GoDEX EZ-1000 Plus Series Barcode Printer User Manual

Safety and Operating Requirements

Please read the following instructions carefully:

1. Protect the equipment from moisture. After transporting the equipment in cold weather, unpack it and warm it up in a warm room (do not connect to the power supply) for two hours before starting operation.
2. Before connecting the equipment to an outlet, please ensure that the mains voltage corresponds to the operating voltage of the equipment (220V, 50 Hz).
3. During prolonged downtime, unplug the equipment to avoid damage from possible power surges.
4. To prevent damage to the equipment and electric shock, do not spill liquid on the equipment.
5. The equipment may ONLY be opened by qualified service personnel.
6. Do not attempt to repair or adjust the equipment under voltage alone. Another person should be nearby, ready to provide first aid.
7. First aid or medical examination should be provided immediately after injury. Do not underestimate an injury, no matter how slight it may seem.
8. Replacement and cleaning of the print head must be performed only on switched-off equipment, with the power and interface cables disconnected!
9. Use only high-quality and proven consumables for printing. The use of low-quality, contaminated printing materials leads to premature failure of the print head.
10. Handle the printer's print head with care. Carefully read the section of this manual describing print head cleaning!

Helpful Tips:

• When installing labels, ensure that the label edge sensor falls within the dimensions of the label roll (the sensor has a mark that should be within the label width – be sure to check this) – see section 2-2. Label Installation.
• Check that the correct print mode is set (thermal or thermal-transfer) – see section 4-6. Switching between thermal/thermal-transfer print mode.

Translation performed by the General supplier of GoDEX products in Russia, OOO "SCANCORD". www.scancode.ru (495) 742-1789, 90, 91

1. Barcode Printer

1-1. Printer Accessories

After unpacking the printer, please check its completeness:

• Barcode printer
• Power cable
• Power adapter
• USB cable
• Sample labels
• Sample ribbon
• Ribbon core for installation
• Cleaning card for print head cleaning
• "Quick Start" Guide (in English)
• CD (with QLabel / User Manual / Drivers)

1-2. Main Characteristics

!Specifications are subject to change without prior notice!

For reference: 1” (inch) = 2.54 cm

1-3. Interfaces

Parallel Interface

• Handshaking: DSTB to printer, BUSY to host
• Interface cable: Parallel cable (Centronix) compatible with IBM PC
• Pinout: See below

Serial Interface

Port settings: 9600 baud rate, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, XON/XOFF protocol and RTS/CTS.

RS232 Pinout (9-pin to 9-pin)

Note: The total current output from the serial and parallel ports must not exceed 500mA.

USB Interface

Connector type: Type B

Internal Interface

UART1 Microchip to Ethernet Module

UART2 Microchip to Expansion Module

1-4. Printer Components

The GoDEX EZ-1000 Plus printer features several key components for its operation and maintenance. Below is a description of the main parts:

Top View Components:

1. Top Cover Latch: Secures the top cover in place.
2. Top Cover: Provides access to the internal components for media and ribbon loading.
3. Label Roll Spindle: Holds the label roll.
4. Ribbon Take-up Spool: Winds the used ribbon.
5. Print Mechanism: The core assembly responsible for printing.
6. Ribbon Take-up Spindle (Receiving) + Empty Cardboard Core: Used to wind the used ribbon.
7. Print Mechanism Latches (Right/Left): Secure the print mechanism.
8. Front Panel: Houses control buttons and indicators.

Front Panel and Internal Components:

1. Ready LED (Green): Indicates the printer is ready for operation.
2. Status LED (Orange/Red): Indicates printer status or errors.
3. FEED Key (Paper Advance): Advances labels or paper.
4. Memory Expansion Adapter Slot Cover: Protects the memory expansion slot.
5. Print Head Pressure Adjustment Screws (Left/Right): Used to adjust the print head pressure.

Internal Media Path Components:

1. Ribbon Supply Spindle: Holds the new ribbon roll.
2. Label Guides: Guide the label media through the printer.
3. Label Feed Roller: Advances the label media.
4. Print Head Position Regulator: Adjusts the print head's horizontal position.
5. Label Edge Sensor: Detects the edge of the labels.

