the Printer;
print the balance of labels on the counter unless
interrupted, and; turn ‘off’ the Pause Indicator.
Stop/Cancel Button:This Button allows the operator to stop and cancel
a run of labels in the process of being produced
and continue on to the next run in the Printer’s
buffer.
Feed Button: Pressing the Feed Button causes the paper to
automatically advance to the first print position of
the next label. On a new size label, multiple labels
may be fed before registration occurs.
Paper/Ribbon The Paper/Ribbon light is activated when a
Light: label and/or ribbon is not detected
Transfer on Switch: This switch should be in the ‘off’ position for
Direct-Thermal Printing and in the ‘on’ position
for Thermal-Transfer Printing. When on, it has
two functions: the ribbon sensor is enabled, and;
the Printhead temperature is reduced, since most
Thermal-Transfer Printing does not require as
much heat as Direct-Thermal Printing.
Darkness Control This potentiometer (POT) is used to fine adjust
POT: darkness to variations in the media.

Getting Started
8Prodigy Plus
1.6 Using Print Media
Installation for Media Loading
1. Slide the Media Retainer to outer end of Media Supply Mount.
2. Place the new media supply roll on the Media Supply Mount
and slide the Media Retainer firmly back against it.
Figure 1-7 Media Supply Mount

Getting Started
Prodigy Plus 9
3. Disengage the Printhead by rotating head-lift lever clockwise to
the ‘up’ position.
4. Rotate the media Guide down.
5. Insert the label stock as shown in Figure 1-8.
6. Rotate the media guide up and slide to the edge of the media.
Figure 1-8 Media Routing
7. Engage Printhead by rotating the head lift lever
counterclockwise to the “down” position
If the media is not sensing, try adjusting the sensor position by
turning the adjusting knob for the movable sensor. The gauge
behind and below the Printhead can be viewed for making the
adjustment. If a label is not detected within 12″of feeding, the
Printer will stop and the Paper Out Indicator will remain lit. 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 1″each time you press the
‘Feed’ button and does not seem to be stopping on a label’s edge,
the Thermal/Thermal Transfer switch has probably been turned on
without thermal-transfer ribbon being installed. Slide the switch
back to the left side for direct-thermal printing.

Getting Started
10 Prodigy Plus
1.7 Media Rewind Instructions
1. Remove the window cover from the front door.
2. Fasten the rewind adapter to the front of the Printer as shown in
Figure 1-9.
Figure 1-9 Attaching the Rewind Adapter

Getting Started
Prodigy Plus 11
3. Route the media so that it slides over the rewind adapter as
shown in Figure 1-10.
4. Partially wrap media around the Media Rewinder and install the
clasp over the media.
Figure 1-10 Routing the Media for Rewinding
1.7.1 Peel-off Mode
1. If the Peel-off Mode is desired, route the media backing down
past the Rewind Assist Roller, (see Figure 1-10) to the media
rewinder and reverse the serrated tear off plate.
Note:Do not install the rewind adapter when using the
Peel-off Mode.
Caution
Using the Peel-off Mode without the Present
Sensor installed and enabled can cause labels to
become jammed in the Printer.

Getting Started
12 Prodigy Plus
1.8 Ribbon Loading Instructions
Load ribbon as shown below in Figure 1-11. The ribbon can be
wound directly onto the hub and held with a clasp, or a used
ribbon core can be placed on the hub.
Ribbon Loading Instructions
1. Disengage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
clockwise to the ‘up’ position.
2. Slide the Ribbon onto the Ribbon Supply Hub. Route the
ribbon, (see Figure 1-11), and attach the ribbon to the Ribbon
Take-up Hub.
3. Engage the Printhead by rotating the Head-Lift Lever
counterclockwise to the ‘down’ position.
Figure 1-11 Ribbon Loading
4. Ensure that the Transfer Switch is in the ‘on’ position.
Note: If using a ribbon that is translucent, (i.e., color other than
black), it may be necessary to turn on switch 1-7 located on
the back of the Printer.