Erratic Printing, Ribbon Does Not Advance | Datamax Allegro 2

Troubleshooting

Erratic Printing

(Prints strange characters instead of the correct label format).

a.Printer is in the test mode. Reset the Printer via software, or simultaneously press the Cancel and Pause Buttons, or turn the Printer ‘off’ and then ‘on’ again.

b.Printer is set for 8-data bits but the transmitting device is set up for seven data bits (or vice versa). Check the current data bits setting from the Operators Panel.

Ribbon Does Not Advance

(Printer advances paper but ribbon does not advance).

a.Ribbon is installed incorrectly. Make sure the dull side (inked side) of the ribbon is facing the paper.

b.A bad ribbon/paper combination is resulting in an insufficient amount of friction between paper and ribbon. Ensure the correct type of ribbon is being used.

Skips Every Other Label

(Print quality is good but skips every other label).

a.The label is formatted too close to top edge of the form. Leave white space equal to 8-dot rows at the top of the label, approximately .02" (.5mm).

b.Check operation of the Top-of-Form Sensor.

Unable to print in rotation 4

a.Characters are formatted outside the dimensions of the label. Check that the row/column values provide enough room for the height of the characters or barcode to be printed.

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Allegro2

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Datamax Allegro 2 manual Erratic Printing, Ribbon Does Not Advance, Skips Every Other Label, Unable to print in rotation

Contents

Allegro2 Operator’s Manual Part Number Revision A3 Agency Compliance and Approvals Page Important Safety Instructions Page Contents Maintenance Introduction Getting StartedUnpacking and Inspection 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 Installation Media InstallationLabels Label Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading Instructions Ribbon Loading To install a Memory Module Using the Printer OptionsAvailable Modules Options CutterFont ROM Modules 256K and 512K RAM Modules Present Sensor Peel and PresentMedia Rewinder Getting Started Allegro2 Power Up Self-Test Setting Up Your PrinterChecking Voltage Selection Test Label Part Number Description Interfacing to the PrinterInterface Cables Connecting to a CRT Sample InstallationsConnecting to a PC 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 Printer Used With a Link CRT Check Link CRT SettingsConnect Cables 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 Command Valid Inputs Create/Modify Label CommandsQuick Reference Listing Special Keys Print Parameters ALT-PKey Function Troubleshooting Controlling Print Quality Mechanical Adjustments Aligning the PrintheadDirect-Thermal Stock Tag Stock or Stiff Media Printhead Alignment Label Stock Tracking Adjustment Printhead Alignment ProcedureRibbon Feed and Tracking Adjustments Fine Printhead Alignment Troubleshooting Allegro2 Adjusting Printhead Pressure and Support Printhead Mount Assembly Unacceptable Print Quality TroubleshootingPrinter Does Not Print, or Prints Several Labels at once 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 Interior and Exterior MaintenanceDrive Roller 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 Physical EnvironmentalOptions 256K Flash Eeprom Specifications Allegro2 Appendix G Printer Warranty Service Procedures Thermal Printhead General Warranty Provisions Limitation of Liability