Thursday, January 20, 2011

Zebra 110PAX4, 170PAX4, 110PAX3 and 170PAX3 Printer Engine Repair


Zebra PAX Printer and PAX Engine Service and Repair

Call Thunderbird Technical Services for all of your Zebra 110PAX4, Zebra 170PAX4, Zebra 110PAX3 and Zebra 170PAX3 Print Engine service and repair needs. We are factory trained in all Zebra PAX models (including the earliest 170PAX2, PAX 172 and 173 models) and are experts at troubleshooting, providing printer support, and identifying Zebra PAX problems far beyond the symptoms and error conditions reviewed in any technical service manual or Zebra PAX manual.

Zebra PAX Printer and PAX Engine Refurbishment and Maintenance Special - $850.00

For quick repair turnaround, take advantage of our refurbishment program.
Program features :
  • Replacement of all belts, rollers and bearings.
  • Gears replaced, if necessary.
  • Ribbon out plate replaced, if necessary.
  • Missing case screws replaced.
  • PAX will be cleaned and inspected.
  • All communication ports (including applicator port) will be tested thoroughly.
  • The printer will be adjusted and calibrated according to your label and ribbon specifications.
  • Printer will be completed within 2 days upon arrival.
  • A report will be generated giving all testing and inspection results.

Program Restrictions

This program is offered only for working PAX printers and Zebra PAX engines. Customers must certify printers are in working condition. Zebra PAX172 and PAX173 models will be serviced only if the pressure roller segment assembly and knurled peel roller assembly are in good condition. Call if you have questions regarding these zebra pax parts and assemblies. If you're experiencing an error condition, or if the Zebra Printer Engine is broken, report that error condition prior to sending in the printer. This program is intended for depot repair service only. If you are within the on-site service area (see below), call to schedule a service visit, or to have the PAX engine picked up.

Stay Current With Your Zebra PAX Engine

Subscribe for our newsletter and view our free Barcode Printer Troubleshooting Guide as a quick reference for common problems associated with Zebra and other barcode printers. It is viewable in Adobe Format and can be searched by symptom. We'll send you service reminders and keep you informed of service tips and maintenance issues unique to your printer. Join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or LinkedIn and stay updated as we post news, tips, and updates about Zebra printers and the services we provide.

Zebra Printer Service Programs

Since 2000, Thunderbird Technical Services has provided on-site and depot Zebra printer repair services, Zebra printer service contracts and Zebra printer maintenance programs in these, and in the surrounding areas of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, Dayton - Springfield, Vevay, Indiana, Madison, IN, Columbus, OH, Southeastern Ohio, Maysville, and Eastern Kentucky, Lexington, and Louisville.

Contact Information

Telephone: 513-659-1067
Fax: 781-459-6570
Mailing Address: 121 Madison Park, PO Box 23, Batavia, OH 45103-0023
Service E-mail: repair@thunderbirdservice.com












Thursday, December 16, 2010

'Ribbon Out' Error on xi Series Zebra Printers


There are a few causes of this error:
  • Dirty or defective sensor
  • Opague ribbon in use
  • LED intensity too great
Check the ribbon sensor located on the left side just behind the printhead (printhead open).  Assure the eyes are clean.  Install the upper media guide plate.  It is the removable plate that is placed on the media deck with the rise stamped on the left side.  Many user remove this plate since labels jam underneath it.  Perform the voltage calibration.  This should calibrate the printer for the ribbon and media used.  If this fails, try it again.  If this procedure fails repeatedly, then check the feature 'Ribbon LED'.  Assure it is in the range of 45 - 65.  if not, set it there.  If this does not correct the error and the Ribbon LED keeps resetting itself at a high value, then the ribbon sensor is most likely faulty.

There is one other cause of this error.  In some cases,  the media sensor wires may become worn creating a voltage short to the frame.  Fuse 1 on the main logic board will blow.  This issue is quite common in later models of xi-Series and SL printers.  The printer will continue to display 'Ribbon Out' and 'Paper Out' until the fuse is replaced.

