Brady 203X-PLUS User's Guide

Bradyprinterä THT Models300X-PLUS, 600X-PLUS,203X-PLUS, and 360X-PLUSThermal Transfer PrintersUser’s GuideCustomer order # 48025L-12Manufacturer part

Unpacking and InspectionInspect the printer for possible damage incurred during shipment.nCheck all exterior surfaces.nRaise the media access door and

Power Line Cord SpecificationsnThe overall length must be less than 9.8 feet (3.0 meters).nIt must be rated for at least 5 A, 250 V.nThe chassis groun

AppendixPrinter Interface Technical InformationRS-232/RS-422/RS-485 Serial Data PortThe connections for these standard interfaces are made through the

RS-232 InterconnectionsThe printer is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE).Figure 39 illustrates the internal connections of the printer’s RS-2

When the printer is connected via its RS-232 interface to DataCommunication Equipment (DCE) such as a modem, use a standard RS-232(straight-through) i

RS-422/RS-485 InterconnectionsThe printer may be connected to a host by either an RS-422 or an RS-485interface. The DB-25 connector on the rear of the

Parallel Data PortA standard 36-pin parallel connector is available at the rear of the printer forconnection to the data source. Under normal circumst

98 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

IndexBrady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 99AAdjustmentsMedia sensor position ...73Printhead pressure ...73Toggle positioning...72BBar

100 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideMMaintenance manual ...1Media handling ...87Media loadingCutter ...32Peel-off ...

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 101Power-on...81Serial port technical information ...93Software configuration ...16SpecificationsB

take-up/rewind spindles to prevent damage to theprinter.Media and Ribbon RequirementsSince print quality is affected by media and ribbon, printing spe

102 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

Printer Anatomy 101Depending on the options you have selected, your printer may look slightlydifferent.4 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideLowerrollerDa

Calibrating the PrinterThis chapter of the user’s guide is so important that we’ve printed it on adifferent color paper! That way, it will be easy for

Types of MediaNon-Continuous Web MediaNon-continuous web media (refer to Figure 2) refers to individual labelsthat are separated by a gap, notch, or h

Non-Continuous Black Mark MediaNon-continuous black mark media has black marks printed on the back thatindicate the start and end of each label (refer

Choosing the Print ModenTear-off mode allows you to tear off each label, or a strip of labels, afterit is printed.nIn Peel-off mode, backing material

Loading the MediaFigure 5 illustrates one method of media loading. For more detailedinstructions, as well as information about how to load the differe

Positioning the Media SensorsThe correct positioning of the media sensors is important. It can make thedifference between a perfect label and a call t

Adjusting the Upper Media SensorRefer to Figure 6. (For clarity, not all printer parts are shown.)1. Remove the ribbon (if it is installed).2. Locate

Proprietary StatementThis manual contains proprietary information of Brady USA, Inc. It is intended solely for the information and use ofparties opera

Adjusting the Lower Media SensorPosition the lower media sensor (refer to Figure 7) by sliding it in its slotuntil it is positioned under the upper me

Loading the RibbonTo load ribbon, refer to Figure 8 (for the 300X-PLUS, 600X-PLUS, and203X-PLUS) and Figure 9 (for the 360X-PLUS). For more detailedin

Operator ControlsPOWER SwitchThe POWER switch is located at the back of the printer above the powercord and fuse. Turn on the printer.Front PanelThe s

Configuring the PrinterThe configuration procedure in the next table contains the information youneed to get your printer up and running, but it is no

Configuring the Software or Printer DriverMany printer settings may also be controlled by your printer’s driver orlabel preparation software. Refer to

Media and Ribbon CalibrationNOTE: All steps must be performed in the following procedure, even ifonly one sensor needs to be adjusted.1. Press the SET

5. Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key. The front panel display willshow “REMOVE RIBBON CANCEL CONTINUE.”6. Either remove the ribbon or slide it as far fro

Printing a Test LabelTo print a test label:1. Turn off the printer.2. Press and hold the CANCEL keywhile turning on the printer.A configuration label,

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Establishing CommunicationSystem ConsiderationsInterfacesThe method of interfacing this printer to a data source depends on thecommunication options i

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide iiiI have determined that the Brady printers identified as theBradyprinter X- Series Printers203X- , 300X- , 360X- ,

When communicating via the parallelport (refer to Figure 14), thepreviously mentioned parameters arenot considered. Refer to page 53 toconfigure the c

Printer BasicsOperator ControlsThis section discusses the functions of the various controls and indicatorson the printer. The operator should become f

