Zebra Technologies GX420t, GX430t manual Programmer’s Guide

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Troubleshooting Print Quality Problems

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There are long tracks of missing print (blank vertical lines) on several labels.

The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead.

The printhead elements are damaged.

The printing does not start at the top of the label or misprinting of one to three labels.

The media may not be threaded correctly. Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media on page 13 in the Getting Started section.

The printer needs to be calibrated. Refer to the two-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes on page 89 in this section.

ZPL Label Formats - The correct media sensor may not be activated. Manual calibration selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the ^MN command in the ZPL Programming Guide).

ZPL Label Formats - Verify that the Label Top (^LT) command is correctly set for your application (consult the ZPL Programming Guide).

EPL Label Formats - The correct media sensor may not be activated for label dispensing, blackline or notch sensing, or for Gap/Web sensing. Manual calibration selects the media sensing method for the labels being used (refer to the O and Q commands in the EPL

Programmer’s Guide).

EPL Label Formats - Verify that the Set Label Length (Q) command is correctly set for your application (consult the EPL Programmer’s Guide).

A ZPL label format was sent to, but not recognized by, the printer.

Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button.

If the status LED is on or flashing, refer to What the Status Light is Telling You on page 80.

Make sure the data cable is correctly installed.

A communications problem has occurred. First, make sure that the correct communications port on the computer is selected. Refer to Communicating with the Printer on page 28 in the Getting Started section.

Verify the correct Format and Control Prefix on the printer match what you are using in your ZPL programmed label format. The default Format (COMMAND CHAR) is Caret

(^) character and the Control (CONTROL CHAR) is a Tilde (~) character. Verify the characters with the Configuration Status label printout. Refer to the one-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes on page 89 to print this label.

12/14/07

GX420t / GX430t User Guide

980612-001 Rev. A

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Contents Zebra GX420t / GX430t Proprietary Statement Iii Environmental Management About This Document How This Document Is Organized Who Should Use This DocumentEurope, Africa, Middle East, and India ContactsWeb Site AmericasIcons Used Document ConventionsContents Print Operations Maintenance Xii Introduction GX Series Thermal Printers Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Opening the printer Your PrinterGAP Printer FeaturesMoveable Blackline Sensor Option Media Cutter Feed Button Operator Controls Power SwitchStatus Light Lower the top cover Press down until the cover snaps closed Closing the printerIntroduction What’s in the Box? Getting Started Attaching Power Preparing Media Loading Roll MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Getting Started Loading Roll Media Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Your printer is now ready to print Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Interface Cable Requirements Hooking Up the Printer and ComputerUSB Interface Requirements Serial Communications EPL Y Command Parallel Port Ethernet Universal Serial Bus USB Communications Communicating with the PrinterPrint Operations Thermal Printing Determining Printer ConfigurationPrint Media Types Modes of PrintingTypes of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Adding a New Transfer Ribbon Replacing SuppliesDetermining Thermal Media Types Replacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print WidthAdjusting the Print Quality Media Sensing Coated Side of Ribbon When to Use RibbonRibbon Overview Ribbon Scratch Test Printing on Fan-Fold Media Print Operations Printing on Fan-Fold Media Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaIdentifying Fonts in Your Printer Fonts and Your PrinterGetting Asian Fonts Localizing the Printer with Code PagesAsian fonts and Other Large Font Sets Stand Alone Printing Transferring files with the Firmware Downloader Sending Files to the PrinterPrint Operations Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options XA MMP XZ Label Dispenser OptionPrinter Options Label Dispenser Option Printer Options Label Dispenser Option Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Black Marks Printer Options Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Cutter Option Maximum Paper Weight thickness up to 180 g/m2 0.0077Loading Media with the Cutter Option Printer Options Cutter Option Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed ZebraNet 10/100 Internal Print Server Option Printer Network Configuration Status Label RTC and Full Flash Memory Option Asian Fonts Printer Accessory KDU Printer Accessory KDU and G-Series Printer Serial Port Adapter Installation 45mA + 120mA + 25mA + 50mA Max. Current KDU Plus Printer AccessoryMaintenance See Cleaning the Printhead on CleaningCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Cleaning Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Replacing the Printhead Post Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Troubleshooting Status Light Descriptions Status Light Error ResolutionsMedia is out Printhead is over temperaturePrinthead needs to cool down Printer is receiving dataPrinted image does not look right Print Quality ProblemsNo print on the label Programmer’s Guide Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button Manual Calibration Recalibration Troubleshooting TestsPrinting a Configuration Label Communications Diagnostics Resetting the Factory Default ValuesTroubleshooting Communications Diagnostics Flash Sequence Action Feed Button ModesPower On Modes Appendix Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Ieee 1284-A Parallel InterfaceEthernet Interface Pin Description Serial Port InterfaceConnecting the Printer to a DTE Device

GX420t, GX430t specifications

Zebra Technologies has established itself as a leader in the printing solutions market, especially with the introduction of its GX series of thermal printers. Among the most notable models are the GX430t and GX420t, both widely recognized for their reliability, versatility, and advanced features.

The GX430t printer boasts a high-resolution printing capability of up to 300 dpi, making it ideal for applications where clarity and detail are paramount. This makes the printer particularly useful for producing labels that require intricate graphics and small text. On the other hand, the GX420t provides a resolution of 203 dpi, which is still impressive for standard label printing applications. Both models support a range of media types, including labels, tags, and wristbands, making them adaptable to various industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

One of the standout features of the GX series is their ease of use. Both models incorporate a straightforward, user-friendly interface with a large graphic LCD display that simplifies operation and configuration. The printers are designed for quick setup and maintenance, with features like a clamshell design that allows for fast media loading. Additionally, both models come with USB and serial connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Both the GX430t and GX420t utilize thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technologies, offering flexibility depending on the application's requirements. The thermal transfer method enables the use of different ribbon types and materials, facilitating high-quality prints that are durable and smudge-proof. This is particularly important in environments where labels face wear and tear.

Another significant characteristic is their compact size, which makes them suitable for both desktop and mobile use. The GX series printers are designed for speed, with print speeds of up to 4 inches per second for the GX420t and slightly higher for the GX430t, enhancing productivity in busy environments.

Moreover, Zebra Technologies ensures that these printers are equipped with advanced management and monitoring capabilities. The ZebraSetup Utilities enable easy configuration, and the printer's status can be monitored in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation.

In conclusion, the Zebra Technologies GX430t and GX420t printers stand out in the market due to their high-resolution printing capabilities, ease of use, and robust connectivity options. Their range of features makes them ideal for various industries, where reliable and high-quality label printing is essential. As businesses continue to seek efficient solutions for their labeling needs, these models provide a reliable choice, ensuring quality and performance as top priorities.