Appendix C - Adjusting Bar Code Darkness

Adjusting Darkness For “In-Spec” Bar Codes

All direct thermal and thermal transfer materials do not use the same darkness setting. The best way to check for the proper darkness is to use a bar code verifier that actually measures bars/spaces and will calculate the Print Contrast Signal (PCS) ratio. Without the assistance of a verifier, your eyes and/or the scanner to be used in the system may be used for picking the optimum darkness setting. What follows is a simple yet effective method for adjusting the darkness to print “in-spec” bar codes.

1.Load media according to the appropriate media loading and ribbon loading instructions in “Installation.” Ensure that the proper print method has been selected.

2.With power off, press and hold the FEED key.

3.Turn the printer power on, then release the FEED key. The printer be- gins printing test labels.

4.Print a label, then press the PAUSE key. The label will contain several bar codes as well as other printer information. Normal bar codes are printed in a horizontal format as they feed out of the printer. Rotated bar codes are printed in a vertical format.

5.Compare the test label printed to the bar codes in Figure C.1. If the test label appears too dark or too light, increase or decrease the darkness setting accordingly.

6.Resume printing by pressing the PAUSE key again. Print a few labels at the new setting and verify that proper “in-spec” bar codes are being printed. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 until satisfied.

7.To stop printing test labels, press the PAUSE key, then press the CAN- CEL key.

Zebra S-Series User’s Guide

C-1