Rear Panel Ports:

1. External Label Feed Opening: For feeding labels from an external source.
2. Power Switch: Turns the printer on/off.
3. Ethernet Connector (Optional): For network connectivity.
4. USB Port: For USB connection to a computer.
5. Parallel Port: For parallel connection to a computer.
6. Serial Port (RS-232): For serial connection to a computer.
7. Power Input Jack: Connects to the power adapter.

*Communication ports may vary depending on the product class.

2. Printer Setup

This printer model can operate in the following print modes:

Select the desired print mode in the QLabel software before feeding labels for printing. If the software does not specify the print method, you must set the mode directly on the printer. See section 4-6. Switching between thermal/thermal-transfer print mode.

2-1. Ribbon Installation

1. Place the printer on a flat surface. Press the latches on both sides and lift the top cover.
2. Press the print mechanism latches to release and lift the print mechanism upwards.
3. To remove the ribbon supply spindle, slide it slightly to the left. Once removed, load a new ribbon roll onto it. Place the spindle with the new ribbon roll back into the ribbon compartment.
4. Thread the ribbon from the roll under the print head. (Ensure the roller is correctly installed and the ink layer of the ribbon faces away from the print head).
5. Wrap the ribbon around the take-up spindle with an empty cardboard core attached. Secure the ribbon to the core without skewing. (A small piece of tape can be used).
6. Gently and firmly (until it clicks) close the print mechanism.

If the ribbon wrinkles during printing, adjust the print head position and pressure. See sections 5-2. Print Head Pressure Adjustment and 5-3. Print Head Position Adjustment.

2-2. Label Roll Installation

1. Place the printer on a flat surface. Press the latches and lift the top cover.
2. Load the label roll onto the label roll spindle and place it into the label compartment. (Pay attention to how the label roll spindle is installed – see section 2-3. Label Spindle Installation).
3. Press the latches to release and lift the print mechanism.
4. Thread the label media through the two guides.
5. Slide the guides towards the edges of the labels (do not clamp too tightly).
6. Adjust the label edge sensor. The sensor mark should be within the label dimensions.
7. Gently and firmly (until it clicks) close the print mechanism.

2-3. Label Spindle Installation

The spindle has several markings. Ensure that the marking corresponding to the inner diameter of the label roll being installed is facing upwards.

• (A) 1" inner diameter 25.4 mm: The spindle should be inserted with the '1 CORE' marking visible and facing up.
• (B) 1.5" inner diameter 38.1 mm: The spindle should be inserted with the '1.5 CORE' marking visible and facing up.
• (C) 3" inner diameter 76.2 mm: The spindle should be inserted with the '3 CORE' marking visible and facing up.

2-4. Label Roll Installation with Holes (Card / Hang tags)

When installing media with holes (card tags), the holes must pass exactly over the label edge sensor (as shown in the diagram). Use the guides to center the labels. Additionally, the sensor itself can be shifted to the left of the center.

Diagram description: A top-down view of the printer's media path. The label guides are adjusted to center the media. A small circle indicates the 'Tag hole position' directly above the sensor. An arrow points from 'Sensor position' to the sensor itself, which is a small rectangular component on the printer base.

2-5. Connecting to PC

1. Ensure the printer is turned off.
2. Take the power cable, plug it into an outlet, then connect it to the printer's power jack.
3. Connect the appropriate cable (USB/parallel) to the printer port, and then to the PC.
4. Turn on the printer and ensure the LED indicator on the printer lights up.

Diagram description: A typical setup showing a printer connected to a desktop computer. The printer's power input is connected to a power adapter, which is plugged into a wall outlet. The printer's USB or parallel port is connected to the corresponding port on the computer. The computer is also connected to its own power source.

2-6. Driver Installation

1. As soon as the printer's USB cable is connected to the computer, the computer automatically detects a new device and begins the installation process. A "Found New Hardware Wizard" window will appear, indicating that a new USB Device is being installed.
2. Insert the original CD (from the manufacturer) supplied with the printer into the CD-ROM drive. In the "Locate Driver Files" window, select the driver location ('Specify a location') and specify the path to the driver (e.g., E:\Plus series\Install_Godex_32and64).
3. Follow the instructions in the window to complete the driver installation.

3. Optional Features

Attention: Optional printer parts must be ordered separately. For installation, please contact OOO "SCANCORD": Tel: 742-1789, 1790; www.godex.ru; e-mail: support@scancode.ru.

3-1. Label Dispenser Installation

Note 1: Please disconnect the printer from the power supply before installing the dispenser module.

