Printronix SL4M - User Manual

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User’s Manual

SL4M™ and T4M™

RFID Smart Label and Thermal Printers

Main Page

Other manuals for Printronix SL4M

Quick Setup Guide68 pages

Reference Manual112 pages

Programmer's Reference Manual60 pages

Questions and Answers

K
Krista TranSep 15, 2025
How to fix Printronix Label Maker that fails to turn on?
- J
  jordanstephanieSep 16, 2025
  If your Printronix Label Maker fails to turn on and the display is not backlit: 1. Check that the printer AC power cord is correctly attached to both the printer and the AC power outlet. 2. Have a qualified electrician test the AC wall outlet for the correct power range. Ensure the printer is located in an area with the correct power range. 3. Check the AC power cord for damage and replace if necessary. 4. Call your authorized service representative.
A
Amanda GilbertNov 18, 2025
What to do if Printronix Label Maker smears or voids in printed image?
- D
  Diana SmithNov 18, 2025
  If you observe smears or voids in the printed image from your Printronix Label Maker, try the following: 1. Clean the printhead. 2. Lower the printhead temperature (Print Intensity) in the MEDIA SETUP menu. 3. Check the printhead pressure switch positions to match the media thickness. 4. Adjust the printhead balance dial for the installed media width. 5. Ensure the ribbon is correctly routed and not passing through the media sensor assembly. 6. Wipe the label stock with a cloth to remove skin oils. 7. Check the media for mishandling. 8. Ensure the media is installed correctly. 9. Verify the correct ribbon and media combination is being used. 10. Smooth out any creases or folds on the ribbon. 11. Reduce the Print Speed value in the MEDIA SETUP menu or via host software. 12. If usi...

Summary

Introduction

The SL4 M;T4 M Thermal Printer

Introduces the SL4M/T4M series of printers and their capabilities.

Standard Features

Lists the standard features of the SL4M/T4M printers.

Optional Features

Describes optional features available for the SL4M/T4M printers.

Thermal Printer Technology

Explains the technology behind thermal printers and their operation.

Manual Conventions

Details conventions used in the manual for keys, messages, and combinations.

Warnings and Special Information

Provides safety warnings and important information for printer operation.

Thermal Consumables

Discusses media and ribbon types for thermal printing.

Operation

Unpacking the Printer

Provides instructions on how to safely unpack the printer from its shipping container.

Installation

Guides through the initial setup and installation process of the printer.

Setting Up the Printer

Details procedures for setting up the printer, including loading media and ribbon.

Loading Ribbon

Step-by-step guide on how to load a ribbon into the printer.

Loading Roll Media

Instructions for loading roll media into the printer for printing.

Loading Fanfold Media

Instructions for loading fanfold media into the printer.

Operating Modes

Explains the different operating modes of the printer: Online, Offline, Menu, and Fault.

Controls and Indicators

Describes the printer's control panel, buttons, indicators, and LCD display.

Standard Interfaces

Overview

Introduces the host interfaces available with the printer and the Auto Switching feature.

Auto Switching

Explains the feature allowing the printer to handle multiple data streams sequentially.

Parallel Interface

Details the Centronics and IEEE 1284 parallel interfaces and their pin assignments.

Serial Interface

Describes the RS-232 serial interface and its connector pin assignments.

Configuring the Printer

Overview

Provides information on setting, saving, and modifying printer configurations.

Setting Printer Configuration Parameters

Explains how to set configuration parameters via the control panel.

Moving within the Configuration Menu

Guides on navigating through the printer's configuration menus using navigation keys.

Changing Printer Settings

Details how to change printer settings like print speed and emulations.

Hidden Menus

Explains how to display hidden menus for advanced users.

Menu Overview

Provides a visual overview of the main configuration menus and their functions.

MEDIA SETUP Menu

Covers parameters related to print quality, media, and ribbon settings.

SENSOR SETUP Menu

Covers media sensing, calibration, and threshold settings.

