Brady 3481 User Manual

BradyBradyprinter Models 2461, 3481, and 6441Operator’s Manual(TEMP COVER)(DO NOT PRINT)(DO NOT print this page)

ivAppendix DGPIO Port Description ...111Appendix EMenu System Multi-Language Support...

90Printer Fault Messages (continued)Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s) Consistently highsensor readingswere detected. Press an

91Printer Fault Messages (continued)Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s)The printer couldnot find the TOFmark within themaximum labelle

92Warning Messages:Warning Messages are displayed for a period of five seconds. If multipleWarnings are detected, the display will reflect the highes

936.2 Hex Dump ModeThe Hex Dump Mode is a useful tool for diagnosing problems, includingcommunication and DPL syntax errors, allowing a comparison o

94

95 7.0 General SpecificationsBar Codes(See the Programmer’s Manual for details. See Appendix B for samples.)Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 128 (su

96Environmental RequirementsOperating Temperature:32° F – 100° F (0° C to 38° C)Storage Temperature:0° F −140° F (-17° C to 60° C)Humidity:10% − 95%

97Printing Specifications (continued)Print Length Range:with an optional cutter:with an optional peel &present mechanism:.25” – 99” (6.4 mm – 251

98Media and Ribbon Requirements (continued)EABCDGHIJFMedia DimensionsDesignator DescriptionMaximum [1]Minimum[1]A label width 4.65 1.00B liner width

99Appendix AASCII Control Code ChartChar Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec HexCtrl @ NUL 0 00 32 20 @ 64 40 ` 96 60Ctrl A SOH 1 01 ! 33 21 A

11.0 About the PrinterCongratulations on your purchase of a Bradyprinter Model 2461, 3481, and6441 hereafter referred to as ‘the printer’, blends the

100ASCII Control Code Chart (continued)Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec Hex Char Dec HexÇ 128 80 á 160 A0 192 C0 Ó 224 E0ü 129 81 í 161 A1 193 C1 ß

101Appendix BAvailable Fonts and Bar CodesAll character fonts and bar codes available with the printer are described in thissection. Each font and bar

102The table below lists the font sizes; the numbers indicate the number of dots.Font Height Width Spacing0 7 5 11 13 7 22 18 10 23 27 14 24 36 18 35

103Font 4: 62-character alphanumeric,uppercase.Font 5: 62-character alphanumeric,uppercase.Font 6: 62-character alphanumeric, uppercase.

104Font 7: OCR-A, size I. Font 8: OCR-B, size III.Font 9: Internal Triumvirate font. The number in the bar code height fieldsets the point sizes. Larg

105Bar Code Summary DataBar Code fonts have alpha names (left column in the table below). Uppercasealpha names will print barcodes with human-readable

106Bar Code A: Code 3 of 9Bar Code B: UPC-ABar Code C: UPC-EBar Code D: Interleaved 2 of 5Bar Code E: Code 128Bar Code F: EAN-13Bar Code G: EAN

107Bar Code K: PlesseyBar Code L: Interleaved 2 of 5w/modulo 10 checksum andshipping bearer barsBar Code M: 2 Digit UPC addendumBar Code N: 5 Digit U

108Bar Code S: UCC/EAN Code 128Random WeightBar Code T: TelepenBar Code u: UPS MaxiCodeBar Code v: FIMBar Code z: PDF-417Bar Code WG: USD-8Bar C

109Appendix CModule AssignmentsMemory ModuleDesignator Module Size Volatile* Location / UseA Future Option N/A N/AB Future Option N/A N/AD1024 KB(defa

21.0.1 Standard FeaturesThis printer offers the following standard features:Bradyprinter Standard Features ListingModelFeature2461 3481 6441Printhead

110Available Speeds and Default SettingsPrinter Speed Ranges and Defaults*Speed Range Default SettingModel IPS MMPS IPS MMPS2461 Print 2-8 51 – 203 8.

111Appendix DGPIO Port Description With the optional GPIO PCB, the printer can easily be programmed to interfacewith most applicator devices. The GPIO

112GPIO Pin Configuration(as viewed from the rear of the printer)External Start of Print ControlConnections for an external Startof Print control can

113Appendix EMenu System Multi-Language SupportThis printer provides the user with the ability to download new menu systemlanguages and/or replace the

114Creating a Menu Language:Œ Invoke Excel and open the gemmsglst.xls file. Excel opens the file and thefollowing screen appears.• Click the “Enabl

115Ž Click On Column J and enter your new language, or modify an existing one.Tips:A) Message Size – When entering new messages, reference the ‘MAX’

