Godex EZ-4TT Plus User manual

P/N. 920-010611-03
Edition 3
AUG.07
EZ-4TTP/4TKP User’s Manual

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
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,
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.
EMS AND EMI COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR EUROPEAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and passed with the requirements relating to electromagnetic compatibility
based on the standards EN50081-1 (EN55022 CLASS B) and EN50082-1 (IEC Teil 2,3,4). The equipment
also tested and passed in accordance with the European Standard EN55022 for the both Radiated and
Conducted emissions limits.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
1

EZ-4TTP/4TKP USER’S MANUAL.......................................................0
1. ABOUT THE PRINTER .......................................................................3
1-1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 3
1-2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 3
1-3. CONTENTS ............................................................................................. 4
1-4. PRINTER PARTS...................................................................................... 4
1-5. INDICATORS............................................................................................ 5
2. SETTING UP YOUR PRINTER............................................................ 6
2-1. RS-232 SETTING ................................................................................... 6
2-2. LOADING THE RIBBON.............................................................................. 6
2-3. LOADING LABEL ROLL ............................................................................. 7
2-4. TO CONNECT THE PRINTER TO AN INTERFACE ........................................... 8
2-5. STRIPPER............................................................................................... 9
2-6. CUTTER ............................................................................................... 12
2-7. SELF TEST ........................................................................................... 13
3. MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTS ............................................... 14
3-1. CLEANING THE PRINTHEAD .................................................................... 14
3-2. LABEL GAP SENSOR ADJUSTMENT ......................................................... 14
3-3. ADJUSTING THE PRINTHEAD PRESSURE SCREWS .................................... 15
APPENDIX ........................................................................................ 16
A. TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................. 16
2

1. About the Printer
1-1. Introduction
The EZ-4TT/4TK Plus includes the following features:
 The EZ-4TT/4TK Plus is a label printer capable of printing in both thermal transfer and direct thermal mode
for maximum versatility
 EZ-4TT Plus has a 4” print wide with 16” print length that can be maximized to 40” long and the EZ-4TK
Plus has a 4” print wide with 6” print length that can be maximized to 16” long
 The printing resolution is 203dpi / 300dpi and a high-speed performance of up to 4” per second
 EZ-4TT/4TK Plus are the ideal printer for different project requirements due to its design of downloadable
firmware
 The EZ-4TT/4TK Plus can also function without a PC as a stand-alone printer when connected to the
Godex user-friendly keyboard where space is limited
 Built-in memory for download labels, pictures, ASCII bitmap fonts and Asia bitmap fonts
 Y2K compliant Internal Time/Date clock can record the time automatically and functions when power is off
 Large label roll size for 10 inches O.D. up to 260 meters in length.
 Free QLabel-III software bundled in every printer package, thus providing a complete solution
1-2. General Specifications
Specifications EZ-4TT Plus EZ-4TK Plus
Resolution 203 dpi 300 dpi
Print speeds 1” ~ 4” 2” ~ 4”
Print length 10mm~406mm 10mm~152mm
Print width 25mm~104mm 25mm~108mm
Media Thickness: 0.06mm to 0.2mm
Roll size: Internal O.D. 4” / External O.D. 10” on a 1” or 3” I.D. core
Ribbon Max.110mm width; 150 meters length; I.D. 0.5”
Memory Fonts, Graphics, Formats and Double-byte characters storage
Programming Godex EZPL Language (downloadable)
Label Create Software – QLabel-III
Windows Driver (31/95/98/ME/2000/NT)
DLL
Bar codes Code 39, Code 93, Code 128 (A,B,C), UCC 128, UPC A / E (add on 2 & 5), I 2 of 5, EAN
8 / 13 (add on 2 & 5), CODABAR, POSTNET, EAN 128, DUN 14
2D Bar codes MAXICODE, PDF417
Fonts Internal CG Triumvirate fonts
Soft Fonts downloadable
All fonts in 4 directions rotation (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees)
Asia fonts in 8 directions rotation (left to right or top to bottom)
Graphics BMP, PCX file; Support ICO, WMF, JPG, EMF file through software
Sensing Sensor type: Label gap sensing, Black mark sensing
Detection: Label length auto sensing and/or Program Command setting
Real Time Clock Standard
Interface RS-232
Centronics parallel
Power Auto Switch AC110V~240V, DC24V5A
Environment Operating Temperature: 40°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)
Operating Humidity: 30%-85%
Storage Temperature: -40°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
Storage Humidity: 10%~90%
3

