Sato CL4NX troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: The Sato manuals give two causes: the head is not locked, or the sensor that monitors its opening is faulty. Raise the head, then lower it until the lever locks; if the error is still displayed, call in Sato technical support.

Likely cause

On both the CL4NX and the CL4NX Plus: printhead not locked, or faulty head open/close detection sensor.

Caution: When closing the top cover, keep your fingers clear so that they do not get pinched (Sato manual).

What to do

1. Unlock the head by pushing the head lock lever backwards.
2. Lower the head and press down on it until the lever locks: the message disappears as soon as the head is locked.
3. If the error is still displayed with the head locked, the cause is the head open sensor, according to Sato.

When to call a technician: if “Head Open” is still displayed with the head locked, the head open sensor is faulty: this is a matter for Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1007 (Head Open) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1007 (Head Open) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Loading the Media Roll (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual (official documentation).

Short answer: This is Sato's paper-out message: the printer no longer sees any media, because it is missing, incorrectly threaded or jammed, or because the sensor is incorrectly set or dirty. Reload the roll, then calibrate and clean the sensor if the error comes back.

Likely cause

The CL4NX and CL4NX Plus manuals list the same five causes: no media, media incorrectly loaded, media sensor level incorrectly set, jam, sensor not working properly (dirty, label stuck on it, low sensitivity).

What to do

1. Check that the roll is present and that it passes under the damper and under the sensor guide; reload it if necessary (see loading the roll).
2. If there is a jam, clear the jammed media (see jam).
3. Adjust the sensor level by calibrating (see calibration).
4. Clean the media sensor with the cleaning kit if it is dirty or if a label is stuck to it (see cleaning).
5. With the media in place, open and close the head, or press OFFLINE, to clear the message.

When to call a technician: if “Out of Paper” persists with the media correctly loaded and the sensor calibrated and clean, the manuals refer you to Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1008 (Out of Paper) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1008 (Out of Paper) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Sato cites a missing or used-up ribbon, incorrectly loaded ribbon or media, and a ribbon sensor that is not working properly. Reload the ribbon and media, then close the head; if the sensor is the cause, restart the printer.

Likely cause

CL4NX and CL4NX Plus manuals: ribbon not loaded, ribbon or media incorrectly loaded, ribbon run out, ribbon sensor dirty or of low sensitivity.

What to do

1. Check that the ribbon is pushed all the way onto the ribbon supply shaft, that it passes under the head and that it is attached to the ribbon rewind shaft (see loading the ribbon).
2. Also reload the media if it is incorrectly positioned.
3. Replace the ribbon if it has run out.
4. Close the head, or press OFFLINE, to clear the error.
5. Suspected ribbon sensor: Sato advises switching the printer off and then switching it back on.

When to call a technician: if “Ribbon End” persists with the ribbon correctly loaded and after restarting, contact Sato technical support.

To print on direct thermal labels without a ribbon, Sato says to change the print method in the settings.

Sources: Error Message 1009 (Ribbon End) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1009 (Ribbon End) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Want to Print Using the Direct Thermal Media Without Using the Ribbon (Such as When the Ribbon Runs Out) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Sato, this message indicates a fault in the printer. The only action provided for is to switch it off and on again; if the fault comes back, you need to contact Sato technical support.

Likely cause

1001: a fault has occurred in the product. 1135, which is also dealt with with the power off: an unsupported optional device is installed.

What to do

1. Switch the printer off: error 1001 cannot be cleared any other way.
2. Switch it back on and see whether the message comes back.
3. For error 1135, switch the printer off and remove the unsupported option before switching it back on.

When to call a technician: if error 1001 reappears after restarting, or if error 1135 persists with the option removed, contact Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1001 (Machine Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1001 (Machine Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1135 (Unsupported Option Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1135 (Unsupported Option Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Error 1066 indicates a jam, or incorrectly loaded media. Clear the jammed media, unlock the head and reload the media so that its leading edge extends past the cutter blade.

Likely cause

Both manuals give the same causes: jammed media, or incorrectly loaded media. This number is specific to the 4-inch models (CL4NX and CL4NX Plus).

Caution: With the cutter or the linerless cutter kit installed, be careful of the blade when removing the media: you could injure yourself or someone else (Sato manual).