116‘ Download the generated files to the printer – one method is the DOS copycommand:copy small.ls lpt1: /b’ Reset the printer by pressing and holdi

117Ÿ To restore the factory generated EFIGS image, download the file*832296.01A to the printer. This file is located on our web site. The letter atth

118

119Appendix FSaving a Configuration FileWith application version 5.01, the printer can save and restore complete printersettings, including media cali

3External Keyboard SupportAn interface for the connection of the Passport™ keyboard.External Media RewinderSeparate device with and 8” roll capacity t

120To save a manually entered setup (for example, an application that required anAdvanced Entry Calibration before beginning) as a configuration file

121Warranty InformationBrady ProductsLimited Warranty StatementBradyprinter Models 2461 and 3481PrinterBrady warrants to Purchaser that under normal u

122Thermal Printhead, Platen Roller, and BeltsThis warranty* is limited to a period of one year, (365 days), or one million(1,000,000) linear inches o

123General Warranty ProvisionsBrady makes no warranty as to the design, capability, capacity or suitability ofany of its hardware, supplies, or softwa

124

125Glossaryalphanumeric Consisting of alphabetic, numeric, punctuation andother symbols.backing material The silicon-coated paper carrier material to

126defaults The functional setting values returned following a factoryreset of the printer.diagnostics Programs used to locate and diagnose hardware

127label A paper or synthetic printing material, typically with a pressuresensitive adhesive backing.label length The distance from the top of the lab

128reverse speed The backward rate of media motion into the printerduring tear-off, peel and present and cutting operations forpositioning the label

129IndexAalphanumeric, 125application program, 77ASCII, 93, 99 - 101, 105Bbar code, 84, 86, 95, 105 - 108, 125boot loader, 79 - 81, 125burn line, 72,

4 Peel and Present Mechanism (requires the Internal Rewind option) An output control device that automatically separates printed labels from thebackin

130Mmediacontinuous, 17, 20, 34, 97, 125backing material, 18, 20, 21, 23 - 25,61, 64, 97, 98, 125, 126black mark, 17, 61, 63, 67, 89, 98, 127, 128die-

51.1 Option Installation The following table lists the available options and the recommendedqualification level of the installer. For detailed inform

61.2 Hardware Components The following drawing highlights the user-assessable components of the printer.Items denoted with an asterisk (*) are optiona

72.0 Unpacking the PrinterInspect the shipping container(s) for damage; if evident, immediately notify theshipping company to report the nature and e

82.0.1 InspectionAfter removing the printer from the packaging material, check the contents ofthe package. In addition to this manual, the following

92.1 Media and Ribbon Selection The following is a limited overview of media characteristics. For completeinformation and advice regarding your spe

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10 • The second method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Heat’ menusetting (selectable as ‘Heat Setting’ in most software programs). Increasi

113.0 InstallationThis section explains how to connect the printer, and load it with media andribbon.þ Note: When connecting the AC Power Cord or int

123.0.1 CommunicationsUsing a data detection process, the interface selection occurs automatically in theprinter. At power-up, the printer begins mon

13Serial Port:The serial interface supports RS-232C and, if equipped, RS-422communications. The following list of serial port settings is menu-select

143.1 Loading Media Begin loading as follows:Œ Raise the Access Cover.• Rotate the Printhead Latch forward and raise the Printhead Assembly.Ž Slide

153.1.1 Roll MediaThis loading method is roll type media applications. To load:ΠSlide the Roll Mediaonto the Media Hubuntil it rests against theBa

163.1.2 Fan-Fold MediaThis loading method is for tag and fan-fold type media applications. To load:ΠBring the media in through the Bottom or the R

173.2 Media Sensor Adjustment The Media Sensor needs to be positioned so that the printer can detect thepresence of media and the top-of-form (excep

183.3 Loading RibbonRibbon is required with thermal transfer media. Depending upon the type ofRibbon Supply Hub (see the next page for examples), the

19 þ Note: Directional Arrows near the Ribbon Supply Hub indicate the correctribbon route. Ribbon is available with the ink (coating) layer wound ‘

Copyright Information:CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation.CG Times based upon Times New Roman under license from the Monotype Corporatio

203.4 Quick Media Calibration+When ‘Uncalibrated’ is displayed, follow the Media Sensor Calibrationprocedure in Section 5.0.At the factory, the print

213.5 Outputting LabelsIn addition to directly outputting labels from the printer, there are severaloptional output configurations available.3.5.1 Re

22‘ Route the media back to the Media Rewind Hub, as shown below.’ Insert the leading edge into a Slot on the Media Rewind Hub then insert theMedia

