POSMicro I4208 User manual

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Datamax I Class
Manual
THIS DOWNLOAD APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING
I4208
I4212
I4308

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.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
All other brand and product names are trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks,
or registered service marks of their respective companies.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Datamax-O’Neil be liable to the purchaser for any indirect, special or
consequential damages or lost profits arising out of or relating to Datamax-O’Neil’s
products, or the performance or a breach thereof, even if Datamax-O’Neil has been advised
of the possibility thereof. Datamax-O’Neil’s liability, if any, to the purchaser or to the
customer of the purchaser hereunder shall in no event exceed the total amounts paid to
Datamax-O’Neil hereunder by the purchaser for a defective product.
In no event shall Datamax-O’Neil be liable to the purchaser for any damages resulting from
or related to any failure or delay of Datamax-O’Neil in the delivery or installation of the
computer hardware, supplies or software or in the performance of any services.
Some states do not permit the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, and in
those states the foregoing limitations may not apply. The warranties here give you specific
legal rights, and you may have other legal rights which vary from state to state.
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-O’Neil 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-O’Neil
Corporation.
All rights reserved
Copyright © 2010, Datamax-O’Neil
Part Number 88-2241-01, Revision P

Agency Compliance and Approvals
C US
Listed
UL60950 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 B
EN 50024 (1998)
EN61000-4-2 (1995), 4kV CD
EN61000-4-3 (1996), 3V (80%) AM
EN61000-4-4 (1995), 500V Signal Lines /1 kV AC Power Lines
EN61000-4-5 (1995), 1 kV
EN61000-4-6 (1996), 3V (80%) AM
EN61000-4-8 (1994), 1 A/M
EN61000-4-11 (1994)
EN61000-3-2 (1995)
EN61000-3-3 (1995)
Safety: This product complies with the requirements of IEC 60950.
Gost-R
GB4943-2001, GB9254-1998 and GB17635.1-2003
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 expense.

Important Safety Instructions
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in
the literature accompanying this unit.
This unit has been carefully designed to provide years of safe, reliable performance. As with
all electrical equipment, however, there are some basic precautions that you should follow
to avoid personal injury or printer damage:
• Before using the printer, carefully read all the installation and operating instructions.
• Observe all warning instruction labels on the printer.
• Install the printer on a flat, firm surface.
• Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
• To protect your printer from overheating, make sure no openings on the printer are
blocked.
• Never insert anything into the ventilation slots and openings of the printer.
• Do not use the printer near water or spill liquid into it.
• Ensure that the AC power source matches the ratings listed for the printer. (If
unsure, check with your dealer or local utility provider.)
• Do not walk on the AC power cord. If the AC power cord becomes damaged or
frayed, replace it immediately.
• If the printer ever needs repair, consult only qualified, trained service personnel. No
user-serviceable parts are inside; do not remove the cover.

i
Contents
1 Overview.................................................................................................1
1.1 About the Printer...............................................................................1
1.1.1 Standard Features .................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Optional Features ..................................................................... 2
2 Getting Started .......................................................................................7
2.1 Unpacking the Printer......................................................................... 7
2.1.1 Inspection ............................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Additional Requirements............................................................ 8
3 Setting up the Printer..............................................................................9
3.1 Installation....................................................................................... 9
3.1.1 Communications..................................................................... 10
3.2 Media Loading................................................................................. 11
3.2.1 Loading Roll Media.................................................................. 12
3.2.2 Loading Fan-Fold Media ........................................................... 13
3.3 Media Sensor Adjustment ................................................................. 15
3.4 Ribbon Loading ............................................................................... 16
3.5 Quick Calibration............................................................................. 17
4 Using the Control Panel.........................................................................19
4.1 Operation....................................................................................... 19
4.1.1 Display and Indicator Lights ..................................................... 19
4.1.2 Ready Mode: Normal Operation ................................................ 20

ii
4.1.3 Menu Mode: Configuration ....................................................... 20
4.1.4 Test Mode: Printing Test Labels ................................................ 21
4.2 The System Menu............................................................................ 22
4.2.1 Entrance and Exit Prompts....................................................... 22
4.2.2 Media Settings ....................................................................... 23
4.2.3 Print Control .......................................................................... 26
4.2.4 Printer Options....................................................................... 28
4.2.5 System Settings ..................................................................... 36
4.2.6 Communications..................................................................... 44
4.2.7 Diagnostics............................................................................ 53
4.2.8 MCL Options .......................................................................... 55
4.3 The Test Menu ................................................................................ 56
4.3.1 Print Quality Label .................................................................. 56
4.3.2 Configuration Label................................................................. 56
4.3.3 Ribbon Test Label ................................................................... 57
4.3.4 Validation Label...................................................................... 57
4.3.5 Print Last Label ...................................................................... 57
4.3.6 User Defined Label.................................................................. 57
5 Operating, Adjusting and Maintaining the Printer .................................59
5.1 Displayed Messages......................................................................... 59
5.1.1 Prompts and Condition Messages .............................................. 59
5.2 Calibration...................................................................................... 61
5.2.1 Standard Calibration ............................................................... 61
5.2.2 Advanced Entry Calibration ...................................................... 65

