Setting the Sensors

After you receive your printer, and before you turn it on, you will need to locate the upper and lower sensors.  The upper sensor is a silver screw with round rubber washer underneath it.  It is located behind the printhead mechanism.  You can slide the screw by loosening it (remember to re-tighten when you have correct placement).  This sensor needs to be centered over the left corner notch of the tag (assuming you are facing the printer).

The lower sensor mechanism is located directly under the upper sensor and under the tag.  Slide the lower sensor carriage all the way over to the firewall of the printer.  The middle of the lower sensor carriage should now be centered under the upper sensor.

Loading the Tag and Ribbon

POWER ON THE PRINTER.  The display will tell you to load the media and ribbon.  Facing the printer, load the tag first.  Bring the tag over the rear supply spindle and into the front feed area.  Remember, the upper sensor (the silver screw) should be centered over the notch as the tag passes by.  Make sure the paper guides are up against the edge of the tag so it does not “move” from side to side.  Load the ribbon as indicated in the manual and drawing on the firewall.  After loading all media and ribbon, close the printhead.  Make sure the printhead is completely closed. PRESS CALIBRATE.  Several feet of tag and ribbon will dispense as the sensors look for the repeat length of the tag.  When the printer is properly calibrated, it will speed up and stop near the between tag perforations.  After this happens, you can test for calibration by hitting FEED once and seeing if one tag moves forward and stops on the between tag perforation.  Any other stopping point (+/- .125”) means the printer is not yet calibrated and you should re-check the label and ribbon for proper loading.  If it is still not calibrated, you need to adjust the location of the sensors slightly.

Setting the Ribbon Darkness

The ribbon darkness setting should be approximately 23.  Factory default setting is 10.  You increase by going into the SET-UP menu and finding DARKNESS (first menu item.)  PRESS the + sign in the upper right until you reach 23.  PRESS NEXT /SAVE to save.

Setting the Printhead Pressure

You also need to “crank down” the print head pressure toggle (located above the printhead after it is closed).  You will want to “crank down” near the bottom of the screw; stopping two or three threads from the bottom.

Setting the Print Speed

You will want print at a speed of 2 inches per second.   Print speed is controlled through your software or Zebra Program Language.

Selecting the Printer Driver

Finally, I recommend using a printer driver from Seagull Scientific.  You can download the driver for the Zebra 105SL free by visiting www.seagullscientifc.com.  Make sure you download the 203 dpi alternative.