Thunderbird Technical Services experience and record of troubleshooting and printer repair is a model for the industry.  Thunderbird technicians are factory trained on Zebra High Performance, PAX, and Midrange printers.  95% of all calls are completed on the first visit.  80% of all calls involving a faulty main logic board or power supply can be repaired on-site at the board level.    It is for this reason Thunderbird Technical Services has a high customer retention rate.  Call us for efficient, effective, and affordable service on the Zebra High Performance (xi), PAX Print Engine, and Industrial (midrange) printers listed below.
  • Zebra Performance Printers (Z-110xi4, Z-140xi4, Z110xi3Plus, Z-140xi3Plus, Z170xi4, Z-170xi3Plus, Z-220xi4, Z-220xi3Plus, Z-90xi3Plus)
  • Zebra Industrial Printers (S4M, ZM400, ZM600, Z4M, Z6M, Z-105sl, Z-4000, Z-6000, TLP2746e, Stripe)
  • Zebra Print Engines (170PAX4, 110PAX4, 170PAX3, 110PAX3, 170PAX2, PAX172, PAX173)

Subscribe to our newsletter and view our free Barcode Printer Troubleshooting Guide as a quick reference to fix common problems associated with Zebra and other barcode printers. What appears to be a broken printer can be fixed quickly using this guide. It is viewable in Adobe Format and can be searched by symptom. And, we'll keep you in the loop on any developements specific to your printer.

Contact Information

Telephone: 513-659-1067
Fax: 781-459-6570
Mailing Address: PO Box 23, Batavia, OH 45103-0023
Service E-mail: repair@thunderbirdservice.com


Calibrating the TLP 2746 Barcode Printer


To calibrate this printer is easy.  Turn on the printer while holding down the 'Pause'.  Continue holding the 'Pause' button until the printer starts its calibration.  It will print a test pattern and system information.  The calibration is complete.  Press the 'Feed' button to return to normal operation.

The 2746 and the 2746e were versatile and dependable printers.  They were hardy and had a low cost of ownership.  The problem most users ran into was that it would not print.  This would occur if the switch in the back of the printer was selected to 'Peel' and the peel/present door flipped down and prevented the label from being presented.  They were discontinued and replaced by the Zebra S4M.  Zebra has declared this printer as unsupported, but they are still serviceable by Thunderbird Technical Services.  Parts and printheads are readily available for any repair.

Thunderbird Technical Services provides on-site barcode printer repair services, service plans and maintenance programs and depot repair service programs.

Established in 2000 and incorporated in March, 2001, Thunderbird Technical Services is located in Batavia, Ohio.

Contact Information


Telephone: 513-659-1067
Fax: 781-459-6570
Mailing Address: PO Box 23, Batavia, OH 45103-0023
Service E-mail: repair@thunderbirdservice.com


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Zebra Printer Repair


    Zebra Printer Repair

    Call Thunderbird Technical Services for your Zebra printer repair. We are factory trained in the following:

    • Zebra Performance Printers (Z-220xiIII, Z-220xi4, Z-170xiIII, Z-170xi4, Z-140xiIII, Z-140xi4, Z-110xiIII, Z-110xi4)
    • Zebra Industrial Printers (Stripe, S4M, ZM400, ZM600,  Z4M Plus, Z6M Plus, Z-105sl, Z-4000, Z-6000, TLP2746e)
    • Zebra Print Engines (PAX172, PAX173, 170PAX2, 170PAX3, 110PAX3, 170PAX4, 110PAX4)

    Our brand of service is the model for the industry. Most of our customers have not experienced significant downtime in years. We have the expertise, the parts and experience to provide professional barcode printer repairs timely, effectively, and affordably. If it's broke, we fix it! And, if it's not broken our preventative services will keep it that way. Even if Zebra has declared your printer model to be unsupported, our services can get you back up and running, in most instances.

    Thunderbird Technical Services provides on-site barcode printer repair services, service plans and maintenance programs in these, and in the surrounding areas of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, Dayton - Springfield, Vevay, Indiana, Madison, IN, Columbus, OH, Southeastern Ohio, Maysville, and Eastern Kentucky, Lexington, and Louisville.

    Contact Information

    Telephone: 513-659-1067
    Fax: 781-459-6570
    Mailing Address: PO Box 23, Batavia, OH 45103-0023
    Service E-mail: repair@thunderbirdservice.com