SATO S8400 User manual

S8400
OPERATOR’SMANUAL

SATO International Pte Ltd
438A Alexandra Road
#05-01/02
Alexandra Technopark
Singapore 119967
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: customerser[email protected]
Be sure to ask your dealer about our maintenance contracts
to ensure peace of mind during your usage of SATO products
Version: SI-S84xxe-01rA-10-06-OM
© Copyright 1994 – 2006
SATO International
Warning: This equipment complies with the requirements in Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class
A computing device. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause
unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception requiring the operator to take whatever
steps are necessary to correct the interference.
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or issued to third parties in
any form whatsoever without the express permission of SATO. The materials in this
document are provided for general information and are subject to change without notice.
SATO assumes no responsibilities for any errors that may appear.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW
1.1 General Specifications.............................................................................................1-2
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..............................................................................................2-2
2.1 Unpacking................................................................................................................2-4
2.1.1 Included Accessories....................................................................................2-5
2.1.2 Parts Identification.........................................................................................2-6
2.2 Loading the Carbon Ribbon.....................................................................................2-10
2.2 Loading the Carbon Ribbon on a cartridge-based S8400........................................2-11
2.3 Loading Labels.........................................................................................................2-12
2.3.1 Loading Roll Paper ......................................................................................2-13
2.3.1 Loading Paper (Ribbon Cassette installed)...................................................2-14
2.3.2 Using the Dispenser......................................................................................2-15
2.3.3 Adjusting the Pitch Sensor............................................................................2-16
2.4 Changing or Replacing the Print Head ....................................................................2-17
CHAPTER 3: OPERATION AND CONFIGURATION
3.1 Operating Modes .....................................................................................................3-1
3.2 The Operation Panel................................................................................................3-3
3.3 Screen Icons And Their Meaning.............................................................................3-4
3.4 ONLINE And OFFLINE Modes ................................................................................3-6
3.4.1 Online Mode..................................................................................................3-6
3.4.2 Offline Mode..................................................................................................3-6
3.4.3 SEMBL Operation .........................................................................................3-6
3.5 User Mode ..............................................................................................................3-7
3.5.1 Entering User Mode ......................................................................................3-7
3.5.2 Setting Print Speed .......................................................................................3-8
3.5.3 Setting Print Darkness ..................................................................................3-9
3.5.4 Setting Pitch Offset .......................................................................................3-9
3.6 Interface Mode.........................................................................................................3-10
3.6.1 Entering Interface Mode................................................................................3-10
3.6.2 Enabling Interface Card Configuration..........................................................3-10
3.6.3 Data Port Assignment ...................................................................................3-11
3.6.4 Handling CR/LF CODES...............................................................................3-11
3.6.5 Handling CAN/DLE .......................................................................................3-11
3.6.6 Other Interface Setting Options.....................................................................3-11
3.7 CF CARD Mode.......................................................................................................3-12
3.7.1 Entering CF CARD Mode..............................................................................3-12

