You can easily adjust various settings on your Zebra label printers (GK420 and GX420) without the need for a PC. We do this using a so-called "blink sequence," where the light flashes at a specific frequency. Below, we explain how to adjust different settings by holding down the feed button.
Turn the printer on and ensure that the top cover is closed. Press and hold the feed button for a few seconds and the green "status" LED will flash a number of times in succession.
Click here for the full Zebra manual (unfortunately only available in English)
Below are descriptions of each of the actions of the flash sequence resulting from holding down the feed button. The light on the printer will flash once, then a pause. Then twice and a pause, then three times, etc.
Described below is the meaning of each flash: Flashes 1 time - Pause - Flashes 2 times - Pause - 3 flashes - Pause - And so on,...
Configuration status: The printer prints a detailed status label of the printer configuration. The label can be used to verify printing, printer-to-computer communication configuration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and information about communication with your network.
Standard automatic media calibration: - The printer detects and sets the media type and media length and adjusts the media sensors for optimal performance with the labels being used. The printer will feed one to four labels during calibration.
Note: users familiar with Zebra EPL commands use this feed mode to override automatic startup calibration (equivalent EPL command XA).
Serial port configuration - Only applies to printers with serial interface ports.
Resets the serial port communication parameters, except Flow Control. Press and release the Feed button while the LED is flashing orange and green rapidly.
For autobaud synchronization, send the command sequence ^ XA ^ XZ to the printer while the LED is flashing orange and green rapidly. When the printer and host are synchronized, the LED turns green. NOTE: No labels are printed during autobaud synchronization.
Factory settings - Reset the printer to factory settings (equivalent to ZPL command ^ JUN). See Appendix: ZPL configuration on page 83 for a description of the primary configuration settings and their corresponding ZPL commands. Some configuration settings are not reset to their original 'out of box' settings. Other settings, which are exclusively set, viewed, and controlled via programming, are also reset. It then performs a standard media calibration and then a memory fragmentation routine.
Once the printer has activated the factory settings, the status light will turn orange for three (3) seconds. During that time, you can do two things: do nothing and the printer will automatically reset the factory settings as described above, OR hold the feed button to restore factory settings for printers with a network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth) printer option (equivalent ZPL command ^ JUF).
If you release the button after the first flash, only the factory network settings are reset (equivalent ZPL command ^ JUN). If you release the button after the second flash sequence (two flashes), only the default printer settings are reset. If you release the button after the third flash sequence (three flashes), both the printer and network settings are reset (equivalent ZPL commands ^ JUN and ^ JUF)
Adjust print width - The printer prints a series of thick stripes, starting at the minimum print width and ending at the maximum print width of the printer, in 4 mm increments. Press the feed button once when the printer reaches the desired maximum print width.
Note: the printer's driver may override this setting.
Adjust print intensity (darkness) print lighter or darker - Prints a series of barcodes, starting at the lightest print (print density/heat) and ending at the darkest print of the printer, in increments of four (4), using the values of the ZPL darkness range.
Press the feed button once the pattern is clear and legible. Do not increase the darkness setting further, as the barcodes may distort, reducing legibility.
Note: the printer's driver may override this setting.
Extended media calibration - The printer performs extensive tests to detect and set the media type and length of your label, and then adjusts the media sensors for optimal performance with the installed media (equivalent ZPL command ~ JG).
Manual calibration is recommended when using pre-printed media or if the printer does not calibrate correctly automatically. A graphical profile of the media detection is printed.
Do you still have questions about your Zebra printer settings? Call, chat, or email us and we will be happy to help you further.