What to do

1. Find where the media is jammed and remove it; the video in the manual shows the media path and the internal parts.
2. Unlock the head and reload the media: this is what clears error 1066.
3. When reloading, make the leading edge of the media extend past the cutter blade.
4. With no message but with media that no longer feeds, do the same: locate the jam, remove the media, then reload it (see loading the roll).

When to call a technician: if error 1066 comes back when the media is correctly loaded, the manuals refer you to Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1066 (Paper Jam) (CL4NX Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1066 (Paper Jam) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · The Media Has Jammed (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Run [Auto-calibration] in [Printing] > [Advanced] > [Calibrate]: the printer automatically sets the level of the gap sensor (Gap), the black mark sensor (I-Mark) or both. During the adjustment, the media must pass under the sensor guide and the head must be locked.

Likely cause

If the media is not detected properly, Sato asks you to adjust the level of the Gap and I-Mark sensors; this is also the countermeasure provided for errors 1008, 1010, 1028 and 1035.

Official calibration procedure

1. First check [Sensor Type] in the [Printing] menu: [Gap] for labels separated by a gap, [I-Mark] for black mark media.
2. Unlock the head by pushing the lever backwards.
3. Feed the media under the sensor guide. For labels, peel one off its liner; position the media so that the sensor is not over a black mark.
4. Lock the head: Sato states that an adjustment made with the head unlocked does not give a correct result.
5. Open [Printing] > [Advanced] > [Calibrate] > [Auto-calibration], select [Gap + I-Mark], [Gap] or [I-Mark] and confirm.
6. Confirm to start; read the result displayed, then confirm to exit.
7. In Offline mode, feed the media and check that it stops in the right place.

When to call a technician: if the media feed is still incorrect after [Auto-calibration], Sato asks you to contact your dealer or its technical support.

The levels can also be set manually ([GAP Levels], [GAP Slice Level], [I-Mark Levels], [I-Mark Slice Level]). [Auto-calibration] does not appear when the optional linerless cutter kit is installed.

Sources: [Auto-calibration] (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · [Auto-calibration] (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · [Calibrate] (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Media Sensor Type (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The sensor cannot find the gap between the labels (1028) or the black mark (1035). Sato has you check the media path, the cleanliness of the sensor and the sensor type selected, then recalibrate the sensor level.

Likely cause

The same four causes for both messages: media weaving instead of feeding straight, label stuck on the sensor, unsuitable sensor type, incorrect sensor level.

What to do

1. Reload the media so that it feeds perfectly straight.
2. If a label has stuck to the sensor, clean it with the cleaning kit (see cleaning).
3. In [Sensor Type], select [Gap] or [I-Mark] according to your media.
4. Run the sensor calibration again (see calibration).
5. Clear the error with OFFLINE, or by opening and closing the head.

Sources: Error Message 1028 (Gap Not Found) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1028 (Gap Not Found) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1035 (I-mark Not Found) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The printer detects a difference between the label size set in the data and the actual media, or a feed that is too long because of an incorrect sensor level. Correct the format sent by the software, or recalibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

Sato lists three cases: media size different between the data and the roll, data longer than the label, excessive feed caused by an incorrect sensor level.

What to do

1. Compare the label size set in the software with the media loaded and make them match.
2. If the layout exceeds the length of the label, correct the data.
3. If the label feeds too far, recalibrate the sensor (see calibration).
4. If the message persists, restart the printer.
5. The message is cleared by opening and closing the head or with the OFFLINE button.

This check is only active if [Check Media Size] ([Printing] > [Advanced]) is set to [Enabled].

Sources: Error Message 1010 (Media Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1010 (Media Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The Sato troubleshooting pages point to loading, the sensor type, a dirty sensor or platen roller, then the position settings. Reload the media, select the right sensor, clean, then correct the print or stop position.

Likely cause

Checks listed by Sato: media (and ribbon) loaded correctly, sensor type suited to the media, no label stuck on the sensor, platen roller and sensor clean, pitch and vertical base reference point, stop position (offset).

What to do

1. Reload the media and, for thermal transfer, the ribbon.
2. Set [Sensor Type] according to the media: gap ([Gap]) or black mark ([I-Mark]).
3. Clean the sensor and the platen roller with the cleaning kit.
4. Print offset upwards or downwards: correct the pitch and the vertical base reference point offset.
5. Stop or cut in the wrong place: adjust the media stop position (offset).

