Issue / Question
GX Series Printer Calibration
Applicable To
GX-Series Printers
Resolution / Answer
This information is useful for resolving issues such as:
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Additional Information
1. Understanding your media The Zebra Printer supports the use of many types and shapes of label/tags and knowing your media detail is important for proper configuration. Here are the details you should know for printer media setup and configuration. For our examples, we are using the ZebraDesigner Driver to show the configuration selections for each topic discussed below.
Media Related Configurations >Media Type (Tracking Mode) Selections: Continuous, Web Sensing (gap), and Mark Sensing (Black Mark). Default is Web Sensing. If you are using media with an inter-label gap or a center hole set the Tracking Mode for Web Sensing. >Print Method (Media Type) Selections: Thermal Transfer (Using Ribbon) or Direct Thermal (No Ribbon).
ZebraDesigner Driver (Printing Preferences > Advanced Setup > Media Type). Refer to ZebraDesigner Driver Printer Configuration Printing Preferences vs Printing Defaults for more information. >Print Mode Selections: Tear off, Cutter, Peel. This is related to the label presentation after printing and is limited to the options you have installed. The GX Series Printer supports Tear Off, Peel (Dispense Option Required), and Cutter. (Cutter Option Required). Refer to Print Mode Details for more information. ZebraDesigner Driver (Printing Preferences > Advanced Setup > Operation Mode). Refer to ZebraDesigner Driver Printer Configuration Printing Preferences vs Printing Defaults for more information. >Media Loading: The media must be properly loaded for the Print Mode you intend to use.
The printer comes with sensors for label tracking based on the Media Type used. There is a reflective and transmissive sensor positioned slightly off-centered in the media path. An optional adjustable black mark sensor is available. The sensor you will use requires configuration of the Tracking Mode (Mark or Web or Continuous) setting to function with the media you are using. A hole or black mark must pass over the media sensor's position to function correctly. Refer to GX Series Printer Sensors for more information. See the GX Series optional adjustable black mark sensor. Refer to GX420t/GX430t User Guide: Moveable Blackline Sensor Option for more information.
3. Media Feed Power up action The first time you load media you should run the 2-flash calibration procedures described in step 4. The Media Feed setting then determines how the media is handled when the printer is powered on or when the printhead is opened and closed. The printer defaults to feed one label after power-up or when the printhead is opened and closed. This is intended to position an already calibrated label to its resting position to be ready for printing. This can be altered using the Media Feed setting to one of the following:
Setting the Media Feed (Power Up Action) on the printer requires sending the ^MF command to alter the Power Up Head Open value. Sending a file using the ZebraDesigner Tools feature. Refer to ZebraDesigner Driver and the Send File Feature for more information. ^MF (Media Feed command). Refer to Programming Guide for more information. Example of a ZPL Media Feed Command to Measure the Label Length when the head is closed. ^XA^MFN, L^XZ (Power Up = no motion, Head Close = Measure the length). For recommendations on these selections, refer to the Media Feed for more information.
The printer does not measure the label length unless the default Power Up or Head Close values are altered to either Length or Calibrate. There are two calibration methods to consider if the labels fail to calibrate properly:
Performing the Calibration Procedure (Two Flash sequences). Refer to GX420t/GX430t User Guide: Feed Button Modes for more information.
See Printer setup details for proper printer configuration settings and explanation of printer-related terminology. Refer to GX Series Initial Printer Setup Details and Information for more information. Helpful Information: |