Issue / Question
What to do if a 'Ribbon Out' Error is seen on the front panel display of a ZT410 or ZT420
Applicable To
ZT410, ZT420, ZT410R and ZT420R
Resolution / Answer
When a "Ribbon Out" alert is given on the front panel display, the below lights will show:-
Status light = steady yellow
Supplies light = flashing yellow
Please see the below table for possible causes and recommended solutions:-
Ribbon Out Table
| Display Lights | Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
| Status light = steady yellow Supplies light = flashing yellow |
In Thermal Transfer Mode: - ribbon is not loaded - ribbon is loaded incorrectly - the ribbon sensor is not detecting ribbon - media is blocking the ribbon sensor |
1. Load ribbon correctly. See Load the Ribbon 2. Calibrate the printer. See Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration |
| Status light = steady yellow Supplies light = flashing yellow |
In thermal transfer mode, the printer did not detect the ribbon even though it is loaded correctly. |
1. Print a sensor profile - See sensor profile Then see Print Information. The ribbon out threshold is likely too high, above the line that indicates where the ribbon is detected. 2. Calibrate the printer - see Media and Ribbon Sensor Calibration or load printer defaults - see Load Defaults |
| Status light = steady yellow Supplies light = flashing yellow |
If you are using direct thermal media, the printer is waiting for ribbon to be loaded because it is incorrectly set for thermal transfer mode. |
Set the printer for Direct Thermal mode. See Print Method |
For more details, please see the ZT400 User Guide. Click here>>