iii
5.3 Reset Methods ................................................................................ 70
5.3.1 Soft Reset.............................................................................. 70
5.3.2 Level One Reset ..................................................................... 70
5.3.3 Level Two Reset ..................................................................... 70
5.4 Printhead Assembly Adjustments....................................................... 71
5.4.1 Leveling Cam Adjustment ........................................................ 71
5.4.2 Burn Line Adjustment.............................................................. 72
5.5 Printhead Replacement..................................................................... 73
5.6 Maintenance ................................................................................... 75
5.6.1 Cleaning the Printhead ............................................................ 76
5.6.2 Cleaning the Platen Roller ........................................................ 78
5.6.3 Cleaning Interior and Exterior Surfaces...................................... 79
5.7 Application Updates ......................................................................... 79
5.7.1 Updating from Ready Mode ...................................................... 79
5.7.2 Updating from Download Mode ................................................. 81
5.7.3 Possible Problems ................................................................... 82
5.8 Boot Loader Updates........................................................................ 83
6 Troubleshooting....................................................................................85
6.1 Problem Resolution.......................................................................... 85
6.1.1 General Resolutions ................................................................ 85
6.1.2 Warning and Fault Messages .................................................... 89
6.2 Hex Dump Mode.............................................................................. 96
7 Specifications........................................................................................97
7.1 General.......................................................................................... 97

iv
7.2 Approved Media and Ribbon............................................................100
7.2.1 Controlling Print Quality..........................................................100
7.2.2 Media and Ribbon Requirements ..............................................101
7.3 Serial Cable Requirements...............................................................103
Appendix A..............................................................................................105
Module Assignments..............................................................................105
Print Resolutions and Maximum Label Widths ............................................105
Available Speeds and Default Settings......................................................106
Appendix B..............................................................................................107
Custom Adjustment Ranges....................................................................107
Column & Row Emulation Ranges ............................................................107
Appendix C..............................................................................................109
Menu Multi-Language Support.................................................................109
Appendix D .............................................................................................113
Configuration Files.................................................................................113
Appendix E..............................................................................................115
Printer Driver and Port Setup ..................................................................115
Glossary..................................................................................................119

I-Class 1
1 Overview
1.1 About the Printer
Congratulations on your purchase of an I-Class printer (hereafter referred to as “the
printer”). This manual provides information regarding printer setup, operation, and care.
To print label formats, refer to the instructions provided with your labeling software; or if
you wish to write custom programs, a copy of the Class Series 2 Programmer’s Manual can
be found on the Accessories CD and at our web site at http://www.datamax-oneil.com
As detailed below, each model offers many standard and optional features to meet all your
label generation needs.
1.1.1 Standard Features
The model number, located on the back of the unit, defines many of the printer’s standard
features:

2 I-Class
Standard Features
I-Class Model
Feature 4206 4208 4212 4308 4406 4604
Direct Thermal Printing X X X X X X
Fan-Fold Media Handling X X X X X X
Flash Memory 1MB 1MB 2MB 2MB 2MB 2MB
Liquid Crystal Display X X X X X X
Media Tear Bar X X X X X X
Multi-Language Support X X X X X X
On-Demand and Batch Printing X X X X X X
Resolution (Dots Per Inch) 203 203 203 300 406 600
Rotating Media Hub X X X X X X
SDRAM 8MB 8MB 16MB 16MB 16MB 16MB
Scalable Font Engine X X X X X X
Serial & Parallel Ports X X X X X X
1.1.2 Optional Features (available except as noted)
The following optional features are offered for the printer:
Cutter, Light Duty
A rotary mechanism that cuts material with a maximum thickness of .005 inches (.127 mm)
in lengths as small as 1.25 inches (31.8 mm). An adjustable collection tray (200 label
capacity) can also be added.
Cutter, Standard Duty
A rotary mechanism that cuts material with a maximum thickness of .010 inches (.254 mm)
in lengths as small as 1.25 inches (31.8 mm). An adjustable collection tray (200 label
capacity) can also be added.
DMXNetII and DMXrfNetII
An internal wired or wireless Network Interface Controller for Ethernetconnectivity with
multiple operating system and protocol support, including trap functions.

