Sato CX200 Label Sensor shot?

[ntco]

This trusty old Sato has been solid for the last 6 years, but I think the notch-sensor may have gone south, though I'm not convinced yet. Recently after one of my tech guys was reinstalling the Sato to share LPT1 with a laser via a data switch, the label sensor has been off.
No matter what label size/shape specifications I give it via the label program, it prints out the usual 6" label and then feeds another 2 inches to the center of the next label.

I am suspicious because the tech guy I assigned this project to isn't exactly the best in the hardware dept, and I know for a fact he tried to set it up as our UPS label printer for a couple of days. Guess what label length UPS labels are? 6" plus the added 2" for the rip-off receipt label. That can't be a coincidence.
So I'm thinking the Sato is hardwired for that label size now, no matter what.
I'm willing to troubleshoot this for a good portion of time as the printer has been solid forever and it technically still prints perfect.
Is there any advice for "clean-slating" the sensor? i've done the re-calibration-thing a million times (with no luck).

 

[stussy]

Don't know the sato printer, but the only time something similar happened to us was when our printer got stuck looking with the reflective sensor rather than the transmissive. As there was no reflective bar it just printed the same length each time, like it was hard coded as you say.

If this is way off the mark I apologise now!

 

[DougP]

Did you call SATO? for tech support
they made it they will know

http://www.satoamerica.com

Phone: 704-644-1660
E-mail: techsupport@satoamerica.com


DougP, MCP, A+

 

[ntco]

thanks for the replies, and yes stussy, that does sound accurate. Were you able to correct the sensor on your printer?

the usual recalibration process/sensor setup doesn't work so I was searching for another angle to get the sensor on track again.

and DougP, thanks for the info but I have sent a support email already. We obviously don't have any sort of free warranty or tech support with them as this printer is 7-8 years old. But I did send an email and hopefully they'll send a response (but nothing yet).

 

[stussy]

Hi, yes I fixed ours, but made the change in the software, not the hardware. What software are you printing from - bespoke or or just a regular label printing package?

On our TEC printers there is a cleardown that can be used to return everything to defaults, might be worth seeing if the Sato has something similar.

 

[ntco]

Yes, that "cleardown" function is pretty much what I'm looking for except for the Sato. And we've always used the Label Wizard program it came with for our utility labels. All the controls are in there to recalibrate the sensor, change label size--everything , but it just doesn't take. The printer reverts back to the 8" feed.

I'm going to try and recalibrate from the old programming commands via serial port next.

No word back from sato yet.