Zebra Technologies GC420t manual Replacing Supplies, Determining Thermal Media Types

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Replacing Supplies

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.

 

 

Replacing Supplies

If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you load a new label or ribbon roll, press the Feed button to restart.

Always use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. If adhesive backed labels are used that don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer. Permanent damage to the printhead may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to the printhead.

Adding a New Transfer Ribbon

If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the indicator lights red and the printer waits for you to add a fresh roll.

1.Keep the power on as you change ribbon.

2.Open the top cover, then cut the used ribbon so you can remove the cores.

3.Load a new ribbon roll and empty ribbon core. If necessary, review the Ribbon Loading steps. Note: Do Not Use ribbon cores with damaged notch. The notches should have square corners.

4.Close the top cover.

5.Press the Feed button to restart printing.

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5/22/2012

GC420t™ User Guide

P1052686-001

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Contents Zebra GC420t P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Iii FCC Compliance Statement About This Document ContentsHow This Document Is Organized Who Should Use This DocumentMail Back Technical Library ContactsIcons Used Document ConventionsContents Print Operations Appendix Dimensions P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Introduction GC420t Thermal Printers Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Opening the printer Your PrinterPrinter Features Operator Controls Power Switch Status Light Feed ButtonClosing the printer Getting Started ContentsAttaching Power Preparing Media Loading Roll MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Loading Roll Media Guides Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Pre-install Windows Printer Drivers Serial Port and Windows operating systems Universal Serial Bus USB Device CommunicationsInterface Cable Requirements Connecting your Printer to a ComputerUSB Interface Requirements Autobaud Serial CommunicationsEPL Y Command Parallel Port After Your Printer is Connected Testing Communications by PrintingAfter Your Printer is Connected Print Operations Determining Printer Configuration Long Term Printer In-activity or StorageThermal Printing Print Media Types Modes of PrintingTypes of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Replacing Supplies Determining Thermal Media TypesAdding a New Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print Width Adjusting the Print QualityReplacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Media Sensing When to Use Ribbon Ribbon OverviewCoated Side of Ribbon Ribbon Scratch Test Ribbon Test with AdhesivePrinting on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaLocalizing the Printer with Code Pages Fonts and Your PrinterZPL Fonts Identifying Fonts in Your PrinterStand Alone Printing Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options XA MMP XZ Label Dispenser OptionLabel Dispenser Option Label Dispenser Option Zebra KDU Printer Accessory KDU Plus Printer Accessory ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter Maintenance See Cleaning the Printhead on CleaningCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors Maintenance Troubleshooting Status Light Descriptions Status Light Error Resolutions Media is out Printhead is over temperatureRibbon is out Printhead is openPrint Quality Problems No print on the labelPrinted image does not look right Print Quality Problems Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button Manual Calibration Troubleshooting Tests Printing a Configuration LabelRecalibration Communications Diagnostics Resetting the Factory Default ValuesCommunications Diagnostics Flash Sequence Action Feed Button ModesPower On Modes Feed Button Modes Appendix Interface Wiring Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Host Parallel InterfaceSerial Port Interface Connecting the Printer to a DCE DeviceAppendix Dimensions External GC420t Printer Dimensions Optional Label Dispenser External GC420t Printer Dimensions Appendix ZPL Configuration ZPL Printer Configuration Format Managing the ZPL Printer ConfigurationConfiguration Label Printout ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-referenceDefault 65536k.......B only displays this if installed ZPL Programming for Memory Management Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports~WC Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports

GC420t specifications

Zebra Technologies GC420t is a compact and versatile thermal transfer printer designed for a variety of printing applications. This printer is particularly favored in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics due to its robust performance and user-friendly features.

One of the standout characteristics of the GC420t is its print speed. This printer can achieve speeds of up to 5 inches per second, making it efficient for high-volume printing tasks. With a maximum print resolution of 203 dpi, the GC420t produces clear and legible labels, receipts, and tags, which is essential in environments where accurate information is critical.

The GC420t utilizes thermal transfer technology, which involves the use of a ribbon to transfer ink onto the substrate. This method is particularly beneficial for producing high-quality prints that are resistant to smudging, scratching, and fading. This durability makes it suitable for labeling products that require a long-lasting solution.

In addition to its printing capabilities, the GC420t features a user-friendly design. The printer's simple setup and intuitive control panel make it easy for users to operate without the need for extensive training. The included ZPL II and EPL programming languages enable seamless integration into existing systems, further enhancing the ease of use.

The GC420t is also equipped with diverse connectivity options, including USB, serial, and parallel interfaces. This flexibility allows for easy integration into various environments and simplifies the connection to computers and other devices. Moreover, the printer's compact design ensures it can fit comfortably in small spaces, making it ideal for environments with limited room.

When it comes to media handling, the GC420t supports a wide range of label sizes and types. Whether you need to print shipping labels, barcode labels, or asset tags, this printer can accommodate your requirements. The adjustable media guides allow for quick and easy adjustments to suit different media types.

In conclusion, Zebra Technologies GC420t stands out as a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly thermal transfer printer. Its robust features, including high print speed, durable output, versatile connectivity options, and adaptability to various media types, make it an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their labeling and printing processes. Whether in retail, healthcare, or logistics, the GC420t delivers performance and reliability that organizations require.
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