Sources: The Label Does Not Stop at the Specified Position/the Label Does Not Stop (opens in a new window) · The Print Position Is Shifted Vertically from the Media Feed Direction (opens in a new window) · Print Stop Position and Cut Position Are Shifted (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: If nothing feeds, Sato first has you check the display (error message), then the loading and that there is no jam. The roll must be pushed all the way onto the roll holder and the media must pass under the damper and under the sensor guide before the head is locked.

Likely cause

“Media Does Not Feed” page in both manuals: error currently on the display, media or ribbon incorrectly loaded, media jammed.

Caution: Top cover: open it all the way so that it does not fall shut, and close it taking care not to trap your fingers (Sato manual).

Official roll loading procedure

1. Open the top cover fully and push the head lock lever backwards.
2. Pull the roll holder guide and the media guide outwards; loosen the media guide by turning its knob anticlockwise.
3. Slide the roll all the way onto the roll holder, towards the inside of the printer, and press the roll holder guide lightly against it.
4. Pass the media under the damper and under the sensor guide, pushing it until its end comes out at the front.
5. Lower the head until the lever locks, press the media guide lightly against the edge of the media and tighten the knob again.
6. Close the cover, feed the media with FEED in Offline mode, then go back online with ONLINE.

For thermal transfer, the ribbon must also be loaded (see loading the ribbon). If an error number is displayed, start with the lookup table.

Sources: Media Does Not Feed (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Loading the Media Roll (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Loading the Media Roll (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The ribbon is pushed all the way onto the ribbon supply shaft, passes under the head, then is attached to the ribbon rewind shaft, which you turn a few times. For direct thermal labels, Sato provides for printing without a ribbon by changing the print method.

Caution: After printing, the head and the area around it are very hot. The edge of the head can cause injury if touched with bare hands (Sato manual).

Official ribbon loading procedure

1. Open the top cover fully; push the ribbon rewind shaft all the way in and remove the used ribbon, if there is any.
2. Unlock the head (lever pushed backwards).
3. Slide the ribbon roll all the way onto the ribbon supply shaft, observing the winding direction.
4. Pull the ribbon from the ribbon supply shaft and pass it under the head.
5. Attach it to the ribbon rewind shaft and turn this shaft several times anticlockwise.
6. If labels are already in place, lock the head; otherwise, load them first. Then close the cover.
7. To work without a ribbon on direct thermal media, change the print method ([Print Method]) in the settings.

A sticker inside the cover shows the ribbon path, ink side in or ink side out. Sato recommends its original consumables to obtain the best quality.

Sources: Loading the Ribbon (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Loading the Ribbon (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Want to Print Using the Direct Thermal Media Without Using the Ribbon (Such as When the Ribbon Runs Out) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: For Sato, faded print comes from incorrect loading, a dirty head or sensor, or unsuitable darkness and speed settings. Clean the head with the cleaning kit, run a test print, then adjust [Darkness] and [Speed].

Likely cause

The “The Overall Printout Is Light” and “A Part of the Printout Is Light” pages call for the same checks: media and ribbon loading, cleanliness of the head and sensor, print darkness and speed.

Caution: Never use organic solvents such as thinner or benzine. Wait for the head to cool down: it is very hot after printing. Avoid touching its edge with bare hands, as it can cause injury (Sato manual).

Official cleaning procedure (cleaning kit)

1. Switch the printer off and pull the plug out of the mains socket.
2. Open the cover fully, unlock the head and remove the media and ribbon.
3. With a cotton cloth moistened with cleaning liquid, wipe the head, the plate, the ribbon roller and then the platen roller in turn.
4. Lower the sensor guide lock, take out this guide, then wipe its underside and the media sensor.
5. Put the guide back and raise the lock; while holding the head assembly, also wipe its shaft.
6. Reload, run a test print and adjust the darkness and speed if necessary.

Sato recommends using the cleaning kit on the head, the platen roller, the sensors and the media guide at every roll or every 150 m, and the cleaning sheet on the head every six rolls or 900 m. With the CL4NX Plus linerless cutter kit, cleaning is done at every roll or as soon as adhesive or paper dust appears. Print that is too dark, on the other hand, comes from darkness set too high or a speed that is too slow, according to Sato.

