Zebra ZT231 How To Perform An RFID Calibration

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Step-By-Step Instructions To Perform An RFID Calibration On The Zebra ZT231

To perform an RFID calibration on your Zebra ZT231 printer, follow these steps:

Step 1 – Prepare the Printer

1. Load RFID media (ensure tags span across each label).
2. Close the printhead and press FEED to advance one full label—this sets the starting position for calibration.

Step 2 – Initiate RFID Calibration

You have two options:

1. Using the printer’s control panel
• Tap Menu → RFID → RFID Calibrate.
• The printer will feed, detect the tag’s location, set optimal antenna, power, and position parameters.
2. Via ZPL/SGD commands (suitable for automation):
• Send the command:

  ^XA
  ^HR
  ^XZ

  or alternatively, using SGD:

  ! U1 setvar “rfid.tag.calibrate” “execute”

Step 3 – What the Printer Does

• Feeds the media to locate the tag.
• Determines optimal read/write power, antenna port, and programming position.
• Stores these settings for accurate RFID printing.

Step 4 – Post‑Calibration Checks

• Optionally test tags using Menu → RFID → RFID Test to confirm encoding success.
• If encoding errors occur, adjust Read/Write Power or Antenna manually via:
• ZPL: ^RW
• SGD: rfid.reader_1.power.read, rfid.reader_1.power.write, rfid.reader_1.antenna_port

Tips and Troubleshooting

• Ensure at least one blank label before/after the target tag for accurate position detection.
• Avoid nearby RFID readers or sources of RF interference.
• If labels void or misalign, run a media calibration first (System > Settings > Power Up Action = CALIBRATE) to calibrate sensors.