Datamax DMX E E-4204 User manual

E-4203 / E-4204 / E-4304
w/USB
Operator’s Manual

Copyright Information:
CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype
Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered
trademarks, or registered service marks of their respective companies.
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.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
© Copyright 2002 by Datamax Corporation
Part Number: 88-2304-01
Revision: A

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 A
EN 50024 (1998)
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
This printer has been carefully designed to provide many years of safe,
reliable performance. As with all electrical equipment, there are a few
basic precautions you should take to avoid hurting yourself 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.
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.
Do not use your printer near water, or spill liquid into it.
Be certain that your power source matches the rating listed on your
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
Printer Overview
1.0 Introduction......................................................... 1
1.1 About this Printer ................................................ 2
1.1.1 Standard Features ..................................... 2
1.1.2 Optional Features ...................................... 3
Getting Started
2.0 Before using the Printer.......................................5
Setting Up the Printer
3.0 Introduction......................................................... 7
3.1 Connecting the Printer ........................................ 7
3.1.1 Power Connection ...................................... 7
3.1.2 Interface Connection .................................. 8
3.1.3 Interface Cables......................................... 8
3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor................................. 9
3.3 Loading Media..................................................... 12
3.3.1 Loading Media for Peel Configuration ......... 14
3.4 Loading Ribbon................................................... 15
3.5 Flash Memory Expansion .................................... 17
Using the Front Panel
4.0 Introduction......................................................... 19
4.1 Lights.................................................................. 19
4.2 Buttons ............................................................... 20
4.3 Normal Mode - Button Functions ......................... 20
4.4 Printer Setup Mode - Button Functions................ 21
4.4.1 Printer Setup Menu List.............................. 22
4.4.2 Menu Items and Values.............................. 23
4.4.3 Step by Step Modification........................... 26
4.5 Label Alignment .................................................. 28
4.5.1 Label Alignment = YES .............................. 28
4.5.2 Label Alignment = AUTO............................ 29

ii
4.5.3 Label Alignment = NO ................................ 29
4.5.4 Label Alignment Troubleshooting ............... 30
4.6 Calibration Mode – Button Functions................... 34
4.6.1 Auto Media Sensor Calibration.................... 35
4.6.2 Manual Media Sensor Calibration ............... 36
4.7 Internal Labels .................................................... 37
4.7.1 Database Configuration/Dot Check Labels.. 37
4.7.2 Test Label .................................................. 39
4.7.3 Hex Dump Label ........................................ 39
Maintenance and Adjustments
5.0 Introduction......................................................... 41
5.1 Cleaning the Printhead........................................ 42
5.2 Media Width Adjustment ..................................... 43
5.3 Ribbon Width Adjustment.................................... 44
5.4 Fine Printhead Adjustment .................................. 45
5.5 Printhead Replacement....................................... 46
5.6 Darkness Adjustment .......................................... 47
5.7 Resetting to the Factory Defaults......................... 47
5.8 Downloading Firmware and Fonts ....................... 47
Troubleshooting
6.0 Introduction......................................................... 49
6.1 Troubleshooting Tips .......................................... 49
Specifications
Mechanical ................................................................ 53
Printing...................................................................... 53
Media/Ribbon ............................................................ 54
Communications........................................................ 54
Fonts......................................................................... 54
Embedded Bar Codes ............................................... 54
Approved Media......................................................... 55

iii
Appendix A
ASCII Control Code Chart .......................................... 57
Appendix B
Embedded Fonts and Barcodes.................................59
Appendix C
Warranty Information ................................................. 69
Glossary................................................................... 73
Index........................................................................... 79

iv

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 1
1.0 Introduction
The E-4203, E-4204, and E-4304 (hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’)
are user-friendly printing devices that blend quality and durability into an
affordable package. The printer, available in direct and optional thermal
transfer configurations, uses a unique front panel design to simplify
operation, while its RS232 serial and parallel interfaces allow easy
connection to your host system.
Direct Thermal Model Thermal Transfer Model
This manual provides all the information necessary to operate the printer.
To print labels or tags simply refer to the instructions included with the
software you have chosen to create the labels. A Windows printer
driver can be found on our website (www.datamaxcorp.com) or on the
Datamax Accessories CD-ROM. If you wish to write a custom program,
a copy of the E-Class Programmer’s Manual (part number 88-2265-01)
can also be found on the Accessories CD-ROM.

2 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304
1.1 About this Printer
This printer offers the following standard and optional features:
1.1.1 Standard Features
Printing
¾Direct Thermal Printing
¾On Demand and Batch Printing
¾203 or 300 DPI Printhead (model dependant)
¾AGFA Scalable Font Engine
Memory
¾1 MB FLASH Memory
¾2 MB DRAM Memory
Interfaces
¾RS-232 serial interface
¾Centronics parallel interface
¾USB Port
Operational
¾Simple Media Loading
¾Media Tearbar
¾Fan-fold media compatible from rear of printer
¾1inch (25mm) internal media supply core

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 3
1.1.2 Optional Features
Adjustable Media Sensor
The Adjustable Media Sensor allows the printer to detect the position
of the gap, notch, or reflective mark at many locations across the
media.
External Media Supply Stand
The External Media Supply Stand allows the printer to use large
media supply rolls, up to 8-inches in diameter and wound on one to
three inch cores. (Not available for the E-4304.)
FLASH Memory Expansion
The FLASH Expansion cartridges are used for permanent storage of
custom fonts, formats and graphics. The FLASH memory cartridges
cannot be used in conjunction with the ILPC option.
Heavy Duty Power Supply
The Heavy Duty Power Supply is available for use in high demand
applications. This power supply will also increase the E-4203’s print
speed capability to 4 IPS.
ILPC
The International Language Print Capability consisting of one of the
following:
¾CG-Times (western European) Scalable font
¾Kanji Gothic B Scalable font
¾Simplified Chinese GB Scalable font
Media Cutter
The Media Cutter automatically cuts your tag or label media after
printing. This device mounts easily onto the front of the printer.