Sources: The Overall Printout Is Light (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · A Part of the Printout Is Light (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Cleaning Using the Cleaning Kit (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Cleaning Using the Cleaning Kit (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Cleaning Intervals (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · The Overall Printout Is too Dark (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: For these two symptoms, the CL4NX manual has you check the printhead pressure balance, the media and ribbon loading, and the cleanliness of the head and sensor. Set the balance knobs according to the media width, then check on an actual print.

Likely cause

“One Side of the Printout Is Light” and “The Printout Is Shifted to One Side” pages: head pressure balance incorrectly set, media or ribbon incorrectly loaded, head or sensor dirty or with a label stuck to it.

What to do

1. Open the top cover: the adjustment knobs are on top of the head assembly.
2. Position them according to the width of your media. For the CL4NX Plus, the Sato table provides three ranges: 25 to 54 mm, 54 to 83 mm and 83 to 131 mm, the same in Micro Label Print mode.
3. Print to check that the result is stable: Sato states that the values in the table are a guide only and depend on the media type.
4. Defect still present: redo the media and ribbon loading.
5. Finish by cleaning the head and the sensor (see cleaning), followed by a test print.

Sato describes the pressure balance as an additional adjustment to the printhead pressure, useful in particular if the media drifts to the right.

Sources: One Side of the Printout Is Light (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · The Printout Is Shifted to One Side (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Pressure Balance Setting (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The Sato manual checks three points: the cleanliness of the head and sensor, the media and ribbon loading, and the printhead pressure balance. Clean first, reload, then adjust the pressure balance.

Likely cause

“A Part of the Printout Is Dirty and Black Streaks Appear” page: head or sensor dirty (or with a label stuck to it), media or ribbon incorrectly loaded, head pressure balance incorrectly set.

What to do

1. Start by cleaning the head and sensor (see cleaning), then print a test label.
2. Reload the media and ribbon carefully.
3. If the streaks persist, correct the head pressure balance (see balance knobs).

Source: A Part of the Printout Is Dirty and Black Streaks Appear (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The CL4NX manual points to a dirty head or incorrectly loaded media and ribbon. Clean the head with the cleaning kit and reload the media and ribbon; if the barcodes are still unreadable, Sato mentions a faulty head.

Likely cause

“Cannot Read the Barcode” page: dirty printhead, media or ribbon incorrectly loaded; as a last resort, faulty head.

What to do

1. Clean the head with the cleaning kit (see cleaning).
2. Put the media and ribbon back in place following the loading procedures.
3. If error 1012 is displayed, refer to the Head Error entry.

When to call a technician: if the barcodes are still unreadable after cleaning and reloading, Sato mentions a faulty head and refers you to its technical support.

The [Head Check] function helps to spot a broken head element but, according to Sato, does not guarantee that barcodes are readable: regular checks with a scanner are still necessary.

Sources: Cannot Read the Barcode (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · [Head Check] (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Not necessarily: error 1012 indicates worn print elements, or a worn or damaged head. Sato first suggests switching the printer off or checking only the barcodes; replacement is required if the head is damaged.

Likely cause

1012: worn print elements, or worn or damaged head (CL4NX and CL4NX Plus manuals). 1024: no head installed, or a replacement head with a different resolution.

Caution: To replace the head: power cord unplugged, never with wet hands (risk of electric shock), head cooled down, gloves on, edge of the head not touched with bare hands. On UHF RFID models, the antenna is attached to the head: do not pull on its cable (Sato manual).

What to do

1. Switch the printer off, or change the [Head Check] conditions ([Printing] > [Advanced]): [All] checks the whole printed area, [Barcode] only the barcodes, [Off] turns the check off.
2. To resume printing despite the error, hold the DISMISS button down until the progress bar reaches the right-hand edge.
3. Check the barcodes printed after the error with a scanner, as Sato asks.
4. Worn or damaged head: replace it. With the printer unplugged and cooled down, the head unlocked and the media and ribbon removed, press the lever to remove the head and disconnect its connectors (two on the CL4NX Plus).
5. Connect the new head and push it in until it clicks, then put the media and ribbon back.
6. Error 1024: fit a head with the same resolution as the previous one.