Table of Contents (cont’d)
3.7.1 CF CARD Format option...............................................................................3-12
3.8 Advanced Mode.......................................................................................................3-13
3.8.1 Entering Advanced Mode..............................................................................3-13
3.8.2 Selecting The Print Density...........................................................................3-13
3.8.3 Choosing Continuous or Dispenser Operation..............................................3-13
3.8.4 Backfeed Operation Settings ........................................................................3-13
3.8.5 Setting the Print Mode...................................................................................3-14
3.8.6 Configuring the Pitch Sensor ........................................................................3-14
3.8.7 Configuring the Pitch Sensor Type ...............................................................3-15
3.8.8 Turning Head Check Function ON/OFF........................................................3-15
3.8.9 Choosing the Type of Head Check ...........................................................3-15
3.8.10 Enabling/Disabling External Signal Output .................................................3-16
3.8.11 Selecting the Type of External Signal Output .............................................3-17
3.8.12 Selecting Reprint via External Signal Output..............................................3-17
3.8.13 Setting Zero Slash Changeover.................................................................3-17
3.8.14 Using the Auto Online Feature....................................................................3-18
3.8.15 Setting Print Offset......................................................................................3-18
3.8.16 Setting the Calendar ..................................................................................3-19
3.8.17 Setting Proportional Pitch............................................................................3-19
3.8.18 Specifying the Protocol Code Format .........................................................3-19
3.8.19 Specifying SEMBL AUTO START...............................................................3-20
3.8.20 Setting the Ribbon Saver feature................................................................3-20
3.9 HEX Dump Mode.....................................................................................................3-21
3.9.1 Entering HEX Dump Mode............................................................................3-21
3.9.2 Selecting Data To Dump...............................................................................3-21
3.9.3 Controlling the Hex Dump Mode...................................................................3-21
3.10 Test Print Mode......................................................................................................3-22
3.10.1 Entering Test Print Mode ............................................................................3-22
3.10.2 Choosing What The Test Print Contains.....................................................3-22
3.10.3 Setting Test Print Options ...........................................................................3-23
3.10.4 Setting the Size of the Factory Test Print....................................................3-23
3.10.5 Starting the Test Print .................................................................................3-23
3.11 Service Mode.........................................................................................................3-24
3.11.1 Entering Service Mode................................................................................3-24
3.11.2 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Level Offset....................................................3-24
3.11.3 Selecting the I-Mark Sensor Slice Level .....................................................3-24
3.11.4 Selecting the Gap Sensor Level Offset.......................................................3-25
3.11.5 Selecting the Gap Sensor Slice Level.........................................................3-25
3.11.6 Setting the Auto Online Feed......................................................................3-25
3.11.7 Setting the Feed on Error feature................................................................3-26
3.11.8 Setting the Forward/Backward Feed Distance............................................3-26
3.11.9 Setting the EXT Port Status Signal.............................................................3-26
3.11.10 Setting the Backfeed Speed......................................................................3-27
3.11.11 Setting the Symbol for the Euro currency .................................................3-27
3.11.13 Enabling or Disabling the Display Priority for System Commands............3-27
3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Ribbon Near End Warning...............................3-28

Table of Contents (cont’d)
3.11.14 Enabling or Disabling the Label Pitch Re-Detection .................................3-28
3.11.15 Assigning the Function Button ..................................................................3-28
3.11.16 Setting the Password Feature..................................................................3-29
3.11.17 Setting the Compatibility Mode .................................................................3-29
3.11.17 Setting the Media Length ..........................................................................3-29
3.11.18 Copying Firmware Data ............................................................................3-30
3.11.19 Setting the TRACE Mode..........................................................................3-30
3.11.20 Saving the Print Log..................................................................................3-31
3.11.21 Clearing the Print Log ...............................................................................3-31
3.11.22 Setting the Print Log to Output at the Subport..........................................3-31
3.12 Boot Download Mode.............................................................................................3-32
3.12.1 Entering Boot Download Mode ...................................................................3-32
3.13 Simple STANDALONE Mode.................................................................................3-33
3.13.1 Entering Simple Standalone Mode..............................................................3-33
3.14 Workshift Mode......................................................................................................3-34
3.14.1 Entering Workshift Mode.............................................................................3-34
3.15 Overview of All Modes ...........................................................................................3-35
3.15 Overview of Interface Mode Configurations...........................................................3-39
3.15 Overview of Interface/SEMBL Mode Configurations..............................................3-44
3.15 Overview of Advanced Mode Configurations.........................................................3-45
3.15 Overview of Hex Dump Mode Configurations........................................................3-48
3.15 Overview of Test Print Mode Configurations .........................................................3-49
3.15 Overview of Default/Download Mode Configurations ............................................3-50
3.15 Overview of Service Mode Configurations.............................................................3-51
3.15 Overview of Boot Download Mode Configurations ................................................3-57
3.15 Overview of RFID/Default Mode Configurations....................................................3-58
3.15 Overview of Hidden and WorkShift Modes............................................................3-59
3.16 Restoring Factory DeFault Settings.......................................................................3-60
3.16.1 Entering Default Mode ................................................................................3-60
3.16.2 If You Chose to Reset Printer Settings .......................................................3-60
3.16.2 If You Chose Alt Protocol Code ..................................................................3-61
3.16.3 Setting of Print Resolution for New Print Head ..........................................3-61
3.16.4 Completion of Default Setting .....................................................................3-61
3.17 Understanding DISPENSER AND Continuous Print Operation.............................3-63
CHAPTER 4: CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Cleaning The Print Head, Platen and Rollers..........................................................4-1
4.3 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SET)..............................................................4-2
4.4 How To Clean The Printer (Cleaning SHEET).........................................................4-3
4.5 Adjusting Print Quality..............................................................................................4-4
4.5.1 Adjusting Print Darkness...............................................................................4-4
4.5.2 Adjusting Print Speed....................................................................................4-5

