ⓘ This article is for Event Organizers
From time-to-time we may recommend performing a Zebra "Restore Default Configuration" as an easy process to ensure that all of the printer settings are correct. The following is a step-by-step guide to follow to ensure a successful restore.
💡 NOTE: When using your own Zebra printers (vs. those provided by Expo Pass, it's important to follow the steps below for your printer setup. Expo Pass can provide support for the following printers noted in this Help Center Article: Bring Your Own Equipment ("BYOE")
Printer Sensor
Before we begin, let's first check the location of the media sensor. Open the lid of the printer and check to make sure that the movable sensor (see image here) is centered in the middle so that it can “see” where the notch cut out is on the badge shell perforations.
The best way to check this out is to load the printer with badge shells and slowly pull badge stock through the printer. When the perforation line appears the sensor should be centered in the “notch” that is on half of one shell and half of the other. You should be able to see the “window-like” sensor in that notch.
Zebra Admin Interface
Before moving forward, it is important that both the iPad and Printer are on the same network. Now, open an internet browser on the iPad and in the address line type in the Printer’s IP address - it is visible on the screen on the top of the printer.
💡 NOTE: It will be helpful to always have a copy of your printer's User Guide to reference as needed. Here is a LINK to the ZD621 User Guide.
Once you land on the Zebra Technologies page in your browser, you will need to log in with the required credentials, which are as follows from Zebra (assuming you haven't changed them yourselves)"
Login: admin (must all be lowercase)
PW: 1234
Restore Default Configuration
Once you have logged into your printer via the Zebra Admin interface, you will be presented with the above noted webpage.
Click on "View and Modify Printer Settings" (make sure paper is loaded into the printer) and then click on "Restore Default Configuration."
Printer Setup
General Setup
From the main Zebra Admin page and click on "General Setup"
Your webpage will refresh and here you will need to update the following settings.
DARKNESS: set to 20 to start (the higher the number, the darker the print)
PRINT MODE: set to cutter if your printer has one.
TEAR OFF ADJUST: set to 0
PRINT SPEED: set to 3 (the higher the number, the faster the print)
LABEL TOP: set to 0
💡 NOTE: The TEAR OFF ADJUST and the LABEL TOP settings differ based on the type of badge stock used and the placement of the center notch.
For On-Perf Badges (regardless of size)
Tear Off: 0
Label Top: 0 (40 for a printer without a cutter “Tear Off”)
For Off-Perf Badges
Tear Off: 100
Label Top: -100
❗ Important: If your printer is not cutting exactly on the perforation, please refer to the following Help Center for more information: Zebra Printer Adjustments / Calibrations
On the next screen, once it refreshes, make sure to click the “Save Current Configuration” button. Do this every time after change has been made.
Serial Communications Setup: Nothing needs to be done here.
Network Configuration: Nothing needs to be done here.
Print Listings on Label: Nothing needs to be done here.
Media Setup
Load the printer up with paper like a normal setup. This calibration will not save correctly if there are no badges in the printer.
This process may pull through a few badges too.
MEDIA TYPE: non-continuous
SENSOR TYPE: web
PRINT METHOD: direct thermal (if using a 621T)
Don't worry about changing anything on Printer Width and Maximum Length.
After setting and saving, check Media Setup again to make sure your settings are set correctly. If not, open the printer, close it, push pause, and reset the settings again.
On the next screen, once it refreshes, make sure to click the “Save Current Configuration” button. Do this every time after change has been made.
Calibration: Nothing needs to be done here.
ZPL Control: Nothing needs to be done here.
Advanced Setup
BACKFEED: 10%
LEFT POSITION: -40
Don't worry about changing anything on Format Convert and Format Memory.
On the next screen, once it refreshes, make sure to click the “Save Current Configuration” button. Do this every time after change has been made.
💡 NOTE: Review each of your settings one more time to make sure they all saved correctly!
Now that these sections have been updated, open the printer lid, set up the badge shells with a normal setup.
Press Pause
Press Advance - several badges may feed through. That a good thing.
Once it runs through and cuts, press “Advance” again.
Try running a badge through for a test print.
Helpful Links
This is a link to several potential issues and troubleshooting assistance.
This manual walks through the process of setting up badge printing equipment. It is written for Expo Pass equipment, but is a great resource for BYOE too.