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Xprinter DT108B Series - User Manual

Xprinter DT108B Series
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DT108B Series
DIRECT THERMAL
BARCODE PRINTER
USER’S MANUAL
Direct Thermal Printer

Table of Contents

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Overview

  1. Function Description
  2. Important Technical Specifications
  3. Usage Features
  4. Installation
  5. Mounting Sheet (Loading Paper)
  6. Built-in Power Supply
  7. Single Print Function
  8. LED Indicator and Key Function
  9. General Button Function
  10. Internal Network Adapter Boot (Boot Functions)
  11. Boot Function Indicator Color Cycle Mode
  12. Gap Sensor Detection (Sensitivity Calibration)
  13. Gap Sensor Detection; Print Debugging Mode and Self-Testing Value
  14. Self Test
  15. Dump Mode
  16. Printer Initialization
  17. Skip AUTO.BAS Program
  18. Printer Diagnostic Tool
  19. Enabling Diagnostic Tool
  20. Printer Settings (Diagnostic Tool)
  21. Correction of Paper Sensor with Printer Diagnostic Tool (Auto Calibration)
  22. Maintenance Features
  23. Cleaning Steps
  24. Troubleshooting (Common Problems and Solutions)

This document is the user's manual for the DT108B Series Direct Thermal Barcode Printer. It provides comprehensive information on the printer's features, installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Function Description:

The DT108B Series is a desktop direct thermal barcode printer designed to provide safe, reliable, and efficient print quality at a reasonable price. It is capable of printing a wide range of label formats, including text and graphics. The printer supports various printing materials such as paper, paper labels, and folding sections. It is commonly used for printing one-dimensional and two-dimensional barcodes, and supports TTF fonts as well as eight groups of different sizes of English fonts, with four different angle printing directions. The font enlargement function allows for scalable font changes, significantly improving label printing efficiency.

Important Technical Specifications:

The printer offers adjustable printing speeds of 2, 3, 4, and 5 inches per second. Default print settings after initialization:

  • Speed: 101.6 mm/sec (4 ips) for 203DPI, 76 mm/sec (3 ips) for 300DPI
  • Concentration: 8
  • Label width: 4" (100 mm)
  • Label height: 7.9" (180 mm)
  • Sensor type: Gap sensor
  • Gap setting: 0.16" (4.0 mm)
  • Print direction: 0
  • Reference point: 0,0 (upper left corner)
  • Offset: 0
  • Tear-off mode: On
  • Character: 850
  • Country code: 001
  • Clear Flash: No
  • IP address: DHCP

The printer is equipped with two sets of gear drive motors and features a button and a three-color LED indicator for various functions. It has internal memory (DRAM) and flash memory. DRAM can store up to 256 files, with a maximum capacity of 256KB. Flash memory can also store up to 256 files, with a maximum capacity of 2560KB.

Usage Features:

The printer features a user-friendly design with a front view showing an indicator light, paper key, open cover fastening, and paper outlet. The rear view includes a power switch, power supply jack, SD card slot, USB interface, and feeder.

Installation:

  1. Place the printer on a smooth surface and ensure the power is off.
  2. Connect the power cord to the printer's power outlet and then to an AC socket, ensuring the power switch is off during connection.

Mounting Sheet (Loading Paper):

  1. Push the button on the printer cover forward with both hands to open it.
  2. Place the paper on the Media box surface.
  3. Pass the paper through the paper guiding device and pull it over the rubber roller.
  4. Close the printer cover to avoid affecting print quality.

Built-in Power Supply:

The power adapter is integrated into the printer. Users only need to connect the power cord and turn on the switch.

Single Print Function:

If the printer runs out of paper, inserting new leaflets into the feeder will automatically trigger the printer to resume printing by sucking in the paper. In standby mode, the printer automatically feeds paper to the print position for single print functionality.

LED Indicator and Key Function:

The LED indicator displays different colors to indicate printer status:

  • Blue (fixed): Power on, printer on standby to print.
  • Blue (flashing): Printer is downloading data or paused.
  • Purple: Printer is clearing data.
  • Red (fixed): Upper cover open.
  • Red (flashing): Print error (e.g., out of paper, cardboard, or memory errors).

General Button Function:

  • Feed: When the printer is ready (fixed blue LED), clicking the button feeds one label paper to the front end.
  • Print Job Timeout: During printing, clicking the button pauses the print job (LED flashes blue). Clicking it again resumes printing.

