Section 5. Troubleshooting

6.When you send the print job to the printer and it does not respond, and there is no error message on the PC:

a.Check your data stream for some of the basics. Is your job framed as follows? <ESC>A—DATA—<ESC>Z

b.Verify that you’ve included all required parameters in the data stream.

c.Verify the following:

You have not typed a “0” (zero) for an “O” (letter) or vice-versa.

You have not missed any <ESC> characters where they’re needed.

Make sure all printer command codes are capital letters.

7.If you’ve checked all of the above and the printer still isn’t printing, you may want to try a Buffer Hex Dump to determine what (if anything) the printer is receiving from your computer. See Printing Hex Dump Labels in Section 3. Configuration.

The Parallel port is now listening for incoming data. Send your print job. The printer will now print (only once) a Hexadecimal (Hex) Dump of everything it received from the host computer. Each 2-digit hexadecimal character represents a character the printer received. It may be tedious, but now you can analyze and troubleshoot the data stream.

8.While checking the Hex Dump printout, if you notice 0DH 0AH (Carriage Return and Line Feed) characters throughout. The command string should be continuous and no CR or LF characters are allowed between the Start Command (<ESC>A) and the Stop Command (<ESC>Z). If you are using BASIC, it may be adding these characters automatically as the line wraps. Adding a “width” statement to your program can help to suppress these extra 0DH 0AH characters by expanding the line length up to 255 characters. See the“e” and PRO Printer Programming Reference for details on writing a program in BASIC.

If you’re not programming in BASIC, check to see if you have an equivalent statement in the language you’re using to suppress extra carriage returns and line feeds from your data being sent out to the printer. We want the data stream to be one complete line going to the printer.

USING THE RS232C SERIAL INTERFACE

1.Is the RS232C Serial cable connected securely to your serial port on the PC (DB- 25S or DB-9S Male) and to the RS232C connector on the printer?

WARNING: Never connect or disconnect interface cables (or use a switch box) with power applied to either the printer or the host. This may cause damage to the interface circuitry and is not covered by warranty.

2.Is the cable defective? At the very least, you should be using a “Null Modem Cable,” which crosses pins in a specific manner. This should enable your printer to print. But we recommend that you eventually use a cable built to specifications as described in Section 6: Interface Specifications.

3.Is the RS232 Interface Module installed in the printer? The M-84PRO printers require the new Hi Speed Serial Interface (PN WCL40451)to take advantage of the faster data transmission speeds. The older Serial Interface Modules will work, but at a reduced capability.

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SATO M-84PRO

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SATO M-84PRO manual Using the RS232C Serial Interface, Troubleshooting
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M-84PRO specifications

The SATO M-84PRO is a high-performance thermal printer designed for industrial applications, known for its reliability and efficiency in various labeling tasks. This printer is a part of SATO's esteemed M-84 series, which combines advanced technology with user-friendly design to meet the demands of large-scale operations.

One of the standout features of the SATO M-84PRO is its fast printing speed, capable of producing labels at a rate of up to 8 inches per second. This rapid output makes it an ideal choice for environments that require quick turnaround times, such as warehouses, manufacturing lines, and logistics centers.

The M-84PRO employs a direct thermal or thermal transfer printing method, allowing for outstanding print quality. With a maximum print resolution of 305 dpi, it ensures crisp and clear text and graphics, which is essential for barcodes and detailed images on labels. The printer supports a wide range of media types, accommodating label widths from 0.75 inches to 4.1 inches, making it versatile for various labeling needs.

Equipped with SATO's unique Smart Technology, the M-84PRO offers enhanced control over label production. This technology includes automatic label detection and calibration, which minimizes setup time and reduces waste, thus improving overall operational efficiency. Additionally, the printer is compatible with various programming languages, including SAPscript and ZPL, ensuring easy integration into existing systems.

Durability is another hallmark of the M-84PRO. Built with robust materials, it can withstand the rigors of industrial environments, ensuring long-term performance. The printer also features a compact design, which is perfect for tight workspaces, while still being rugged enough to handle demanding tasks.

Moreover, the SATO M-84PRO boasts extensive connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and serial interfaces, which allow for seamless integration into any operational workflow. It also supports various operating systems, providing flexibility and ease of use when working with different platforms.

The printer’s user-friendly interface, highlighted by an LCD panel and multi-functional buttons, facilitates easy navigation and operation. Maintenance is also simplified, thanks to modular components that allow for quick and easy replacement of parts when necessary.

In summary, the SATO M-84PRO stands out as a leading choice in the thermal printer market, combining high-speed printing, excellent durability, and versatile labeling capabilities. Its advanced technologies and features make it suitable for a variety of demanding applications, ensuring that businesses can rely on it for their labeling needs.
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