Note 2: Recommended label liner thickness is 0.06mm±10%, and liner density is 65g/m² ± 6%.

Note 3: Maximum label width when using the dispenser is 110mm.

Suggestion: When using the dispenser, set "stop position" and "E" parameters to 9 in QLabel.

1. Place the printer on a flat surface. Press the latches and lift the top cover.
2. Press the print mechanism latches to release and lift the print mechanism.
3. Press the latches on the front panel to open it.
4. Pull out the front panel part as shown in the photo.
5. Connect the dispenser connector to the lower connector. (Note: There are two connectors here (one for the dispenser and one for the cutter); select the correct one before connecting).
6. First insert the left, then the right part of the dispenser.
7. Secure the label dispenser with screws.
8. Thread the label media through the guides. (Note: Labels used with the dispenser must be at least 30mm high).
9. Separate the first label from the liner and thread the liner through the roller and the dispenser bracket.
10. Thread the liner through the dispenser as shown in the diagram.
11. Close the print mechanism and the dispenser.
12. Press the FEED key to adjust the label position and complete the installation.

3-2. Cutter Installation

Note 1: Please disconnect the printer from the power supply before installing the cutter module.

Note 2: Do not cut self-adhesive labels! Adhesive residue will contaminate the blade and damage the cutter! Cutter lifespan: 500,000 cuts for paper density up to 160g/m², and 250,000 for 200g/m².

Note 3: Maximum cutting width - 116mm.

Suggestion: When using the dispenser, set "stop position" and "E" parameters to 30 in QLabel.

1. Place the printer on a flat surface. Press the latches and lift the top cover.
2. Press the print mechanism latches to release and lift the print mechanism.
3. Press the buttons on the front panel inwards to open it.
4. Pull out the front panel part as shown in the photo.
5. Connect the cutter connector to the upper connector (see photo on the right). (Note: There are two connectors here (one for the dispenser and one for the cutter); select the correct one before connecting).
6. First insert the left, then the right parts of the cutter.
7. Flip the cutter module down to open it.
8. Holding the cutter, screw it in with two screws from both sides.
9. After that, close the cutter.
10. Thread the label media through the guides.
11. Close the print mechanism.
12. Press the FEED key to adjust the label position and complete the installation.

3-3. Memory Expansion Adapter Installation

Disconnect the printer from the power supply and the computer.

1. Place the printer on a flat surface. Press the latches and lift the top cover.
2. Remove the label roll spindle.
3. Open and remove the plastic cover of the memory expansion compartment on the inner part of the printer.
4. Ensure the connectors on the printer board and the expansion adapter match. Install the adapter onto the printer's motherboard. Be careful not to damage the "male" connector on the printer's motherboard.
5. Close the compartment cover.

3-4. Memory Expansion Card Installation Instructions

GoDEX EZ-1000 Plus series printers can read standard Compact Flash cards after installing the memory expansion adapter. If the printer's internal memory is insufficient for storing label formats, images, or fonts, users can use Compact Flash (CF) cards to increase available memory.

When using a flash card, follow these instructions:

1. Please turn off the printer before inserting or removing the flash memory card.
2. The CF flash card can only be used by the printer if it is formatted for the FAT16 file system. When the printer detects that the card is not FAT16 formatted, it will emit three beeps, and the Status LED will start blinking orange.
3. To format the flash card, simply press the “FEED” key, and the printer will format the card to FAT16. Upon completion of the formatting process, the LED will turn green.
4. To avoid formatting the card, simply open the printer's top cover and wait for the printer's power-on process to complete.
5. Upon completion of formatting, a Godex folder is automatically created on the card. All information loaded into the printer will be stored there. Please do not change the contents of this folder.
6. Supported Compact Flash card sizes range from 128MB to 1GB.

4. Control Panel

4-1. LED Indication

Press and hold the FEED key, turn on the printer. The printer will emit three beeps and enter Self-test mode. If the FEED key continues to be held down, the printer will cycle through the following modes: Auto Sensing Mode (automatic label length detection mode), Dump Mode (debug mode), Direct Thermal Mode (thermal print mode), Thermal Transfer Mode (thermal transfer print mode), See-through Sensor on/off (See-through sensor enable/disable mode), and then Self-Test again. These modes change printer settings according to the table below:

4-2. FEED Key

When the FEED key is pressed, the printer advances the print media by a certain length. When printing labels, pressing the FEED key advances one label at a time; if the label does not advance, perform the automatic label length detection procedure (see relevant section).

