Datamax Label Printer User manual

Ovation2
Operator’s Manual

CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.
CG Times, based upon Times New Roman under license from The
Monotype Corporation.
Ovation, SEAQ, and PC Batch are trademarks of Datamax Bar Code
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 Bar Code
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 1999 by Datamax Corporation
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Part Number: 88-2185-01
Revision: B2

Agency Compliance and Approvals:
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
This printer has been carefully designed to give you 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
♦Contents
♦Getting Started
1.0 Introduction ..................................................................... 1
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection................................................. 2
1.2 Additional Requirements .................................................. 2
1.3 Connecting Power ............................................................ 3
1.4 Interfacing to the Printer................................................... 4
1.5 Interface Cables ............................................................... 4
1.6 Loading Media................................................................. 5
1.7 Loading Media for Peel Configuration.............................. 6
1.8 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Option)..................... 7
1.9 Adjustments for Various Sizes of Ribbon or Media........... 9
1.9.1 Ribbon Width Adjustment ...................................... 9
1.9.2 Media Width Adjustment...............................................10
1.10 Power-up Configuration and Self-Test.............................. 11
1.11 Setting the Printer to the Factory Defaults......................... 12
1.12 Switches and Indicators.................................................... 13
1.13 Available Options ............................................................ 14
♦Printing Labels
2.0 Introduction ..................................................................... 17
2.1 Programming Commands ................................................. 17
2.2 Programming Examples ................................................... 23
2.3 Configuration Command String........................................ 25
2.4 Memory Cartridges (Modules).......................................... 27
♦Maintenance
3.0 Introduction ..................................................................... 28
3.1 Cleaning the Printhead...................................................... 29
3.2 Fine Printhead Adjustment................................................ 30
3.3 Printhead Replacement (203 DPI)..................................... 31
3.4 Printhead Replacement (300 DPI)..................................... 32

ii
♦Troubleshooting
4.0 Introduction ..................................................................... 34
Appendix A
ASCII Control Code Chart ........................................................ 1
Appendix B
Printer Specifications................................................................. 1
Appendix C
Available Fonts and Bar Codes.................................................. 1
Appendix D
Error Codes............................................................................... 1
Appendix E
Warranty Information................................................................ 1

Ovation2 1
♦Getting Started
Figure 1-1 Printer Overview
1.0 Introduction
The Ovation2 hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, is a high
quality/low cost direct thermal and optional thermal-transfer label
printer. The printer’s unique construction combines a durable
plastic casing with a metal print mechanism to ensure reliability
and consistent print registration. The combination of powerful
capabilities, compact design, easy-to-use features, and affordable
pricing set a new standard for direct thermal and thermal-transfer
label printers.
This manual provides all the information necessary to operate
your printer. To print labels, tags, or tickets refer to the
instructions included with the software you are using to create the
labels.

Getting Started
2Ovation2
1.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Inspect the shipping container(s) for damage, if damage is evident
notify the shipping company to specify the nature and extent of the
damage.
Remove the printer from the packaging material and check the
contents of the package. In addition to this manual the following items
should be included:
•Label printer
•External power supply
•Special or additional items purchased.
Note: It is a good idea to save the carton and packaging materials in the
event shipping the printer is required.
1.2 Additional Requirements
The following items are necessary to generate labels with your printer.
It may be a good idea to contact your local reseller for advice on
which media and software is best suited for your needs.
•Serial or parallel cable, (see Section 1.4)
•Power cord for 230 VAC operation only, (120 VAC units
come with a power cord).
•Applicable media
•Applicable software

Getting Started
Ovation2 3
1.3 Connecting Power
The printer is powered from an external power supply that connects to
the printer as shown below. Power supplies are available in both 115
and 230 AC voltages. Ensure that the power supply shipped with your
printer matches your electrical service.
Caution
Connect power supply to printer before plugging
into AC outlet.
Figure 1-2 Connecting power to the Printer