Internal Network Adapter Boot (Boot Functions):

The printer has four boot functions for setting or testing hardware. These functions are accessed by pressing and holding the button while powering on, then releasing the button according to the desired function.

Boot Function Indicator Color Cycle Mode:

The manual details specific color sequences for different boot functions, such as Gap Sensor Detection, Gap Sensor Detection with Debugging Mode, Printer Initialization, and Skipping AUTO.BAS program.

Gap Sensor Detection (Sensitivity Calibration):

This function determines the sensitivity of the label paper sensor. It's necessary to recalibrate when replacing different specifications of paper rolls or after printer initialization. The default sensor setting is for gap correction. Steps: Power off, press and hold the key while powering on, release the feed key when the indicator light cycles through specific colors (Blue and purple > Blue > Blue and purple > Red (flashing 5 times) > Blue and purple (flashing 5 times) > Blue (flashing 5 times) > Blue (fixed)). Caution: Select gap or black mark sensor using the GAP command before calibration.

Gap Sensor Detection; Print Debugging Mode and Self-Testing Value:

Similar to gap sensor detection, this mode also prints the measured value and enters a debug mode, printing numerical values. Steps: Ensure paper is installed, power off, press and hold the key while powering on, release the feed key when the indicator light cycles. The sensor will correct the label paper, print the measured value, and enter debug mode. Turn off and on again to return to normal print mode. Caution: Use Diagnostic Tool or GAP command to confirm tag type before calibration.

Self Test:

After sensor calibration, the printer prints a test value. This can be used to verify proper printer function before connecting to a computer. The self-test printout provides information about the print head and the printer's internal state, including:

  • Aircraft type & firmware version
  • Machine serial number
  • Print head number range
  • Check code
  • Serial setting
  • Character set
  • Country code
  • Print speed
  • Print density
  • Paper size (width, height)
  • Gap size (vertical gap, offset)
  • Sensor strength
  • File information (DRAM and Flash usage)

Dump Mode:

After executing a self-test, the printer enters debug mode, printing all machine code. The left side shows ASCII strings (data received by the system), and the right side shows their sixteen hexadecimal values. This mode is for debugging by users or engineers. Powering off exits dump mode.

Printer Initialization:

This function clears downloaded files from DRAM and restores print parameters to factory settings. Steps: Power off, press the paper key while powering on, release the paper key when the indicator light flashes blue. The printer will reset, flash purple, and then return to a fixed blue (ready) state.

Skip AUTO.BAS Program:

The XPL command language allows loading an AUTO.BAS file into flash memory for automatic execution on startup. This function allows users to bypass the automatic execution of this file. Steps: Power off, press the paper key while powering on, release the FEED key when the indicator light is fixed. The printer will then skip the AUTO.BAS program.

Printer Diagnostic Tool:

This is a Windows-based tool for viewing printer status, setting values, downloading graphics, procedures, font files, and firmware updates. It also supports dot matrix word production and file transfer, helping users configure the printer, monitor its status, and troubleshoot issues.

Enabling Diagnostic Tool:

  1. Double-click "Diagnostic Tool.exe".
  2. The main screen shows three management pages: printer settings, file management, and communication tools.

Printer Settings (Diagnostic Tool):

  1. Select the connection interface (default is USB).
  2. Click "printer" in the function setup.
  3. The printer settings page offers various functions:
    • Calibrate Sensor: Calibrates the sensor based on the media sensor field.
    • Ethernet Setup: Configures IP address, subnet mask, and gateway for Ethernet.
    • RTC Time: Synchronizes the printer's Real Time Clock with the PC.
    • Factory Default: Initializes the printer and restores factory settings.
    • Reset Printer: Reboots the printer.
    • Print Test Page: Prints a test page.
    • Configuration Page: Prints the printer configuration.
    • Dump Text: Activates printer dump mode.
    • Ignore AUTO.BAS: Ignores the downloaded AUTO.BAS program.
    • Password Setup: Sets a printer password.

Correction of Paper Sensor with Printer Diagnostic Tool (Auto Calibration):

  1. Ensure paper is installed correctly and the print head is closed. Note: This type of paper sensor is not adjustable; confirm gap position.
  2. Power on the printer.
  3. Open the Diagnostic Tool and setup interface (default USB).
  4. Click the "Calibrate" key.
  5. Select the paper type and click the "Calibrate" button. The printer will automatically feed paper and perform sensor calibration.