When to call a technician: if error 1012 persists with a new head, or for any question about the UHF RFID antenna mounted on the head, Sato refers you to your dealer or its technical support.

[Head Check] is a guide and does not replace checking the barcodes with a scanner.

Sources: Error Message 1012 (Head Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1012 (Head Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1024 (Head Density Changed) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · [Head Check] (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Replacing the Print Head (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The printer has exceeded the temperature it can tolerate. Stop the job and wait for it to cool down, which clears the error; if the overheating happens again, contact Sato technical support.

Likely cause

Both Sato manuals explain it in the same way: the printer has gone outside its tolerated temperature range.

Caution: Do not work on the head before it has cooled down: it stays very hot after printing (Sato manual).

What to do

1. Stop printing.
2. Let the printer cool down: the error disappears when the temperature drops.
3. Then restart the job.

When to call a technician: if error 1022 comes back despite cooling, the manuals refer you to Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1022 (Print Head Overheated) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1022 (Print Head Overheated) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Cleaning Using the Cleaning Kit (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Sato checks three points: media and ribbon loading, cleanliness of the head and sensor, installation of the head. Reload, clean, then check that the head is properly engaged.

Likely cause

“Media Is Fed According to the Specified Number, but Not Printed” page: media or ribbon incorrectly loaded, head or sensor dirty, head incorrectly installed.

What to do

1. Redo the label and ribbon loading (see ribbon).
2. Clean the head and the sensor, then run a test print (see cleaning).
3. Check that the head is fitted correctly, pushed in until it clicks.

Sources: Media Is Fed According to the Specified Number, but Not Printed (opens in a new window) · Replacing the Print Head (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Three checks according to Sato: the network cable, the port and protocol defined in the printer's interface settings, then the response to ping. If the ping fails, review the IP address and subnet mask, and make sure the hub is switched on and working.

Likely cause

The manuals cite a LAN cable that is not properly connected, an incorrect port or protocol, wrong IP parameters (address, mask), or a hub that is switched off or faulty.

What to do

1. Reconnect the LAN cable correctly.
2. In the interface settings, redefine the port and protocol used.
3. Ping the printer; if there is no response, check the IP address and the subnet mask.
4. Check that the hub is powered and working.
5. As a last resort, switch the printer off and on again.

According to the CL4NX Plus manual, pressing the designated button for 5 seconds displays the printer's model, version, serial numbers and IP address.

Sources: Cannot Communicate via LAN (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Cannot Communicate via LAN (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Operations When Errors Occur (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the USB cable and the printer's interface settings, change USB port on the computer and check the printer name in the driver. If nothing works, Sato recommends restarting the printer and the PC, then reinstalling the driver as administrator.

Likely cause

Points listed by Sato: cable connection, interface settings, whether the computer's USB port is active or not, printer name in the driver.

What to do

1. Reconnect the USB cable correctly.
2. Redo the printer's interface settings.
3. Connect to another USB port on the PC and disconnect the other USB devices.
4. In Devices and Printers > Printer properties > General tab, check the printer name and make the driver's name match it.
5. Restart the printer and the computer.
6. Still nothing: uninstall the driver, then reinstall it with an administrator account.

Sources: Cannot Communicate via USB (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Cannot Communicate via USB (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are optional modules: check that they are installed and enabled, that the network is set to [Auto] or [Wi-Fi], and move sources of interference away. Errors 1046 and 1047 relate to the authentication settings; 1068, 1050 and 1075 indicate a module to be repaired or replaced by Sato.

Likely cause

“Cannot Communicate via Wireless LAN” and “Cannot Communicate via Bluetooth” pages: module missing, function disabled or network incorrectly set, devices on the same band (Wi-Fi, microwave ovens), metal obstacle, interface settings. Messages: 1046 and 1047 = EAP authentication failed; 1068 = Wi-Fi module damaged; 1050 = Bluetooth module faulty; 1075 = NFC module faulty; 1076 = incorrect NFC command.

