Postek C168 Series - User Manual

Questions and Answers

E
Emma DavisAug 20, 2025
Why are the [READY] and [RIBBON] indicators blinking simultaneously on my Postek Label Maker?
- L
  Laura SmithAug 20, 2025
  If the [READY] and [RIBBON] indicators are blinking simultaneously on your Postek Label Maker, here are a few potential causes and solutions: * You may be out of ribbon. Try loading a new roll of ribbon. * The ribbon may be jammed. Make sure the ribbon follows a steady and smooth path. * The ribbon spindle may be installed incorrectly. Ensure it is installed correctly. * The ribbon sensor might be dirty, so clean the ribbon sensor. * If the ribbon sensor is out of order, contact an authorized POSTEK service provider for technical support.
J
John EnglishAug 23, 2025
How to improve poor printing quality on a Postek Label Maker?
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  Trevor PrestonAug 23, 2025
  If you're experiencing poor printing quality with your Postek Label Maker, consider the following: * The printing parameters may be set inappropriately. Adjust the print darkness and print speed settings. * The printhead may be dirty. Clean the printhead following the recommended maintenance guidelines. * You might be using poor quality consumables. Try changing to higher-quality consumables.
S
Sharon JenkinsAug 26, 2025
What to do if data is sent but the Postek Label Maker is not printing?
- A
  andrew65Aug 26, 2025
  If you're sending data to your Postek Label Maker but it's not printing, there are a couple of things to check: * The driver may be incorrect. Ensure the correct driver is chosen in the label software. * There may be a memory overflow. Try resetting the printer.
R
robert08Aug 27, 2025
Why is only the [READY] indicator blinking on my Postek Label Maker?
- J
  James HarveyAug 27, 2025
  If only the [READY] indicator is blinking on your Postek Label Maker, the printer might be in a paused state. Press the [Pause/Self Test] button to resume. Alternatively, there could be a cutter error. Check whether the cutter is installed correctly, for details, please contact an authorized POSTEK service provider for technical support.
K
kpatelAug 30, 2025
How to fix vertical blank lines appearing on labels printed with my Postek Label Maker?
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  Mary Foster DVMAug 30, 2025
  If vertical blank lines are appearing on your labels from the Postek Label Maker, it's likely that the printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead, following the recommended maintenance guidelines.
M
mackscottSep 1, 2025
What to do if READY and MEDIA lamps blink simultaneously on Postek C168 Barcode Reader?
- C
  Charles HodgeSep 1, 2025
  If the READY and MEDIA lamps are blinking simultaneously on your Postek Barcode Reader, it could be due to several reasons: * The media sensor may not be detecting labels because the media hasn't been loaded correctly. Check the media loading. * The media sensor position may be incorrect and unable to detect the media gap or black line. Check the sensor position and calibrate it. If using continuous media, ensure the correct Media Type settings are chosen in the label software. * The media roll guides may not be firmly positioned against the media or have not been installed. Install the Media Roll Guides correctly and press them firmly against the media. * The media roll may have run out, so load a new roll of media. * The media may be jammed, so clear the jam.
M
Miguel RileySep 3, 2025
How to improve printing quality on Postek C168?
- J
  joseph43Sep 3, 2025
  If you're experiencing poor printing quality with your Postek Barcode Reader, try the following: 1. Adjust the print darkness setting value. 2. Adjust the print speed setting value. 3. Clean the Printhead and the platen roller. 4. If the issue persists, the poor quality printing may be caused by using a low-quality ribbon or media. Try changing to a higher quality ribbon and media.
J
Jeremy MendezSep 6, 2025
What to do if READY and RIBBON lamps blink simultaneously on Postek Barcode Reader?
- N
  Nathaniel WeaverSep 6, 2025
  If the READY and RIBBON lamps are blinking simultaneously on your Postek Barcode Reader, it could be due to these reasons: * The ribbon may have run out, so load a new roll of ribbon. * The ribbon may be jammed, so clear the jam.
A
Alexandra CobbSep 8, 2025
What to do if data sent but not printing on Postek C168 Barcode Reader?
- S
  stokeswilliamSep 8, 2025
  If you are sending data to your Postek Barcode Reader, but it is not printing, ensure that the correct driver is chosen in the label software and reset the printer.
S
Stephen ClarkSep 12, 2025
Why is only READY lamp blinking on Postek C168?
- K
  knealSep 12, 2025
  If only the READY lamp is blinking on your Postek Barcode Reader, it could indicate a serial I/O error. Check the DIP switches for the baud rate settings. Alternatively, it could be due to memory overflow, in which case you should restart or reset the printer.

Summary

Disclaimer and Legal Notices

Manual Accuracy and Liability

Manual accuracy, product changes, and liability for errors or omissions.

Manufacturer Warranty Limitations

Limits manufacturer liability for unpredictable conditions and damages.

Important Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Covers handling, environment, power, and maintenance safety.

Product Warnings

Highlights Class A product interference and static electricity risks.

Preface and Important Notices

Printer Overview

Introduces the C168 Series printer features and benefits.

Printhead Care and Handling

Crucial instructions for preventing printhead damage and ensuring longevity.

Consumable Quality Guidelines

Emphasizes using high-quality labels, tags, and ribbons for optimal performance.

Print Method Considerations

Explains Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer printing and warranty impact.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Printer Specifications

Details technical specifications for C168/200s and C168/300s models.

Power Adapter Specifications

Lists input, output, and environmental specifications for the power adapter.

Contents of Box

Packing List Details

Itemizes all components included in the printer package.

Chapter 2: Setup and Use

Printer Setup Considerations

Guidelines for adequate space and cable accessibility before initial setup.

Main Printer Parts Identification

Identifies key external components of the C168 Series printer.

