Rice Lake RL-22DT User manual

108222
RL-22DT/RL-42DT
Thermal Printer
Version 3.007
Operation Manual

i
Contents
About This Manual ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Printer Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.0 Installation ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Label Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Label Roll Core Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 PC Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3.1 Store Format - Autoform Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3.2 Deleting the AUTOFR Form From the Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.0 Accessories ................................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Stripper Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.2 Cutter Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.0 Control Panel ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.1 LED Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.2 Feed Key Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.3 Self-Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.4 Auto-Sensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.5 Dump Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.6 See-Through Sensor On/Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.7 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.0 Maintenance and Adjustments.................................................................................................. 19
5.1 Print Head module Installation/Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Thermal Print Head Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.3 Cutter Adjustment (Paper Jams). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.0 Appendix .................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1 Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
6.2 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.3 Compliance Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.4 Serial Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.5 USB Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.6 Internal Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
6.7 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
RL-22DT/42-DT Limited Warranty........................................................................................................... 26
© 2011 Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
February 2011
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ii RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual

RL-22DT/42DT Operation Manual - Introduction 1
About This Manual
This manual is intended for use by qualified service
technicians responsible for installing and servicing the
RL-22DT/RL-42DT printers.
Authorized distributors and their employees
can view or download this manual from the
Rice Lake Weighing Systems distributor
site at www.ricelake.com.
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
Dispose of batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
1.0 Introduction
After unpacking, check to make sure all accessories are included:
• Barcode printer
• Power cord
• Switching power
•USBcable
• Label
1.1 Safety Instructions
• Keep the equipment away from humidity.
• Before you connect the equipment to the power outlet, check the voltage of the power source.
• Disconnect the equipment from the voltage of the power source to prevent possible transient
over-voltage damage.
• Don’t pour any liquid near the equipment, as it may result in electric shock.
• Only qualified service personnel should open the equipment.
• Don’t repair or adjust energized equipment alone under any circumstances. Someone capable of
providing first aid must always be present for your safety.
1.2 Printer Parts
Figure 1-1. Outside of printer
Warning
LED Light
Feed key
Power Switch
Cover Option
button

2RL-22DT/42DT Operation Manual
Figure 1-2. Inside of printer
Figure 1-3. Inside of printer
Print Head Lift
Label Roll Holder
Print Mechanism
Label Roll Core
Label Guides
Front Cover Piece
Platen Cover
Platen Cover
Label Sensor
Label Roller

RL-22DT/42DT Operation Manual - Introduction 3
Figure 1-4. Back of printer
Figure 1-5. Bottom of printer
Power Socket
USB Port
Fan-Fold Label Insert
Serial Port (RS-232)
Bottom Case Cover
Hang Holes

4RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
2.0 Installation
This section contains instructions on installing labels, the label roll core switch, and software and driver
installation.
2.1 Label Installation
1. Place the printer on a horizontal surface
and open the top cover.
2. Press and release the lock of the label roll
core.
3. Pull up the label roll holder and lift the
label roll core upward.
4. Place a new label roll onto the label roll
core.

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Installation 5
5. Flip the label roll core downward and
pull back the label roll holder.
6. Pull and lock the label roll core to the
original position.
7. Put the label under the label guide and
stretch it frontward.

6RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
8. Pull the label guide inward and make it
fit the edge of the label.
9. Close the top cover to complete the label
installation.

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Installation 7
2.2 Label Roll Core Switch
1. Pull the label roll holder to the topmost
point, then lift the label roll core upward.
2. Turn the label roll core outward as the
figure to the right illustrates.
3. Whirl the label roll core back to the
original position.
NOTES: When the lock hole of the label roll core is on
the upper side, it applies to a 1” core.
When the lock hole of the label roll core is on the lower
side, it applies to a 1.5” core.
You can also distinguish it by the index on the label roll
core as shown in the figure to the right.
1” Core
1.5” Core

8RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
2.3 PC Connection
To connect the printer to a PC, follow these steps:
1. Ensure the printer is powered off.
2. Take the power cable, plug the cable switch to the power socket, then connect the other end of the cable
to the printer power socket.
3. Connect the cable to the USB/Serial port on the printer and an available port on the PC.
4. Power on the printer and the LED light will turn on.
Figure 2-1. PC connection illustration
2.3.1 Store Format - Autoform Capability
1. Design the form in Label View and save it as AUTOFR.
2. Generate a command file.
3. Exit Label View and bring up the file in Dos Edit (the file is AUTOFR.EJF).
4. Add a line at the beginning and add the interrupt command. This is added by holding down the CTRL
key and pressing the P, and then the S keys. Two exclamation points should appear at the beginning of
the line.
5. Add before PE the command PA1.
6. Turn the printer off for a minute and then on again to make sure the buffer is empty.
7. Download the form to the printer by choosing Print from Dos Edit.
This is now the form that will be printed every time the print button is pushed. This example works with only one
variable field, which means that only gross or only net weight can be printed. Once this form is loaded in the
printer the customer cannot use the printer any other label format.
2.3.2 Deleting the AUTOFR Form From the Printer
1. Turn the printer off for a minute, then turn it back on.
2. Send the interrupt command, CTRL S, and then FK“*”.
This will delete all stored forms from the printer memory.
This will open up doors for a simple label application, and works with most devices that are sending a single
weight and capable of 9600 baud, 8 data bits.

