1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Xprinter H500B/H500E Thermal Transfer Ribbon Label Barcode Printer. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the printer to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Key Features:
- Supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing.
- High-speed printing up to 127 mm/s (H500B) or 101.6 mm/s (H500E).
- Accommodates 300-meter ribbons for reduced downtime.
- Compatible with Windows (XP and newer) and Linux operating systems.
- Available in 203 DPI (H500B) and 300 DPI (H500E) resolutions.
- Versatile for various label types including thermal transfer, PET/PVC, wash care, and jewelry labels.
- Equipped with a powerful 32-bit processor, 4MB Flash Memory, 8MB SDRAM, and an SD card reader for memory expansion up to 4 GB.
- Includes free labeling software and Windows drivers.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your vendor.
Figure 2.1: Printer and included accessories (Robbin, Shaft, Cable, CD Driver, Sticker Paper, Post, Adaptor, Plug).
- Xprinter H500B/H500E Printer
- Power Adapter and Cable
- USB Cable
- Ribbon Spindles (Shaft, Post)
- CD Driver (Software and Drivers)
- Quick Start Guide (if applicable)
3. Setup Guide
3.1 Unpacking and Placement
- Carefully remove the printer from its packaging.
- Place the printer on a stable, flat surface near a power outlet and your computer.
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the printer.
3.2 Connecting Power
- Connect the power adapter to the printer's power input port.
- Plug the power cable into a suitable electrical outlet (100-240V AC).
- Turn on the printer using the power switch.
3.3 Loading Media (Labels and Ribbon)
The printer supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing. For thermal transfer printing, a ribbon is required.
Figure 3.1: Open printer lid showing the internal mechanism for media loading.
Figure 3.2: Top view of the printer's internal components, including the label roll path.
Figure 3.3: Side view illustrating the label and ribbon loading paths within the printer.
- Open the printer's top cover.
- Loading Labels: Place the label roll onto the media spindle. Ensure the labels feed smoothly through the guides and under the print head. The printer supports media widths from 25.4mm to 118mm.
- Loading Ribbon (for Thermal Transfer): Insert the ribbon roll onto the supply spindle and the empty core onto the take-up spindle. Thread the ribbon as indicated by the internal diagrams, ensuring it passes between the print head and the labels. The ribbon capacity is max 300m, with a width of 110mm and a 1-inch core diameter.
- Close the top cover. The printer may perform an automatic paper test.
3.4 Driver and Software Installation
To use the printer with your computer, you need to install the appropriate drivers and labeling software.
- Drivers: Download the latest drivers for Windows/Linux/Mac from the official Xprinter website: https://www.xprintertech.com/drivers-2. Follow the on-screen instructions for installation.
- Labeling Software (Bartender): For advanced label design and printing, download the Bartender software from: https://www.xprinter.net/companyfile/15/.
- SDK: SDKs for Windows/Android/iOS are available for custom application development.
3.5 Connecting to Computer
- USB Connection: Connect the printer to your computer using the provided USB cable.
- Optional Connections: Depending on your model and configuration, you may also connect via Serial, LAN, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
4. Operation
4.1 Printing Modes
The Xprinter H500B/H500E supports two primary printing modes:
- Direct Thermal: Uses heat-sensitive paper that darkens when heated by the print head. No ribbon is required.
- Thermal Transfer: Uses a ribbon that transfers ink to the label material when heated. This method is suitable for more durable labels and a wider range of materials.
4.2 Printing Labels
Once drivers and software are installed, you can print labels from your chosen application (e.g., Bartender, or any application that supports printing to a label printer).
Figure 4.1: Overview of printer characteristics including 108mm width, electronic sheet, and ribbon/TTO capability.
Figure 4.2: Illustration of the dual-motor design enhancing performance with a printing speed of 127mm/s.
- Ensure the correct label type and ribbon (if needed) are loaded.
- Select your Xprinter H500B/H500E as the printer in your software.
- Configure label size, orientation, and content within the software.
- Send the print job to the printer.
4.3 Supported Label Types and Applications
The printer is designed for a wide range of commercial applications:
Figure 4.3: Various label applications including retail, logistics, cable identification, art paper, silver paper, and thermal paper labels.
Figure 4.4: Specific label examples such as wash marks, clothing tags, and jewelry labels.
- Retail: Price tags, shelf labels, product labels.
- Logistics: Shipping labels, inventory labeling.
- Industrial: Cable identification, instruction labels.
- Specialty: Wash care labels, jewelry labels, art paper, silver paper, thermal paper.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning the Print Head
Regular cleaning of the print head ensures print quality and extends the life of the printer. Clean the print head with an alcohol swab or a specialized print head cleaning pen.
- Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable.
- Open the top cover.
- Gently wipe the print head surface from the center outwards.
