SATO Argox iX4-280 User manual

i
iX4-280/380 Series Printer
User Manual
https://www.argox.com
Version: 1.1

iX4-280/380 Series Printer
User Manual
i
Liability Disclaimer
Argox Corporation takes steps to assure that the company’s published
engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do
occur. Argox reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims any
resulting liability. In no event shall Argox or anyone else involved in the
creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including
hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including,
without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss) arising
out of the use of or the results of use of or inability to use such product,
even if Argox has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
FCC Compliance Statement
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 in a
residential installation. 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.
However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into a different outlet on a different circuit.
Consult the dealer or an experience Radio/TV technician for help.
This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices. Shielded
cables must be used with the unit to ensure compliance. The user is
cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by
Argox Information Co., Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

iX4-280/380 Series Printer
User Manual
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This is a Grade A product. In living environment, the product may cause interference
to radio communications. In this case, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by effective measures.
Caution
Ensure to connect the power cord of power adapter to a socket-outlet
with earth connection.
CAUTION: Risk of Explosion if Battery is replaced by an Incorrect Type. Dispose of
Used Batteries According to the Instructions.
ATTENTION: Risque d’explosion si la batterie est remplacée par un type incorrect.
Mettre au rebus les batteries usagées selon les instructions.
Caution
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2024 Argox Information Co., Ltd

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User Manual
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Contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Features.................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Unpacking................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Understand your printer........................................................................... 3
1.3.1 Perspective view .......................................................................... 3
1.3.2 Back view..................................................................................... 3
1.3.3 Interior view ................................................................................ 4
1.4 Printer control panel................................................................................. 5
1.4.1 Status lights.................................................................................. 5
1.4.2 Buttons ........................................................................................ 8
2 Get started .......................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Attach the power cord.............................................................................. 9
5.1 Turn on/off your printer.......................................................................... 10
5.1.1 Turn on your printer................................................................... 10
5.1.2 Turn off your printer .................................................................. 11
5.2 Load media ............................................................................................. 12
5.2.1 Prepare media ........................................................................... 13
5.2.2 Placing media roll....................................................................... 13
5.2.3 Media types............................................................................... 24
5.3 Load Ribbon............................................................................................ 26
5.3.1 Placing Ribbon Roll .................................................................... 27
3 Printer operation............................................................................................... 30
3.1 Front Panel ............................................................................................. 30
3.1.1 LCD Function Setting Procedure................................................. 31
3.2 Printing Media Calibration & Configuration............................................ 37
3.3 Printing a Configuration Report.............................................................. 37
3.4 Restore to Factory Default ...................................................................... 44
3.5 Media sensing......................................................................................... 45
3.5.1 Transmissive sensor ................................................................... 45
3.5.2 Reflective sensor........................................................................ 46
3.5.3 Adjust Position of Label Sensor.................................................. 47
3.6 Communications..................................................................................... 48
3.6.1 Interfaces and Requirements..................................................... 48
3.7 Driver installation ................................................................................... 50
3.7.1 Installing a Plug and Play printer driver (for USB only)............... 50
3.7.2 Installing a Printer Driver (for interfaces Other than USB) ......... 56

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User Manual
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4 Configuration onWebSettingTool ......................................................................... 62
4.1 Attaching the power cord............................................................................ 62
4.2 Connecting the printerto a LAN hub ................................................................. 62
4.3 Getting the IP address of the printer.................................................................. 63
4.4 Logging in to the web setting tool ............................................................... 63
5 Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 65
5.1 Cleaning.................................................................................................. 66
5.1.1 Printhead ................................................................................... 66
5.1.2 Platen Roller............................................................................... 67
5.2 Printer Adjustments................................................................................ 68
5.2.1 Printer Head Pressure Adjustment ................................................... 68
5.2.2 Ribbon Tension Adjustment.............................................................. 70
5.2.3 Printing Wrinkle Adjustment............................................................. 71
5.2.4 Small-size Media Offset Adjustment................................................. 74
5.3 RTC Battery Replacement ....................................................................... 75
6 Troubleshooting ................................................................................................ 76
6.1 Printer issues .......................................................................................... 76
6.2 Media issues........................................................................................... 77
6.3 Ribbon issues.......................................................................................... 78
6.4 Other issues............................................................................................ 79
7 Specifications .................................................................................................... 80
7.1 Printer..................................................................................................... 80
7.2 Media & Ribbon...................................................................................... 82
7.3 Electrical and operating environment..................................................... 82
7.4 Physical dimension ................................................................................. 83
7.5 Fonts, Barcodes, and Graphics Specification........................................... 83
7.6 Wireless LAN (Optional).......................................................................... 86
7.7 Interfaces................................................................................................ 88
7.7.1 USB ............................................................................................ 88
7.7.2 RS-232C...................................................................................... 89
7.7.3 GPIO........................................................................................... 90
7.7.4 Ethernet..................................................................................... 91

iX4-280/380 Series Printer
User Manual
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1Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an Argox iX4-280/380 Series industrial barcode
printer. This manual provides information about how to set up and operate
your printer, load media, ribbon and solve common problems. Illustrations
are provided to help you quickly become familiar with the printer.
1.1 Features
￭Fast Print Speed
iX4-280: 10 IPS (Max.)
iX4-380: 8 IPS (Max.)
￭Communicatio
Standard: Ethernet, dual USB hosts, USB device, and RS-232
Option: Wi-Fi module and GPIO
￭Online management
Web management and SNMP support
￭Dual USB host function
Stand-alone mode of scanner/ keyboard multiple data entry devices
￭New media calibration
Intelli mode & Smart mode

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1.2 Unpacking
Make sure all of the following items are included in your package.
Printer
Quick Installation
Guide
DVD
USB Cable
AC Power Cord
1”ID Core for Ribbon
When you receive the printer, open the package immediately and inspect for
shipping damage. If you discover any damage, contact the shipping company
and file a claim. Argox is not responsible for any damage incurred during
shipping. Save all package materials for the shipping company to inspect.
Note If any item is missing, please contact your local dealer.

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1.3 Understand your printer
1.3.1 Perspective view
1.3.2 Back view
iX4-280/380 Standard
USB Type A
Ethernet
USB Type B
RS232 Serial
Power switch
AC power connector
LCD Display
FEED Button
PAUSE Button
CANCEL Button
Front Access Door
Top Access Door

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User Manual
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iX4-280/380 Optional
1.3.3 Interior view
Internal Parts and Features
WIFI
Parallel port
GPIO
Feed Slot
Media Supply Spindle
Ribbon Supply Spindle
Thermal Print Head
Ribbon Pick-up Spindle

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User Manual
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Rotate Head Latch
1.4 Printer control panel
There are three lights on the front panel - READY, MEDIA and RIBBON. These
indicators display operation status of the printer. Three buttons - FEED,
PAUSE, and CANCEL can control printer simple function.
1.4.1 Status lights
Status lights help you check printer’s condition. The following tables show
the status lights and the conditions they indicate.
LCD Display
READY
MEDIA
RIBBON
Description
READY
ON
ON
ON
In the ready mode
PRINT HEAD
HEAT
ON
Blinking
ON
Print head needs to cool down.
COMMAND
ERROR
ON
Blinking
Blinking
A command error was found while
checking the command sequence.
Head Latch
Thermal Print Head
Paper Roller
Paper Sensor Guide