E-Class FAQ
Q: What type of cables can I use to connect the printer to the computer?
A: All E-Class printers come standard with USB, parallel, and serial ports. The more popular connection is now USB since many computer manufactures do not build new computers with the serial and parallel ports. If you should need to use the serial port connection, you must either purchase a Datamax serial cable or make one according to the pin-out diagram. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for the pin-out diagram.
Q: What type of labels and/or ribbon can I use with the printer?
A: All E-Class printers come standard as direct thermal. Direct thermal labels have a special coating that turns black when heat it applied and does not use ribbon. The printer can be configured with a thermal transfer option that will allow the printer to use ribbon. There are many different types of labels (gap, reflective mark, and continuous) and ribbon (wax, resin, and wax/resin combination,) the printer can accept. The printer can support label widths from 1 inch to a maximum of 4.3 inches wide. Any ribbon used MUST be CSI (Coated Side In). For further assistance please contact Datamax/O’Neil Printing Supplies at 407-523-5650.
Q: Why is the printer going into “Fault” right out of the box?
A: The printer might need to be reconfigured for your application. The defaults of the printer are Direct Thermal and for Gap/Edge labels. If you are using a ribbon or a different type of label, those settings may need to be changed. There are other possibilities as well. You may wish to contact your Reseller for assistance or Datamax Technical Support.
Q: What can I do to get the print to be darker?
A: If you are using Thermal Transfer labels with ribbon then make sure you have the correct combination. Certain label/ribbon combinations are not compatible. If you do have the correct combination then increasing the Heat setting in your Software should resolve your issue.
Q: Why is the printer going into Fault when I just moved the printer to another location?
A: Be sure that you are using the power adapter that came with the printer. Many other devices have a similar power connector that gives it just enough power to turn on. But when a print job or something that requires it to print or even just feed a label will cause it to go to fault.
Q: Why is the printer going into Fault when I replaced the ribbon?
A: Check the way the ribbon is being routed. If the ribbon is loaded incorrectly, the label sensor eye will be covered and cannot read the label correctly.
Q: I have replaced the labels and now it only feeds out blank labels when I try to print. What could have caused this?
A: There could be a few reasons why. Try pressing and releasing the F1 & F2 buttons at the same time. If it prints out a sample label then maybe something needs to be changed in your label software or the printer driver.
If the sample label does not print and the label is still blank:
-If you are normally using Direct Thermal labels then this new batch could be Thermal Transfer labels. With a coin, scratch the label; if it does not turn black where it was scratched you have thermal transfer labels which requires the use of a ribbon.
-If the scratch mark did turn black then try increasing the Heat setting in your software. This new batch of labels may have been made with a different top layer.
-If you are using Thermal Transfer then maybe this new label is not compatible with your ribbon.
If your supplier says you do have the correct combination then increase the Heat setting in your software. If none of the above are successful then contact Datamax Technical Support.
Q: Everything was printing fine and nothing with the ribbon or labels have been changed. It is now going into a fault when I try to print or feed a label.
A: First try restarting the computer and printer. If that does not solve the problem it could be that the sensor eye has gotten dirty or something is covering it. Turn the printer off and try cleaning it with some compressed air and removing anything that may be stuck on it.
Q: Why doesn’t the label feed out far enough so I can tear it off?
A: This is the Default setting for your printer. You can change this in the printers internal Menu or make this adjustment in your Label Software Package. If you wish to change this in the printer then refer to the Database section in the Operator’s Manual.
Q: Why is nothing printing on the right side of the label?
A: The thumbwheel probably needs to be adjusted or the printhead is not fully locked into position. On the right side of the printhead carrier you will see a round, green wheel with numbers on it. Rotate it counter-clockwise to a higher number so it will apply more pressure to the right side of the printhead. If you are using narrow labels, rotate it clockwise to a lower number to avoid abrasion damage to the platen roller. Please refer to the Operator’s Manual for instructions and diagrams.