What to do

1. Check that the optional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module is installed and, for Bluetooth, enabled.
2. Wi-Fi: set the network to [Auto] or [Wi-Fi]; in [Auto], disconnect the LAN cable, then switch the printer back on.
3. Move the printer away from other wireless equipment and microwave ovens, and remove any metal obstacles between it and the host.
4. Redo the [Wi-Fi] or [Bluetooth] interface settings.
5. 1046: enter the correct Wi-Fi parameters (EAP Conf. section); 1047: check the access point and the authentication server. Clear with OFFLINE.
6. 1076: check the command sent, then press OFFLINE.
7. Restart the printer (and the computer for Bluetooth); reinstall the driver as administrator if Bluetooth still does not respond.

When to call a technician: errors 1068, 1050 and 1075: Wi-Fi module to be replaced, Bluetooth module to be repaired or NFC module to be replaced by Sato technical support.

Sources: Cannot Communicate via Wireless LAN (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Cannot Communicate via Bluetooth (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1046 (EAP Authentication Error (EAP Failure)) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1047 (EAP Authentication Error (EAP Timeout)) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1068 (WLAN Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1050 (Bluetooth Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1075 (NFC Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1076 (Invalid command in NFC) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: With no message, Sato has you check the interface cable, the interface settings, then the driver settings. With a number, the cause is specific: RS-232C serial link incorrectly set (1003 to 1005), data too large (1006), incorrect SBPL command (1017), BCC or CRC check failed (1021, 1058) or reception impossible on the host side (1142).

Likely cause

“Cannot Output After Data Is Sent” page: interface cable not properly connected, interface settings not suited to the computer or network, driver settings. Messages: 1003 to 1005 = RS-232C settings or cable; 1006 = data larger than the receive buffer or interface incorrectly set; 1017 = incorrect command or parameter; 1021 = incorrect BCC; 1058 = CRC missing or different; 1142 = the host did not receive the data.

What to do

1. Check the interface cable, then the printer's interface settings according to the computer and the network, then the driver settings.
2. 1003 to 1005: redo the RS-232C settings; for a cable that is not properly connected, switch the printer off, reconnect it and switch back on. OFFLINE clears the error.
3. 1006: on the host side, limit the size of transmissions to that of the receive buffer and redo the interface settings on both sides.
4. 1017: read the code “Caaa: <bb>: cc” under the number (position, command name, nature of the error), correct the data, then press CANCEL.
5. 1021 and 1058: check the data and the interface, then choose PRINT (resume) or CANCEL (skip to the next item).
6. 1142: switch the printer off, check the reception parameters on the host, then switch it back on.

To see the detailed code for error 1017, the [Show Error] option in the [Applications] > [SBPL] menu must be set to [Enabled].

Sources: Cannot Output After Data Is Sent (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1003 (Parity Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1004 (Overrun Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1005 (Framing Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1006 (Buffer Overflow) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1017 (SBPL Command Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1021 (BCC Check Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1058 (CRC Check Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1142 (Host Receive Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Error 1015 indicates media jammed in the cutter or a blade that does not return to its position: clear the media and press FEED. Error 1016 indicates that the cutter release lever is not closed and locked. If the error persists, restart the printer.

Likely cause

Two messages, with two causes each according to Sato: 1015 occurs when media blocks the cutter or the blade does not return to its position; 1016 when the cutter release lever has been left open or the unit is faulty.

Caution: Be careful of the cutter blade when removing the media: it can cause injury (Sato manual).

What to do

1. 1015: remove the labels stuck in the cutter; the manual refers to its video on the media path.
2. Press FEED: the blade returns to its position and error 1015 clears.
3. 1016: close the cutter release lever and lock it.
4. Labels not cut with no message: press FEED in Offline mode, restart, then check the print mode ([Print Mode]) in the settings.
5. If the error comes back, switch the printer off and on again.

When to call a technician: if error 1016 is still displayed with the lever locked and after restarting, the cutter is probably faulty according to Sato: contact technical support.

The CL4NX Plus also accepts an optional rotary cutter, whose loading is covered in a separate section of its manual.

Sources: Error Message 1015 (Cutter Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1015 (Cutter Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1016 (Cutter Cover Open) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · The Media Is Not Cut (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Message 1099 follows a sudden power cut, for example a cord pulled out with the printer switched on: clear it with OFFLINE and from now on switch the printer off normally. To return to the factory settings, go to [Tools] > [Reset] > [Settings] and choose [Factory Reset].