Connecting the Printer

Power Connection Warnings

Safety warnings regarding liquids, chemicals, and correct power adapters.

Power Connection Steps

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the printer to a power source.

Interface Connection

Supported Interface Types

Details supported RS-232 Serial and USB connections for communication.

USB Connection Best Practices

Advice for using the same USB port during driver installation for optimal performance.

Cable Noise Reduction Tips

Tips for minimizing cable noise to ensure reliable data communication.

Loading the Ribbon

Ribbon Loading Precautions

Precautions for loading ribbon, especially for direct thermal printing.

Ribbon Installation Procedure

Detailed instructions for installing a ribbon roll into the printer.

Loading the Media

Media Loading Modes

Explains Standard, Peel-off, and Cutting modes for media handling.

Standard Mode Media Loading

Standard Mode Loading Steps

Step-by-step guide for loading media into the printer in Standard Mode.

Peel-off Mode Setup

Peel-off Mode Requirement

Notes that the optional Peeler Kit is required for Peel-off mode operation.

Peel-off Mode Configuration

Instructions for enabling and setting up the printer for Peel-off mode.

Cutting Mode Setup

Cutting Mode Requirement

Notes that the optional Rotary Cutter is required for Cutting mode operation.

Cutting Mode Configuration

Instructions for enabling and setting up the printer for Cutting mode.

Using the External Media Stand

Media Stand Capacity

Explains how the stand accommodates larger media rolls up to 8" OD.

Installing the Media Stand

Media Stand Installation Guide

Guides on positioning the media stand relative to the printer feet for stability.

Loading Media with External Stand

Media Spindle and Guide Assembly

Instructions for assembling media roll on spindle with guides and adapters.

External Media Path Routing

Details on routing media from the external stand through the printer mechanism.

Adjusting Media Sensor Position

Media Sensor Adjustment Steps

Steps to access and reposition the media sensor for accurate label detection.

Chapter 3: Operations and Settings

Power Switch Functionality

Explains the operation and function of the printer's power switch.

Front Panel Overview

Identifies indicator lamps and function buttons on the printer's front panel.

Indicator Lamp Status Meanings

Describes the meaning of READY, MEDIA, and RIBBON indicator lamp states.

Panel Button Functions

Button Operation Guide

Details basic and advanced functions of panel buttons like Feed, Pause, Cancel.

Advanced Printer Functions

Media Sensor Calibration

Procedure for calibrating the media sensor after loading new media.

Printer Self-Test Procedure

How to perform a self-test to print a configuration report.

Reset Printer Settings

Factory Reset Procedure

Steps to reset the printer to its default factory settings.

Reset Parameter Overview

Lists parameters that are reset to factory defaults upon reset.

DIP Switch Panel

DIP Switch Configuration

Overview of the DIP switch panel and notes for setting.

DIP Switch Functions

DIP Switch Settings Table

Detailed table mapping DIP switch bits to functions and remarks.

Windows Printer Driver

Driver Compatibility Information

Lists compatible operating systems and download sources for the printer driver.

Label Editing Software

Included Label Software

Information about the powerful barcode label editing software included with the printer.

Chapter 4: Maintenance

Maintenance Safety Warnings

General safety warnings to observe before performing any maintenance operations.

Cleaning the Printhead

Printhead Cleaning Procedure

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the printer's thermal printhead.

Printhead Cleaning Frequency

Recommends intervals for cleaning the printhead based on ribbon and label usage.

Cleaning the Platen Roller

Platen Roller Cleaning Guide

Instructions and recommended frequency for cleaning the platen roller.

Cleaning the Printer Interior

Printer Interior Cleaning

Guidance on cleaning the printer's interior to prevent debris damage to parts.

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

Error Indication Overview

Explains printer status based on blinking indicator lamps.

READY;MEDIA Lamp Error

Troubleshooting for simultaneous blinking of READY and MEDIA lamps.

READY;RIBBON Lamp Error

Troubleshooting for simultaneous blinking of READY and RIBBON lamps.

READY Lamp Only Error

Troubleshooting for scenarios where only the READY lamp blinks.

Miscellaneous Troubleshooting

Vertical Blank Lines

Identifies causes and solutions for vertical blank lines in printouts.

Printer Timeout Error

Troubleshooting steps for printer timeout error messages.

Data Sent, Not Printing

Solutions for when data is sent but the printer fails to print.

Poor Printing Quality

Printing Quality Improvement

Steps to improve print quality, including settings and consumables.

Error Recovery

Error Recovery Procedures

How to clear alarms or restart the printer to resume printing operations.

Appendix A: Interface Specifications

RS232 Connector Pinout

Details the pin assignments for the DB9F RS232 connector on the printer.

Host Connection Wiring

Provides wiring diagrams for connecting the printer to host computers via RS232 serial ports.

Serial Communication Settings

Specifies baud rate, data format, parity, and flow control for serial communication.

Port Detection and Data Notes

Explains automatic port detection and cautions against simultaneous data transmission.

Appendix B: ASCII Table

ASCII Character Mapping

A table mapping ASCII codes (0-9, A-F) to their corresponding characters.

Postek C168 Series Specifications

General

Ribbon Length	300 m
Type	Desktop Barcode Printer
Print Method	Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal
Print Resolution	203 DPI
Memory	8MB Flash, 8 MB SDRAM
Media Type	Roll
Media Roll Diameter	127 mm (5 inches)
Ribbon Core	25.4 mm (1")
Processor	32-bit RISC
Interfaces	USB, Serial
Power Supply	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Media Width	25.4 mm - 108 mm
Media Thickness	0.06 - 0.19 mm
Ribbon Width	25.4 mm - 110 mm

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