RFID Guidelines

^HR

^HR

Calibrate RFID Transponder Position

Description This command initiates an RFID transponder calibration for a specific RFID label and returns the results to the host computer. This calibration is used to determine the optimal programming position for RFID media that may not meet the transponder placement specifications for the printer.

Note • You do not need to perform transponder calibration for RFID media that meets the transponder placement specifications for the printer. To order media that is designed for use with your RFID printer, contact your authorized Zebra reseller.

During transponder calibration, the printer feeds the RFID label one-dot row at a time while taking readings (via the READ TAG command and the WRITE TAG commands) to profile the RFID transponder. Based on the results, the printer determines the optimal programming position for the label and returns a results table to the host. The calibrated value is used as the programming position for the ^RS command, can be overwritten by the ^RS command, and is saved to nonvolatile memory (the value is saved even if the power is turned off).

This calibration takes into account the print mode, backfeed mode, and tear off position. The R U N option in the RFID TAG CALIB front panel parameter performs the same calibration but does not create a results table.

If a label format specifies a value for parameter p (read/write position of the transponder) in the ^RS command, that value will be used for the programming position for all RFID labels until a new position is specified or until the printer is turned Off (O) and then back On (I).

Format ^HRa,b

The following table identifies the parameters for this format.

ParametersDetails

a

=

start string

User text to appear before the results table.

 

 

 

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters

 

 

 

Default value: start

b

=

end string

User text to appear after the results table.

 

 

 

Accepted values: any string less than 65 characters

 

 

 

Default value: end

Comments

•Based on the recommended transponder placement position for most RFID labels, the printer’s default RFID programming position is the label length minus 1 mm (1/16 in.).

To return to the default programming position at any time, use the RESTORE option in the RFID TAG CALIB front panel parameter (see Calibrate RFID Tag on page 63).

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R110Xi/R170Xi User Guide

12/6/04 23063L-003 Rev. 1