Likely cause

According to both Sato manuals, the power was cut off improperly, for example by unplugging the cord during operation.

Caution: Sato points out that a reset is rarely necessary and can change the print conditions: note down your settings beforehand. [User Reset] and [Factory Reset] also reset the [Interface] menu; to keep the network settings, choose their (-Interface) variant.

Official settings reset procedure

1. Clear warning 1099 with OFFLINE; in future, switch the printer off using the normal procedure.
2. To reset: from Online mode, switch to Offline, then enter Settings mode.
3. Choose [Tools], then [Reset], then [Settings].
4. Select the scope: [User Reset], [User Reset (-Interface)], [Factory Reset] (factory state), [Factory Reset (-Interface)] (factory state except for the [Interface] menu), [Interface] or [Printing].
5. Accept the confirmation to start the operation, or cancel.
6. Restart the printer if the display asks you to.

Sources: Error Message 1099 (Config Warning) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1099 (Config Warning) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Initializing the Setting Values on the Product (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Initializing the Setting Values on the Product (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: These errors mean that the printer could not find, read, write or lock the inlay. Sato asks you to check the inlay, then the printer and antenna settings, and to choose RETRY or ABORT. The faulty label has the message printed on it: do not reuse it.

Likely cause

According to the Sato manuals: 1114 = tag not found or unreadable; 1115 and 1123 = write failed (inlay locked or, in UHF, write power too low); 1116 = data read failed; 1117 = inlay locked or address not writable (ISO/IEC 15693, FeliCa); 1118 = value read back differs from the value written; 1119 = lock failed; 1120 = UID of another tag; 1121 = several tags picked up; 1124 = tag type incorrectly specified; 1125 = tag identifier not obtained; 1126 = RSSI below the threshold (UHF); 1129 = tag not supported or already encoded; 1131 = address beyond capacity (ISO/IEC 15693); 1144 = [Pitch Size] different from the tag length; 1073 = RFID media loaded with no RFID command; 1018 (CL4NX, firmware 1.11.5 or earlier) = inlay cannot be read or written.

What to do

1. First inspect the inlay, then the printer's RFID and antenna parameters.
2. Press RETRY (resumes according to [Retry Mode]) or ABORT. To cancel the whole job, open and close the cover to go Offline, then press CANCEL.
3. Locked tags (1117, 1123): use unlocked tags. Tag type or model (1120, 1124, 1129): check the type specified, and the manufacturer and model of the inlay.
4. 1123 and 1126 (UHF): adjust [Write Power] or [Read Power] and, for 1126, the [Threshold Value]. 1125: improve the radio conditions. 1131: check the data size and the address.
5. 1144: enter the exact tag length in [Pitch Size] or measure it with [Label Measure Start], then open and close the head.
6. 1073: add the RFID command to the job, disable [RFID Undetected Warning] or load non-RFID media.
7. 1018: discard the faulty tag; the ABORT and RETRY buttons only appear after the number of attempts set in [Interface] > [RFID] > [Retries].

In the CL4NX/CL6NX manual, all these errors are marked “CL4NX Only”; in the CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual, errors 1117, 1120, 1124, 1125, 1129 and 1131 are marked “CL4NX Plus Only”.

Sources: Error Message 1018 (RFID Tag Error) (CL4NX only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1073 (RFID Undetected) (CL4NX Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1114 (Tag not Found) (CL4NX Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1117 (Write Tag Error) (CL4NX Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1115 (Write Tag Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1116 (Failed to Read the Tag Data) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1118 (Write/Read Values Are not Consistent) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1119 (Failed to Lock the Data) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1120 (Wrong Tag UID Is Read) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1121 (Multiple Tags Are Detected) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1123 (Write Tag Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1124 (Wrong Tag Type) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1125 (Internal Error) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1126 (Not Enough Power) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1129 (Unsupported Tag Error) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1131 (Exceed Address Error) (CL4NX Plus Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1144 (RFID label pitch size Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: Yes, but without RFID: the RFID module is no longer working properly, so the printer can no longer read or write inlays, although it still prints the face of the labels. Clear the error with OFFLINE and have the module repaired or replaced by Sato technical support.