Getting Started
4Ovation2
1.4 Interfacing to the Printer
The printer can be connected to the host via a serial or parallel cable.
Figure 1-3 Interfacing to the Printer
1.5 Interface Cables
An interface cable is necessary to connect the printer to the host. The
interface between the printer and the host will be either a serial RS-
232C or parallel cable. Cable configurations for serial (RS-232C)
interfaces are shown below, (contact your reseller for part numbers
and ordering information).
Figure 1-4 Serial Cables

Getting Started
Ovation2 5
The printer can also be connected to the host with a parallel
connection. In addition, the printer has a unique feature where if you
connect both the serial and parallel cables to the printer at the same
time, the printer will automatically interface to the first connection,
(serial or parallel) that transmits valid data. After a connection has
been made, the printer must be turned off and then back on again to
change the interface connection.
1.6 Loading Media
1. Open the cover.
2. Push the printhead latch toward the back of the printer and raise
the printhead carrier assembly.
3. Place a roll of media (labels facing up) on the media hub and
insert them into the printer. Slide the media hub against the roll of
media
4. Pull 6″(152 mm) of media from the media roll in the printer.
5. Slide the media guide to the edge of the media.
6. Close the printhead carrier assembly and press down until it locks
into place.
Figure 1-5 Loading Media
7. Close the cover and press the ‘Feed’ Button several times to feed the
media and ensure proper tracking.
Note: The printer is factory set for 4-inch media and ribbon, when using
different width media/ribbon please refer to Section 1.9.

Getting Started
6Ovation2
1.7 Loading Media for Peel Configuration
1. Open the cover.
2. Push the printhead latch toward the back of the printer and raise
the printhead carrier assembly.
3. Place a roll of media (labels should be facing up) on the media
hub and insert into the printer.
4. Pull the Peel-off Lever forward to the ‘open’ position.
5. Remove 6″(152 mm)of labels from the backing. Route the
backing over the tearbar and behind the peel-off shaft as shown
below.
Figure 1-6 Loading Media for Peel Configuration
6. Push the Peel-off Lever back to the ‘closed’ position
7. Close the printhead carrier assembly and press down until it locks
into place.
8. Close the cover and press the ‘feed’ button two or three times to
feed the media and ensure proper tracking. The labels will
separate automatically as it is feed through the printer.

Getting Started
Ovation2 7
1.8 Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Option)
1. Open the cover.
2. Remove the two ribbon hubs.
3. Slide the ribbon and empty core onto the hubs making sure that
the ribbon unwinds and rewinds.
Figure 1-7 Ribbon Hub Removal
4. Place the ribbon supply hub back into the thermal transfer
assembly.
5. Slide the direct/thermal transfer switch to the ‘transfer’ position.

Getting Started
8Ovation2
Figure 1-8 Selecting the Print Type
6. Load the printer with media (see Section 1.6) and ribbon. When
loading ribbon be sure to guide the ribbon through the printhead
carrier assembly as shown below.
Figure 1-9 Routing the Ribbon
7. Close the cover. Press and hold the feed button down while
powering on the printer. Continue to hold down the feed button
until the printer starts to move the media, then release. The printer
will now print a configuration label that confirms the thermal-
transfer mode is set.
8. After printing a configuration label you must cycle power. To
cycle power simply turn the printer off for 30 seconds, and then
back on. The printer will remain set for thermal-transfer mode.
Note: The thermal-transfer mode can also be set with the configuration
command <STX KD>, see Section 2.3.

Getting Started
Ovation2 9
1.9 Adjustments for Various Sizes of Ribbon or Media
1.9.1 Ribbon Width Adjustment
The adjustable ribbon handler feature allows adjustment to the ribbon
supply hub which provides optimum tension when using different
widths of media or ribbon.
1. Turn ‘off’ the printer.
2. Hold the ribbon supply spindle and rotate the ribbon tension
adjustment knob to meet your media/ribbon widths based on the
table below. Ensure that the ribbon tension adjustment knob is
turned fully to the clockwise or counter-clockwise position, the
knob will no longer turn once it is in the proper position, do not
force or over turn.
Figure 1-10 Adjusting for Media
Ribbon
Size Ribbon Width Direction of Rotation
Narrow 1-2 inches wide Clockwise*
Wide 2-4 inches wide Counter-Clockwise*
* Continue turning the ribbon tension adjustment knob until it
will not turn any further in either the clockwise or counter-
clockwise position.

