ZM-Series Parallel Port Communications

Description

Communicating to printer via Parallel Port connection

Applies To

ZM Series printers using the Parallel Port communications

Requirements

IEEE1284 compatible cable 
Host communicating via the Parallel Port 

Overview

Z-Series printers support parallel port communications as a standard option. Use of a IEEE1284 compatible cable is recommended to avoid communication issues.

Procedure

Normally a simple connection and host queue setup is all that is needed. If this does not function as expected ensure the following:

• You are using an IEEE 1284 compatible cable and it does not exceed 10 feet in length. (6 ft recommended)
• The LCD display menu item  PARALLEL COMM should be set to match your host capabilities. Read More>>  
  Note: Older host may required UNIDIRECTIONAL while modern systems use BIDIRECTIONAL.
• Make sure you are sending ZPL or the printer will not respond. Use a hex dump to view printed data received Read More>>
• The printer PROTOCOL Setting is set to NONE Read More>>
• Try testing communications using the Zebra Setup Utility Read More>> 
  If using the utility is successful you will have to focus troubleshooting your queue setup.

Helpful Information

Download the Zebra Setup Utility Read More>>

Cancel Test to view current configuration parameters information details Read More>>

HEX dump for communication diagnostics information details Read More>>

Parallel port parameters information Read More>>