Specifications EZ-4TT Plus EZ-4TK Plus
Options Expanded memory module
Cutter
Stripper
GODEX Stand alone Data Terminal Keypad
USB Adapter kit
Ethernet printer server kit
Datamatrix Code and QR Code
1-3. Contents
The contents comprise of the following:
<1>Printer <2>Switching Power Supply <3> Ribbon
<4> Roll of Labels <5> CD (Software/Manual/Driver/DLL) <6> Quick Start
*This printer model user primarily the power supply:SPN-270-24,if a different power supply is used
with the printer which has caused damages to the printer itself ,than this is not covered as part of
the product warranty.
1-4. Printer Parts
Part Description
1 Front Cover
2 Front Locking Tenon (2 EA, left/right)
3 Dust Cover for Interface Panel
4 Fan-Fold Media Entry
5 Back Locking Tenon (2 EA, left/right)
6 Back Cover
7 Ribbon Rewind Spindle
8 Ribbon Supply Spindle
9 Core Guide
10 Label Roll Stand (2 EA)
11 Printhead Pressure Adjusting Screws
12 Printer Lock (2 EA, left/right)
13 Tear Bar
14 Label Roll Core
15 LED Indicator
16 Paper Feed Button
17 Parallel Port
18 Serial Port
19 Power Jack
20 Power Switch
21 Label Guide (Adjustable Horizontally)
22 Gap Sensor Assembly
23 Rubber Roller
24 Printhead Assembly
4

1-5. Indicators
LED indicator
Color Meaning
Green (solid) Media and Ribbon* loaded
Green (flashing) Asia fonts download
Red (solid) Out of media, ribbon
Red (flashing) Upgrading firmware
Orange Firmware damaged, refer described on page 13
* Thermal transfer printing only
Buzzer indicator
Beep sound Meaning
1 times Power on
2 times Paper out / Paper jam
3 times Ribbon end
4 times Printhead assembly is unlocked
5

2. Setting up Your Printer
2-1. RS-232 Setting
The Serial Port setting sees as below:
Syntax : ^Yp1.p2,p3,p4
Parameter : p1 : Baud Rate; 48=4800bps; 96=9600bps; 19=19200bps; 38=38400bps
p2 : Parity (N, O, E); N=none parity; O=odd parity; E=even parity
p3 : Number of data bits (7 or 8)
p4 : Number of stop bits (1 or 2)
2-2. Loading the Ribbon
Thermal transfer ribbons are required when printing on non heat-sensitive receiving face materials. Follow
these steps to load the ribbon.
1. Open the cover by pressing the locking tenon on both sides and folding the cover rearwards (see figure
2.2.1 step 2 & step 3).
2. By pressing toward the cap-side, take out the ribbon supply spindle (part 8) and the rewind spindle (part
7). (see figure 2.2.2)
3. Install a new ribbon onto the supply spindle and install a empty paper core onto the rewind spindle (see
figure 2.2.3)
4. Put back the supply spindle and the rewind spindle.
5. Press the two printer locks (part 12) to loosen the printhead assembly and turn it over.
6. Pass the front edge of the new ribbon through the printhead assembly, and then stick the front edge to
the paper core of the rewind spindle (see figure 2.2.4).
7. Load the label roll (see Chapter 2, Section 3).
8. Put back the printhead assembly and fasten it by pressing down from the top (see figure 2.2.5).
9. Close the front cover and back cover.
Power on. Press the feed button until the LED becomes green.
Fig. 2.2.1
Fig. 2.2.2
Ribbon Rewind
Spindle Ribbon Supply
Spindle
Ribbon
empty paper core
Fig. 2.2.3
6

