139
Troubleshooting
Printer Diagnostics
1/16/2014 ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide P1062653-002 Rev. A
Communication Diagnostics Test
The communication diagnostics test is a troubleshooting tool for checking the interconnection
between the printer and the host computer. When the printer is in diagnostics mode, it prints all
data received from the host computer as straight ASCII characters with the hex values below
the ASCII text. The printer prints all characters received, including control codes such as CR
(carriage return). Figure 3 shows a typical test label from this test.
Figure 3 • Communications Diagnostics Test Label

To use communications diagnostics mode, complete these steps:

1. Set the print width equal to or less than the label width being used for the test.
2. Set the DIAGNOSTICS MODE option to ENABLED. See the User Guide for methods for
changing this setting.
The printer enters diagnostics mode and prints any data received from the host computer
on a test label
3. Check the test label for error codes. For any errors, check that your communication
parameters are correct.
Errors show on the test label as follows:
•FE indicates a framing error.
•OE indicates an overrun error.
•PE indicates a parity error.
•NE indicates noise.
4. Turn the printer off(O) and then back on (I) to exit this self test and return to normal
operation.
Note • The test label prints upside-down.