Getting Started
10 Ovation2
1.9.2 Media Width Adjustment
The thumbwheel on the side of the printhead carrier assembly allows
the printhead to be adjusted for various sizes of media. The numbers
on the thumbwheel serve only as a reference point and do not
correspond with a particular media width.
Figure 1-11 Thumbwheel for Media Width Adjustment
1. Load media into the printer.
2. Print a label, if it is light on the right-hand side then move the
thumbwheel to the right, (see example below).
3. An internal test label can be generated by holding the ‘feed’ button
down and turning ‘on’ the power switch until the media moves. The
first label printed is the configuration label which provides
information on the printer set-up. The second label printed is the test
pattern and shows print quality, (see Section 1.10 for additional
information).
Rotate
thumbwheel
clockwise until
print quality
along edge starts
to lighten.
(Light print on
the right side of
the test label
indicates that the
thumbwheel
should be
adjusted
clockwise.)

Getting Started
Ovation2 11
1.10 Power-up Configuration and Self-Test
With the printer off, load the die-cut media (the media must be at least
4 inches wide), and ribbon (if printing in thermal-transfer). Press and
hold the feed button and turn the printer on, (the power LED should
be ‘on’), continue holding the feed button until the media begins to
move then release it. The printer will automatically detect if a ribbon
has been installed and will then print two test labels.
Note: After performing a power-up and self-test, the printer will be
in the 'character dump mode'. Turn the printer ‘off’ for
approximately 25 seconds, then back ‘on’ to restore normal
operation. The printer must remain ‘off’ for 25 seconds in
order for the main board to properly reboot.
The first label printed will be the configuration label, which lists the
printer's configuration and status. Note that this configuration label
shown below was printed from a printer that had the time/date option
installed.
FRI SEPTEMBER 026, 1997 19:29 244
ROM CHECKSUMS
U09
U10
SYSTEM RAM CHECKS____ GOOD SYSTEM RAM SIZE__ 512 KBYTES
CONFIGURATION
9600,8,N
DIRECT
INPUT VALUES
PAPER: 228 EDGE: 179 REFL: 0 TEMP: 89
POT : 212 TOFA: 133 RIBN: 0
COUNTER INFORMATION
ABSOLUTE VALUES 9-18-1994 RESETTABLE VALUES 9-18-1994
LENGTH____ 773 INCHES LENGTH____ 576 INCHES
TIME______ 10 HOURS TIME______ 4 HOURS
MEMORY CONFIGURATION
INTERNAL MODULE______ 12 SCALABLE FONTS_______ 10
Figure 1-12 Configuration Test Label

Getting Started
12 Ovation2
The second label printed is the test pattern label. This label is used to
determine whether the printhead is in need of replacement. 'Good' and
'Bad' Test Pattern labels are shown below:
Good Test Label: Indicates
that the printhead is operating
normally.
Bad Test Label: Streaks in
test label indicate a dirty or
faulty printhead.
(See Chapter 3 for cleaning
and replacement.)
Figure 1-13 Printhead Test Label
1.11 Setting the Printer to the Factory Defaults
With the printer off, press and hold the feed button while turning the
printer on. Continue to hold the feed button for 60 seconds and then
release. The printer will now be set to the 'Factory Defaults', which
are shown in Table 1-1.
Function Value
Baud Rate 9600
Word Length 8 bits
Print Method direct thermal
Alternate Character Set standard
Cutter disabled
Paper Type gap
Table 1-1 Factory Default Settings