233.5.2 On-Demand DispensingWhen equipped with the Peel and Present option, labels are dispensed from theprinter one at a time, separated automatical

24• If installed, remove the Media Clip and the Rewind Retainer from theMedia Rewind Hub. Route the Backing Material around the Media RewindHub, as

253.5.3 Cutting When equipped with one of the cutter options, cut labels are dispensed from theprinter. ΠEnsure the leading edge of media is clean

26

27 4.0 Operation The front panel is comprised of three indicator lights, a Liquid Crystal Displayand five mode-dependant keys. The selectable modes (

28 4.0.2 Menu Mode: Configuration (Ready Light ‘Flashing’) Œ The DOWN ARROW key scrolls to the previousmenu item on the same menu level. It al

29 4.0.3 Quick Test Mode: Print Test Labels þ Note: The Quick Test Mode functions are disabled while processing datafrom communications interfaces

Agency Compliance and Approvals:C US ListedUL1950 Information Technology EquipmentC22.2 No. 950-M93EN60950For 230 Volt Operation (Europe)

30 4.0.4 Indicator Lights Œ ‘On’ indicates that the printer is powered ‘On’and, after initialization, it indicates the ReadyMode. ‘Slow Flashing

314.0.6 Resetting the PrinterDepending upon the method used, there are three reset levels possible:4.0.6.1 Soft ResetTo reset the printer and clear a

32 4.1 The Menu System Printer operation can be controlled through the user interface, allowing theoperator access to these six menu system branches

334.1.1 Entrance and Exit PromptsWith ‘Ready’ displayed on the LCD, press the key to enter the MenuMode. þ Note: While in the Menu Mode, the prin

344.1.2 Media Settings MEDIA TYPE Selects the printing method.DIRECT THERMALFor use with heat sensitive media.²THERMAL TRANSFERFor use with media req

354.1.3 Print Control+Refer to Section 2.1.1 for detailed information on print quality controls.HEAT²10 (0-30)Controls the ‘burn-time’ of the print

36Print Control (continued)CUSTOM ADJUSTMENTS ♦These factory adjustments independentlychange the listed parameters to finely tune theprinter and comp

374.1.4 Printer OptionsMODULES Memory available for user storage ofgraphics, fonts and label formats. (Thephysical presence of the respective memory

38Printer Options (continued)CUTTER Used to cut media into separate labels. (Thephysical presence of a cutter must bedetected to show the ENABLE/DISA

394.1.5 System SettingsCONFIGURATION FILE Options for storage and recall of printerconfiguration files. See Appendix F fordetails.RESTORE AS CURRENTP

Important Safety Instructions:The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended toalert the user to the presence of important operating

40System Settings (continued)DOUBLE BYTE SYMBOLS When equipped with the ILPC option, thisselects the code page used to print doublebyte fonts unless

41System Settings (continued)CONFIGURATION LEVEL To upgrade the application program(resident software) version of the printer,the hardware and softwa

42System Settings (continued)SET FACTORY DEFAULTS Parameters in this menu listing with the ‘²’symbol are the designated defaults.SET FACTORY DEFAULTS

43System Settings (continued)PAUSE MODE When enabled, Pause Mode suspendsprinting between each label until thePAUSE key is pressed.ENABLEDPrinter req

44System Settings (continued)þ Note: As indicated, the following menu selections will only appearaccording to the model of your printer.PLUS EMULATI

45System Settings (continued)þ Note: As indicted, the following menu selections will only appear accordingto the model of your printer.DPI EMULATION

46System Settings (continued)SOP EMULATION Enables the <STX>O and <STX>f printpositioning commands to allow backwardcompatibility with la

474.1.6 CommunicationsSERIAL PORT A♦Controls the communications settings forSerial Port A.BAUD RATEDetermines the serial communication rate.384003840

48Communications (continued)PARALLEL PORT B♦Same as Parallel Port A, for an optionalEthernet connection. If not present, thisdisplays ‘NOT INSTALLED

49Communications (continued)PROTOCOLThe network protocols recognized by theNIC Adapter.IPThis protocol is always supported.LATLocal Area Transport is

50Communications (continued)DISCOVERYThis is the address discovery method usedby the NIC Adapter if a static address is notutilized. If no server for

51Communications (continued)HOST SETTINGS Settings which affect all communicationswith a host.HOST TIMEOUT ²10SEC (1-60)The number of seconds a c

52Communications (continued)HEAT COMMANDAllows the user to disable the DPL HeatCommand, providing compatibility withother printers.²ENABLEDNormal pri

