Section 3: Configuration
Page 3-12
XL400/410e Operator’s Manual
3.5 SERVICE MODE (CONT’D)
Sensor Setup
The XL Series printers determine the location of the leading edge of the label or tag by
measuring the difference between light levels when it sees either a media edge or a black I-Mark.
This adjustment allows you to manually set the threshold voltage level, between the maximum
and minimum light levels. The type of sensor is automatically selected by the MEDIA TYPE
setting (Note: GAP is also used for tags). The LCD will display either “GAP” or “I-Mark”on the top
line along with the current setting. If the value entered is “0.0V”, then the printer will automatically
calculate the setting when the first label is fed after the printer is powered on or the head is
closed. There are some instances where the automatically calculated value must be adjusted to
ensure reliable label feeding, such as when the backing opacity or the reflectance of the I-Mark
varies significantly within a roll of labels or between label rolls. In these instances the value
should be set using the following procedures.
GAP - When setting the “gap” threshold, the voltage must be measured with nothing (or nothing
but the backing if labels are used) in the sensor and then again with a labels in the sensor. The
smaller value is added to the larger and the result multiplied by 0.5. This is the starting point to be
used. The formula for this is:
(High Voltage Level + Low Voltage Level) x 0.5 = Start Value
1. Insert a tag/label into the sensor (see page 2-11 for location of the sensors) and close the
Media Hold Down. Record the voltage shown on the top line of the LCD panel. This line
should have the message “GAP” on the top line. Make sure the tag/label is all the way under
the sensor.
2. If labels are used, strip the label from the backing and insert the backing strip under the sensor.
If tags are used, remove the tag from the sensor. Close the Media Hold Down. Record the
voltage shown on the top line of the LCD panel. The voltage ranges measured should be with-
in the following ranges:
If the measured values are outside this range, you may have trouble in finding a value that
will work properly under all conditions. If this is the case, a higher quality label may be
needed to get adequate performance.
Tag or Label with Backing
No Tag or Label Backing Only
2.0V to 3.5V
Less than 1.0V
service mode
sensor setup
GAP [x.xv]
INPUT [x.xv]