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Accessories 9
3.0 Accessories
3.1 Stripper Module
The stripper module separates a label from its backing, allowing the user to apply a label without peeling.
To install the stripper module, follow these instructions:
1. Make sure you have the module and two
provided screws.
2. Power off the printer before installing the
stripper module.
Label liner thickness is recommended to be
0.06mm ± 10% with basic weight 65g/m2±
6%.
The maximum width for the stripper is 110
mm.
When using the stripper module, it is
recommended to set the stop position to 9
in. QLabel and the E value is 9.
3. Place the printer on a horizontal surface
and open the top cover.
4. Remove the front cover piece.
You can use a coin or screwdriver to open
the front cover piece.
Note
2
1
Note

10 RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
5. Push the stripper connector into the
printer through the cable hole as shown
in the figure to the right.
6. Place the stripper module on the fillister.
7. Turn the printer around and tighten
screws to secure the stripper module.
8. Unlock the bottom case cover to see the
main board of the printer.
You can use a coin or screwdriver to open
the bottom case cover.
Note

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Accessories 11
9. Plug the connector into the main board.
There are two sockets on the main board;
one is for the stripper module installation
and the other is for the cutter installation.
Before plugging the connector into the
socket, check the pin first.
10. Lock the bottom case cover.
11. Turn the printer back to proceed with
label installation.
12. Flip the stripper module downward to
open it.
13. Follow the instructions in Section 2.1 on
page 4 to install the label.
Note

12 RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
14. Peel off the first label and feed the liner
through the roller and the striper module
bar.
15. Follow the direction shown in the figure
to the right to feed the liner across the
stripper module.
16. Flip the stripper module upward to close
it.
17. Press the FEED key to adjust the position
of the label and complete the installation.

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Accessories 13
3.2 Cutter Installation
The RL-22DT/RL-42DT printers feature a photo-eye, which detects gaps between labels. When a gap is detected,
the cutter will separate the label from the roll. To install the cutter, follow these instructions:
1. Make sure you have the cutter module
and two provided screws.
2. Power off the printer before installing the
cutter module.
Do not cut self-adhesive labels! The traces
of adhesive will pollute the rotary knife and
impair safe operation.
The service life of the cutter is 1,000,000
cuts for paper weights up to 120g/m2, and
500,000 cuts for paper weights 120g/m2to
170g/m2.
3. Place the printer on a horizontal surface
and open the top cover.
4. Remove the front cover piece.
You can use a coin or screwdriver to open
the front cover piece.
Note
2
1
Note

14 RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
5. Push the cutter connector into the printer
through the cable hole as shown in the
figure to the right.
6. Place the stripper module on the fillister.
7. Turn the printer around and tighten
screws to secure the cutter module.
8. Unlock the bottom case cover to see the
main board of the printer.
You can use a coin or screwdriver to open
the bottom case cover.
Note

RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual - Accessories 15
9. Plug the connector into the main board.
There are two sockets on the main board;
one is for the stripper module installation
and the other is for the cutter installation.
Before plugging the connector into the
socket, check the pin first.
10. Lock the bottom case cover.
11. Turn the printer back to proceed with
label installation.
12. Follow the instructions in Section 2.1 on
page 4 to install the label.
13. Feed the label through the cutter and
press the FEED key to complete the
installation.
Note

16 RL-22DT/RL-42DT Operation Manual
4.0 Control Panel
The control panel allows access to printer diagnostics and settings. This section provides information on LED
status, the FEED key, self-tests, auto-sensing, dump mode, see-through sensor, and error messages.
4.1 LED Status
Below descriptions apply only to firmware version G3.000 or later.
Press and hold the FEED key then power on the printer, the printer will beep 3 times and enter into Self-Test
status. If you keep holding the FEED key, the status will change in sequence to Auto Sensing Mode, Dump
Mode, See-through Sensor on/off, and then return to Self-Test again. These different statuses can change the
setting of printer; they are described as follows:
4.2 Feed Key Introduction
After pressing the FEED key, printer will send the media (according to media type) to the specified stop position.
When printing with continuous media, pressing the FEED key will feed media out to a certain length. When
printing with labels, pressing the FEED key will feed one label at a time. If the label is not sent out in a correct
position, please proceed with the Auto sensing (see Section 4.4 on page 17).
LED LIGHT BEEP STATUS DESCRIPTION
Green 1Standby Mode Normal status
Press and hold the FEED key, then power on the printer.
Red (flash) 3Auto-Sensing Mode Printing self-test page. For operation
instructions, refer to Section 4.3 on page 17.
Orange (flash) 1Auto-Sensing Mode The printer is currently in auto-sensing mode.
For operation instructions, refer to Section 4.4
on page 17.
Green (flash) 1Dump Mode The printer is currently in dump mode. For
operation instructions, refer to Section 4.5 on
page 18.
Orange 1See-through sensor
on/off
Set the see-through sensor on or off. For
operation instructions, refer to Section 4.6 on
page 18.
Return to Self-Test
Red (flash) Printer is currently downloading firmware.
Table 4-1.
Note