Datamax M-Class User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

J
Jade MitchellJul 26, 2025
How to fix Datamax Printer when Label Alignment results in no paper movement?
- L
  Linda OlsonJul 26, 2025
  If attempting Label Alignment on your Datamax Printer results in no paper movement, it's because Label Alignment cannot be performed without a Label Length when the Present Sensor is enabled. To solve this: * Set Label Alignment to AUTO, press and hold FEED until media moves for the automatic length measurement. * Re-measure the Label Alignment Length. Use Printer Setup mode to enter the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.
K
Karen ShermanAug 3, 2025
What to do if Datamax M-Class Printer's tear mode is selected but the label stop position is too far forward?
- K
  Kathryn PittsAug 3, 2025
  If Tear Mode is selected on your Datamax printer, but the label stop position is too far forward, it could be due to an incorrect Present Adjust value or another determined present position. You can try the following: * Ensure the host computer is not providing a Present Distance longer than is required for the Tear Bar. * Use the Setup Menu to modify the Present Adjust value.
J
jjimenezAug 8, 2025
What to do if Datamax M-Class's tear mode is selected but the label stop position is not far enough forward?
- H
  Henry HawkinsAug 8, 2025
  If Tear Mode is selected on your Datamax printer, but the label stop position isn't far enough forward, it may be because another present position has been determined, or the Present Adjust value is incorrect. Here's what you can do: * Disable the Present Sensor. * Ensure the host computer is not providing a Present Distance shorter than is required for the Tear Bar. * Use the Setup Menu to modify the Present Adjust value.
C
Christine LoveAug 12, 2025
What to do if Datamax M-Class Printer's label alignment is incorrect and pressing FEED results in a short label length?
- K
  Kevin WilliamsAug 12, 2025
  If your Datamax Printer's label alignment is incorrect, and pressing FEED results in a short label length, it's likely due to an incorrect Label Alignment Length. The default Label Alignment Length is 1.00”, and will result in this behavior when any larger label length is used without setting the appropriate length. To fix it: * Set Label Alignment to AUTO by pressing and holding FEED until paper moves for automatic Label Alignment Length measurement. * Alternatively, measure the label length and use the Setup Menu to set the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.
A
Autumn ArnoldAug 17, 2025
What to do if Datamax M-Class's label alignment is incorrect and pressing FEED results in a label length longer than actual?
- A
  avilachelseaAug 17, 2025
  If label alignment is incorrect on your Datamax Printer, and pressing FEED results in a label length longer than actual, the Label Alignment Length is not correct. The default Label Alignment Length is 1.00”, and will result in this behavior when any larger label length is used without setting the appropriate length. To resolve this: * Set Label Alignment to AUTO. Press and hold FEED until paper moves for automatic Label Alignment length measurement. * Measure the label length and use the Setup Menu to set the new length. Print a Database Configuration label to ensure the new length has been set.

Datamax M-Class Specifications

General

Print Method	Thermal Transfer/Direct Thermal
Resolution	203 dpi, 300 dpi
Print Speed	6 IPS (152 mm/s)
Interface	USB, Serial, Ethernet, Parallel
Media Sensor	Reflective and Transmissive
Supported Media Types	Labels, Tags
Media Thickness	0.0025" (0.0635 mm)

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

Printer Overview

About this Printer

Details on the printer's standard and optional features, including memory and interfaces.

Getting Started

Before Using the Printer

Initial steps for using the printer, including unpacking and inspecting the contents.

Setting Up the Printer

Connecting the Printer

Steps for connecting the printer via power and interface cables.

Loading Media

Instructions for loading media into the printer correctly.

Media Sensor Adjustment

Positioning the media sensor for accurate detection of media and top-of-form.

Loading Ribbon

Procedure for loading ribbon for thermal transfer printing applications.

Using the Front Panel (non-display printers)

Indicator Lights Overview

Explanation of the printer's indicator lights and their meanings.

Printer Buttons and Modes

Details on the printer's function buttons and operational modes.

Normal Mode Button Functions

Functions of the printer buttons in Normal Mode and button combinations.

Express Setup Mode Button Functions

How to use buttons for quick access to common printer settings.

Printer Setup Mode Button Functions

How to use buttons to adjust printer settings in Printer Setup Mode.

Calibration Mode Button Functions

How to perform media calibration using printer buttons.

Internal Labels

Information on printing internal configuration and test labels.

Label Alignment

Procedure and options for aligning labels for accurate printing.

Using the Front Panel (display printers)

Ready Mode: Normal Operation

Describes the printer's normal operating state and key functions in Ready Mode.

Menu Mode: Configuration

Navigating the printer's menu system for configuration and settings.

Quick Test Mode: Print Test Labels

How to print various test labels for quality assessment.

Media Sensor Calibration

Procedures for calibrating the media sensor for reliable media detection.

Maintenance and Adjustments

Cleaning the Printhead

Procedure for cleaning the printhead to maintain print quality and longevity.

Media Width Adjustment

Adjusting the printhead leveling cam for even pressure distribution on less than full width media.

Printhead Burn Line Adjustment

Adjusting the printhead burn line for optimal print quality across different media types.

Printhead Pressure Adjustment

Adjusting printhead pressure for optimal print quality and to prevent ribbon smudging.

Printhead Replacement

Step-by-step guide for safely removing and installing a new printhead.

Darkness Adjustment

Adjusting print contrast after printhead replacement for non-display printers.

Resetting the Printer

Procedures for performing soft, level one, and level two resets of the printer.

Downloading Firmware and Fonts

How to download firmware updates and new fonts to the printer.

Troubleshooting

Problem Resolution Overview

A guide to resolving common printer issues not always indicated by error messages.

Fault and Warning Messages

Explanation of printer fault and warning messages and their possible solutions.

Hex Dump Mode

Using Hex Dump Mode for diagnosing communication and DPL syntax errors.

Specifications

Mechanical Specifications

Physical dimensions, weight, operating temperature, and power requirements of the printer.

Printing Specifications

Details on print method, speed, resolution, memory, and tear bar.

Media and Ribbon Specifications

Information on media types, widths, thickness, roll capacity, and ribbon compatibility.

Communications Specifications

Details on interface types, baud speed, handshaking, parity, stop bits, and data bits.

Font Specifications

Overview of font types available for non-display and display printers.

Appendix A ASCII Control Code Chart

Appendix B Embedded Fonts and Barcodes

Embedded Fonts

Details on font types, sizes, and valid ASCII characters for printer programming.

Embedded Barcodes

List of supported barcode symbologies, their types, lengths, and character sets.

Appendix C Optional Internal Ethernet Printer Server

Ethernet Printer Server Indicators and Connector

Description of the Ethernet printer server's indicators and physical connector.

Ethernet Printer Server Setup and Configuration

Methods for configuring the Ethernet printer server using IP Discovery or static IP.

Appendix D Menu System Multi-Language Support

Creating a Menu Language

Steps for creating custom menu languages using Microsoft Excel and DPL files.

Appendix E Saving a Configuration File

Saving a Configuration File

Procedure for saving and restoring printer settings as internal configuration files.

Glossary

Appendix F GPIO Port Description

GPIO Port Configuration

Details on GPIO port connectors and pin functions for interfacing with applicators.

Appendix G Datamax Barcode Products Limited Warranty Statement

Printer Limited Warranty

Warranty terms for the M-Class printer, excluding the thermal printhead.

Thermal Printhead Limited Warranty

Warranty terms for the M-Class thermal printhead, including media usage conditions.

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