- Allow the print head to dry completely before closing the cover and reconnecting power.
- The print head has a life expectancy of 30 km.
5.2 Replacing Ribbon and Labels
Replace ribbons and label rolls as they run out. Refer to Section 3.3 for detailed loading instructions.
Figure 5.1: Internal view demonstrating the path for ribbon and label media during thermal transfer printing.
Figure 5.2: The printer's automatic paper test feature, which helps in proper media calibration.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Power cable disconnected, power switch off, faulty power adapter. | Check power connections, ensure power switch is on, test with another outlet or adapter if available. |
| Poor print quality (faded, lines) | Dirty print head, incorrect media/ribbon, print head wear. | Clean the print head (Section 5.1), ensure correct media and ribbon are used, adjust print density in software. |
| Printer not recognized by computer | Driver not installed, incorrect USB cable, port issue. | Install/reinstall drivers (Section 3.4), try a different USB port or cable, check device manager. |
| Labels not feeding correctly | Labels improperly loaded, media guides not adjusted, paper jam. | Reload labels correctly (Section 3.3), adjust media guides to fit label width, clear any paper jams. |
| Ribbon wrinkles or breaks | Ribbon tension incorrect, ribbon improperly loaded. | Ensure ribbon is loaded correctly and tension is appropriate. |
7. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications for the Xprinter H500B and H500E models.
| Feature | XP-H500B | XP-H500E |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 203 DPI | 300 DPI |
| Printing Method | Thermal Transfer / Direct Thermal | |
| Max. Print Speed | 127 mm/s (5”) | 101.6 mm/s (4”) |
| Max. Print Width | 108 mm (4.25”) | 104 mm (4.09”) |
| Max. Print Length | 2286 mm (90”) | 1016 mm (40”) |
| Media Type | Continuous, gap, black mark, fan-fold and punched hole | |
| Media Width | 25.4 - 118 mm (1.0” - 4.6”) | |
| Media Thickness | 0.06 ~ 0.254 mm (2.36 ~ 10 mil) | |
| Media Core Diameter | 25.4 ~ 76.2 mm (1” ~ 3”) | |
| Label Roll Capacity | 127 mm (5”) (External diameter) | |
| Ribbon Capacity | Max. 300 m | |
| Ribbon Width | 110 mm | |
| Ribbon Core Inner Diameter | 25.4 mm (1”) | |
| Processor | 32-bit CPU | |
| Memory | 4MB Flash Memory, 8MB SDRAM, SD card reader for Flash memory expansion, up to 4 GB | |
| Interface | Standard: USB+TF card. Optional: Serial/Lan/Bluetooth/WIFI/Parallel | |
| 1D Barcode Support | Code 39, Code 93, Code 128UCC, Code 128, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN and UPC 2(5) digits add-on, MSI, PLESSEY, POSTNET, China POST, GS1 DataBar, Code 11 | |
| 2D Barcode Support | PDF-417, Maxicode, DataMatrix, QR code, Aztec | |
| Rotation | 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° | |
| Emulation | TSPL, EPL, ZPL, DPL | |
| Dimensions (D x W x H) | 302.5 mm x 234 mm x 194.8 mm | |
| Weight | 2.6 kg | |
| Print Head Life | 30 km | |
| Power Input | AC 100-240V, 1.8A, 50-60Hz | |
| Power Output | DC 24V, 2.5A, 60W | |
| Operation Environment | 5 ~ 40°C (41~104°F), Humidity: 25 ~ 85% non-condensing | |
| Storage Environment | -40 ~ 60°C (-40~140°F), Humidity: 10 ~ 90% non-condensing | |
Figure 7.1: Physical dimensions of the Xprinter H500B/H500E printer.
Figure 7.2: Rear view of the printer highlighting the USB port and other interface options.
8. User Tips
- Media Versatility: This printer is not limited to just paper labels. It can print on various materials including satin, polyester, PET/PVC labels, and wash care labels, making it suitable for diverse applications like clothing tags and jewelry labels.
- Ribbon Selection: When printing barcode labels for products, ensure you use a ribbon with a maximum capacity of 300 meters and a width of 110mm, with a 1-inch core diameter. The printer's maximum print width is 108mm, so choose labels and ribbons accordingly.
- Memory Expansion: The printer's 4MB Flash Memory and 8MB SDRAM can be expanded up to 4 GB using an SD card, which is useful for storing a large number of fonts and graphics for complex label designs.
9. Warranty and Support
9.1 Warranty Information
The product comes with the manufacturer's standard "Shop's Three Guarantees" after-sale service. Please refer to the specific terms and conditions provided at the time of purchase or contact your vendor for details.
9.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, driver downloads, or further information, please visit the official Xprinter website:
- Xprinter Official Website: https://www.xprintertech.com
- Manuals: https://www.xprintertech.com/pos-printer-user-manual
