SATO SX Series Printer FAQs

1. What type of labels are recommended for the SATO SX family of printers?
2. What do I do when the label is not tracking properly?
3. What type of interfaces does the SATO SX printer support? The SATO SX family of printers supports Serial RS-232C and ECP Centronics parallel interfaces. Optional interface categories are USB and ETHERNET.
   
4. There is a No Paper Error, but I have label stock in the printer, what do I do?
5. Can I print test labels?
6. I have a Ribbon Error message, what do I do?
7. How can I adjust the print heads?
8. What do I do to clear a Comm Error?
9. What do I do if I have a Graphics Error?

What type of labels are recommended for the SATO SX family of printers?

The SATO SX family of printers will support die-cut or continuous roll-fed label media featuring between 2 and 10-inches wide and no greater than 24 mils thick. Adjustable sensing features are die cut, black mark, notched, and/or hole punched.

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What do I do when the label is not tracking properly?

This is usually due to poor alignment of the label media. On printers with self-centering supply holders, check the supply spindle for damage. On printers without self-centering, make check the alignment of the labels.

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What type of interfaces does the SATO SX printer support? The SATO SX family of printers supports Serial RS-232C and ECP Centronics parallel interfaces. Optional interface categories are USB and ETHERNET.

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There is a No Paper Error, but I have label stock in the printer, what do I do?

Likely the labels are not loaded properly or the sensor is not aligned correctly. Ensure the label media is under the print head block and the sensor is in the correct position.

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Can I print test labels?

Yes, the SATO SX printers are all equipped with a user test print function. Complete the following steps to print test labels: 1. Use label stock for best results (test print may be performed on tags, but may not be as clear). 2. Turn the printer off. 3. Hold down the FEED and PAUSE key and turn the machine on, (1)DIAG will appear. 4. Press the FEED key until (4)TEST PRINT appears. 5. Press the PAUSE key and PRINT CONDITION will appear. 6. Press PAUSE and ISSUE COUNT will appear. 7. Press the FEED or RESTART key until the desired quantity is selected. 8. Press PAUSE and PRINT SPEED will appear (leave this setting as is). 9. Press PAUSE and SENSOR TRANS will appear (leave this setting as is unless you are test printing on plastic tags then set it to REFLECT by pressing RESTART). 10. Press PAUSE and PRT TYPE TRANSFER will appear (leave this setting as is). 11. Press PAUSE and TYPE [S] NO CUT will appear (leave this setting as is). 12. Press PAUSE and LABEL LEN. 76mm will appear. Change this setting according to the size of labels that are being printed by pressing the FEED or RESTART keys. 13. Press PAUSE and PAPER FEED will appear. 14. Press PAUSE and the printer will present one blank label and display (4) TEST PRINT. 15. Press PAUSE and the printer will display PRINT CONDITION. 16. Press RESTART until SLANT LINE (3 DOT) appears. 17. Press PAUSE and the requested number of labels will print out with a slanted line pattern.

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I have a Ribbon Error message, what do I do?

There are two possible error messages related to the ribbon, one is a direct problem with the ribbon, and one because there is no ribbon detected. Make sure that the ribbon is loaded into the machine like the example affixed to the case.

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How can I adjust the print heads?

There are three Head related problems that you might encounter: Head Open, Head Error, or Excessive Head Temperature. To correct the Head Open error, close the print head block and press RESTART. To correct the Head Error, Ensure that the print head is installed correctly. If the problem persists, replace the print head. To correct an Excessive Head Temperature problem, turn off the printer. Check the software and hardware for proper heat settings. Let the print head cool down for at least 30 minutes and try again. If these efforts do not fix the problem, contact your distributor for service.

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What do I do to clear a Comm Error?

A Comm error is most likely caused by a loose printer cable. Ensure that the printer cable is secure at both the printer end and the computer end. If this does not fix the problem either replace the cable or call the distributor for service information.

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What do I do if I have a Graphics Error?

Resolving Graphics Errors can be complicated. Known causes of graphics errors are as follows: Corrupted printer driver. Reinstall the printer driver to correct this error. Bad printer cable and/or switch boxes. To correct this problem, replace the printer cable and/or disconnect switch boxes.

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