Table of Contents (cont’d)
CHAPTER 5: INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
5.1 Interface types .........................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (RS-232C)....................................................5-2
5.3 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (LAN)............................................................5-3
5.4 Interface Card DIP SWITCH Settings (Wireless LAN).............................................5-3
5.5 External Signal Interface..........................................................................................5-4
5.6 Serial Interface Specifications (RS-232C) ...............................................................5-5
5.7 READY/BUSY..........................................................................................................5-6
5.8 Single Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-7
5.9 Multi Job Buffer........................................................................................................5-8
5.10 X-ON/X-OFF ..........................................................................................................5-9
5.11 Single Job Buffer....................................................................................................5-10
5.12 Multi Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-11
5.13 Parallel Interface Specifications (Centronics) ........................................................5-12
5.14 Single Job Buffer....................................................................................................5-14
5.15 Multi Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-16
5.16 IEEE 1284 Interface...............................................................................................5-19
5.17 Interface Signals....................................................................................................5-21
5.18 Single Job Buffer....................................................................................................5-22
5.19 Multi Job Buffer......................................................................................................5-24
CHAPTER 6: TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1 Initial Checklist.........................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Using the Centronics (Parallel) Interface .................................................................6-1
6.3 Using the RS232C (SERIAL) Interface....................................................................6-3
6.4 Understanding the LED INDICATORS ....................................................................6-4
6.5 Understanding the LCD Error Messages.................................................................6-5
6.6 LCD Warning Messages..........................................................................................6-9
6.7 Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................................6-10
CHAPTER 7: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
7.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................7-1
7.2 Available Interface Boards.......................................................................................7-1
7.3 Optional Accessories ...............................................................................................7-2

Section 1: Introduction
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-1
1
OVERVIEW
Thank you for your investment in this SATO printer product.
This Operator’s Manual contains basic information about the installation, setup,
configuration, operation and maintenance of the printer.
A total of seven topics are covered herein, and they are organized as follows:
Section 1: Overview
Section 2: Installation
Section 3: Configuration and Operation
Section 4: Cleaning and Maintenance
Section 5: Interface Specifications
Section 6: Troubleshooting
Section 7: Optional Accessories
It is recommended that you become familiar with each section before installing and main-
taining the printer. Refer to the Table Of Contents at the front of this manual to search
for the relevant information needed. All page numbers in this manual consist of a section
number followed by the page number within the stated section.
For specialized programming, refer to the separate Programming Manual located on the
utility CD-ROM.

Section 1: Introduction
Page 1-2 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The SATO S8400 series OEM print engine (Thermal Transfer and Direct Thermal) is a
complete, high-performance labeling system designed for integration into in-line produc-
tion facilities.
The key features of the S8400 series are:
• High-end, high resolution print engine with industry-leading functionality
• Large 128 dot by 64 dot LCD panel with graphical icon display
• Super crisp printing at resolutions of 203dpi, 305dpi or 609dpi
• Tool-less changing of print heads for easier maintenance
• Optional cassette tray ribbon loading for reduced turnaround time
• Support for a wide range of legacy as well as modern I/O interfaces
• Enhanced print position accuracy even in high volume print jobs
• Support for SATO Barcode Programming Language for enhanced customizability
• Support for SEMBL programming for standalone operation customizability
• Supports for Radio Frequency IDentification technology for enhanced productivity
• Built-in calendar function for time and date data labeling
• Lightweight and easy-to-mount chassis
• All three models are available in Left-hand and Right-hand orientations
• User friendly label and ribbon path management
• Support for a wide range of accessories and peripherals for custom-applications
All printer parameters are programmable using the front panel controls and via software.
All popular bar codes, including 2-D codes, seven human-readable fonts and two fast
and efficient vector fonts, are resident in memory, providing literally thousands of combi-
nations of type styles and sizes.