53 4.1.7 DiagnosticsHEX DUMP MODE Most commonly used for troubleshooting.Prints data and instructions received fromthe host rather than interpreting

544.2 Display MessagesThe printer displays several different types of information (if not in the menusystem or Quick Test Mode):Ø User Prompts and C

55User Prompts and Condition Messages (continued)Displayed Message Description Condition(s)Normal power-up andsoft reset condition.Follows the ‘SYSTE

56 4.3 Quick Test Mode This section explains the functions of the resident Quick Tests, accessible bypressing the key on the Front

57 4.3.2 Configuration Label The Configuration Label provides valuable printer database information, asdetailed in Section 4.1. þ Note: The Configur

584.3.3 Quick Ribbon Test Label The Quick Ribbon Test Label features a compliant picket-fence bar code thatcan be used to verify thermal transfer and

594.3.4 Dot Test Pattern Label The Dot Test Pattern Label features patterns that exercise all of the thermalelements (dots) of the printhead. The re

iPrinter Overview1.0 About the Printer ...11.0.1 Standard Features...

60 4.3.5 Validation LabelThe Validation Label is another useful tool for evaluating overall print quality.To generate a Validation Label:ΠPress th

615.0 Media Sensor Calibration In addition to the Sensor Type selection, Media Sensor calibration ensures thateach label is detected correctly and re

62Standard Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 3 Press the key toenter the Media Settingsmenu.

63Standard Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 7 Proceed according toyour media type: Di

64Standard Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 9 Observe the display. Or, for reflective media

655.0.2 Advanced Entry Calibration Advanced Entry Calibration is the alternate method for special-case mediatypes. The procedure has two parts: 1)

66Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 6 Press the keyto scroll to ‘AdvancedEn

67Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 11 Proceed according toyour media type: Die-cut stock:

68Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 12 From the data collected inSteps 10 and 11, whereboth

69Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 13 Using the key,select the Gain Numberd

iiUsing the Front Panel4.0 Operation ...274.0.1 Ready Mode: Normal Operation...

70Advanced Entry Calibration (continued) Step Operator Action Displayed Message Comment 16 Press the key. Using the

715.1 Printhead Adjustments To ensure consistent print quality over a wide range of media types anddimensions, the printer is equipped with a Leveli

725.1.2 Burn Line AdjustmentThe Burn Line has been adjusted at the factory for strict compliance using 6.5-mil (.0065 inch) media, ensuring print qua

735.2 Printhead Replacementþ Note: The printhead is fragile; use extreme care when handling and neveruse a sharp object on the surface. If you have a

745.3 Maintenance Schedule The following list and table detail the recommended items, techniques andschedules to help you safely and effectively clea

755.3.1 Cleaning the PrintheadIf print quality declines (symptoms include non-compliant bar codes, printdropouts, streaks; see Section 4.3.4), the ty

765.3.2 Cleaning the Platen RollerA platen roller contaminated with grit, label adhesive, or ink can cause a declinein print quality and, in extreme

775.3.3 Cleaning Interior and Exterior SurfacesInterior Surfaces: During operation, dust particles from the media build-upinside the printer. Then,

785.4.1 Updating from Ready ModeUpdate Procedure for Application Version 2.091 or greaterStep Displayed Message Operator Action Comment(s)1Using the

795.4.2 Updating from Download ModeRequired Update Procedure for Application Version 2.08 or earlier*Step Displayed Message Operator Action Comment(s

iii5.2 Printhead Replacement ...735.3 Maintenance Schedule ...7

805.4.3 Possible Problems during an UpdateThe following is list of possible error messages when downloading:þ Note: If experiencing trouble when atte

815.5 Boot Loader Program UpdatesThe printer stores the Boot Loader Program in Flash memory on the Main PCB.A feature allows updates to this program

82

83 6.0 Problem Resolution Should a problem arise, the information in this section will help you resolve it.The following table lists problems t

84 If experiencing this problem… Try this solution…Intellifont will not print: Intellifont format is Little/Big Endianspecific. The printer uses B

85 If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… No power (all indicator lightsare ‘Off”): • Verify that the AC power cord connectionhas been ma

86 If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… Nothing happens when tryingto print using a softwareprogram: • Ensure that the printer is at R

876.1 Fault and Warning MessagesAll printer functions are internally monitored. If a problem (Fault) or a potentialproblem (Warning) is detected, the

88Printer Fault Messages (continued)Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s)The printer hasdetected a DirectMemory Accessfailure.Try cyclin

89Printer Fault Messages (continued)Displayed Message Description Possible Solution(s)The printer wasunable to completethe MediaCalibration; or, thep