Maintenance Features:

Regular maintenance ensures print quality and extends printer life. Recommended Tools: Cotton swab, cotton, vacuum cleaner or air cleaner, medical alcohol.

Cleaning Steps:

  • Print Head:
    1. Turn off printer power.
    2. Cool print head for at least one minute.
    3. Wipe print head surface with a cotton swab. Frequency: When replacing new label paper. Caution: Do not touch the print head directly. If touched, use a cotton swab dipped in medical alcohol. Use medical alcohol, not industrial alcohol, as industrial alcohol may damage the print head.
  • Rubber Roller:
    1. Turn off printer power.
    2. While rotating the rubber roller, carefully wipe with a cotton cloth or cotton swab dipped in medical alcohol. Frequency: When replacing new label paper.
  • Torn Paper (Paper Path): Wipe with a cotton cloth dipped in medical alcohol. Frequency: When needed.
  • Sensor: Remove dust with an air cleaner or vacuum cleaner. Frequency: Monthly.
  • External Machine: Wipe with a wet cotton cloth. Frequency: When needed.
  • Internal Machine: Remove dust with an air cleaner or vacuum cleaner. Frequency: When needed.

Troubleshooting (Common Problems and Solutions):

The manual provides a table of common problems, possible causes, and resolutions:

  • Power indicator light is not bright:
    • Possible factors: Power plug not properly connected, power switch not open.
    • Resolvent: Check power connector, turn on power switch.
  • Diagnostic Tool shows "printer on":
    • Possible factors: Printing head seat not closed.
    • Resolvent: Close the print head seat.
  • Diagnostic Tool shows "paper exhaustion":
    • Possible factors: Label paper exhausted, incorrect label installation, incorrect gap sensor detection.
    • Resolvent: Install new label paper, refer to installation steps, recalibrate label sensor.
  • Diagnostic Tool shows "paper jam":
    • Possible factors: Incorrect gap sensor detection, incorrect label paper size setting, label paper stuck in printer.
    • Resolvent: Recalibrate label sensor, set correct label size, internal cleaning.
  • Memory space is full (FLASH / DRAM):
    • Possible factors: FLASH/DRAM memory space is full.
    • Resolvent: Remove unnecessary files, DRAM stores up to 256 files (256KB max), FLASH stores up to 256 files (2560KB max).
  • MicroSD memory card cannot be used:
    • Possible factors: MicroSD card damage, incorrectly inserted, unauthorized manufacturer's card.
    • Resolvent: Use supported capacity card, reinstall card, refer to section 2.2.3 for specifications.
  • Poor print quality:
    • Possible factors: Dust/adhesive on print head, improper print density setting, print head damage, inappropriate print head pressure setting.
    • Resolvent: Reinstall supplies, clean print head, clean rubber roller, adjust print density/speed. Perform self-test to check for print head damage (replace if damaged). Adjust print head pressure knob (left side for too light, right side for too light). If label thickness > 0.22mm, print quality may be poor. Confirm print head holder is closed.
  • Jump occurs when printing:
    • Possible factors: Incorrect/incomplete label size, label replacement without recalibration, label sensor covered with dust.
    • Resolvent: Ensure correct label size, recalibrate label sensor, use air cleaner to remove dust.
  • Small print volume/incorrect print position:
    • Possible factors: Label sensor not set correctly, label size not set correctly, vertical displacement (vertical offset) not set in printer driver.
    • Resolvent: Recalibrate label sensor, set correct label size and gap. If using BarTender, set vertical offset in printer driver.
  • Left/right sides print content lost:
    • Possible factors: Label size not set correctly.
    • Resolvent: Set correct label size.
  • RTC time is incorrect when printer is restarted:
    • Possible factors: Battery is dead.
    • Resolvent: Confirm battery on motherboard.
  • Fold problem:
    • Possible factors: Uneven print head pressure, label paper not installed correctly, incorrect print density, label paper feed not correct.
    • Resolvent: See print head pressure adjustment, set appropriate label printing density, adjust label width adjuster.
  • Black label paper appears gray line:
    • Possible factors: Dirty print head, dirty rubber roller.
    • Resolvent: Clean print head, clean rubber roller.
  • Print instability:
    • Possible factors: Printer in Hex Dump mode.
    • Resolvent: Turn printer on and off to exit dump mode.

The manual concludes with an update record, noting the initial release on 2017/05/17 (Release V1.00) by Austin Bill.

Xprinter DT108B Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandXprinter
ModelDT108B Series
CategoryBarcode Reader
LanguageEnglish