EMULATION MENU

Describes printer emulations like PGL, ZGL, and their configuration.

PRINTER SETUP Menu

Details various printer setup options for configuration and management.

INTERFACES Menu

Covers host interface options including Ethernet, USB, Serial, and Parallel.

CONFIGURATION MENU

Explains saving, loading, and managing printer configurations.

DIAGNOSTICS Menu

Details printer tests, error logs, and status monitoring.

Downloading Software

Loading Flash Memory

Explains how to load emulation and operating system software into the printer's flash memory.

Downloading Software with the Firmware Download Utility

Details the process of downloading software using the FDU utility.

Downloading Software through the NIC

Guides on downloading software to the printer via the Network Interface Card.

Downloading TrueType Fonts

Details methods for downloading TrueType fonts to the printer.

Downloading Software If Flash Contains Only Boot or Corrupt Code

Provides steps for downloading software when flash memory is compromised.

Routine Care and Troubleshooting

Cleaning

Provides guidance on maintaining printer cleanliness for optimal performance.

Exterior Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the external surfaces of the printer.

Interior Cleaning

Details procedures for cleaning the printer's internal components.

Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors, and Media Damper

Specific instructions for cleaning critical printer components for print quality.

Printer Tests

Describes how to run automatic and manual printer tests for operation and quality checks.

Troubleshooting Common Situations

Provides solutions for common printer problems and potential issues.

Data Exchange

Suggests methods to isolate and determine causes of data loss or communication problems.

Controlling Print Quality

Discusses factors affecting print quality and how to adjust them.

Determining Printhead Wear

Methods to identify if vertical streaks are caused by a worn printhead.

Replacing the Printhead

Step-by-step instructions for safely replacing the printer's printhead assembly.

Restore the Printer to Operation

Procedure to restore printer operation after maintenance or troubleshooting.

Diagnostics for E0 xx, Bad NVM, or ILL NVM Errors

Guides on diagnosing and capturing information for specific printer error messages.

Solving Other Printer Problems

Provides a table of common printer problems and their solutions.

Printer Alarms

Describes the printer's built-in alarms for status and error monitoring.

Fault Messages

Lists and explains fault messages, categorizing them by user correctability.

Specifications

Print Method

Details the print resolution, method, speed, and width for SL4M/T4M printers.

Media

Provides general information about supported media types and their characteristics.

Media Thickness

Specifies the supported media thickness range for the printer.

Media Capacity

Details the capacity for roll and fanfold media supply.

Ribbon

Provides specifications for ribbon length, description, core, and width.

Indicators and Switches

Describes the printer's indicator lights, power switch, and keys.

Memory

Details standard flash and DRAM memory, and optional expanded memory.

Optional Expanded Memory Cartridge (EMC)

Explains the EMC's functionality for downloading forms, logos, and fonts.

Media Cutter Option

Provides specifications for the media cutter, including typical life and cutting method.

Printer Options

Hardware Options

Describes hardware options such as Media Cutter, Full Media Rewinder, and Peel options.

Expanded Memory Cartridge (EMC)

Details the EMC's role in providing additional flash memory for forms, logos, and fonts.

Quick Change Memory Cartridge (QCMC)

Details the QCMC for quickly copying printer firmware and configuration settings.

Interface Options

Covers Network Interface Card (NIC) and wireless options for printer connectivity.

Software Options

Discusses software options including DBCS Character Sets and Fonts, and Andalé Fonts.

Installing the EMC

Step-by-step guide for installing the Expanded Memory Cartridge (EMC).

Saving the Printer’s Configuration to the QCMC

Instructions on how to save the printer's current configuration and settings to the QCMC.

Copying the QCMC “Snapshot” Image to a Second Printer

Details the process of copying a printer's configuration from QCMC to another printer.

Updating the Printer Configuration to the QCMC

Explains how to update the printer configuration on the QCMC by deleting old files.

