each self test is enabled by pressing a specific front panel key or combination of keys while turning the power switch on. keep the key(s) depressed until the data light turns off. when the power-on self test is complete, the selected self test starts automatically.
when performing self tests, avoid sending a label format to the printer. in the case of a remote host, disconnect all data interface cables from the printer.
when canceling a self test prior to its actual completion, always turn the printer power off and then back on to reset the printer.
when performing these self tests while in the peel-off mode, you must remove the labels as they become available.
if your media is not wide enough or long enough, unexpected and/or undesired results may occur. make sure that your print width is set correctly for the media you are using before you run any self tests, otherwise the test may print out on the platen roller. see page 46 for information on setting the print width.
cancel key self test
this self test prints a listing of the configuration parameters currently stored in the printer’s memory. see figure 33 (depending on the options ordered, your label may look different).
1. turn the printer off.
2. press and hold the cancel key while turning on the power.
the configuration may be changed either temporarily (for specific label formats or ribbon and label stock) or permanently (by saving the new parameters in memory). saving new parameters occurs whenever a calibration procedure is performed. refer to page 15 for further information about the configuration procedure. additional power-up self tests are also performed during the post for this test.
pause key self test
this self test can be used to provide the test labels required when making adjustments to the printer抯 mechanical assemblies. see the sample printout in figure 34.
1. turn off the printer.
2. press and hold the pause key while turning on the power.
1 the initial self test prints 15 labels at 2.4"/61 mm per second (1"/25.4 mm per second for the 96xiiii), then automatically pauses the printer. when the pause key is pressed, an additional 15 labels print.
2 while the printer is paused, pressing the cancel key alters the self test. when the pause key is pressed, the printer prints 15 labels at 6"/152 mm per second (4"/102 mm per second for the 96xiiii).
3 while the printer is paused, pressing the cancel key again alters the self test again. when the pause key is pressed, the printer prints 50 labels at 2.4"/61 mm per second (1"/25.4 mm per second for the 96xiiii).
4 while the printer is paused, pressing the cancel key again alters the self test a third time. when the pause key is pressed, the printer prints 50 labels at 6"/152 mm per second (4"/102 mm per second for the 96xiiii).
5 while the printer is paused, pressing the cancel key again alters the self test a fourth time. when the pause key is pressed, the printer prints 15 labels at the printer抯 maximum speed.
6 to exit this self test at any time, press and hold the cancel key.
feed key self test
see figure 35.
1. turn off the printer.
2. press and hold the feed key while turning on the power.
the feed key self test prints out at various darkness settings above and below that of the darkness value shown on the configuration label. look at these labels and determine which one has the best darkness setting for your application. this value can be entered into the printer by setting the darkness during the configuration procedure. refer to page 44 for more information.
the value printed on that label is added to (plus) or subtracted from (minus) the darkness value specified on the configuration label. the resulting numeric value (0 to 30) is the best darkness value for that specific media/ribbon combination.
feed key and pause key self test
1. turn off the printer.
2. press and hold the feed and pause keys while turning on the power.
performing this self test temporarily resets the printer configuration to the factory default values. these values are active only until power is turned off unless you save them permanently in memory.
communications diagnostics test
this test is controlled from the front panel display. refer to “communications” on page 53. a typical printout from this test is shown in figure 36. turn off the power to exit this self test.
this label is inverted when printed.
additional printer diagnostics
additional diagnostic tests are available for this printer, however, they are beyond the scope of this user’s guide. refer to the maintenance manual for information about these additional tests.