Likely cause

CL4NX manual: faulty RFID module. CL4NX Plus manual: faulty RFID module, SATO RF Analyze (SRA) board incorrectly set or not connected; error 1133 additionally indicates a faulty SRA motor.

What to do

1. Clear the message with the OFFLINE button.
2. If necessary, continue printing the face of the labels, without encoding.
3. Call in Sato technical support for the RFID module or the SRA board.

When to call a technician: errors 1019 and 1133: repair or replacement of the RFID module, adjustment or connection of the SRA board, by Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1019 (RFID System Error) (CL4NX Only) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1019 (RFID System Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1133 (SRA Motor Unit Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The Sato manuals have you check the cord connection at the printer end and at the socket end, then the power supply to the socket by trying another one. If the display stays off, contact Sato technical support.

Likely cause

Only two checks in the manuals: the cord, at the printer end and at the socket end, and the power supply to the socket itself.

Caution: Do not handle the power switch or the cord with wet hands: risk of electric shock (Sato manual).

What to do

1. Push the cord firmly into the printer and into the socket, then switch on.
2. Try another mains socket.
3. Blue LED flashing every two seconds: the printer is starting up or in sleep mode, it is not faulty.

When to call a technician: if the printer does not switch on from a live socket, the manuals refer you to Sato technical support.

Sleep mode starts by default after 60 minutes of inactivity on the CL4NX and 45 minutes on the CL4NX Plus; the delay is changed in [Energy Saving]. Solid blue LED: online; LED off: switched off or Offline mode.

Sources: No Power/Nothing on the Screen (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · LED Indicator (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · LED Indicator (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: They come from the optional barcode verifier: verifier unreachable (1077), read failed (1078), check start outside the label (1079) or code read different from the data (1080). Check the connection, position and settings of the verifier, as well as the layout.

Likely cause

CL4NX Plus manual: 1077 when the link with the verifier cannot be checked or fails, 1078 when the code is misread, 1079 when the check start exceeds the media length, 1080 when the reading does not match the data.

What to do

1. 1077: connect the verifier correctly, or disable the barcode check mode if you do not use it.
2. 1078 and 1080: check the label layout, the position of the verifier and its settings.
3. 1079: bring the check start position back within the media length.
4. OFFLINE switches to Offline mode while keeping the job; CANCEL (1078, 1080) cancels the job.

Sources: Error Message 1077 (Barcode Reader Connection Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1078 (Barcode Reading Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1079 (Barcode Reading Error (Checking Start Position Abnormality)) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1080 (Barcode Comparison Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: 1020: the date and time are wrong, or the calendar battery is getting low; redo the setting from the error screen. 1023: the printer could not reach the time server; check its address and the network connection.

Likely cause

1020: calendar set to a wrong date or time, or calendar battery at the end of its life (both manuals); 1023: time server unreachable for setting the clock (CL4NX Plus manual).

What to do

1. 1020: from the error screen, set the date and time again ([Regional] section), check them, then confirm.
2. If error 1020 comes back, the battery is the cause.
3. 1023: check the time server address and the network link; with the clock kit (RTC), you can enter the date and time manually and do without NTP.
4. Error 1023 is cleared with OFFLINE or by changing the calendar setting.

When to call a technician: error 1020 caused by the calendar battery: replacement by Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1020 (Calendar Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1020 (Calendar Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual · Error Message 1023 (NTP Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).

Short answer: The memory stick was removed during writing, does not have enough space, no longer accepts writing or is not formatted. Plug it back in, free up some space, change memory stick or format it in FAT32.

Likely cause

Sato manuals: 1013 = memory stick disconnected during writing, insufficient space for the copy, write failed, memory stick not formatted; 1014 = memory stick full.

What to do

1. Plug the memory stick back in if it was removed during writing.
2. Free up space on the memory stick or use a larger one.
3. If writing still fails, change memory stick; an unformatted memory stick must be formatted in FAT32.
4. Clear the error by unplugging and plugging the memory stick back in (1013), by inserting a memory stick with enough space (1014), or with OFFLINE.

Sources: Error Message 1013 (USB R/W Error) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX/CL6NX manual · Error Message 1014 (USB Memory Full) (opens in a new window) – CL4NX Plus/CL6NX Plus manual (official documentation).