Zebra 2844 Firmware

 

When using ShipRush for USPS printing with a Zebra LP2844 printer, the 2D "Datamatrix" bar code may not print. This is a crucial issue, as this bar code is the postage stamp!

 

Note: For questions and technical support related to LP2844 printers and the Datamatrix bar code, please contact Endicia support at (800) 576-3279    Z-Firm support is not able to assist with this level of printer compatibility.

 

 

Resolution:

 

In most cases, this issue can be resolved by updating the firmware on the Zebra / Eltron LP2844 printer. (Some LP2844 printers cannot be updated, however. Contact Endicia support at (800) 576-3279 with any questions. Z-Firm support is not able to assist with this level of printer compatibility.)

 

 

Some notes:

 

-These steps are technical, but any power user or competent PC Technician should be able to assist.

 

-Z-Firm complimentary support does not cover hardware issues like this. If support is needed, please contact Endicia support at (800) 576-3279.

 

-Only the Zebra LP2844 has been tested. The compatibility of other Zebra / Eltron models is unknown, and other models are not supported.

 

 

The steps below are provided as an FYI and are not supported by Z-Firm Technical Support. As an alternative to the steps below, documentation and utilities may be downloaded directly from www.zebra.com.

 

 

Steps:

 

Note: The Zebra printer must connected directly to the PC to update the firmware. It cannot be connected to the network (e.g. cannot be connected to a network print server, it must be directly connected via USB or parallel port to the PC).

 

1) Download the support kit from zfirm.com: http://www.zfirm.com/downloads/assets/support_files/Zebra_Firmware.zip

 

2) Unzip the downloaded file

 

3) Run the file: firmdownv103.exe   to install the Firmware installer.

 

After the installer is loaded up, take these steps:

 

  1. Launch Firmware downloader from Start | Programs | Zebra | Firmware downloader

  2. Goto Printer | Auto-detect (any errors, click OK)

  3. Find your Zebra LP2844 printer in the list *see below*

  4. Right click on the Printer# that has your printer and choose Select Firmware File

  5. Browse to the file that you unzipped the file to to find 2844_V4_70_1A_DMX.prg

  6. Right click again on the Printer# and choose Download to Selected

  7. Close firmware Downloader

  8. Turn off power to your printer

  9. Turn on power to your printer, while holding the paper feed button for 3 seconds (will blink red)

  10. Release the button and will print out (this is called a dump on the printer)

  11. The top of the printed page should tell you the version, and it should be v4.70.1A

  12. Push the print paper feed again to remove from dump

 

Now USPS labels should print properly with the postage bar code.

 

 

If there are any errors or problems, the update will not be successful, even if the printer shows the correct version. If any errors or problems occur, reboot the PC and printer and try again.

 

 

Note: If the printer shows up as anything other than Zebra LP2844, it may not accept the firmware upgrade. Reasons for this include:

 

- Age of the printer -- older printers will not accept the firmware. Older printers simply cannot print the Datamatrix code

- The printer is a special model created for UPS or FedEx directly, making it unable to accept firmware upgrades

 

Try to apply the firmware upgrade. If the dump label does not show the updated firmware (at the top of the print out), the printer is unable to accept firmware upgrades and needs to be replaced in order to print datamatrix postage.

 

 

Comments and issues related to Datamatrix and Zebra printers should be directed to Endicia support at (800) 576-3279.