Fig. 2.2.4
Fig. 2.2.5
2-3. Loading Label Roll
Load a small label roll
The EZ-4TTP/4TKP printer can print on heat-sensitive direct thermal paper and non heat-sensitive thermal
transfer paper. In case of non heat-sensitive paper, a suitable thermal transfer ribbon must be used.
Whatever media in used, the recommended minimum label height is 20 mm.
1. Open the front cover and back cover.
2. Install a label roll onto the roll core (part 14).
3. Put back label roll into the core guide (see figure 2.3.1).
4. Press the printer locks (part 12) to loosen the printhead assembly.
5. Turn over the printhead assembly. Pass the front edge of the label through the gap sensor and
overstride the Rubber roller (see figure 2.3.2).
6. Adjust the label guide to fit the label size.
7. Put back the printhead assembly and fasten it by pressing down from the top.
8. Close the front and back cover.
9. Press the feed button (part 16) to feed labels.
Fig. 2.3.1 Fig. 2.3.2
7

B. Load large label roll
1. Open the front and back cover.
2. To load a label roll onto the roll core (part 14).
3. Remove the label roll stands (part 10). Vertically place the
two stands along the left side and right side of the back
cover (see Fig. 2.3.3).
4. Place the large-size label roll on the stands (see Fig. 2.3.3).
5. Press the printer locks (part 12) to loosen the printhead
assembly.
6. Turn over the printhead assembly. Pass the front edge of the
label through the gap sensor and overstride the Rubber
roller (see figure 2.3.2).
7. Adjust the label guide to fit the label size.
Fig. 2.3.3
8. Put back the printhead assembly and fasten it by pressing down from the top.
9. Close the front cover.
10. Press the feed button (part 16) to feed labels.
Fan-fold type media setting
1. Open the back cover.
2. Take out the two Big Label Roll Stands (part 10)
3. Insert the paper into the Fan-fold Media Entry (part 4) of the back
cover.
4. Push and release the printer locks (part 12) to open the printhead.
5. Turn over the opened printhead assembly. Pass the front edge of
the label through the gap sensor and overstride the Rubber roller.
6. Adjust the label guide to fit the label size.
7. Put back the printhead assembly and fasten it.
8. Close the front cover and back cover.
9. Push feed button (part 16) to feed out label.
Fig. 2.3.4
The media setting for laying down printing
1. Open the front cover and back cover.
2. Hold the open end (the apron) of the Core Guide, lift it up about 5
mm then turn it round 180 degree and snap in the little hole.
3. Follow the above steps to adjust another Core Guide.
4. Press the printer locks (part 12) to open the printhead.
5. Turn over the opened printhead assembly. Pass the front edge of
the label through the gap sensor and overstride the Rubber roller.
6. Adjust the label guide to fit the label size.
7. Put back the printhead and fasten it.
8. Close the front cover and back cover.
9. Lay the printer down.
10. Push feed button (part 16) to feed out label.
LIFT UP AND TURN
ROUND 180 DEG.
Fig. 2.3.5
2-4. To Connect the Printer to an Interface
1. Be sure the power is switch off.
2. Plug in the power adapter to the printer power jack.
3. Connect the printer to an interface (parallel or serial port).
4. Load the label and ribbon (if need).
5. Power on, the printer will beep one time and the LED is green. If the LED is red, and beep over one
times, refer the page 5 to solve problems.
8

2-5. Stripper
Stripper (Peeler) helps you separate the printed label from the liner (backing paper). Only when the
separated label has been taken away, will another label be printed automatically.
1. Open the front cover and back cover.
2. Press the printer locks (part 12) to loosen the printhead assembly, and turn over the head assembly.
3. Press the stripper arm down to “on” position (see figure 2.5.1b)
4. Peel away the labels from the first 4 inches.
5. Load the liner paper through the gap sensor and overstride the Rubber roller about 2 inches. Adjust the
label guide to fit the liner paper size.
6. Insert the front edge of the liner paper between the tear bar and the stripper roller (see figure 2.5.1b).
7. Power on the printer. The LED turns red and beeps 4 times.
8. Press the paper feed button a few times until the liner paper appears under the stripper roller.
9. Press the stripper arm down to “off” position. Hold the labels while pulling at the liner so it becomes tight,
then adjust the edge of the first label is under the gap sensor.
10. Press the stripper arm down to “on” position
11. Close the printhead assembly. The LED will be green.
12. Refer to the figure 2.5.3 to setup the strip bracket bar to the right position.
13. Refer to the figure 2.5.4, follow the 3-arrow position and direction to gently insert the strip bracket bar
until hear the click sound (figure 2.5.4 is a part of zoom out to show the strip bracket bar correct
position).
14. Refer to the figure 2.5.5 to setup the strip sensor (press the top area and lift from the bottom).
Fig. 2.5.1a Fig. 2.5.2
Fig. 2.5.1b
9