Section 1: Introduction
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-3
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specification Model S8408 Model S8412 Model S8424
Electrical Characteristics
Print method Thermal transfer and direct thermal
Head density 8 dots/ mm (203 dpi) 12 dots/ mm (305 dpi) 24 dots/ mm (609 dpi)
Printable Area W104 mm x pitch 2500mm W104 mm x pitch 1500mm W104 mm x pitch 400mm
Not printable for 3mm from the inner edge
Print speed (Max) 4 to 16inches/sec @203dpi 4 to 14 inches/sec @305dpi 2 to 6 inches/sec @609dpi
Note:
Maximum speed may be further dependent on the type of print layout, paper,
or carbon ribbon in use.
CPU 32-bit RISC
Onboard Memory 4MB FLASH ROM, 16MB SDRAM main memory (2.95MB allocated for Receive Buffer),
32KB FRAM, 8KB SRAM for built-in calendar
Memory cartridge Built-in CF card reader for optional factory-installed CF card
Print Characteristics
Print/Dispensing Modes Continuous, Dispenser, Linerless (when selecting linerless media)
Print Formats Transmitted from host (computer)
Paper Thickness 0.05 mm to 0.31 mm supported
Note: Be sure to use only printer supplies manufactured or certified by SATO.
Paper Size
*in continuous mode Width: 22mm to 128mm (25mm to 131mm including liner) Pitch: 6 mm to 356mm (9 mm to 359mm including liner)
Paper Supply Method Via external unwinder
Pitch (paper) Sensor Reflective type (I-mark) and Transmissive type (Gap)
Optional I-mark sensor for detecting I-marks located on the top (printable) side of labels
Carbon ribbon
Dimensions
Thickness of base material
Color
Winding direction
(Be sure to use the specified carbon ribbons manufactured or specified by SATO)
W25mm to 128m by up to 1000 m/roll (max outer diameter should be within 108mm)
4.5 µm
Black (standard) with other colors available as optional consumables
Face-In and Face-out winding (see table below)
Labels and Ribbons available for the S8400 series
Ribbons
Type Wax T102C, T101A, T104C
Wax/Resin T110A, T112D, T123A, T122B, T123B
Resin T222A, R335A, R236A, R333A
Labels
Type
(0.05mm to
0.31mm)
Paper Fasson: Vellum extra, MC Primecoat, Premium TT1C
Raflatac: TOP E, ECO, Mactac KL370 (thermal), Raflagloss
Film Fasson: 2mil Gloss White, PE transparent
Raflatac: PE Gloss White

Section 1: Introduction
Page 1-4 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)
Specification/
Model Name S8400
Interface Characteristics
External connectivity
(Slot 1) Interface boards available:
¤ Parallel (IEEE1284)
¤ RS-232C
• READY/BUSY
• XON/XOFF
• Status 2/3
• Driver specific protocol
• Status 5
¤ USB (Ver. 1.1)
¤ LAN (10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX automatic changeover)
¤ Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b)
¤ Centronics
¤ RS-422/485
External connectivity
(Slot 3) Standard 14-pin Amphenol External (EXT) signal interface
Optional D-Sub 25-pin External (EXT) signal interface
Configuration and Functions
User settings (via LCD) 1. Settings indications
2. Print speed
3. Print darkness
4. Print position adjustments
5. Zero slash changeover
6. Proportional pitch adjustments
Operation
Panel
Buttons LINE, FEED, ENTER, CANCEL, FUNCTION, 4 navigation buttons (up/down/
left/right)
Switch POWER ON/OFF
LCD Green LCD (with backlight), Vertical 64 dots x horizontal 128 dots
LEDs POWER (Green), ONLINE (Green), LABEL (Red), RIBBON (Red) indicators
Adjustment
Potentiometers VOLUME: buzzer loudness adjustment PITCH: print position adjustment
OFFSET: dispense adjustment
DARKNESS: print darkness adjustment
Other
Functions Status Monitor Commands for drawing of graphics
Sequential numbering
Form overlay support
Storage of Customized Font Characters in memory
Reverse printing function (White text on a black background)
Function for printing of lines and boxes
Label format storage function
Zero-slash character switching, HEX Dump Print function, Calendar function.
DIP Switches One 8-bit DIP switch
Programming Language SATO Barcode Printer Language Ver 4.2
Automatic diagnostics Head check (for detection of failed heating elements in the print head)
Head resolution diagnostic
“Paper-End” detection
“Cover Open” detection
Test Print
Ribbon End detection
Ribbon Near End detection
Calendar Check