4-3. Self-Test

The Self-Test function helps verify that the printer is working. In self-test mode, the printer prints a test pattern as shown below. The printer enters standby mode after printing the test. How to enter Self-Test mode:

1. Turn off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
2. Turn on the printer (continue holding the FEED key); release the FEED key after 3 beeps.
3. Approximately one second later, the printer will print the sample below. This means the printer is functioning normally.

Self-Test Output Sample:

Model and version: EZXXXX: VX.XXXSerial port settings: 96,N,8,1Test pattern: (A series of characters indicating print quality)Number of DRAM chips installed: 1 DRAM installedImage buffer size: 1500KNumber of forms in memory: 000 FORM(S) IN MEMORYNumber of graphics in memory: 000 GRAPHIC (S) IN MEMORYNumber of fonts in memory: 000 FONT(S) IN MEMORYNumber of Asian fonts in memory: 000 ASIAN FONT(S) IN MEMORYNumber of loaded database files: 000 DATABASE(S) IN MEMORYFree memory size: 2048K BYTES FREE MEMORYSpeed, density, start, direction: ^S4 ^H10 ^R000 ~R200Label width, form length: ^W10 ^Q48,3Cutter, dispenser, print type: Option: ^DO ^00 ^ADSee-through sensor status: See-through Sensor: OFFReflective sensor AD status: Reflective Sensor AD: 146 186 223 (2)Code page: 850

In self-test mode, the printer prints its current internal settings. Use this mode to check these settings, if necessary.

4-4. Automatic Label Length Detection

The printer is equipped with a label edge sensor. In normal mode, the label length is set by the software, and the sensor only controls reaching the label edge. However, the printer can also automatically detect the label length (by gap between labels, hole, or black mark) and remember it. Perform the following procedure for automatic label length detection:

1. Check the position of the movable label edge sensor; it must be in the correct position (within the label dimensions).
2. Turn off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
3. While holding FEED, turn on the printer. It will emit 3 beeps. Wait until the STATUS LED turns orange and the READY LED blinks orange, then release the FEED key. The printer will automatically detect the label size, remember it, and enter standby mode (ready to print).

After this, the printer will remember this size, even if your software does not send the label size to the printer during printing.

During automatic label length detection, the printer adjusts the sensitivity of the label edge sensor to the installed media. If you experience printing failures (skipped labels), it is useful to perform the procedure described above.

The automatic label length detection procedure can be used to check if the "see-through" sensor is enabled. If both LEDs (READY and STATUS) are green during this procedure, the "see-through" sensor is enabled. If both are orange, it is disabled.

4-5. Dump Mode

Dump mode is designed to assist in writing custom print programs and checking communication with the printer. If the printed label image and the print result do not match, it is recommended to enter this mode to check for errors in data transmission between the printer and computer, as well as errors in printer programming. The printer will print received commands without executing them. This will help verify the correctness of transmitted commands.

To enter Dump Mode:

1. Turn off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
2. While holding FEED, turn on the printer. Wait until the STATUS LED turns orange and the READY LED blinks green, then release the FEED key. The printer will automatically print "DUMP MODE BEGIN." This means the printer is in debug mode.
3. By sending commands to the printer, check if the print matches the sent commands.
4. To exit debug mode, press the FEED key again. The printer will automatically print "OUT OF DUMP MODE". This means the printer has returned to ready-to-print mode. Alternatively, you can turn off the printer to exit debug mode.

4-6. Switching between Thermal/Thermal Transfer Print Mode

This printer model can operate in the following print modes:

Select the desired print mode in the QLabel software before feeding labels for printing. If the software does not specify the print method, you must set the mode directly on the printer.

1. Turn off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
2. While holding FEED, turn on the printer. It will emit 3 beeps. Wait until the STATUS LED turns red and the READY LED blinks red, then release the FEED key. The printer will enter Direct Thermal (DT) mode and automatically print “NOW IS DIRECT THERMAL (DT MODE)”. This means that thermal print mode is enabled.
3. While holding FEED, turn on the printer. It will emit 3 beeps. Wait until the STATUS LED turns red and the READY LED blinks orange, then release the FEED key. The printer will enter Thermal Transfer (TT) mode and automatically print “NOW IS THERMAL TRANSFER (TT MODE)”. This means that thermal transfer print mode is enabled.

