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S-Series Printer common issues, fixes and questions.
Presales, Parts and Repair:
Printer Specifications can be located at the S-Series Specifications Page.
Parts: Please note we do not sell parts directly. You must order parts through an Authorized Zebra Reseller or Distributor. You can locate an Authorized Zebra Reseller on our web site at the Authorized Reseller Locator Link. Not all parts are available for sale. Contact your reseller or distributor for details.
Repair options are available at our Authorized Zebra Service Options link.
Installation and Setup:
Identifying Media and Ribbon types - link to determining the media type your using. This identification is essential for setting the printer up to print correctly.
Media Loading instructions - link to demonstrate the various media (label, tag, etc) loading using the different options such as Tear Off, Peel, etc.
Ribbon Loading instructions - link to demonstrate the correct loading path for the ribbon. This step is essential for proper use of the thermal transfer ink ribbon.
Calibration Procedure - link to calibration procedures. This step is required to enable the printer to determine the label size being used. It must be run on a new installation, when a different label size is loaded or when the print is not falling on the intended location on the label.
Configuration Label printout - Link showing how to print the printers current configuration. Necessary to determine all printer settings including the communication settings, firmware level and media selection.
Communications:
Communication Setup (Serial) - link describing the serial communications interface, required cabling and communication parameters for RS232 (Serial) communications.
Communication Setup (Parallel) - link describing the parallel communications interface, required cabling and port settings.
ZebraNet Printserver II Setup - link to setting up the ZebraNet Printserver II on various platforms.
Communications Test - link explaining how to test the printer communications from the DOS or Command Prompt.
Communications Dump - explains how to put the s series printer into dump mode.
ZPL Programming:
ZPL Exercises - Link to introductory ZPL programming exercises. A good way to get started if you have little to no Printer Programming experience.
Downloading Graphics - Link to demonstrating how to download and print a graphic using ZPL.
Downloading Fonts - Link to demonstrating how to download and print a TrueType Font using ZPL.
Printing the Euro Symbol - Link to demonstrate how to print the Euro Symbol using ZPL.
Maxicode Example- Link to printing the Maxicode Barcode using ZPL. Discusses using Mode 2 and Mode 3 in Maxicode.
Error Conditions:
Paper Out Error - The paper out error usually occurs when the media is loaded incorrectly or the printer is not calibrated correctly. See the media loading link and the calibration link for instructions on correcting the error.
Ribbon Out Error - The ribbon out error usually occurs when the ribbon is loaded incorrectly or the printer is not calibrated correctly. See the ribbon loading link and the calibration link for instructions on correcting the error. The error can also occur when the Snap Plate is dirty or removed.
Head Cold Error - The head cold error occurs when the printhead temperature drops to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This condition should not stop the printer from printing. The print may be a little light until the head warms up. It usually clears after continuous printing unless the temperature is extremely cold or the printhead is failing. If in a cool environment, care should be taken to ensure moisture is not building up on the printer or supplies. If possible use an environmental enclosure to protect the printer from low temperatures.
Head Open Error - The head open error can occur if the printhead lever is not fully closed to a vertical orientation, if the pressure toggle is catching on the printhead pressure plate or the printer head open flag is out of position. Check that the lever is vertical and the toggle is not catching on the printhead mounting screw. If this is set correctly, you can check the printer's head open flag. If you do not feel comfortable opening up the printer, contact your reseller or our factory repair service.
Cutter Jamming - If the cutter is not cleaned properly or if the cutter has been moved out of position, the label material may jam up in the cutter mechanism. You should clean the cutter and possibly adjust the cutter module.
Documents and Specifications:
Users Guide - click here to be directed to our download area for printer user guides.
Parts: Please note we do not sell parts directly. You must order parts through an Authorized Zebra Reseller or Distributor. You can locate an Authorized Zebra Reseller on our web site at the Authorized Reseller Locator Link. Not all parts are available for sale. Contact your reseller or distributor for details.
Printer Output / Printing Problems:
Faded Print, Light Print - There are numerous issues that can cause faded print. Before making adjustments to the printer, make sure you have the proper match for labels and ribbon (if used). Try a different roll of labels and or ribbon (if used) and clean the printhead. Adjustments include setting the correct darkness and increasing the printhead pressure.
Software can also affect the print darkness. Most software packages can make adjustments to the printers darkness setting. Test the printer without the software by running a printer self test. If the self test prints dark enough, contact the software manufacturer to determine how to adjust the software's darkness setting. If the self test prints too light, see the paragraph above.
Cropping image, skipping labels - This is usually an indication that that printer is not calibrated correctly or the software has the wrong label size set. To calibrate the printer to the label size your using, follow the instructions in the Calibration link above. If this does not correct the issue, contact the manufacturer of the software your using to confirm the label size settings.
No Print - This is usually an issue with media and ribbon compatibility, ribbon loaded wrong or wrong ribbon type. It is possible the darkness setting is too low. Contact your supplier or ribbon manufacture to determine the correct darkness setting and adjust if necessary. It is possible that it is a software setup issue. You can test the printer's ability to print by running a self test. If the self test prints but it does not print from the software, there is probably a communications or software setup issue.
Ribbon Melting/Breaking - This usually occurs when the darkness setting is too high or the printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead and check your darkness setting. Check with your ribbon supplier for recommended darkness setting and adjust if necessary. If you have to lower the setting and the image becomes too light, you may need to increase the printhead pressure.
Maintenance Procedures:
We strongly recommend maintenance be performed by a Zebra authorized service center or from our factory repair center. Some maintenance can be performed by the user such as cleaning and minor repairs. The cleaning and recommended maintenance schedule is located in the users guide for the printer.
If you choose to perform maintenance on your printer, you do so at your own risk. We can provide maintenance instructions on request and they are supplied with the maintenance kits. We have links below for some of the most common maintenance procedures:
· Defaulting - (resetting factory defaults)
· Printhead Pressure Adjustment
Fonts:
Below is a list of hyperlinks to various font and barcode instructions, information and specifications:
· Fonts:
o Asian Fonts - Page with numerous links to printing with Asian Fonts for the Zebra Printer.
o EPROM Font Options - EPROM font field kits.
o Flash Font Pack Contents - Info on our Flash Font Pack.
o Fonts available on Disk - Fonts available on 3.5" floppy disk for Zebra Printers.
o Font Upgrade Kits - Font Kits available for the S-Series printer.
o Re-Mapping TrueType fonts (ZPL) - Instructions for re-mapping a character in ZPL.
· Barcodes:
Utilities and Downloads:
Links to the most common downloads for the Zebra printer:
· Current Firmware - Link to the most current STANDARD firmware available for the S-Series printer. See your vendor about ordering custom firmware (SP firmware).
· Demo Software - Includes Barone 6
· Drivers - Link to latest drivers. Note: No XP driver is available. Click here for Windows XP alternatives.
· Software Utilities - Link to ZTools and ZebraNet Utilities (ZNet II print server configuration software).
· Users Guide - Latest user guide for the S-Series printer and the ZPL2 programming manual