Front Panel DisplayThe front panel display communicates operational status and programmingmodes and parameters.24 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideFigu

Front Panel KeysKey FunctionStarts and stops the printing process.• If the printer is not printing: no printing can occur.• If the printer is printing

Front Panel LightsNOTE: If two operating conditions occur simultaneously (for example,one that causes a light to be on constantly and one that causes

Roll Media LoadingNOTE: A calibration must be performed when media and ribbon (if used)are first installed in the printer, or when a different type of

Peel-Off ModeNOTE: Rewind option required.Refer to Figure 17.1. Remove the rewind plate from the front of the printer (if installed).Store it on the t

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 29MediaguideMediaMediasupplyguideClosedOpenRewindspindleHookPrinthead leverRewindplateTear-off/peel-offbarGuideplateL

Rewind Mode (for Printers Without the Cutter Option)NOTE: Rewind option required.Refer to Figure 18.1. Remove the rewind plate from its storage locati

Before closing the printhead, make sure:nThe media is positioned against the inside guides.nThe media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway

iv Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

Cutter ModeNOTE: Cutter option required.Refer to Figure 19.1. Open the printhead.2. Slide the media guide and media supply guide as far from the print

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 33MediaguideMediaMediasupplyguideClosedOpenPrinthead leverCutterFigure 19

Rewind Mode (for Printers With the Cutter Option)NOTE: Cutter and rewind options required.Refer to Figure 20.1. Remove the rewind plate from its stora

Before closing the printhead, make sure:nThe media is positioned against the inside guides.nThe media is taut and parallel with itself and the pathway

Fanfold Media LoadingNOTE: A calibration must be performed when media and ribbon (if used)are first installed in the printer, or when a different type

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 37Bottom supplyMediaguideMediaClosedOpenPrinthead leverFigure 21Rear supplyMediaguideMediaClosedOpenPrinthead leverFi

Removing the Label Backing MaterialSince the rewind spindle holds the backing from a standard-size media roll,we recommend that you perform this proce

Ribbon LoadingTo load ribbon, refer to Figure 23 (for the 300X-PLUS, 600X-PLUS, and203X-PLUS) and Figure 24 (for the 360X-PLUS) and follow the procedu

7. Before wrapping the ribbon around the ribbon take-up spindle, ensure thatthe arrow on the knob aligns with the indented notch (see Figure 25inset).

Ribbon Removal1. Break the ribbon as close to the ribbon take-up spindle as possible.2. Refer to Figure 25. While holding the ribbon take-up spindle,

Table of ContentsIntroductionHello! ...1Unpacking and Inspection ...2Reporting Damage

42 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

ConfigurationAfter you have installed the media and ribbon and the power-on self test(POST) is complete, the front panel display will show “PRINTER RE

Changing Password-Protected ParametersCertain parameters are password-protected by factory default.CAUTION: Do not change password-protected parameter

Leaving the Setup ModeYou can leave the program mode at any time by pressing the SETUP/EXITkey. The “SAVE CHANGES” display will appear. There are five

Configuration and Calibration Sequence46 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/Explanation---- PRINTER READY Normal printer opera

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 47Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationMEDIA TYPESetting Media Type Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL keyto display

48 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationPRINT WIDTHSetting Print Width Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL key toincrease the

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 49Listing Printer InformationPress Display Shows Action/ExplanationLIST FONTSList Fonts Press the RIGHT BLACK OVAL ke

50 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationINITIALIZE CARDInitialize Memory CardCAUTION: Perform this operation only whe

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 51Media and Ribbon Sensor CalibrationNOTE: Before you begin this procedure, make sure that the maximum length is set

Establishing CommunicationSystem Considerations ...21Interfaces ...21Data Specifications

52 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationMEDIA ANDRIBBONCALIBRATEMedia and Ribbon Sensor Sensitivity Press NEXT/SAVE t

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 53Setting Communication ParametersCommunication parameters must be set correctly for the printer to communicate with

54 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationPARITYSetting Parity Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key todisplay other c

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 55Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationNETWORK IDSetting Network ID Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key tomove to the next

56 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideSelecting Prefix and Delimiter CharactersPrefix and delimiter characters are 2-digit hex values used within the ZPL

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 57Selecting ZPL ModePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationZPL MODESelecting ZPL Mode Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OV

58 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideLabel Positioning ParametersPress Display Shows Action/ExplanationBACKFEEDBackfeed Sequence Press the RIGHT or LEFT

