Zebra Technologies GC420t manual Media Sensing

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Media Sensing

Media Sensing

The printer has automatic media sensing capability. The printer is designed to continuously check and adjust media length sensing for minor variations. Once the printer is printing or feeding media, the printer continually checks and adjusts the media sensing to accommodate for minor changes in media parameters from label to label on a roll and from roll to roll of media. The printer will automatically initiate a media length calibration if the expected media length or the label to label gap distance has exceeded the acceptable variation range when starting a print job or feeding media. The automatic media sensing in the printer works the same for printer operations that use EPL and ZPL label formats and programming.

If the printer does not detect labels or black marks (or notches with blackline sensing) after feeding the media the default maximum label length distance of 39 inches (1 meter), then the printer will switch to continuous (receipt) media mode. The printer will keep these settings until changed by software, programming or a manual calibration with different media.

Optionally, the printer can be set to do a short media calibration after printer power up or when closing the printer with power on. The printer will then feed several labels while calibrating.

The printer’s media settings can be verified by printing a Printer Configuration label. See the Printing a Test (Printer Configuration) Label on page 19 for more details.

The maximum distance that the automatic media type detection and sensing will check can be reduced by using the ZPL Maximum Label Length command (^ML). It is recommended that this distance be set to no less than two times the longest label being printed. If the largest label being printed was a 4 by 6 inch label, then the maximum label (media) length detection distance can be reduced from the default distance of 39 inches down to 12 inches.

If the printer has difficulty automatically detecting the media type and auto-calibrating, see Manual Calibration on page 72 to perform an extensive calibration. It includes a printed graph of sensor operation for your media. This method disables the printer’s automatic media sensing capability until the printer’s default parameters are reset to the factory defaults with the four flash Feed button mode. See the Feed Button Modes on page 76 for more details.

The automatic media calibration can be modified, turned on or turned off to meet your needs. Sometimes print job conditions require that the printer use all the media on a roll. The two automatic media conditions, power up with media loaded and closing the printer with power on, can be controlled individually with the ZPL Media Feed command, ^MF. The feed action discussed in the ZPL programmers guide for the ^MF command is primarily for automatic media sensing and calibration. The automatic media calibration that controls the dynamic media (label to label) calibration is the ^XS command. If multiple media types of different lengths, material or detection methods (web/gap, black mark, notches or continuous) are used, you should not change these settings.

The media calibration and detection process can also be refined to match the media type loaded into the printer. Use the ZPL Media Tracking command (^MN) to set the media type. Sometimes the printer can detect preprinted media as the gap between labels or the liner backing with print as a black marks. If the ^MN parameter for continuous media is set, then the print does not preform the automatic calibration. The ^MN command also includes an automatic calibration parameter (^MNA) to return the printer to its default setting to automatically detect all media types.

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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 Thermal Printing Determining Printer ConfigurationLong Term Printer In-activity or Storage Print 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 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 Printhead is open Printhead is over temperatureMedia is out Ribbon is outPrinted image does not look right Print Quality ProblemsNo print on the label Print Quality Problems 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 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.