Alongside your SATO M8400RVe printer, you will receive a CD ROM containing the printer drivers and its manual, a power cable, an empty core for carbon ribbon and a piece of cleaning sheet.

Q2. What options are available with my M8400RVe?

A label dispenser, label cutter, calendar option, label rewinder, a smart keyboard, PCMCIA Flash Card memory expansion (16Mb), SRAM Card (4Mb) and internal SIM Memory Card (4Mb) are all available as options.

Q3. What type of software do I need for my printer?

In principle, because the printer operates with a Windows driver, it can be used with any Windows application. However, only SATO software addresses all the functions of the printer, thus we recommend you work with SATO label designing software - Label Gallery.

Q4. Which interfaces can I use?

The printer can be connected using either ECP Parallel (IEEE1284 bi-directional), Centronics Parallel, RS232 Standard (max 19,200bps), RS232 Highspeed (max 57,600bps), RS422/485, USB (12Mbit/s), LAN(TCP/IP Protocol 10/100 Base T) and IBM Twinax/Coax.

Q5. Can I work from my Windows environment?

Yes. A SATO printer can work with any Windows system, as long as the corresponding driver is used.

Q6. Can I work from my SAP environment?

Yes, The Plus and True PRO versions of the SATO label designing software - Label Gallery makes it possible to export label data to SAP R/3.

Q7. Can I work from AS400?

Every SATO printer can be switched over to a non-standard protocol. Data can then be sent to the printer via an IBM Twinax/Coax interface.

Q8. Can I print graphics?

Yes. Graphics which correspond to the printer driver can be printed from every windows application. Using the SATO label designing software - Label Gallery, you can also print BMP, PCX, GIF, PUT, WMF and JPEG files.

Q9. Can I store label formats or True-Type fonts and graphics in the M8400RVe?

Yes. A memory card option is available enabling the storage of label formats, True-Type fonts and graphics.

Q10. Can I print out dates & times?

Yes. Dates & time fields can be printed out when the Real Time Clock (RTC) option is installed. The RTC option is controlled by programming the printer or by using the SATO label designing software - Label Gallery.

Q11. Can I connect weighing scales and print out the weight of my goods?

Yes. If you program electric industry scales to send a message to the printer, using the SATO programming language and also using a suitable interface.

Q12. What is the correct carbon ribbon for the SATO M8400RVe?

There is no specific carbon ribbon suitable for SATO printers. The choice of carbon ribbon must always be made while considering the label material and application. However, kindly note that for a printer purchased from Bar Code SATO, Singapore, and used in Singapore, the printer's print head warranty (6 months) would be void if user does not use 100% SATO media, including carbon ribbon.

Q13. What is a memory card?

A memory card saves information which needs to be reused. The battery back-up means that information would not be lost.

Q14. Why do I need a memory card?

The memory card enables True-Type fonts, graphics and formats to be saved. Should the formats be of a large volume, the memory card can shorten the processing time. Moreover, the memory card can be used to increase the printable length.

Q15. Can memory cards be used with the M8400RVe?

Yes. The printer memory can be expanded by 4Mb using an internal SIM Card or external SRAM Card and 16Mb with a PCMCIA Flash card.

Q16. How do I put information onto the memory card?

In order to save information onto the memory card, the Gallery MemMaster Module, which is available as part of the SATO Label Gallery software package, can be used. It is also possible to put data onto the card via direct programming using ESC codes.

Q17. What is Flash ROM?

This is the internal printer memory that can be used to save memory in the same way that the memory card is used. The M8400RVe has a standard internal Flash ROM memory of 2Mb.

Q18. How do I connect my printer to my computer?

To connect the SATO printer to a PC or host, the following interfaces are available: ECP Parallel (IEEE1284), Centronics Parallel, RS232 Standard, RS232 Highspeed, RS422/485, USB (12Mbit/s), LAN (TCP/IP Protocol 10/100 Base T) and IBM Twinax/Coax.

Q19. How do I set my printer up?

After connecting the interface, you must plug the AC power cable provided into the back of the printer and connect it to a suitable power supply. The labels must be loaded and if using the thermal transfer mode, the carbon ribbon must be loaded too. Also remember to confirm that the print head has been fixed firmly. A diagram for loading labels and carbon ribbon is provided on the inside of the printer cover.

Q20. How do I load the labels?

Open the door of the printer and open the print head. Place the label roll onto the spindle, following the diagram provided on the inside of the top cover. The labels should pass under the plastic guide, through the sensor and under the print head, feeding out the front of the printer. Position the Label Edge Guide towards the front of the printer until it barely touches the outside edge of the labels. Remember to close the print head firmly, before closing the door of the printer.

Q21. How do I load the carbon ribbon?

Open the door of the printer and open the print head. Referring to the diagram on the inside of the printer's cover, position the ribbon roll firmly onto the ribbon supply spindle and place the empty core on the ribbon take-up spindle. Tape the free end of the ribbon to the take-up core so that it will catch when rotating in a clockwise direction.

Q22. How do I select the label sensing method?

The printer label sensing method is controlled by the DIP switches. The DIP function chart has been positioned on the inside of the printer cover. The printer default is set for label gap sensing (DSW2-2, DSW3-3 both in the OFF position). If you wish the sensor to read an I-mark, please refer to the DIP Switch function chart.

Q23. How do I change the darkness setting?