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 59Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationHEAD TESTCOUNTSetting the Head Test Count Press the LEFT BLACK OVALkey to mov

60 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationAPPLICATORPORTSetting the Applicator Port Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACKOVAL k

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 61Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationLCD ADJUSTLCD Display Adjustment Press the LEFT BLACK OVAL key todecrease the

Routine Care and AdjustmentCleaning ...65Cleaning the Exterior ...66Cleaning the Interio

62 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidePress Display Shows Action/ExplanationIP RESOLUTION*IP Resolution Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACK OVAL key todisplay

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 63Press Display Shows Action/ExplanationLANGUAGESelecting the Display Language Press the RIGHT or LEFT BLACKOVAL key

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Routine Care and AdjustmentCleaningThe following table provides a brief cleaning schedule. Specific cleaningprocedures are provided on the following p

Cleaning the ExteriorThe exterior surfaces of the printer may be cleaned with a lint-free cloth.Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or solven

4. Rotate the platen roller and clean thoroughly with solvent and anapplicator.5. Brush/vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from theroller

Cleaning the Snap PlateClean the snap plate to remove label adhesive or a label that has adhered tothe underside of the snap plate.Refer to Figure 28.

Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 69SnapplateLoopLoopFigure 28SlotTabTabSlotLoopLoopFigure 29

Cleaning the Cutter Module(For printers equipped with the optional cutter.)If labels are not being cut properly or if the cutter jams with labels, tur

4. Snap the fuse holder back into position.5. Reconnect the power cord.If the new fuse fails right away, the printer has an internal componentfailure

SpecificationsMedia Handling ...87Options ...87Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II®)

AdjustmentsToggle PositioningBoth toggles should be positioned so that they provide even pressure on themedia. The toggles are positioned by sliding t

Printhead Pressure AdjustmentThis adjustment may be necessary if printing is too light on one side or ifthick media is used. Refer to Figure 32.1. Per

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TroubleshootingLED Error Conditions and WarningsError Condition Ribbon OutError Condition Paper OutBrady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 75Problem Solution

Error Condition Head OpenError Condition Head Element BadWarning Ribbon InWarning Head Too Hot76 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuideProblem SolutionThe p

Warning Head ColdWarning Cutter JammedOut of Memory*Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide 77Problem SolutionThe printhead is under temperature.Continue pri

Print Quality ProblemsGeneral Print Quality IssuesGray lines on blank labels with no consistent patternLight, consistent vertical lines running throug

Wrinkled RibbonCommunicationsA label format was sent to the printer but not recognized. TheDATA light does not flash.Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

A label format was sent to the printer. Several labels print, then theprinter skips, misplaces, misses, or distorts the image on the label.A label for

Printer DiagnosticsPower-On Self TestA power-on self test (POST) is performed automatically each time theprinter is turned on. During this test sequen

IntroductionHello!Thank you for purchasing this high-quality Bradyprinter X-PLUS Seriesprinter!nThis manual provides all of the information you will n

CANCEL Key Self TestThis self test prints a listing of theconfiguration parameters currentlystored in the printer’s memory. SeeFigure 33 (depending on

PAUSE Key Self TestThis self test can be used to provide the test labels required when makingadjustments to the printer’s mechanical assemblies. See t

FEED Key Self TestSee Figure 35.1. Turn off the printer.2. Press and hold theFEED key whileturning on the power.The FEED key self testprints out at va

FEED Key and PAUSE Key Self Test1. Turn off the printer.2. Press and hold the FEED and PAUSE keys while turning on the power.Performing this self test

86 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s Guide

SpecificationsNOTE: Printer specifications are subject to change without notice.Media HandlingnTear-off mode: Labels are produced in strips.nPeel-off

Zebra Programming Language (ZPL II®)Bar Codes88 Brady X-PLUS Series User’s GuidenDownloadable graphics, scalable andbitmap fonts, and label formatsnOb

General SpecificationsGeneral Specifications 300/600X-PLUS 203X-PLUS 360X-PLUSHeight 15.5" 393.7 mm 15.5" 393.7 mm 15.5" 393.7 mmWidth

Printing SpecificationsPrinting Specifications 300X-PLUS 600X-PLUS 203X-PLUS 360X-PLUSResolution300 dots/inch(12 dots/mm)600 dots/inch(23.5 dots/mm)20

Media SpecificationsMedia Specifications 300/600X-PLUS 203X-PLUS 360X-PLUSMinimum label length*Tear-off 0.7" (18 mm) 0.7" (18 mm) 0.7"