Calibration Training (QL420+ & RW420) Mobile Printers
: Overview Unit test is software which is used with the QL and RW range of mobile printers and is used to do the following: Test and calibrate all the sensors of the printer. This includes the bar sensor, gap sensor, peel sensor, media width sensor and head open sensor. Test the communication ports of the printer. This includes the serial port and the USB port. Test the LCD and keypad. Test the print quality of the printer and the printhead. Unit test also sets and verifies the serial number of the printer and sets all the other parameters of the printer. Unit test is an essential piece of software when replacing the MLB of a printer.
Preparation: Please ensure you have all of the following for this training: Latest version of Unit test downloaded and installed (v.518 or later) A QL printer with a fully charged battery. (Preferably a QL420+) Printed instructions. Grey & white calibration swatches. (P/N: AA15417-1 & AA15417-2) Plus
Preparation: 1. Media width sense test fixtures. (P/N: AF16661-1, AF16661-2, AF16661-3 & AF16661-4) 2. Serial Cable (P/N: BL11757-001) 3. USB Cable (AT17010-1)
Preparation: Connect the serial cable to the serial port (com1) of the computer. Connect the USB cable to the USB port of the computer.
Preparation: Ensure there are no Zebra printer drivers loaded in windows as this may prevent unit test from communicating with the printer. If any Zebra printer drivers are loaded please delete them. Also make sure there are no other applications running which use the serial com ports as this may also prevent unit test from communicating with the printer.
Preparation: Load media into the printer and print a configuration label by pressing and holding the feed button then press and release the power button and keep the feed button pressed. When printing starts release the feed button. Connect the serial cable to the serial port of the printer. Check the baud rate of the printer on the configuration label.
Run unit test. Click on options and then baud rate and set the printer baud rate to the same the baud rate printed on the configuration label. In this example the baud rate of the printer is 19200 bps. Then click on ok.
Click on options and then ports and check the Printer Port is set to Com1. Then click on ok.
In this example we will be testing a QL420 printer using unit test. Select (QL Series) by clicking on option 4. A window will then appear asking to check the printer is connected, click on ok.
Type in or scan in your name and then click on Ok
Scan or type in the serial number of the printer
The serial number and CSD/PCC number is located on the back of the printer.
1. 2. Scan or key in the CSD number and then click on continue. A window showing the entered CSD number will then appear. Click on Ok.
Scan or type in the CSD number and then click on continue. A window showing the entered CSD number will then appear. Click on Ok.
Unit test will automatically set the default printer settings based on the CSD number that was entered. Ensure the options are correct then click on Continue.
The Media Sensor Test calibrates the media width sensor of the printer. Remove the media and bring end-caps to rest position as shown. Then click on Test.
When prompted insert AF16661-2 (2 media width sense fixture) into the printer as shown and click on Ok.
Then when prompted remove AF16661-2 and place AF16661-4 (4 media width sense fixture) into the printer as shown. Then click on Ok.
After a short time unit test will show the Media sense reading. Click on Ok.
Unit test should then show Pass calibration. Click on Ok. If unit test fails calibration then the media width sensor may be faulty.
Bar Sensor Calibration calibrates the bar sensor of the printer.
Insert the grey test swatch (p/n AA15417-1) as shown below and close the media cover and latch. Then click on Test.
Unit test will then calibrate the bar sensor. Once the calibration process has completed click on ok to verify calibration.
When calibration has been verified remove the swatch from the printer. Then click on ok to continue. If calibration fails the bar sensor may be faulty.
Peeler Sensor Calibration calibrates the peel sensor of the printer.
Close media cover and latch (no media loaded at this point). Stand printer on end (as shown below) Slightly insert the grey test swatch above the peel bar and below the tear bar (and peel sensor) as shown below. The swatch will push approx 2mm into the media exit slot. Then click on test.
Unit test will then calibrate the peel sensor. Once the calibration process has completed click on ok to verify calibration.
When calibration has been verified remove the swatch from the printer. Then click on ok to continue. If calibration fails the peel sensor may be faulty.
Gap Sensor Calibration calibrates the gap sensor of the printer.
Insert the white test swatch (p/n AA15417-2) as shown below and close the media cover and latch. Then click on Test.
Unit test will then calibrate the gap sensor. Once the calibration process has completed click on ok to verify calibration.
When calibration has been verified remove the swatch from the printer and load gap media as shown below. Close the media cover and latch. Then click on ok to continue. If calibration fails the gap sensor may be faulty.
Test labels will then be printed. If the labels have been printed correctly click on ok.
Peeler sensor test will test the operation of the printer in peel mode Open the latch and open the peeler bar of the printer as shown below.
Make sure only a small part of the backing is loaded inside the printer and then close the latch leaving the backing under then peeler bar as shown below. When the latch is closed the printer may feed to the start of the next label. Stand printer on end and click on continue.
Unit test will then printer test labels. When the first label has printed the second label will not be printed until the first label has been removed. Repeat this for the second and third label. Once the test has been completed click yes.
This test will determine if the unit has an issue printing on tag stock. Load tag media (or bar media) into the printer and click continue.
After the printer has printed the first label scan the barcode of the label and the printer will then print the next label. Repeat this for the second and third label.
After the third label has been printed and scanned click on continue. If continue is not pressed within approx 30 seconds unit test will time out and will only give the option to exit.
Non S-Series test verifies that the compatibility switch is set to the normal position. Click on next to start the test.
After the test the printer will feed a label. Click next to continue. If the test fails check SW1 of the MLB is set to the correct position.
Open the printhead latch, ensure the beeper sounds and the media cover open icon is displayed on the LCD. Close the latch and unit test will proceed to the next screen. This test is time critical and each step must be performed within 10 seconds.
Unit test will automatically verify all the unit parameters to ensure they are set to the proper value. After verification the software will automatically move to the next screen.
Soft Power-down test will then be performed. Wait for the printer to power on and then click ok. Unit test will then proceed to the next screen.
Power ON/OFF key test will test the on/off key functions correctly. Press the on/off key to power on the printer.
Press the on/off to power off the printer. Then click on ok.
USB port test tests the usb port. Disconnect the serial cable and connect the usb cable.
When the Found New Hardware window appears click on cancel. Then click start on unit test.
Test labels will then be printed via the usb port. Disconnect the usb cable and reconnect the serial cable. Click continue.
Display test tests that the LCD is functioning correctly. Click on ok.
The LCD should be filled with black boxes as shown below. Click ok to continue.
Next click on continue.
The LCD will then display a number. Type the number on the display in the box and click continue.
Click on ok to continue.
Click on continue.
Unit test will prompt you to select whether or not a Life Test is to be performed. Click on yes.
A label will then be printed to verify the printer has passed testing. Make sure a fully charged battery is installed then click on continue.
A pre-defined number of life test patterns to exercise the printer and determine if the battery under test is maintaining a proper charge.
Testing of the printer is now complete.
Q&A