Fig. 2.5.3
Fig. 2.5.4
Fig. 2.5.5
10

Fig. 2.5.6
Note: Lift the strip arm to “off” position whenever you do not choose stripper.
Put back the strip sensor whenever you do not choose stripper.
The strip bracket bar is used for strip function. If you don’t need to use strip function, you may take
out the strip bracket bar and keep to safe place. Please follow these steps to install the strip
bracket bar.
Although the stripper function can support a label as short as 18 mm high, we suggest that the
minimum label height be more than 25 mm.
11

2-6. Cutter
We suggest that the minimum label height be more than 35 mm. If you need any help in installation and
maintenance, please consult your supplier or dealer.
Rotary Cutter Adjustment
1. There are two adjustable opening showed as
arrow “A” on the cutter.
2. The paper jam may cause the cutter work
improperly, power off the printer.
3. Use #M3 Hex Key insert into the opening “A”
and turn clockwise. The blade of cutter should
be opened, then remove the paper inside the
cutter.
4. After the paper jam problem is eliminated, power
on the printer, at this moment, the cutter will
regress automatically to cutting position.
A
12

2-7. Self Test
Print out the Self Test
The self-test function helps you to check if the printer works well. To have self-test, please follow the steps.
1. Load the continuous paper.
2. Hold down the feed button when powering on.
3. Release the feed button after the printer beeps 3 times.
4. Wait for about 3 seconds; the printer will print the following contents.
5. Disable the Self-test, please power off the printer at least 2 seconds, than power on again.
EZ-4TT Plus LABEL PRINTER
VERSION : Vx.xxx
CODE 39 EAN 8 EAN 13
CODE 93 UPC E UPC A
I 2/5 CODABAR CODE 128
MAXI CODE PDF417
Get in the Dump mode
When enter the dump mode, the printer will print out the echo of the received ASCII. Use this function to
debug your software when the printer does not perform as you expect.
To get in the dump mode, follow the steps as below:
1. Load the continue paper.
2. Hold down the feed button when powering on.
3. Release the feed button after the printer stop.
4. The printer will automatically adjust the label gap sensor firstly and then print “DUMP MODE BEGIN”.
5. To end the Dump mode, press the feed button. The printer will print out “OUT OF DUMP MODE”.
Get in the Download mode
When the power on, the LED is turn to orange, it may be the firmware was damage (firmware upgrade fail),
use the following steps to reload the firmware.
1. Open the print head assembly
2. Hold down the feed button when powering on.
3. Release the feed button after the LED turns to orange.
4. Running the firmware upgrade file to load the firmware. To get the firmware, please contact your agent.
Please contact your agent for help if the above information cannot help you.
13