4 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304
Present Sensor
The Present Sensor allows the printer to be configured for “one up”
printing. With the sensor installed, the printer will not print the next
label until the previously printed label has been removed from the
printer.
Thermal Transfer
The Thermal Transfer option allows the printer to use ribbon. The
ink/wax from the ribbon transfers to the media to create an image
with exceptional clarity and scanability.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 5
2.0 Before Using the Printer
Removing the Packaging
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if damage is evident notify
the shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.
The printer is carefully packaged to avoid any damage during transit. In
order to operate the printer you will need to remove the packaging
materials (i.e., tape and foam) that were placed in the printer for
shipment. Complete the following steps prior to connecting power or
attempting to load media.
¾Ensure that the arrow on the box is
pointing up, and then open the box.
¾Remove the packing foam, cardboard
divider, and power supply box.
¾Lift the printer from the box and remove
the packing foam.
¾Remove the printer from the plastic bag.
;Note: It is a good idea to save all packaging materials in the event that
shipping the printer is ever required.

6 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304
Inspecting the Printer
After removing the printer from the packaging material, check the
contents. The following items should be included:
¾Printer
¾Power supply
¾Accessories CD-ROM
¾Any special or additionally
purchased items.
Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary for generating labels from your printer.
Contact your customer support representative for advice on which media
and software may best be suited for your application.
¾USB, Serial, or parallel cable
¾Applicable media
¾Applicable software

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 7
3.0 Introduction
This chapter explains how to connect your printer, load media (and
ribbon, if equipped for thermal transfer), and print a configuration label.
3.1 Connecting the Printer
3.1.1 Power Connection
The printer is powered by an external power supply that connects as
shown below. Several different power supplies are available depending
upon the printer model.
Model Auto-Ranging Powe r Supply Part Numbe r*
E-4203 No 110V: 50-2024-01
220V: 50-2034-01
E-4203 with the 4 IPS option Yes 50-2050-01
E-4204 Yes 50-2050-01
E-4304 Yes 50-2050-01
* An optional Heavy Duty Power Supply (50-2049-01), designed for use in high-demand
applications, is available for use with all models; see Specifications for details.
Ensure that the power supply
shipped with your printer is
compatible with your electrical
service.
Power
Connection

8 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304
3.1.2 Interface Connection
The printer can be connected to
the host via a USB, serial or
parallel cable.
Serial
Connection
Parallel
Connection
USB
Connection
To H o s t -OR-
-OR-
3.1.3 Interface Cables
Choose one connection method that will best serve your purpose:
yTo connect the printer to the host’s serial (RS-232C) interface use an
acceptable cable configuration, as shown below (contact your reseller
for ordering information).
Part # 32-2300-01 Part # 32-2301-01
yTo connect the printer to the host’s parallel interface use a
Centronics parallel cable.
yTo connect the printer to the host’s USB interface use a standard
USB cable.
Note that the printer has a unique feature: When connected via more than
one interface, it will automatically connect to the first port (serial,
parallel, or USB) that transmits valid data. After this connection has been
made, the printer’s power must be cycled ‘Off’ and ‘On’ to change the
interface connection.

E-4203/E-4204/E-4304 9
3.2 Adjusting the Media Sensor
The printer is available with a Fixed-Position Media Sensor or an
Adjustable Media Sensor. To identify the type of sensor in your printer:
1. Open the cover.
2. Push down the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Carrier
Assembly.
The Fixed-Position Media Sensor, shown below, cannot be moved. If
your printer has this type of sensor, proceed to ‘Loading Media’ (Section
3.3).
Fixed-Position Media Sensor
Printhead
Carrier Assembly
Printhead Latch
The Adjustable Media Sensor (AMS), shown below, may need to be
positioned.
Adjustable Media Sensor
Printhead Latch
Printhead
Carrier Assembly

10 E-4203/E-4204/E-4304
The position of the AMS is important for the proper detection of media
and the label top of form (TOF). The table below indicates suggested
sensor positions for various media types.
Adjustable Media Sensor Position
Me dia Type Suggested Sensor Placement TOF Sensing Used
Continuous* Near the center of the media Continuous
Die-cut Near the center of the label Gap
Notched Near the center of the notch Gap
Reflective Near the center of the black mark Reflective
*Label TOF for continuous media is set via the Front Panel (CONT FORM LENGTH) or
software; see Section 4.4.2.
To properly position the AMS, you will need to know where the TOF
mark is located on your media. (For more information on media, see
Specifications).
Depending of your media type, take a measurement from the left-justified
media edge across to the center of the TOF mark as suggested in the
table above. The following example illustrates the measurement of
notched media.
;Note: Reflective marks are placed on the underside of the media.
Media
Movement
Notch
Left-Justified
Measurement
To simplify the adjustment, the AMS uses Reference Letter designators
that correspond to the following TOF mark distances: