Sato CT4-LX troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: The top cover is not locked, or the sensor that monitors its opening does not detect it. Close the cover until it clicks; if the message is still displayed, the Sato manual advises dusting this sensor with an air duster.

Likely cause

Sato cites two causes: the top cover is open or not properly latched, or the sensor that detects the opening and closing of the cover is malfunctioning.

Caution: Sato asks you to take care not to pinch your fingers when closing the top cover.

What to do

1. Close the top cover until you hear the locking click: this is the action intended to clear the error.
2. If the message is still displayed with the cover closed, clean the cover open sensor with an air duster, at the location shown in the manual.
3. To read the cause and the remedy on the display, touch the button showing the error number.

When to call a technician: if the error persists after cleaning the cover sensor, Sato refers you to its technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1007 (Cover Open) (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Inside of the Product (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The CT4-LX is not detecting the media: roll missing or incorrectly installed, jam, or media sensor badly adjusted, dirty or covered by a label. Reload the media, clean the sensor, then run a calibration again.

Likely cause

The Sato manual lists five causes: media not loaded, media incorrectly loaded, media sensor level badly adjusted, jam, or media sensor malfunctioning (dirty, label stuck on it, insufficient sensitivity).

Caution: Before cleaning the inside, switch the printer off and unplug the power cord; do not touch the edge of the printhead with bare hands.

What to do

1. Open the top cover. If the roll is empty or missing, load a new roll.
2. If the roll is in place, reload it following the media path described in the manual (a loading video is available).
3. Remove any media jammed in the printer.
4. Clean the media sensor: see the cleaning entry.
5. Adjust the sensor level by running a calibration.
6. To clear the message: close the cover after loading the media, or touch CLEAR.

Sources: Error Message 1008 (Out of Paper) (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Inside of the Product (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The ribbon is missing, incorrectly loaded or torn, or its sensor is detecting it incorrectly. Reload the ribbon; with direct thermal labels, you can also switch the CT4-LX to direct thermal mode to print without a ribbon.

Likely cause

According to Sato: ribbon not loaded, ribbon or media incorrectly loaded, torn ribbon, or ribbon sensor dirty or lacking sensitivity.

What to do

1. Open the top cover and load a ribbon if there is none (procedure “Loading Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Only)”).
2. If a ribbon is in place, reload the ribbon and the media correctly.
3. If the ribbon is torn, clean its path (the three ribbon spindles) and then put it back in place: see the cleaning entry.
4. If the ribbon sensor seems to be the cause, switch the printer off and on again.
5. To clear the message: close the cover after loading the ribbon, or touch CLEAR.

To print on direct thermal labels without a ribbon (for example when the ribbon has run out), the Sato manual says to select Direct Thermal in SETTINGS > Printing > Printing Mode, in offline mode. This setting applies to the combined direct thermal / thermal transfer model.

Sources: Error Message 1009 (Ribbon End) (opens in a new window) · Want to Print Using the Direct Thermal Media Without Using the Ribbon (Such as When the Ribbon Runs Out) (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Inside of the Product (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: This message only appears if the media size check (Check Media Size) is enabled: the label length specified in the data does not match the loaded media. Compare the two, correct the data or recalibrate the sensor.

Likely cause

Sato cites three causes: the media size defined in the data differs from the actual media, it is longer than the actual media, or the media sensor level is wrong and the printer feeds the media further than expected. According to the Printing menu, the error is triggered when the media exceeds the expected length by more than 3 mm.

What to do

1. Compare the label size defined in the print data with that of the loaded roll, and correct the data if necessary.
2. If the sizes match, adjust the media sensor level by running a calibration.
3. If the error persists, switch the printer off and on again.
4. To clear the message: open and close the top cover, or touch CLEAR.

The check is set in SETTINGS > Printing > Advanced > Check Media Size; it is only available with the Gap or I-Mark sensor types.

Sources: Error Message 1010 (Media Error) (opens in a new window) · [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printer cannot find the gap between the labels (1028) or the black mark (1035). Check that the media feeds straight, that the sensor type matches the media and that the sensor is clean, then run a calibration again.

Likely cause

For these two messages, Sato gives the same causes: media drifting to one side as it feeds, label stuck on the media sensor, sensor type unsuited to the media, or sensor level badly adjusted.

What to do

1. Reload the media so that it feeds straight.
2. Remove any label stuck on the media sensor, then clean it.
3. Check the sensor type in SETTINGS > Printing > Sensor Type: Gap (transmissive sensor) for labels separated by a gap, I-Mark (reflective sensor) for black mark media.
4. Adjust the sensor level by running a calibration.
5. To clear the message: open and close the top cover, or touch CLEAR.

Sources: Error Message 1028 (Gap Not Found) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1035 (I-mark Not Found) (opens in a new window) · [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The media is jammed in the printer or, with the linerless cutter, incorrectly positioned. Open the cover, remove the jammed media and reload it.

Likely cause

Sato cites two causes: a jam, or media incorrectly loaded when the linerless cutter (option) is installed, in which case its leading edge must extend beyond the cutter blade.

Caution: If a cutter or linerless cutter is installed, Sato asks you to watch out for the blade when removing the media, so that nobody is injured.

What to do

1. Open the top cover and locate the point where the media is jammed.
2. Remove the jammed media; the manual provides a video on the media path and how the internal parts work.
3. Reload the media and close the cover: this clears the error.
4. With the linerless cutter, place the leading edge of the media beyond the cutter blade.

Sources: Error Message 1066 (Paper Jam) (opens in a new window) · The Media Has Jammed (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printer temperature has exceeded its limit. Stop printing and let it cool down: the error clears when the temperature drops.

Likely cause

According to the Sato manual, the product temperature has exceeded the permitted value.

Caution: The printhead and the surrounding parts are hot after printing: wait for them to cool down before working inside the printer.

What to do

1. Stop using the printer.
2. Let the temperature drop: this is the condition intended to clear the error.
3. If the message comes back despite the cooling, contact Sato technical support.

When to call a technician: if “1022” persists after cooling, Sato asks you to contact its technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1022 (Print Head Overheated) (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Inside of the Product (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: This is an internal fault: a product fault for 1001, a program error in memory for 1002. Switch the printer off and on again; if the message comes back, contact Sato support.

Likely cause

Sato indicates a fault that has occurred in the product (1001) or a program error in the memory (1002).

What to do

1. Switch the printer off: this is the action intended to clear these two errors.
2. Switch it back on.
3. If the message reappears, contact Sato technical support.

When to call a technician: if “1001” or “1002” comes back after a restart, the manual refers you to Sato technical support.

Sources: Error Message 1001 (Machine Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1002 (Program Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The data sent contains an incorrect command or parameter in the SBPL language. The detail screen shows the position and the command at fault: correct the print data.

Likely cause

Sato specifies that the detail is displayed in the form Caaa: <bb>: cc: Caaa gives the position of the faulty ESC command (counted after the start command <A>), <bb> the name of the command, cc the nature of the problem (invalid command or parameter, registration area exceeded, print position or barcode outside the printable area, QR code generation error…).

What to do

1. Touch the button showing the error number to read the detail Caaa: <bb>: cc.
2. Correct the print data at the position indicated.
3. If the error persists, switch the printer off and on again.
4. To clear the message, touch CANCEL.

This message is only displayed if the Show Error option in the Applications > SBPL menu is set to Enabled.

Source: Error Message 1017 (SBPL Command Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The power was cut off incorrectly, for example by unplugging the cord while the printer was on. Touch CLEAR, and from now on switch the printer off using the normal procedure.

Likely cause

According to Sato, this warning follows an incorrect power shutdown, such as removing the mains cord while the printer is on.

Caution: Do not handle the power supply, and do not plug in or unplug the cord, with wet hands: risk of electric shock.

What to do

1. Touch CLEAR to clear the message.
2. From now on, switch the printer off following the “Powering Off the Product” procedure before unplugging it.
3. The manual also provides for resetting the printer from the settings menu: see the reset entry.

A reset can erase data and settings: Sato advises backing them up first (Clone function).

Sources: Error Message 1099 (Config Warning) (opens in a new window) · No Power/Nothing on the Screen (opens in a new window) · Procedures for Initializing (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Auto-calibration is started from SETTINGS > Printing > Advanced > Calibrate > Auto-calibration. Load the media with one label peeled off, so that the sensor only sees the liner, then choose the sensor type to adjust.

Likely cause

According to Sato, the Calibrate function adjusts the media sensor level; it is used when the printer detects the media incorrectly.

Official auto-calibration procedure

1. Open the top cover.
2. Peel a label off its liner and position the liner so that no black mark is above the sensor. Linerless media (wristbands, newsprint) are loaded as they are.
3. Close the top cover.
4. Open SETTINGS > Printing > Advanced > Calibrate > Auto-calibration and touch the sensor type to adjust: Gap + I-Mark, Gap, I-Mark or Label Top.
5. Confirm the confirmation screen, then touch the button offered again.
6. Reload the media normally.
7. Check the result: for Gap, I-Mark or Gap + I-Mark, display the offline screen and touch FEED to check that the media feeds correctly; for Label Top, display the online screen and check that the media is correctly positioned at the start of printing.

When to call a technician: if the media still does not feed correctly after auto-calibration, Sato advises contacting your Sato dealer or its technical support.

Auto-calibration does not work with media that has no gap and no black mark. Label Top does not appear if the peeler or the linerless cutter is installed, and does not apply to linerless media. If a failure message appears, reload the media and start again. The same menu allows manual adjustment of the levels (GAP Levels, I-Mark Levels), and the Tools > Media Startup wizard brings together media type, sensor, darkness and calibration.

Sources: [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) · [Tools] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Sato blames incorrectly loaded media or ribbon, an unsuitable sensor type, a label stuck on the sensor, an incorrect position setting, or a dirty platen roller and sensor. Reload, check the sensor type, clean, then adjust the print position.

Likely cause

The Sato pages “The Label Does Not Stop at the Specified Position” and “The Print Position Is Shifted Vertically” cite: media and ribbon incorrectly loaded, sensor type not matching the media, label stuck on an internal part such as the sensor, incorrect position setting (pitch or vertical reference point), dirty platen roller and media sensor.

What to do

1. Reload the media and the ribbon correctly.
2. Choose the sensor type suited to the media in SETTINGS > Printing > Sensor Type.
3. Remove any label stuck on the sensor or another internal part, then clean the platen roller and the media sensor (see the cleaning entry).
4. Adjust the print position in Printing > Advanced > Adjustments > Pitch and in the Printing > Imaging menu.

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) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: First read any error message on the display. Otherwise, open and close the cover, touch FEED in offline mode, then check the loading of the media and ribbon and that there is no jam.

Likely cause

The Sato manual considers an error in progress, a cover that was not opened and closed before the attempt, incorrectly loaded media or ribbon, or a jam.

Caution: With a cutter or linerless cutter installed, watch out for the blade when removing the jammed media.

What to do

1. If an error message is displayed, deal with it first using the lookup table.
2. Open and then close the top cover, switch to offline mode and touch FEED.
3. Reload the media and the ribbon correctly.
4. Look for a jam and remove any jammed media (see the 1066 Paper Jam entry).

Sources: Media Does Not Feed (opens in a new window) · The Media Has Jammed (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The label anti-waste function cannot position the media. Reload it with the leading edge aligned with the media outlet and close the cover; if necessary, recalibrate and reduce the offset.

Likely cause

Sato cites three causes: media loaded in the wrong place, media incorrectly detected, or an offset value (Offset) or RFID starting point value (Starting Point) that is too large.

What to do

1. Open the top cover and align the leading edge of the media with the media outlet. With the optional cutter and labels of 20 mm or less, place this edge about 10 mm inside the printer.
2. Close the cover: the error clears.
3. If the media is incorrectly detected, run Auto-calibration (see the calibration entry).
4. If necessary, reduce the value of Printing > Advanced > Adjustments > Offset, or of Interface > RFID > Paper > Starting Point on an RFID model.

If the problem persists, the manual advises disabling the Label Waste Prevention function in SETTINGS, opening and closing the cover to clear the error, applying the settings above, then enabling the function again. If the AEP function is enabled, reload the media as in step 1.

Source: Error Message 1111 (Label Waste Prevention Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Sato cites incorrectly loaded media or ribbon, a dirty printhead, or badly set darkness and speed. Clean the printhead with a cotton swab soaked in cleaning fluid, print a test label, then adjust Darkness and Speed.

Likely cause

According to the page “The Overall Printout Is Light”: media and ribbon incorrectly loaded, dirty printhead, unsuitable darkness or speed.

Caution: Sato asks you to switch off and unplug the printer before cleaning, to wait for the printhead to cool down, not to touch the edge of the printhead with bare hands (risk of injury), never to use organic solvents (thinner, benzine) and not to pinch your fingers when closing the cover.

Official cleaning procedure, then settings

1. Switch the printer off and unplug the power cord from the mains socket.
2. Press the release latch, open the top cover and remove the media and the ribbon.
3. Blow the dust off the sensor with an air duster.
4. Wait for the printhead to cool down, then wipe it with a cotton bud or a cotton cloth soaked in cleaning fluid.
5. On the combined direct thermal / thermal transfer model, open the ribbon unit and wipe the three ribbon spindles.
6. Wipe the platen roller, the three sensors and the media holder with a cloth soaked in cleaning fluid.
7. Put the media and the ribbon back, then close the cover by pressing on both ends until it clicks.
8. Print a test label: in offline mode, SETTINGS > Tools > Test Print.
9. If the print is still faded, adjust Darkness (from 1, the lightest, to 10, the darkest) and Speed in the Printing menu; Sato points out that too high a speed can affect quality.

Intervals given by Sato: printhead and roller at every media roll or every 50 m; sensors, guide and media path with the cleaning kit at the same frequency; printhead with the cleaning sheet every 6 rolls or 300 m. The cleaning sheet is not used when the cutter or linerless cutter is installed.

Sources: The Overall Printout Is Light (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Inside of the Product (opens in a new window) · Cleaning Intervals (opens in a new window) · Cleaning the Print Head with a Cleaning Sheet (opens in a new window) · [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The printhead is dirty or a label is stuck to it, or the media and ribbon are incorrectly loaded. Clean the printhead, print a test label, then reload the media and ribbon; if the barcode is still unreadable, the printhead may be faulty.

Likely cause

The Sato pages “A Part of the Printout Is Dirty and Black/White Streaks Appear” and “Cannot Read the Barcode” cite a printhead that is dirty or covered by a label, and incorrect loading of the media and ribbon. For barcodes, insufficient margins around the code (left and right, or on all four sides of a 2D code) also prevent reading.

What to do

1. Clean the printhead following the procedure in the faded print entry.
2. Print a test label (Tools > Test Print, in offline mode).
3. Reload the media and the ribbon correctly.
4. For a barcode, check that the label template leaves sufficient margins around the code.

When to call a technician: if barcodes are still unreadable after cleaning and reloading, the manual indicates that the printhead may be faulty and refers you to Sato technical support.

The Head Check function in the Printing menu detects faulty heating elements, but Sato specifies that it does not guarantee barcode readability: regular checking with a scanner is still necessary.

Sources: A Part of the Printout Is Dirty and Black/White Streaks Appear (opens in a new window) · Cannot Read the Barcode (opens in a new window) · [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Sato blames incorrectly loaded media or ribbon, a printhead or sensor that is dirty or covered by a label, or an incorrectly installed printhead. Reload, clean, then print a test label.

Likely cause

According to the page “Media Is Fed According to the Specified Number, but Not Printed”: incorrect loading of the media and ribbon, printhead and media sensor dirty or covered by a label, printhead incorrectly installed.

Caution: Before working on the printhead: printer switched off and unplugged, printhead cooled down. Sato recommends wearing gloves and touching neither the heating part nor the terminals of the printhead.

What to do

1. Reload the media and the ribbon correctly.
2. Clean the printhead and the media sensor (see the cleaning entry).
3. Print a test label: in offline mode, SETTINGS > Tools > Test Print.
4. Check that the printhead is correctly installed, referring to the “Replacing the Print Head” procedure.

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) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The head check has detected a worn or damaged printhead: Sato provides for its replacement. In the meantime, the error clears when you switch the printer off; then check your barcodes with a scanner.

Likely cause

For “1012”, Sato indicates a worn or damaged printhead, detected by the head check. The “1024” message appears when no printhead is installed or when a printhead with a different resolution from the old one has been fitted.

Caution: Unplug the cord before replacing the printhead and let it cool down. Sato asks you to wear gloves, to touch neither the heating part nor the terminals, not to touch the edge of the printhead with bare hands (risk of injury) and not to plug in or unplug the cord with wet hands.

What to do

1. To clear “1012”: switch the printer off, or change the head check conditions (Head Check, Printing menu) in SETTINGS.
2. Alternatively: keep your finger on CLEAR until it is completely blue; the printer goes offline and the head check stays disabled until the power is switched off.
3. Check with a scanner the barcodes on the labels printed after the error.
4. Replace the printhead (“Replacing the Print Head” procedure): with the printer switched off and unplugged, open the top cover, open the head cover to about 45° holding its left and right tabs, remove the printhead, insert the new one, tilt it upwards and close the head cover and then the top cover.
5. For “1024”: install a printhead, or a printhead with the same resolution (203 or 305 dpi) as the old one.

When to call a technician: if “1012” persists, Sato asks you to contact its technical support; the printhead needs replacing.

Sources: Error Message 1012 (Head Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1024 (Head Density Changed) (opens in a new window) · Replacing the Print Head (opens in a new window) · [Printing] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the interface cable, the printer's interface settings and the printer name selected in the driver. Sato then advises restarting the printer and the computer, then reinstalling the driver with an administrator account.

Likely cause

The pages “Cannot Output After Data Is Sent” and “Cannot Communicate via USB” cite: interface cable not connected properly, printer interface settings not matching the computer or the network, computer USB port disabled or disrupted by other devices, wrong printer name in the driver.

What to do

1. Reconnect the interface cable correctly.
2. In offline mode, open SETTINGS > Interface (for USB: Interface > USB) and check that the settings match the computer and the network.
3. On the computer, check that the USB port is enabled, try another port and disconnect the other USB devices.
4. In the driver, select the correct printer name (the driver manual is available on the Sato website for your region).
5. Switch the printer and the computer off and on again.
6. If nothing changes, uninstall the driver and then reinstall it with an administrator account.

Sources: Cannot Output After Data Is Sent (opens in a new window) · Cannot Communicate via USB (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the network cable, then the port and protocol configured in the printer, and finally the IP address and subnet mask. If the host gets no response to ping, also check the power and the status of the hub.

Likely cause

According to the page “Cannot Communicate via LAN”: LAN cable not connected properly, port or protocol set incorrectly in the printer, incorrect IP address or subnet mask, hub switched off or faulty.

What to do

1. Reconnect the LAN cable correctly.
2. In offline mode, open SETTINGS > Interface > Network > Settings > LAN > Ports and enter the port and protocol again.
3. If the ping fails, check the IP address and subnet mask in the LAN menu, as well as the power and the status of the hub.
4. If the error persists, switch the printer off and on again.

Source: Cannot Communicate via LAN (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Wi-Fi requires the optional wireless LAN / Bluetooth kit. Check that it is installed, move the printer away from sources of interference and metal obstacles, then check the settings in the Wi-Fi menu; 1046 and 1047 relate to EAP authentication, 1068 to a damaged Wi-Fi module.

Likely cause

The page “Cannot Communicate via Wireless LAN” cites: wireless kit missing, nearby devices using the same frequency band (other Wi-Fi equipment, microwave ovens), an obstacle such as metal shelving between the printer and the host, incorrect interface settings. “1046” indicates an EAP authentication failure; “1047” a timeout with the authentication server (it does not appear if the printer is not connected to the access point); “1068” a damaged wireless LAN module.

What to do

1. Check that the wireless LAN / Bluetooth kit (option) is installed.
2. Move the printer away from other Wi-Fi devices and microwave ovens, and remove metal obstacles between it and the host.
3. In offline mode, open SETTINGS > Wi-Fi and enter the settings again.
4. For “1046” or “1047”: correct the EAP Conf. settings in the Wi-Fi menu and check the configuration of the access point and the authentication server; touch CLEAR, or SETTINGS to change the settings.
5. If the error persists, switch the printer off and on again.

When to call a technician: in the event of “1068 WLAN Error”, the wireless LAN module must be replaced: if you cannot do this yourself, Sato refers you to its technical support.

Sources: Cannot Communicate via Wireless LAN (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1046 (EAP Authentication Error (EAP Failure)) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1047 (EAP Authentication Error (EAP Timeout)) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1068 (WLAN Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Bluetooth requires the optional wireless LAN / Bluetooth kit, enabled in the Bluetooth menu. The connection works up to 10 m with no metal obstacle; if the display shows 1050, the Bluetooth module is faulty.

Likely cause

According to Sato: kit not installed, Bluetooth function disabled, interference from devices using the same frequency band, an obstacle (metal shelving) or too great a distance, incorrect interface settings. The “1050” message indicates a faulty Bluetooth module.

What to do

1. Check that the wireless LAN / Bluetooth kit is installed.
2. In offline mode, enable the function in SETTINGS > Bluetooth > Enable.
3. Keep the host within 10 m, with no metal obstacle, and move away devices that use the same frequency band.
4. Enter the settings in the Bluetooth menu again.
5. If the connection does not come back, restart the printer and the computer, then reinstall the driver with an administrator account.
6. In the event of “1050”, touch CLEAR, or SETTINGS to change the Bluetooth settings.

When to call a technician: the “1050 Bluetooth Error” message indicates a Bluetooth module that must be repaired by Sato technical support.

Sources: Cannot Communicate via Bluetooth (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1050 (Bluetooth Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Errors 1003 to 1005 come from incorrect RS-232C settings or a serial cable not connected properly; 1006 indicates data larger than the receive memory. Correct the interface settings, reconnect the cable with the printer switched off, then touch CLEAR.

Likely cause

For “1003” (parity error), “1004” (overrun error) and “1005” (framing error), Sato cites incorrect RS-232C settings or an RS-232C cable not connected properly. For “1006” (buffer overflow), the host is sending more data than the receive memory can accept, or the interface settings do not match between the printer and the host.

What to do

1. Set the printer's RS-232C interface again so that it matches the host.
2. If the cable is the cause: switch the printer off, reconnect the RS-232C cable correctly, then switch it back on.
3. For “1006”: set the host so that it does not send more data than the receive memory, and review the interface settings on both sides (see the driver manual).
4. To clear the error, touch CLEAR, or SETTINGS to correct the settings.

On the CT4-LX, the RS-232C interface is an option.

Sources: Error Message 1003 (Parity Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1004 (Overrun Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1005 (Framing Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1006 (Buffer Overflow) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The media has jammed in the cutter, or the blade has not returned to its position. Remove the jammed media taking care with the blade, then touch CUTTER ACTION to bring the blade back.

Likely cause

Sato cites a jam in the cutter and a blade that does not return to its position. When the media is simply not cut, with no message, the page “The Media Is Not Cut” refers to the print mode setting.

Caution: Sharp blade: Sato asks you to take care not to injure yourself on the cutter blade when removing the media.

What to do

1. Remove the media jammed in the cutter (the manual provides a video on the media path).
2. Touch CUTTER ACTION to bring the blade back to its position: this is also the command that clears the error.
3. If the error persists, switch the printer off and on again.
4. If the media is not cut and there is no error message: touch FEED in offline mode, restart the printer, then check that SETTINGS > Printing > Print Mode is set to a cutter mode.

Sources: Error Message 1015 (Cutter Error) (opens in a new window) · The Media Is Not Cut (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: The media is incorrectly loaded, or the liner is slack. Reload the media keeping the liner taut; if necessary, clean the peeler sensor, located in the media outlet.

Likely cause

According to the corresponding Sato page: media incorrectly loaded, or liner loaded with slack.

What to do

1. Reload the media correctly.
2. Check that the liner is taut and not slack.
3. If the problem persists, clean the peeler sensor, located in the media outlet.

Source: The Label Is Not Printed Even If the Previous Label Is Dispensed (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check that the AC adapter and the power cord are firmly connected, at the printer end and at the socket end, then switch on again. If nothing changes, try another mains socket.

Likely cause

Sato cites an AC adapter or cord not connected properly, or a mains socket that is not live.

Caution: Do not handle the power supply or plug in the cord with wet hands: risk of electric shock.

What to do

1. Firmly connect the AC adapter and the power cord, at the printer end and at the socket end.
2. Switch the printer on.
3. If the display stays off, plug the printer into another mains socket.

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

Source: No Power/Nothing on the Screen (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: Open SETTINGS, then Tools > Reset, and choose what should be reset: the data, the settings or both, with the Factory Reset option to return to the factory values. Sato points out that initialisation is rarely necessary and that erased data cannot be recovered.

Caution: According to Sato, initialisation can change the print conditions, and lost data cannot be recovered.

Official reset procedure

1. If necessary, first back up settings and data to a USB flash drive with Tools > Clone.
2. From the home screen or the offline screen, touch SETTINGS, then Tools.
3. Touch Reset and choose the type: Data (stored data), Data & Settings (data and settings) or Settings (settings only).
4. For Data & Settings or Settings, choose the scope: User Reset, User Reset (-Interface), Factory Reset, Factory Reset (-Interface), Interface or Printing.
5. Check your choices on the confirmation screen, then start the initialisation.
6. Wait until it finishes: depending on the items chosen, the printer restarts.

The “-Interface” options keep the interface settings. Initialising the data erases stored fonts and graphics. The manual does not describe a firmware update: the printer's web interface offers an Install Package function, for which Sato refers you to your dealer or its technical support.

Sources: Procedures for Initializing (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) · [Tools] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) · Tools (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato), web configuration (official documentation).

Short answer: With 1114, the printer cannot find or read the RFID tag: check the inlay and the antenna settings, then try again with RETRY. 1073 indicates a job without an RFID command sent to RFID labels; 1019 an RFID module that must be repaired by Sato.

Likely cause

According to the Sato manual: “1114”, RFID tag not found or unreadable; “1073”, job without an RFID command sent to RFID labels while the RFID Undetected Warning option is enabled; “1019”, RFID module malfunctioning or SATO RF Analyze (SRA) board set incorrectly.

Caution: Do not use an RFID label that has caused an error: the printer prints the error message on that label.

What to do

1. For “1114”: check the label inlay, then the printer and antenna settings.
2. Touch RETRY to try again according to the mode set in Retry Mode, or ABORT. To cancel the whole job, open and close the cover (switching to offline), then touch CANCEL.
3. For “1073”: add an RFID write command to the job, disable RFID Undetected Warning, or load ordinary media; touch CANCEL to clear.
4. For “1019”: switch the printer off to clear the message and contact Sato support.

When to call a technician: in the event of “1019 RFID System Error”, the RFID module must be repaired or replaced, or the SRA board reconfigured: Sato asks you to contact its technical support.

These messages only concern CT4-LX printers fitted with the RFID option.

Sources: Error Message 1114 (Tag not Found) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1073 (RFID Undetected) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1019 (RFID System Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Sato, the solid red light indicates a product error; it also comes on while the printer is powering off. Read the message shown on the display and follow the matching entry.

Likely cause

The “LED Indicator” page describes four states: solid blue in online mode, flashing blue when the power is on, off when the printer is switched off or in offline mode, solid red in the event of a product error or while powering off.

What to do

1. Read the error message shown on the touch display.
2. Touch the button showing the error number to display the cause and the remedy.
3. Find this number in the lookup table and open the matching entry.

Sources: The LED Lights Red (opens in a new window) · LED Indicator (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1001 (Machine Error) (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).

Short answer: There is a problem with the USB flash drive connected to the printer: removed during writing, full, defective or not formatted. Reconnect it, free up space or format it as FAT32, then touch CLEAR.

Likely cause

For “1013”, Sato cites a drive removed during writing, insufficient space for copying, a write failure or an unformatted drive. For “1014”, the free space on the drive is insufficient.

What to do

1. Plug the USB memory stick back in if it was removed during writing.
2. Delete unnecessary data from the drive, or use a drive with enough free space.
3. If writing still fails, replace the drive.
4. Format the drive as FAT32 if it is not already.
5. Touch CLEAR to clear the message.

The USB flash drive is used in particular for the Clone and AutoClone functions in the Tools menu; Sato recommends checking the drive for viruses before using it.

Sources: Error Message 1013 (USB R/W Error) (opens in a new window) · Error Message 1014 (USB Memory Full) (opens in a new window) · [Tools] Menu (opens in a new window) – CT4-LX Operator Manual (Sato) (official documentation).