The printer uses a Null Modem (cross-over) cable for DTE communications. The required cable must have a nine-pin D-type (DB-9P) male connector on one end which plugs into the mating (DB-9S) serial port located on the back of the printer. The other end of this signal interface cable connects to a serial port on the host computer. See Interface Connector Wiring in this guide for pinout information.
The serial port communication settings between the printer and host (typically a PC) must match for reliable communication. The Bits per second (or Baud rate) and Flow control are the most common settings that get changed.
Serial communications between the printer and the host computer can be set by:
ZPL
^SC
command.
resetting the printer to its default printer configuration.
Factory defaults for serial communication settings are:
9600 baud
8 bit word length
NO parity
1 stop bit
XON/XOFF
‘Software’ data flow control in Windows-based host systems
Do not use RS-232 cable adapter dongles (DTE<=>DCE) with this printer. Some dongles can interfere with the operation of USB host port devices at printer power-up.