Loading New Firmware on the Printer

Describes the process of loading new firmware onto the printer, which erases NVRAM.

Using the Standard Peel without Liner Rewinder

Guides on using the Standard Peel option without a liner rewinder.

Configure The Printer Menu

Steps to configure the printer menu for Peel-Off media handling.

Load Media

Instructions for loading media into the printer for standard peel operation.

Using the Full Media Rewinder Option

Explains how to use the full media rewinder to automatically rewind printed labels.

Configure the Printer Menu

Steps to configure the printer menu for Rewind media handling.

Load Media

Instructions for loading media into the printer when using the media rewinder.

Using the Full Media Rewinder with 3 Inch Diameter Core Adapters

Explains using the full media rewinder with 3-inch core adapters for label rewinding.

Install the Core Adapters and Media Take-Up Core

Guides on installing core adapters and the media take-up core for the rewinder.

Using The Standard Peel With Liner Rewinder Option

Describes the standard peel-off mode with liner rewinding functionality.

Configure The Printer Menu

Steps to configure the printer menu for Peel-Off media handling.

Load Media

Instructions for loading media into the printer for standard peel with liner rewinder.

Removing Label Liner from the Rewinder

Instructions on how to remove the label liner from the rewinder.

Supplies

Information on ordering genuine Printronix thermal media and ribbons for optimal performance.

Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Lists various genuine Printronix thermal transfer ribbons and their features.

Genuine Printronix Media

Details various types of Printronix media, their descriptions, and typical applications.

Ribbon and Media Usage

Table showing media/ribbon compatibility and features for typical applications.

ASCII Control Codes

PTX_SETUP Commands

Overview

Introduces PTX_SETUP commands for printer tasks and configuration.

The PTX_SETUP Commands

Explains concepts and syntax for PTX_SETUP commands.

General Commands

Describes general PTX_SETUP commands applicable across platforms.

Thermal Commands

Lists PTX_SETUP commands specific to thermal printers.

Customer Support

Printronix Customer Support Center

Provides contact information for Printronix Customer Support.

Printronix Supplies Department

Contact information for ordering genuine Printronix supplies.

Corporate Offices

Lists Printronix corporate office locations worldwide.

Glossary

Communication Notices

Notices

Provides legal and regulatory notices regarding Printronix products and services.

Communication Notices

Details FCC compliance, RF exposure, and CE marking information.

RF Exposure

Specifies compliance with FCC and IC RF exposure requirements.

Co-location

States requirements for co-location with other transmitters or antennas.

Software License Agreement

RFID

Specifies the intended use for RFID devices.

Wireless Ethernet

Specifies the intended use for wireless Ethernet products.

Software License Agreement

Outlines the terms and conditions for using the printer's software, including eCos and other embedded software.

Object Code License

Defines the nonexclusive license for using the Printronix Software and Embedded Software.

Source Code

Information on the availability of eCos Software source code under GNU GPL.

No Warranty

Disclaims warranties for the embedded software, stating it is provided 'AS IS'.

Limitation of Liability

Limits Printronix's liability for damages arising from the use or inability to use the software.

Limited Software Product Warranty

Printronix warrants the Software for ninety (90) days after delivery for performance issues.

Remedy

Specifies the exclusive remedy as replacement of defective software.

Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Remedies

Excludes all other warranties and limits liability for damages.

Printronix SL4M Specifications

General

Print Resolution	203 dpi
Print Speed	400 cps
Memory	8 MB Flash, 16 MB DRAM
Dimensions	8.3 x 12.2 x 7.9 inches
Weight	11.9 lbs
Type	Industrial Printer
Media Width	4.1 inches
Media Thickness	0.0025" to 0.0100"
Connectivity	USB, Serial, Parallel
Maximum Print Speed	10 ips
Maximum Print Width	4.1 inches
Media Type	Labels, Tags
Resolution	203 dpi
Operating System Compatibility	Windows, Linux
Noise Level	55 dB