Controlling Print Quality | Datamax Allegro 2 specs

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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Datamax Allegro 2 manual Controlling Print Quality

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 Detail Rear View Tear- off Assembly Installation Tear Bar Assembly Installation Using the Printer Control Panel Buttons, Lights and Switches Getting Started Switch Paper/RibbonLight Ribbon Labels Media InstallationInstallation Label Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading Available Modules Using the Printer OptionsTo install a Memory Module Options CutterFont ROM Modules 256K and 512K RAM Modules Media 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 Device Switch Settings Switch Settings Setting the Baud Rate Baud 9600 4800 2400 1200 300 TestBaud Rate Word Length Other Switches Switch Settings and Functions Programming Commands Immediate Commands System-Level Commands Char Description Format Batch, 1-Cutter Enable Label-Formatting Commands Description Format Special Label-Formatting Commands 10 Font-Loading Commands Programming Examples Example 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 Initialization Verify Setup, Power Up, and Load Media Formatting and Printing Labels Available Fonts and BarcodesMenu Screens Function Keys Label Name NEW Label Name ALT-P Screen Description Default Range Print Parameters Other Important Keys Create/Modify Label Screen Print Label Screen Header Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Sample Label Format Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software Invalid Font Type Smooth Font Valid BH Ranges Smooth Font Information Number 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 = Monday Sample Prints Print Label Screen Print Label Screen Creating Labels Using Internal Batch Software System Maintenance Screen System Maintenance Menu Reset Printer Copy ModuleMetric Print Test Label Quick 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 Media Printhead Alignment Ribbon Feed and Tracking Adjustments Printhead Alignment ProcedureLabel Stock Tracking Adjustment Fine Printhead Alignment Troubleshooting Allegro2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support Printhead Mount Assembly Printer 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 rotation Prints Light on the Right Side of the Label Printer fails to turn on Drive Roller MaintenanceInterior and Exterior Cleaning Schedule Area Method Interval Cleaning the Printhead Cleaning the Printhead Maintenance Allegro2 Page Ascii Control Code Chart Appendix a Maintenance Allegro2 Char Hex Dec Page Appendix B Switch Settings and Cable Interfacing Table B-1 Baud RateTable B-2 Word Length Table B-3 Options Signal Pin Table B-1 I/O Port WiringParamete Default Value Table B-2 Printer Default Communication Parameters Appendix C Available Fonts and BarcodesFonts Table C-1 Valid Human-Readable Font Ascii Characters Table C-2 Font Sizes Font 6 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase Available Fonts and Barcodes Table C-3 Barcode Characteristics Barcodes Hbic Barcode I Codabar Kmart NON EDI Error Codes LowercaseUppercase R Uppercase T Allegro2 Appendix E Table E-1 Printer Interface CablesPin Description Table E-2 Printer Pin Connections Straight Cable MXM PC DB25P to Printer ∙ Parallel to Serial Adapter Part Number Figure E-5 Centronics Parallel Interface Converter Appendix F Printing Fonts Barcodes Media Label Material Label/Tag Media Specifications Table F-1 Media Dimensions Lights, Buttons, Switch and POT Lists of Approved MediaCommunications Interfacing Electrical Options EnvironmentalPhysical 256K Flash Eeprom Specifications Allegro2 Appendix G Printer Warranty Service Procedures Thermal Printhead General Warranty Provisions Limitation of Liability