Section 1: Introduction
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 1-5
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)
Specification/
Model Name S8400
Barcoding Functions
Barcodes
Supported One-
dimensional
code
• UPC-A/E, EAN8/13
• NW-7
• INTERLEAVED 2 of 5 (ITF)
• INDUSTRIAL 2 of 5
• MATRICES 2 of 5
• CODE39, CODE93, CODE128
• UCC/EAN128
• RSS-14
• MSI
• POSTNET
• BOOKLAND
• Customer barcode
Two-
dimensional
code
• QR code model 2, Micro QR (Ver 8.1)
• PDF417 (Ver. 2.4, including micro PDF)
• MAXI code (Ver. 3.0)
• Data matrices code ECC200 (Ver. 2.0)
• Composite Symbols Ver 1.0 (UPC-A/E, EAN8/13, JAN8/13, CODE39, CODE128 CC-A/
B/C supported with RSS-14)
Stored
Font Types Standard XU 5 x 9 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana) XS 17 x 17 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XM 24 x 24 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XB 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
XL 48 x 48 dots (alphanumeric, symbol, and kana)
Outline font
(alphanu-
meric, symbol,
and kana)
OCR-A for 203/305/609dpi (15x22, 22x33 and 44x66 dots respectively)
OCR-B for 203/305/609dpi (20x24, 30x36 and 60x72 dots respectively)
Raster Fonts CG Times, CG Triumvarite
Print Magnification Vertical 1 to 12 times
Horizontal 1 to 12 times (characters)
1 to 12x (barcodes)
Print Rotation Characters: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°
Barcode: Parallel 1 (0°), Serial 1 (90°), Parallel 2 (180°), Serial 2 (270°)
Barcode Ratio 1:2, 1:3, 2:5; Arbitrary user settings allowed
Accessories
Options For PCI-bus mini slot
• Mini-sized USB I/F card
• Mini-sized LAN I/F card
• Mini-sized RS-232C I/F
card
For Standard slot
• High Speed RS-232C
(25-pin) I/F card
• IEEE 1284 I/F card
• USB I/F card
• Wireless LAN (802.11b)
I/F card
• RS-422/485 I/F card
• 10/100 Mbps LAN I/F
card
• Centronics I/F card
For EXT slot
• EXT connector (Amphe-
nol 14-pin or D-Sub 25-
pin for connection to
peripherals)
Other options
• Linerless option kit
• I-mark sensor kit for
detecting top-side I-
marks
• Ribbon Loading Cas-
sette (factory option)
• Ribbon Saver option
• Compact Flash memory
card
• RFID Kit
• LVDS Kit (a cable for
allowing the operational
panel to be accessed
from a few meters away

Section 1: Introduction
Page 1-6 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
1.1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS (CONT’D)
Specification/
Model Name Model S8408 Model S8412 Model S8424
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions W 245 mm x D 408 mm x H 300 mm (Basic Chassis without handles and interfaces)
W 245 mm x D 478 mm x H 300 mm (Chassis with handles and interfaces installed)
W 245 mm x D 417 mm x H 300 mm (Ribbon direct and interfaces installed)
Weight 15.5 kg for a standard configuration; 16.0kg for configuration with ribbon cassette
Power Supply Input voltage: AC 100 V to 240 V ±10%, 2.7A to 1.1A
Power Consumption 220W (peak)
Standards Compliance Noise emission: VCCI Class B, FCC Class B, ENN55022 Class B
Safety Standards: MET, NEMKO-GS, CCC
Energy Saving: International Energy Star Program
Environmental Conservation: Manufactured according to environment friendly processes
In-house equipment level: Class B conformance
Package Fall: ISTA-2A
Operating Environment Operational ambient temperature: -5 to 40 degrees Celsius
Operational ambient humidity: 15 to 85% (no condensation)