NOW IS THERMAL TRANSFER (TT MODE)

or

NOW IS DIRECT THERMAL (DT MODE)

4-7. Enabling the See-through Sensor

GoDEX EZ-1000 Plus printers have 2 types of sensors – reflective and see-through. Users can use either. By default, the reflective sensor is enabled, and the see-through sensor is disabled. However, the reflective sensor may not be able to detect gaps between labels on some types of labels (e.g., with thick or colored liners, or with graphic designs on the back). In such cases, the see-through sensor should be used.

To enable the see-through sensor, do the following:

1. Turn off the printer, press and hold the FEED key.
2. While holding FEED, turn on the printer. It will emit 3 beeps. Wait until the STATUS LED turns red and the READY LED blinks green, then release the FEED key. The printer will automatically print "SEE-THROUGH SENSOR IS ON". This means that the "see-through" sensor is enabled (and the reflective sensor is accordingly disabled).
3. To disable the "see-through" sensor, repeat the above procedure. The printer will print "SEE-THROUGH SENSOR IS OFF", which means the "see-through" sensor is disabled.

SEE-THROUGH SENSOR IS ON

or

SEE-THROUGH SENSOR IS OFF

To verify if the "see-through" sensor is enabled, perform the automatic label length detection procedure. If both LEDs (READY and STATUS) are green during the procedure, the "see-through" sensor is enabled. If both are orange, it is disabled.

Note: When the "see-through" sensor is activated, the label sensor must be aligned with the center of the printer.

4-8. Error Messages

5. Maintenance and Adjustment

5-1. Print Head Cleaning

Attention! All print head maintenance and adjustment operations must be performed only when the printer is turned off and the interface cable is disconnected. Performing maintenance and adjustment operations on a powered-on printer can lead to print head damage.

Unclear labels (some parts not printed) may be caused by print head contamination, ribbon stains, or adhesive residue from the label's adhesive layer getting onto the print head. Keeping the print head clean and protected from contamination improves print quality and extends the print head's lifespan.

1. Turn off the printer.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Remove the ribbon.
4. Open the print mechanism by pressing the latches.
5. If there is any label part or debris on the print head (indicated by a blue arrow in the original diagram), remove it using a soft cloth moistened with technical alcohol. Do not use sharp or hard objects to clean the print head; mechanical damage to the print head is not covered by warranty!

Note 1: Weekly preventive print head cleaning is recommended.

Note 2: When cleaning the print head with a soft cloth, ensure no hard or metallic particles are stuck to it.

Note 3: The print head can be cleaned with a special cleaning card supplied with the printer.

Note 4: Irregular print head cleaning leads to dirt accumulation on the thermal element, which can cause premature damage to the head.

5-2. Print Head Pressure Adjustment

When printing on different label materials or using various ribbon types, printing may be uneven, and the ribbon may wrinkle during printing. In such cases, it is necessary to adjust the print head pressure and balance.

1. Open the cover.
2. Remove the ribbon.
3. Slowly turn the screws with a screwdriver to adjust the print head pressure. (Original diagram shows two screws on top of the print head, with arrows indicating rotation for adjustment).

5-3. Print Head Position Adjustment

Use the print head position regulator to align the print head and the label media.

1. When turning the wheel counter-clockwise (as indicated by arrow 1 in the original diagram), the print head will move in the direction shown by arrow A.
2. When turning clockwise (as indicated by arrow 2 in the original diagram), the print head will move in direction B.

5-4. Cutter Cleaning

1. There are holes on both sides of the cutter (indicated by letter A in the original diagram).
2. The cutter may not work due to paper jamming. To clean, turn off the printer and use an #M3 hexagonal screwdriver to open the cutter by turning it counter-clockwise.
3. Turn on the printer after removing the paper, and the cutter will automatically return to its correct position.

Note: When using the cutter, the minimum cut height is 30mm.

5-5. Troubleshooting

Attention: ALL CLEANING AND ADJUSTMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED ON A POWERED-OFF PRINTER!

If the problem is not resolved, contact the service department for more information. For this, contact OOO "SCANCORD": Tel: 742-1789, 1790; www.godex.ru; e-mail: support@scancode.ru