3. Maintenance and Adjustments
3-1. Cleaning the Printhead
Open the Front cover and back cover.
Press the printer lock (part 14) to loosen the printhead assembly.
Turn over the head assembly.
Use a soft cloth soaked with isopropyl alcohol to remove the stuck label and cleans the surface.
Put back the printhead and fasten it.
3-2. Label Gap Sensor Adjustment
Sensitivity adjustment by Auto sensing
The EZ-4TTP and EZ-4TKP printer is fitted with a label gap sensor that detects gaps between labels, as the
media is fed past the sensor during printing. Thus the firmware can determine the length of the labels and
control the media/ribbon feed accordingly.
The label gap sensor is a left-aligned photoelectric sensor that measures the light that passes through the
media path. The transparency of the liner (backing paper) of label supply may differ between batches,
making it difficult for the sensor to discriminate between labels and liner. When this occurs, the LED indicator
will switch from green to red, indicating that sensor should be adjusted by entering the Auto sensing mode,
as described below.
1. Load the paper.
2. Hold down the feed button when powering on.
3. Release the feed button after the printer stop, then the printer will entering the Auto sensing mode.
4. The printer will automatically adjust the label gap sensor and media feed according to the
characteristics of the media. After that, the printer goes into the dump mode.
5. Press the feed button to end the Dump mode.
Adjusting the Sensor Position
When the start print position is too left or right, you can adjust the sensor position. No matter the plain paper
or label is used, the sensor position adjustment in same way. Please follow the steps.
1. Choose the expected distance “x” (from the left edge to the start print position). In this case, we
suppose the distance is 4 mm (see figure 3.2.1).
2. Turn over the printhead assembly.
3. Move the gap sensor and choose the distance 4mm (from the left margin line to the digit “0” on ruler).
(See figure 3.2.2).
4. Load the media and move the label guide to fit in the media’s edge.
5. Put back and fasten the printhead assembly; then you can try to print a label to verify the start print
position.
X
start print
position
paper feed
direction
Fig. 3.2.1
0
Gap Sensor
Label
Guide
4mm
Left margin line
Fig. 3.2.2
14

3-3. Adjusting the Printhead Pressure Screws
increase pressure
decrease pressure
When opening the front cover, you can see two screws on the top of the printhead assembly. With different
paper material or ribbon material, you may need to adjust the printhead pressure by turning these two screws
to decrease or increase the pressure. If the pressure between the right and left sides of printer is not
balanced, please readjust these two screws.
15

Appendix
A. Troubleshooting
Problem Solution or Reason
LED does not light (power
switch already turned on).  Check Power connector.
Printing stops and LED turns
red.  Software setting or programming problem.
 Refer described on page 5.
 Perform a Label Gap Sensor Adjustment as described on page 14.
Printing no stops or skip label  Perform a Label Gap Sensor Adjustment as described on page 14.
Printer seems to be working
but nothing is printed. Direct Thermal Printing:
Verify that the media is intended for direct thermal printing by testing if the
paper is blackened by the heat from a hot object (+ 70°C/160°F or more).
Check that the heat-sensitive side faces the printhead.
 Thermal Transfer Printing:
Verify that the printer is loaded with thermal transfer ribbon and that the
ink-coated sided faces the receiving face material.
Label stuck.  Remove the stuck labels and use soft cloth soaked with alcohol to clean
the adhesive glue.
Only part of the label is printed.  Label or ribbon stuck on the printhead.
 Software problem.
 Margin setting incorrect.
 Printhead not completely locked.
 Make sure the ribbon is not wrinkled.
 Adjust the printhead pressure screws to increase the pressure.
 Check if using correct power source.
Difficult to load label roll.  Labels stuck in the printer.
When printing out, some dots
missing.  Clean printhead with alcohol (If the label glue is stuck to printhead, apply alcohol to printhead, and wipe with soft cloth softly).
 Replace printhead.
Printing position not correct.  Check the gap sensor, it may be covered with dust.
 Perform a Label Gap Sensor Adjustment as described on page 14.
 Contact your label supplier, make sure they use qualified label material.
 Check the label guide, it may not be in the proper position.
Label printing jumps to next
label.  Check the label height setting.  Check the gap sensor, it may be covered with dust.
Label printing not very clear.  Clean the printhead as described on page 14.
 Check the printer darkness (density) setting.
Paper is not properly cut.  Check the cutter, it may be covered with paper dust in the blade holder
shaft.
Label peeling not working
correctly.  Check the printer strip sensor, it may be covered with dust.  Check label installation.
Printer not feeding when using
narrow label.  Decrease the pressure on the right hand side of the printhead, refer described on page 15.
Garbage appears when
printing length is over 16
inches.
 Check if expanded SRAM (option) is installed.
16