Section 2: Installation
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-1
2
INSTALLATION
This section assists you in unpacking and installing the printer from the shipping container.
You will also be guided through a familiarization tour of the main parts and controls.
The following information is provided:
• Safety Precautions
• Unpacking and Parts Identification
• Loading the Carbon Ribbon (with and without the optional Ribbon Cassette)
• Loading Labels and Tags (with and without the optional Ribbon Cassette)
• Adjusting the Sensors
• Replacing the Print Head

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Page 2-2 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
THE CAUTION SYMBOL
Whenever the triangular Caution logo appears in this manual, pay special attention to the warning(s) cited
below it. Failure to abide by the warnings may result in injury or damage to property.
PRINTER PLACEMENT TIPS
• Place the printer on a solid, stable,
horizontal surface that is not sub-
ject to strong vibrations from adja-
cent mechanical devices.
• Avoid shaky or slanting tables, or
platforms that are liable to collapse under a heavy
weight. If the printer is dropped or damaged, immedi-
ately turn off the power, pull out the power plug and
contact a service center. In this case, continued use
of the printer may cause a fire or electric shocks.
• Avoid installing the printer in direct sunlight, or in
dusty, very hot or slippery areas. Also avoid place-
ment in damp, unventilated or humid areas. If con-
densation forms, immediately turn off the power, and
do not use the printer until the condensation disap-
pears. Otherwise the moisture may cause electric
shocks.
• Avoid placing the printer near large high-current
equipment, as such equipment can cause spikes or
undervoltages in the power supply.
• Do not leave containers of
water or chemicals around the
printer. If any liquid is spilled
onto the printer, immediately
turn off the power, pull out the
power cable from the AC outlet, and contact a
sales outlet, dealer, or service center. In this
case, continued use of the printer may cause
fires or electric shocks.
• Do not move the printer with any paper loaded.
The stack of paper may fall off, causing trips
and accidents.
• When laying the printer down, be careful not to
catch your foot or fingers under it.
• When moving the printer, be sure to pull out the
power cable from the AC outlet, and check that
any other external interface cables have been
disconnected. Otherwise, the connected cables
may be damaged, or may cause trips and falls,
in addition to or a fire or electric shocks.
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
• Do not damage, break, or process the power cable.
Hanging heavy objects on it, heating or pulling it may
damage the power cable and cause fires or electric
shocks.
• When the power cable is damaged (cable conductors
are exposed or cut, etc.), contact a sales outlet,
dealer, or service center. In this case, continued use
of the printer may cause fires or electric shocks.
• Do not process, forcibly bend, twist, or pull the power
cable. Continued use of such a cable may cause
fires or electric shocks.
• If the printer emits any smoke or peculiar odors at
any time, turn it OFF and prevent further usage until
you have contacted a qualified service personnel.
• Do not use any other voltage except the specified
power voltage for the printer that matches your
domestic power supply. Otherwise, it may cause fires
or electric shocks.
• Do not operate the power switch or handle the
power cable with a wet hand.
• Do not insert or drop anything metallic or flam-
mable into the openings of the printer (the cable
outlet or mounting hole of the memory car-
tridge). Otherwise, immediately turn off the
power, pull out the power cable, and contact a
sales outlet, dealer, or service center. In this
case, continued use of the printer may cause
fires or electric shocks.
• To reduce electrical risks, be
sure to connect the printer to
ground before use. Also, try
not to share the printer’s AC
outlet with other electrical
equipment, especially those that draw high
amounts of current or cause electrical interfer-
ence.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Please read the following information carefully before
installing and using the printer

Section 2: Installation
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-3
This equipment is a piece of Class B information technology equipment based on the standards of the
Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). Although this
equipment is for use in home environment, if it is used close to a radio or television set, it may cause poor
reception. Handle it properly in accordance with the content from the instruction manual.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Head cleaning liquid (if supplied) is flammable. Never
heat it or throw it into a fire. Keep it out of children’s
reach to avoid accidental consumption. Should this
occur, consult a doctor immediately.
• When opening/closing the cover, beware of getting
your fingers caught. Also, hold the opening/closing
cover well so that it will not slip and fall on your hand.
• After printing, the print head remains hot. When
replacing paper or cleaning the printer immediately
after printing, be careful not to burn yourself.
• Touching even the edge of the printer head may
cause injuries. When replacing paper or cleaning the
printer, be careful not to hurt yourself.
• If the printer will not be used for extended periods of
time, disconnect the power cable for safety.
• When releasing and locking down the printer head,
be careful not to catch any other foreign matter in it
except label paper.
• Do not disassemble or perform modifications to
the printer, as this renders the product unsafe.
For maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs,
consult a sales outlet, dealer, or service center
for help, instead of attempting to perform this
yourself. Renewable annual service contracts
are available.
• When maintaining or cleaning the printer,
always disconnect the power cable for safety.
• Do not insert your hand or other objects into the
cutter.
• When loading roll paper, be careful not to catch
your fingers between the paper and the feeder.
• Be careful not to hurt yourself when detaching
the back cover of the fanfold through the hole
and attaching it.
• The simplified cutter (where installed) is struc-
tured as a blade. Be careful not to cut yourself.

