Datamax Allegro 2 manual Controlling Print Quality

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Troubleshooting

4.1Controlling Print Quality

The Printer provides maximum flexibility by offering both Direct- Thermal and Thermal-Transfer Printing capabilities. To support these printing options, the Printer has a flexible set of printing controls.

The amount of heat applied to the Printhead, and the location of the Printhead to the label media have the most effect on the images that are printed on labels. The Printer provides print quality adjustments, but limits them to prevent the Printer from printing an image that could be damaging to the Printhead. For example, low cost direct- thermal stocks have high reaction temperatures therefore it takes a great deal of heat to make clear images on this type of paper. The Printer has two ways to compensate for this; first set the burn time to a higher value by using the H-Label Formatting Command. This causes more heat to be transferred into the media, and consequently generates a darker image. Second, adjust the Printhead position. The Printer has been factory set to maintain good print quality on the majority of media. However, when using media other than the recommended 4 mil (.0004") thick stock the Printhead position, ribbon, and media tracking may require slight adjustment to maintain its print quality. If poor print quality is apparent, follow the procedures outlined in sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2.

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Contents Allegro2 Operator’s Manual Part Number Revision A3 Agency Compliance and Approvals Page Important Safety Instructions Page Contents Maintenance Unpacking and Inspection Getting StartedIntroduction Location of Parts on Your Printer Mechanism DetailRear View Tear- off Assembly Installation Tear Bar Assembly InstallationUsing the Printer Control Panel Buttons, Lights and SwitchesGetting Started Switch Paper/RibbonLight RibbonLabels Media InstallationInstallation Label Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading Instructions Ribbon LoadingAvailable Modules Using the Printer OptionsTo install a Memory Module Options CutterFont ROM Modules 256K and 512K RAM ModulesMedia Rewinder Peel and PresentPresent Sensor Getting Started Allegro2 Checking Voltage Selection Setting Up Your PrinterPower Up Self-Test Test Label Interface Cables Interfacing to the PrinterPart Number Description Connecting to a PC Sample InstallationsConnecting to a CRT Connecting to Your Minicomputer Connecting to Your Non-ASCII DeviceSwitch Settings Switch SettingsSetting the Baud Rate Baud 9600 4800 2400 1200 300 TestBaud Rate Word LengthOther Switches Switch Settings and FunctionsProgramming Commands Immediate CommandsSystem-Level Commands Char Description FormatBatch, 1-Cutter Enable Label-Formatting Commands Description FormatSpecial Label-Formatting Commands 10 Font-Loading Commands Programming ExamplesExample line Setting Up Your Printer Allegro2 Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Connect Cables Check Link CRT SettingsPrinter Used With a Link CRT Function Default Settings Batch System InitializationVerify Setup, Power Up, and Load Media Formatting and Printing Labels Available Fonts and BarcodesMenu Screens Function KeysLabel Name NEW Label Name ALT-P Screen Description Default Range Print ParametersOther Important Keys Create/Modify Label Screen Print Label Screen HeaderCreating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Sample Label Format Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Invalid Font Type Smooth Font Valid BH Ranges Smooth Font InformationNumber OUT of Range Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Not Enough Room for Field Data Lines Lhhhvvv Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Time and Date Information Format = Day number 1 = MondaySample PrintsPrint Label Screen Print Label ScreenCreating Labels Using Internal Batch Software System Maintenance Screen System Maintenance MenuReset Printer Copy ModuleMetric Print Test LabelQuick Reference Listing Create/Modify Label CommandsCommand Valid Inputs Key Function Print Parameters ALT-PSpecial Keys Troubleshooting Controlling Print Quality Mechanical Adjustments Aligning the PrintheadDirect-Thermal Stock Tag Stock or Stiff MediaPrinthead Alignment Ribbon Feed and Tracking Adjustments Printhead Alignment ProcedureLabel Stock Tracking Adjustment Fine Printhead Alignment Troubleshooting Allegro2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support Printhead Mount AssemblyPrinter Does Not Print, or Prints Several Labels at once TroubleshootingUnacceptable Print Quality Erratic Printing Ribbon Does Not AdvanceSkips Every Other Label Unable to print in rotationPrints Light on the Right Side of the Label Printer fails to turn onDrive Roller MaintenanceInterior and Exterior Cleaning Schedule Area Method IntervalCleaning the Printhead Cleaning the PrintheadMaintenance Allegro2 Page Ascii Control Code Chart Appendix aMaintenance Allegro2 Char Hex Dec Page Appendix B Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing Table B-1 Baud RateTable B-2 Word Length Table B-3 OptionsSignal Pin Table B-1 I/O Port WiringParamete Default Value Table B-2 Printer Default Communication ParametersAppendix C Available Fonts and BarcodesFonts Table C-1 Valid Human-Readable Font Ascii CharactersTable C-2 Font Sizes Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase Available Fonts and Barcodes Table C-3 Barcode Characteristics BarcodesHbic Barcode I Codabar Kmart NON EDI Error Codes LowercaseUppercase R Uppercase TAllegro2 Appendix E Table E-1 Printer Interface CablesPin Description Table E-2 Printer Pin ConnectionsStraight Cable MXM PC DB25P to Printer ∙ Parallel to Serial Adapter Part Number Figure E-5 Centronics Parallel Interface ConverterAppendix F PrintingFonts BarcodesMedia Label MaterialLabel/Tag Media Specifications Table F-1 Media DimensionsLights, Buttons, Switch and POT Lists of Approved MediaCommunications Interfacing ElectricalOptions EnvironmentalPhysical 256K Flash Eeprom Specifications Allegro2 Appendix G PrinterWarranty Service Procedures Thermal PrintheadGeneral Warranty Provisions Limitation of Liability