Zebra Technologies ZD500 manual Types of Media, Setting the Thermal Print Method

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Print Operations

Types of Media

Setting the Thermal Print Method

The ZD500 Series™ printer has been designed to print in direct thermal and thermal transfer modes. Press the menus ‘Home’ ( ) button. Navigate to the ‘SENSORS’ ( ) menu button and press the ‘Select’ () button. Use the ‘Left’ () and ‘Right’ () navigation arrows to browse to the ‘PRINT METHOD’. Use the Up () and Down () arrows to select DIRECT THERMAL or THERMAL TRANS (transfer) media.

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Types of Media

Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.

Note - Zebra does not offer RFID media for sale at this time.

Your printer can use various types of media:

•Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.

•Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to FAX paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.

•Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick). Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.

For more information on basic media types, see Table 15.

The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too. Use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.

Determining Thermal Media Types

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.

To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps:

1.Scratch the print surface of the media with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.

2.Did a black mark appear on the media?

If a black mark...

Then the media is...

 

 

Does not appear on the media

Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required.

 

 

Appears on the media

Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.

 

 

1/16/2014

ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide

P1062653-002 Rev. A

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Page 90 Page 92
Contents ZD500 Series Page Iii Compliance and Regulatory StatementsJapan Restricted Frequencies Canadian DOC Compliance StatementIndustry Canada IC Warning Brasil Aviso da AnatelKorean Compliance Statement Taiwan Restricted FrequenciesEuropean Regulatory Information NCC Vii Wlan Radio SpecificationBluetooth 2.1 + EDR Rfid Radio SpecificationDocument Conventions Environmental ManagementDocument Conventions ViiiContents Print Operations Printer ConfigurationTroubleshooting 123 MaintenancePrinter Options Appendix Dimensions Appendix Interface Wiring 143Xii ZD500 Series Thermal Printers IntroductionZD500 Series printer options ZD500 Series printer featuresIntroduction Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Printer Features Printer FeaturesPrinter Features Printer Features Cutter Option Left Option button Control PanelPrinter is ready Printer Status Indicator LightTypical Home Menu Control Panel Display Menu and Status IconsExit and return to the Idle Display Figure Printer Control Panel DisplayNavigation Navigating through Screens in the MenuPress Select  button or press Right To scroll through the items in a User menu, pressLeft Arrow or Right Arrow Indicates an available actionRfid Control Panel Menu MapBasic Printer Setup Overview SetupBoth 40 to 140F -40 to 60C To 85% non-condensing Operating Temperature and HumidityNon-Operating and Storage Temperature and Humidity Select a Location for the PrinterAttaching Power Media Storage Tips Preparing and Handling MediaSet Media Print Method Setting the Printer Menu and Report Display LanguageInstructions for media loading Loading Roll MediaSetup Guides Loading Transfer Ribbon Setup Setup Setup Test Printing with Configuration Report Printouts Pre-install Windows Printer Drivers Connecting your Printer to a ComputerInterface Cable Requirements USB Interface Serial Interface Wired Ethernet Interface Green Print Server Default User ID and PasswordUser ID admin Password Both OFFZebraNet Internal Wireless Print Server Option To use the Connectivity Wizard, complete these steps Configure Using the Connectivity WizardSetup Setup Select Dhcp and click Next Enable the Dhcp dynamic or static IP optionContinue with step Kerberos Settings section of the window, enter From the drop-down, select your Security ModeEnter the Security Username and Password Security Username and PasswordSetup Tabletop/Desktop Mobile This saves you from having to go through Wireless Setup Wizard more than onceLink Status Indicators LCD Link Status and Wireless Signal IndicatorsWireless Signal Indicators Bluetooth Option Configuration Setup Select ‘Keep the existing drivers’ and click ‘Next’ Connecting to a Windows XP SP2 Master DeviceSetup Setup Setup After Your Printer is Connected Test Printing with Zebra Setup UtilityTest Printing with Windows ‘Printer and Faxes’ menu Copy TEST.ZPL LPT1 This section contains the following subsections Changing Printer SettingsSettings Menu Settings MenuJust printed Tear-OffPosition Next labelReprint Print ModeLabel Top Label LeftMaximum Length Maximum Label LengthTools Menu Tools MenuInformation Idle Display Power-Up Action Set the Power-Up ActionLCD Contrast Change the contrast on the printer’s displayHead-Close Set the Head-Close Action View and Modify Printer Settings CalibrationManual Load Defaults Load Printer or Print Server DefaultsCalibration Run a ZBI Network Menu Network MenuMAC Address Wired or Set the IP Resolution MethodWired or View the MAC Address IP ProtocolDirected to this port Signal View the Signal ValueChannel View the Channel Value IP Port View the IP Port ValueFactory Print Server Settings Reset NetworkRfid Calibrate Rfid MenuRfid Menu Rfid StatusRfid Test Read Rfid DataRfid Read PowerProgramming B0 to B30Rfid Tag Resets the Rfid void label counter to zeroOdometer.rfid.voidresettable Rfid VoidLanguage Enable ZPL OverrideLanguage Menu Language MenuDelimiter Command Set the Format Command Prefix Value CharacterZPL Mode Set the ZPL Mode Control Set the Control Prefix Character ValueLabel Sensor Set the Sensitivity of the Label Sensor Sensor MenuSensor Menu Sensor Type Select the Media SensorData Bits Set the Data Bits Value Ports MenuPorts Menu Baud Rate Set the Baud RateHost Handshake Set the Host Handshake Protocol Value Error and status messages from the printerParallelport.mode Bluetooth Menu Bluetooth MenuCenter Position Media Guide Manual Calibration MediaRfid Calibration Print Operations Thermal Printing Modes of Printing Determining Printer ConfigurationTypes of Media Setting the Thermal Print MethodDetermining Thermal Media Types Fanfold Media Types of Media Roll and Fanfold MediaNon-Continuous Roll MediaAttaching the 3 inch Core Adapters Media LoadingOpen the printer Loading 3 inch I.D. Media rolls Removing the 3 inch Core Adapters Ribbon Overview When to Use RibbonCoated Side of Ribbon Paper Printer Perform the ribbon scratch test when labels are unavailableLeft a mark on the paper Did not leave a mark onAdding a New Transfer Ribbon Replacing SuppliesReplacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print Quality Adjusting the Print WidthMedia Sensing Media SettingsUsing the Movable Black Mark Sensor Black Marks Adjusting the Movable Sensor for Black Marks or NotchesPrint Operations Adjusting the Movable Sensor for Web Gap Sensing Printing on Fan-Fold Media Print Operations Sending Files to the Printer Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaZPL Fonts Fonts and Your PrinterIdentifying Fonts in Your Printer Localizing the Printer with Code PagesGetting Asian Fonts Asian fonts and Other Large Font SetsPrint Operations Printer Options 100 Label Dispenser Option101 102 Cutter Option Maximum Paper Weight thickness up to 180 g/m2 0.0077103 104 Loading Media with the Cutter OptionClose the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed 105106 107 Bluetooth Option108 Printer Network Configuration Status LabelMaintenance 110 Cleaning111 Cleaning the Printhead112 Media Path Cleaning113 Sensor Cleaning114 Platen Cleaning and ReplacementLift the platen out of the printer’s bottom frame 115116 RTC BatteryOther Printer Maintenance Fuses117 Replacing the Printhead118 119 120 121 122 This section provides troubleshoots procedures TroubleshootingHas been detected Status light steady red Error MessagesError Messages 124125 Printing Issues Printing Issues126 127 128 Ribbon Problems Ribbon Problems129 Communications Problems Communications Problems130 Miscellaneous Printer Problems Miscellaneous Issues131 132 Rfid TroubleshootingPower-On Self Test Printer Diagnostics133 134 Configuration Report135 Print Quality ReportToo dark 136Slightly dark In-spec 137Too light Reset Network Factory Defaults Reset Printer Factory Defaults138 139 Communication Diagnostics TestMenus Information about using the control panel and accessingSensor Profile 140Sensor Profile Media Section 141142 Appendix Interface Wiring 144 Serial Port InterfacePin Description This section provides external printer dimensions Appendix Dimensions146 External ZD500 Series Printer DimensionsLabel Dispenser 148
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ZD500 specifications

Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a cutting-edge thermal transfer printer designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses requiring high-quality label, wristband, and tag printing. This printer is particularly favored in industries such as healthcare, retail, and logistics due to its superior performance, reliability, and advanced technology features.

One of the standout characteristics of the ZD500 is its exceptional print quality. With a printing resolution of up to 300 dpi, it ensures that labels and tags are sharp and legible. This is particularly important for barcodes, which need to be scanned accurately for efficient inventory management and tracking. The printer has a print speed of up to 6 inches per second, allowing for quick production of labels, which helps enhance workflow efficiency.

The ZD500 is equipped with a user-friendly interface, including a color touchscreen display that makes operation and navigation intuitive. This feature reduces the learning curve for new users and minimizes operational errors. Furthermore, its compact design allows for easy placement in various work environments without consuming valuable space.

Connectivity is another major highlight of the ZD500. It offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, making it versatile for different setups. This flexibility allows businesses to integrate the printer into their existing systems seamlessly. Additionally, Zebra's Link-OS environment supports printer management and configuration from any device, streamlining maintenance and improving productivity.

Security is a crucial concern in today’s digital landscape, and the ZD500 addresses this with robust security features. It includes secure wireless communication protocols, ensuring that sensitive data is protected during transmission.

In terms of durability, the printer is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use while remaining compact and portable. It also supports a variety of media types, giving users the freedom to print on different materials as needed. This adaptability makes the ZD500 an excellent choice for businesses that require customized printing solutions.

Overall, the Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a powerful and versatile thermal printer that combines high-quality output, user-friendly design, advanced connectivity options, and security features, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its labeling capabilities.
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