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Page 2-4 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
2.1 UNPACKING
When unpacking the printer, take note of the following:
Note
The following illustrations are representative only. Your printer may not be packed exactly as shown, but
the unpacking steps are similar.
The box should stay right-side up.
Lift the printer out of the box carefully. If the printer was been stored in the
cold, allow it to reach room
temperature before turning it on.
Remove the plastic covering from the
printer. Set the printer on a solid, flat surface. Inspect the shipping container and
printer for any sign of damage that
may have occurred during shipping.
Remove the accessory items from their
protective containers.
14
25
3

Section 2: Installation
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-5
2.1.1 Included Accessories
After unpacking the printer, verify that the following materials are in the accessories or packaging:
Global Warranty
document Cleaning Set*
Information
leaflet* Head cleaning sheet (wrapping sheet)*
Power cable*
Two-pole adaptor*Accessory CD-ROM*Operator’s Manual
Items marked with an asterisk may be different from what you see here, or may be excluded.
Please fill out the Global Warranty card and submit it
to us in order that we can provide fast and efficient
after-sales service. For malfunctions under normal
usage, this product will be repaired free of charge
according to the warranty terms applicable for the
country of use.
Please do not discard the original packaging box and
cushioning material after installing the printer. They
may be needed in future, if the printer needs to be
shipped for repairs.
Important!
Sample paper*

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Page 2-6 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
2.1.2 Parts Identification
IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS
Power switch
Pushing the I side
turns the printer ON.
Pushing the O side
turns the printer OFF.
Operation Panel
and LCD
Remove the panel
by unscrewing the
two nuts at the sides
Front Cover
Operation
panel and LCD
Label Roll
Angled Front View (Left Hand model)
Front View (Left Hand model)
Printer and label
roll mounting
stand
(not supplied)
Print Head
Clear
Window
Front View (Left Hand model with optional Ribbon Cassette frame)
Ribbon
Cassette
handle
Power Switch
Ribbon Roller
Ribbon
Cassette for
preloading
ribbon rolls

Section 2: Installation
S8400 Series Operator’s Manual Page 2-7
2.1.2 PARTS IDENTIFICATION (CONT’D)
IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS
Rear View
Slot for Main
Interface card
Internal mechanism of S8400 with Ribbon Cassette
Built-in
14-pin
EXT port
Front View, Cover open
(Left-hand model)
Instructions for
correct label
Ribbon and
label loading
Head Lock Lever
(turn counter-
clockwise to
release paper)
Label Guide
Ribbon Supply Spindle
Ribbon Take-Up Spindl
e
Pich (paper)
sensor adjustment
Nip Roller
Release Latch
Ribbon Roller
Print Head
Pressure
Balance
Knob
Print Head
Release Latch
Slot for
optional
small form
factor USB/
Lan/RS-232C
card
AC
power
socket
Print Head
Feed Lock
Lever Platen Roller
Nip Roller assembly

SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Page 2-8 S8400 Series Operator’s Manual
IDENTIFYING THE MAIN PRINTER PARTS
Head Lock lever
Ribbon Take-up Spindle
Nip Roller Release Latch
Print Head*
* Clean and maintain this part regularly
Pitch Sensor adjustment knob
Ribbon Roller*
Ribbon Supply Spindle
Paper (pitch) Sensors*
Label Guide*
Nip Roller
assy (Brass)
Print Head release lever
Feed Lock lever
Label roller* Platen roller*
Media Path Parts