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