'Ribbon Out' Error on xi Series Zebra Printers

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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

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Calibrating the TLP 2746 Barcode Printer

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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

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Zebra Printer Repair

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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

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