MS Access Report for Zebra TLP 2844-2 Printer 1

[WVGhostDog]

Our office just purchased a Zebra TLP 2844-2 Printer. We have an access database with information that I bar code in Access reports using the ID Automation ActiveX software. I have had no problem formatting report output for a variety of label sizes on a variety of desktop and network printers. I usually have to tweak the location of the bar code to get the alignment right, but that just takes a few minutes for each printer. (I end up with individual report formats for each printer and label, but that's OK)

But no such luck with the Zebra printer. I have installed it both using USB plug and play installation and using the driver(s) from the CD that came with the device. The labels won't align correctly after the first label is printed. I have reports with code to skip a number of labels before printing, but it won't even skip a consistently wrong number of labels, let alone print labels with correct alignment.

I notice that the Zebra wasn't successfully "Windows logo" tested. Of course, there are lots of peripherals for which you can say that, but would that have something to do with it? I'm really stumped by this and would appreciate any help anyone could give. Thanks, Bob

 

[longhair]

WVGhostDog,
barcode printers (zebra, intermec, etc.) are a whole different animal from laserjet printers. i've found it easier to send the label commands from my code rather than letting the drivers do the work. zebra should have a manual on their site for zpl (zebra printing language). i'd check that out and see if you can get stuff to work when you pass their printer commands with your data. my guess is that your access print jobs may be sending data that the printer is interpreting as commands.
regards,
longhair

 

[DougP]

yes there is an FAQ I wrote awhile ago to help with coding ZPL

faq694-2608

DougP, MCP, A+