I-Class 3
External Keyboard (specify voltage & country requirement when ordering)
A portable terminal for stand-alone printing.
External Media Rewinder (specify voltage requirement when ordering)
A feature-dependant bidirectional label rewinding device:
• DMXREW1 – rewinds widths up to 4.5 inches (114 mm) into eight-inch (203 mm)
outer diameter rolls on one to four inch (25 to 101 mm) diameter cores at up to ten
inches per second.
• DMXREW2 – rewinds widths up to 9.5 inches (241 mm) into twelve-inch (304 mm)
outer diameter rolls on a three-inch (76 mm) diameter core at up to thirty inches per
second.
GPI/O Multi-Expansion Card
A slide-in multi-feature circuit card:
• Flash Memory Expansion – stores up to 8 MB of label formats, fonts, and graphics.
• Real Time Clock – keeps the time and date for labeling functions.
• GPIO Port – controls print functions via an external device (e.g., a label applicator).
• ILPC Fonts (optional) – extends printing capabilities with CG-Times, Kanji Gothic B,
Simplified Chinese GB, Korean Hangul scalable fonts.
• MCL Serial Port (optional) – allows use with MCL application programs and firmware.
Internal Rewinder
An internal device capable of rewinding six-inch (152 mm) outer diameter rolls of labels or
backing material.
Linear Scanner (unavailable for I-4206; cannot be used with a cutter option)
A CCD device that ensures the readability of bar codes.
Peel and Present Mechanism (requires the Internal Rewinder option)
A device that peels labels from the backing material for immediate application, regulated by
previous label removal [minimum label length is 1.5 inches (38 mm)].
Present Sensor
A device that regulates output to the removal of a previously printed label.

4 I-Class
RFID
An integrated Radio Frequency Identification tag encoding and reading device with data
capture capabilities, available for immediate or future use:
• Factory Installed – complete, ready to use.
• Ready – factory installed antenna, requiring installation of additional hardware.
RS-422 Serial Interface (unavailable for I-4206 and I-4208 models)
Single-drop interface hardware for greater printer to host serial communication distances
(at up to 38,400 baud).
Thermal Transfer (specify ribbon configuration at time of order)
A device that allows the use of ribbon to produce exceptional image clarity (as compared to
most direct thermal media).
Twinax/Coax Interface
A slide-in circuit card that provides connectivity to AS/400 and System/3X Twinax host
systems or 3270-type host systems (cabling included).
USB Port
A slide-in circuit card that provides a Universal Serial Bus (Version 1.1) interface for
Windows printing environments.
Option Installation
Experience levels for option installations are detailed below. (Contact your dealer or
Datamax-O’Neil Technical Support for more information.)
Option Installations
Option Recommended Installer
Cutters / Trays – Light or Standard Duty Operator
DMXNetII or DMXrfNetII DMX Certified Technician
External Keyboard Operator
External Media Rewinder Operator
GPI/O Multi-Expansion Card DMX Certified Technician
Internal Rewinder Operator
Linear Scanner DMX Certified Technician

I-Class 5
Option Installations (continued)
Option Recommended Installer
Peel and Present Mechanism Operator
Present Sensor Operator
RFID-Ready DMX Certified Technician
RS-422 Serial Interface DMX Certified Technician
Thermal Transfer Operator
Twinax/Coax Interface DMX Certified Technician
USB Port DMX Certified Technician

6 I-Class

I-Class 7
2 Getting Started
2.1 Unpacking the Printer
The printer has been carefully packaged to prevent transit damage. (Inspect the container
for damage; if evident, notify the shipping company before acceptance.)
Complete the steps below to ready the printer for use:
A. With the arrow pointing upward, open the box.
B. Remove Accessories Box.
C. Tilt the box sideways and then slide out the printer.
D. Place the printer in an upright position and remove the
packing foam, bag, and tape.
 Note: Save the carton and packaging materials for future use.

8 I-Class
2.1.1 Inspection
After removing the packaging, check the contents of the shipment. The following items
should be included:
• Printer
• Power Cord
• Accessories CD
• Any special or additionally purchased items.
2.1.2 Additional Requirements
Other items can also be needed for operation:
• An interface cable; see Section 3.1.1.
• Applicable media; see Section 7.3.
• Applicable software; consult the Accessories CD-ROM and see Appendix E for details,
or refer to your dealer or Datamax-O’Neil for information.

I-Class 9
3 Setting up the Printer
3.1 Installation
Interface and connect power to the printer:
A. Place the printer on a firm, level surface.
B. Turn OFF the Host Computer then, depending upon your system, connect an appropriate
interface cable from the host to the printer; see Section 3.1.1.
C. Turn ON the Host Computer.
D. Ensure that the printer’s Power On/Off Switch is in the OFF position. Connect the AC
Power Cord to the AC Power Connector, and then plug the AC Power Cord into a properly
grounded AC Outlet.
 Note: When interfacing, ensure AC power has been turned OFF, and always apply
power to the Host before the Printer.