There are 5 darkness settings. The number '5' represents the darkest settings and the current setting is indicated by an underline under one of the range settings. To view the settings, press LINE and turn on the power to go into the User mode. Keep pressing the LINE key until you hear a beep. Next, press the FEED & LINE keys simultaneously to see "PRINT DARKNESS" on the display. To move the underline to the desired setting, press the LINE key. Once the correct setting is underlined, press FEED to accept and advance to the next adjustment.

Q24. How do I change the print speed?

There are 5 print speed settings (50, 75,100,125 and 150mm/s). To view the settings, press LINE once to go into the User mode (the printer display shows OFFLINE). Next, press the FEED and LINE keys simultaneously to see "PRINT DARKNESS" on the display. Press FEED again to advance to the print speed setting. Now press the LINE key to move the underline to the desired setting. Press FEED to confirm. (Note: This setting can be overwritten by software).

Q25. Does the M8400RVe have a last label reprint feature?

Yes. You must press the FEED key, while in online mode, to reprint the last label.

Q26. How do I feed a blank label?

Press the FEED button while the printer is offline to feed a blank label. If you have problems, check that the print media has been loaded properly.

Q27. How do I cancel my print job?

The current print job can be cancelled by using the display : set the printer offline and press the LINE & FEED buttons simultaneously. Next, press the FEED button until the display shows "cancel current print job". Use the LINE button to select YES or NO and FEED to clear.

A command to cancel the print job can also be sent to the driver via the software. Alternatively, switching the printer off and on again will also erase all current print jobs.

Q28. The display is blank. What is wrong?

» Check that the power switch is turned on.
      » Check that all cable connections have been made properly.
      » Check that the supply cable is not damaged.
      » Make sure the fuse is OK.

Q29. A label is fed but nothing is printed on it. What should I do?

» Confirm that the label is wide enough for the image being printed.
      » If you are using direct thermal mode, make sure you have direct thermal labels installed.
      » If you are using thermal transfer mode, check that the carbon ribbon is installed properly with the ink (dull side) coming       into contact with the labels. Check that the print head is clean.
      » Make sure that the carbon ribbon and label are compatible.
      » Check to see if the pitch sensor is dirty or obstructed in some way.

Q30. I sent a print job but nothing has happened. What do I do?

Firstly confirm that the connections have all been made and that the interface has been connected to the correct port on the PC. Make sure the printer is online and check to see if there are any error messages in the display. Also make sure that you are sending the data to the correct printer. The printer listed in the Print Set-up window should be the name of the printer.

Q31. The print quality is poor or the barcodes are not readable. What do I do?

» Make sure the print media is loaded properly and that there is no side-to-side motion as the paper passes through      the printer.
      » Check that the software print settings are not set too dark / too light. Adjust the darkness settings or print speed via       the software, if necessary.
      » Try different print media. Old or inferior quality material will degrade the print quality.
      » Check for wrinkles on the carbon ribbon.
      » Make sure the print head is clean.
      » Unreadable barcodes can also occur if the barcode size is too big or too small. Confirm that they are within barcode       specifications.
      » Confirm that the scanner is set up to read the barcode type printed.
      » Make sure you are printing a standard barcode symbology and that the characters you are trying to encode are       legible.
      » Make sure that the label media and the carbon ribbon are compatible. Resin-based ribbons are not always compatible       to rough low quality labels and wax-based ribbons do not always adhere well to some synthetic label material.

Q32. My M8400RVe does not feed out 1 label at a time but feeds 20 inches of blank labels instead. What is wrong?

It is possible that you have the wrong label sensing method switched on for the media you are using. Check the DIP switches against the DIP switch function guide on the inside of the top cover to see if you have selected the appropriate method for your paper.

If you are using the label gap method, check that the gap between the labels is more than 3mm, or if using the I-mark method, that the I-mark is bold and also more than 3mm. Finally, confirm that the label is passing over the sensor.

Q33. My printer will not go online. Why not?

Is the power LED illuminated? If not, check the power switch is on and confirm the power supply and connections. Also confirm that the print head has been closed properly.

Q34. My printer will not print and beeps. What's wrong?

The printer is trying to receive incorrect data. Make sure you are sending data in the correct format.

Q35. The LCD displays "SENSOR ERROR". How do I solve the problem?

Confirm that the sensing method selected matches that of the media used and that the media has been routed under the sensor. The printer should be delivered ready to detect a gap label (DSW2-2=OFF). Make sure that the gap between labels is also more than 3mm; otherwise it will not be detected. If using the I-mark sensing method (black bar between each label) DSW2 must be ON and the I-mark must be more than 3mm wide and bold.

Q36. The LCD displays "FRAMING ERROR". What should I do?

"Framing Error" appears on the LCD screen when the printer is unable to interpret the data sent. Confirm that the communication format between the printer and host are compatible.

Q37. The LCD displays "PAPER END". What's wrong?

Confirm that the labels are positioned correctly and held down by the Paper Edge Guide.

Q38. The LCD displays "RIBBON END". What's wrong?

» Are you printing onto thermal paper, but have not changed the DSW2-1 to ON to configure the printer for direct thermal       printing?
      » Check that the ribbon is not sticking to the label. This can happen if the darkness setting is too high.
      » Confirm that the ribbon spindle is rotating freely on the spindle. If it is not, an error message will appear.

Q39. How do I get rid of ribbon wrinkles?

Raise the print head and confirm that the ribbon cores are correctly positioned on the spindles. Turn the ribbon take-up knob clockwise, confirming the ribbon runs smoothly. If the ribbon binds, remove the ribbon cores and examine the spools, spool sprints and gears for damage.